Power transmission equipment

Abstract

To provide a power transmitting device that allows a user to easily recognize a power receivable range.SOLUTION: A power transmitting device 10 performs contactless power feeding using a power transmission signal W1 to a power receiving device 20 that supplies power to a power feeding target 100. A power transmission control unit 16 performs a process of deriving a power receivable area based on transmitted power and a process of radiating visible light toward at least part of the power receivable area using an area indicator unit 15a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power transmitting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a charger as a power transmission device that performs contactless power supply using a power transmission signal to a wireless device as a power reception device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6725531 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The received power that a power receiving device obtains from a power transmission signal correlates with the strength of the power transmission signal received by the power receiving device. The strength of the power transmission signal tends to weaken the farther the power receiving device is from the power transmitting device. Therefore, when contactless power transfer becomes possible when a power receiving device obtains received power equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the power receiving range in which the received power is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is limited to a certain range that includes the power transmitting device. In order to perform contactless power transfer to the power receiving device, the user needs to place the power receiving device within the power receiving range. Under such circumstances, it is desirable for the user to be able to easily recognize the power receiving range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Various aspects of the power transmission device for solving the above problems will be described below. [Aspect 1] A power transmitting device that performs contactless power supply using a power transmission signal to a power receiving device that supplies power to a power supply target, comprising: a power transmitting antenna configured to be able to transmit the power transmission signal to the power receiving device; an area indicator unit that irradiates visible light; an area derivation unit that derives a power receiving area in which the power receiving device can receive the power transmission signal as receiving power equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold based on the transmitted power transmitted as the power transmission signal; and an area illumination unit that uses the area indicator unit to irradiate the visible light toward at least a portion of the power receiving area.

[0006] According to this, light emitted from the area indicator unit is irradiated onto a power receiving area where power transmission signals transmitted from the power transmitting device can be received as receiving power equal to or greater than a threshold. The light emitted from the area indicator unit is visible light. Therefore, a user can visually recognize the power receiving area as an area irradiated with the visible light. Therefore, a power transmitting device can be provided that allows a user to easily recognize the power receiving range.

[0007] [Aspect 2] The area of ​​the power receiving area where the area illumination unit irradiates the visible light includes a boundary area where the power receiving device can receive the power transmission signal as the threshold receiving power.

[0008] According to this, the boundary area constitutes the outer edge of the power receiving device that can receive power equal to or greater than the threshold. In this case, for example, if a user places the power receiving device closer to the power transmitting device than the boundary area, the power receiving device can receive power equal to or greater than the threshold. Therefore, it is easy for the user to recognize the outer edge of the power receiving range.

[0009] [Aspect 3] A power transmission device as described in [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2], in which a plurality of thresholds are set, and the area irradiation unit, when at least one threshold selected from the plurality of thresholds is set as a selected threshold, irradiates the visible light toward at least a portion of the power receiving area derived based on the selected threshold.

[0010] According to this, for example, visible light is irradiated onto a power receiving area corresponding to a selection threshold selected according to the required power receiving. Therefore, the range onto which visible light is irradiated can be adjusted according to the required power receiving for the power receiving device. Therefore, it is easy for the user to recognize the power receiving area according to the power receiving device.

[0011] [Aspect 4] The area indicator unit is configured to be able to emit visible light of multiple colors, and when there are multiple selection thresholds, the area illumination unit illuminates the visible light of different colors onto each of the power receiving areas corresponding to each of the multiple selection thresholds.This is a power transmission device described in [Aspect 3].

[0012] This allows the user to recognize the power receiving area corresponding to each selection threshold as a different color, making it easy to position the power receiving device in an area where contactless power transfer is possible in accordance with the receiving power corresponding to the selection threshold.

[0013] [Aspect 5] The power transmitting device according to any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 4], wherein the threshold is equal to or greater than the estimated power consumption that is estimated to be consumed by the power supply target. Even when contactless power transfer is being performed, the power transfer target may consume the power stored in the power receiving device. If the power consumed by the power transfer target exceeds the received power, the power stored in the power receiving device decreases even though contactless power transfer is being performed. This may result in the inconvenience of contactless power transfer not being completed.

[0014] Therefore, according to this configuration, the threshold value is equal to or greater than the estimated power consumption that the power supply target is expected to consume, and by arranging the power receiving device within the power receiving area corresponding to the threshold value, the occurrence of the above-mentioned problem in which the power consumed by the power supply target exceeds the received power is suppressed.

[0015] [Aspect 6] A power transmission device described in any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 5], wherein the area illumination unit uses the area indicator unit to display information about the power supply target to which power can be supplied with the receiving power greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0016] This allows the user to identify, from the irradiated visible light, a power receiving device that can receive contactless power when placed in the power receiving area, thereby improving user convenience. [Aspect 7] The power receiving device is accommodated inside the power supply target and comprises: a receiving storage unit that can be charged with the received power; and a receiving communication unit that communicates with the power transmitting device by transmitting and receiving a communication signal, wherein the communication signal includes information indicating the charging state of the receiving storage unit; and the power transmitting device comprises: a transmitting communication unit that communicates with the power receiving device by transmitting and receiving the communication signal; at least one target indicator unit that irradiates visible light; a linking unit that links the power receiving device to which the wireless power supply is being performed with at least one of the target indicator units; a target irradiation unit that irradiates the visible light using the target indicator unit corresponding to the power receiving device to which the wireless power supply is being performed based on the linking by the linking unit; and a change unit that changes the irradiation mode of the visible light by the target indicator unit to the power receiving device in accordance with the charging state.

[0017] In this case, since the power receiving device is housed inside the power supply target, it is difficult for the user to see the power receiving device compared to when the power receiving device is exposed. As a result, even if the power receiving device has a component that notifies the user of its charging state, it is difficult for the user to see the notification from the component.

[0018] Therefore, with this configuration, even if the user cannot see the power receiving device because it is housed inside the power supply target, the user can know the charging state of the power receiving device to which contactless power supply is being performed from a change in the illumination mode of visible light from the target indicator unit of the power transmitting device. Therefore, the user can know the charging state of the power receiving device regardless of whether the power receiving device is visible or not.

[0019] [Aspect 8] The communication signal includes information regarding the position of the power receiving device relative to the power transmitting device, and multiple target indicator units are provided, and the power transmitting device includes a power transmission memory unit that stores a correspondence between the position of the power receiving device and the target indicator unit that irradiates the power receiving device with visible light, and a position estimation unit that estimates the position of the power receiving device relative to the power transmitting device based on the communication signal, and the linking unit links the power receiving device to the target indicator unit that irradiates the visible light based on the position of the power receiving device estimated by the position estimation unit and the correspondence. [Aspect 7]

[0020] According to this, the target indicator unit irradiating the power receiving device with visible light varies depending on the position of the power receiving device. Therefore, for example, if the power receiving device moves while contactless power transfer is being performed, the position of the power receiving device changes. Depending on the change in the position of the power receiving device, the target indicator unit irradiating the power receiving device with visible light switches before and after the movement. Therefore, the target indicator unit indicating the charging state of the power receiving device changes depending on the position of the power receiving device. This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand which of the multiple target indicator units is indicating the charging state of the power receiving device.

[0021] [Aspect 9] A power transmission device described in [Aspect 7] or [Aspect 8], wherein the manner in which the visible light is irradiated by the target indicator unit includes at least one of the intensity of the visible light, the color of the visible light, and the irradiation time of the visible light.

[0022] This allows the user to more reliably visually recognize the change in the irradiation mode of visible light. [Aspect 10] A power transmission device described in any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 9], wherein the area irradiation unit does not irradiate the visible light onto the power receiving area when communication between the power transmission device and the power receiving device is not established.

[0023] According to this, when communication with the power receiving device is not established, there is little need to perform contactless power supply. In such a case, the power transmission device can reduce power consumption by not irradiating visible light from the area indicator unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power transmitting device that allows a user to easily recognize the power receiving range. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a contactless power supply system. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how visible light is irradiated by the area indicator unit. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how visible light is emitted by a target indicator unit. [Figure 4] 10 is a sequence for explaining a contactless power supply process. [Figure 5] 10 is a sequence for explaining an area irradiation process. [Figure 6] 10 is a sequence for explaining a power transmission process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] <Configuration> An embodiment of a power transmission device will be described below. <Non-contact power supply system 1> As shown in FIG. 1 , the contactless power transfer system 1 includes a power transmission device 10 and one or more power receiving devices 20. In this embodiment, the contactless power transfer system 1 includes a plurality of power receiving devices 20. The contactless power transfer system 1 is a system in which the power transmission device 10 performs contactless power transfer to the power receiving device 20 using a power transmission signal W1. The power transmission signal W1 is transmitted from the power transmission device 10 to the power receiving device 20 as a wireless signal. The power transmission signal W1 of this embodiment includes microwaves. The power transmission signal W1 of this embodiment does not include visible light. In other words, the user cannot or has difficulty visually recognizing the power transmission signal W1.

[0027] <Power receiving device 20> The power receiving device 20 supplies power to the power supply target 100. More specifically, the power receiving device 20 supplies power to a device 101 included in the power supply target 100. The power supply target 100 is portable by a user. Examples of the power supply target 100 include any device to which power can be supplied, such as a toy, a lighting fixture, a smartphone, or a wearable device. The power receiving device 20 is housed inside the power supply target 100. The inside of the power supply target 100 refers to, for example, the inside of a housing of the power supply target 100 (not shown). The power receiving device 20 may be configured to be detachable from the power supply target 100. The specific manner in which the power receiving device 20 is configured to be detachable from the power supply target 100 is arbitrary, but it is sufficient that the power receiving device 20 is configured to be compatible with batteries of a predetermined standard. Examples of the predetermined standard include an international standard (IEC) and a domestic standard (JIS). For example, the power receiving device 20 may be configured to be compatible with dry batteries or button batteries.

[0028] The power supply target 100 of this embodiment absorbs or reflects at least visible light. This makes it difficult for the user to visually recognize the power receiving device 20 housed inside the power supply target 100. The power supply target 100 of this embodiment does not include a component for displaying the charging state of the power receiving device 20. This makes it difficult for the user to recognize the charging state of the power receiving device 20 from the appearance of the power supply target 100.

[0029] The power receiving device 20 includes a power receiving antenna 21 , a power receiving conversion unit 22 , a power receiving storage unit 23 , a power feeding terminal 23 a , a power receiving control unit 24 , and a power receiving communication unit 27 . <Receiving antenna 21> The power receiving antenna 21 is configured to be able to receive a power transmission signal W1. The power transmission signal W1 in this embodiment includes microwaves. The power receiving antenna 21 may be, for example, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, a helical antenna, or a parabolic antenna. The power receiving antenna 21 converts the power transmission signal W1 into AC power. The power receiving antenna 21 is also configured to be able to transmit and receive a communication signal W2. The power receiving antenna 21 may be a single antenna or an antenna array including multiple antennas. An antenna for transmitting and receiving the communication signal W2 may be provided separately from the power receiving antenna 21.

[0030] <Power receiving conversion unit 22> The power receiving conversion unit 22 converts AC power output from the power receiving antenna 21 into received power P1. That is, the received power P1 is power that the power receiving device 20 obtains from the power transmission signal W1. The received power P1 is DC power. The specific form of the power receiving conversion unit 22 is arbitrary, but may include, for example, a rectifier circuit or a smoothing circuit.

[0031] <Power receiving and storing unit 23> The power receiving storage unit 23 can store power transmitted by wireless power feeding. The power receiving storage unit 23 may be any type of device, such as a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a capacitor, or the like. The power receiving storage unit 23 stores a part or all of the received power P1 converted by the power receiving conversion unit 22. In this manner, power is fed to the power receiving device 20 using the power transmission signal W1. The power receiving storage unit 23 includes a Battery Management System (BMS) (not shown). The BMS is configured to be able to grasp information related to the state of charge (SOC) of the power receiving storage unit 23. The information related to the state of charge of the power receiving storage unit 23 includes, for example, the output voltage, input / output current, input / output power, temperature, and state of health (SOH) of the power receiving storage unit 23. The information may include charging information of the power receiving storage unit 23 itself. The state of charge of the power receiving storage unit 23 is synonymous with the state of charge of the power receiving device 20.

[0032] <Power supply terminal 23a> The power supply terminal 23a is connected to the power receiving and storing unit 23. The power supply terminal 23a is configured to be connectable to the device 101. As a result, the power stored in the power receiving and storing unit 23 is supplied to the device 101, i.e., the power supply target 100, via the power supply terminal 23a.

[0033] <Power receiving control unit 24> The power receiving control unit 24 includes a power receiving processing unit 25 and a power receiving storage unit 26. The power receiving processing unit 25 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). The power receiving storage unit 26 includes a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM). The power receiving storage unit 26 stores a program for operating the power receiving device 20. The power receiving storage unit 26 can be said to store program code or instructions configured to cause the power receiving processing unit 25 to execute processing. The power receiving storage unit 26, i.e., a computer-readable medium, includes any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The power receiving processing unit 25 may be configured by a hardware circuit such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The power receiving processing unit 25, which is a processing circuit, may include one or more processors that operate according to a computer program, one or more hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs, or a combination thereof. The power receiving storage unit 26 stores identification information for identifying each of the multiple power receiving devices 20. The identification information is, for example, an identification ID of the power receiving device 20.

[0034] The power receiving control unit 24 is configured to be able to acquire information indicating the charge state of the power receiving storage unit 23, for example, from the BMS of the power receiving storage unit 23. The acquisition format is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, the power receiving control unit 24 acquires the charge state of the power receiving storage unit 23 as the SOC of the power receiving storage unit 23. The SOC of the power receiving storage unit 23 can also be said to be the remaining capacity of the power receiving storage unit 23. The power receiving control unit 24 is configured to be able to acquire the received power P1, for example, from the power receiving conversion unit 22. The power receiving control unit 24 is configured to be able to output the acquired information to the outside.

[0035] <Receiving communication unit 27> The power receiving communication unit 27 communicates with the power transmitting device 10 (described later) by transmitting and receiving a communication signal W2. Specifically, the power receiving communication unit 27 demodulates the communication signal W2 received by the power receiving antenna 21 and outputs it to the power receiving control unit 24. The power receiving communication unit 27 also modulates information output by the power receiving control unit 24 and transmits it from the power receiving antenna 21 as the communication signal W2. The communication signal W2 in this embodiment is realized by a beacon signal. Any communication mode using the communication signal W2 may be used, and examples of such communication modes include those that comply with any communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and ZigBee (registered trademark). Furthermore, communication using the communication signal W2 may be realized using GPS.

[0036] <Power transmission device 10> The power transmitting device 10 wirelessly supplies power to the power receiving device 20 using a power transmission signal W1. The power transmitting device 10 includes a power transmitting storage unit 11, a power transmitting conversion unit 12, a power transmitting antenna 13, a power transmitting communication unit 14, at least one indicator unit 15, and a power transmitting control unit 16.

[0037] <Power transmission and storage unit 11> The power transmitting and storing unit 11 is a power source for contactless power supply. The power transmitting and storing unit 11 may be any type of power source, such as a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, or a capacitor. An external power source (not shown) may be used instead of the power transmitting and storing unit 11 as a power source for contactless power supply. In this case, the power transmitting and storing unit 11 may not be provided. The power transmitting and storing unit 11 and the external power source may be used together.

[0038] <Power transmission conversion unit 12> The power transmission converter 12 converts the power supplied from the power transmission storage unit 11 into an electrical signal corresponding to the power transmission signal W1 and outputs the converted signal. The electrical signal may be in any form, such as voltage, current, or power. The specific configuration of the power transmission converter 12 is arbitrary, but it may include, for example, a circuit including a switching element such as a chopper circuit. Through control of the switching element of the power transmission converter 12, the power transmission converter 12 outputs the DC power supplied from the power transmission storage unit 11 as an AC power electrical signal. In other words, the power transmission converter 12 functions as a DC / AC inverter.

[0039] <Power transmission antenna 13> The power transmitting antenna 13 is configured to be able to transmit a power transmission signal W1 to the power receiving device 20. The power transmitting antenna 13 converts an electrical signal output from the power transmission converter 12 into a power transmission signal W1 and transmits the power transmission signal W1. The power transmitting antenna 13 may be a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, a helical antenna, a parabolic antenna, or any other specific embodiment. The power transmitting antenna 13 converts power output from the power transmission converter 12 into a power transmission signal W1 and transmits the power transmission signal W1 as a wireless signal. As a result, the power transmitting device 10 supplies transmission power P2 to each of the power receiving devices 20. The transmission power P2 is power transmitted as the power transmission signal W1. More specifically, the transmission power P2 is power transmitted from the power transmitting antenna 13 to each of the power receiving devices 20 as the power transmission signal W1. The power transmitting antenna 13 is also configured to be able to transmit and receive a communication signal W2. The power transmitting antenna 13 may be a single antenna or an antenna array including multiple antennas. The antenna for transmitting and receiving the communication signal W2 may be provided separately from the power transmitting antenna 13.

[0040] <Power Transmission and Communication Section 14> The power transmitting and communicating unit 14 demodulates and modulates the communication signal W2. Specifically, the power transmitting and communicating unit 14 demodulates the communication signal W2 received by the power transmitting antenna 13 and outputs it to the power transmitting control unit 16, which will be described later. The power transmitting and communicating unit 14 also modulates information output by the power transmitting control unit 16 and transmits it from the power transmitting antenna 13 as the communication signal W2. This allows the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 to communicate with each other via the communication signal W2. The communication signal W2 includes information about the charge state of the power receiving storage unit 23 and information about the position of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10.

[0041] The information relating to the charging state of the power receiving and storage unit 23 is, for example, information that can be grasped by the BMS of the power receiving and storage unit 23. The information relating to the charging state of the power receiving and storage unit 23 is acquired by the power receiving control unit 24 from the BMS, and then transmitted as a communication signal W2 from the power receiving antenna 21 via the power receiving communication unit 27. The power transmitting device 10 can grasp the charging state of the power receiving device 20 by receiving the communication signal W2.

[0042] Information about the position of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10 is used to derive the position of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10. Examples of information about the position of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10 include relative coordinates of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a communication signal W2 transmitted from the power receiving device 20, and image data including the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20.

[0043] <Indicator part 15> The indicator unit 15 emits visible light L. The indicator unit 15 includes a light source of the visible light L. The specific embodiment of the light source is arbitrary, and examples thereof include an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), a laser light source, and the like.

[0044] 1 to 3, the indicator unit 15 includes at least one region indicator unit 15a and at least one target indicator unit 15b. That is, the power transmitting device 10 includes at least one region indicator unit 15a and at least one target indicator unit 15b.

[0045] <Area indicator section 15a> As shown in FIG. 2, the region indicator unit 15a is configured to be able to irradiate visible light L toward the power receiving region R1. The region indicator unit 15a is configured to be able to change the irradiation mode of the visible light L. The irradiation mode of the visible light L includes at least one of the intensity of the visible light L, the color of the visible light L, and the irradiation time of the visible light L. The region indicator unit 15a of this embodiment is configured to be able to irradiate visible light L of multiple colors. Any specific mode may be used for irradiating visible light L of multiple colors, and examples include those using optical elements such as liquid crystal, phosphors, refractive index bodies, and diffraction gratings.

[0046] The area indicator unit 15a is configured to be able to change the irradiation direction of visible light L. The irradiation direction can be changed by controlling the optical system of the area indicator unit 15a, for example, the directivity of the light source or the angle of the mirror. In this embodiment, a plurality of area indicator units 15a, for example, three area indicator units 15a, are provided. The number of area indicator units 15a is arbitrary.

[0047] <Power receiving area R1> The power receiving area R1 is an area in which the power receiving device 20 can receive the power transmission signal W1 as received power P1 equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold P3. The power receiving area R1 is an area within the expected use area A1. The expected use area A1 is, for example, an area in which the power receiving device 20 or the power supply target 100 housing the power receiving device 20 is placed. The expected use area A1 can be any surface, such as the ground, a floor, or a wall, or the surface of a movable object such as furniture or a pedestal.

[0048] <Threshold P3> The threshold value P3 is, for example, equal to or greater than the estimated power consumption P4 that the power supply target 100 is expected to consume. The estimated power consumption P4 may be set as appropriate depending on, for example, the purpose of power supply to the power supply target 100. Specifically, the estimated power consumption P4 is the standby power, drive power, maximum power consumption, etc. of the power supply target 100. In this embodiment, a plurality of threshold values ​​P3 are set. Each of the plurality of threshold values ​​P3 is set to a different value, for example, for each power supply target 100. The power transmission control unit 16, which will be described later, stores information related to the threshold value P3 in the power transmission storage unit 18. The information related to the threshold value P3 is, for example, the purpose of power supply with received power P1 equal to or greater than the estimated power consumption P4, and the type of power supply target 100 that is expected. Note that the value of the threshold value P3 is not limited to a value equal to or greater than the estimated power consumption P4 and can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, the number of threshold values ​​P3 may be one.

[0049] In this embodiment, the user is configured to be able to select one or more of the multiple thresholds P3. The user can make this selection using, for example, an operation terminal (not shown). For convenience of explanation, the selected one or more thresholds P3 from the multiple thresholds P3 will be referred to as selected thresholds P3c below.

[0050] <Target indicator section 15b> As shown in FIG. 3, the target indicator unit 15b is configured to be able to irradiate visible light L. The target indicator unit 15b is configured to be able to change the irradiation mode of the visible light L. The target indicator unit 15b of this embodiment is configured to be able to change the color of the visible light L. Specifically, the target indicator unit 15b is configured to be able to irradiate at least red and green visible light L. The target indicator unit 15b of this embodiment is configured to be able to change the irradiation direction of the visible light L. As specific configurations for changing the irradiation mode of the visible light L and specific configurations for changing the irradiation direction, the same configurations as those listed in the description of the area indicator unit 15a can be adopted.

[0051] The target indicator unit 15b is configured to emit visible light L corresponding to the power receiving device 20 to which wireless power is being supplied using the power transmission signal W1. The target indicator unit 15b of this embodiment emits visible light L toward the power receiving device 20. Note that the target indicator unit 15b may simply be capable of switching between on and off. The target indicator unit 15b is configured to emit visible light L to an illumination area R2. The illumination area R2 is an area within the expected use area A1. For convenience of explanation, in this embodiment, the illumination area R2 coincides with the power receiving area R1. In this embodiment, a plurality of target indicator units 15b, for example, three, are provided. A registration ID that can be distinguished from one another is set to each of the plurality of target indicator units 15b. The registration ID may be set in advance or may be updated as appropriate.

[0052] The area indicator portion 15a and the target indicator portion 15b may be separate or integrated. The area indicator portion 15a and the target indicator portion 15b being integrated means that the area indicator portion 15a and the target indicator portion 15b are configured as a single unit that shares a light source, for example.

[0053] <Power transmission control unit 16, power transmission processing unit 17, power transmission storage unit 18> As shown in FIG. 1 , the power transmission control unit 16 includes a power transmission processing unit 17 and a power transmission storage unit 18. The power transmission processing unit 17 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). The power transmission storage unit 18 includes a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM). The power transmission storage unit 18 stores a program for operating the power transmitting device 10. The power transmission storage unit 18 can be said to store program code or instructions configured to cause the power transmission processing unit 17 to execute processing. The power transmission storage unit 18, i.e., a computer-readable medium, includes any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The power transmission processing unit 17 may be configured by a hardware circuit such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The power transmission processing unit 17, which is a processing circuit, may include one or more processors that operate according to a computer program, one or more hardware circuits such as an ASIC or FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0054] The power transmission control unit 16 is configured to be able to control the manner in which the area indicator unit 15a and the target indicator unit 15b irradiate the visible light L. The power transmission control unit 16 changes the manner in which the area indicator unit 15a and the target indicator unit 15b irradiate the visible light L, for example, by changing the manner in which current is supplied to the light sources of the area indicator unit 15a and the target indicator unit 15b.

[0055] The power transmission storage unit 18 stores the registration ID of the target indicator unit 15b. The power transmission storage unit 18 stores a correspondence relationship between the position of the power receiving device 20 and the target indicator unit 15b that irradiates the power receiving device 20 with visible light L. The position of the power receiving device 20 is, for example, the position of the power receiving device 20 within the irradiation area R2. The correspondence relationship is generated, for example, by associating the registration ID of each target indicator unit 15b with the coordinates of a point within the irradiation area R2.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, for example, assume that the irradiation area R2 is divided into three areas: a first irradiation area R21, a second irradiation area R22, and a third irradiation area R23. The first irradiation area R21, the second irradiation area R22, and the third irradiation area R23 are each divided based on the orientation relative to the power transmitting device 10. The division of the irradiation area R2 is virtual. The number of target indicator units 15b is equal to the number of divisions of the irradiation area R2, which is three. The coordinates of each point in the irradiation areas R21 to R23 are associated with the three target indicator units 15b, respectively. If the irradiation areas R21 to R23 that include a point are different, the target indicator unit 15b to which the point is associated is different. The irradiation areas R21 to R23 are each associated with the target indicator unit 15b located in the closest direction. The correspondence can be expressed, for example, in the form of a number sequence or a table.

[0057] <Non-contact power supply processing> Next, a description will be given of a contactless power feeding process performed in the contactless power feeding system 1. The contactless power feeding process is performed when the power transmitting device 10 contactlessly feeds power to the power receiving device 20 using a power transmission signal W1. The contactless power feeding process is performed individually for each of the multiple power receiving devices 20, for example.

[0058] 4, the contactless power supply process includes an area illumination process S100 and a power transmission process S200. The area illumination process S100 is a process of illuminating a power receiving area R1 with visible light L using the area indicator unit 15a. The power transmission process S200 is a process of transmitting power to the power receiving device 20 using the power transmission signal W1. The power transmission process S200 includes an illumination process of illuminating the power receiving device 20, to which power is being transmitted by the power transmission signal W1, with visible light L using the target indicator unit 15b.

[0059] <Step S1> First, in step S1, the power receiving device 20 transmits a predetermined communication signal W2 to the power transmitting device 10. When the power transmitting device 10 receives the communication signal W2 transmitted from the power receiving device 20, the power transmitting device 10 transmits the communication signal W2 to the power receiving device 20. The power transmitting control unit 16 and the power receiving control unit 24 attempt to establish communication between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 by repeating the transmission and reception of the communication signal W2.

[0060] <Step S2> Next, in step S2, the power transmission control unit 16 and the power receiving control unit 24 determine whether communication has been established between the power transmission device 10 and the power receiving device 20. For example, if the power transmission device 10 receives the communication signal W2 transmitted from the power receiving device 20 in step S1 and the power receiving device 20 receives the communication signal W2 transmitted from the power transmission device 10 in step S1, the power transmission control unit 16 and the power receiving control unit 24 determine that communication has been established between the power transmission device 10 and the power receiving device 20. On the other hand, if the power transmission device 10 does not receive the communication signal W2 transmitted from the power receiving device 20 in step S1 or if the power receiving device 20 does not receive the communication signal W2 transmitted from the power transmission device 10 in step S1, the power transmission control unit 16 and the power receiving control unit 24 determine that communication has not been established between the power transmission device 10 and the power receiving device 20. The case where communication is established between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 can also be said to be the case where the power transmitting device 10 recognizes the existence of the power receiving device 20.

[0061] If the determination result in step S2 is negative, i.e., if communication between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 is not established, the power transmitting control unit 16 and the power receiving control unit 24 omit the area irradiation process S100 and the power transmitting process S200 and end the contactless power feeding process. In this case, the power transmitting control unit 16 and the power receiving control unit 24 do not irradiate the power receiving area R1 with visible light L. This allows the power transmitting device 10 to reduce unnecessary power consumption when it cannot recognize the presence of the power receiving device 20.

[0062] <Area irradiation process S100> On the other hand, if the determination result in step S2 is positive, that is, if communication between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 is established, the power transmission control unit 16 and the power receiving control unit 24 perform an area irradiation process S100.

[0063] <Step S101> 5, in the area illumination process S100, the process of step S101 is first performed. In step S101, the power transmission control unit 16 derives the transmittable power P2c. The transmittable power P2c is the maximum value of the transmittable power P2 that can be newly transmitted from the power transmitter 10.

[0064] An example of a method for deriving the transmittable power P2c will be described. First, the power transmission control unit 16 determines the total current transmittable power P2. For example, the power transmission control unit 16 may treat the power supplied from the power transmission storage unit 11 to the power transmission conversion unit 12 as the total transmittable power P2. Next, the power transmission control unit 16 derives the transmittable power P2c by subtracting the total transmittable power P2 from the maximum transmittable power P2m of the power transmission device 10. The maximum transmittable power P2m is the maximum value of the total transmittable power P2 that the power transmission device 10 can transmit. The maximum transmittable power P2m may be set appropriately depending on the specific aspect of the power transmission device 10.

[0065] <Step S102 (area derivation unit)> Next, in step S102, the power transmission control unit 16 derives a power receivable area R1 based on the transmission power P2. That is, in step S102, the power transmission control unit 16 functions as an area deriving unit. In this embodiment, a plurality of thresholds P3 are set. Therefore, the power transmission control unit 16 derives a power receivable area R1 corresponding to each of the plurality of thresholds P3. In particular, the power transmission control unit 16 derives the power receivable area R1 so that it is included within the expected use area A1.

[0066] An example of a method for deriving the power receiving area R1 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, in this example, the area indicator unit 15a is spaced a first distance H1 from a plane including the power receiving area R1 in a direction perpendicular to the plane. The first distance H1 can also be considered as the height of the area indicator unit 15a.

[0067] First, the power transmission control unit 16 derives the distance at which the transmission power P2 matches the threshold P3. This distance can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the antenna characteristics of the power transmitting antenna 13. The antenna characteristics include, for example, gain and radiation pattern. Next, the power transmission control unit 16 derives a boundary region B1 based on the distance at which the transmission power P2 matches the threshold P3 and the first distance H1.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 2, boundary region B1 is a region within a plane including power receivable region R1 where transmitted power P2 coincides with threshold value P3. The power transmission control unit 16 derives the region between boundary region B1 and the power transmitter 10 as power receivable region R1. The power receivable region R1 and boundary region B1 may be expressed in any form, such as coordinates or the elevation angle of the region indicator unit 15a. The elevation angle of the region indicator unit 15a is the inclination of the direction in which the region indicator unit 15a irradiates visible light L, for example, the optical axis, with respect to the installation surface of the power transmitter 10. The installation surface of the power transmitter 10 is, for example, a surface included in the expected use region A1.

[0069] In the above example, the power receiving area R1 is described as a case where there is no loss during power transmission and the transmitted power P2 and the received power P1 match. However, in reality, losses may occur during power transmission. In this case, the transmitted power P2 attenuates as the distance from the power transmitting device 10 increases, and the received power P1 decreases as the distance from the power transmitting device 10 increases. The power transmission control unit 16 may derive the power receiving area R1 based on the transmitted power P2 and losses. For example, the power transmission control unit 16 derives the distance at which the received power P1 matches the threshold value P3. The power transmission control unit 16 derives the distance at which the received power P1 matches the threshold value P3 based on the transmitted power P2 and the distance from the power transmitting device 10. The power transmission control unit 16 derives the boundary area B1 based on the distance at which the transmitted power P2 matches the threshold value P3 and the first distance H1. The power transmission control unit 16 derives the area between the boundary area B1 and the power transmitting device 10 as a power receiveable area R1.

[0070] If the derived power receivable area R1 is not included in the expected use area A1, the power transmission control unit 16 again derives the area of ​​the derived power receivable area R1 that is included in the expected use area A1 as the power receivable area R1. As a result, the power transmission control unit 16 derives the power receivable area R1 so that it is included in the expected use area A1. The expected use area A1 may be a preset area, or, if image data including the power transmitting device 10 is obtained by an image sensor (not shown), may be derived based on the image data. For example, if the power transmitting device 10 is placed on a table, the image sensor acquires image data including the table and the power transmitting device 10. The power transmission control unit 16 acquires the image data and derives the surface of the table on which the power transmitting device 10 is placed as the expected use area A1.

[0071] The power receivable area R1 may be expressed in any format, such as relative coordinates of a point in the power receivable area R1 with respect to the area indicator unit 15a, or a direction from the area indicator unit 15a to a point in the power receivable area R1. In step S102, the power transmission control unit 16 does not need to derive the power receivable areas R1 corresponding to all thresholds P3, and may derive, for example, only the power receivable area R1 corresponding to the selected threshold P3c. Furthermore, the power transmission control unit 16 may derive only the power receivable areas R1 corresponding to those thresholds P3 that are equal to or greater than the maximum transmission power P2m among the multiple thresholds P3.

[0072] <Step S103 (area irradiation unit)> 2 and 5, in step S103, the power transmission control unit 16 uses the area indicator unit 15a to irradiate visible light L toward at least a portion of the power receivable area R1. That is, in step S103, the power transmission control unit 16 functions as an area irradiator. The area of ​​the power receivable area R1 to which the power transmission control unit 16 irradiates visible light L using the area indicator unit 15a includes at least a portion of a boundary area B1 in which the power receiving device 20 can receive the power transmission signal W1 as the received power P1 of the threshold P3. In this embodiment, the power transmission control unit 16 irradiates visible light L toward at least a portion of the power receivable area R1 derived based on the selection threshold P3c. In detail, the power transmission control unit 16 irradiates visible light L toward the power receivable area R1 corresponding to the selection threshold P3c within the power receivable area R1 derived in step S103. The power transmission control unit 16 may omit irradiating the power receiving area R1 with visible light L corresponding to the threshold P3 less than the maximum power transmission power P2m, more specifically, the selected threshold P3c less than the maximum power transmission power P2m.

[0073] When there are multiple selection thresholds P3c, the power transmission control unit 16 uses the region indicator unit 15a to irradiate each of the power receiving regions R1 corresponding to each of the multiple selection thresholds P3c with visible light L of a different color. Visible light L of a different color refers to visible light L that can be recognized as different colors by a user due to differences in wavelength, intensity, or spectrum, for example. Visible light L of a different color also includes visible light L that can be recognized as different colors by a user due to differences in irradiation conditions, such as irradiation time. Furthermore, the power transmission control unit 16 uses the region indicator unit 15a to display information 200 about the power supply target 100 to which power can be supplied with received power P1 equal to or greater than the threshold P3. The information 200 about the power supply target 100 includes, for example, the name of the power supply target 100 that can be supplied with power by being placed in the power receiving region R1, a figure or symbol representing the power supply target 100, etc.

[0074] As a specific example, a case where three thresholds P3 are selected will be described below. For ease of explanation, the power receiveable areas R1 corresponding to the three thresholds P3, more specifically, the selection threshold P3c, will be referred to as a first power receiveable area R11, a second power receiveable area R12, and a third power receiveable area R13. The selection threshold P3c corresponding to the first power receiveable area R11 is smaller than the selection threshold P3c corresponding to the second power receiveable area R12. The selection threshold P3c corresponding to the second power receiveable area R12 is smaller than the selection threshold P3c corresponding to the third power receiveable area R13. Therefore, the first power receiveable area R11, the second power receiveable area R12, and the third power receiveable area R13 are located in order of distance from the power transmitting device 10. Each of the three area indicator units 15a irradiates visible light L onto the first power receiveable area R11, the second power receiveable area R12, and the third power receiveable area R13. At this time, the area indicator unit 15a irradiates each of the power receiving areas R11 to R13 with visible light L so that the areas are included within the assumed use area A1 derived in step S102. By irradiating the visible light L, the area indicator unit 15a displays a character string in each of the power receiving areas R11 and R12, in which the name of the power supply target 100 ("XX" and "YY" in FIG. 2) and the word "chargeable" are combined. The character string corresponds to information 200 about the power supply target 100 to which power can be supplied with received power P1 equal to or greater than the threshold P3. The information 200 may be displayed in space using a hologram or the like.

[0075] <Power transmission process S200> As shown in Fig. 5, after the process of step S103, the power transmission control unit 16 ends the area irradiation process S100. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 4, the power transmission control unit 16 and the power transmission processing unit 17 perform the power transmission process S200. Note that if communication between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 is interrupted before the power transmission process S200 is performed, the power transmission control unit 16 may omit the power transmission process S200 and end the contactless power feeding process.

[0076] <Step S201> As shown in FIG. 6 , in the power transmission process S200, step S201 is first performed. In step S201, the contactless power supply system 1 transmits and receives a communication signal W2. In detail, first, the power reception control unit 24 transmits the communication signal W2 to the power transmission device 10 using the power receiving antenna 21. The communication signal W2 includes information about the charging state of the power receiving storage unit 23 and identification information of the power receiving device 20. Next, the power transmission control unit 16 receives the communication signal W2 from the power receiving device 20 using the power transmission antenna 13. As a result, the power transmission control unit 16 recognizes the presence of the power receiving device 20. At this time, the power transmission control unit 16 acquires information about the charging state of the power receiving storage unit 23 and the identification information of the power receiving device 20 included in the communication signal W2. In this way, the power transmission device 10 and the power receiving device 20 communicate with each other via the communication signal W2.

[0077] <Step S202 (position estimation unit)> Next, in step S202, the power transmission control unit 16 estimates the position of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10 based on the communication signal W2. That is, in step S202, the power transmission control unit 16 functions as a position estimator. In detail, the power transmission control unit 16 estimates the direction of the communication signal W2 received by the power transmitting antenna 13 based on the directional dependency of the reception strength of the communication signal W2. The direction of the communication signal W2 received by the power transmitting antenna 13 corresponds to the direction of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10. The direction of the communication signal W2 received by the power transmitting antenna 13 is also referred to as the angle of arrival of the communication signal W2. The direction of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10 represents the position of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10. Note that the position of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10 may include the distance between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20. Furthermore, the position of the power receiving device 20 with respect to the power transmitting device 10 may be represented by the relative coordinates of the power receiving device 20 with respect to the power transmitting device 10. Any method for estimating the position of the power receiving device 20 may be used, and may include using a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the communication signal W2 or using an image recognition method from image data including the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20. Furthermore, when an antenna array is used as the power transmitting antenna 13, the method for estimating the position of the power receiving device 20 may include estimating an angle of arrival from a signal phase difference when the communication signal W2 is received by multiple antennas.

[0078] <Step S203> Next, in step S203, the contactless power transfer system 1 transmits and receives a power transmission signal W1. In detail, first, the power transmission control unit 16 transmits the power transmission signal W1 to the power receiving device 20. At this time, the power transmission control unit 16 adjusts the orientation of the power transmitting antenna 13 so that the power transmission signal W1 propagates to the position estimated in step S202. The power receiving control unit 24 receives the power transmission signal W1 transmitted from the power transmitting device 10. The received power transmission signal W1 is converted into received power P1 by the power receiving conversion unit 22 and stored in the power receiving storage unit 23. This increases the SOC of the power receiving storage unit 23. Note that a portion of the received power P1 may be supplied to the device 101.

[0079] <Step S204 (Linking Section)> Next, in step S204, the power transmission control unit 16 associates the power receiving device 20 receiving contactless power feeding with at least one of the target indicator units 15b. That is, in step S204, the power transmission control unit 16 functions as an associating unit. The power transmission control unit 16 associates the identification ID of the power receiving device 20 with the registered ID of the target indicator unit 15b based on the identification information acquired from the communication signal W2.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the power transmission control unit 16 associates the target indicator unit 15b that irradiates the power receiving device 20 with visible light L, based on the position of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10 estimated in step S202 and the correspondence relationship stored in the power transmission storage unit 18. As described above, the correspondence relationship is a correspondence relationship between the position of the power receiving device 20 and the target indicator unit 15b that irradiates the power receiving device 20 with visible light L. Therefore, the power transmission control unit 16 associates the power receiving device 20 with the target indicator unit 15b according to the position of the power receiving device 20 through the correspondence relationship.

[0081] 3, specifically, the association between the power receiving device 20 and the target indicator unit 15b changes depending on which of the irradiation areas R21 to R23 the position of the power receiving device 20 estimated in step S202 is included in. Therefore, the association between the power receiving device 20 and the target indicator unit 15b changes depending on which of the irradiation areas R21 to R23 the power receiving device 20 receiving contactless power is located in.

[0082] <Step S205 (Target Irradiation Area)> As shown in FIG. 6, in step S205, the power transmission control unit 16 irradiates visible light L using the target indicator unit 15b corresponding to the power receiving device 20 to which wireless power is being supplied, based on the linking in step S204. That is, in step S205, the power transmission control unit 16 functions as a target irradiator. The power receiving device 20 to which wireless power is being supplied is located within the irradiation area R2. The power transmission control unit 16 irradiates the visible light L, for example, by projecting the visible light L toward the target indicator unit 15b corresponding to the power receiving device 20. In this case, the power transmission control unit 16 adjusts the direction of the visible light L irradiated from the target indicator unit 15b according to the estimated position of the power receiving device 20. For example, the power transmission control unit 16 irradiates the visible light L from the target indicator unit 15b in a direction corresponding to the angle of arrival of the communication signal W2. Note that the power transmission control unit 16 may irradiate the visible light L simply by turning on the target indicator unit 15b.

[0083] The power transmission control unit 16 changes the illumination mode of visible light L to the power receiving device 20 depending on the state of charge. That is, in step S205, the power transmission control unit 16 functions as a change unit. For example, when the SOC of the power receiving and storing unit 23 is below a predetermined value, the power transmission control unit 16 illuminates visible light L of a first color, for example, green. Furthermore, when the SOC is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the power transmission control unit 16 illuminates visible light L of a second color different from the first color, for example, red. This allows the user to determine whether the power receiving device 20 is fully charged based on the color of the visible light L. The color illuminated by the target indicator unit 15b is arbitrary. Furthermore, the range of values ​​of the state of charge corresponding to the color of the visible light L is not limited to two, a range below the predetermined value and a range above the predetermined value, and is arbitrary. The state of charge corresponding to these ranges can be distinguished by employing different illumination modes of visible light L.

[0084] <Step S206> Next, in step S206, the power transmission control unit 16 determines whether the SOC of the power receiving and storage unit 23 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value can be set arbitrarily, for example, to be an SOC corresponding to the fully charged state of the power receiving and storage unit 23. In this case, it can also be said that the power transmission control unit 16 determines whether the charge state of the power receiving and storage unit 23 is fully charged in step S206. The power transmission control unit 16 can obtain the SOC of the power receiving and storage unit 23 from the BMS of the power receiving and storage unit 23, for example, via the communication signal W2.

[0085] If the determination result in step S206 is negative, the contactless power feeding system 1 returns to step S201 and transmits and receives the communication signal W2 again. If the determination result in step S206 is negative, it means that contactless power feeding to the power receiving device 20 may continue, for example, when the charging state of the power receiving and storing unit 23 has not yet reached a fully charged state. Therefore, while contactless power feeding is being performed, irradiation of visible light L continues. During this time, the processes of steps S201 to S206 are repeatedly performed.

[0086] If the power receiving device 20 is moved while contactless power feeding is being performed, the position of the power receiving device 20 estimated in step S202 is changed. At this time, for example, if the estimated position is changed from the first irradiation area R21 to the second irradiation area R22, the association in step S204 changes from the association in the previous step S204. Therefore, the target indicator unit 15b that irradiates the moved power receiving device 20 with visible light L is changed. Therefore, the power transmission control unit 16 of the present embodiment changes the irradiation mode of visible light L to the power receiving device 20 in accordance with the position of the power receiving device 20 estimated in step S202.

[0087] <Step S207> On the other hand, if the determination result in step S206 is positive, the contactless power supply system 1 stops transmitting and receiving the power transmission signal W1. A case in which the determination result in step S206 is positive is, for example, when the charging state of the power receiving and storing unit 23 reaches a fully charged state. First, the power receiving control unit 24 instructs the power transmitting device 10 to stop transmitting the power transmission signal W1. This instruction may be realized, for example, by including a stop signal in the communication signal W2, or by stopping the transmission of the communication signal W2. Next, when the power transmitting control unit 16 receives this instruction, it stops transmitting the power transmission signal W1.

[0088] <Step S208> Next, in step S208, the power transmission control unit 16 stops emitting visible light L to the power receiving device 20. Note that the power transmission control unit 16 may continue emitting visible light L to the power receiving device 20 for a predetermined period after the transmission and reception of the power transmission signal W1 is stopped in step S207. As a result, visible light L is irradiated to the power receiving device 20 for the period from when contactless power feeding by the power transmission signal W1 is stopped until the relevant period has elapsed. Since the irradiation mode of the visible light L is changed depending on the charging state of the power receiving storage unit 23, the user can determine from the irradiation mode of the visible light L that contactless power feeding has ended.

[0089] After the process in step S208 ends, the contactless power supply system 1 ends the power transmission process S200. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 4, the contactless power supply system 1 ends the contactless power supply process.

[0090] <Actions and Effects> (1) The power transmitting device 10 performs contactless power supply using a power transmission signal W1 to the power receiving device 20 that supplies power to the power supply target 100. The power transmission control unit 16 performs a process of step S102 in which a power receiving area R1 is derived based on the transmitted power P2, and a process of step S103 in which visible light L is irradiated toward at least a part of the power receiving area R1 using the area indicator unit 15a.

[0091] According to this, light emitted from the region indicator unit 15a is irradiated onto the power receivable region R1. The light emitted from the region indicator unit 15a is visible light L. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the power receivable region R1 as a region irradiated with the visible light L. Therefore, it is possible to provide the power transmitting device 10 that allows the user to easily recognize the power receivable region R1.

[0092] (2) The region within the power receivable region R1 where the region indicator 15a irradiates visible light L includes a boundary region B1 where the power receiving device 20 can receive the power transmission signal W1 as the received power P1 of the threshold P3.

[0093] According to this, the boundary region B1 forms the outer edge of the power receiving device 20 that can receive the receiving power P1 equal to or greater than the threshold P3. In this case, for example, if the user places the power receiving device 20 in a position closer to the power receiving device 20 than the boundary region B1, the power receiving device 20 can receive the receiving power P1 equal to or greater than the threshold P3. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the outer edge of the power receiving available region R1.

[0094] (3) A plurality of threshold values ​​P3 are set. In step S103, the power transmission control unit 16 irradiates visible light L toward at least a part of the power receiving region R1 derived based on the selected threshold value P3c.

[0095] According to this, visible light L is irradiated onto the power receivable region R1 corresponding to the selection threshold P3c selected according to the required power receiving power P1, for example. Therefore, the range onto which visible light L is irradiated can be adjusted according to the power receiving power P1 required for the power receiving device 20. Therefore, it becomes easy for the user to recognize the power receivable region R1 according to the power receiving device 20.

[0096] (4) The area indicator unit 15a is configured to be able to irradiate multiple colors of visible light L. When multiple selection thresholds P3c exist, in step S103, the power transmission control unit 16 irradiates each of the power receiving areas R1 corresponding to each of the multiple selection thresholds P3c with visible light L of a different color.

[0097] This allows the user to recognize the power receiving area R1 corresponding to each selection threshold P3c as a different color, which makes it easy to position the power receiving device 20 in an area where contactless power feeding is possible according to the received power P1 corresponding to the selection threshold P3c.

[0098] (5) The threshold value P3 is equal to or greater than the estimated power consumption P4 that the power supply target 100 is expected to consume. Even when contactless power feeding is being performed, the power feed target 100 may consume power stored in the power receiving device 20. An example of such a case is when the standby power of the power feed target 100 is covered by power stored in the power receiving storage unit 23. If the power consumed by the power feed target 100 exceeds the received power P1, the power stored in the power receiving device 20 decreases even though contactless power feeding is being performed. This may result in an inconvenience in which contactless power feeding is not completed. In detail, if the SOC of the power receiving storage unit 23 decreases even though contactless power feeding is being performed, the determination result in step S206 remains negative. As a result, the power transmission control unit 16 continues to transmit the power transmission signal W1 to the power receiving device 20.

[0099] Therefore, according to this configuration, the threshold value P3 is equal to or greater than the estimated power consumption P4 that is estimated to be consumed by the power supply target 100. As a result, by arranging the power receiving device 20 within the power receiving region R1 that corresponds to the threshold value P3, it is possible to prevent the power consumed by the power supply target 100 from exceeding the received power P1.

[0100] (6) In step S205, the power transmission control unit 16 uses the area indicator unit 15a to display information 200 about the power supply target 100 to which power can be supplied by the power receiving device 20 equal to or greater than the threshold P3.

[0101] This allows the user to identify the power receiving device 20 that can receive contactless power by placing it in the power receiving area R1 from the visible light L emitted from the area indicator unit 15a. This improves user convenience.

[0102] (7) The power receiving device 20 is accommodated inside the power supply target 100. In step S205, the power transmission control unit 16 irradiates visible light L using the area indicator unit 15a corresponding to the power receiving device 20 to which contactless power is being supplied, based on the association between the area indicator unit 15a and the power receiving device 20. At this time, in step S205, the power transmission control unit 16 changes the irradiation mode of the visible light L to the power receiving device 20 depending on the charging state of the power receiving storage unit 23.

[0103] According to this, since the power receiving device 20 is housed inside the power supply target 100, it is likely to be more difficult for the user to visually recognize the power receiving device 20 than when the power receiving device 20 is exposed. Accordingly, even if the power receiving device 20 includes a member that notifies the user of its own charging state, it is likely to be more difficult for the user to visually recognize the notification from the member.

[0104] Therefore, according to this configuration, even if the user cannot see the power receiving device 20 because it is housed inside the power supply target 100, the user can know the charging state of the power receiving device 20 to which contactless power supply is being performed, from a change in the irradiation mode of visible light L from the target indicator portion 15b of the power receiving device 20. Therefore, the user can know the charging state of the power receiving device 20 regardless of whether the power receiving device 20 is visible or not.

[0105] (8) The communication signal W2 includes information about the position of the power receiving device 20 relative to the power transmitting device 10. A plurality of target indicator units 15b are provided. The power transmission storage unit 18 stores a correspondence relationship between the position of the power receiving device 20 and the target indicator unit 15b that irradiates the power receiving device 20 with visible light L. In step S204, the power transmission control unit 16 associates the power receiving device 20 with the target indicator unit 15b that irradiates visible light L based on the position of the power receiving device 20 estimated in the process of step S202 and the correspondence relationship.

[0106] According to this, the target indicator unit 15b irradiating the power receiving device 20 with visible light L varies depending on the position of the power receiving device 20. Therefore, for example, if the power receiving device 20 moves while contactless power transfer is being performed, the position of the power receiving device 20 changes. Depending on the change in the position of the power receiving device 20, the target indicator unit 15b irradiating the power receiving device 20 with visible light L changes before and after the movement. Therefore, the target indicator unit 15b indicating the charging state of the power receiving device 20 changes depending on the position of the power receiving device 20. This makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand which of the multiple target indicator units 15b indicates the charging state of the power receiving device 20.

[0107] (9) The irradiation mode of the visible light L includes at least one of the intensity of the visible light L, the color of the visible light L, and the irradiation time of the visible light L. This allows the user to visually recognize the change in the irradiation mode of visible light L more reliably.

[0108] (10) When communication between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 is not established, the power transmission control unit 16 does not irradiate the power receiving area R1 with visible light L. According to this, there is little need to perform contactless power feeding when communication with the power receiving device 20 is not established. For example, when communication with the power receiving device 20 is not established, it means that there is no power receiving device 20 around the power transmitting device 10. In such a case, visible light L is not emitted from the area indicator unit 15a, so that the power consumption of the power transmitting device 10 can be reduced.

[0109] <Modification> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0110] The area illumination process S100 and the power transmission process S200 may be performed as independent processes, or the area illumination process S100 and the power transmission process S200 may be performed in parallel.

[0111] The distinction between the area indicator unit 15a and the target indicator unit 15b is for convenience. For example, the power transmission control unit 16 may cause the area indicator unit 15a to function as the target indicator unit 15b, or may cause the target indicator unit 15b to function as the area indicator unit 15a.

[0112] The expected use area A1 is not limited to a smooth plane but may be a three-dimensional surface including steps and irregularities. For example, if the power receivable area R1 includes three-dimensional irregularities, the power transmission control unit 16 may modify the power receivable area R1 derived in step S102 in accordance with the irregularities. For example, in a region within the power receivable area R1 that protrudes from a reference area, the power transmission control unit 16 widens the power receivable area R1 in that region compared to when that region does not protrude. On the other hand, in a region within the power receivable area R1 that is recessed from a reference area, the power transmission control unit 16 narrows the power receivable area R1 in that region compared to when that region is not recessed. The method for identifying these irregularities is arbitrary. For example, the power transmission storage unit 18 may store map data indicating the situation around the power transmitting device 10, and the power transmission control unit 16 may identify the irregularities based on the map data. Alternatively, the power transmission control unit 16 may identify the irregularities based on image data acquired from an imaging element (not shown).

[0113] In step S205, the power transmission control unit 16 may change the irradiation mode of visible light L depending on parameters other than the SOC of the power receiving and storing unit 23, such as charging efficiency, the presence or absence of an abnormality during charging, and the progress of charging. The charging efficiency is, for example, a value obtained by dividing the received power P1 by the transmitted power P2. An abnormality during charging includes, for example, an interruption of the contactless power feeding process, such as a loss of communication between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 while the power transmission process S200 is being performed. The progress of charging includes a state in which the power transmission process S200 is not being performed even when communication between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 is established. An example of such a case is when, when contactlessly feeding power to multiple power receiving devices 20, the transmittable power P2c decreases, causing contactless power feeding to some of the power receiving devices 20 to be suspended.

[0114] The power transmitting device 10 may irradiate the visible light L using the area indicator unit 15a and the target indicator unit 15b regardless of whether communication with the power receiving device 20 has been established. In this case, for example, the process of step S2 is omitted.

[0115] The irradiation mode of the visible light L is not limited to the intensity, color, or irradiation time, and may be any mode. For example, the irradiation mode of the visible light L may include the polarization state and directionality of the visible light L. The power transmission control unit 16 does not need to cause the target indicator unit 15b to emit visible light L in accordance with the position of the power receiving device 20. For example, the power transmission control unit 16 may fix the target indicator unit 15b linked to the power receiving device 20 in step S204. In this case, when associating the power receiving device 20 with the target indicator unit 15b in step S204, the power transmission control unit 16 does not need to use the correspondence between the position of the power receiving device 20 and the target indicator unit 15b that irradiates the power receiving device 20 with visible light L. Furthermore, the power transmission storage unit 18 does not need to store the correspondence. In this case, the target indicator unit 15b that was once linked in step S204 irradiates the power receiving device 20 with visible light L, regardless of the position of the power receiving device 20.

[0116] In step S208, if the power receiving device 20 moves out of the irradiation area R2 after the contactless power supply using the power transmission signal W1 is stopped, the power transmission control unit 16 may stop irradiating the power receiving device 20 with visible light L before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the transmission and reception of the power transmission signal W1 was stopped. Furthermore, the power transmission control unit 16 may stop irradiating the power receiving device 20 with visible light L if the position of the power receiving device 20 cannot be estimated or the presence of the power receiving device 20 cannot be recognized in step S202.

[0117] The target indicator unit 15b does not have to be provided. If the target indicator unit 15b is not provided, the processes of steps S204, S205, and S208 in the power transmission process S200 may be omitted.

[0118] In step S103, the power transmission control unit 16 does not have to display the information 200 about the power supply target 100 using the area indicator unit 15a. The region indicator unit 15a may have any configuration. For example, the region indicator unit 15a does not have to be configured to be able to irradiate visible light L of multiple colors, and may be configured to irradiate visible light L of a single color.

[0119] The selection threshold P3c may be selected in any manner. For example, the power transmission control unit 16 may select the selection threshold P3c based on the information 200 about the power supply target 100 included in the communication signal W2.

[0120] The number of threshold values ​​P3 is arbitrary and may be one. The power transmission control unit 16 is not limited to using the area indicator unit 15a to irradiate the boundary area B1 with visible light L. For example, the power transmission control unit 16 may use the area indicator unit 15a to irradiate the visible light L to a power receiving area R1 other than the boundary area B1.

[0121] Contactless power feeding may be performed when the power receiving device 20 is not housed in the power feeding target 100. The power receiving device 20 does not have to include the received power storage unit 23. In this case, the power receiving device 20 supplies the entire received power P1 to the device 101.

[0122] The power receiving device 20 may be fixed to the power supply target 100 that does not include a component for displaying the charging state of the power receiving device 20 . [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 10...power transmitting device, 13...power transmitting antenna, 14...power transmitting communication unit, 15a...area indicator unit, 15b...target indicator unit, 16...power transmitting control unit, 18...power transmitting memory unit, 20...power receiving device, 23...power receiving storage unit, 27...power receiving communication unit, 100...power supply target, 200...information about the power supply target, B1...boundary area, L...visible light, R1...power receiving area, W1...power transmission signal, W2...communication signal.

Claims

1. A power transmitting device that performs contactless power supply using a power transmission signal to a power receiving device that supplies power to a power supply target, a power transmitting antenna configured to be able to transmit the power transmission signal to the power receiving device; an area indicator unit that irradiates visible light; an area derivation unit that derives a power receiving area in which the power receiving device can receive power from the power transmission signal as receiving power equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, based on the transmission power transmitted as the power transmission signal; an area illuminating unit that irradiates the visible light toward at least a part of the power receiving area using the area indicator unit, A plurality of threshold values ​​are set, The area irradiation unit, when at least one threshold selected from the plurality of thresholds is set as a selected threshold, irradiates the visible light toward at least a portion of the power receiving area derived based on the selected threshold.

2. The power transmitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the area within the power receiving area where the area irradiating unit irradiates the visible light includes a boundary area where the power receiving device can receive the power transmission signal as the threshold receiving power.

3. the region indicator unit is configured to be able to irradiate visible light of a plurality of colors, The power transmitting device according to claim 1 , wherein when there are a plurality of the selection thresholds, the area irradiating unit irradiates the power receiving areas corresponding to the plurality of selection thresholds with the visible light of different colors.

4. A power transmission device that performs contactless power supply using a power transmission signal to a power receiving device that supplies power to a power supply target, a power transmitting antenna configured to be able to transmit the power transmission signal to the power receiving device; an area indicator unit that irradiates visible light; an area derivation unit that derives a power receiving area in which the power receiving device can receive power from the power transmission signal as receiving power equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, based on the transmission power transmitted as the power transmission signal; an area illuminating unit that irradiates the visible light toward at least a part of the power receiving area using the area indicator unit, The power transmission device, wherein the threshold value is equal to or greater than the estimated power consumption that is estimated to be consumed by the power supply target.

5. A power transmission device that performs contactless power supply using a power transmission signal to a power receiving device that supplies power to a power supply target, a power transmitting antenna configured to be able to transmit the power transmission signal to the power receiving device; an area indicator unit that irradiates visible light; an area derivation unit that derives a power receiving area in which the power receiving device can receive power from the power transmission signal as receiving power equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, based on the transmission power transmitted as the power transmission signal; an area illuminating unit that irradiates the visible light toward at least a part of the power receiving area using the area indicator unit, The area illuminating unit uses the area indicator unit to display information about the power supply target to which power can be supplied with the received power equal to or greater than the threshold.

6. A power transmission device that performs contactless power supply using a power transmission signal to a power receiving device that supplies power to a power supply target, a power transmitting antenna configured to be able to transmit the power transmission signal to the power receiving device; an area indicator unit that irradiates visible light; an area derivation unit that derives a power receiving area in which the power receiving device can receive power from the power transmission signal as receiving power equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, based on the transmission power transmitted as the power transmission signal; an area illuminating unit that irradiates the visible light toward at least a part of the power receiving area using the area indicator unit, the power receiving device is accommodated inside the power supply target, a receiving and storing unit that can be charged with the received power; a power receiving and communication unit that communicates with the power transmitting device by transmitting and receiving a communication signal; the communication signal includes information indicating a charging state of the power receiving and storing unit, The power transmission device is a power transmission and communication unit that communicates with the power receiving device by transmitting and receiving the communication signal; At least one target indicator unit that emits visible light; a linking unit that links the power receiving device to which the wireless power supply is being performed with at least one of the target indicator units; a target irradiating unit that irradiates the visible light using the target indicator unit corresponding to the power receiving device to which the wireless power supply is being performed, based on the tying by the tying unit; a change unit that changes the manner in which the target indicator unit irradiates the power receiving device with the visible light in accordance with the charging state, the communication signal includes information regarding a position of the power receiving device relative to the power transmitting device; The target indicator unit is provided in plurality, The power transmission device is a power transmission storage unit configured to store a correspondence relationship between a position of the power receiving device and the target indicator unit that irradiates the power receiving device with the visible light; a position estimation unit that estimates a position of the power receiving device relative to the power transmitting device based on the communication signal, The linking unit links the power receiving device with the target indicator unit that irradiates the visible light based on the position of the power receiving device estimated by the position estimation unit and the correspondence relationship.

7. The power transmitting device according to claim 6 , wherein the irradiation mode of the visible light by the target indicator unit includes at least one of an intensity of the visible light, a color of the visible light, and an irradiation time of the visible light.

8. A power transmission device that performs contactless power supply using a power transmission signal to a power receiving device that supplies power to a power supply target, a power transmitting antenna configured to be able to transmit the power transmission signal to the power receiving device; an area indicator unit that irradiates visible light; an area derivation unit that derives a power receiving area in which the power receiving device can receive power from the power transmission signal as receiving power equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, based on the transmission power transmitted as the power transmission signal; an area illuminating unit that irradiates the visible light toward at least a part of the power receiving area using the area indicator unit, The area irradiating unit does not irradiate the power receiving area with the visible light when communication between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device is not established.

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