Tracking type wireless power supply apparatus and its control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tracking type wireless power supply device and a control method thereof that enables the supply of wireless power with high efficiency by tracking the location of an external wireless power receiver. The device may include: a guide module having a moving space formed inside and fixed to a vehicle; a wireless power transmission module installed inside the guide module so as to be able to move along the moving space of the guide module; and a control unit that applies a location control signal to the guide module or the wireless power transmission module so as to track the location of an external wireless power receiver and enable the wireless power transmission module to move to a power transmission and reception area where wireless power is available.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tracking wireless power supply device and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to a tracking wireless power supply device and a control method thereof that enables the supply of wireless power with high efficiency by tracking the location of an external wireless power receiver. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, vehicle seats are installed to slide electrically or manually along rails installed on the vehicle floor to adjust to a position suitable for different body types of passengers or to utilize the interior space of the vehicle. Recently, as users enjoy car camping or camping in leisure vehicles or multi-purpose vehicles, the seats applied to them are equipped with a so-called long slide mechanism that moves a longer distance compared to conventional seats.

[0003] In such movable vehicle seats, a wide variety of electronic components of various types and forms that require power supply, such as heaters, coolers, motors, various actuators, batteries, and control boards, are built in, and conventionally, power was supplied to these electronic components through wired connections such as wiring harnesses.

[0004] Since conventional wired power supply methods restrict the free movement of the sheet, there have been attempts to supply power to the sheet wirelessly using a pair of wireless power transmitters and receivers.

[0005] However, these conventional wireless power methods had many problems, such as the fact that power could only be supplied to a single sheet because the wireless power transmitter and receiver corresponded one-to-one; the movement of the sheet was inevitably very limited, as the transmitter and receiver had to be positioned facing each other, causing wireless charging to stop if the sheet moved; either the transmitter or the receiver was exposed to the outside, making it impossible to prevent power loss or contamination caused by foreign substances; and installation costs and weight increased significantly because multiple transmitters or receivers had to be installed along every path the sheet moved. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention aims to solve various problems, including those mentioned above, by providing a tracking wireless power supply device and a control method thereof, which tracks the location of an external wireless power receiver and enables a wireless power transmission module to move to a power transmission and reception area capable of wireless power transmission and reception, thereby supplying wireless power with high efficiency. However, this objective is exemplary and does not limit the scope of the present invention. means of solving the problem

[0007] A tracking wireless power supply device according to the concept of the present invention for solving the above problem may include: a guide module having a moving space formed inside and fixed to a vehicle; a wireless power transmission module installed inside the guide module so as to be able to move along the moving space of the guide module; and a control unit that applies a position control signal to the guide module or the wireless power transmission module so as to track the location of an external wireless power receiver and enable the wireless power transmission module to move to a power transmission and reception area where wireless power is available.

[0008] Additionally, according to the present invention, the guide module may include: a case portion having a moving space formed inside and an opening formed in a part thereof; a cover portion formed in the case portion to cover and seal the opening of the case portion; an inner rail portion formed longitudinally inside the case portion; and a power supply device formed on another part of the bottom surface of the case portion and supplying power to the wireless power transmission module.

[0009] Additionally, according to the present invention, the wireless power transmission module may include: a movable base formed to be movable along the inner rail portion; a wireless power transmission coil portion formed on the movable base and formed to correspond to the external wireless power receiver; and a driving device formed on the movable base and moving the movable base.

[0010] In addition, according to the present invention, the power supply device may include a bus bar formed on a fixed substrate installed longitudinally inside the case portion so as to be electrically contacted with a conductive terminal formed on the movable base.

[0011] In addition, according to the present invention, the driving device may include a pinion gear that is rotated by an actuator and meshes with a rack gear formed longitudinally inside the case portion.

[0012] In addition, according to the present invention, the cover portion may be made of a transparent or translucent material so that the interior can be identified.

[0013] In addition, according to the present invention, the wireless power transmission coil may be formed with a movable light-emitting part to enable position verification and lighting effects.

[0014] In addition, according to the present invention, the case portion or the cover portion may be formed with a plurality of fixed light-emitting portions that selectively emit light to enable position identification and lighting effects.

[0015] In addition, according to the present invention, the control unit can track the location of the external wireless power receiver by using movement information of the sheet on which the external wireless power receiver is installed, or by measuring the transmission and reception efficiency of wireless power while moving the wireless power transmission module in a scanning manner.

[0016] In addition, according to the present invention, the control unit can detect foreign substances by measuring the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency of the wireless power transmission module.

[0017] In addition, according to the present invention, the control unit may be equipped with a Bluetooth communication unit capable of Bluetooth wireless communication.

[0018] Additionally, according to the present invention, the driving device may include: a first direction driving device for moving the wireless power transmission module in a first direction along a first inner rail; and a second direction driving device for moving the wireless power transmission module in a second direction along a second inner rail.

[0019] In addition, according to the present invention, the guide module can be fixed to the interior floor surface of the vehicle by magnetic force to facilitate movement or installation.

[0020] Meanwhile, a control method for a tracking wireless power supply device according to the concept of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a guide module having a movement space formed inside and fixed to a vehicle; a wireless power transmission module installed inside the guide module to enable movement along the movement space of the guide module; and a control unit that applies a position control signal to the wireless power transmission module so that the wireless power transmission module can move to a power transmission and reception area capable of wireless power transmission and reception. The control method comprises: (a) a step in which the control unit confirms the position of the wireless power transmission module; (b) a step of confirming the position of the external wireless power receiver using movement information of a seat on which the external wireless power receiver is installed, or measuring the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency while moving the wireless power transmission module in a scanning manner; and (c) a step of determining whether the wireless power transmission module is located in a power transmission and reception area capable of wireless power transmission and reception. (d) a step of transmitting wireless power to the external wireless power receiver when the wireless power transmission module is located in a power transmission and reception area where wireless power is available, and, otherwise, moving the wireless power transmission module to a power transmission and reception area where wireless power is available; (e) a step of measuring the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency of the wireless power transmission module; and (f) a step of stopping wireless power transmission when the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency is below a reference value; may be included.

[0021] In addition, according to the present invention, prior to step (d), (g) a step of detecting foreign substances by measuring the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency of the wireless power transmission module may be further included. Effects of the invention

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention as described above, the location of an external wireless power receiver is tracked, and the wireless power transmission module can move to a power transmission and reception area capable of wireless power transmission and reception to supply wireless power with high efficiency. A single movable wireless power transmission module can supply power to multiple external wireless power receivers in a one-to-many manner. Wireless charging can be continued without interruption even if the seat moves. The wireless power transmission module is sealed so that it is not exposed to the outside, thereby preventing contamination by foreign substances. Foreign substances can be detected on the wireless power path, thereby maximizing wireless power transmission and reception efficiency. Furthermore, the invention has the effect of wirelessly charging various electronic devices, such as mobile phones, various electronic products, consoles, coffee pots, food cookers, and refrigerators, while being carried or moved inside or outside the vehicle. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by these effects. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the usage state of a tracking wireless power supply device according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the tracking wireless power supply of FIG. 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the tracking wireless power supply of Figure 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the guide module of the tracking wireless power supply of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the wireless power transmission module of the tracking wireless power supply of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the wireless power transmission module of the tracking wireless power supply of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the wireless power transmission module of the tracking wireless power supply of FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a perspective view in use showing a tracking wireless power supply device according to some other embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a tracking wireless power supply device according to some other embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a tracking wireless power supply device according to some other embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a tracking wireless power supply device according to some embodiments of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, and the following embodiments may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the spirit of the invention to those skilled in the art. In addition, the thickness or size of each layer in the drawings is exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation.

[0026] The terms used herein are for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular form may include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, as used herein, "comprise" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to drawings that schematically illustrate ideal embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, variations of the illustrated shapes may be expected, for example, depending on manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Accordingly, embodiments of the inventive concept should not be interpreted as being limited to specific shapes of the areas illustrated herein, but should include, for example, variations in shape resulting from manufacturing.

[0028] Hereinafter, a tracking wireless power supply device (100 to 400) and a control method thereof according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a usage state perspective view showing the usage state of a tracking wireless power supply device (100) according to some embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the tracking wireless power supply device (100) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the tracking wireless power supply device (100) of FIG. 1.

[0030] First, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a tracking wireless power supply device (100) according to some embodiments of the present invention may largely include a guide module (10), a wireless power transmission module (20), and a control unit (30).

[0031] The guide module (10) may be a type of tubular fixed structure that is fixed to the interior floor of the vehicle (1) and has a moving space formed inside in which a wireless power transmission module (20) can move back and forth.

[0032] The wireless power transmission module (20) may be a type of movable structure installed inside the guide module (10) so as to be able to move along the movement space of the guide module (10), for example.

[0033] The control unit (30) may be a type of control device that tracks the position of an external wireless power receiver (4) installed on a seat (2) that is slidably installed along a lower rail (3) such as a long slide device, and applies a position control signal to a guide module (10) or a wireless power transmission module (20) so that the wireless power transmission module (20) can move to a power transmission and reception area where wireless power is possible.

[0034] Accordingly, the control unit (30) can track the location of the external wireless power receiver (4) installed on the seat (2) and apply a location control signal to the guide module (10) or the wireless power transmission module (20) to move the wireless power transmission module (20) to a power transmission and reception area where wireless power is possible.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the guide module (10) of the tracking wireless power supply (100) of FIG. 1.

[0036] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the guide module (10) may include a case part (11) having a moving space formed inside and an opening (11a) formed at the top, a cover part (12) formed at the top of the case part (11) to cover and seal the opening (11a) of the case part (11), an internal rail part (13) formed in the longitudinal direction inside the case part (11), and a power supply device (14) formed on another part of the bottom surface of the case part (11) and supplying power to a wireless power transmission module (20).

[0037] Here, the case portion (11) may, for example, have a cap (11b) formed at the front and rear ends respectively, and a connector (11c) to which an external power terminal can be connected may be formed on the cap (11b).

[0038] Additionally, the cover portion (12) may be made of a transparent or translucent material, for example, to allow internal identification. However, the cover portion (12) is not necessarily limited to a transparent or translucent material, and it is also possible to use an opaque material.

[0039] Such, the case part (11) or cover part (12) may be formed with a plurality of fixed light-emitting parts (LED2) that selectively emit light to enable position verification and lighting effects.

[0040] Therefore, for example, the fixed light-emitting parts (LED2) can be lit sequentially to easily visually confirm the location of the wireless power transmission module (20), or the fixed light-emitting parts (LED2) can be used to express various colors, thereby serving as lighting.

[0041] Additionally, the power supply unit (14) may include a bus bar (BB) formed on a fixed substrate (S2) installed longitudinally inside the case part (11) so as to be electrically connected to a conductive terminal (T) formed on a movable base (21), for example.

[0042] However, the power supply unit (14) is not necessarily limited to the drawing, and in addition to the busbar, a general wiring harness or a flexible flat cable may be used.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a wireless power transmission module (20) of a tracking wireless power supply device (100) of FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a wireless power transmission module (20) of a tracking wireless power supply device (100) of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing a wireless power transmission module (20) of a tracking wireless power supply device (100) of FIG. 5.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 7, the wireless power transmission module (20) may include, for example, a movable platform (21) formed to be movable along an internal rail section (13), a wireless power transmission coil section (22) formed on a movable substrate (S1) of the movable platform (21) and formed to correspond to an external wireless power receiver (4), and a driving device (23) formed on the movable platform (21) and moving the movable platform (21).

[0045] Here, the wireless power transmission coil part (22) may be formed with a movable light-emitting part (LED1) expressed in various designs to enable position verification and lighting effects.

[0046] Therefore, by using this movable light-emitting part (LED1), the location of the wireless power transmission module (20) can be easily checked visually, or by using the movable light-emitting part (LED1) to express various colors, it can serve as a light source.

[0047] Here, the driving device (23) may include a pinion gear (PN) that is rotated by an actuator (232), as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, for example, and meshes with a rack gear (R) formed longitudinally inside the case part (11).

[0048] The control unit (30) can track the location of the external wireless power receiver (4) by using movement information of the sheet (2) on which the external wireless power receiver (4) is installed, for example as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, or by measuring the transmission and reception efficiency of wireless power while moving the wireless power transmission module (20) in a scanning manner.

[0049] The control unit (30) can detect foreign substances by measuring the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency of the wireless power transmission module (20), or it can utilize the Bluetooth wireless communication function by installing a Bluetooth communication unit (31) capable of Bluetooth wireless communication.

[0050] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the location of the external wireless power receiver (4) can be tracked, and the wireless power transmission module (20) of FIG. 2 can move to a power transmission and reception area where wireless power is available to supply wireless power with high efficiency. A single movable wireless power transmission module (20) can supply power to multiple external wireless power receivers (4) in a one-to-many manner. Wireless charging can be continued without interruption even if the seat (2) moves. The wireless power transmission module (20) is sealed so that it is not exposed to the outside, preventing contamination by foreign substances. Foreign substances can be detected on the wireless power path, thereby maximizing wireless power transmission and reception efficiency. Various electronic products such as mobile phones, various electronic products, consoles, coffee pots, food cookers, and refrigerators can be wirelessly charged while being carried or moved inside or outside the vehicle.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a perspective view in use showing a tracking wireless power supply device (200) according to some other embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a driving device (23) of a tracking wireless power supply device (200) according to some other embodiments of the present invention may include a first direction driving device (231) for moving a wireless power transmission module (20) in a first direction along a first inner rail section (131) and a second direction driving device (232) for moving the first direction driving device (231) in a second direction so as to move the wireless power transmission module (20) in a second direction along a second inner rail section (132).

[0053] Accordingly, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 8, the wireless power transmission module (20) can be moved in the first direction and the second direction using the first direction driving device (231) and the second direction driving device (232) while tracking the position of the external wireless power receiver (4) installed on the sheet (2), and the wireless power transmission module (20) can be moved to a power transmission and reception area where wireless power is possible by applying a position control signal to the guide module (10) or the wireless power transmission module (20).

[0054] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the guide module (10) of the tracking wireless power supply device (200) according to some other embodiments of the present invention can be fixed to the interior floor surface of the vehicle (1) by the magnetic force of a magnet (M) so as to facilitate movement or installation.

[0055] Therefore, the guide module (10) can be easily fixed to the steel plate of the vehicle (1) using the magnetic force of the magnet (M), and can be easily detached and reinstalled in a desired location as needed.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a tracking wireless power supply device (300) according to some other embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a tracking wireless power supply device (300) according to some other embodiments of the present invention may have two wireless power transmission modules (20) installed in one guide module (10).

[0058] Accordingly, according to some other embodiments of the present invention, a tracking wireless power supply device (300) can supply wireless power while simultaneously tracking a total of two seats, such as one first row seat and one second row seat, using, for example, two wireless power transmission modules (20).

[0059] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a tracking wireless power supply device (400) according to some other embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a tracking wireless power supply device (400) according to some other embodiments of the present invention may have four wireless power transmission modules (20) installed in one guide module (10).

[0061] Accordingly, according to some other embodiments of the present invention, a tracking wireless power supply device (400) can supply wireless power while simultaneously tracking a total of four seats, including two first-row seats and two second-row seats, using, for example, four wireless power transmission modules (20).

[0062] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a tracking wireless power supply device (100 to 400) according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11, a control method for a tracking wireless power supply device (100 to 400) according to some embodiments of the present invention comprises: a guide module (10) having a moving space formed inside and fixed to the interior floor of a vehicle (1); and a wireless power transmission module (20) installed inside the guide module (10) so as to be able to move along the moving space of the guide module (10). A control method for a tracking type wireless power supply device comprising a control unit (30) that applies a position control signal to a guide module (10) or a wireless power transmission module (20) so that the wireless power transmission module (20) can move to a power transmission and reception area capable of wireless power transmission and reception by tracking the position of an external wireless power receiver (4) installed on a seat (2) that is installed to slide along a lower rail (3) such as a long slide device, wherein the control unit (30) checks the position of the wireless power transmission module (20); (b) checks the position of the external wireless power receiver (4) using movement information of the seat (2) on which the external wireless power receiver (4) is installed, or measures the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency while moving the wireless power transmission module (20) in a scanning manner; (c) determines whether the wireless power transmission module (20) is located in a power transmission and reception area capable of wireless power transmission and reception; and (d) if the wireless power transmission module (20) is located in a power transmission and reception area capable of wireless power transmission and reception, to the external wireless power receiver (4). The method may include the steps of transmitting wireless power, and if not, transporting the wireless power transmission module (20) to a power transmission and reception area where wireless power is possible, (e) measuring the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency of the wireless power transmission module (20), and (f) stopping wireless power transmission if the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency is below a reference value.

[0064] Here, prior to step (d), (g) a step of detecting foreign substances by measuring the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency of the wireless power transmission module (20) may be further included.

[0065] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0066] 1: Vehicle 2: Sheet 3: Lower Rail 4: External wireless power receiver 10: Guide Module 11: Case section 11a: opening 11b: Cap 11c: Connector 12: Cover part 13: Internal rail section 14: Power supply BB: Busbar 20: Wireless power transmission module 21: Operation Unit S1: Moving board S2: Fixed substrate T: Conductive terminal 22: Wireless power transmission coil section 23: Driving device PN: Pinion gear AC: Actuator R: Rack gear LED1: Movable light-emitting part LED2: Fixed light-emitting part 30: Control unit 31: Bluetooth communication unit 131: 1st inner rail section 132: Second inner rail section 231: First direction drive device 232: Second direction drive device M: Magnet 100, 200, 300, 400: Tracking wireless power supply

Claims

Claim 1 A tracking wireless power supply device comprising: a guide module having a movement space formed inside and fixed to a vehicle; a wireless power transmission module installed inside the guide module so as to be able to move along the movement space of the guide module; and a control unit that applies a position control signal to the guide module or the wireless power transmission module so as to track the location of an external wireless power receiver and enable the wireless power transmission module to move to a power transmission and reception area capable of wireless power transmission and reception; wherein the guide module comprises: a case part having a movement space formed inside and an opening formed in a part thereof; a cover part formed in the case part so as to cover and seal the opening of the case part; an internal rail part formed longitudinally inside the case part; and a power supply device formed on another part of the bottom surface of the case part and supplying power to the wireless power transmission module. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A tracking wireless power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless power transmission module comprises: a movable base formed to be movable along the inner rail portion; a wireless power transmission coil portion formed on a movable substrate of the movable base and formed to correspond to the external wireless power receiver; and a driving device formed on the movable base and moving the movable base. Claim 4 In claim 3, the power supply device comprises a bus bar formed on a fixed substrate installed longitudinally inside the case portion so as to be electrically contacted with a conductive terminal formed on the movable base. Claim 5 In claim 3, the driving device comprises a pinion gear that is rotated by an actuator and meshes with a rack gear formed longitudinally inside the case part, a tracking wireless power supply device. Claim 6 In claim 3, the above-mentioned cover portion is made of a transparent or translucent material to enable internal identification, a tracking wireless power supply device. Claim 7 In claim 6, the wireless power transmitting coil part is a tracking wireless power supply device in which a movable light-emitting part is formed to enable position verification and lighting effects. Claim 8 In claim 6, the case portion or the cover portion is a tracking wireless power supply device having a plurality of fixed light-emitting portions formed therein that selectively emit light to enable position identification and lighting effects. Claim 9 A tracking type wireless power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit tracks the location of the external wireless power receiver using movement information of a sheet on which the external wireless power receiver is installed, or tracks the location of the external wireless power receiver by measuring the transmission and reception efficiency of wireless power while moving the wireless power transmission module in a scanning manner. Claim 10 In claim 9, the control unit is a tracking type wireless power supply device that detects foreign substances by measuring the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency of the wireless power transmission module. Claim 11 In claim 9, the control unit is a tracking wireless power supply device in which a Bluetooth communication unit capable of Bluetooth wireless communication is installed. Claim 12 A tracking wireless power supply device according to claim 4, wherein the driving device comprises: a first direction driving device for moving the wireless power transmission module in a first direction along a first inner rail section; and a second direction driving device for moving the wireless power transmission module in a second direction along a second inner rail section. Claim 13 In claim 1, the guide module is a tracking wireless power supply device that is fixed to the interior floor surface of the vehicle by magnetic force to facilitate movement or installation. Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete

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