Wireless power transfer system, diagnostic program, diagnostic method, and diagnostic device

Abstract

Test communication coils (401 to 404) are provided near a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of a vehicle (11), which receive radio waves from a power receiver side communication coil (170) and convert the radio waves into an electric signal.　 At the inspection location, a test control device (405) is provided, which inputs an electric signal from the test communication coils (401 to 404).　 When the vehicle (11) is parked in the specific region (R10), the test control device (405) wirelessly transmits radio waves from the power receiver side communication coil (170), receives the radio waves through the test communication coils (401 to 404), and diagnoses a transmission function of a power receiver device (100) based on an intensity of an electric signal acquired as a result of the reception.

Description

WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM, DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAM, DIAGNOSTIC METHOD, AND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICECross Reference

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Application No. 2024-208015 filed on November 29, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a wireless power transfer system, a diagnostic program, a diagnostic method, and a diagnostic device.

[0003] Patent Literature discloses a system for wireless power transfer from a power transmitter device on a ground side to a power receiver device mounted on an electric vehicle.　 The power transmitter device includes a power transmitter coil and a control unit that energizes the power transmitter coil.　 The power receiver device includes a power receiver coil that is provided with power from the power transmitter coil in a wireless manner.

[0004] The power transmitter device and the power receiver device each include a communication coil for short-range wireless communication.　 The power receiver device supplies a vehicle-side signal related to the wireless power transfer to a communication coil of the power receiver device.　 The vehicle-side signal is a signal including a power supply request signal indicating a power supply request to the power transmitter coil.　 The power transmitter device determines whether there is a power supply request based on an output signal from a communication coil of the power transmitter device.　 When it is determined that there is a power supply request, the power transmitter device energizes the power transmitter coil.

[0005] JP2024-8088A

[0006] When an abnormality occurs in the power receiver device, there is a concern that a power supply request signal may not be transmitted properly from the communication coil of the power receiver device.　 For this reason, a technique is desired that can determine whether the transmission function of a power receiver device is normal.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and the main object thereof is to provide a wireless power transfer system, a diagnostic program, a diagnostic method, and a diagnostic device that can determine whether the transmission function of a power receiver device is normal.

[0008] In order to address the above issue, a wireless power transfer system is configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna to a power receiver antenna.　 The wireless power transfer system comprises: a power transmitter device including a power transmitter antenna; and a power receiver device including a power receiver antenna.　 One of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle as a vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device.　 The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side communication antenna configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal.　 The wireless power transfer system further includes: a test communication antenna provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region and configured to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna; and a test control device configured to input an electric signal from the test communication antenna.　 The test control device is configured to instruct the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region, acquire, after the instructing, an electric signal received by the test communication antenna when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and diagnose a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal.

[0009] In order to address the above issue, a diagnostic program is to be executed by a test control device.　 The test control device is configured to diagnose a vehicle-side device of a wireless power transfer system.　 The wireless power transfer system is configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna to a power receiver antenna.　 The wireless power transfer system includes a power transmitter device including the power transmitter antenna and a power receiver device including the power receiver antenna.　 One of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle as the vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device.　 The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side communication antenna configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal.　 A test communication antenna is provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna.　 The diagnostic program is configured to cause the test control device to execute processing comprising: an instruction process to instruct the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region; an acquisition process after the instruction process to acquire an electric signal received by the test communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna; and a diagnosis process to diagnose a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the electric signal acquired in the acquisition process.

[0010] In order to address the above issue, a first diagnostic method is for diagnosing a vehicle-side device of a wireless power transfer system.　 The wireless power transfer system is configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna to a power receiver antenna.　 The wireless power transfer system includes a power transmitter device including the power transmitter antenna and a power receiver device including the power receiver antenna.　 One of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle as the vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device.　 The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side communication antenna configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal.　 A test communication antenna is provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna.　 The diagnostic method comprises: instructing, in an instruction process, the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region; acquiring, in an acquisition process after the instruction process, an electric signal received by the test communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna; and diagnosing, in a diagnosis process, a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal in the acquisition process.

[0011] In order to address the above issue, a second diagnostic method is for diagnosing a vehicle-side device of a wireless power transfer system.　 The wireless power transfer system is configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna to a power receiver antenna.　 The wireless power transfer system includes a power transmitter device including the power transmitter antenna and a power receiver device including the power receiver antenna. 　One of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle as the vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device. 　The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side communication antenna configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal.　 The ground-side device includes a ground-side communication antenna configured to receive an electric signal and a receiver configured to input the electric signal received by the ground-side communication antenna.　 The diagnostic method comprises: instructing, in an instruction process, the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal when the vehicle is present in a reception range of the receiver; acquiring, in an acquisition process after the instruction process, an electric signal received by the ground-side communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna; and diagnosing, in a diagnosis process, a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal in the acquisition process.

[0012] In order to address the above issue, a diagnostic device is configured to diagnose a function of a wireless power transfer system.　 The wireless power transfer system is configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna to a power receiver antenna.　 The wireless power transfer system includes a power transmitter device including the power transmitter antenna and a power receiver device including the power receiver antenna.　 One of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle as a vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device.　 The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side communication antenna configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal.　 The diagnosis device comprises: a test communication antenna provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region and configured to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna; and a test control device configured to input an electric signal from the test communication antenna.　 The test control device is configured to instruct the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region, acquire, after the instructing, an electric signal received by the test communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and diagnose a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether the transmission function is normal.

[0014] The drawings described herein are intended to illustrate selected embodiments, do not depict all possible embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a wireless power transfer system.FIG 2 is an overall configuration diagram of the wireless power transfer system.FIG. 3 shows a power transmitter device and a power receiver device.FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transmitter and a peripheral configuration thereof.FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a receiver and a peripheral configuration thereof.FIG. 6 is a diagram for illustrating the disposition of a specific region and test communication coils.FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of diagnosis processing.

[0016] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of a wireless power transfer system, a diagnostic program, and a diagnostic method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] First, the overall configuration of the wireless power transfer system will be described.　 As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a wireless power transfer system 10 includes a power transmitter device 20 and a power receiver device 100.　 The power receiver device 100 is a device on the vehicle side, which is mounted on a vehicle 11, as a moving object driving on a road RS.　 The vehicle 11 is, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.　 While the vehicle 11 is driving or stopped, power is supplied from the power transmitter device 20 to the power receiver device 100.　 The wireless power transfer system 10 performs wireless power transmission from the power transmitter device 20 to the power receiver device 100 by magnetic field resonant coupling (magnetic field resonance).　 The wireless power transfer system 10 is also called a dynamic wireless power transfer (D-WPT) system.

[0018] The power transmitter device 20 is a device on the ground side including a power transmitter side coil unit 21 and a power transmitter side power source unit 51 that supplies power to the power transmitter side coil unit 21.　 The power transmitter device 20 is, for example, a stationary device.　 The power transmitter side coil unit 21 is installed (for example, buried) on the road RS, a parking lot, or the like.　 The power transmitter side power source unit 51 is installed, for example, at the side of the road RS.　 The power transmitter side coil unit 21 is connected to a power transmitter side power source unit 51.　 The power transmitter side power source unit 51 is connected to an AC power source 15 and supplies AC power from the AC power source 15 to the power transmitter side coil unit 21.　 The AC power source 15 is, for example, a commercial power source.　 A plurality of power transmitter side coil units 21 are located along the lanes of the road RS.　 FIG. 2 shows an example in which four power transmitter side coil units 21 located side by side along the road RS are connected to one power transmitter side power source unit 51.　 In other words, one power transmitter side power source unit 51 is provided for each of four power transmitter side coil units 21.　 The number of power transmitter side coil units 21 is not limited to four and may be changed to any number.

[0019] The configuration is not limited to one power transmitter side power source unit 51 being provided for each of the multiple power transmitter side coil units 21, but may also be one power transmitter side power source unit 51 being provided for one power transmitter side coil unit 21.

[0020] The power transmitter side power source unit 51 includes a PFC circuit 61, an inverter 60, and a filter circuit 52.　 The PFC circuit 61 includes an AC / DC converter and is connected to the AC power source 15.　 The switching of the switching elements (for example, IGBTs or MOSFETs) included in the PFC circuit 61 is controlled so that the power factor of the AC power input from the AC power source 15 is improved and the input AC power is converted into DC power.

[0021] The inverter 60 is connected to the PFC circuit 61.　 The DC power input from the PFC circuit 61 is converted into AC power by controlling the switching of the switching elements (for example, IGBTs or MOSFETs) included in the inverter 60.

[0022] The filter circuit 52 removes noise contained in the AC current input from the inverter 60, and supplies the AC current from which the noise has been removed to the power transmitter side coil unit 21.　 The filter circuit 52 is, for example, an LC filter including a coil and a capacitor.　 As the filter circuit 52, circuits of various configurations are used, specifically, for example, a T-type filter circuit is used.

[0023] The power transmitter side coil unit 21 includes a power transmitter coil 22 (corresponding to a "power transmitter antenna"), a power transmitter side resonant circuit 30, and a power transmitter side communication coil 40 (corresponding to a "ground-side communication antenna").　 The power transmitter side resonant circuit 30 supplies the AC power supplied from the filter circuit 52 to the power transmitter coil 22.　 As the power transmitter side resonant circuit 30, various well-known resonant circuits such as a circuit including a resonance capacitor can be used.

[0024] The power receiver device 100 includes a power receiver side coil unit 101 and a power receiver side power source unit 181.　 The power receiver side coil unit 101 includes a power receiver coil 102 (corresponding to a "power receiver antenna").　 The power receiver side coil unit 101 is provided at the bottom of the vehicle body of the vehicle 11.　 The power receiver side coil unit 101 is provided at the bottom of the vehicle body to face the ground surface.　 When the vehicle 11 drives on the road RS in which the power transmitter coil 22 is buried, the power transmitter coil 22 on the ground side and the power receiver coil 102 provided on the vehicle 11 face each other in a vertical direction.

[0025] The power receiver device 100 includes a power receiver side resonant circuit 140.　 The power receiver coil 102 is connected to the power receiver side resonant circuit 140.　 Power is transmitted to the power receiver coil 102 from the power transmitter coil 22.　 The power receiver coil 102 supplies the received power to the power receiver side resonant circuit 140.　 As the power receiver side resonant circuit 140, various well-known resonant circuits such as a circuit including a resonance capacitor can be used.

[0026] The power receiver device 100 includes a filter circuit 182, a rectifier circuit 200 that functions as a DC / AC convertor circuit, and a smoothing capacitor 210.　 The filter circuit 182 removes noise contained in the AC current input from the power receiver side resonant circuit 140, and supplies the AC current from which the noise has been removed to the rectifier circuit 200.　 The filter circuit 182 of the present embodiment is, for example, an LC filter including a reactor and a capacitor.

[0027] The rectifier circuit 200 converts the input AC current into a DC current and outputs the DC current.　 The rectifier circuit 200 is, for example, a full-bridge circuit including semiconductor switching elements, or a diode rectifier circuit.　 A first end of the smoothing capacitor 210 is connected to a high potential side output terminal of the rectifier circuit 200.　 A second end of the smoothing capacitor 210 is connected to the low potential side output terminal of the rectifier circuit 200. 　The rectifier circuit 200 is also called an electronic rectification box (ERB).

[0028] The vehicle 11 includes a high-potential side main switch 301H, a low-potential side main switch 301L, and a high-voltage power storage battery 300 as a power storage unit.　 The high-potential side main switch 301H and the low-potential side main switch 301L are, for example, relays (specifically, mechanical relays).　 The high potential side output terminal of the rectifier circuit 200 is connected to the positive-electrode terminal of the high-voltage power storage battery 300 via the high-potential side main switch 301H.　 The low potential side output terminal of the rectifier circuit 200 is connected to the negative-electrode terminal of the high-voltage power storage battery 300 via the low-potential side main switch 301L.　 The high-voltage power storage battery 300 is a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged, and has a rated voltage of, for example, several hundred volts.　 The high-voltage power storage battery 300 is, for example, a lithium-ion power storage battery or a nickel-metal hydride power storage battery.

[0029] The vehicle 11 includes a driving inverter 310 and a rotary electric machine 320.　 The driving inverter 310 is a three-phase inverter, and is connected to the high-voltage power storage battery 300 via the high-potential side main switch 301H and the low-potential side main switch 301L.　 An armature winding of the rotary electric machine 320 is connected to the upper and lower arm switches constituting the driving inverter 310.　 With the high-potential side main switch 301H and the low-potential side main switch 301L turned on, the switching of the upper and lower arm switches of the driving inverter 310 is controlled such that the driving inverter 310 converts the DC power supplied from the high-voltage power storage battery 300 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the armature winding.　 This causes the rotor of the rotary electric machine 320 to rotate, and the drive wheels of the vehicle 11 are rotated by the rotational power of the rotor.　 As a result, the vehicle 11 drives.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the power transmitter side power source unit 51 constituting the power transmitter device 20 includes a power transmitter side control unit 70.　 The power transmitter side control unit 70 includes a power transmitter side controller 71.　 The power transmitter side controller 71 is an electronic control unit (ECU) that performs various controls of the power transmitter device 20, and includes a processor as hardware, a storage unit, and a communication bus that connects the processor and the storage unit.

[0031] The storage unit includes memory and storage as hardware.　 The memory is a storage device for storing data used in the processing of the power transmitter side controller 71.　 The memory provides the processor with, for example, a working area for temporary use when the processor performs processing.　 The memory includes, for example, a ROM or a RAM.　 The storage is a storage device that stores various programs and data to be read and executed by the processor, and is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.　 The storage includes, for example, a HDD or a flash memory.　 The storage stores program information and the like for the processing described below.

[0032] The power receiver side power source unit 181 constituting the power receiver device 100 includes a power receiver side controller 231.　 The power receiver side controller 231 is an ECU that performs various controls of the power receiver device 100, and includes a processor as hardware, a storage unit, and a communication bus that connects the processor and the storage unit.

[0033] The storage unit includes memory and storage as hardware.　 The memory is a storage device for storing data used in the processing of the power receiver side controller 231.　 The memory provides the processor with, for example, a working area for temporary use when the processor performs processing.　 The memory includes, for example, a ROM or a RAM.　 The storage is a storage device that stores various programs and data to be read and executed by the processor, and is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.　 The storage includes, for example, a HDD or a flash memory.　 The storage stores program information and the like for the processing described below.

[0034] For example, program information stored in a non-transitory tangible storage medium is installed in the storage units of the power receiver side controller 231 and the power transmitter side controller 71.　 The storage medium is, for example, a USB memory, a CD-ROM, or a DVD.　 For example, program information transmitted via a communication network, such as over the air (OTA), is installed in the storage unit.

[0035] The power transmitter side controller 71 performs switching control of the PFC circuit 61 and switching control of the inverter 60.　 A high-frequency AC voltage is applied to the power transmitter coil 22 by controlling the switching of the inverter 60.　 Therefore, a high-frequency current flows through the power transmitter coil 22, and a magnetic field for power transmission is generated in the power transmitter coil 22.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the power transmitter side controller 71 controls the switching of the inverter 60 so that the frequency of the high-frequency voltage applied to the power transmitter coil 22 becomes a first specified frequency (specifically, 85 kHz) that is equal to or higher than 10 kHz and equal to or lower than 100 GHz.　 The resonance frequencies of the power transmitter side resonant circuit 30 and the power receiver side resonant circuit 140 are set to the same frequency as the first specified frequency or to a frequency close to the first specified frequency.

[0037] When the magnetic field generated in the power transmitter coil 22 interlinks with the power receiver coil 102 of the vehicle 11, a high-frequency current that fluctuates with the frequency of the high-frequency current flowing through the power transmitter coil 22 flows through the power receiver coil 102.　 The high-frequency current flowing through the power receiver coil 102 is supplied to the rectifier circuit 200 via the power receiver side resonant circuit 140 and the filter circuit 182.　 The rectifier circuit 200 converts the supplied AC current into a DC current and outputs the DC current.　 When the high-potential side main switch 301H and the low-potential side main switch 301L are turned on, the output current of the rectifier circuit 200 is supplied to the high-voltage power storage battery 300 and the driving inverter 310.

[0038] The vehicle 11 includes a low-voltage power storage battery 302.　 The rated voltage of the low-voltage power storage battery 302 is lower than the rated voltage of the high-voltage power storage battery 300.　 The low-voltage power storage battery 302 is, for example, a lead power storage battery.　 When power is supplied from the low-voltage power storage battery 302 to the power receiver side controller 231, the power receiver side controller 231 becomes operable.

[0039] The power receiver device 100 and the power transmitter device 20 have a configuration for communication between the power receiver device 100 and the power transmitter device 20.　 In detail, the power receiver side coil unit 101 constituting the power receiver device 100 includes a power receiver side communication coil 170 (corresponding to a "vehicle-side communication antenna").　 The power receiver side control unit 230 includes a transmitter 240.

[0040] The power transmitter side coil unit 21 constituting the power transmitter device 20 includes the power transmitter side communication coil 40.　 The power transmitter side control unit 70 includes a receiver 80.　 The power receiver side communication coil 170 and the power transmitter side communication coil 40 are communication coils for performing short range wireless communication.　 The short-range wireless communication is communication with a communication distance of less than 10 meters (for example, a maximum of 3 meters).　 The short-range wireless communication has a shorter communication distance than wide-area wireless communication.

[0041] As the short-range wireless communication, various near field communication methods can be used, and for example, communication conforming to any communication standard established by IEEE, ISO, IEC, or the like is used.　 Specifically, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), radio frequency identification (RFID), or dedicated short range communication (DSRC) is used as the short-range wireless communication.

[0042] The transmitter 240 is connected to the power receiver side controller 231.　 The power receiver side communication coil 170 is connected to the transmitter 240.　 The power receiver side controller 231 controls the transmitter 240 to wirelessly transmit vehicle-side information (transmission data) such as a power supply request signal COMM via the power receiver side communication coil 170.　 The power supply request signal COMM is a signal (information) that requests the power transmitter coil 22 near the vehicle 11 to transmit power to the power receiver coil 102.　 This control causes the transmitter 240 to apply a high-frequency voltage to the power receiver side communication coil 170.　 Therefore, a high-frequency current (electric signal) flows through the power receiver side communication coil 170, and radio waves (electromagnetic waves, that is, waves that propagate through space while an electric field and a magnetic field interact with each other) for information communication are generated in the power receiver side communication coil 170.

[0043] In the case where power receiver side coil unit 101 of the vehicle 11 is close to the power transmitter side coil unit 21 on the ground side, when the generated magnetic field links with the power transmitter side communication coil 40, a high-frequency current flows through the power transmitter side communication coil 40.　 This high-frequency current is input to the receiver 80.　 The receiver 80 demodulates the input high-frequency current and converts the current into vehicle-side information (reception data) such as the power supply request signal COMM.　 The vehicle-side information converted by the receiver 80 is input to the power transmitter side controller 71.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the power receiver side controller 231 controls the transmitter 240 so that the frequency of the high-frequency voltage applied to the power receiver side communication coil 170 becomes a second specified frequency that is equal to or higher than 10 kHz and equal to or lower than 100 GHz.　 In the present embodiment, the second specified frequency is a frequency that is shifted from the first specified frequency, and specifically, is a frequency that is higher than the first specified frequency (specifically, 13.56 MHz).

[0045] The power transmitter side controller 71 determines whether to energize the power transmitter coil 22 based on the vehicle-side information (reception data) from the receiver 80.　 In detail, when it is determined that the vehicle-side information (reception data) from the receiver 80 includes the power supply request signal COMM, the power transmitter side controller 71 controls the inverter 60 and the PFC circuit 61 to apply a high-frequency voltage at the first specified frequency to the power transmitter coil 22.　 Therefore, power is transmitted in a wireless manner from the power transmitter coil 22 to the power receiver coil 102.

[0046] The transmitter 240 and the peripheral configuration thereof will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.　 The transmitter 240 includes a generator circuit 241 and a power receiver side amplifier 242.　 The generator circuit 241 is connected to the power receiver side controller 231 and the power receiver side amplifier 242.　 The generator circuit 241 generates a high-frequency signal, which is an electric signal, based on a command from the power receiver side controller 231.　 More specifically, the generator circuit 241 modulates the vehicle-side information (transmission data) input from the power receiver side controller 231 to generate a high-frequency signal (high-frequency current or voltage signal, that is, an electric signal).　 The frequency of this high-frequency signal is the second specified frequency.

[0047] As a modulation method in the generator circuit 241, various methods can be used (see FIG. 4).　 For example, digital modulation is used, specifically, phase shift keying (PSK), frequency shift keying (FSK), or amplitude shift keying (ASK) is used.　 For example, analog modulation is used, specifically, amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or phase modulation (PM) is used.　 For example, Manchester coding is used.　 When FSK or FM is used, the frequency of the high-frequency signal supplied to the power receiver side communication coil 170 has a certain frequency range with respect to the second specified frequency.

[0048] The power receiver side amplifier 242 amplifies the high-frequency signal generated by the generator circuit 241 and inputs the amplified signal to the power receiver side communication coil 170.　 The power receiver side communication coil 170 emits radio waves based on the input high-frequency signal.　 That is, the power receiver side communication coil 170 transmits an electric signal wirelessly.

[0049] The receiver 80 and the peripheral configuration thereof will be described with reference to FIG. 5.　 The receiver 80 includes a power transmitter side amplifier 81 and a detector circuit 82.　 The power transmitter side amplifier 81 is connected to the power transmitter side communication coil 40.　 The power transmitter side communication coil 40 receives the radio waves emitted by the power receiver side communication coil 170, converts the emitted radio waves into a high-frequency signal (electric signal), and inputs the high-frequency signal to the power transmitter side amplifier 81 of the receiver 80.　 That is, the power transmitter side communication coil 40 wirelessly receives the electric signal transmitted by the power receiver side communication coil 170, and inputs the electric signal to the power transmitter side amplifier 81 of the receiver 80.　 The power transmitter side amplifier 81 amplifies the high-frequency signal input from the power transmitter side communication coil 40 and supplies the amplified signal to the detector circuit 82.　 The high-frequency signal output from the power transmitter side communication coil 40 contains a frequency component that fluctuates at the second specified frequency.

[0050] The detector circuit 82 demodulates the high-frequency signal input from the power transmitter side amplifier 81 and converts the demodulated signal into vehicle-side information (reception data).　 The detector circuit 82 inputs the demodulated vehicle-side information to the power transmitter side controller 71.

[0051] The power transmitter side controller 71 performs various processing based on the input vehicle-side information.　 For example, when the input vehicle-side information includes the power supply request signal COMM, that is, when there is a power supply request, the power transmitter side controller 71 applies a high-frequency voltage to the power transmitter coil 22 by performing switching control of the PFC circuit 61 and the inverter 60.　 Therefore, a high-frequency current flows through the power transmitter coil 22.　 In this case, power is supplied in a wireless manner from the power transmitter coil 22 to the power receiver coil 102 that faces the power transmitter coil 22 in the vertical direction.

[0052] It is desirable that the intensity of the radio waves (or the electric field intensity or the received power) emitted from the power receiver device 100 be within an appropriate range.　 That is, when the radio wave intensity falls below the lower limit value of the appropriate range, the vehicle-side information cannot be transmitted or received appropriately, and for example, there is a possibility that the power supply request signal COMM cannot be transmitted.　 When the intensity of the radio waves exceeds the upper limit value of the appropriate range, the radio waves may be erroneously received by another power transmitter device 20, for example, a distant power transmitter device 20, which may result in unnecessary power transmission from a power transmitter device 20 outside the power receiver range.　 The power receiver device 100 may deteriorate over time, and it is desirable to inspect the condition of the power receiver device 100 periodically.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the wireless power transfer system 10 is configured so that the transmission function of the power receiver device 100 can be easily diagnosed.　 A detailed description will be given below.　 FIG. 6 shows a simplified diagram of various diagnostic devices.　 FIG. 6 is a bird's-eye view of a specific region R10 of an inspection location for the vehicle 11 (for example, a maintenance shop, a vehicle inspection center, or a parking lot) as seen from above.

[0054] In FIG. 6, the region surrounded by the dashed line is the specific region R10.　 The specific region R10 is a rectangular region, of which longitudinal dimension is approximately the same as or slightly longer than the overall length of the vehicle 11 to be inspected, and of which transverse dimension is approximately the same as or slightly longer than the overall width of the vehicle 11 to be inspected.　 In other words, the vehicle 11 to be inspected can be parked within the specific region R10.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, a power receiver side coil unit 101 (power receiver device 100 ) is provided at the approximate center of the bottom of the body of the vehicle 11.　 The vehicle 11 is stopped so that the power receiver side coil unit 101 is located approximately in the center of the specific region R10.

[0056] Multiple test communication coils 401 to 404 (four in the present embodiment) are located near the specific region R10 as test communication antennas.　 The test communication coils 401 to 404 are configured to extend vertically in a pole shape, and are erected on the ground.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the test communication coils 401 to 404 are located on diagonals of the specific region R10 at a predetermined distance from the corners of the specific region R10.　 In other words, the test communication coils 401 to 404 are provided at a distance from the specific region R10 to surround the specific region R10.　 The predetermined distance is an arbitrary distance, but is, for example, a distance shorter than the distance from the center to the corner of the specific region R10.　 The test communication coils 401 to 404 are connected to the test control device 405 by wired or wireless means to enable communication.

[0058] The test control device 405 is an ECU that performs various controls related to the diagnosis of the power receiver device 100, and includes a processor as hardware, a storage unit, and a communication bus that connects the processor and the storage unit. 　The test control device 405 and the test communication coils 401 to 404 of the present embodiment constitute a diagnostic device.

[0059] The storage unit includes memory and storage as hardware.　 The memory is a storage device for storing data used in the processing of the test control device 405.　 The memory provides the processor with, for example, a working area for temporary use when the processor performs processing.　 The memory includes, for example, a ROM or a RAM.　 The storage is a storage device that stores various programs and data to be read and executed by the processor, and is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.　 The storage includes, for example, a HDD or a flash memory.　 The storage stores program information and the like for the processing described below.

[0060] For example, the program information stored in a non-transitory tangible storage medium is installed in the storage unit of the test control device 405.　 The storage medium is, for example, a USB memory, a CD-ROM, or a DVD.　 For example, program information transmitted via a communication network, such as over the air (OTA), is installed in the storage unit.

[0061] The test control device 405 may be a terminal installed at the inspection location, or may be a server (for example, a cloud server) installed at a location away from the inspection location.　 The test control device 405 is configured to communicate with the power receiver side controller 231 by wired or wireless means, such as a communication network.

[0062] The function of the test control device 405 will now be described.　 The test control device 405 has a function as an instruction unit 406 that gives instructions to the power receiver side controller 231, and a function as a diagnostic unit 407 that diagnoses the power receiver device 100 (mainly the transmission function of the transmitter 240 and the power receiver side controller 231).　 These functions are realized by the processor of the test control device 405 executing a diagnostic program stored in the storage unit.　 A detailed description will be given below.

[0063] The instruction unit 406 instructs the power receiver side controller 231 to supply a diagnostic (test) electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna.　 Based on this instruction, the power receiver side controller 231 inputs to the transmitter 240 to wirelessly transmit test transmission data including the power supply request signal COMM.　 The transmitter 240 modulates the test transmission data to generate a high-frequency signal that is a test electric signal, and supplies the signal to the power receiver side communication coil 170.　 The power receiver side communication coil 170 converts the supplied high-frequency signal into radio waves and emits the signal to the surroundings.　 That is, the power receiver side communication coil 170 wirelessly transmits an electric signal including the power supply request signal COMM.

[0064] The diagnostic unit 407 acquires the electric signals received by the test communication coils 401 to 404, and diagnoses the power receiver device 100 based on the acquired electric signals.　 That is, the test communication coils 401 to 404 receive radio waves emitted from the power receiver side communication coil 170 based on instructions from the instruction unit 406, convert the radio waves into electric signals, and input the electric signals to the test control device 405.

[0065] The diagnostic unit 407 of the test control device 405 acquires the intensity of the electric signals received by each of the test communication coils 401 to 404.　 Specifically, the diagnostic unit 407 acquires the current value of the electric signal flowing through each of the test communication coils 401 to 404 based on the received radio wave, and calculates an intensity value Intd, which is the amplitude or effective value of the current value.　 The diagnostic unit 407 may calculate the detected value of the envelope of the electric signal as the intensity value Intd.　 The diagnostic unit 407 then determines whether the intensity of the electric signal (in the present embodiment, the intensity value Intd) is within a predetermined expected intensity range, and when the intensity is within the expected intensity range, determines the intensity to be normal, and when the intensity is outside the expected intensity range, determines the intensity to be abnormal.

[0066] The expected intensity range is determined appropriately through experiments and simulations.　 For example, the lower limit value (Imin) of the expected intensity range is desirably set to a level of intensity that allows reliable wireless transmission and reception of electric signals when the vehicle 11 and the power transmitter device 20 face each other in the vertical direction.　 The upper limit value (Imax) of the expected intensity range is desirably set to a level of intensity that prevents the electric signal from reaching a power transmitter device 20 other than the power transmitter device 20 facing the vehicle 11 (for example, an adjacent power transmitter device 20) in the vertical direction.

[0067] Next, the flow of the diagnosis processing will be described with reference to FIG. 7.　 The diagnosis processing is performed by the test control device 405 at an arbitrary timing after the vehicle 11 is located in the specific region R10.　 An example of the arbitrary timing is the timing when the test control device 405 is operated by an operator.

[0068] The instruction unit 406 of the test control device 405 instructs the power receiver side controller 231 to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the power receiver side communication coil 170 (step S101).　 Here, an instruction is given to wirelessly transmit test transmission data including the power supply request signal COMM.　 As a result, based on this instruction, the power receiver side controller 231 inputs test transmission data including the power supply request signal COMM to the transmitter 240 for wireless transmission.　 The transmitter 240 modulates the test transmission data to generate a high-frequency signal (diagnostic electric signal), and supplies the signal to the power receiver side communication coil 170.　 The power receiver side communication coil 170 converts the supplied high-frequency signal into radio waves and emits the signal to the surroundings.　 The processing of step S101 corresponds to an instruction process.

[0069] Next, the diagnostic unit 407 inputs, from each of the test communication coils 401 to 404, electric signals that are the result of converting the radio waves received by the test communication coils 401 to 404, and calculates and acquires the intensity values Intd (step S102).　 The processing of step S102 corresponds to an acquisition process.

[0070] The diagnostic unit 407 then determines whether each of the acquired intensity values Intd is equal to or higher than the lower limit value (Imin) of the expected intensity range (step S103).　 When this determination result is affirmative, the diagnostic unit 407 determines whether all of the acquired intensity values Intd are equal to or less than the upper limit value (Imax) of the expected intensity range (step S104).　 The processing in steps S103 and S104 correspond to a diagnosis process.

[0071] When the determination result in step S104 is affirmative, the test control device 405 notifies a user that the intensity is normal (that there is no abnormality) (step S105).　 Specifically, the test control device 405 notifies the power receiver side controller 231 that the intensity is normal.

[0072] The display unit of the test control device 405 may display a message to that effect.　 The test control device 405 may notify an external device (such as a server) via a communication network or the like.　 Then, the test control device 405 ends the diagnosis processing.　 When notified that the intensity is normal, the power receiver side controller 231 stores in the storage unit 232 that the intensity is normal, as well as the diagnosis date and time.　 The power receiver side controller 231 stores settings at the time of transmission (information at the time of transmission such as a current value and a voltage value when generating an electric signal) in the storage unit.　 Thereafter, when wirelessly transmitting, the power receiver side controller 231 refers to the information at the time of transmission and generates an electric signal to be supplied to the power receiver side communication coil 170.　 For example, the power receiver side controller 231 sets the gain of the power receiver side amplifier 242, and the like so that the current value of the electric signal supplied to the power receiver side communication coil 170 is within a predetermined range based on the current value contained in the stored information at the time of transmission, and the voltage value of the electric signal supplied is within a predetermined range based on the voltage value contained in the stored information at the time of transmission.

[0073] On the other hand, when the determination result in step S103 is negative, the diagnostic unit 407 notifies that the intensity value Intd has fallen below the lower limit value (Imin) of the expected intensity range and therefore the intensity is abnormal (step S106).　 Specifically, the test control device 405 notifies the power receiver side controller 231 that the intensity value Intd has fallen below the lower limit value (Imax) of the expected intensity range and therefore the intensity is abnormal.　 The display unit of the test control device 405 may display a message to that effect.　 The test control device 405 may notify an external device (such as a server) via a communication network or the like.

[0074] When the intensity value Intd has fallen below the lower limit value (Imin) of the expected intensity range, the test control device 405 performs adjustment processing of increasing the gain of the power receiver side amplifier 242 (step S107).　 In the adjustment processing in step S107, the test control device 405 may instruct the power receiver side controller 231 to increase the gain by a predetermined value.　 For example, the test control device 405 may instruct the power receiver side controller 231 to increase the gain by a value corresponding to the difference between the intensity value Intd and the lower limit value (Imin).　 In other words, the larger the difference is, the more the gain increase may be instructed.　 At this time, the test control device 405 may instruct the amount of gain increase or may instruct a target gain.　 Then, the test control device 405 ends the diagnosis processing.

[0075] When the target gain is specified by the adjustment processing, the power receiver side controller 231 calculates a target output voltage Vtgt of the power source 243 of the power receiver side amplifier 242 to bring the current gain closer to the target gain, and operates the power source 243 so that a power supply voltage V1 of the power source 243 becomes the target output voltage Vtgt.　 When an increased gain is specified by the adjustment processing, the power receiver side controller 231 calculates the target output voltage Vtgt of the power source 243 of the power receiver side amplifier 242 to increase the current gain by the amount of the increased gain, and operates the power source 243 so that the power supply voltage V1 of the power source 243 becomes the target output voltage Vtgt.　 The power supply voltage V1 is detected by a voltage sensor 244.

[0076] On the other hand, when the determination result in step S104 is negative, the diagnostic unit 407 notifies that the intensity value Intd has fallen below the upper limit value (Imax) of the expected intensity range and therefore the intensity is abnormal (step S108).　 Specifically, the test control device 405 notifies the power receiver side controller 231 that the intensity value Intd has exceeded the upper limit value (Imax) of the expected intensity range and therefore the intensity is abnormal.　 The display unit of the test control device 405 may display a message to that effect.　 The test control device 405 may notify an external device (such as a server) via a communication network or the like.

[0077] When the intensity is abnormal because the intensity value Intd has fallen below the upper limit value (Imax) of the expected intensity range, the test control device 405 performs the adjustment processing of reducing the gain of the power receiver side amplifier 242 (step S109).　 In the adjustment processing of step S109, the test control device 405 may instruct the power receiver side controller 231 to reduce the gain by a predetermined value.　 For example, the test control device 405 may instruct the power receiver side controller 231 to reduce the gain by a value corresponding to the difference between the intensity value Intd and the upper limit value (Imax).　 In other words, the larger the difference is, the more the gain reduction may be instructed.　 At this time, the test control device 405 may instruct the amount of gain reduction or may instruct the target gain.　 Then, the test control device 405 ends the diagnosis processing.

[0078] When the target gain is specified by the adjustment processing, the power receiver side controller 231 calculates a target output voltage Vtgt of the power source 243 of the power receiver side amplifier 242 to bring the current gain closer to the target gain, and operates the power source 243 so that a power supply voltage V1 of the power source 243 becomes the target output voltage Vtgt.　 When a reduced gain is specified by the adjustment processing, the power receiver side controller 231 calculates the target output voltage Vtgt of the power source 243 of the power receiver side amplifier 242 to reduce the current gain by the amount of the reduced gain, and operates the power source 243 so that the power supply voltage V1 of the power source 243 becomes the target output voltage Vtgt.

[0079] When it is notified that the intensity is abnormal, adjustments to the power receiver side controller 231 (for example, adjusting the gain in the power receiver side amplifier 242) may be made, and then the diagnosis processing may be repeated until it is determined that the intensity is normal.

[0080] The advantages of the above embodiments will be described.

[0081] The test control device 405 has a function of instructing the power receiver side control unit 230 to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the power receiver side communication coil 170 when the vehicle 11 is parked in the specific region R10, and a function of acquiring the electric signals received by the test communication coils 401 to 404 and diagnosing the transmission function of the power receiver device 100 based on the acquired electric signals.　 Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the intensity of the electric signal transmitted from the power receiver side communication coil 170 to the test communication coils 401 to 404 is within an expected intensity range, and to diagnose whether the transmission function of the power receiver device 100 is normal.　 Therefore, it is possible to diagnose whether the electric signal is transmitted and received at an appropriate intensity (radio wave intensity or electric field intensity or received power).

[0082] When generating a diagnostic electric signal, the power supply request signal COMM is included in the test transmission data.　 Therefore, it is possible to diagnose whether the power supply request signal COMM is transmitted and received at an appropriate intensity.

[0083] When the intensity (intensity value Intd) of the electric signal received by the test communication coils 401 to 404 has fallen below the lower limit value (Imin) of the expected intensity range, the test control device 405 performs the adjustment processing of increasing the gain of the power receiver side amplifier 242, and when the intensity has exceeded the upper limit value (Imax), performs the adjustment processing of reducing the gain.　 Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the intensity of the electric signals to be transmitted and received.

[0084] When the intensity (intensity value Intd) of the test electric signal received by the test communication coils 401 to 404 is outside the expected intensity range, it is determined that the intensity is abnormal and a notification is sent to various locations.　 Therefore, it is possible for an operator of the inspection to easily determine whether there is an abnormality in the power receiver device 100.

[0085] <Modification Example> In the above embodiments, when a diagnostic electric signal is generated, the power supply request signal COMM is included in the test transmission data, but the power supply request signal COMM is not limited to the power supply request signal COMM and may be changed to any signal.　 For example, a power supply stop signal STOP-COMM may be included.

[0086] In the above embodiments, the method of calculating the intensity of the electric signal may be changed as desired.　 The intensity of the electric signal may be, for example, radio wave intensity (V / m), magnetic field intensity (A / m), electric field intensity (V / m), or received power (dBm).

[0087] In the above embodiment, the expected intensity range may be different for each type of diagnostic electric signal.　 For example, the expected intensity range may be different between when the test transmission data includes the power supply request signal COMM and when the test transmission data includes the power supply stop signal STOP-COMM.　 Therefore, it is possible to transmit and receive a diagnostic electric signal at an appropriate intensity for each type.

[0088] In the above embodiment, when the intensity is outside the expected intensity range and is determined to be abnormal, the test control device 405 may perform the processing of instructing the power receiver side controller 231 to prevent power transmission instead of steps S106 and S109 or in addition to steps S106 and S109.　 Then, when the power transmission prevention is instructed, the power receiver side controller 231 may prevent the transmission of the power supply request signal COMM until the prevention of power transmission is lifted.

[0089] In the above embodiment, when the intensity is outside the expected intensity range and is determined to be abnormal, the test control device 405 performs the adjustment processing of adjusting the gain, but the adjustment may not be necessary.　 It is also possible to simply notify the abnormality.

[0090] In the above embodiment, when the intensity is outside the expected intensity range and is determined to be abnormal, the test control device 405 performs the adjustment processing, but the power receiver side controller 231 may perform the adjustment processing.　 At this time, the test control device 405 may notify the power receiver side controller 231 of the difference between the intensity value Intd and the upper limit value (Imax) or the lower limit value (Imin).　 The power receiver side controller 231 may adjust the gain according to the difference.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the test control device 405 performs the adjustment processing, but the operator may control the test control device 405 or the power receiver side controller 231 to perform the adjustment processing.　 In this case, if necessary, the difference between the intensity value Intd and the upper limit value (Imax) may be displayed on the display unit of the test control device 405.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the test control device 405 determines whether the intensity is abnormal based on the intensity of the electric signal, but it is also possible to simply calculate and display the intensity of the electric signal.　 Then, the operator may determine whether there is an abnormality based on the intensity.

[0093] In the above embodiments, the size and shape of the specific region R10 may be changed arbitrarily.

[0094] In the above embodiment, diagnosis is performed by transmitting and receiving electric signals when the vehicle 11 is parked in the specific region R10, but the vehicle 11 does not need to be parked as long as the vehicle 11 is in the specific region R10.　 For example, diagnosis may be performed by transmitting and receiving electric signals while the vehicle 11 is driving (passing) through the specific region R10.

[0095] In the above embodiments, the disposition and number of the test communication coils 401 to 404 may be changed arbitrarily.

[0096] In the above embodiments, a test communication coil may be located in the center of the specific region R10 to face the vehicle 11 in the vertical direction.　 At this time, in order to dispose the test communication coil between the bottom of the vehicle 11 and the ground, it is necessary to form the test communication coil to have a thin thickness in the vertical direction.

[0097] In the above embodiments, the test communication coils 401 to 404 are used, but the actual power transmitter device 20 may be used.　 That is, the power transmitter side communication coil 40 of the power transmitter device 20 may receive an electric signal, and the test control device 405 may acquire the electric signal from the power transmitter device 20 and determine whether there is an abnormality based on the electric signal.　 In this case, the power transmitter side controller 71 may include at least one of the instruction unit 406 and the diagnostic unit 407.　 When using the power transmitter device 20, it is desirable to use the power transmitter device 20 of which reception function has been diagnosed as normal.　 In other words, it is desirable to use the power transmitter device 20 in which the gain of the power transmitter side amplifier 81 is adjusted to an appropriate value.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the test control device 405 may include the receiver 80.

[0099] The method of wireless power transfer by the power transmitter antenna and the power receiver antenna of the above embodiment is not limited to the magnetic field resonance method, and may be an electric field coupling method.　 In this case, a power transmitter antenna and a power receiver antenna that are different in form from coils and that use an electric field coupling method may be used.

[0100] In the above embodiments, the wireless power transfer system may have a second function of supplying power in a wireless manner from a vehicle-side device to a device on the ground side, in addition to a first function of supplying power in a wireless manner from a device on the ground side to a vehicle-side device.　 In this case, the power receiver device 100 on the vehicle side has a power transmitter function in addition to a power receiver function.　 The power transmitter device 20 on the ground side has a power receiver function in addition to a power transmitter function.　 The second function will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0101] The power receiver side controller 231 applies a high-frequency AC voltage to the power receiver coil 102 by controlling the switching of the rectifier circuit 200.　 Therefore, a high-frequency current flows through the power receiver coil 102, and a magnetic field for power transmission is generated in the power receiver coil 102.

[0102] When the magnetic field generated in the power receiver coil 102 interlinks with the power transmitter coil 22, a high-frequency current that fluctuates with the frequency of the high-frequency current flowing through the power receiver coil 102 flows through the power transmitter coil 22.　 The high-frequency current flowing through the power transmitter coil 22 is supplied to the AC power source 15 via the power transmitter side resonant circuit 30, the filter circuit 52, the inverter 60, and the PFC circuit 61.　 In this case, the power transmitter side controller 71 controls the switching of the inverter 60 and the PFC circuit 61.

[0103] In the wireless power transfer system having the second function, for example, the power transmitter device 20 may include a transmitter that supplies a power supply request signal to the power transmitter side communication coil 40.　 The power receiver device 100 may include a receiver that receives the power supply request signal received by the power receiver side communication coil 170 and inputs the signal to the power receiver side controller 231.

[0104] The wireless power transfer system may have a function of supplying power in a wireless manner from a vehicle-side device to a device on the ground side, instead of the function of supplying power in a wireless manner from a device on the ground side to a vehicle-side device.

[0105] In each of the above embodiments, the ground-side device may include the transmitter 240 and a function for transmitting information, and the vehicle-side device may include the receiver 80 and a function for receiving information.

[0106] In the above embodiments, the power receiver side communication coil 170 and the power transmitter side communication coil 40 are used as wireless antennas, but the shape of the wireless antennas may be changed arbitrarily.　 For example, a dipole antenna or a monopole antenna may be used.

[0107] In each of the above embodiments, the vehicle on which the power receiver device 100 is mounted is not limited to a vehicle that drives on the road RS, and may be, for example, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or a driving robot.　 In this case, the power transmitter side coil unit 21 does not need to be buried in the road RS, but may be installed on a sidewalk adjacent to the road RS, in a parking lot, or on a route along which the AGV drives.

[0108] The control units and methods thereof described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer including a processor programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program and a memory.　 Alternatively, the control units and the methods thereof described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer including a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits.　 Alternatively, the control unit and the method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers including a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or multiple functions and a processor including one or more hardware logic circuits.　 The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible storage medium, as an instruction executed by a computer.

[0109] The present disclosure has been described with reference to the examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to the examples or the structures.　 The present disclosure includes various modification examples and modifications within the equivalent scope.　 Although various combinations and configurations are set forth in the present disclosure, other combinations and configurations, including only one element, more, or less, are also intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0110] The technical ideas that can be derived from the above embodiments and modification examples are described below. (Configuration 1) A wireless power transfer system (10) is configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna to a power receiver antenna.　 The wireless power transfer system includes: a power transmitter device (20) including a power transmitter antenna (22); and a power receiver device (100) including a power receiver antenna (102).　 One of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle (11) as a vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device.　 The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side communication antenna (170) configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter (240) configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller (231) configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal.　 The wireless power transfer system further includes: a test communication antenna (401 to 404) provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region and configured to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna; and a test control device (405) configured to input an electric signal from the test communication antenna.　 The test control device is configured to instruct the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region, acquire, after the instructing, an electric signal received by the test communication antenna when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and diagnose a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal. (Configuration 2) The wireless power transfer system according to configuration 1, in which the ground-side device is the power transmitter device, and the vehicle-side device is the power receiver device.　 The electric signal is a signal to request power supply between the power receiver device and the power transmitter device or a signal to request stop of power supply between the power receiver device and the power transmitter device. (Configuration 3) The wireless power transfer system according to configuration 1 or 2, in which the vehicle-side controller includes a generator circuit (241) configured to generate the electric signal and an amplifier (242) configured to amplify the electric signal generated by the generator circuit and supply the amplified electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna.　 The test control device is configured to acquire an intensity of the electric signal received by the test communication antenna, and when the acquired intensity is outside an expected intensity range, perform adjustment processing to adjust a gain of the amplifier or cause the vehicle-side controller to perform the adjustment processing. (Configuration 4) The wireless power transfer system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, in which the test control device is configured to acquire an intensity of the electric signal received by the test communication antenna, and when the acquired intensity is outside an expected intensity range, determine that an abnormality occurs in a transmission function of the vehicle-side device. (Configuration 5) The wireless power transfer system according to configuration 4, in which the ground-side device is the power transmitter device, the vehicle-side device is the power receiver device, the electric signal is a signal to request power supply between the power receiver device and the power transmitter device.　 When determining that an abnormality occurs in the transmission function of the vehicle-side device, the test control device is configured to instruct the vehicle-side controller to prevent transmission of at least a power supply request signal that is to request power supply. (Configuration 6) The wireless power transfer system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, in which the specific region is a rectangular region, in which a dimension of the region in a longitudinal direction is equal to or longer than an overall length of the vehicle to be inspected, and a dimension of the region in a transverse direction is equal to or longer than an overall width of the vehicle to be inspected, and the test communication antenna is located on a diagonal of the specific region at a predetermined distance from a corner of the specific region. (Configuration 7) The wireless power transfer system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, in which the specific region is a rectangular region, in which a dimension of the region in a longitudinal direction is equal to or longer than an overall length of the vehicle to be inspected, and a dimension of the region in a transverse direction is equal to or longer than an overall width of the vehicle to be inspected, and the test communication antenna is located below the vehicle to be inspected when the vehicle is parked in the specific region. (Configuration 8) The wireless power transfer system according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, in which, when the test control device diagnoses the vehicle-side controller to be normal, the vehicle-side device is configured to store transmission control information related to a current value and a voltage value when the diagnostic electric signal is generated based on the instruction of the test control device, and thereafter, the transmitter is configured to generate the electric signal during transmission based on the current value and the voltage value specified by the stored transmission control information. (Configuration 9) A diagnostic program is to be executed by a test control device.　 The test control device is configured to diagnose a vehicle-side device of a wireless power transfer system (10).　 The wireless power transfer system is configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna (22) to a power receiver antenna (102).　 The wireless power transfer system includes a power transmitter device (20) including the power transmitter antenna and a power receiver device (100) including the power receiver antenna.　 One of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle (11) as the vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device.　 The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side communication antenna (170) configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter (240) configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller (231) configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal.　 A test communication antenna (401 to 404) is provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna.　 The diagnostic program is configured to cause the test control device to execute processing including: an instruction process to instruct the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region; an acquisition process after the instruction process to acquire an electric signal received by the test communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna; and a diagnosis process to diagnose a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the electric signal acquired in the acquisition process. (Configuration 10) A diagnostic method is for diagnosing a vehicle-side device of a wireless power transfer system (10).　 The wireless power transfer system is configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna to a power receiver antenna.　 The wireless power transfer system includes a power transmitter device (20) including the power transmitter antenna (22) and a power receiver device (100) including the power receiver antenna (102).　 One of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle (11) as the vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device.　 The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side communication antenna (170) configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter (240) configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller (231) configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal.　 A test communication antenna (401 to 404) is provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna.　 The diagnostic method includes: instructing, in an instruction process, the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region; acquiring, in an acquisition process after the instruction process, an electric signal received by the test communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna; and diagnosing, in a diagnosis process, a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal in the acquisition process. (Configuration 11) A diagnostic method is for diagnosing a vehicle-side device of a wireless power transfer system (10).　 The wireless power transfer system is configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna (22) to a power receiver antenna (102).　 The wireless power transfer system includes a power transmitter device (20) including the power transmitter antenna and a power receiver device (100) including the power receiver antenna. 　One of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle (11) as the vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device. 　The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side communication antenna (170) configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter (240) configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller (231) configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal.　 The ground-side device includes a ground-side communication antenna (40) configured to receive an electric signal and a receiver (80) configured to input the electric signal received by the ground-side communication antenna.　 The diagnostic method includes: instructing, in an instruction process, the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal when the vehicle is present in a reception range of the receiver; acquiring, in an acquisition process after the instruction process, an electric signal received by the ground-side communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna; and diagnosing, in a diagnosis process, a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal in the acquisition process. (Configuration 12) A diagnostic device is configured to diagnose a function of a wireless power transfer system (10).　 The wireless power transfer system is configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna (22) to a power receiver antenna (102).　 The wireless power transfer system includes a power transmitter device (20) including the power transmitter antenna and a power receiver device (100) including the power receiver antenna.　 One of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle (11) as a vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device.　 The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side communication antenna (170) configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter (240) configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller (231) configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal.　 The diagnosis device includes: a test communication antenna (401 to 404) provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region and configured to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna; and a test control device (405) configured to input an electric signal from the test communication antenna.　 The test control device is configured to instruct the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region, acquire, after the instructing, an electric signal received by the test communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and diagnose a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal.

Claims

1. A wireless power transfer system (10) configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna to a power receiver antenna, the wireless power transfer system comprising: 　　　　　　 a power transmitter device (20) including a power transmitter antenna (22); and 　　　　　　 a power receiver device (100) including a power receiver antenna (102), wherein 　　　　　　 one of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device is mounted on a vehicle (11) as a vehicle-side device, and another is provided on a ground as a ground-side device, 　　　　　　 the vehicle-side device includes 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 a vehicle-side communication antenna (170) configured to transmit an electric signal, 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 a transmitter (240) configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 a vehicle-side controller (231) configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal, 　　　　　　 the wireless power transfer system further comprising: 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 a test communication antenna (401 to 404) provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region and configured to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna; and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 a test control device (405) configured to input an electric signal from the test communication antenna, wherein 　　　　　　 the test control device is configured to 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 instruct the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region, 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 acquire, after the instructing, an electric signal received by the test communication antenna when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 diagnose a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal.

2. The wireless power transfer system according to claim 1, wherein 　　　　　　 the ground-side device is the power transmitter device, 　　　　　　 the vehicle-side device is the power receiver device, and 　　　　　　 the electric signal is a signal to request power supply between the power receiver device and the power transmitter device or a signal to request stop of power supply between the power receiver device and the power transmitter device.

3. The wireless power transfer system according to claim 1, wherein 　　　　　　 the vehicle-side controller includes 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 a generator circuit (241) configured to generate the electric signal, and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 an amplifier (242) configured to amplify the electric signal generated by the generator circuit and supply the amplified electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and 　　　　　　 the test control device is configured to 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 acquire an intensity of the electric signal received by the test communication antenna, and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 when the acquired intensity is outside an expected intensity range, perform adjustment processing to adjust a gain of the amplifier or cause the vehicle-side controller to perform the adjustment processing.

4. The wireless power transfer system according to claim 1, wherein 　　　　　　 the test control device is configured to 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 acquire an intensity of the electric signal received by the test communication antenna, and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 when the acquired intensity is outside an expected intensity range, determine that an abnormality occurs in a transmission function of the vehicle-side device.

5. The wireless power transfer system according to claim 4, wherein 　　　　　　 the ground-side device is the power transmitter device, 　　　　　　 the vehicle-side device is the power receiver device, 　　　　　　 the electric signal is a signal to request power supply between the power receiver device and the power transmitter device, and 　　　　　　 when determining that an abnormality occurs in the transmission function of the vehicle-side device, the test control device is configured to instruct the vehicle-side controller to prevent transmission of at least a power supply request signal that is to request power supply.

6. The wireless power transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein 　　　　　　 the specific region is a rectangular region, in which a dimension of the region in a longitudinal direction is equal to or longer than an overall length of the vehicle to be inspected, and a dimension of the region in a transverse direction is equal to or longer than an overall width of the vehicle to be inspected, and 　　　　　　 the test communication antenna is located on a diagonal of the specific region at a predetermined distance from a corner of the specific region.

7. The wireless power transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein 　　　　　　 the specific region is a rectangular region, in which a dimension of the region in a longitudinal direction is equal to or longer than an overall length of the vehicle to be inspected, and a dimension of the region in a transverse direction is equal to or longer than an overall width of the vehicle to be inspected, and 　　　　　　 the test communication antenna is located below the vehicle to be inspected when the vehicle is parked in the specific region.

8. The wireless power transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein 　　　　　　 when the test control device diagnoses the vehicle-side controller to be normal, the vehicle-side device is configured to store transmission control information related to a current value and a voltage value when the diagnostic electric signal is generated based on the instruction of the test control device, and 　　　　　　 thereafter, the transmitter is configured to generate the electric signal during transmission based on the current value and the voltage value specified by the stored transmission control information.

9. A diagnostic program to be executed by a test control device, the test control device configured to diagnose a vehicle-side device of a wireless power transfer system (10), the wireless power transfer system configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna (22) to a power receiver antenna (102), the wireless power transfer system including a power transmitter device (20) including the power transmitter antenna and a power receiver device (100) including the power receiver antenna, one of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device mounted on a vehicle (11) as the vehicle-side device, and another provided on a ground as a ground-side device, the vehicle-side device including a vehicle-side communication antenna (170) configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter (240) configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller (231) configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal, a test communication antenna (401 to 404) provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna, 　　　　　　 the diagnostic program configured to cause the test control device to execute processing comprising: 　　　　　　 　　　　　　 an instruction process to instruct the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region; 　　　　　　 　　　　　　 an acquisition process after the instruction process to acquire an electric signal received by the test communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna; and 　　　　　　 　　　　　　 a diagnosis process to diagnose a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the electric signal acquired in the acquisition process.

10. A diagnostic method for diagnosing a vehicle-side device of a wireless power transfer system (10), the wireless power transfer system configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna to a power receiver antenna, the wireless power transfer system including a power transmitter device (20) including the power transmitter antenna (22) and a power receiver device (100) including the power receiver antenna (102), one of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device mounted on a vehicle (11) as the vehicle-side device, and another provided on a ground as a ground-side device, the vehicle-side device including a vehicle-side communication antenna (170) configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter (240) configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller (231) configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal, a test communication antenna (401 to 404) provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna, 　　　　　　 the diagnostic method comprising: 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 instructing, in an instruction process, the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region; 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 acquiring, in an acquisition process after the instruction process, an electric signal received by the test communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna; and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 diagnosing, in a diagnosis process, a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal in the acquisition process.

11. A diagnostic method for diagnosing a vehicle-side device of a wireless power transfer system (10), the wireless power transfer system configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna (22) to a power receiver antenna (102), the wireless power transfer system including a power transmitter device (20) including the power transmitter antenna and a power receiver device (100) including the power receiver antenna, one of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device mounted on a vehicle (11) as the vehicle-side device, and another provided on a ground as a ground-side device, the vehicle-side device including a vehicle-side communication antenna (170) configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter (240) configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller (231) configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal, the ground-side device including a ground-side communication antenna (40) configured to receive an electric signal and a receiver (80) configured to input the electric signal received by the ground-side communication antenna, 　　　　　　 the diagnostic method comprising: 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 instructing, in an instruction process, the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal when the vehicle is present in a reception range of the receiver; 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 acquiring, in an acquisition process after the instruction process, an electric signal received by the ground-side communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna; and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 diagnosing, in a diagnosis process, a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal in the acquisition process.

12. A diagnostic device configured to diagnose a function of a wireless power transfer system (10), the wireless power transfer system configured to supply power in a wireless manner from a power transmitter antenna (22) to a power receiver antenna (102), the wireless power transfer system including a power transmitter device (20) including the power transmitter antenna and a power receiver device (100) including the power receiver antenna, one of the power receiver device and the power transmitter device mounted on a vehicle (11) as a vehicle-side device, and another provided on a ground as a ground-side device, the vehicle-side device including a vehicle-side communication antenna (170) configured to transmit an electric signal, a transmitter (240) configured to generate the electric signal and supply the generated signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and a vehicle-side controller (231) configured to instruct the transmitter to generate the electric signal, 　　　　　　 the diagnosis device comprising: 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 a test communication antenna (401 to 404) provided in a specific region (R10) of an inspection location of the vehicle or near the specific region and configured to receive an electric signal from the vehicle-side communication antenna; and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 a test control device (405) configured to input an electric signal from the test communication antenna, wherein 　　　　　　 the test control device is configured to 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 instruct the vehicle-side controller to supply a diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna when the vehicle is present in the specific region, 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 acquire, after the instructing, an electric signal received by the test communication antenna, when the vehicle-side controller controls the transmitter to supply the diagnostic electric signal to the vehicle-side communication antenna, and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　 diagnose a transmission function of the vehicle-side device based on the acquired electric signal.

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