JP2013219845A - Feeding apparatus, charging apparatus, feeding method and feeding program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a feeding apparatus, a charging apparatus, a feeding method and a feeding program that can reduce the number of channels used for wireless communication in the event of contactless power charging.SOLUTION: The feeding apparatus that wirelessly communicates with the charging apparatus includes: a feeding section for transmitting a power signal to the charging apparatus in a contactless manner; a communication section for contactless power communication for superimposing on the power signal a first modulation signal modulated by a first information signal to be transmitted to the charging apparatus to transmit a first superimposition signal, receiving a second superimposition signal transmitted from the charging apparatus in which a second modulation signal modulated by a second information signal is superimposed on the power signal, separating the second modulation signal from the second superimposition signal, and demodulating the second information signal from the second modulation signal; and a control section for controlling communication between the feeding apparatus and the charging apparatus only through contactless power communication when the feeding apparatus starts feeding the charging apparatus.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power feeding device and a charging device that perform non-contact power charging, a power feeding method, and a power feeding program.

  In recent years, non-contact power feeding using electromagnetic induction is known as one of charging methods for vehicles such as electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV). Wireless communication is considered to exchange information necessary for charging the vehicle from the charging station. However, if wireless communication is performed all at once in a charging station with a large number of vehicles accommodated, interference occurs due to the use of the same channel within the transmission range of radio waves, which hinders wireless communication. That is, since the number of channels is insufficient in the charge station and interference occurs between channels, radio communication is hindered.

  Therefore, a charging monitoring device is disclosed that uses a power line connecting the external power supply facility and the vehicle for charging the battery as a signal transmission path, transfers information from the vehicle side to the external power supply facility side, and does not use wireless communication. ing.

Also disclosed are a system for selecting a charging station using wireless communication, and a system using a wireless local area network or a power line communication network.
In addition, a technique is disclosed in which signals are transmitted and received between a communication unit of a bidirectional power feeding device and a communication circuit of an electric vehicle via a dedicated communication line incorporated in a charging cable. According to the technology, it is disclosed that a signal may be superimposed by power line carrier communication via a power line, or a signal may be exchanged by short-range wireless communication.

  Further, a vehicle charging device and a vehicle charging system that transmit advertisement data to a vehicle by wireless communication or power line carrier communication are disclosed.

JP 2010-14001 A JP 2011-010536 A Special table 2011-509648 gazette JP 2011-130647 A JP 2010-114988 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a power feeding device and a charging device, a power feeding method, and a power feeding program capable of reducing the number of channels used in wireless communication when performing non-contact power charging. With the goal.

  A power feeding device that communicates with a charging device using radio, which is one aspect of the present embodiment, includes a power feeding unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The power feeding unit transmits a power signal to the charging device in a contactless manner. The communication unit performs contactless power communication in which a first modulation signal modulated by a first information signal transmitted from the power supply apparatus to the charging apparatus is superimposed on the power signal and transmitted as a first superimposed signal. . The communication unit receives a second superimposed signal in which a second modulation signal modulated by a second information signal transmitted from the charging device to the power feeding device is superimposed on the power signal, and The second modulation signal is separated from the superimposition signal, and non-contact power communication is performed to demodulate the second information signal from the second modulation signal. When the power supply device starts to supply power to the charging device, the control unit performs control to perform communication between the power supply device and the charging device using only the non-contact power communication.

  A charging device that communicates with a power feeding device using radio, which is another aspect of the present embodiment, includes a charging unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The charging unit receives a power signal in a non-contact manner from the power feeding device, and charges the battery unit with the received power. The communication unit performs contactless power communication in which a second modulation signal modulated by a second information signal transmitted from the charging device to the power supply device is superimposed on the power signal and transmitted as a second superimposed signal. . The communication unit receives the first superimposed signal in which the first modulated signal modulated by the first information signal transmitted from the power feeding device to the charging device is superimposed on the power signal, and Non-contact power communication is performed in which a first modulated signal is separated from one superimposed signal and the first information signal is demodulated from the first information signal. When the power supply device starts to supply power to the charging device, the control unit performs control to perform communication between the power supply device and the charging device using only the non-contact power communication.

  According to the embodiment, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the number of channels used in wireless communication when performing non-contact power charging.

It is a figure which shows one Example of a charge station. It is a figure which shows the relationship between an electric power feeder and a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a some electric power feeder and a server. It is a figure which shows one Example of an electric power feeder. It is a figure which shows one Example of a charging device. It is a figure which shows one Example of the hardware of each control apparatus and server of an electric power feeder and a charging device. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of operation | movement of an electric power feeder. It is a figure which shows one Example of the data structure of electric power feeding apparatus information and electric power feeding apparatus specific information. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of operation | movement of a charging device.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail based on the drawings.
In the present embodiment, among the communications performed between the charging device mounted on the vehicle and the power feeding device outside the vehicle, the wireless communication is not used during the period from the start to the end of the contactless charging, and the contactless power communication described later is performed. Communication between the charging device and the power feeding device. As a result, since the time for wireless communication performed between the charging device and the power supply device is reduced, the number of channels used in wireless communication can be reduced. For example, it is possible to reduce interference between channels caused by a shortage of channels in the charge station, so that it is difficult for wireless communication to be hindered. In addition, since the number of channels can be increased, the risk that the communication capacity becomes tight can be reduced.

Embodiments will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a charge station. The charge station 1 shown in FIG. 1 has parking areas 2a to 2n for parking a vehicle, and power supply devices 7a to 7n described later are arranged in the parking areas 2a to 2n, respectively. The power supply devices 7a to 7n include power supply control units 3a to 3n that perform control related to power transmission when power is supplied to the vehicle 5, and power supply units 4a to 4n for transmitting electric power to the vehicle side.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the power feeding device and the vehicle. The power feeding device 7 in FIG. 2 includes a power feeding control unit 3 and a power feeding unit 4. The power supply control unit 3 performs control of wireless communication that performs communication with the vehicle 5 and communication that performs wireless communication or wired communication with a server and the like, and control for transmitting power supplied from a commercial power source to the vehicle 5. Furthermore, the power supply control unit 3 performs control related to calculation of a charging fee, calculation of a parking fee, payment of various fees, and the like.

The power feeding unit 4 is used when power is transmitted to the vehicle 5. For power transmission, for example, a resonance method may be used.
2, the power supply control unit 3 and the power supply unit 4 are connected by a power line POW and a signal line SIG.

  The vehicle 5 in FIG. 2 includes a charging device 6. The charging device 6 receives the electric power transmitted from the power feeding unit 4 and charges a battery unit 506 (described later) provided in the charging device 6. The battery unit 506 is a rechargeable secondary battery, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery, a nickel metal hydride secondary battery, or the like. However, it is not limited to a lithium ion secondary battery or a nickel metal hydride secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery.

In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a coil for transmitting power is provided in the power feeding unit 4 and a coil for receiving power is provided in the charging device 6.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a plurality of power supply apparatuses and a server. Each of the plurality of power supply apparatuses 7 a to 7 n illustrated in FIG. 3 communicates with the server 8 via the network 9. For example, the server 8 communicates with the power supply apparatuses 7a to 7n to execute processing related to calculation of charging charges, calculation of parking charges, payment of various charges, and the like, and transmits processing results to the power supply apparatuses 7a to 7n.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the power feeding device 7. The power feeding device 7 includes a control device 401, a power feeding unit 4 (power conversion unit 403, matching unit 404, first coil 405), a communication unit (coupling unit 406, communication control unit 407, encoder 408, signal generation unit 409, drive) 410, an oscillation unit 411, a filter unit 412, and a decoder 413). The control device 401 corresponds to the power supply control unit 3.

The power feeding unit 4 feeds AC power to the charging device 6 mounted on the vehicle 5 in a contactless manner.
The communication unit superimposes the first modulated signal modulated by the first information signal transmitted from the power feeding device 7 to the charging device 6 on the power line that transmits AC power to the charging device 6 as a first superimposed signal. Performs contactless power transmission. In addition, the communication unit generates the second modulation signal generated by superimposing the second modulation signal obtained by modulating the second information signal on the power line transmitted using the AC power transmitted from the power supply device 7 to the charging device 6. Non-contact power communication is performed in which the second superimposed signal is received, the second modulated signal is separated from the second superimposed signal, and the second information signal is demodulated from the second modulated signal.

  When the power supply device 7 starts to supply power to the charging device 6, the control unit (the control device 401 or the communication control unit 407) performs communication between the power supply device 7 and the charging device 6 using only contactless power communication. do. The control device 401 (power supply control unit) is connected to the power conversion unit 403, the matching unit 404, and the communication control unit 407, and controls each connected unit. It also has a function of performing wireless communication.

  The power conversion unit 403 converts the power supplied from the commercial power source 402 into alternating current at a determined cycle and at a determined power level, and supplies the first coil 405 with power. It is conceivable that the control such as the AC conversion is performed by the control device 401.

In this example, the matching unit 404 is used to improve the power factor and is controlled by the control device 401.
The first coil 405 is used for supplying electric power to the charging device 6 mounted on the vehicle 5. In this example, the first coil 405 transmits power to a second coil 502 described later of the charging device 6. The first coil 405 and the second coil 502 are used for non-contact power communication.

  The coupling unit 406 is used to superimpose the first modulation signal used in non-contact power communication on the AC power (power signal) output from the power conversion unit 403 during charging. In addition, when a second superimposed signal (described later) used in contactless power communication transmitted from the charging device 6 of the vehicle 5 is received, the coupling unit 406 outputs the received second superimposed signal only to the filter unit 412. .

The communication control unit 407 controls contactless power communication.
When the encoder 408 receives data necessary for charging from the control device 401 via the communication control unit 407, the encoder 408 converts the data into digital data (referred to as a first information signal) in a format used for contactless power communication. Output. In this example, “1” of the digital data represents a high level, and “0” represents a low level.

  The signal generation unit 409 modulates the sine wave output from the oscillation unit 411 with digital data output from the encoder 408, and generates a first modulation signal to be superimposed on the power line being charged.

  For example, when the digital data is at the high level “1”, a sine wave signal having a frequency corresponding to the high level “1” is output for a predetermined period. When the digital data is at the low level “0”, a sine wave signal having a frequency different from the high level “1” corresponding to the low level “0” is output for a predetermined period.

The driving unit 410 amplifies the first modulation signal generated by the signal generation unit 409 and supplies the amplified first modulation signal to the coupling unit 406. The drive unit 410 may be an amplifier, for example.
The oscillating unit 411 generates sine wave signals having different frequencies corresponding to the high level “1” and the low level “0” used when generating the first modulation signal.

  The filter unit 412 receives the second modulation signal from the second superimposed signal on which the second modulation signal used in the non-contact power communication transmitted from the charging device 6 of the vehicle 5 received via the coupling unit 406 is superimposed. It is a filter for separating signals. For example, a band pass filter can be considered.

  The decoder 413 generates digital data (second information signal) by decoding using the signal output from the filter unit 412, and converts the decoded digital data into a data format used by the control device 401. The data is output to the communication control unit 407. Then, the communication control unit 407 transmits data to the control device 401.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the charging device. The charging device 6 in FIG. 5 includes a control device 501, a charging unit, and a communication unit. The charging unit includes a power reception unit (second coil 502), a matching unit 503, and an AC-DC conversion unit 504.

The power receiving unit receives the AC power fed from the power feeding device 7 in a non-contact manner.
The charging unit charges the battery unit 506 with the received power.
The communication unit includes a coupling unit 507, a driving unit 508, a signal generation unit 509, an encoder 510, an oscillation unit 511, a communication control unit 512, a filter unit 513, and a decoder 514, and performs non-contact power communication. The communication unit transmits the second modulated signal modulated by the second information signal transmitted from the charging device 6 to the power feeding device 7 as a second superimposed signal by superimposing the second modulated signal on the power line that receives AC power. Conduct power communication. In addition, a first superimposition in which a first modulation signal modulated by a first information signal transmitted from the power feeding device 7 to the charging device 6 is superimposed on a power line that transmits AC power from the power feeding device 7 to the charging device 6. The communication unit receives the signal, separates the first modulated signal from the first superimposed signal, and performs non-contact power communication in which the first information signal is demodulated from the first information signal.

  When the power supply device 7 starts to supply power to the charging device 6, the control unit (the control device 501 or the communication control unit 512) performs communication between the power supply device 7 and the charging device 6 using only contactless power communication. do.

  The control device 501 is connected to the AC-DC conversion unit 504 and the communication control unit 512 and controls the connected communication control unit 512. In addition, the control device 501 acquires measurement data from each unit. In addition, the control device 501 has a function of performing wireless communication.

The second coil 502 receives AC power (power signal) transmitted from the power supply device 7 via the first coil 405, and the received power is supplied to the matching unit 503.
The matching unit 503 is used for power factor improvement. The matching unit 503 may perform impedance matching between the power feeding device 7 and the charging device 6 and may be controlled by the control device 501.

The AC-DC conversion unit 504 converts the received AC power (power signal) into DC power, and supplies the DC power to the battery unit 506 that is a secondary battery.
The coupling unit 507 is used to superimpose the second modulation signal used in the non-contact power communication on the AC power (power signal) received by the second coil 502. When the first superimposed signal used in the non-contact power communication transmitted from the power supply device 7 is received, the coupling unit 507 outputs the received first superimposed signal only to the filter unit 513.

The drive unit 508 amplifies the second modulated signal generated by the signal generation unit 509 and supplies the amplified second modulation signal to the combining unit 507. The drive unit 508 may be an amplifier, for example.
The signal generation unit 509 modulates the sine wave output from the oscillation unit 511 with the digital data (second information signal) output from the encoder 510, and performs second modulation to superimpose the sine wave on the power line being charged. Generate a signal.

  For example, when the digital data is at the high level “1”, a sine wave signal having a frequency corresponding to the high level “1” is output for a predetermined period. When the digital data is at the low level “0”, a sine wave signal having a frequency different from the high level “1” corresponding to the low level “0” is output for a predetermined period.

  When the encoder 510 receives data necessary for charging from the control device 501 via the communication control unit 512, the encoder 510 converts the data into digital data of a format used in non-contact power communication and outputs the digital data. In this example, “1” of the digital data represents a high level, and “0” represents a low level.

The oscillating unit 511 generates signals of different frequencies used at the high level “1” and the low level “0” used when generating the second modulation signal.
The communication control unit 512 controls non-contact power communication.

  The filter unit 513 separates the first modulated signal from the first superimposed signal on which the first modulated signal used in the non-contact power communication transmitted from the power feeding device 7 received via the coupling unit 507 is superimposed. It is a filter to do. For example, a band pass filter can be considered.

  Decoder 514 generates digital data (first information signal) by decoding using the first modulated signal output from filter unit 513, and a format of data used by controller 501 for the decoded digital data And output to the communication control unit 512. Then, the communication control unit 512 transmits data to the control device 501.

  As a communication method for the charging device, for example, a load modulation method or a method using reflection can be considered. In the load modulation method, for example, a circuit in which a capacitor and a switch are connected in series is connected in parallel with the second coil 502, and connection and disconnection of the switch is controlled based on digital data for modulation. .

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware of the control device and the server of the power supply device and the charging device. The control device 401 of the power supply device 7, the control device 501 of the charging device 6, and the hardware of the server 8 include a control unit 601, a storage unit 602, a recording medium reading device 603, an input / output interface 604 (input / output I / O) shown in FIG. F) and a communication interface 605 (communication I / F). Each of the above components is connected by a bus 606. The function of the server 8 can also be realized using a cloud or the like.

  The control unit 601 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a multi-core CPU, a programmable device FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or the like.

  The storage unit 602 may be a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 602 may record data such as parameter values and variable values, or may be used as a work area at the time of execution. In addition, in the power supply device 7 and the server 8, other storage units may be provided outside the power supply device 7 and the server 8 in addition to the storage unit 602. For example, a database may be provided.

  The recording medium reading device 603 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the recording medium 607 according to the control of the control unit 601. Then, the data written by the control of the recording medium reading device 603 is recorded on the recording medium 607, or the data recorded on the recording medium 607 is read. The detachable recording medium 607 includes a computer readable non-transitory recording medium such as a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. The magnetic recording device includes a hard disk device (HDD). Optical discs include DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), DVD-RAM, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable), and the like. Magneto-optical recording media include MO (Magneto-Optical disk). Note that the storage unit 602 is also included in a non-transitory recording medium.

  An input / output unit 608 is connected to the input / output interface 604, receives input information, and transmits it to the control unit 601 via the bus 606. Further, operation information and the like are displayed on the display screen in accordance with a command from the control unit 601. Examples of the input device of the input / output unit 608 include a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), and a touch panel. In addition, the display which is an output part of the input / output part 608 can consider a liquid crystal display etc., for example. It is conceivable that the input / output unit 608 of the charging device 6 is provided on the dashboard of the vehicle 5. The output unit may be an output device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display or a printer.

  The communication interface 605 is an interface for wirelessly performing LAN (Local Area Network) connection or Internet connection. In addition, the communication interface 605 may be used as an interface for performing LAN connection, Internet connection, or wireless connection with another computer as necessary.

  By using a computer having such a hardware configuration, various processing functions performed by the control device 401 of the power supply device 7, the control device 501 of the charging device 6, and the server 8 are realized. In that case, a program describing the processing contents of the functions that the control device 401 of the power supply device 7, the control device 501 of the charging device 6 and the server 8 should have is provided. By executing the program on a computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium 607.

  When distributing the program, for example, a recording medium 607 such as a DVD or a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded is sold. It is also possible to record the program in a storage device of the server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded in the recording medium 607 or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage unit 602. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage unit 602 and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the recording medium 607 and execute processing according to the program. Further, each time the program is transferred from the server computer, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

The operation of the power feeding device will be described.
When the control device 401 (computer) of the power supply device 7 starts to supply AC power to the charging device in a non-contact manner, control is performed to stop communication using radio. Subsequently, when the control apparatus 401 transmits the first information signal transmitted from the power supply apparatus 7 to the charging apparatus 6 to the charging apparatus 6 during power supply, the control apparatus 401 uses the first modulated signal modulated by the first information signal as power. Control to superimpose on the signal and transmit as the second superimposed signal is performed. Further, when the control device 401 receives a second superimposed signal in which the second modulation signal modulated by the second information signal transmitted from the charging device 6 to the power feeding device 7 during power feeding is superimposed on the power signal. The second modulated signal is separated from the second superimposed signal, and the second information signal is demodulated from the second modulated signal.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the operation of the power supply apparatus. The embodiment will be described using the charging station 1 of FIG. 1, the power supply apparatus of FIG. 4, and the charging apparatus of FIG. In step S701, the control device 401 generates power supply device information, and transmits the power supply device information together with information necessary for communication to the vehicle 5 via the communication interface (communication interface 605 in FIG. 6) and the antenna (antenna 609 in FIG. 6). To do. The power supply device information is output as a radio wave having a constant power level. As a result, it becomes possible to communicate with the vehicle 5 that has entered a certain range.

  The power supply apparatus information is generated using, for example, a control unit (control unit 601 in FIG. 6) of the control apparatus 401. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the power supply apparatus information and the power supply apparatus specifying information. The power supply apparatus information in FIG. 8 includes information stored in “power supply apparatus ID” and “transmission date and time information”. “Power supply device ID” is information for identifying the power supply device, and is stored in the storage unit (storage unit 602 in FIG. 6). In the example of the power supply apparatus information 801 in FIG. 8, “charge1” is shown as information for identifying the power supply apparatus 7 a illustrated in FIG. 1. The “date and time of transmission” stores the date and time immediately before the generation or transmission of vehicle detection information. In this example, “s_date1” is indicated in “transmission date and time information” as information indicating the date and time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second). For example, it is conceivable to use a clock IC (integrated circuit). However, it is not limited as long as the date and time can be measured.

The vehicle 5 that has received the power supply apparatus information transmits to the power supply apparatus 7 power supply apparatus specifying information, which will be described later, indicating that the power supply apparatus 7 has been specified. See step S902 in FIG.
In step S702, when the control device 401 receives (Yes) the power feeding device specifying information transmitted from the charging device 6 of the vehicle 5 via the antenna (antenna 609 in FIG. 6) and the communication interface (communication interface 605 in FIG. 6). The process proceeds to step S703. When the power supply apparatus specifying information cannot be received (No), the process proceeds to step S701. That is, the power supply device 7 detects that the vehicle 5 has been specified by the power supply device 7 in step S702.

  The power supply device specifying information is transmitted from the vehicle 5, and is generated as a response to the power supply device information when the control unit (the control unit 601 in FIG. 6) of the control device 501 of the charging device 6 receives the power supply device information. The power supply device specifying information in FIG. 8 includes information stored in “charging device ID”, “reception date information”, and “power supply device ID”. Information for identifying the charging device 6 or the vehicle 5 is stored in the “charging device ID”. In the example of the power supply device specifying information 802 in FIG. 8, “vehicle1” is shown as information for identifying the vehicle 5. “Reception date information” stores the date and time when the power supply device identification information is received. In this example, “r_date1” is indicated as information indicating date and time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second) in “reception date information”. For example, a clock IC may be used for obtaining the date and time. However, the present invention is not limited to the clock IC, and any device that can measure the date and time may be used. The “power supply device ID” stores information for identifying the power supply device. “Charge1” is shown as information for identifying the power supply apparatus 7a shown in FIG. 1 included in the power supply apparatus specifying information 802 of FIG.

  In step S703, the control device 401 generates charging start information, and transmits the charging start information to the vehicle 5 together with information necessary for communication via the communication interface (communication interface 605 in FIG. 6) and the antenna (antenna 609 in FIG. 6). To do. The charging start information is information for notifying the vehicle 5 that charging is started.

  The vehicle 5 that has received the charging start information aligns the first coil 405 of the power feeding device 7 and the second coil 502 of the charging device 6, and when there is a position, charging position information described later is supplied to the power feeding device 7. Send to. See step S904 in FIG.

  The charging position information is information for notifying the power feeding device 7 that the positioning has been completed from the vehicle 5. For the alignment, for example, the light receiving element provided in the vehicle 5 and the light receiving element provided in the power feeding device 7 receive a certain level of light output from the light emitting element, and the level of the received light is determined. If the received light level is higher than the received light level, a method of completing the alignment can be considered.

  In this example, information for notifying the power feeding device 7 that the alignment has been completed is transmitted from the vehicle 5, but charging position information may be transmitted from the power feeding device 7 to the vehicle 5. In that case, it is conceivable to provide a light emitting element in the power feeding device 7 and a light receiving element in the vehicle 5.

However, the alignment is not limited to the method using the light. In addition to light, wireless or the like may be used, and any method that enables alignment is acceptable.
In step S704, when the control device 401 receives (Yes) the charging position information transmitted from the charging device 6 of the vehicle 5 via the antenna (antenna 609 in FIG. 6) and the communication interface (communication interface 605 in FIG. 6). The process proceeds to S705. If the charging position information cannot be received (No), the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S705, the power feeding device 7 shifts to preparation for starting contactless charging, and when preparation for charging is completed, contactless charging is started. See step S905. That is, the power conversion unit 403 converts the AC power supplied from the commercial power source 402 shown in FIG. 4 into an AC signal having a determined frequency and a determined power level. Then, the power conversion unit 403 supplies the AC power converted into the first coil via the matching unit 404. Thereafter, the AC power is transmitted to the second coil 502 of the vehicle 5.

  In step S <b> 706, the power feeding device 7 starts contactless power communication with the vehicle 5. In the non-contact power communication, communication is performed using AC power supplied to the first coil 405. In this example, communication is performed in which the communication signal generated by the communication unit shown in FIG.

  For example, the processing related to transmission may be performed by superimposing a first modulation signal different from the frequency f0 of the converted AC power (power signal) using the coupling unit 406. However, the closer the first modulated signal to be superimposed is to the frequency f0, the easier it is to transmit from the first coil to the second coil, and the power level of the first modulated signal can be prevented from being lowered on the vehicle 5 side. Further, it is desirable that the power level of the first modulation signal is lower than the AC power. Note that the transmission processing is performed using the communication control unit 407, the encoder 408, the signal generation unit 409, the drive unit 410, the oscillation unit 411, and the coupling unit 406 of FIG.

  The process regarding reception receives the 2nd superimposed signal superimposed on the alternating current power (electric power signal) of the frequency f0 transmitted from the vehicle 5 side via the coupling | bond part 406, for example. At this time, the second superimposed signal is prevented from being input to the drive unit 410 side (transmission system). For example, a switch may be provided between the wirings connecting the coupling unit 406 and the driving unit 410 to switch between the transmission system and the reception system. At the time of transmission, the control device 401 controls the switch so that the coupling unit 406, the output of the driving unit 410, and the input of the filter unit 412 are connected. At the time of reception, the control device 401 disconnects the outputs of the coupling unit 406 and the driving unit 410 and connects the coupling unit 406 and the input of the filter unit 412.

  As the second superimposed signal, it is conceivable that a second modulated signal having a period different from that of the power signal is superimposed on the power signal using the coupling unit 406 on the vehicle 5 side in FIG. However, the frequency of the second modulation signal to be superimposed on the vehicle 5 side is different from the frequency f0, and the closer to the frequency f0, the easier it is to transmit from the second coil to the first coil, and the power level of the second modulation signal is lowered. I can not. Moreover, it is desirable that the power level of the second modulation signal is lower than the AC power. Note that reception processing is performed using the combining unit 406, the filter unit 412, the decoder 413, and the communication control unit 407 in FIG.

  As another communication method, for example, a method of directly modulating the frequency of a power signal is conceivable. That is, it is conceivable that the determined frequency converted by the power supply conversion unit 403 is set as the center frequency (f0), and the digital value “1” is assigned to the modulation frequency fa = f0 + Δf1. It is also conceivable to assign a digital value “0” to the modulation frequency fz = f0−Δf2. Δf1 and Δf2 may be the same frequency or different frequencies.

  As another communication method, for example, a method of directly modulating the amplitude of the power signal is conceivable. That is, the power conversion unit 403 assigns a digital value “1” to the power level Wa with the power level set to Wa = W0 + ΔW1 and Wz = W0−ΔW2, with the power level W0 determined as the center, and the digital value “0” is set to the power level. It is possible to assign to the level Wz. ΔW1 and ΔW2 may be the same power or different power.

  The communication performed using the first superimposed signal and the second superimposed signal may be, for example, exchange of information regarding the start and completion of non-contact charging and information regarding the charge amount of the battery unit.

  In step S707, when the control device 401 receives the second superimposed signal and receives information indicating that the vehicle 5 included in the received second superimposed signal has been charged (Yes), the process proceeds to step S708. To do. And when the information which shows that it was completed is not received (No), it transfers to step S706 and continues communication.

In step S <b> 708, the control device 401 ends the non-contact power communication when receiving information indicating that the vehicle 5 has completed charging.
The operation of the charging device will be described.

  The control device 501 (computer) of the charging device 6 performs control to stop communication using radio when the AC power is received from the power feeding device without contact. When transmitting the second information signal transmitted from the charging device 6 to the power feeding device 7 to the power feeding device 6 during charging, the control device 501 uses the second modulated signal modulated by the second information signal as a power signal. Control to superimpose and transmit as a second superimposed signal is performed. In addition, the control device 501 receives the first superimposed signal that is transmitted from the power supply device 6 to the charging device 7 during charging, and is obtained by superimposing the first modulation signal modulated by the first information signal on the AC power. In this case, the first modulation signal is separated from the first superimposed signal, and control is performed to demodulate the first information signal from the first information signal.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the operation of the charging apparatus. In step S901, when the control device 501 of the vehicle 5 receives (Yes) the power supply device information transmitted from the power supply device 7 via the antenna (antenna 609 in FIG. 6) and the communication interface (communication interface 605 in FIG. 6). The process proceeds to step S902. When the power supply apparatus information cannot be received (No), the process proceeds to step S901. See step S701.

  In step S902, the control device 501 generates power supply device specifying information, and supplies the power supply device specifying information together with information necessary for communication via the communication interface (communication interface 605 in FIG. 6) and the antenna (antenna 609 in FIG. 6) to the vehicle. To 5. See step S702.

  In step S903, when the control device 501 receives (Yes) the charging start information transmitted from the power supply device 7 via the antenna (antenna 609 in FIG. 6) and the communication interface (communication interface 605 in FIG. 6), the process proceeds to step S905. To do. When the charging start information cannot be received (No), the process proceeds to step S903. If the charging start information cannot be received after a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S901. See step S703.

  In step S904, the control device 401 generates charging position information, and sends the charging position information to the vehicle 5 together with information necessary for communication via a communication interface (communication interface 605 in FIG. 6) and an antenna (antenna 609 in FIG. 6). Send. The charging position information is information for notifying the power supply device 7 that preparation for starting charging is completed. See step S704.

  In step S905, the charging device 6 shifts to preparation for starting contactless charging, and starts contactless charging when the preparation for charging is completed. See step S705. That is, the second coil 502 shown in FIG. 5 receives AC power from the first coil 405 in FIG. Subsequently, AC power is converted into DC power by the AC-DC converter 504 via the matching unit 503 and the battery unit 506 is charged.

  In step S906, the vehicle 5 and the power feeding device 7 start non-contact power communication. In the non-contact power communication, communication is performed using AC power supplied to the first coil 405. In this example, communication is performed in which a communication signal generated by the communication unit shown in FIG. 5 is superimposed on AC power. See step S706.

  As for the processing related to transmission, for example, a signal different from the frequency f0 of the converted AC power (power signal) may be superimposed using the coupling unit 507. However, the closer the frequency of the second modulated signal to be superimposed is to the frequency f0, the easier it is to transmit from the second coil to the first coil, and the power level of the second modulated signal can be prevented from being lowered on the power feeding device 7 side. . Moreover, it is desirable that the power level of the second modulation signal is lower than the AC power. Note that processing related to transmission is performed using the combining unit 507, the driving unit 508, the signal generating unit 509, the encoder 510, the oscillating unit 511, and the communication control unit 512 of FIG.

  For example, the reception-related processing receives the first modulation signal superimposed on the AC power (power signal) of the frequency f0 transmitted from the power supply apparatus 7 side via the coupling unit 507. At this time, the first modulation signal is prevented from being input to the drive unit 508 side (transmission system). For example, it is conceivable to switch between a transmission system and a reception system by providing a switch between connection and disconnection between wirings connecting the coupling unit 507 and the drive unit 508. At the time of transmission, the control device 501 controls the switch so that the output of the coupling unit 507, the drive unit 508, and the input of the filter unit 513 are connected. At the time of reception, the control device 501 disconnects the outputs of the coupling unit 507 and the drive unit 508, and the coupling unit 507 and the input of the filter unit 513 are connected. It is conceivable to use a signal having a period different from that of the power signal as the first modulation signal. However, the frequency of the first modulation signal to be superimposed on the power signal on the power feeding device 7 side is different from the frequency f0, and the closer to the frequency f0, the easier the transmission from the first coil to the second coil. You can avoid lowering the power level. Further, it is desirable that the power level of the first modulation signal is lower than the AC power. Note that reception processing is performed using the combining unit 507, the filter unit 513, the decoder 514, and the communication control unit 512 in FIG. As another communication method, for example, a load modulation method or a method using reflection can be considered.

  In step S907, the control device 501 detects that the vehicle has completed charging (Yes), and proceeds to step S908. If charging is not completed (No), the control device 501 proceeds to step S906 and continues communication. Also, information indicating that the control device 501 has completed charging is transmitted to the power supply device 7 using the second superimposed signal. See charging completion step S707.

In step S908, the control device 501 ends the non-contact power communication.
According to the embodiment, out of communication performed between the charging device and the power supply device mounted on the vehicle, wireless communication is not used between the start and end of contactless charging, and contactless power communication described later is used. Communication is performed between the charging device and the power feeding device. As a result, since the time for wireless communication performed between the charging device and the power supply device is reduced, the number of channels used in wireless communication can be reduced. For example, it is possible to reduce interference between channels caused by a shortage of channels in the charge station, so that it is difficult for wireless communication to be hindered. In addition, since the number of channels can be increased, the risk that the communication capacity becomes tight can be reduced.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Charge station 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2n Parking area 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3n Electric power feeding control part 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4n Electric power feeding part 5 Vehicle 6 Charging device 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7n Power supply device 8 Server 9 Network 401 Control device 402 Commercial power supply 403 Power conversion unit 404 Matching unit 405 First coil 406 Coupling unit 407 Communication control unit 408 Encoder 409 Signal generation unit 410 Drive unit 411 Oscillation Unit 412 filter unit 413 decoder 501 control device 502 second coil 503 matching unit 504 AC-DC conversion unit 506 battery unit 507 coupling unit 508 drive unit 509 signal generation unit 510 encoder 511 oscillation unit 512 communication control unit 513 filter unit 514 Decoder 601 Control unit 602 Storage unit 6 3 recording medium reading device 604 output interface 605 communication interface 606 Bus 607 recording medium 608 output unit 609 antenna 801 feeding apparatus information 802 feeding device specific information

Claims (8)

A power feeding device that communicates with a charging device using radio,
A power feeding unit for transmitting a power signal in a non-contact manner to the charging device;
A first modulated signal modulated by a first information signal transmitted from the power supply apparatus to the charging apparatus is superimposed on the power signal and transmitted as a first superimposed signal, and transmitted from the charging apparatus to the power supply apparatus Receiving a second superimposed signal in which the second modulated signal modulated by the second information signal is superimposed on the power signal, separating the second modulated signal from the second superimposed signal, A communication unit that performs non-contact power communication and demodulates the second information signal from the second modulated signal;
When the power supply device starts to supply power to the charging device, a control unit that performs control to perform communication between the power supply device and the charging device using only the non-contact power communication;
A power supply apparatus comprising: The controller is
When the power supply device completes the power supply to the charging device, the non-contact power communication performed between the power supply device and the charging device is terminated, and control is performed to shift to the wireless communication. The power feeding device according to claim 1. A charging device that communicates with a power feeding device using radio,
A charging unit that receives a power signal in a non-contact manner from the power supply device, and charges the battery unit with the received power;
A second modulated signal modulated by a second information signal transmitted from the charging device to the power feeding device is superimposed on the power signal and transmitted as a second superimposed signal, and transmitted from the power feeding device to the charging device. Receiving the first superimposed signal in which the first modulated signal obtained by modulating the first information signal is superimposed on the power signal, and separating the first modulated signal from the first superimposed signal A communication unit that performs non-contact power communication and demodulates the first information signal from the first information signal;
When the power supply device starts to supply power to the charging device, a control unit that performs control to perform communication between the power supply device and the charging device using only the non-contact power communication;
A charging device comprising: The controller is
When the power supply device completes the power supply to the charging device, the non-contact power communication performed between the power supply device and the charging device is terminated, and control is performed to shift to the wireless communication. The charging device according to claim 3. A power supply method used for contactless charging,
The computer of the power supply device
When power supply is started to the charging device in a non-contact manner, the wireless communication is controlled to stop,
When transmitting a first information signal transmitted from the power supply apparatus to the charging apparatus during power supply to the charging apparatus, the first information signal is modulated, and the modulated first modulation signal is superimposed on the power signal. And control to transmit as the second superimposed signal,
When receiving a second superimposed signal obtained by superimposing a second modulated signal, which is a modulated second information signal transmitted from the charging device to the power feeding device during power feeding, on the power signal, the received first Separating the second modulated signal from the two superimposed signals and controlling to demodulate the second information signal from the second modulated signal;
A power supply method characterized by executing processing. A charging method used for non-contact charging,
The computer of the charging device
When the power signal is received from the power supply device in a non-contact manner, the wireless communication is controlled to stop,
When transmitting a second information signal transmitted from the charging device to the power supply device during charging, the second information signal is modulated, and the modulated second modulation signal is superimposed on the power signal. And control to transmit as the second superimposed signal,
When receiving a first superimposed signal in which a first modulated signal obtained by modulating a first information signal transmitted from the power feeding device to the charging device during charging is superimposed on the power signal, the received first Separating the first modulated signal from the one superimposed signal and controlling to demodulate the first information signal from the first modulated signal;
A charging method characterized by executing processing. A power supply program used for contactless charging,
When power supply is started to the charging device in a non-contact manner, the wireless communication is controlled to stop,
When transmitting the first information signal transmitted from the power supply apparatus to the charging apparatus during power supply to the charging apparatus, the first information signal is modulated, and the modulated first modulation signal is superimposed on the power signal. Control to transmit as a second superimposed signal,
When receiving a second superimposed signal obtained by superimposing a second modulated signal, which is a modulated second information signal transmitted from the charging device to the power feeding device during power feeding, on the power signal, the received first Separating the second modulated signal from the two superimposed signals and controlling to demodulate the second information signal from the second modulated signal;
A power supply program for causing a computer of a power supply apparatus to execute processing. A charging program used for non-contact charging,
When the power signal is received from the power supply device in a non-contact manner, the wireless communication is controlled to stop,
When transmitting a second information signal transmitted from the charging device to the power supply device during charging, the second information signal is modulated, and the modulated second modulation signal is superimposed on the power signal. And control to transmit as the second superimposed signal,
When receiving a first superimposed signal in which a first modulated signal obtained by modulating a first information signal transmitted from the power feeding device to the charging device during charging is superimposed on the power signal, the received first Separating the first modulated signal from the one superimposed signal and controlling to demodulate the first information signal from the first modulated signal;
A charging program for causing a computer of a charging apparatus to execute processing.

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