JP2016214023A - Control device, electronic apparatus, and contactless power transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control device, an electronic apparatus, a contactless power transmission system, and the like that can improve detection sensitivity of load fluctuation caused by load modulation and detection resistance to noise.SOLUTION: A power transmission side control device in a contactless power transmission system includes: a driver control circuit for controlling a power transmission driver of a power transmission unit; a control unit for controlling the driver control circuit; and a communication unit for performing a communication process with a power reception device that transmits communication data by load modulation. The communication unit determines the communication data is at a first logic level if a load modulation pattern comprised of a first load state and a second load state is a first pattern (PT1), and determines the communication data is at a second logic level if the load modulation pattern is a second pattern (PT2) different from the first pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device, an electronic device, a contactless power transmission system, and the like.

  In recent years, contactless power transmission (contactless power transmission), which uses electromagnetic induction and enables power transmission even without a metal contact, has been highlighted. Charging of electronic devices such as industrial devices and mobile terminals has been proposed.

  For example, there are technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 as conventional technologies for contactless power transmission. In these conventional techniques, data is communicated from the power reception side (secondary side) to the power transmission side (primary side) using load modulation, and various types of information on the power reception side are transmitted to the power transmission side.

JP 2009-303294 A JP 2010-284058 A JP 2011-111780 A JP 2012-60730 A

  In the conventional technique such as Patent Document 1, when the power receiving side transmits the bit of the logic level “1” of the communication data to the power transmitting side, the switch element of the load modulation unit is turned on and the load on the power receiving side is turned on. Set the state to a high load state (low impedance). On the other hand, when the bit of the logic level “0” of the communication data is transmitted to the power transmission side, the switch element of the load modulation unit is turned off, and the load state on the power reception side is set to the low load state (high impedance). The power transmission side monitors the coil end voltage and the like of the primary coil and detects the phase and the like of the coil waveform on the primary side, so that the logic level of each bit of the communication data is “1” or “0”. The data of the communication data was detected. In the conventional technique, the power receiving side performs load modulation in a state where charging is stopped or charging current is reduced during the communication period, so that it is possible to realize constant load modulation during the normal power transmission period. There wasn't.

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device, an electronic device, a contactless power transmission system, and the like that can improve detection sensitivity and load resistance against detection of load fluctuations caused by load modulation.

  One aspect of the present invention is a control device on a power transmission side in a non-contact power transmission system including a power transmission device and a power reception device, and a driver control circuit that controls a power transmission driver of a power transmission unit that transmits power to the power reception device; A control unit that controls the driver control circuit, and a communication unit that performs communication processing with the power receiving device that transmits communication data by load modulation, and the communication unit includes a first load state and If the load modulation pattern configured in the second load state is the first pattern, it is determined that the communication data has the first logic level, and the load modulation pattern is different from the first pattern. In the case of the second pattern, it relates to a control device that determines that the communication data has the second logic level.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, power is transmitted to a power receiving apparatus, and communication processing by load modulation is performed with the power receiving apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, when the load modulation pattern is the first pattern, it is determined that the communication data is the first logic level. That is, it is determined that the logical level of the bits constituting the communication data is the first logical level. On the other hand, when the load modulation pattern is the second pattern, it is determined that the communication data is the second logic level. That is, it is determined that the logical level of the bits constituting the communication data is the second logical level. In this way, for example, a load variation due to load modulation is compared with a method in which the first load state due to load modulation is determined as the first logic level and the second load state is determined as the second logic level. Detection sensitivity and detection noise tolerance can be improved, and appropriate communication processing with the power receiving side can be realized.

  In the aspect of the invention, the first pattern may be a pattern in which a width of the period of the first load state is longer than that of the second pattern.

  In this way, for example, by determining the width of the period of the first load state, it becomes possible to determine whether the load modulation pattern is the first pattern or the second pattern. Improves tolerance.

  In the aspect of the invention, the communication unit may sample a load modulation pattern at a given sampling interval from a first sampling point set within a period of the first load state in the first pattern. To obtain the communication data of a given number of bits.

  In this way, it is possible to set the sampling point after the first sampling point with a simple process and capture communication data of a given number of bits, simplifying the communication data detection process, The processing load can be reduced.

  In the aspect of the invention, the sampling interval may be an interval corresponding to the length of the load modulation pattern.

  In this way, it is possible to sample a load modulation pattern having a length corresponding to the sampling interval and capture communication data of a given number of bits.

  In the aspect of the invention, the communication unit may include the first load state within the first load state when the width of the first load state is within a first range width. Sampling points may be set.

  In this way, even when the width of the period of the first load state fluctuates due to noise or the like, an appropriate first sampling point for sampling communication data can be set. .

  In the aspect of the invention, the communication unit may include the second sampling point when the load state is the first load state at the second sampling point next to the first sampling point. When the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point is determined to be the first pattern and the load state is the second load state at the second sampling point, the load modulation at the second sampling point is performed. It may be determined that the pattern is the second pattern.

  In this way, only by determining whether the load state at the second sampling point is the first load state or the second load state, the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point becomes the first, It becomes possible to determine which one of the second patterns, and it is possible to simplify communication data detection processing, reduce processing load, and the like.

  In the aspect of the invention, the communication unit may be configured such that, at a second sampling point next to the first sampling point, a load state is the first load state, and the second sampling point is set. When the width of the period of the first load state including is within the first range width, it is determined that the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point is the first pattern, and the first When the load state is the second load state at the two sampling points and the width of the period of the second load state including the second sampling point is within the second range width. May determine that the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point is the second pattern.

  In this way, the width of the first load state period and the width of the second load state period at the second sampling point are determined, and the load modulation pattern is either the first pattern or the second pattern. It will be judged whether or not. Accordingly, communication data detection processing with higher reliability can be realized.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may determine the status of the power receiving apparatus based on the communication data for a plurality of times for information indicating the status of the power receiving apparatus.

  In this way, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the status of the power receiving apparatus is erroneously determined due to, for example, a communication error.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may determine that the power receiving device has been removed if the communication error determination information included in the communication data includes an error more than once. Good.

  In this way, when the communication state is unstable, it can be considered that the power receiving device has been removed, so that the safety and reliability of contactless power transmission can be improved.

  In the aspect of the invention, the power transmission unit includes the power transmission driver and a power supply voltage control unit that controls a power supply voltage of the power transmission driver, and the control unit receives the communication data from the power receiving device. The power supply voltage control unit may be controlled based on the above.

  In this way, the power supply voltage supplied to the power transmission driver and the like can be controlled based on the communication data from the power receiving device, and appropriate power control and safe power control can be realized.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the communication unit includes a current detection circuit that detects a current flowing from a power source to the power transmission unit, a comparison circuit that performs a comparison determination between a detection voltage by the current detection circuit and a determination voltage; And a demodulator that determines a load modulation pattern based on a comparison determination result of the comparison circuit.

  In this way, the current flowing from the power source to the power transmission unit can be detected by load modulation on the power receiving side, and it can be determined whether the load modulation pattern is the first pattern or the second pattern. Further, it is possible to set a determination voltage for improving detection sensitivity and noise resistance.

  In the aspect of the invention, the communication unit includes a filter unit provided between the comparison circuit and the demodulation unit, and the demodulation unit is based on the comparison determination result after the filter processing by the filter unit. Thus, the load modulation pattern may be determined.

  In this way, the adverse effect of noise superimposed on the signal of the comparison determination result is reduced by the filter processing of the filter unit, and the load modulation pattern can be determined based on the comparison determination result after the filter processing. It becomes possible to improve resistance.

  One aspect of the present invention is a control device on a power receiving side in a non-contact power transmission system having a power transmitting device and a power receiving device, and is loaded with a load modulation pattern configured by a first load state and a second load state. A load modulation unit that modulates and transmits communication data to the power transmission device; and a control unit that controls the load modulation unit, wherein the load modulation unit transmits the communication data to the power transmission device For the first logic level, load modulation is performed so that the load modulation pattern becomes the first pattern, and for the second logic level of the communication data transmitted to the power transmission apparatus, the load modulation pattern is the first logic level. The present invention relates to a control device that performs load modulation as a second pattern different from the pattern.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a load modulation unit of a power receiving device that receives power from the power transmitting device performs load modulation, whereby communication data is transmitted to the power transmitting device. In one aspect of the present invention, load modulation is performed such that the load modulation pattern is the first pattern for the first logic level of the communication data, and the load modulation pattern is the second logic level for the second logic level. A load modulation as a pattern is performed. In this way, for example, detection of load fluctuations due to load modulation is possible, compared to a method in which the first and second logic levels of communication data are communicated in correspondence with the first and second load states of load modulation. It becomes possible to improve sensitivity and noise resistance of detection.

  In the aspect of the invention, the load modulation unit may include a current source and perform load modulation using the current source.

  In this way, for example, it is possible to perform load modulation using the current flowing through the current source without depending on the magnitude of the voltage obtained by receiving power from the power transmission device, so that stable communication is possible. Etc. can be realized.

  Another aspect of the present invention relates to an electronic device including any one of the control devices described above.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a contactless power transmission system including a power transmission device and a power reception device, wherein the power transmission device transmits power to the power reception device and transmits communication data by load modulation. Communication processing is performed with the device, and the power receiving device receives power from the power transmitting device, and performs the load modulation with a load modulation pattern configured by a first load state and a second load state. The communication data is transmitted to the power transmission device, and the power reception device performs load modulation in which a load modulation pattern is the first pattern for the first logic level of the communication data transmitted to the power transmission device. For the second logical level of the communication data to be transmitted to the power transmission device, load modulation is performed so that the load modulation pattern becomes a second pattern different from the first pattern, and the transmission data is transmitted. When the load modulation pattern is the first pattern, the apparatus determines that the communication data has the first logic level, and the load modulation pattern is the second pattern different from the first pattern. The case relates to a contactless power transmission system that determines that the communication data has a second logic level.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the power receiving apparatus performs load modulation of the first pattern for the first logic level of the communication data, and uses the second pattern for the second logic level of the communication data. Then, communication data is transmitted. Then, the power transmission device can determine whether the load modulation pattern is the first or second pattern, and can determine the first and second logical levels of the communication data. In this way, for example, detection of load fluctuations due to load modulation is possible, compared to a method in which the first and second logic levels of communication data are communicated in correspondence with the first and second load states of load modulation. It becomes possible to improve sensitivity and noise resistance of detection.

1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a contactless power transmission system according to the present embodiment. The structural example of the power transmission apparatus of this embodiment, a power receiving apparatus, the power transmission side, and the control apparatus of a power receiving side. Explanatory drawing of the outline | summary of the operation | movement sequence of the non-contact electric power transmission system of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the communication method by load modulation. The structural example of a communication part. Explanatory drawing of the communication structure of the receiving side. Explanatory drawing of the problem resulting from the noise at the time of communication. Explanatory drawing of the communication method of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the communication method of this embodiment. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are also explanatory diagrams of the communication method of this embodiment. FIGS. 11A and 11B show examples of communication data formats. FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of a status determination method on the power receiving side based on the status flag and a removal determination method based on communication error determination information. The flowchart explaining the detailed example of a communication process. The signal waveform diagram explaining the operation | movement sequence of this embodiment. The signal waveform diagram explaining the operation | movement sequence of this embodiment. The signal waveform diagram explaining the operation | movement sequence of this embodiment. FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are explanatory diagrams of the power control method of this embodiment. FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B are explanatory diagrams of effects when the power control method of this embodiment is used. The detailed structural example of a receiving part and a charging part.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims, and all the configurations described in the present embodiment are indispensable as means for solving the present invention. Not necessarily.

1. Electronic Device FIG. 1A shows an example of a contactless power transmission system of this embodiment. The charger 500 (one of the electronic devices) includes the power transmission device 10. The electronic device 510 includes the power receiving device 40. The electronic device 510 includes an operation switch unit 514 and a battery 90. Note that FIG. 1A schematically shows the battery 90, but the battery 90 is actually built in the electronic device 510. The contactless power transmission system of the present embodiment is configured by the power transmission device 10 and the power reception device 40 of FIG.

  Electric power is supplied to the charger 500 via the power adapter 502, and this electric power is transmitted from the power transmitting device 10 to the power receiving device 40 by contactless power transmission. Thereby, the battery 90 of the electronic device 510 can be charged, and the device in the electronic device 510 can be operated.

  The power source of the charger 500 may be a power source using a USB (USB cable). Various devices can be assumed as the electronic device 510 to which the present embodiment is applied. For example, various devices such as hearing aids, wristwatches, biological information measuring devices (wearable devices), portable information terminals (smartphones, mobile phones, etc.), cordless telephones, shavers, electric toothbrushes, wrist computers, handy terminals, electric vehicles, electric bicycles, etc. An electronic device can be assumed.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 1B, power transmission from the power transmission device 10 to the power reception device 40 is performed by a primary coil L1 (power transmission coil) provided on the power transmission side and a secondary provided on the power reception side. This is realized by electromagnetically coupling the coil L2 (power receiving coil) to form a power transmission transformer. Thereby, non-contact power transmission becomes possible.

2. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the power transmission device 10, the power reception device 40, the power transmission side control device 20, and the power reception side control device 50 of the present embodiment. A power transmission-side electronic device such as the charger 500 in FIG. 1A includes at least the power transmission device 10 in FIG. The electronic device 510 on the power receiving side can include at least the power receiving device 40, the battery 90, and the power supply target 100. The power supply target 100 is various devices such as a processing unit (DSP or the like), for example. 2, the primary coil L1 and the secondary coil L2 are electromagnetically coupled to transmit power from the power transmitting device 10 to the power receiving device 40, and to charge the battery 90 and the like. A non-contact power transmission) system is realized.

  The power transmission device 10 (power transmission module, primary module) includes a primary coil L1, a power transmission unit 12, a display unit 16, and a control device 20. The power transmission device 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components (for example, a display unit), adding other components, and changing the connection relationship. Implementation is possible.

  The power transmission unit 12 generates an AC voltage having a predetermined frequency during power transmission and supplies the AC voltage to the primary coil L1. The power transmission unit 12 includes a first power transmission driver DR1 that drives one end of the primary coil L1, a second power transmission driver DR2 that drives the other end of the primary coil L1, and a power supply voltage control unit 14. The power transmission unit 12 may include at least one capacitor (condenser) that forms a resonance circuit together with the primary coil L1.

  Each of the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 of the power transmission unit 12 is realized by, for example, an inverter circuit (buffer circuit) configured by a power MOS transistor. These power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 are controlled (driven) by the driver control circuit 22 of the control device 20.

  The power supply voltage control unit 14 of the power transmission unit 12 controls the power supply voltage VDRV of the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2. For example, the control unit 24 controls the power supply voltage control unit 14 based on communication data received from the power receiving side. Thereby, the power supply voltage VDRV supplied to the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 is controlled, and, for example, variable control of the transmission power is realized. The power supply voltage control unit 14 can be realized by, for example, a DCDC converter. For example, the power supply voltage control unit 14 performs a step-up operation of a power supply voltage (for example, 5V) from the power supply, generates a power supply driver power supply voltage VDRV (for example, 6V to 15V), and supplies it to the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2. . Specifically, when the transmission power from the power transmission device 10 to the power reception device 40 is increased, the power supply voltage control unit 14 increases the power supply voltage VDRV supplied to the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 and decreases the transmission power. In this case, the power supply voltage VDRV is lowered.

  The primary coil L1 (power transmission side coil) is electromagnetically coupled to the secondary coil L2 (power reception side coil) to form a power transmission transformer. For example, when power transmission is necessary, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, an electronic device 510 is placed on the charger 500 so that the magnetic flux of the primary coil L1 passes through the secondary coil L2. To make sure On the other hand, when power transmission is unnecessary, the charger 500 and the electronic device 510 are physically separated so that the magnetic flux of the primary coil L1 does not pass through the secondary coil L2.

  The display unit 16 displays various states of the contactless power transmission system (during power transmission, ID authentication, etc.) using colors, images, and the like, and can be realized by, for example, an LED or an LCD.

  The control device 20 performs various controls on the power transmission side, and can be realized by an integrated circuit device (IC) or the like. The control device 20 includes a driver control circuit 22, a control unit 24, and a communication unit 30. The control device 20 can include a clock generation circuit 37 and an oscillation circuit 38. Note that the control device 20 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and some of the components (for example, a clock generation circuit, an oscillation circuit, etc.) are omitted, other components are added, or the connection relationship is changed. Various modifications of the above are possible. For example, a modification in which the power transmission unit 12 or the like is built in the control device 20 is also possible.

  The driver control circuit 22 controls the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 of the power transmission unit 12 that transmits power to the power receiving device 40. For example, the driver control circuit 22 outputs a control signal (drive signal) to the gates of the transistors constituting the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2, and drives the primary coil L1 by the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2.

  The control unit 24 executes various control processes of the control device 20 on the power transmission side. For example, the control unit 24 controls the driver control circuit 22. Specifically, the control unit 24 performs various sequence controls and determination processes necessary for power transmission, communication processing, and the like. The control unit 24 can be realized by a logic circuit generated by an automatic placement and routing method such as a gate array or various processors such as a microcomputer.

  The communication unit 30 performs communication data communication processing with the power receiving device 40. For example, the communication unit 30 performs communication processing with the power receiving device 40 (control device 50) that transmits communication data by load modulation. Specifically, the communication unit 30 performs processing for detecting and receiving communication data from the power receiving device 40.

  The oscillation circuit 38 is composed of, for example, a crystal oscillation circuit or the like and generates a primary side clock signal. The clock generation circuit 37 generates a drive clock signal that defines a drive frequency. The driver control circuit 22 generates a control signal having a given frequency (drive frequency) based on the drive clock signal, the control signal from the control unit 24, and the like, and sends the control signal to the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 of the power transmission unit 12. Output and control.

  The power receiving device 40 (power receiving module, secondary module) includes a secondary coil L2 and a control device 50. The power receiving device 40 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and various modifications may be made such as omitting some of the components, adding other components, and changing the connection relationship.

  The control device 50 performs various controls on the power receiving side and can be realized by an integrated circuit device (IC) or the like. The control device 50 includes a power reception unit 52, a control unit 54, a load modulation unit 56, a charging unit 58, and a discharging unit 60. Further, a nonvolatile memory 62 and a detection unit 64 can be included. The control device 50 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components, adding other components, and changing the connection relationship are possible. For example, modifications such as providing the power receiving unit 52 and the like outside the control device 50 are possible.

  The power receiving unit 52 receives power from the power transmission device 10. Specifically, the power receiving unit 52 converts the AC induced voltage of the secondary coil L2 into a DC rectified voltage VCC and outputs it. This conversion is performed by a rectifier circuit 53 included in the power receiving unit 52. The rectifier circuit 53 can be realized by, for example, a plurality of transistors and diodes.

  The control unit 54 executes various control processes of the control device 50 on the power receiving side. For example, the control unit 54 controls the load modulation unit 56, the charging unit 58, and the discharging unit 60. Further, the power receiving unit 52, the nonvolatile memory 62, the detecting unit 64, and the like can be controlled. The control unit 54 can be realized by a logic circuit generated by an automatic placement and routing method such as a gate array or various processors such as a microcomputer.

  The load modulation unit 56 performs load modulation. For example, the load modulation unit 56 includes a current source IS, and performs load modulation using the current source IS. Specifically, the load modulation unit 56 includes a current source IS (constant current source) and a switch element SW. The current source IS and the switch element SW are provided in series between, for example, a node NVC of the rectified voltage VCC and a node of GND (in a broad sense, the low-potential side power supply voltage). Then, for example, the switch element SW is turned on or off based on a control signal from the control unit 54, and the current (constant current) of the current source IS flowing from the node NVC to GND is turned on or off, whereby load modulation is performed. Realized.

  Note that one end of the capacitor CM is connected to the node NVC. The capacitor CM is provided as an external component of the control device 50, for example. The switch element SW can be realized by a MOS transistor or the like. This switch element SW may be provided as a transistor constituting the circuit of the current source IS. Further, the load modulation unit 56 is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 2, and various modifications such as using a resistor instead of the current source IS are possible.

  The charging unit 58 charges the battery 90 (charge control). For example, the charging unit 58 charges the battery 90 based on the power received by the power receiving unit 52 that receives power from the power transmission device 10. For example, the charging unit 58 is supplied with a voltage based on the rectified voltage VCC (DC voltage in a broad sense) from the power receiving unit 52 and charges the battery 90. The charging unit 58 can include a CC charging circuit 59. The CC charging circuit 59 is a circuit that performs CC (Constant-Current) charging of the battery 90.

  The discharging unit 60 performs a discharging operation of the battery 90. For example, the discharge unit 60 (power supply unit) performs the discharge operation of the battery 90 and supplies the power from the battery 90 to the power supply target 100. For example, the discharge unit 60 is supplied with the charging voltage VBAT of the battery 90 and supplies the output voltage VOUT to the power supply target 100. The discharge unit 60 can include a charge pump circuit 61. The charge pump circuit 61 steps down the battery voltage VBAT (for example, 1/3 step down) and supplies the output voltage VOUT (VBAT / 3) to the power supply target 100. The discharge unit 60 (charge pump circuit) operates using, for example, the charging voltage VBAT as a power supply voltage.

  The battery 90 is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery, such as a lithium battery (such as a lithium ion secondary battery or a lithium ion polymer secondary battery) or a nickel battery (such as a nickel / hydrogen storage battery or a nickel / cadmium storage battery). The power supply target 100 is, for example, a device (integrated circuit device) such as a processing unit (DSP, microcomputer), and is provided in an electronic device 510 (FIG. 1A) including the power receiving device 40. The device to be supplied.

  The nonvolatile memory 62 is a nonvolatile memory device that stores various types of information. The nonvolatile memory 62 stores various information such as status information of the power receiving device 40 (control device 50), for example. As the nonvolatile memory 62, for example, an EEPROM or the like can be used. As the EEPROM, for example, a MONOS (Metal-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon) type memory can be used. For example, a flash memory using a MONOS type memory can be used. Alternatively, another type of memory such as a floating gate type may be used as the EEPROM.

  The detection unit 64 performs various detection processes. For example, the detection unit 64 monitors the rectified voltage VCC, the charging voltage VBAT, and the like, and executes various detection processes. Specifically, the detection unit 64 includes an A / D conversion circuit 65, and a voltage based on the rectified voltage VCC and the charging voltage VBAT, a temperature detection voltage from a temperature detection unit (not shown), and the like are displayed on the A / D conversion circuit 65. A / D conversion is performed using the digital A / D conversion value obtained. As detection processing performed by the detection unit 64, detection processing of overdischarge, overvoltage, overcurrent, or temperature abnormality (high temperature, low temperature) can be assumed. For example, when the detection unit 64 detects overvoltage and temperature abnormality during charging, overvoltage protection, high temperature protection, and low temperature protection can be realized. Further, when the detector 64 detects overdischarge and overcurrent during discharge, overdischarge protection and overcurrent protection can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the power transmission side control device 20 in the contactless power transmission system including the power transmission device 10 and the power reception device 40 includes a driver control circuit 22, a control unit 24, and a communication unit 30. Then, when the load modulation pattern configured by the first load state and the second load state is the first pattern (first bit pattern), the communication unit 30 has a first logic level (for example, “ 1 ") communication data (bits of communication data). On the other hand, when the load modulation pattern is a second pattern (second bit pattern) different from the first pattern, communication data (bit of communication data) at the second logic level (for example, “0”) It is judged that. Here, the first pattern is a pattern in which, for example, the width of the first load state period is longer than that of the second pattern. For example, the communication unit 30 samples the load modulation pattern at a given sampling interval from the first sampling point set within the period of the first load state in the first pattern, and gives a given number of bits. Communication data (for example, 16 bits or 64 bits) is captured. Details of the processing of the communication unit 30 will be described later.

  Moreover, the control part 24 may judge the status of the power receiving apparatus 40 based on the communication data for several times about the information showing the status of the power receiving apparatus 40 (control apparatus 50). Further, the control unit 24 may determine that the power receiving device 40 (electronic device 510) has been removed when the communication error determination information included in the communication data includes an error more than once.

  The power transmission unit 12 includes power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 and a power supply voltage control unit 14 that controls the power supply voltage VDRV of the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2. In this case, the control unit 24 controls the power supply voltage control unit 14 based on communication data (communication data transmitted by load modulation) from the power receiving device 40 during a period of normal power transmission in which load modulation is performed. I do. For example, contactless power transmission is performed by variably controlling the power supply voltage VDRV supplied by the power supply voltage control unit 14 based on transmission power setting information (power transmission status information, such as rectified voltage information) included in the communication data. The electric power transmitted by is variably controlled.

  In the present embodiment, the power-receiving-side control device 50 in the contactless power transmission system performs load modulation with a load modulation pattern configured by the first load state and the second load state, and transmits the power transmission device 10 (control). A load modulator 56 for transmitting communication data to the apparatus 20) and a controller 54 for controlling the load modulator 56. And the load modulation part 56 is comprised by the 1st load state and the 2nd load state about the 1st logic level of the communication data (bit of communication data) transmitted to the power transmission apparatus 10 (control apparatus 20). Load modulation is performed so that the load modulation pattern becomes the first pattern. On the other hand, for the second logical level of communication data (communication data bits) to be transmitted to the power transmission apparatus 10, load modulation is performed so that the load modulation pattern is a second pattern different from the first pattern. The load modulation unit 56 includes a current source IS and performs load modulation using the current source IS.

3. Outline of Operation Sequence of Contactless Power Transmission System Next, an example of the outline of the operation sequence of the contactless power transmission system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In A <b> 1 of FIG. 3, the electronic device 510 having the power receiving device 40 is not placed on the charger 500 having the power transmitting device 10 and is in a removed state. In this case, the standby state is entered. In this standby state, the power transmission side is in a waiting state, and the power reception side is in a discharge operation on state.

  Specifically, in the standby state, the power transmission unit 12 of the power transmission device 10 performs intermittent power transmission for landing detection. That is, the power transmission unit 12 is in a state of detecting the landing of the electronic device 510 by performing intermittent power transmission in which power is intermittently transmitted every given period without performing continuous power transmission like normal power transmission. In the standby mode, in the power receiving device 40, the discharge operation to the power supply target 100 is turned on, and the power supply to the power supply target 100 is enabled. That is, the discharging unit 60 of the power receiving device 40 performs an operation of discharging the power from the battery 90 to the power supply target 100. As a result, the power supply target 100 such as a processing unit can be operated by being supplied with power from the battery 90.

  As shown in A2 of FIG. 3, when the electronic device 510 is placed on the charger 500 and landing is detected, the communication check & charge state is entered. In this communication check & charging state, the power transmission side performs normal power transmission, and the power receiving side turns on the charging operation and turns off the discharging operation. The power receiving side transmits communication data by load modulation.

  Specifically, in the communication check & charge state, the power transmission unit 12 of the power transmission device 10 performs normal power transmission that is continuous power transmission. At this time, normal power transmission is performed while performing power control in which the power varies variably according to the state of power transmission. Control based on the state of charge of the battery 90 is also performed. The state of power transmission is determined by, for example, the positional relationship (distance between the coils) of the primary coil L1 and the secondary coil L2, and is based on information such as the rectified voltage VCC that is the output voltage of the power receiving unit 52, for example. I can judge. The state of charge of the battery 90 can be determined based on information such as the charge voltage VBAT.

  In the communication check & charge state, the charging operation of the charging unit 58 of the power receiving device 40 is turned on, and the battery 90 is charged based on the power received by the power receiving unit 52. Further, the discharging operation of the discharging unit 60 is turned off, and the power from the battery 90 is not supplied to the power supply target 100. In the communication check & charge state, communication data is transmitted to the power transmission side by load modulation of the load modulation unit 56. For example, communication data including information such as power transmission status information (VCC, etc.), charging status information (VBAT, various status flags, etc.) and temperature is transmitted from the power receiving side by constant load modulation during the normal power transmission period. Sent to the side. For example, the power control by the power supply voltage control unit 14 of the power transmission unit 12 is performed based on power transmission state information included in the communication data.

  As shown by A3 in FIG. 3, when full charge of the battery 90 is detected, the full charge standby state is entered. In the full charge standby state, the power transmission side is in a waiting state, and the power reception side is in a state in which the discharge operation is off.

  Specifically, the power transmission unit 12 performs intermittent power transmission for removal detection, for example. That is, the power transmission unit 12 is in a state of detecting the removal of the electronic device 510 by performing intermittent power transmission in which power is intermittently transmitted every given period without performing continuous power transmission like normal power transmission. In addition, the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 remains off, and the power supply to the power supply target 100 remains disabled.

  When removal of the electronic device 510 is detected as indicated by A4 in FIG. 3, the electronic device 510 is in use as indicated by A5, and the discharge operation on the power receiving side is turned on.

  Specifically, the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 is switched from off to on, and the power from the battery 90 is supplied to the power supply target 100 via the discharge unit 60. As a result, power from the battery 90 is supplied, the power supply target 100 such as a processing unit operates, and the user can use the electronic device 510 normally.

  As described above, in this embodiment, as shown by A1 in FIG. 3, when the landing of the electronic device 510 is detected, normal power transmission is performed, and constant load modulation is performed during this normal power transmission period. When the landing is detected, the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 is stopped. In this constant load modulation, communication data including information for power control on the power transmission side and information indicating the status on the power reception side is transmitted from the power reception side to the power transmission side. For example, by communicating information for power control (power transmission state information), it is possible to realize optimal power control according to, for example, the positional relationship between the primary coil L1 and the secondary coil L2. In addition, an optimal and safe charging environment can be realized by communicating information representing the status of the power receiving side. In the present embodiment, the normal power transmission is continued while the load modulation is continued, and the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 remains off.

  In this embodiment, as shown by A3 in FIG. 3, when full charge of the battery 90 is detected, normal power transmission stops and intermittent power transmission for removal detection is performed. And as shown to A4 and A5, when removal is detected and it becomes a removal period, the discharge operation of the discharge part 60 will be performed. As a result, the power from the battery 90 is supplied to the power supply target 100, and the normal operation of the electronic device 510 becomes possible. The landing detection and removal detection are performed based on the output voltage (for example, rectified voltage VCC) of the power receiving unit 52.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the discharging operation to the power supply target 100 is turned off during the charging period (normal power transmission period) of the battery 90 of the electronic apparatus 510. Can be prevented from being consumed.

  When the removal of the electronic device 510 is detected, the normal power transmission is switched to the intermittent power transmission, and the discharge operation to the power supply target 100 is turned on. When the discharge operation is turned on in this way, the power from the battery 90 is supplied to the power supply target 100, and the normal operation of the power supply target 100 such as a processing unit (DSP) becomes possible. In this way, for example, the electronic device 510 of a type that does not operate during the charging period in which the electronic device 510 is placed on the charger 500 (for example, an electronic device worn by a user such as a hearing aid) is suitable. An operation sequence of contactless power transmission can be realized. That is, in this type of electronic device 510, power saving can be realized by turning off the discharging operation of the power from the battery 90 during the charging period (normal power transmission period). When the removal is detected, the discharge operation is automatically turned on, so that power from the battery 90 is supplied to various devices that are the power supply target 100 of the electronic apparatus 510, and the device It becomes possible to operate, and it becomes possible to automatically shift to the normal operation mode of the electronic device 510.

  3 is an example of an operation sequence of the contactless power transmission system, and the operation sequence of the present embodiment is not limited to FIG. 3, and various modifications can be made. A detailed example of the operation sequence will be described later with reference to FIGS.

4). Communication Method FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication method using load modulation. As shown in FIG. 4, on the power transmission side (primary side), the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 of the power transmission unit 12 drive the primary coil L1. Specifically, the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 operate based on the power supply voltage VDRV supplied from the power supply voltage control unit 14 to drive the primary coil L1.

  On the other hand, on the power receiving side (secondary side), the rectifier circuit 53 of the power receiving unit 52 rectifies the coil end voltage of the secondary coil L2, and the rectified voltage VCC is output to the node NVC. The primary coil L1 and the capacitor CA1 constitute a power transmission side resonance circuit, and the secondary coil L2 and the capacitor CA2 constitute a power reception side resonance circuit.

  On the power receiving side, by turning on / off the switch element SW of the load modulation unit 56, the current ID2 of the current source IS is intermittently passed from the node NVC to the GND side, and the load state on the power receiving side (the potential on the power receiving side) Fluctuate.

  On the power transmission side, the current ID1 flowing through the sense resistor RCS provided in the power supply line varies due to the variation of the load state on the power receiving side due to the load modulation. For example, a sense resistor RCS for detecting a current flowing through the power supply is provided between the power supply on the power transmission side (for example, a power supply device such as the power supply adapter 502 in FIG. 1A) and the power supply voltage control unit 14. The power supply voltage control unit 14 is supplied with a power supply voltage from the power supply via the sense resistor RCS. The current ID1 flowing from the power source to the sense resistor RCS fluctuates due to fluctuations in the load state on the power receiving side due to load modulation, and the communication unit 30 detects this current fluctuation. And the communication part 30 performs the detection process of the communication data transmitted by load modulation based on a detection result.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a specific configuration of the communication unit 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the communication unit 30 includes a current detection circuit 32, a comparison circuit 34, and a demodulation unit 36. Further, an amplifier AP for signal amplification and a filter unit 35 can be included. Note that the communication unit 30 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, and various components such as omitting some of the components, adding other components (for example, a bandpass filter unit), and changing connection relationships. Variations are possible.

  The current detection circuit 32 detects a current ID1 that flows from the power supply (power supply device) to the power transmission unit 12. Specifically, the current ID1 flowing from the power source to the power transmission unit 12 via the power supply voltage control unit 14 is detected. This current ID1 may include, for example, a current flowing through the driver control circuit 22 or the like.

  In FIG. 5, the current detection circuit 32 is configured by an IV conversion amplifier IVC. The IV conversion amplifier IVC has its non-inverting input terminal (+) connected to one end of the sense resistor RCS and its inverting input terminal (−) connected to the other end of the sense resistor RCS. Then, the IV conversion amplifier IVC amplifies the minute voltage VC1-VC2 generated when the minute current ID1 flows through the sense resistor RCS, and outputs the amplified voltage VC1-VC2 as the detection voltage VDT. The detection voltage VDT is further amplified by the amplifier AP and output to the comparison circuit 34 as the detection voltage VDTA. Specifically, the amplifier AP receives the detection voltage VDT at its non-inverting input terminal, receives the reference voltage VRF at its inverting input terminal, and outputs a signal of the detection voltage VDTA amplified with reference to the reference voltage VRF. .

  The comparison circuit 34 compares and determines the detection voltage VDTA (detection voltage after voltage amplification by the amplifier AP) by the current detection circuit 32 and the determination voltage VCP = VRF + VOFF. Then, the comparison determination result CQ is output. For example, a comparison determination is made as to whether the detection voltage VDTA is above or below the determination voltage VCP. The comparison circuit 34 can be configured by a comparator CP, for example. In this case, for example, the voltage VOFF of the determination voltage VCP = VRF + VOFF may be realized by an offset voltage of the comparator CP.

  The demodulator 36 determines a load modulation pattern based on the comparison determination result CQ (comparison determination result FQ after filtering) of the comparison circuit 34. That is, communication data is detected by performing demodulation processing of the load modulation pattern, and is output as detection data DAT. The control unit 24 on the power transmission side performs various processes based on the detection data DAT.

  In FIG. 5, a filter unit 35 is provided between the comparison circuit 34 and the demodulation unit 36. Then, the demodulator 36 determines the load modulation pattern based on the comparison determination result FQ after the filter processing by the filter unit 35. For example, a digital filter (FIR) can be used as the filter unit 35, but a passive filter may be used as the filter unit 35. By providing the filter unit 35, for example, adverse effects of noise at F1 and F2 in FIG.

  The filter unit 35 and the demodulation unit 36 operate by being supplied with, for example, a drive clock signal FCK. The drive clock signal FCK is a signal that defines a power transmission frequency, and the driver control circuit 22 is supplied with the drive clock signal FCK to drive the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 of the power transmission unit 12. The primary coil L1 is driven at a frequency (power transmission frequency) defined by the drive clock signal FCK.

  The communication unit 30 may be provided with a band-pass filter unit that performs band-pass filter processing that passes signals in the frequency band of load modulation and attenuates signals in bands other than the frequency band of load modulation. This band-pass filter unit may be built in the control device 20, or the band-pass filter unit may be constituted by external parts of the control device 20. And the communication part 30 detects the communication data from the power receiving apparatus 40 based on the output of a band pass filter part. Specifically, the band pass filter unit performs band pass filter processing on the detection voltage VDT detected by the current detection circuit 32. The comparison circuit 34 compares and determines the detection voltage VDTA after the bandpass filter processing by the bandpass filter unit and the determination voltage VCP. This band-pass filter portion can be provided, for example, between the IV conversion amplifier IVC and the amplifier AP.

  As described above, in the configuration of FIG. 5, the current detection circuit 32 detects the current flowing from the power supply (for example, 5 V) to the power transmission unit 12 (power supply voltage control unit 14), and the comparison circuit 34 detects by the current detection circuit 32. A comparison is made between the voltage VDTA (detected voltage after voltage amplification) and the determination voltage VCP. Then, the demodulator 36 determines the load modulation pattern based on the comparison determination result of the comparison circuit 34. That is, the load modulation pattern is determined by the method shown in FIGS.

  According to such a configuration, a small current ID1 (for example, several mA) flowing through the sense resistor RCS (for example, 0.1 to 0.3Ω) is amplified while being converted into a voltage by load modulation on the power receiving side, and obtained. The detection voltage VDTA is compared with the determination voltage VCP, and the demodulation unit 36 can perform the demodulation process of the load modulation pattern.

  For example, when the coils of L1 and L2 are small or have a low coupling degree, when load modulation is performed on the power receiving side, the current fluctuation on the power transmission side becomes a slight fluctuation, which is difficult to detect. is there.

  In this regard, according to the configuration of FIG. 5, it is possible to detect a minute current fluctuation due to load modulation on the power receiving side, compare the detection voltage VDTA and the determination voltage VCP, and execute the demodulation process. Therefore, even when the L1 and L2 coils are small or have a low degree of coupling, it is possible to realize proper demodulation processing of communication data.

  In FIG. 5, the power transmission unit 12 that drives the primary coil L1 with a large current and the power supply voltage control unit 14 (DCDC converter) that performs a boosting operation of the power supply voltage by, for example, a switching regulator method, generate noise that generates large noise. The source. For this reason, as shown in F1 and F2 of FIG. 7 described later, there is a possibility that a slit (glitch) occurs in the comparison determination result due to this noise or the like, and erroneous detection of communication data may occur.

  In this regard, in FIG. 5, for example, a filter unit 35 is provided between the comparison circuit 34 and the demodulation unit 36, and the demodulation unit 36 performs communication based on the comparison determination result FQ after the filter processing of the filter unit 35. Data demodulation processing is performed. Therefore, for example, due to the filter processing (digital filter processing) of the filter unit 35 (delay circuit), an adverse effect (slit) of noise at the edge change point of the detection voltage VDTA shown in F1 and F2 of FIG. The occurrence of erroneous detection of communication data can be suppressed.

  In FIG. 5, the comparison circuit 34 compares the detection voltage VDTA with the determination voltage VCP and outputs a comparison determination result CQ. According to this configuration, the comparison determination result CQ changes from the L level to the H level or from the H level to the L level according to the on / off state of the switch element SW of the load modulation unit 56, but is superimposed on the detection voltage VDTA. The determination voltage VCP can be set so that the comparison determination result CQ does not change depending on noise. For example, by setting the optimum determination voltage VCP corresponding to the current ID2 flowing through the load modulation unit 56 in FIG. 4, the comparison determination process of the comparison circuit 34 having high noise resistance can be realized, and erroneous detection of communication data occurs. Can be further suppressed.

  In this case, the comparison circuit 34 is preferably a circuit capable of comparing and determining the detection voltage VDTA and a plurality of determination voltages. For example, the comparison circuit 34 can make a comparison determination between the detection voltage VDTA and a plurality of determination voltages VCP1 = VRF + VOFF1 and VCP1 = VRF + VOFF2. This can be realized, for example, by using a comparator capable of setting a plurality of offset voltages VOFF1, VOFF2 as the comparator CP constituting the comparison circuit 34. For example, by setting VOFF1 = 20 mV and VOFF2 = 40 mV, the voltage difference between the L level and H level of the detection voltage VDTA in FIG. 7 and the determination voltage VCP can be set to 20 mV and 40 mV, for example.

  For example, if VCP = VCP1 (<VCP2) is set, compared to the case where VCP = VCP2 is set, a smaller current fluctuation in the sense resistor RCS can be detected as a change in the comparison determination result CQ. Detection sensitivity can be improved. However, if VCP = VCP1 is set, a slight fluctuation due to noise may be erroneously detected as a change in the comparison determination result CQ, and noise resistance is reduced.

  On the other hand, setting VCP = VCP2 (> VCP1) has an advantage that noise immunity can be improved, although the detection sensitivity is lower than when VCP = VCP1.

  If a circuit capable of comparing and determining the detection voltage VDTA and a plurality of determination voltages (VCP1, VCP2, etc.) is employed as the comparison circuit 34, the current value of the current ID2 flowing through the load modulation unit 56, L1, The optimum determination according to the size and coupling degree of the coil of L2, the situation of the noise level, and the like can realize the comparison determination process. For example, when priority is given to detection sensitivity, a lower determination voltage (VCP1) may be used, and when priority is given to noise tolerance, a higher voltage determination voltage (VCP2) may be used.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the load modulation unit 56 includes a current source IS, and performs load modulation using the current source IS. This makes it possible to perform load modulation using the constant current ID2 without depending on the magnitude of the voltage VCC (rectified voltage) of the node NVC.

  For example, as a method of the comparative example, there is a method of performing load modulation by providing a resistor instead of the current source IS of FIG. However, in the method of this comparative example, for example, when the distance between the coils L1 and L2 becomes short and the voltage VCC at the node NVC increases, the current ID2 flowing through the load modulation unit 56 increases. On the other hand, when the distance between the coils L1 and L2 is increased and the voltage VCC at the node NVC is decreased, the current ID2 flowing through the load modulation unit 56 is decreased. Therefore, depending on the distance between the coils of L1 and L2, etc., the magnitude of current fluctuation on the power transmission side due to load modulation also changes, which hinders the realization of stable communication. For example, as described above, the determination voltage VCP (VOFF) in FIG. 7 is set in consideration of detection sensitivity and noise resistance. However, if the magnitude of the current fluctuation on the power transmission side due to load modulation changes depending on the distance between the coils of L1 and L2, etc., the margin for setting the determination voltage VCP becomes narrow and stable. Realization of communication becomes difficult.

  In this regard, in FIG. 4, load modulation is performed using the constant current ID <b> 2 generated by the current source IS. For this reason, even if the distance between the coils of L1 and L2 changes, the magnitude of current fluctuation on the power transmission side due to load modulation does not change so much. Accordingly, the margin for setting the determination voltage VCP can be increased, and stable communication can be realized.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a communication configuration on the power receiving side. The power reception unit 52 extracts a clock signal having a frequency corresponding to the drive clock signal FCK and supplies the clock signal to the communication data generation unit 55. The communication data generation unit 55 is provided in the control unit 54 of FIG. 2, and performs communication data generation processing based on the supplied clock signal. Then, the communication data generation unit 55 outputs a control signal CSW for transmitting the generated communication data to the load modulation unit 56, and performs, for example, on / off control of the switch element SW by the control signal CSW, so that the communication data The load modulation unit 56 performs load modulation corresponding to the above.

  The load modulation unit 56 performs load modulation by changing the load state on the power receiving side (load due to load modulation) such as a first load state and a second load state. The first load state is a state where, for example, the switch element SW is turned on, and the load state on the power receiving side (load modulation load) is a high load (impedance is small). The second load state is a state in which, for example, the switch element SW is turned off, and the load state (load modulation load) on the power receiving side is a low load (impedance is large).

  In the conventional load modulation method, for example, the first load state is made to correspond to the logical level “1” (first logical level) of the communication data, and the second load state is changed to the logical level “1” of the communication data. The communication data is transmitted from the power receiving side to the power transmitting side in correspondence with “0” (second logic level). That is, when the logic level of the bit of communication data is “1”, the switch element SW is turned on, and when the logic level of the bit of communication data is “0”, the switch element SW is turned off. Thus, communication data having a predetermined number of bits has been transmitted.

  However, for example, in applications where the degree of coupling between the coils is low, the coils are small, or the transmission power is low, it is difficult to achieve proper communication with such a conventional load modulation method. That is, even if the load state on the power receiving side is changed to the first load state or the second load state by load modulation, the logic level “1” or “0” of the communication data is caused by noise or the like. A data detection error occurs. That is, even if load modulation is performed on the power receiving side, the current ID1 flowing through the sense resistor RCS on the power transmission side becomes a very small current due to the load modulation. For this reason, when noise is superimposed, a data detection error occurs, and a communication error due to noise or the like occurs.

  For example, FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing signal waveforms of the detection voltage VDTA, the determination voltage VCP of the comparison circuit 30, and the comparison determination result CQ. As shown in FIG. 7, the detection voltage VDTA is a voltage signal that changes with reference to the reference voltage VRF. ) Is added to the voltage signal.

  As shown in FIG. 7, for example, when noise is superimposed on the signal of the detection voltage VDTA, the position of the edge of the signal of the comparison determination result CQ changes as shown in F1 and F2, and the width (interval) of the period TM1 is long. It will fluctuate such as becoming shorter or shorter. For example, if the period TM1 is a period corresponding to the logic level “1”, if the width of the period TM1 varies, a communication data sampling error may occur, and a communication data detection error may occur. In particular, when the power receiving side performs constant load modulation in the normal power transmission period and transmits transmission power setting information, the power transmission unit 12 that performs normal power transmission becomes a noise source, and communication data detection errors occur. The probability of occurrence will increase.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the logical level “1” (data 1) and the logical level “0” (data 0) of each bit of the communication data are transmitted from the power receiving side using the load modulation pattern and detected on the power transmitting side. The technique to do is adopted.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the load modulation unit 56 on the power receiving side has the load modulation pattern of the first logic level “1” of the communication data transmitted to the power transmission apparatus 10 as the first pattern PT1. Load modulation is performed. On the other hand, for the second logic level “0” of the communication data, load modulation is performed such that the load modulation pattern becomes a second pattern PT2 different from the first pattern PT1.

  Then, when the load modulation pattern is the first pattern PT1, the power transmission side communication unit 30 (demodulation unit) determines that the communication data is the first logic level “1”. On the other hand, when the load modulation pattern is the second pattern PT2 different from the first pattern PT1, it is determined that the communication data is the second logic level “0”.

  Here, the load modulation pattern is a pattern configured by a first load state and a second load state. The first load state is a state in which the load on the power receiving side by the load modulation unit 56 becomes a high load, for example. Specifically, in FIG. 8, the first load state period TM1 is a period in which the switch element SW of the load modulation unit 56 is turned on and the current of the current source IS flows from the node NVC to the GND side. This is a period corresponding to the H level (bit = 1) of the first and second patterns PT1, PT2.

  On the other hand, the second load state is a state in which the load on the power receiving side by the load modulation unit 56 becomes a low load, for example. Specifically, in FIG. 8, the second load state period TM2 is a period in which the switch element SW of the load modulation unit 56 is turned off, and the L level (bit = bit = 1) of the first and second patterns PT1 and PT2. 0).

  In FIG. 8, the first pattern PT1 is a pattern in which the width of the period TM1 in the first load state is longer than that of the second pattern PT2. Thus, it is determined that the first pattern PT1 having the width of the period TM1 in the first load state is longer than that of the second pattern PT2 is the logic level “1”. On the other hand, it is determined that the second pattern PT2 in which the width of the period TM1 in the first load state is shorter than the first pattern PT1 is the logic level “0”.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first pattern PT1 is, for example, a pattern corresponding to the bit pattern (1110). The second pattern PT2 is a pattern corresponding to the bit pattern (1010), for example. In these bit patterns, bit = 1 corresponds to a state in which the switch element SW of the load modulation unit 56 is turned on, and bit = 0 corresponds to a state in which the switch element SW of the load modulation unit 56 is turned off.

  For example, when the bit of the communication data to be transmitted is the logic level “1”, the power receiving side turns on or off the switch element SW of the load modulation unit 56 with the bit pattern (1110) corresponding to the first pattern PT1. Turn off. Specifically, switch control is performed to turn the switch element SW on, on, on, and off in order. When the load modulation pattern is the first pattern PT1 corresponding to the bit pattern (1110), the power transmission side determines that the logical level of the communication data bit is “1”.

  On the other hand, when the bit of the communication data to be transmitted is the logical level “0”, the power receiving side turns on the switch element SW of the load modulation unit 56 with the bit pattern (1010) corresponding to the second pattern PT2. Or turn it off. Specifically, switch control is performed to turn on, off, on, and off the switch element SW in order. When the load modulation pattern is the second pattern PT2 corresponding to the bit pattern of (1010), the power transmission side determines that the logical level of the communication data bit is “0”.

  Here, when the drive frequency of the power transmission unit 12 is FCK and the drive cycle is T = 1 / FCK, the lengths of the first and second patterns PT1 and PT2 can be expressed as 512 × T, for example. it can. In this case, the length of one bit section is expressed as (512 × T) / 4 = 128 × T. Therefore, when the bit of the communication data has the logic level “1”, the power receiving side has a bit pattern of (1110) corresponding to the first pattern PT1, for example, at an interval of 128 × T, and the load modulation unit 56 The switch element SW is turned on or off. On the other hand, when the bit of the communication data is the logical level “0”, the power receiving side has a bit pattern of (1010) corresponding to the second pattern PT2 at an interval of, for example, 128 × T, and the load modulation unit 56 The switch element SW is turned on or off.

  The drive frequency FCK is, for example, about 80 to 120 KHz, and the load modulation frequency FMD (on / off clock frequency of the switch element SW) of the load modulation unit 56 is, for example, about 300 to 500 Hz. Specifically, when the drive frequency is FCK = 1 / T, the load modulation frequency FMD can be expressed as FMD = 1 / (256 × T) = FCK / 256 in FIG.

  On the other hand, the power transmission side performs communication data detection processing and capture processing by the method shown in FIG. 9, for example. For example, the communication unit 30 (demodulation unit) samples the load modulation pattern at a given sampling interval SI from the first sampling point SP1 set in the first load state period TM1 in the first pattern PT1. Go to capture communication data of a given number of bits.

  For example, sampling points SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, and SP6 in FIG. 9 are sampling points set for each sampling interval SI. This sampling interval SI is an interval corresponding to the length of the load modulation pattern. That is, the interval corresponds to the length of the first and second patterns PT1 and PT2 that are load modulation patterns. For example, in FIG. 8, since the lengths of the first and second patterns PT1 and PT2 are 512 × T (= 512 / FCK), the length of the sampling interval SI is also 512 × T.

  In FIG. 9, the load modulation patterns in the periods TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4, TS5, and TS6 are PT1, PT2, PT1, PT2, PT2, and PT2, respectively. Here, the periods TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4, TS5, and TS6 are periods corresponding to the sampling points SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, and SP6. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 9, by sampling the load modulation pattern at the sampling interval SI from the first sampling point SP1, for example, communication data (101000) with the number of bits = 6 is captured.

  Specifically, the communication unit 30 detects a pulse whose signal level is H level, and performs bit synchronization when the pulse width is within the first range width (for example, 220 × T to 511 × T). Do. For example, the demodulator 36 includes a first edge at which the signal of the comparison determination result CQ (FQ) changes from the L level (“0”) to the H level (“1”) by the predetermined number of bits, A second edge at which the comparison determination result CQ (FQ) changes from the H level to the L level after the edge is detected. If the width of the pulse defined by the first edge and the second edge is within the first range width (220 × T to 511 × T), it is determined that the bit synchronization is established, and the communication is performed. The logic level “1” of the first bit of data is detected. In the case of bit synchronization, the first sampling point SP1 is set at the center point of the pulse width, and a signal is taken in every sampling interval SI (for example, 512 × T) from the first sampling point SP1. If the level of the captured signal is H level, it is determined that the level is logic level “1” (first pattern PT1). If the level is L level, logic level “0” (second pattern PT2) is determined. It is judged that. By doing so, communication data (101000) is captured in FIG. Actually, after bit synchronization (after fetching 1-bit data at SP1), by fetching 15-bit data, communication data of 16 bits is fetched as a whole. In the 16-bit communication data, the first 1 bit (bit synchronized bit) is always “1”.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the width of the period TM1 in the first load state is within the first range width (220 × T to 511 × T), as shown in FIG. The first sampling point SP1 is set within the load period TM1.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the width of the period TM1 in which the signal level is at the H level is within the first range width RW1, bit synchronization is performed. A first sampling point SP1 is set at the center point. Then, sampling is performed at each sampling interval SI from the set first sampling point SP1. Here, the first range width RW1 (220 × T to 511 × T) is a range width set corresponding to the first load state period TM1 (384 × T) in the first pattern PT1.

  That is, as described in FIG. 7, the width of the period TM1 varies due to noise or the like. The typical value of the width of the period TM1 in the first pattern PT1 is 128 × 3 × T = 384 × T, which is a width corresponding to 3 bits (111). Accordingly, a first range width RW1 (220 × T to 511 × T) that includes 384 × T is set. The H level period within the first range width RW1 (220 × T to 511 × T) is determined to be the period TM1 of the first pattern PT1, and the first sampling point SP1 is set. For bit synchronization. Thus, even when noise is superimposed on the signal as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to perform appropriate bit synchronization and set an appropriate first sampling point SP1.

  After the first sampling point SP1 is set in this way, sampling is performed at each sampling interval SI, and any one of the first and second patterns PT1, PT2 is performed based on the signal level at each sampling point. Judge whether or not.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, the communication unit 30 has a case where the load state is the first load state at the second sampling point SP2 next to the first sampling point SP1 (signal level). Is at the H level), it is determined that the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point SP2 is the first pattern PT1. That is, it is determined that the logical level of the bit of the communication data is “1”. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the load state is the first load state (H level) at the third sampling point SP3 next to the second sampling point SP2, the third sampling point SP3 is used. It is determined that the load modulation pattern at the point SP3 is the first pattern PT1, and the logical level of the bit of the communication data is “1”. The same applies to the subsequent sampling points.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the load state is the second load state at the second sampling point SP2 (when the signal level is the L level), the second sampling point SP2 is used. It is determined that the load modulation pattern at is the second pattern PT2. That is, it is determined that the logical level of the bit of communication data is “0”. When the load state is the second load state (L level) at the third sampling point SP3, the load modulation pattern at the third sampling point SP3 is the second pattern PT2, and the communication data It is determined that the logical level of the bit is “0”. The same applies to the subsequent sampling points.

  For example, in FIG. 9, since the load state at the sampling point SP2 is the second load state (L level), it is determined to be the second pattern PT2, and the logic level is determined to be “0”. Since the load state at the sampling point SP3 is the first load state (H level), it is determined to be the first pattern PT1, and the logical level is determined to be “1”. Since the load state at the sampling points SP4, SP5, SP6 is the second load state (L level), it is determined to be the second pattern PT2, and the logic level is determined to be “0”.

  Note that, at each sampling point in FIGS. 9 to 10B, it may be confirmed whether or not the width of the load state period including the sampling point is within a predetermined range. That is, a condition is added as to whether the pulse width is within the range width when the signal is captured.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, at the second sampling point SP2, the load state is the first load state (H level) and the first load state including the second sampling point SP2 When the width of the period TM1 (H level pulse width) is within the first range width RW1 (220 × T to 511 × T), the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point SP2 is the first. It is determined that the pattern is PT1 (logic level “1”). Similarly, at the third sampling point SP3, the load state is the first load state (H level), and the width of the first load state period TM1 including the third sampling point SP3 (H level pulse). Width) is within the first range width RW1, it is determined that the load modulation pattern at the third sampling point SP3 is the first pattern PT1.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, at the second sampling point SP2, the load state is the second load state (L level), and the second load state includes the second sampling point SP2. When the width of the period TM2 (L level pulse width) is within the second range width RW2 (for example, 80 × T to 150 × T), the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point SP2 is 2 pattern PT2 (logic level “0”). Similarly, at the third sampling point SP3, the load state is the second load state (L level), and the width of the second load state period TM2 including the third sampling point SP3 (L level pulse). Width) is within the second range width RW2, it is determined that the load modulation pattern at the third sampling point SP3 is the second pattern PT2.

  Here, the second range width RW2 (80 × T to 150 × T) is a range width set corresponding to the second load state period TM2 (128 × T) in the second pattern PT2. Since the typical value of the period TM2 is 128 × T which is a width corresponding to 1 bit, a second range width RW2 (80 × T to 150 × T) including this 128 × T is set.

  For example, when the communication state is normal, sampling is performed as shown in FIG. 9 without checking the magnitudes (RW1, RW2) of the pulse widths of the H level and L level (pulse widths of the periods TM1, TM2). Even if data is detected at the sampling points SP2, SP3, SP4... Set from the point SP1 at every sampling interval SI, no significant problem occurs.

  However, for example, if a positional deviation or vibration occurs between the charger 500 and the electronic device 510 in FIG. 1A during communication, for example, a communication error occurs due to current fluctuation caused by this. There is a problem of end up. In this case, the occurrence of a communication error as described above can be reduced by performing a CRC error check described later. However, for example, only the error check by CRC (for example, 8 bits) cannot detect the communication error with a predetermined probability (for example, 1/256), and may make a wrong determination.

  In this regard, as described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, at each sampling point, the pulse widths of the H level and the L level are within the first and second range widths RW1 and RW2. If the method of confirmation is adopted, the occurrence of the above problems can be solved.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the logical level of communication data is determined by determining the load modulation pattern. For example, in the related art, the first load state in which the switch element SW of the load modulator 56 is turned on is determined as the logic level “1”, and the second load state in which the switch element SW is turned off is the logic level “0”. A method that makes judgments is adopted. However, with this conventional technique, as described with reference to FIG. 7, there is a possibility that a communication data detection error may occur due to noise or the like.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, the logical level of each bit of communication data is determined by determining whether the load modulation pattern is, for example, the first or second pattern PT1 or PT2 as shown in FIG. Is detected. Therefore, even in a situation where there is a lot of noise as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to properly detect communication data. That is, in the first and second patterns PT1 and PT2 in FIG. 8, for example, the width (pulse width) of the period TM1 in the first load state (H level) is greatly different. In this embodiment, this period TM1 By determining the difference in width, the pattern is determined and the logical level of each bit of the communication data is detected. For example, in the first bit synchronization of FIGS. 9 to 10B, when the width of the period TM1 is within the first range width RW1 (220 × T to 511 × T), sampling is performed at the center point of the period TM1. A point SP1 is set, and signals are captured at the subsequent sampling points SP2, SP3, SP4. Therefore, for example, even when the width of the period TM1 at the sampling point SP1 varies due to noise, the communication data can be properly detected. Further, since the subsequent sampling points SP2, SP3, SP4,... Can be set by a simple process based on the sampling interval SI, there is an advantage that the processing load of the communication data detection process can be reduced.

  Note that the communication method of the present embodiment is not limited to the method described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10B and the like, and various modifications can be made. For example, in FIG. 8, the logical level “1” is associated with the first pattern PT1, and the logical level “0” is associated with the second pattern PT2, but this association may be reversed. Further, the first and second patterns PT1 and PT2 in FIG. 8 are examples of load modulation patterns, and the load modulation pattern of the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made. For example, in FIG. 8, the first and second patterns PT1 and PT2 are set to the same length, but may be set to different lengths. In FIG. 8, the first pattern PT1 of the bit pattern (1110) and the second pattern PT2 of the bit pattern (1010) are used, but the first and second patterns of bit patterns different from these are used. PT1 and PT2 may be adopted. For example, the first and second patterns PT1 and PT2 may be patterns having different lengths of at least the first load state period TM1 (or the second load state period TM2). The pattern can be adopted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the filter unit 35 is provided on the upstream side of the demodulator 36, so that, for example, data having a length of 16 × T or less is not transmitted to the demodulator 36. Low-pass digital filter processing is performed. As a result, for example, slits (glitch) as shown in F1 and F2 of FIG. 7 are set to data of 16 × T or less and are not transmitted to the demodulator 36.

  FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B show examples of the format of communication data used in this embodiment.

  In FIG. 11A, the communication data is composed of 64 bits, and one packet is composed of 64 bits. The first 16 bits are 00h. For example, when load modulation on the power receiving side is detected and the power transmission side starts normal power transmission (or intermittent power transmission), until the current detection circuit 32 of the communication unit 30 operates and communication data can be properly detected. In addition, a certain amount of time is required. Therefore, 00h which is dummy (empty) data is set in the first 16 bits. The power transmission side performs various processes necessary for, for example, bit synchronization in the first 16-bit 00h communication period.

  In the next second 16 bits, data code and rectified voltage (VCC) information are set. As shown in FIG. 11B, the data code is a code for specifying data communicated by the next third 16 bits. The rectified voltage (VCC) is used as transmission power setting information of the power transmission device 10. Specifically, the power supply voltage control unit 14 variably controls the power supply voltage VDRV to be supplied to the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 based on the rectified voltage (VCC) information and the like, thereby transmitting power transmitted by the power transmission unit 12. Is controlled variably.

  Information such as temperature, charging voltage, charging current, status flag, number of cycles, or IC number is set in the third 16 bits according to the setting in the data code. The temperature is, for example, a battery temperature. The charging voltage and charging current are the charging voltage (such as VBAT) and charging current of the battery 90, and are information indicating the charging state. The status flag is information indicating the status on the power receiving side such as temperature error (high temperature abnormality, low temperature abnormality), battery error (battery voltage of 1.0 V or less), overvoltage error, timer error, full charge (normal end), and the like. . The number of cycles (cycle time) is information representing the number of times of charging. The IC number is a number for specifying the IC of the control device. CRC information is set in the fourth 16 bits. CRC is information for CRC error check.

  As shown in FIG. 14 to be described later, when the landing of the electronic device 510 is detected and VCC> 6.0V, in the B5 load modulation, first, for example, one packet (64 bits) is empty. Communication data of data (dummy data) is transmitted. Then, the power transmission side detects communication data of this empty data and starts normal power transmission.

  In this embodiment, the method shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B may be used. For example, in FIG. 12A, a method of determining the status of the power receiving side is adopted for information representing the status of the power receiving side (power receiving device 40, control device 50) based on a plurality of communication data.

  That is, as described in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in this embodiment, the power receiving side transmits communication data of a packet (64 bits) including a status flag indicating the status of the power receiving side to the power transmitting side. doing. As described above, the status flag is a flag such as a temperature error, a battery error, an overvoltage error, or a timer error.

  In this case, if the status on the power receiving side is determined only by the status flag included in one packet, there is a possibility that an erroneous determination is made when there is a communication error. That is, even if a communication error is checked with the 8-bit CRC set in the last 16 bits of the packet in FIG. 11A, the communication error cannot be detected with a predetermined probability, and a wrong determination may be made. There is.

  Therefore, in FIG. 12, for example, the status on the receiving side is determined based on status flags included in a plurality of packets PK1 to PKN (for example, 2 to 4 packets) that are communication data for a plurality of times. For example, when an error flag such as a temperature error included in the status flag is set in all of the plurality of packets PK1 to PKN, it is determined that the error has occurred (determined by majority processing) Also good). In this way, for example, even when a temporary communication error occurs due to positional deviation or vibration between the charger 500 and the electronic device 510, the status on the power receiving side is erroneously determined. The occurrence of a serious situation can be suppressed.

  In FIG. 12B, a method of determining that the power receiving device 40 (electronic device 510) has been removed is employed when the communication error determination information included in the communication data includes an error more than once. doing.

  That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, in the present embodiment, the power receiving side transmits the communication data of the packet including the CRC to the power transmitting side. This CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) is information for determining a communication error.

  In this case, in FIG. 12B, it is detected that there is an error in the communication data in the CRC included in the plurality of packets PK1 to PKN (for example, 2 to 4 packets). That is, the CRC, which is communication error determination information, has an error more than once. In this case, since it is considered that the communication state is unstable, it is assumed that removal has been detected, and, for example, a transition is made to intermittent power transmission for removal. That is, since it is not appropriate to continue normal power transmission in such an unstable communication state, normal power transmission is stopped and transition to intermittent power transmission for removal is performed. By doing so, the safety and reliability of contactless power transmission can be improved.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of communication processing according to the present embodiment. First, the power receiving side (control unit 54) determines whether or not the rectified voltage is VCC> 6.0V (step S1). For example, when the power transmission side transmits power, the rectified voltage VCC rises due to the power received by the power receiving side, and VCC> 6.0V. For example, the control device 50 on the power receiving side operates with a power source using the transmission power on the power transmission side. For this reason, in the period when electric power is not transmitted from the power transmission side, the control device 50 (excluding the discharge system circuit) is not supplied with power, and is in a reset state, for example.

  When the rectified voltage becomes VCC> 6.0V, the power receiving side first transmits the IC number to the power transmitting side by the load variable (step S2). For example, in FIG. 11 (A) and FIG. 11 (B), communication of an IC number is designated by a data code, and communication data including IC number information is transmitted.

  When normal charging could not be started, for example, in the case of preliminary charging when the battery voltage is VBAT <2.5V (charging the overdischarge battery) or in the case of a battery error when VBAT <1.0V ( In step S3: NO), the power receiving side transmits communication data including information such as a rectified voltage, a charging voltage, a charging current, a temperature, and a status flag by load modulation (step S4).

  On the other hand, if normal charging can be started (step S3: YES), the number of charging cycles is incremented by 1 (step S5), and the number of cycles after the increment is transmitted by load modulation (step S6). In the normal charging period, transmission of communication data including information such as a rectified voltage, a charging voltage, a charging current, a temperature, and a status flag is repeated (step S7). The power transmission side can determine the state of charge on the power reception side based on these pieces of information.

  In addition, although the example of the communication method of this embodiment was shown above, the communication method of this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, demodulation processing, communication data format, and communication processing are not limited to the methods described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13 and the like, and various modifications can be made.

5. Detailed Example of Operation Sequence FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 are signal waveform diagrams for explaining the details of the operation sequence of the contactless power transmission system of this embodiment.

  B1 in FIG. 14 is the standby state of A1 in FIG. 3, and intermittent power transmission for landing detection is performed. That is, power transmission is performed at intervals of the period TL2 at intervals of the period TL1. The interval of TL1 is 3 seconds, for example, and the interval of TL2 is 50 milliseconds, for example. In B2 and B3 of FIG. 14, the rectified voltage VCC, which is the output voltage of the power receiving unit 52, is 6.0 V or less, and therefore communication by load modulation is not performed.

  On the other hand, since the rectified voltage VCC exceeds 6.0 V, which is the threshold voltage for landing detection, in B4, the load modulation unit 56 starts load modulation as shown in B5. That is, in B2 and B3, the coils L1 and L2 are not sufficiently electromagnetically coupled, but in B4, the coils L1 and L2 are properly electromagnetically coupled as shown in FIG. ing. For this reason, the rectified voltage VCC rises and exceeds 6.0 V, and load modulation starts. When this load modulation (empty communication data) is detected by the power transmission side, normal power transmission by the power transmission unit 12 is started as indicated by B6. The normal power transmission of B6 is continuous power transmission different from the intermittent power transmission of B1, and charging of the battery 90 by the charging unit 58 is started by the electric power by this normal power transmission. At this time, the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 is off. In addition, communication data including various information such as a rectified voltage, a charging voltage, and a status flag is transmitted from the power reception side to the power transmission side by the load modulation indicated by B5, and power transmission control is executed. The load modulation of B5 is started when the rectified voltage VCC is increased by the intermittent power transmission for landing detection shown in B7.

  In C <b> 1 of FIG. 15, the electronic device 510 is removed during a normal power transmission period in which the battery 90 is charged. This removal of C1 is removal before the battery 90 is fully charged, as indicated by C2 and C3. That is, it is removal in a state where the full charge flag is at the L level which is an inactive level.

  When the electronic device 510 is removed in this manner, the power on the power transmission side is not transmitted to the power receiving side, and the rectified voltage VCC, which is the output voltage of the power receiving unit 52, is reduced. As shown in C4, for example, when VCC <3.1V, the load modulation by the load modulation unit 56 is stopped as shown in C5. When the load modulation is stopped, normal power transmission by the power transmission unit 12 is stopped as indicated by C6.

  Further, when the rectified voltage VCC (output voltage) decreases and falls below a determination voltage of, for example, 3.1 V, discharging of the start capacitor on the power receiving side (not shown) starts. The start capacitor is a capacitor for starting the discharge operation on the power receiving side (for measuring the starting period), and is provided as an external component of the control device 50 on the power receiving side, for example. When the start-up period TST elapses after the rectified voltage VCC falls below the determination voltage (3.1 V), the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 is switched from off to on as indicated by C8, and the power from the battery 90 is It is supplied to the supply object 100. Specifically, when the voltage (charge voltage) of the start capacitor falls below the threshold voltage for turning on the discharge operation, it is determined that the start-up period TST has elapsed, the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 is turned on, and the battery 90 Is discharged to the power supply target 100. As a result, the electronic device 510 can be used as indicated by A5 in FIG. In addition, after stopping normal power transmission, the power transmission unit 12 performs intermittent power transmission for landing detection as indicated by C9.

  In the present embodiment, a charging system control unit and a discharging system control unit are provided as the control unit 54 on the power receiving side in FIG. The control unit of the charging system operates by being supplied with a power supply voltage based on the rectified voltage VCC (output voltage) of the power receiving unit 52. On the other hand, the control unit and the discharge unit 60 of the discharge system operate by being supplied with the power supply voltage by the battery voltage VBAT. Control of charge / discharge of the start capacitor and control of discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 (on / off control) are performed by the discharge system control unit.

  In D1 of FIG. 16, the full charge flag is at the H level which is the active level, and the full charge of the battery 90 is detected. When full charge is detected in this way, the state shifts to the full charge standby state as indicated by A3 in FIG. 3, and intermittent power transmission for removal detection after full charge is performed as indicated by D2. That is, power transmission is performed at intervals of the period TR2 at intervals of the period TR1. The interval of TR1 is 1.5 seconds, for example, and the interval of TR2 is 50 milliseconds, for example. The interval TR1 for intermittent power transmission for removal detection is shorter than the interval TL1 for intermittent power transmission for landing detection.

  Due to this intermittent power transmission for removal detection, the rectified voltage of the power receiving unit 52 becomes VCC> 6.0V as indicated by D3 and D4 in FIG. 16, and load modulation is performed as indicated by D5 and D6. The power transmission side can detect that the electronic device 510 has not yet been removed by detecting this load modulation (such as empty communication data).

  The interval (for example, 1.5 seconds) of the intermittent power transmission period TR1 for removal detection is shorter than the interval (for example, 3 seconds) of the start-up period TST indicated by D7 set by the start capacitor. Therefore, in a state where the electronic device 510 is not removed, the voltage (charge voltage) of the start capacitor does not fall below the threshold voltage VT for turning on the discharge operation, and the discharge operation is switched from OFF to ON as indicated by D8. There is no switching.

  On the other hand, in D9, the electronic device 510 is removed. And after completion | finish of period TR2 of intermittent power transmission for removal detection shown to D4, as shown to D10, since the rectified voltage VCC of the power receiving part 52 is less than 3.1V which is a determination voltage, it is the start-up period TST shown to D7. Measurement starts. In D11, the voltage of the start capacitor is lower than the threshold voltage VT for turning on the discharge operation, and the elapse of the starting period TST is detected. Thereby, the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 is switched from off to on, and the power from the battery 90 is supplied to the power supply target 100. Further, as shown at D12, intermittent power transmission for detecting the landing of the electronic device 510 is performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, normal power transmission by the power transmission unit 12 is started as shown in B6 on the condition that the power receiving device 40 starts load modulation as shown in B5 of FIG. And while the load modulation of B5 is continued, the normal power transmission shown in B6 is continued. Specifically, when load modulation is not detected as indicated by C5 in FIG. 15, normal power transmission by the power transmission unit 12 is stopped as indicated by C6. And as shown to C9, the intermittent transmission for the landing detection by the power transmission part 12 comes to be performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the normal power transmission is started on the condition that the load modulation is started, the normal power transmission is continued while the load modulation is continued, and the normal power transmission is stopped when the load modulation is not detected. A sequence is adopted. In this way, complicated authentication processing or the like can be eliminated, and contactless power transmission and communication by load modulation can be realized with a simple and simple operation sequence. In addition, by performing communication based on constant load modulation during the normal power transmission period, it is possible to realize efficient contactless power transmission according to the state of power transmission.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in D1 of FIG. 16, when the full charge of the battery 90 of the power receiving device 40 is detected based on the communication data from the power receiving side, as illustrated in D2, the power transmission unit 12 The normal power transmission due to is stopped, and intermittent power transmission for removal detection is performed. When the electronic device 510 is removed as shown in D9 and the removal is detected, intermittent power transmission for landing detection by the power transmission unit 12 is performed as shown in D12.

  In this way, when full charge is detected, normal power transmission, which is continuous power transmission, is stopped, and a transition is made to intermittent power transmission that intermittently transmits power. As a result, it is possible to suppress wasteful consumption of electric power during the removal period or the like, and power saving can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, even when an abnormality on the power receiving side is detected based on the communication data, the normal power transmission by the power transmission unit 12 is stopped, and intermittent power transmission for removal detection is performed. The abnormality on the power receiving side is, for example, a battery charging error such as a battery failure in which the voltage of the battery 90 is less than 1.0 V, or a timer end error that causes the charging time to exceed a predetermined period (for example, 6 to 8 hours). is there. In this way, when an abnormality is detected on the power receiving side, normal power transmission, which is continuous power transmission, automatically stops and shifts to intermittent power transmission, so safety and reliability can be ensured. .

  In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the power receiving device 40 has the battery 90 after the rectified voltage VCC, which is the output voltage of the power receiving unit 52, decreases and the start-up period TST of the discharge operation elapses. Is discharged to the power supply target 100. Specifically, the discharge operation is started after the start-up period TST has elapsed after the rectified voltage VCC falls below the determination voltage (3.1 V). That is, as shown in C8 of FIG. 15 and D11 of FIG. 16, the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 is turned on, and the power from the battery 90 is supplied to the power supply target 100. In this embodiment, as shown by D2 and D7 in FIG. 16, intermittent power transmission for removal detection is performed at intervals of a period TR1 (for example, 1.5 seconds) shorter than the activation period TST (for example, 3 seconds). .

  In this way, the start-up period TST does not elapse with the length of the removal detection period TR1, so that the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 does not turn on during the intermittent power transmission period for removal detection. Then, as shown in D9 of FIG. 16, when the electronic device 510 is removed, the rectified voltage VCC does not periodically increase as in the period of intermittent power transmission for removal detection, and the activation period TST shown in D7 has elapsed. As a result, the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 is turned on as indicated by D11. Accordingly, the removal of the electronic device 510 is detected, and the discharge operation of the discharge unit 60 is automatically turned on so that the power from the battery 90 can be supplied to the power supply target 100.

6). Power Control In this embodiment, the power transmission side employs a technique for performing power transmission control based on communication data from the power receiving side. Specifically, in FIG. 2, the power transmission unit 12 includes power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2, and a power supply voltage control unit that controls the power supply voltage VDRV of the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2. And the control part 24 controls the power supply voltage control part 14 based on the communication data from the power receiving apparatus 40 (control apparatus 50).

  Specifically, the control unit 24 causes the power supply voltage control unit 14 to supply the power supply drivers DR1 and DR2 with the power supply voltage VDRV that variably changes based on the transmission power setting information included in the communication data during the normal power transmission period. Thereby, the transmission power of the power transmission unit 12 is variably controlled based on the transmission power setting information.

  On the other hand, the control unit 24 supplies the power supply voltage VDRV for landing detection and removal detection to the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 from the power supply voltage control unit 14 during the period of intermittent power transmission for landing detection and removal detection.

  Here, the power supply voltage for landing detection and removal detection is a voltage corresponding to the voltage level on the high potential side in the signal waveform of the primary coil drive voltage in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16. The landing detection power supply voltage and the removal detection power supply voltage may be the same voltage or different voltages. For example, the power supply voltage for removal detection may be set to a voltage higher than the power supply voltage for landing detection. By setting the power supply voltage for removal detection to a high voltage, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the electronic device 510 is not actually removed in FIG. 3 but erroneously detected as being removed.

  FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating a method for controlling transmission power based on transmission power setting information (rectified voltage VCC or the like).

  FIG. 17A shows an example in which the distance between the L1 and L2 coils is reduced. In this case, after landing detection is performed with the power supply voltage VDRV of 9 V, control is performed such that the power supply voltage VDRV gradually decreases as the distance between the coils approaches. That is, the power supply voltage control unit 14 performs control to lower the power supply voltage VDRV supplied to the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 under the control of the control unit 24. That is, the power supply voltage VDRV is controlled so that the rectified voltage VCC that is the output voltage of the power receiving unit 52 is constant. As a result, even when the distance between the coils L1 and L2 approaches, power control is performed such that the received power of the power receiving device 40 is constant, and optimal and stable power control can be realized.

  FIG. 17B shows an example when the distance between the coils L1 and L2 is increased. In this case, control is performed in which the power supply voltage VDRV gradually increases as the distance between the coils increases. That is, the power supply voltage control unit 14 performs control to increase the power supply voltage VDRV supplied to the power transmission drivers DR1 and DR2 under the control of the control unit 24. That is, the power supply voltage VDRV is controlled so that the rectified voltage VCC that is the output voltage of the power receiving unit 52 is constant. As a result, even when the distance between the coils L1 and L2 is increased, power control is performed such that the received power of the power receiving device 40 is constant, and optimal and stable power control can be realized.

  18A and 18B are diagrams for explaining the effect of the power control of this embodiment. In FIG. 18A, Z represents the distance on the Z axis that is the axis along the height direction in the coils L1 and L2 shown in FIG. r represents the distance of the position shift (position shift in the radial direction from the coil center) on the XY plane orthogonal to the Z axis. As shown in FIG. 18 (A), according to the method of the present embodiment in which the power supply voltage is variably controlled based on the transmission power setting information as compared with the case where a fixed power supply voltage of 6V or 9V is used, the position margin degree Can be improved.

  In FIG. 18B, Iin represents current consumption flowing from the power source to the power receiving device (power transmission unit 12, control device 20, etc.). As shown in FIG. 18B, compared to the method of fixing the power supply voltage to 6V, 9V, and 12V, according to the method of the present embodiment in which the power supply voltage is variably controlled based on the transmission power setting information, power saving is achieved. It becomes possible to plan.

7). Power Receiving Unit, Charging Unit FIG. 19 shows a detailed configuration example of the power receiving unit 52, the charging unit 58, and the like. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the rectifier circuit 53 of the power reception unit 52 includes rectification transistors TA1, TA2, TA3, and TA4, and a rectification control unit 51 that controls the transistors TA1 to TA4.

  The transistor TA1 is provided between a node NB1 at one end of the secondary coil L2 and a node of GND (low potential side power supply voltage). The transistor TA2 is provided between the node NB1 and the node NVC of the rectified voltage VCC. The transistor TA3 is provided between the node NB2 at the other end of the secondary coil L2 and the node of GND. The transistor TA4 is provided between the node NB2 and the node NVC. A body diode is provided between the drain and source of each of these transistors TA1 to TA4. The rectification control unit 51 outputs a control signal to the gates of the transistors TA1 to TA4 and performs rectification control for generating the rectified voltage VCC.

  Resistors RB1 and RB2 are provided in series between the node NVC of the rectified voltage VCC and the node of GND. A voltage ACH1 obtained by dividing the rectified voltage VCC by resistors RB1 and RB2 is input to, for example, the A / D conversion circuit 65 of FIG. As a result, the rectified voltage VCC can be monitored, and power control based on information on the rectified voltage VCC can be realized.

  The regulator 57 performs voltage adjustment (regulation) of the rectified voltage VCC and outputs the voltage VD5. This voltage VD5 is supplied to the CC charging circuit 59 of the charging unit 58 via the transistor TC1. The transistor TC1 is turned off based on the control signal GC1 when, for example, an overvoltage is detected in which the charging voltage VBAT exceeds a given voltage (for example, 4.25V). Each circuit of the control device 50 (a circuit excluding a discharge system such as the discharge unit 60) operates using a voltage based on the voltage VD5 (a voltage obtained by regulating VD5) as a power supply voltage.

  The CC charging circuit 59 includes a transistor TC2, an operational amplifier OPC, a resistor RC1, and a current source ISC. The transistor TC2 is controlled based on the output signal of the operational amplifier OPC. The non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OPC is connected to one end of the resistor RC1. The other end of the resistor RC1 is connected to one end of a sense resistor RS provided as an external component of the control device 50. The other end of the sense resistor RS is connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OPC. The current source ISC is provided between the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OPC and the node of GND. The current flowing through the current source ISC is controlled based on the signal ICDA.

  By the virtual grounding of the operational amplifier OPC, the transistor TC2 is controlled so that the voltage at one end of the resistor RC1 (voltage at the non-inverting input terminal) is equal to the voltage VCS2 at the other end of the sense resistor RS (voltage at the inverting input terminal). Is done. The current flowing through the current source ISC under the control of the signal ICDA is IDA, and the current flowing through the resistor RS is IRS. Then, control is performed so that IRS × RS = IDA × RC1. That is, in the CC charging circuit 59, the current IRS (charging current) flowing through the sense resistor RS is controlled to be a constant current value set by the signal ICDA. Thereby, CC (Constant-Current) charge becomes possible.

  During charging, the signal CHON becomes active. As a result, the transistors TC3 and TC4 are turned on, and the battery 90 is charged. Further, backflow from the battery 90 is prevented by the resistor RC2 provided between the gate of the transistor TC3 and the node NBAT of the charging voltage VBAT. Resistors RC3 and RC4 are provided in series between the nodes NBAT and GND, and the voltage ACH2 obtained by dividing the charging voltage VBAT by the resistors RC3 and RC4 is input to the A / D conversion circuit 65. The As a result, the charging voltage VBAT can be monitored, and various controls according to the state of charge of the battery 90 can be realized.

  Further, a thermistor TH (temperature detection unit in a broad sense) is provided near the battery 90. The voltage RCT at one end of the thermistor TH is input to the control device 50, which allows the battery temperature to be measured.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term described at least once together with a different term having a broader meaning or the same meaning in the specification or the drawings can be replaced with the different term in any part of the specification or the drawings. All combinations of the present embodiment and the modified examples are also included in the scope of the present invention. Further, the configuration and operation of the power transmission side, power reception side control device, power transmission device, power reception device, and the like are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

L1 primary coil, L2 secondary coil, DR1, DR2 power transmission driver,
IS, ISC current source, SW switch element, CM capacitor,
IVC IV conversion amplifier, AP amplifier, CP comparator,
TA1-TA4, TC1-TC4 transistors,
RCS, RS sense resistor, RB1, RB2, RC1-RC3 resistors,
OPC operational amplifier, TH thermistor (temperature detector),
PT1, PT2 first and second patterns, TM1, TM2 periods of the first and second load states,
SP1 to SP6 1st to 6th sampling points, SI sampling interval,
RW1, RW2 first and second range widths, PK1-PKN packets,
10 power transmission device, 12 power transmission unit, 14 power supply voltage control unit, 16 display unit,
20 control device, 22 driver control circuit, 24 control unit,
30 communication unit, 32 current detection circuit, 34 comparison circuit, 35 filter unit,
36 demodulator, 37 clock generator, 38 oscillator,
40 power receiving device, 50 control device, 51 rectification control unit, 52 power receiving unit,
53 rectifier circuit, 54 control unit, 55 communication data generation unit, 56 load modulation unit,
57 regulator, 58 charging section, 59 CC charging circuit, 60 discharging section,
61 charge pump circuit, 62 nonvolatile memory 64 detector,
90 battery, 100 power supply target,
500 charger, 502 power adapter, 510 electronic device, 514 switch

Claims (16)

A power transmission side control device in a non-contact power transmission system having a power transmission device and a power reception device,
A driver control circuit that controls a power transmission driver of a power transmission unit that transmits power to the power receiving device;
A control unit for controlling the driver control circuit;
A communication unit that performs communication processing with the power receiving device that transmits communication data by load modulation;
Including
The communication unit is
When the load modulation pattern configured by the first load state and the second load state is the first pattern, it is determined that the communication data has a first logic level, and the load modulation pattern is the first load level. A control apparatus, wherein if the second pattern is different from the first pattern, it is determined that the communication data has a second logic level. In claim 1,
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first pattern is a pattern in which a width of a period of the first load state is longer than that of the second pattern. In claim 1 or 2,
The communication unit is
The communication data of a given number of bits is obtained by sampling a load modulation pattern at a given sampling interval from a first sampling point set within a period of the first load state in the first pattern. The control device characterized by taking in. In claim 3,
The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sampling interval is an interval corresponding to a length of the load modulation pattern. In claim 3 or 4,
The communication unit is
When the width of the period of the first load state is within a first range width, the control device sets the first sampling point within the period of the first load state. . In any of claims 3 to 5,
The communication unit is
When the load state is the first load state at the second sampling point next to the first sampling point, the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point is the first pattern. Judging
When the load state is the second load state at the second sampling point, it is determined that the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point is the second pattern. Control device. In any of claims 3 to 5,
The communication unit is
At the second sampling point next to the first sampling point, the load state is the first load state, and the width of the period of the first load state including the second sampling point is: If it is within the first range width, it is determined that the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point is the first pattern;
At the second sampling point, the load state is the second load state, and the width of the period of the second load state including the second sampling point is within the second range width. In this case, it is determined that the load modulation pattern at the second sampling point is the second pattern. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The controller is
As for the information indicating the status of the power receiving device, the control device determines the status of the power receiving device based on the communication data for a plurality of times. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
The controller is
The control device, wherein the communication error determination information included in the communication data determines that the power receiving device has been removed when there is an error more than once. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The power transmission unit includes the power transmission driver, and a power supply voltage control unit that controls a power supply voltage of the power transmission driver,
The controller is
A control apparatus that controls the power supply voltage control unit based on the communication data from the power receiving apparatus. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10.
The communication unit is
A current detection circuit for detecting a current flowing from the power source to the power transmission unit;
A comparison circuit for comparing and determining a detection voltage by the current detection circuit and a determination voltage;
A demodulator that determines a load modulation pattern based on a comparison determination result of the comparison circuit;
The control apparatus characterized by including. In claim 11,
The communication unit is
Including a filter unit provided between the comparison circuit and the demodulation unit;
The demodulator
A control device that determines a load modulation pattern based on the comparison determination result after the filter processing by the filter unit. A control device on the power receiving side in a non-contact power transmission system having a power transmitting device and a power receiving device,
A load modulation unit that performs load modulation with a load modulation pattern configured by a first load state and a second load state, and transmits communication data to the power transmission device;
A control unit for controlling the load modulation unit;
Including
The load modulator is
For the first logical level of the communication data to be transmitted to the power transmission device, load modulation is performed so that the load modulation pattern becomes the first pattern, and for the second logical level of the communication data to be transmitted to the power transmission device A control device that performs load modulation in which a load modulation pattern is a second pattern different from the first pattern. In claim 13,
The load modulator is
A control device having a current source and performing load modulation using the current source.   An electronic apparatus comprising the control device according to claim 1. A contactless power transmission system including a power transmission device and a power reception device,
The power transmission device is:
While transmitting power to the power receiving device, performing communication processing with the power receiving device that transmits communication data by load modulation,
The power receiving device is:
Receiving power from the power transmission device, performing the load modulation with a load modulation pattern configured by a first load state and a second load state, and transmitting the communication data to the power transmission device;
The power receiving device is:
For the first logical level of the communication data to be transmitted to the power transmission device, load modulation is performed so that the load modulation pattern becomes the first pattern, and for the second logical level of the communication data to be transmitted to the power transmission device Performing load modulation in which the load modulation pattern is a second pattern different from the first pattern,
The power transmission device is:
When the load modulation pattern is the first pattern, it is determined that the communication data is the first logic level, and when the load modulation pattern is a second pattern different from the first pattern. The contactless power transmission system is characterized in that the communication data is determined to be the second logic level.