JP5515701B2 - Power transmission device, power reception device, and power transmission control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power transmission device, a power reception device, and a power transmission control method.

  In recent years, power transmission systems that can transmit power between devices in a non-contact manner, such as electronic money systems and ticket gate systems for transportation, have been popularized, and a larger amount of power can be more distant. Development of contactless power transmission technology that transmits to a distance is also underway. When power is transmitted and received using the non-contact power transmission technology as described above, or when an electromagnetic cooker is used, imaging is performed using a magnetic field or electric field such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging system). When the device is used, there is a concern about the influence on the living body.

  Under such circumstances, techniques for improving safety in non-contact power transmission have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 is an example of a technique for reducing the influence on a living body by limiting the transmission frequency of power. Moreover, the technique for improving the safety | security in an electromagnetic cooker is also developed. As a technique for detecting high frequency oscillation in a microwave oven by sensing the approach of a user, for example, Patent Document 2 can be cited.

JP 2008-49055 A JP 2003-42455 A

  The conventional technology for improving the safety in non-contact power transmission (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “conventional technology 1”) limits the frequency used for non-contact power transmission, and thus has an impact on the living body. There is a possibility that reduction (that is, improvement in safety) can be achieved. However, since the conventional technique 1 only limits the frequency, the conventional technique 1 is limited to the conventional technique 1, such as a non-contact power transmission method that transmits a larger amount of power to a longer distance. It cannot be applied to a non-contact power transmission method using an external frequency.

  In addition, the conventional technique for detecting high frequency oscillation in a microwave oven by detecting the approach of the user (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “conventional technique 2”) turns off the high frequency oscillation when the user is detected. Therefore, there is a possibility that the influence on the user (an example of a living body) can be reduced. However, since the conventional technique 2 only controls on / off of high-frequency oscillation, for example, even if the conventional technique 2 can be applied to non-contact power transmission, the detection result of the living body Only the transmission and stop of power can be controlled according to the above. That is, when the conventional technique 2 is applied to non-contact power transmission, a device that transmits power (hereinafter referred to as “power transmission device”) always stops transmitting power when a living body is detected. Therefore, when the living body is detected in the power transmission device when the conventional technique 2 is applied to non-contact power transmission, a power receiving device (hereinafter referred to as “power receiving device”) that receives power always obtains power. As a result, the power receiving device may not function. Therefore, when the conventional technique 2 is used, there is a possibility that the power reception apparatus may not function due to the lack of power necessary for driving, and thus convenience may be lowered.

  As described above, even when the conventional technology 1 and the conventional technology 2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “conventional technology”) are used, improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission is achieved. There is no hope of achieving both.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is a novel and capable of achieving both improvement in safety and convenience in non-contact power transmission. An object is to provide an improved power transmission device, power reception device, and power transmission control method.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voltage controlled amplifier circuit for amplifying an oscillation signal having a predetermined oscillation frequency, and the voltage controlled amplifier circuit according to an input control voltage. The power transmission unit that attenuates the gain of the power and transmits the power corresponding to the oscillation signal in a non-contact manner to the power receiving device that receives the power, and the distance between the detected living body and the detected living body There is provided a power transmission device including a detection unit that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detection signal and a control voltage generation unit that outputs the control voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the detection signal output from the detection unit.

  With this configuration, it is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission.

  The power transmission unit is configured to respond to an oscillation circuit that generates the oscillation signal, the voltage control amplification circuit to which the oscillation signal and the control voltage are respectively input, and an oscillation signal output from the voltage control amplification circuit. And a power transmission antenna that transmits an electric power by electromagnetic induction.

  In addition, the power transmission unit is provided physically separated from the power transmission antenna, and generates a vibration electromagnetic field having a predetermined resonance frequency by induction of the vibration electromagnetic field generated by the power transmission antenna, and transmits a resonance circuit that transmits power. Further, it may be provided.

  The control voltage generator may output a linear control voltage with respect to the detection signal.

  Moreover, you may further provide the correction | amendment part which correct | amends the linear said control voltage output from the said control voltage production | generation part into a nonlinear control voltage with respect to the said detection signal.

  The detection unit may include a pyroelectric sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a distance from the detection target by a pyroelectric effect.

  The detection unit detects a recognition signal indicating the type of the external device transmitted from a predetermined external device included in the detection target, and determines the distance from the detection target based on the detected intensity of the recognition signal. A recognition signal receiving circuit that outputs a corresponding detection signal may be provided.

  In addition, the control voltage output from the control voltage generator is corrected from the control voltage generator in response to the correction unit that corrects the control voltage to be non-linear with respect to the detection signal. Or a switching unit that selectively outputs one of the corrected control voltage output from the correction unit to the power transmission unit, and the detection unit sets the type of the received recognition signal. The switching signal based thereon may be output to the switching unit.

  Also, a notification determination unit that compares the control voltage generated by the control voltage generation unit with a predetermined reference voltage to determine whether or not the detection target is detected, and the notification determination unit When it determines with alert | reporting in, you may further provide the alerting | reporting part which alert | reports that the said detection target was detected.

  In addition, the communication unit further includes a communication unit that communicates with the power receiving device, and when the communication unit determines to notify in the notification determining unit, detection target detection information for causing the power receiving device to perform notification, You may transmit to the said power receiving apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voltage controlled amplifier circuit for amplifying an oscillation signal having a predetermined oscillation frequency, and the voltage controlled amplifier circuit according to an input control voltage. A communication unit that communicates with a power transmission device that transmits power corresponding to the oscillation signal in a non-contact manner, a power reception unit that receives power transmitted from the power transmission device, and the power reception unit A power transmission control information transmission control unit that selectively transmits power transmission control information for controlling transmission of power in the power transmission device based on the amount of change in the received power, the power reception unit from the power transmission device A resonant circuit that generates a vibrating electromagnetic field by resonating with the generated vibrating electromagnetic field, and is physically separated from the resonant circuit, and is transmitted from the power transmission device by induction of the vibrating electromagnetic field generated by the resonant circuit. Is Power receiving apparatus is provided with a power receiving antenna for receiving power.

  With this configuration, it is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission.

  The resonance circuit of the power receiving unit includes an inductor having a predetermined inductance, a capacitor having a predetermined capacitance, and a varicap that changes a resonance frequency of the resonance circuit according to an input adjustment signal. The power transmission control information transmission control unit adjusts the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit by sequentially inputting the adjustment signals of different sizes to the varicap, and receives the efficiency of power transmitted from the power transmission device. May be adjusted.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication unit that communicates with a power receiving device that receives power, and a voltage-controlled amplifier circuit that amplifies an oscillation signal having a predetermined oscillation frequency. The power transmission unit that attenuates the gain of the voltage control amplifier circuit according to the input control voltage and transmits the power according to the oscillation signal to the power receiving device in a non-contact manner, and the communication unit includes A control unit that outputs a control voltage to the power transmission unit based on the power transmission control information when receiving power transmission control information for controlling transmission of power transmitted from the power receiving device, the power transmission unit, An oscillation circuit for generating the oscillation signal, the voltage control amplification circuit to which the oscillation signal and the control voltage are respectively input, an alternating current corresponding to the oscillation signal output from the voltage control amplification circuit flows, and electromagnetic Power by induction A power transmission antenna for transmitting, and a resonance circuit that is physically separated from the power transmission antenna, generates a vibration electromagnetic field having a predetermined resonance frequency by induction of the vibration electromagnetic field generated by the power transmission antenna, and transmits power A power transmission device is provided.

  With this configuration, it is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a step of detecting a living body as a detection target and generating a detection signal corresponding to the detected distance to the detection target; And generating an oscillation signal having a predetermined oscillation frequency according to the control voltage generated in the step of generating the control voltage and the control voltage generated in the step of generating the control voltage. A step of attenuating the gain of the voltage control amplifier circuit for amplifying the power and transmitting the power corresponding to the oscillation signal output from the voltage control amplifier circuit to the power receiving device that receives the power in a non-contact manner. A method is provided.

  By using this method, it is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission.

  To achieve the above object, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a power receiving device that receives power receives power transmitted from a power transmitting device that transmits power in a contactless manner, and the power receiving device described above. A step of causing the device to selectively transmit power transmission control information for controlling transmission of power in the power transmission device based on the amount of change in the received power; and the power transmission transmitted from the power reception device to the power transmission device. When receiving control information, based on the power transmission control information, generating a control voltage for attenuating the gain of a voltage controlled amplifier circuit that amplifies an oscillation signal of a predetermined oscillation frequency; and the power transmission device, In accordance with the control voltage generated in the generating step, the gain of the voltage controlled amplifier circuit is attenuated, and the power corresponding to the oscillation signal output from the voltage controlled amplifier circuit is increased. A non-contact type transmission to a power receiving device, the power transmission device, the oscillation circuit for generating the oscillation signal, the voltage control amplification circuit to which the oscillation signal and the control voltage are respectively input, An alternating current corresponding to the oscillation signal output from the voltage control amplifier circuit flows, and a power transmission antenna that transmits power by electromagnetic induction, and vibration generated by the power transmission antenna that is physically separated from the power transmission antenna. A power transmission side resonance circuit that generates an oscillating electromagnetic field having a predetermined resonance frequency by induction of an electromagnetic field and transmits power to the power receiving device is provided as a power transmission unit that transmits power, and the power receiving device is generated from the power transmission device. A power receiving side resonance circuit that resonates with the oscillating electromagnetic field to generate a vibration electromagnetic field, and is physically separated from the power receiving side resonance circuit. Induction of caused oscillating electromagnetic field, the power transmission control method comprising a power receiving section for receiving power and a power receiving antenna for receiving the power transmitted from the power transmitting apparatus is provided.

  By using this method, it is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, coexistence with the improvement of the safety | security and the improvement of the convenience in non-contact electric power transmission can be aimed at.

It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 1st structure which concerns on the power transmission in the power transmission system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the control voltage which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 2nd structure which concerns on the power transmission in the power transmission system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the power transmission apparatus and power receiving apparatus which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the control voltage which the control voltage generation part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention outputs. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of a structure of the power transmission apparatus which concerns on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the correction | amendment part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the correction | amendment part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the power transmission apparatus and power receiving apparatus which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the predetermined | prescribed external device which the detection target which the power transmission apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention detects has. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the control voltage which the control voltage generation part which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention outputs. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of a structure of the power transmission apparatus which concerns on the modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the power transmission control method (2nd power transmission control method) which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the power transmission control method (2nd power transmission control method) which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the power transmission apparatus and power receiving apparatus which concern on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of a structure of the power transmission apparatus which concerns on the modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of a structure of the power receiving apparatus which concerns on the modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The description which shows the relationship between the applied voltage applied to the resonance circuit and the output voltage (voltage according to the received power) output from the power receiving unit in the power receiving device according to the modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the power transmission apparatus and power receiving apparatus which concern on the other modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the power transmission apparatus and power receiving apparatus which concern on the other modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the power transmission apparatus and power receiving apparatus which concern on the other modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

In the following, description will be given in the following order.
1. 1. Approach according to an embodiment of the present invention 2. a power transmission device and a power reception device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 3. power transmission device and power reception device according to second embodiment of the present invention Power transmission device and power reception device according to third embodiment of the present invention

(Approach according to the embodiment of the present invention)
A power transmission device (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as “power transmission device 100”) that constitutes a power transmission system (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “power transmission system 1000”) according to an embodiment of the present invention, Before describing the configuration of a power receiving apparatus (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as “power receiving apparatus 200”), a safety / convenience improvement approach according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Overview of approach for improving safety and convenience]
In the power transmission system 1000, the transmission device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention limits (controls) the power to be transmitted according to the detection result when the living body that is the detection target is detected. In the following, a human body will be described as an example of a detection target in the power transmission system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention. However, the detection target according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above, and for example, an animal or the like It may be any living body that can be affected by the electromagnetic field.

  As described above, the power transmission system 1000 can reduce the influence of an electromagnetic field on a living body, and thus can improve safety in non-contact power transmission. In addition, when a living body that is a detection target is detected, the power transmission system 1000 does not always stop the supply of power from the power transmission apparatus 100 to the power reception apparatus 200 as in the case of using a conventional technique. It is possible to further reduce the possibility that the power receiving apparatus 200 will not function due to the lack of power required for driving. Therefore, the power transmission system 1000 can improve the convenience in non-contact power transmission.

[Configuration related to power transmission in power transmission system 1000]
The configuration related to power transmission in the power transmission system 1000 for realizing the above safety / convenience improvement approach will be described more specifically.

(1) First configuration (configuration related to electromagnetic induction type non-contact power transmission)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first configuration related to power transmission in a power transmission system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of a configuration related to electromagnetic induction type non-contact power transmission. . Here, FIG. 1 illustrates a power transmission unit 102A included in the power transmission device 100 and a power reception unit 202A included in the power reception device 200 among the configurations of the power transmission device 100 and the power reception device 200 included in the power transmission system 1000.

[Configuration of Power Transmission Unit 102A]
The power transmission unit 102A includes an oscillation circuit 120, a voltage control amplification circuit 122, and a power transmission antenna 124 having an inductor L1 having a predetermined inductance. The oscillation circuit 120 selectively generates an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency based on a power transmission control voltage transmitted from a control unit (described later) of the power transmission device. The voltage controlled amplifier circuit 122 attenuates the gain according to the input control voltage. Further, the voltage control amplification circuit 122 amplifies the input oscillation signal with a gain corresponding to the control voltage, and transmits the oscillation signal to the power transmission antenna 124. As described above, an alternating current corresponding to the transmitted oscillation signal flows through the inductor L1 of the power transmission antenna 124. Therefore, power corresponding to the oscillation signal is transmitted from the power transmission antenna 124 (more precisely, the inductor L1) by electromagnetic induction. The

  Here, the control voltage according to the embodiment of the present invention is a voltage that controls the gain of the voltage control amplification circuit 122 (voltage control amplification amplifier) included in the power transmission device 100. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the role of the control voltage according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the voltage-controlled amplifier circuit 122 has a characteristic that the gain (gain) decreases as the control voltage increases. For example, when the power transmission apparatus 100 inputs a control voltage of 1 [V] to the voltage control amplification circuit 122 in response to detection of the detection target, the gain of the voltage control amplification circuit 122 is 40 [dB] (non- 20 [dB] from the limit or normal time), and the gain is attenuated by 20 [dB]. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the gain of the power supply control circuit 122 is controlled according to the voltage value of the control voltage, whereby the oscillation signal transmitted from the voltage control amplification circuit 122 to the power transmission antenna 124 is controlled. Is done.

  Therefore, the power transmission device 100 can limit the power to be transmitted according to the detection result of the detection target by generating the control voltage according to the detection result of the detection target. In addition, the generation method of the control voltage in the power transmission system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the configuration of the power transmission device 100 and the configuration of the power reception device 200 according to the generation method will be described later.

[Configuration of Power Receiving Unit 202A]
The power receiving unit 202A includes a power receiving antenna 220 having an inductor L2 having a predetermined inductance, a rectifying unit 222, and a capacitor C1. The power receiving antenna 220 (more precisely, the inductor L2) receives the power transmitted from the power transmitting antenna 124 of the power transmitting device 200, and an induced voltage corresponding to the power received by electromagnetic induction is generated in the power receiving antenna 220. The induced voltage generated in the power receiving antenna 220 is rectified in the rectification unit 222 (in FIG. 1, an example in which bridge rectification is performed), smoothed by the capacitor C1, and processed by a processing circuit (described later). ) Etc.

  The power transmission system 1000 can perform electromagnetic induction-type non-contact power transmission when the power transmission device 100 and the power reception device 200 have a configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example. Moreover, since the power transmission apparatus 100 can restrict | limit the electric power transmitted according to a control voltage, it can implement | achieve the safety and the convenience improvement approach which concerns on embodiment of this invention mentioned above.

(2) Second configuration (configuration related to magnetic resonance type non-contact power transmission)
The configuration related to power transmission in the power transmission system 1000 is not limited to the configuration related to electromagnetic induction type non-contact power transmission shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second configuration related to power transmission in the power transmission system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates an example of a configuration related to magnetic resonance type non-contact power transmission. . Here, in FIG. 3, the power transmission unit 102 </ b> B included in the power transmission device 100 and the power reception unit 202 </ b> B included in the power reception device 200 among the configurations of the power transmission device 100 and the power reception device 200 configuring the power transmission system 1000 are illustrated.

[Configuration of power transmission unit 102B]
The power transmission unit 102B includes an oscillation circuit 120, a voltage control amplification circuit 122, a power transmission antenna 124 having an inductor L3 having a predetermined inductance, and a resonance circuit 126 (power transmission side resonance circuit) physically separated from the power transmission antenna 124. With. 3 illustrates an example in which the resonance circuit 126 is provided in the power transmission device 100, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the power transmission system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the resonance circuit 126 illustrated in FIG. 3 can be provided as a device (power transmission side resonance device) separate from the power transmission device 100 (hereinafter the same). .)

  The oscillation circuit 120, the voltage control amplification circuit 122, and the power transmission antenna 124 have the same configuration as that of the power transmission unit 102A illustrated in FIG. 1, and the power corresponding to the oscillation signal is transmitted from the power transmission antenna 124 by electromagnetic induction. The resonance circuit 126 includes an inductor L4 having a predetermined inductance and a capacitor C2 having a predetermined capacitance. The resonance circuit 126 generates a vibration electromagnetic field having a predetermined resonance frequency defined by the inductance of the inductor L4 and the capacitance of the capacitor C2 by the induction of the vibration electromagnetic field generated by the power transmission antenna 124, and transmits power. By generating an oscillating electromagnetic field having a predetermined resonance frequency in the resonance circuit 126 and transmitting electric power, the power transmission device 100 transmits larger electric power farther than the configuration related to the electromagnetic induction type non-contact power transmission shown in FIG. It becomes possible to do.

  Even when the power transmission unit 102B illustrated in FIG. 3 is included, the power transmission device 100 generates the control voltage according to the detection result of the detection target, similarly to the case of including the power transmission unit 102A illustrated in FIG. The power to be transmitted can be limited according to the detection result of the detection target.

[Configuration of Power Receiving Unit 202B]
The power reception unit 202B includes a resonance circuit 224 (power reception side resonance circuit), a power reception antenna 220 that is physically separated from the resonance circuit 224 and includes an inductor L6 having a predetermined inductance, a rectification unit 222, and a capacitor C1. . 3 illustrates an example in which the resonance circuit 224 is provided in the power receiving device 200, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the power transmission system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the resonance circuit 224 illustrated in FIG. 3 can be provided as a device (power-receiving-side resonance device) separate from the power reception device 200 (hereinafter the same). .)

  The resonance circuit 224 includes an inductor L5 having a predetermined inductance and a capacitor C3 having a predetermined capacitance. The resonant circuit 224 resonates with the oscillating electromagnetic field generated from the resonant circuit 126 of the power transmission device 100 and generates a oscillating electromagnetic field. Here, the resonance frequency in the resonance circuit 224 is set to be the same (or substantially the same) as the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit 126 in order to resonate with the oscillating electromagnetic field generated from the resonance circuit 126 of the power transmission device 100. .

  The power receiving antenna 220 receives the electric power transmitted from the power transmission device 100 by induction of the oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the resonance circuit 224. More specifically, the power receiving antenna 220 (more precisely, the inductor L6) generates an induced voltage corresponding to the power received by the electromagnetic induction generated by the oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the resonance circuit 224, thereby generating power. Receive. The induced voltage generated in the power receiving antenna 220 is rectified in the rectifying unit 222 (an example in which bridge rectification is performed in FIG. 3) is smoothed by the capacitor C1, similarly to the power receiving unit 202A shown in FIG. Then, it is transmitted to a processing circuit (described later) of the power receiving apparatus 200.

  In the power transmission system 1000, the power transmission device 100 and the power reception device 200 have a configuration as illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, so that magnetic resonance type non-contact power transmission can be performed. Further, the power transmission device 100 including the power transmission unit 102B illustrated in FIG. 3 can limit the power to be transmitted according to the control voltage, similarly to the case of including the power transmission unit 102A illustrated in FIG. The safety / convenience improvement approach according to the embodiment can be realized.

  In the power transmission system 1000, the power transmission device 100 and the power reception device 200 have the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example, and perform non-contact power transmission while realizing the above-described approach for improving safety and convenience. Can do. Hereinafter, the configuration of the power transmission device 100 and the power reception device 200 included in the power transmission system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described more specifically.

(Power transmission device and power reception device according to the first embodiment)
As a power transmission system according to the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “power transmission system 1100”), the power transmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention detects a detection target and transmits power to be transmitted according to the detection result. A power transmission system to be controlled will be described.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the power transmission device 100 and the power reception device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a case where the power transmission device 100 and the power reception device 200 perform electromagnetic induction type non-contact power transmission will be described as an example.

[Power transmission device 100]
The power transmission device 100 includes a power transmission unit 102A, a control unit 104, a detection unit 106, a control voltage generation unit 108, a notification determination unit 110, a notification unit 112, and a communication unit 114.

  The power transmission device 100 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory; not shown), a RAM (Random Access Memory; not shown), an operation unit (not shown) that can be operated by the user of the power transmission device 100, and various types. You may provide the display part (not shown) etc. which display a screen on a display screen. For example, the power transmission apparatus 100 connects each component by a bus as a data transmission path.

  Here, a ROM (not shown) stores control data such as a program used by the control unit 104 and calculation parameters. A RAM (not shown) primarily stores programs executed by the control unit 104. As an operation part (not shown), the operation input device mentioned later is mentioned, for example. Examples of the display unit (not shown) include a display device described later.

  Examples of the operation unit (not shown) include, but are not limited to, buttons, direction keys, rotary selectors such as a jog dial, or combinations thereof. In addition, examples of the display unit (not shown) include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display, but are not limited thereto. The power transmission device 100 can also be connected to an operation input device (for example, a keyboard or a mouse) as an external device of the power transmission device 100 or an external display device.

  The power transmission unit 102A has a configuration for performing electromagnetic induction type non-contact power transmission shown in FIG. That is, the power transmission unit 102A selectively generates an oscillation signal according to the power transmission control signal transmitted from the control unit 104, and oscillates according to the gain set according to the control voltage generated by the control voltage generation unit 108. The signal is amplified and power corresponding to the amplified oscillation signal is transmitted.

  The control unit 104 includes, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or an integrated circuit in which a plurality of circuits for realizing a control function are integrated, and controls the entire power transmission apparatus 100. In addition, the control unit 104 outputs a power transmission control signal to the oscillation circuit 120 based on an operation signal corresponding to a user operation transmitted from an operation unit (not shown), for example, so that the power from the power transmission unit 102A is output. Control transmission and stop.

  The detection unit 106 detects a detection target and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected distance to the detection voltage to the control voltage generation unit 108. The detection unit 106 includes, for example, an infrared pyroelectric sensor 130 (pyroelectric infrared sensor, pyroelectric sensor). Here, the infrared pyroelectric sensor 130 has a pyroelectric effect (pyroelectronic effect) that generates charges due to a temperature change of a crystal or powder having a high dielectric constant or a ferroelectric resin (for example, PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride)). This is the sensor that was used.

  By including the infrared pyroelectric sensor 130, the detection unit 106 detects a living body as a detection target based on changes in the body temperature and room temperature of the living body.

  The control voltage generation unit 108 outputs a control voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the detection signal transmitted from the detection unit 106. More specifically, the control voltage generation unit 108 is configured by, for example, an integration amplifier circuit (integration amplifier), and integrates the detection signal to control the control voltage according to the detection signal (that is, according to the distance to the detection target). Control voltage).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the control voltage output by the control voltage generation unit 108 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the control voltage generation unit 108 can output a control voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the distance to the detection target based on the detection signal corresponding to the distance to the detection target. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the control voltage generation unit 108 outputs a linear control voltage with respect to the distance to the detection target (with respect to the detection signal). Needless to say, the linear control voltage according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a substantially linear control voltage.

  When the control voltage generated by the control voltage generation unit 108 is input to the voltage control amplification circuit 122 of the power transmission unit 102A, the voltage control amplification circuit 122 responds to the voltage value of the control voltage as shown in FIG. Gain is set. Therefore, the power transmission device 100 can realize the safety / convenience improvement approach according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention by controlling the power to be transmitted based on the control voltage according to the distance to the detection target. it can.

  The notification determination unit 110 compares the control voltage generated by the control voltage generation unit 108 with a predetermined reference voltage to determine whether to notify that a detection target has been detected. More specifically, the notification determination unit 110 is configured by a comparator, for example, and outputs a determination signal corresponding to the comparison result between the control voltage and the reference voltage.

  The notification unit 112 notifies that the detection target has been detected when the notification determination unit 110 determines that notification is to be made (for example, when the determination signal indicates that the control voltage is greater than the reference voltage). Here, although the alerting | reporting part 112 performs alerting | reporting by the visual alerting | reporting by lighting of a lamp | ramp and the auditory alert | reporting by sounding a warning sound, for example, it is not restricted above. When the notification is performed in the notification unit 112, the power transmission device 100 may cause the user of the power transmission device 100 or a third party other than the user to recognize that the power transmitted by the power transmission device 100 is limited. it can.

  The communication unit 114 is a communication unit included in the power transmission device 100, and performs wireless / wired communication with an external device such as the power reception device 200 via a network (or directly). The communication unit 114 is a detection for causing the power receiving apparatus 200 to perform notification when it is determined to be notified by the notification determination unit 110 (for example, when the determination signal indicates that the control voltage is greater than the reference voltage). The target detection information is transmitted to the power receiving apparatus 200. Here, the detection target detection information is not limited to the above, and can be the determination signal itself transmitted from the notification determination unit 110. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the communication of the communication unit 114 is controlled by the control unit 104, for example.

  Here, examples of the communication unit 114 include a communication antenna and an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, a LAN (Local Area Network) terminal, and a transmission / reception circuit, but are not limited thereto.

  The power transmission device 100 can cause the power reception device 200 to perform notification by transmitting the detection target detection information to the power reception device 200 via the communication unit 114. Therefore, the power transmission apparatus 100 can make the user of the power receiving apparatus 200 recognize that the power transmitted from the power transmission apparatus 100 is limited, for example.

  The power transmission apparatus 100 transmits the detection target by setting the gain of the voltage control amplification circuit 122 according to the control voltage corresponding to the detected distance from the detection target, for example, with the configuration illustrated in FIG. Electric power can be controlled.

[Power receiving device 200]
The power receiving device 200 includes a power receiving unit 202A, a processing unit 204, a communication unit 206, and a notification unit 208.

  The power receiving device 200 includes, for example, a control unit (not shown), a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown), an operation unit (not shown) that can be operated by the user of the power receiving device 200, and various types. You may provide the display part (not shown) etc. which display a screen on a display screen. The power receiving apparatus 200 connects each component by, for example, a bus as a data transmission path.

  Here, the control unit (not shown) includes, for example, an MPU, various processing circuits, and the like, and controls the entire power receiving apparatus 200. The control unit (not shown) can also serve as the processing unit 204, for example. The power receiving apparatus 200 can also be connected to an operation input device (for example, a keyboard or a mouse) as an external apparatus of the power receiving apparatus 200 or an external display device.

  The power receiving unit 202A has a configuration for performing electromagnetic induction-type non-contact power transmission shown in FIG. 1, and transmits a smoothed induced voltage to the processing unit 204 (corresponding to transmission of received power). The processing unit 204 performs various processes using the power transmitted from the power receiving unit 202A.

  The communication unit 206 is a communication unit included in the power receiving device 200, and performs wireless / wired communication with an external device such as the power transmission device 100 via a network (or directly). Here, examples of the communication unit 206 include a configuration corresponding to the communication unit 114 of the power transmission apparatus 100 such as a communication antenna and an RF circuit, a LAN terminal, and a transmission / reception circuit. By including the communication unit 206, the power receiving device 200 can receive detection target detection information transmitted from the power transmission device 100.

  The notification unit 208 performs notification based on the detection target detection information received by the communication unit 206. Here, the notification unit 208 performs notification by, for example, visual notification by turning on a lamp or auditory notification by sounding a warning sound, but is not limited thereto.

  The power receiving apparatus 200 can receive the power transmitted from the power transmitting apparatus 100 with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4, for example.

  The power transmission system 1100 according to the first embodiment includes a power transmission device 100 and a power reception device 200 having a configuration as illustrated in FIG. 4, for example. The power transmission device 100 detects the detection target, and controls the power to be transmitted by setting the gain of the voltage control amplification circuit 122 according to the control voltage corresponding to the detected distance from the detection target. Therefore, the power transmission system 1100 realizes the above-described approach for improving safety and convenience according to the embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the power transmission system 1100 includes the power transmission device 100, so that it is possible to improve both safety and convenience in non-contact power transmission.

[Modification of Power Transmission Device According to First Embodiment]
In addition, the structure of the power transmission apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is not restricted to the structure shown in FIG. For example, the power transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, a voltage-controlled amplifier circuit according to a control voltage that is linear (relative to a detection signal) with respect to a distance to a detection target. The gain of the voltage controlled amplifier circuit 122 can also be controlled according to a non-linear control voltage.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the power transmission device 150 according to the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, in FIG. 6, a power receiving device 200 having the same configuration as that in FIG. 4 is also illustrated.

  The power transmission device 150 basically has the same configuration as the power transmission device 100 illustrated in FIG. 4, and further includes a correction unit 152 and a switching unit 154 as compared with the power transmission device 100.

  The correction unit 152 receives the control voltage output from the control voltage generation unit 108, and the correction unit 152 performs nonlinear control on the input control voltage with respect to the distance to the detection target (with respect to the detection signal). Correct to voltage.

  7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the correction unit 152 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the correction unit 152 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example in which the correction unit 152 is configured with a logarithmic amplifier circuit. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of input / output characteristics of the correction unit 152 shown in FIG.

  For example, when the control voltage output from the control voltage generation unit 108 is 1 [V], when the control voltage is input to the voltage control amplification circuit 122, the voltage control amplification circuit 122 in FIG. It functions as an amplifier circuit for [dB]. On the other hand, when the control voltage is input to the correction unit 152, an output voltage of 1.6 [V] is output from the correction unit 152 from FIG. The input voltage control amplifier circuit 122 functions as an amplifier circuit of 10 [dB] from FIG.

  Therefore, for example, by including the correction unit 152 having the characteristics as illustrated in FIG. 8, the power transmission device 150 can reduce the influence of the electromagnetic field on the living body more than the power transmission device 100 illustrated in FIG. 4.

  The correction unit 152 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the correction unit 152 can be configured by an antilogarithmic amplifier circuit or a limiter circuit. Here, when the correction unit 152 is configured with, for example, an inverse logarithmic amplifier circuit, the gain of the voltage control amplifier circuit 122 is more than the characteristic shown in FIG. Is less attenuated. Therefore, in the above case, the power transmission device 150 can further increase the power transmission efficiency. Even in the above-described case, the power transmitted from the power transmission device 150 does not become high output enough to affect the living body, and thus safety is not hindered.

  For example, based on the switching signal output from the control unit 104, the switching unit 154 selectively selects either the control voltage output from the control voltage generation unit 108 or the control voltage output from the correction unit 152. Are input to the voltage controlled amplifier circuit 122. Here, for example, the control unit 104 outputs a switching signal corresponding to the operation signal to the switching unit 154 based on an operation signal corresponding to a user operation transmitted from an operation unit (not shown). In addition, the switching unit 154 is configured by a switching circuit including transistors or the like, for example. However, the switching unit 154 is not limited to the above, and can have any configuration capable of switching based on a switching signal.

  By including the switching unit 154, the power transmission device 150 can appropriately switch, for example, how to control the power to be transmitted based on a user operation. Note that the power transmission device 150 according to the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention may have a configuration in which the control unit 154 is not provided and the control voltage output from the correction unit 152 is input to the voltage control amplification circuit 122. Needless to say, what you can do.

  The power transmission apparatus 150 according to the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention has a configuration shown in FIG. 6, for example. Even in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6, the power transmission device 150 detects the detection target and controls the voltage according to the control voltage corresponding to the detected distance from the detection target, similarly to the power transmission device 100 illustrated in FIG. 4. The power to be transmitted can be controlled by setting the gain of the amplifier circuit 122. Therefore, even when the power transmission system 1100 includes the power transmission device 150, it is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission.

  In addition, although the structure provided with the infrared pyroelectric sensor 130 as the detection part 106 as the power transmission apparatus 100 (power transmission apparatus 150) which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention was shown above, it is not restricted above. For example, when the target approaching the power transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is limited to a living body, the power transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention may detect other detections such as an ultrasonic sensor. Means may be provided as the detection unit 106.

(Power transmission device and power reception device according to the second embodiment)
In the above, as the power transmission system 1100 according to the first embodiment, the power transmission device 100 (or the power transmission device 150) detects the detection target using the infrared pyroelectric sensor 130, and transmits the power to be transmitted according to the detection result. The power transmission system to control is presented. However, the configuration in which the power transmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention detects the detection target is not limited to the configuration using the infrared pyroelectric sensor 130.

  Then, next, as a power transmission system according to the second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “power transmission system 1200”), the transmission device detects a predetermined external device included in the detection target such as a pacemaker, for example. Thus, a power transmission system that controls power to be transmitted will be described.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the power transmission device 300 and the power reception device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, since the power receiving apparatus 200 which comprises the power transmission system 1200 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment has the structure and function similar to the power receiving apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 4, description is abbreviate | omitted below.

  The power transmission device 300 has the same configuration as that of the power transmission device 100 shown in FIG. 4, and the configuration of the detection unit 302 is different from that of the power transmission device 100.

  The detection unit 302 includes a recognition signal receiving circuit 310 that detects a reception signal transmitted from a predetermined external device, detects the detection signal, and outputs a detection signal based on the detected strength of the recognition signal.

[Example of the configuration of a predetermined external device: pacemaker]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a predetermined external device 400 included in a detection target detected by the power transmission device 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 10 shows a pacemaker installed near the heart H to be detected as the predetermined external device 400. The predetermined external device 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a pacemaker, and may be any device that can be included in a detection target.

  The predetermined external device 400 includes an electrocardiogram detection unit 402, a pulse generation unit 404, a recognition signal generation unit 406, and a transmission unit 408. The electrocardiogram detection unit 402 and the pulse generation unit 404 are configured to serve as a so-called pacemaker. The recognition signal generation unit 406 generates a recognition signal indicating the type of the predetermined external device 400, and the transmission unit 408 transmits the recognition signal generated by the recognition signal generation unit 406.

  Here, examples of the recognition signal according to the embodiment of the present invention include a manufacturer name (for example, a manufacturer name) of a predetermined external device 400, a model number, a manufacturing date, a capability to counter electromagnetic waves (for example, an electromagnetic shield) Ability), but is not limited to the above. Moreover, the transmission part 408 transmits a recognition signal so that the function as a pacemaker may not be inhibited, for example by using the weak radio wave about 300 [MHz]. Further, the transmission unit 408 intermittently transmits a recognition signal every 1 [Sec], for example, so as not to be a burden of battery life for functioning as a pacemaker.

  The predetermined external device 400 can transmit a recognition signal by having the configuration shown in FIG. 10, for example.

  With reference to FIG. 9 again, the configuration of the power transmission device 300 according to the second embodiment will be described. The recognition signal receiving circuit 310 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the received recognition signal to the control voltage generation unit 108. For example, when the recognition signal receiving circuit 310 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the received recognition signal, the detection signal can be a signal corresponding to the distance to the detection target.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the control voltage output by the control voltage generation unit 108 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the control voltage generation unit 108 according to the second embodiment generates the control voltage according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 based on a detection signal corresponding to the distance to the detection target. Similarly to the unit 108, a control voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the distance to the detection target can be output.

  Therefore, the power transmission device 300 detects the detection target and sets the gain of the voltage control amplification circuit 122 according to the control voltage corresponding to the detected distance from the detection target, similarly to the power transmission device 100 illustrated in FIG. 4. As a result, the power to be transmitted can be controlled.

  The power transmission system 1200 according to the second embodiment includes a power transmission device 300 and a power reception device 200 having a configuration as illustrated in FIG. 9, for example. Although the configuration of the detection unit 302 is different from the configuration of the detection unit 106 illustrated in FIG. 4, the power transmission device 300 detects a detection target, and detects the detected detection target, similarly to the power transmission device 100 according to the first embodiment. The power to be transmitted is controlled by setting the gain of the voltage controlled amplifier circuit 122 according to the control voltage according to the distance.

  Therefore, the power transmission system 1200 implements the safety / convenience improvement approach according to the embodiment of the present invention described above. Therefore, by including the power transmission device 300, the power transmission system 1200 can achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission.

  Moreover, in the power transmission system 1200, the power transmission device 300 can control the power transmitted by detecting a specific detection target such as a detection target including a pacemaker.

[Modification of Power Transmission Device According to Second Embodiment]
In addition, the structure of the power transmission apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is not restricted to the structure shown in FIG. For example, the power transmission device according to the second embodiment of the present invention can include a correction unit 152 and a switching unit 154, similarly to the power transmission device 150 according to the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. .

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of a power transmission device 350 according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 12 also shows a power receiving device 200 having the same configuration as that of FIG.

  The power transmission device 350 basically has the same configuration as that of the power transmission device 300 illustrated in FIG. 9. The power transmission device 350 further includes a correction unit 152 and a switching unit 154 as compared with the power transmission device 300, and the detection unit 302 includes. The function of the recognition signal receiving circuit is different. More specifically, the recognition signal detection circuit 312 constituting the detection unit 302 of the power transmission device 350 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the strength of the recognition signal to the control voltage generation unit 108, and further, the recognition signal A switching signal based on the various information is output to the switching unit 154.

  When the recognition signal receiving circuit 312 outputs the switching signal to the switching unit 154 as described above, the power transmission device 350 transmits based on, for example, a countermeasure capability against an electromagnetic wave included in a predetermined external device 400 such as a pacemaker. Electric power can be controlled. Therefore, the power transmission device 350 can further improve safety (or further improve power transmission efficiency).

  A power transmission device 350 according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention has a configuration shown in FIG. 12, for example. Even in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12, the power transmission device 350 detects the detection target and controls the voltage according to the control voltage corresponding to the detected distance from the detection target, similarly to the power transmission device 300 illustrated in FIG. 9. The power to be transmitted can be controlled by setting the gain of the amplifier circuit 122. Therefore, even when the power transmission system 1200 includes the power transmission device 350, it is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission. Moreover, the power transmission system according to the modification of the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the power transmission system 1200 illustrated in FIG. 9.

(Power transmission device and power reception device according to the third embodiment)
In the above, as the power transmission systems 1100 and 1200 according to the first and second embodiments, the power transmission system that detects the detection target and controls the power to be transmitted according to the detection result is shown. As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, a power transmission control method (hereinafter, “first power transmission control method”) in which the power transmission device detects the detection target and controls the power transmitted according to the detection result. )), It is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission.

  However, in the power transmission control method capable of achieving both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission according to the embodiment of the present invention, the power transmission device directly detects the detection target. It is not restricted to the power transmission control method. For example, when the power transmission device and the power reception device perform magnetic resonance type non-contact power transmission with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3, the resonance frequency and Q value of the resonance circuit related to resonance change due to the approach of the detection target. As a result, the power received by the power receiving apparatus changes. Therefore, since the power receiving device can indirectly detect the approach of the detection target based on the amount of change in the received power, the power transmitting device controls the power to be transmitted based on the detection result in the power receiving device. can do.

  Therefore, next, as a power transmission system according to the third embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “power transmission system 1300”), the power receiving device approaches the detection target based on the amount of change in the received power. Power transmission using a power transmission control method (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “second power transmission control method”) in which power is transmitted indirectly based on the detection result in the power receiving device. The system will be described.

[Example of power transmission control method (second power transmission control method) according to the third embodiment]
The process which concerns on the 2nd power transmission control method which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated more concretely. Hereinafter, the second power transmission control method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described as being performed by the power transmission device 500 and the power reception device 600 according to the third embodiment.

[1] Processing in Power Receiving Device 600 FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a power transmission control method (second power transmission control method) according to the third embodiment of the present invention. ing.

  The power receiving apparatus 600 determines whether or not the amount of change in the received power is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (or greater than the threshold. The same shall apply hereinafter) (S100). Here, the determination in step S <b> 100 corresponds to indirect detection processing of the detection target in the power receiving device 600. Further, examples of the predetermined threshold include 1 [V], but are not limited thereto.

  If it is not determined that the amount of change in power received in step S100 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the power receiving apparatus 600 determines whether or not a predetermined standby time has elapsed (S102). Here, examples of the predetermined waiting time include 10 [msec] for adapting to a general behavior of a human body, which is an example of a detection target, but are not limited thereto.

  If it is not determined in step S102 that the predetermined standby time has elapsed, the power receiving apparatus 600 does not proceed with the process until it is determined that the predetermined standby time has elapsed. When it is determined in step S102 that the predetermined standby time has elapsed, the power receiving apparatus 600 performs the process of step S100 again.

  When it is determined that the amount of change in power received in step S100 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the power receiving apparatus 600 generates power transmission control information corresponding to the amount of change (S104). Here, the power transmission control information according to the embodiment of the present invention is information for controlling power transmission in the power transmission device. The power transmission control information is used in the power transmission device 500 to generate a control voltage for controlling the gain of the voltage controlled amplifier circuit.

  When the power transmission control information is generated in step S104, the power receiving device 600 transmits the power transmission control information to the power transmission device 500 (S106).

  The power receiving apparatus 600 can indirectly detect the detection target by performing, for example, the process illustrated in FIG. 13, and can transmit the detection result to the power transmitting apparatus 500 as power transmission control information.

[2] Processing in Power Transmission Device 500 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a power transmission control method (second power transmission control method) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of processing in the power transmission device 500. ing.

  The power transmission device 500 determines whether power transmission control information has been received (S200). If it is not determined in step S200 that the power transmission control information has been received, the power transmission device 500 does not proceed with the process.

  If it is determined in step S200 that power transmission control information has been received, the power transmission device 500 generates a control voltage based on the received power transmission control information (S202). Here, the power transmission apparatus 500 estimates the distance to the detection target in accordance with, for example, information on the amount of change included in the power transmission control information, and performs control according to the distance to the detection target estimated as shown in FIG. 5, for example. Generate voltage. The power transmission device 500 detects, for example, using a look-up table in which a change amount value (an example of change amount information) included in power transmission control information is associated with a distance (estimated distance) from a detection target. The distance to the target is estimated, but is not limited to the above.

  When the control voltage is generated in step S202, the power transmission device 500 sets the gain of the voltage control amplifier circuit according to the control voltage, similarly to the power transmission devices according to the first and second embodiments described above. Power is transmitted (S204).

  The power transmission device 500 can control the power to be transmitted based on the detection result in the power reception device 600 by performing, for example, the processing illustrated in FIG. The power transmission device 500 can also stop oscillation in the oscillation circuit based on the received power transmission control information.

  In the power transmission system 1300, for example, the processes illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are performed in the power transmission device 500 and the power receiving device 600 as the processing related to the second power transmission control method. Even when the processing illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 is performed in the power transmission device 500 and the power reception device 600, the power transmission device 500 transmits according to the distance to the detection target indirectly detected in the power reception device 600. Power to be controlled. Therefore, in the power transmission system 1300, the power transmission device 500 and the power reception device 600 perform the processing illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example, to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission. be able to.

[Configuration Example of Power Transmission Device 500 and Power Reception Device 600]
Next, an example of the configuration of the power transmission device 500 and the power reception device 600 according to the third embodiment capable of performing the process according to the second power transmission control method described above will be described. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the power transmission device 500 and the power reception device 600 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Power transmission device 500]
The power transmission device 500 includes a communication unit 114, a control unit 502, and a power transmission unit 102B. In addition, the power transmission device 500 includes a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown), an operation unit (not shown), a display unit (see FIG. (Not shown) or the like.

  The communication unit 114 is a communication unit included in the power transmission device 500. When the communication unit 114 receives the power transmission control information transmitted from the power receiving device 600, the communication unit 114 transmits the received power transmission control information to the control unit 502.

  The control unit 502 is configured by an MPU, an integrated circuit in which a plurality of circuits for realizing a control function are integrated, and the like, and controls the entire power transmission apparatus 500. The control unit 502 has the same function as that of the control unit 104 shown in FIG. 4, and further plays a role of leading the process of step S202 shown in FIG. More specifically, when power transmission control information is transmitted from the communication unit 114, the control unit 502 generates a control voltage based on the power transmission control information and outputs the control voltage to the voltage control amplification circuit 122. .

  The power transmission unit 102B sets the gain of the voltage control amplification circuit 122 according to the control voltage output from the control unit 502, and supplies the power according to the oscillation signal output from the voltage control amplification circuit 122 to the magnetic field resonance non-contact. Transmit by power transmission method.

  The power transmission device 500 can perform the process related to the second power transmission control method illustrated in FIG. 14, for example, with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15.

[Power receiving device 600]
The power receiving device 600 includes a power receiving unit 202B, a processing unit 602, and a communication unit 206. Similarly to the power receiving devices according to the first and second embodiments, the power receiving device 600 includes a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown), an operation unit (not shown), and a display unit (see FIG. (Not shown) or the like.

  The power receiving unit 202B receives the power transmitted from the power transmission device 500 by the magnetic field resonance non-contact power transmission method. The processing unit 602 performs various processes using the power transmitted from the power receiving unit 202B. FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration (A / D conversion circuit 610 and power transmission control information transmission control unit 612) according to the second power transmission control method in the configuration of the processing unit 602.

  The A / D conversion circuit 610 converts the voltage transmitted from the power receiving unit 202B into a digital signal and transmits the digital signal to the power transmission control information transmission control unit 612. The power transmission control information transmission control unit 612 plays a role of leading the process shown in FIG. More specifically, the power transmission control information transmission control unit 612 compares the digital signal corresponding to the received power transmitted from the A / D conversion circuit 610 with a predetermined threshold, and selectively performs transmission control. Generate information. Then, the power transmission control information transmission control unit 612 transmits the generated transmission control information to the power transmission device 500 via the communication unit 206.

  The power receiving apparatus 600 can perform the process related to the second power transmission control method illustrated in FIG. 13, for example, with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15.

  A power transmission system 1300 according to the third embodiment includes a power transmission device 500 and a power reception device 600 having a configuration as illustrated in FIG. 15, for example. In the power transmission system 1300, the power receiving apparatus 600 indirectly detects the approach of the detection target based on the amount of change in the received power, and the power transmitted by the power transmitting apparatus 500 based on the detection result in the power receiving apparatus 600. Control. Therefore, the power transmission system 1300 implements the safety / convenience improvement approach according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the power transmission system 1300 includes the power transmission device 500 and the power reception device 600, so that it is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission.

  In the power transmission system 1300, since the power receiving apparatus 600 indirectly detects the detection target, the power transmission apparatus 500 directly detects the detection target such as the power transmission apparatus according to the first and second embodiments. Therefore, it is not necessary to include a detection unit. Therefore, the power transmission system 1300 can reduce the cost of the power transmission device as compared with the power transmission systems according to the first and second embodiments.

  Further, in the power transmission system 1300, the power receiving device 600 indirectly detects the detection target, and thus, for example, the power receiving device 600 received the power receiving device 600 due to something other than the living body that is the detection target (for example, an extremely large metal). Even when the power changes, the power transmitting apparatus 500 can limit the transmitted power. Therefore, in the power transmission system 1300, for example, when an extremely large metal approaches, it is possible to protect the circuits of the power transmission device 500 and / or the power reception device 600.

[Modification of Power Transmission Device and Power Reception Device According to Third Embodiment]
Note that the configurations of the power transmission device and the power reception device according to the third embodiment of the present invention are not limited to the configurations illustrated in FIG. 15. For example, in the power transmission device and the power reception device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit (power transmission side resonance circuit / power reception side resonance circuit) is adjusted in cooperation in order to further increase the power transmission efficiency. It can have the composition to do.

  More specifically, the power transmission device 550 and the power reception device 650 according to the modified example of the third embodiment include, for example, a resonance circuit (power transmission side resonance circuit / power reception side resonance) as illustrated in the following (A) and (B). The resonance frequency of the circuit) is adjusted in coordination.

(A) Adjustment of resonance frequency in power reception side resonance circuit ・ Power transmission device 550 transmits constant power ・ Power reception device 650 adjusts resonance frequency of power reception side resonance circuit step by step ・ Power reception device 650 receives The resonance frequency at which the generated power is maximized is determined as the resonance frequency of the power reception side resonance circuit, and the resonance frequency of the power reception side resonance circuit is set to the determined resonance frequency.

(B) Adjustment of resonance frequency in power transmission side resonance circuit When the resonance frequency of power reception side resonance circuit is set in (A) above, power transmission device 550 adjusts the resonance frequency of power transmission side resonance circuit step by step. The power receiving device 650 transmits information indicating the received power to the power transmitting device 550. The power transmitting device 550 sets the resonance frequency when the power received by the power receiving device 650 is maximum to the resonance of the power transmitting resonance circuit. Determine the frequency and set the resonance frequency of the power transmission side resonance circuit to the determined resonance frequency.

  The power transmission device 550 and the power reception device 650 coordinately adjust the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit (power transmission side resonance circuit / power reception side resonance circuit) by performing the processing shown in (A) and (B) above, for example. Can do. Here, the power transmission device 550 and the power reception device 650 are, for example, when the main power source of the power transmission device 550 is changed from an off state to an on state, or periodically / non-periodically, the above (A), Although the process shown in (B) is automatically performed, it is not limited to the above. For example, the power transmission device 550 and the power reception device 650 can perform the processes shown in (A) and (B) above based on a user operation. Further, the power transmission device 550 and the power reception device 650 can be performed by executing a program (computer program) for performing the processes shown in (A) and (B) recorded in the ROM or the like.

[Configuration Example of Power Transmission Device 550 and Power Reception Device 650]
[Power transmission device 550]
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of a power transmission device 550 according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The power transmission device 550 basically has the same configuration as that of the power transmission device 500 illustrated in FIG. 15. Compared with the power transmission device 500, the configuration of the power transmission unit and the function of the control unit are different. An A conversion circuit 556 is further provided.

  The power transmission unit 552 has basically the same configuration as that of the power transmission unit 102B of the power transmission device 500 shown in FIG. 15, but the configuration of the resonance circuit is different. The resonance circuit 560 included in the power transmission unit 552 includes an inductor L4, a capacitor C2, a varicap VD1, and a capacitor C4. Here, the varicap VD1 has a characteristic that the capacitance decreases as the applied voltage increases. Therefore, the power transmission device 550 can realize “adjusting the resonance frequency of the power transmission side resonance circuit step by step” in (B) above by changing the voltage applied to the varicap VD1.

  When the information indicating that the adjustment of the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit is completed in the power receiving device 650 is transmitted from the communication unit 114, the control unit 554 adjusts the resonance signal of the resonance circuit 560 by one step ( Digital signal) to the D / A conversion circuit 556. Then, the D / A conversion circuit 556 applies a voltage corresponding to the adjustment signal output from the control unit 554 to the varicap VD1 of the resonance circuit 560.

  When information indicating that the power received by power reception device 650 is maximum is transmitted from communication unit 114, control unit 554 outputs an adjustment signal corresponding to the information to D / A conversion circuit 556. . As described above, the control unit 554 can realize “determining the resonance frequency of the power transmission side resonance circuit and setting the resonance frequency of the power transmission side resonance circuit to the determined resonance frequency” in (B) above.

  The power transmission device 550 can perform the processes shown in (A) and (B) with the configuration shown in FIG. 16, for example.

[Power receiving device 650]
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of a power receiving device 650 according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The power receiving device 650 basically has the same configuration as that of the power receiving device 600 shown in FIG. 15. Compared with the power receiving device 650, the configuration of the power receiving unit and the function of the power transmission control information transmission control unit are different. Further, a D / A conversion circuit 656 is further provided.

  The power receiving unit 652 basically has the same configuration as the power receiving unit 202B of the power receiving device 600 shown in FIG. 15, but the configuration of the resonance circuit is different. The resonance circuit 660 included in the power receiving unit 652 includes an inductor L5, a capacitor C3, a varicap VD2, and a capacitor C5. Here, as with the varicap VD1 shown in FIG. 16, the varicap VD2 has a characteristic that the capacitance decreases as the applied voltage increases. Therefore, the power receiving device 650 can realize “adjusting the resonance frequency of the power receiving side resonance circuit step by step” in (A) by changing the voltage applied to the varicap VD2.

  The power transmission control information transmission control unit 654 outputs an adjustment signal (digital signal) for changing the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit 660 step by step to the D / A conversion circuit 656 when performing the processing according to (A). . The D / A conversion circuit 656 applies a voltage corresponding to the adjustment signal output from the power transmission control information transmission control unit 654 to the varicap VD <b> 2 of the resonance circuit 660. As a result, the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit 660 changes step by step.

  The power transmission control information transmission control unit 654 determines an adjustment signal when the received power is maximized based on the digital signal corresponding to the received power transmitted from the A / D conversion circuit 610.

  FIG. 18 illustrates an applied voltage applied to the resonance circuit 660 and an output voltage output from the power receiving unit 652 (a voltage corresponding to the received power) in the power receiving device 650 according to the modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between these. Since the resonance frequency changes by changing the applied voltage applied to the resonance circuit 660, as a result, the output voltage (voltage corresponding to the received power) output from the power receiving unit 652 changes as shown in FIG. To do. The power transmission control information transmission control unit 654 determines the peak of the output voltage output from the power reception unit 652 as illustrated in FIG. 18 and outputs an adjustment signal corresponding to the applied voltage indicating the peak to the D / A conversion circuit 656. To do. As described above, the power transmission control information transmission control unit 654 realizes “determining the resonance frequency of the power reception side resonance circuit and setting the resonance frequency of the power reception side resonance circuit to the determined resonance frequency” in (A) above. Can do. Then, the power transmission control information transmission control unit 654 transmits information indicating that the adjustment of the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit is completed to the power transmission device 550 via the communication unit 206.

  Moreover, the power transmission control information transmission control part 654 determines the peak of the output voltage (voltage according to the received electric power) output from the power receiving part 652, when performing the process which concerns on said (B). Then, when the peak is determined, the power transmission control information transmission control unit 654 transmits information indicating that the received power is maximized to the power transmission device 550 via the communication unit 206.

  The power receiving device 650 can perform the processes shown in (A) and (B), for example, with the configuration shown in FIG.

  A power transmission device 550 and a power reception device 650 according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention have the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, for example. 16 and 17, power reception device 650 indirectly detects the approach of the detection target based on the amount of change in the received power, and power transmission device 550 detects the detection result in power reception device 600. The transmission power can be controlled based on the Therefore, even when the power transmission system 1300 includes the power transmission device 550 and the power reception device 650, it is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission. Moreover, the power transmission system according to the modification of the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the power transmission system 1300 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the power transmission device 550 and the power reception device 650 according to the modification of the third embodiment of the present invention can adjust the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit (power transmission side resonance circuit / power reception side resonance circuit) in cooperation with each other. The efficiency of non-contact power transmission can be further increased.

[Other Modifications of Power Transmission Device and Power Reception Device According to Third Embodiment]
Note that, in the power transmission device and the power reception device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the configuration capable of adjusting the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit (power transmission side resonance circuit / power reception side resonance circuit) is the configuration shown in FIGS. Not limited. For example, the user of the power transmission device, the power reception device, or a third party can control the power transmitted from the power transmission device by intentionally changing the resonance frequency.

  19, FIG. 20A, and FIG. 20B are explanatory diagrams for explaining configurations of a power transmission device and a power reception device according to another modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 19 shows an example of a resonance circuit 702 that constitutes a power transmission unit of a power receiving device according to another modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 20A and 20B show resonance. An example of the appearance of a circuit 702 is shown. In addition, about the resonance circuit which comprises the power receiving part of the power transmission apparatus which concerns on the other modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, since it can take the structure similar to FIG. 19, description is abbreviate | omitted below.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the resonance circuit 702 has a switch SW2 in addition to the configuration of the resonance circuit 224 shown in FIG. The resonance frequency of the resonance circuit 702 is the same resonance frequency as the resonance circuit 224 shown in FIG. 15 when the switch SW2 is open, and the resonance frequency changes when the switch SW2 is short-circuited.

  Further, the state (open / short) of the switch SW2 is controlled by the state of the spring as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, for example. Therefore, for example, when the user of the power receiving apparatus places an object or a power supply target device (for example, when the resonance circuit 702 is a power receiving side resonance apparatus), the state of the switch SW2 changes.

  Therefore, when the power transmission unit of the power receiving device according to another modification of the third embodiment of the present invention includes the resonance circuit 702, for example, when a user or the like intentionally places an object on the resonance circuit 702. The power receiving device can selectively receive the power transmitted from the power transmitting device.

  Therefore, the power transmission system according to another modification of the third embodiment of the present invention is a power transmitted from the power transmission device by a user of the power transmission device, the power reception device, or the like intentionally changing the resonance frequency. Can be controlled.

  Note that the configuration for selectively changing the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit (configuration for controlling resonance) is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, even if the inductor is provided with a tap to selectively change the inductance, and the capacitor is selectively added, the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit can be selectively changed. Further, for example, switching of the state of the switch SW2 in FIG. 19 is not limited to physical switching by placing an object. For example, the switch SW2 includes detection means such as an infrared sensor, and can switch the state according to the detection result.

  As described above, in the power transmission system 1000 according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the power transmission device has a control voltage corresponding to the distance to the detection target detected directly / indirectly. The power to be transmitted is controlled by setting the gain of the voltage controlled amplifier circuit 122 according to the above. As described above, the power transmission system 1000 can reduce the influence of an electromagnetic field on a living body, and thus can improve safety in non-contact power transmission. In addition, when a living body that is a detection target is detected, the power transmission system 1000 does not always stop the supply of power from the power transmission apparatus 100 to the power reception apparatus 200 as in the case of using a conventional technique. It is possible to further reduce the possibility that the power receiving apparatus 200 will not function due to the lack of power required for driving. Therefore, the power transmission system 1000 can improve the convenience in non-contact power transmission.

  Therefore, the power transmission system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention can achieve both improvement in safety and convenience in contactless power transmission.

In addition, the power transmission system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention can detect a living body as a detection target and reduce or stop the output of power transmitted from the power transmission device. Such a thing is realized.
-Stops transmission of mobile phone (an example of a power transmission device) when a pacemaker wearer is in the vicinity on a crowded train.-Application to cases where higher power is transmitted without contact, such as contactless charging to electric vehicles

  In the above description, the power transmission device is described as a constituent element of the power transmission system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Embodiments of the present invention include, for example, computers such as PC (Personal Computer) and PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), imaging devices such as digital cameras, portable communication devices such as mobile phones and PHS (Personal Handyphone System), etc. The present invention can be applied to various devices capable of transmitting power. Furthermore, the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to any device that can affect the human body by generating a strong electromagnetic field, such as an electromagnetic cooker or MRI.

  In the above description, the power receiving device is described as a constituent element of the power transmission system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a form. Embodiments of the present invention include, for example, computers such as PCs and PDAs, imaging devices such as digital cameras, portable communication devices such as mobile phones and PHS, portable game machines, audio output devices such as headphones and speakers, and electric vehicles. The present invention can be applied to various devices capable of receiving power, such as a transport device.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

100, 150, 300, 350, 500, 550 Power transmission device 102A, 102B, 552 Power transmission unit 104, 502, 554 Control unit 106, 302 Detection unit 108 Control voltage generation unit 110 Notification determination unit 112, 208 Notification unit 114, 206 Communication Unit 120 oscillation circuit 122 voltage control amplification circuit 124 power transmission antenna 126, 560, 660, 702 resonance circuit 130 infrared pyroelectric sensor 152 correction unit 154 switching unit 200, 250, 600, 650 power receiving device 202A, 202B, 652 power receiving unit 220 power receiving Antenna 224 Resonance circuit 310, 312 Recognition signal reception circuit 400 External device 406 Recognition signal generation unit 408 Transmission unit 612, 654 Transmission control information transmission control unit

Claims (11)

It has a voltage controlled amplifier circuit that amplifies an oscillation signal of a predetermined oscillation frequency, attenuates the gain of the voltage controlled amplifier circuit according to the input control voltage, and receives power according to the oscillation signal. A power transmission unit that transmits in a non-contact manner to a power receiving device that performs ,
A detection unit that detects a living body as a detection target and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected distance to the detection target ;
A control voltage generation unit that outputs the control voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the detection signal output from the detection unit ;
A power transmission device. The power transmission unit
An oscillation circuit for generating the oscillation signal ;
The voltage controlled amplifier circuit to which the oscillation signal and the control voltage are respectively input ;
An alternating current according to an oscillation signal output from the voltage control amplifier circuit flows, and a power transmission antenna that transmits power by electromagnetic induction ,
The power transmission device according to claim 1, comprising:   The power transmission unit is further provided with a resonance circuit that is provided physically separated from the power transmission antenna, generates a vibration electromagnetic field having a predetermined resonance frequency by induction of the vibration electromagnetic field generated by the power transmission antenna, and transmits electric power. The power transmission device according to claim 2.   The power transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the control voltage generation unit outputs a linear control voltage with respect to the detection signal.   The power transmission device according to claim 4, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the linear control voltage output from the control voltage generation unit to a control voltage that is nonlinear with respect to the detection signal.   The power transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes a pyroelectric sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a distance from the detection target by a pyroelectric effect.   The detection unit detects a recognition signal indicating the type of the external device transmitted from a predetermined external device included in the detection target, and responds to the distance to the detection target based on the detected intensity of the recognition signal The power transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising a recognition signal receiving circuit that outputs a detection signal. A correction unit that corrects the control voltage output from the control voltage generation unit to a control voltage that is nonlinear with respect to the detection signal ;
A switching unit that selectively outputs one of a control voltage output from the control voltage generation unit or a corrected control voltage output from the correction unit to the power transmission unit in accordance with an input switching signal; ,
Further comprising
The power transmission device according to claim 7, wherein the detection unit outputs the switching signal based on a type of the received recognition signal to the switching unit. A notification determination unit that compares the control voltage generated by the control voltage generation unit with a predetermined reference voltage to determine whether the detection target is detected ;
A notification unit for notifying that the detection target is detected when it is determined to be notified by the notification determination unit ;
The power transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising: A communication unit that communicates with the power receiving device;
The power transmission device according to claim 9, wherein the communication unit transmits detection target detection information for causing the power receiving device to perform notification to the power receiving device when it is determined to be notified by the notification determining unit. . Detecting a living body as a detection target and generating a detection signal corresponding to the detected distance to the detection target ;
Generating a magnitude of the control voltage corresponding to the detection signal generated in the step of generating said detection signal,
According to the control voltage generated in the step of generating the control voltage, the gain of the voltage control amplifier circuit that amplifies the oscillation signal of a predetermined oscillation frequency is attenuated, and the oscillation signal output from the voltage control amplifier circuit is reduced. Transmitting the corresponding power in a contactless manner to a power receiving device that receives the power; and
A power transmission control method.

Images