Contactless power supply apparatus, contactless power receiving apparatus, and associated methodology of priority display

A contactless power supply for charging at least one device using magnetic field resonance includes an AC power supply, at least one circuit, a charging surface and at least one indicator to indicate a charging priority relative to the charging surface according to magnetic field strength. Devices placed near a region of the charging surface indicated as having a high priority by the indicators will charge more rapidly than an external device placed near a region of the charging surface indicated by the indicators as having a lower charging priority. Indication of the charging priority regions on the charging surface may be indicated by differing materials, patterns, shapes or offsets. In addition, the contactless power supply may have more than one region of high charging priority.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2009-171798 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Jul. 23, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a contactless power supply apparatus that emits AC power using a resonance phenomenon such as magnetic field resonance or electric field resonance, a contactless power receiving apparatus for receiving AC power using a resonance phenomenon, and a priority degree displaying method used in the contactless power supply apparatus and the contactless power receiving apparatus.

2. Discussion of the Background

As a technique for allowing transmission of electric energy in a contactless fashion, an electromagnetic induction method and a magnetic field resonance method are available. The electromagnetic induction method and the magnetic field resonance method have such various differences as described below, and in recent years, attention is paid to energy transmission which uses the magnetic field resonance method.

FIG. 14is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type wherein a power supply source and a power supply object or destination correspond in a one-to-one relationship with respect to each other. Referring toFIG. 14, the contactless power supplying apparatus of the magnetic field resonance type includes a power supply source100and a power supply destination200.

The power supply source100may be, for example, a charging cradle and includes an AC (alternative current) power supply101, an excitation element102, and a resonance element103. Meanwhile, the power supply destination200may be a portable telephone terminal and includes a resonance element201, an excitation element202and a rectification circuit203.

Each of the excitation element102and the resonance element103of the power supply source100and the resonance element201and the excitation element202of the power supply destination200is formed from an air-core coil. In the inside of the power supply source100, the excitation element102and the resonance element103are coupled strongly to each other by electromagnetic induction. Similarly, in the inside of the power supply destination200, the resonance element201and the excitation element202are coupled strongly to each other by electromagnetic induction.

When the self resonance frequencies of the resonance element103in the form of an air-core coil of the power supply source100and the resonance element201in the form of an air-core coil of the power supply destination200coincide with each other, the resonance element103and the resonance element201are placed in a magnetic field resonance relationship, in which the coupling amount is maximum and the loss is minimum.

In particular, the contactless power supply system ofFIG. 14operates in the following manner. First, in the power supply source100, AC power of a predetermined frequency which is energy of AC current from the AC power supply101is supplied to the excitation element102, in which AC power to the resonance element103is induced by electromagnetic induction by the AC power supply101. Here, the frequency of the AC power generated in the AC power supply101is equal to the self-resonance frequencies of the resonance element103of the power supply source100and the resonance element201of the power supply destination200.

As described hereinabove, the resonance element103of the power supply source100and the resonance element201of the power supply destination200are disposed in a relationship of magnetic field resonance. Therefore, with the resonance frequency, AC power, which is energy of AC current or the like, is supplied from the resonance element103to the resonance element201in a contactless fashion.

In the power supply destination200, the AC power from the resonance element103of the power supply source100is accepted by the resonance element201. The AC power from the resonance element201is supplied to the rectification circuit203through the excitation element202by electromagnetic induction and is converted by the rectification circuit203into and outputted as DC (direct current) power.

In this manner, AC power is supplied from the power supply source100to the power supply destination200in a contactless fashion. It is to be noted that the DC power outputted from the rectification circuit203is supplied, for example, to a charging circuit (not shown) to which a battery (not shown) is connected in order to charge the battery.

The contactless power supply system wherein the power supply source100and the power supply destination200configured in such a manner as described above with reference toFIG. 14correspond in a one-to-one relationship with respect to each other has the following characteristics.

The contactless power supply system has such a relationship between the frequency of the AC power supply and the coupling amount as inFIG. 15A. InFIG. 15A, even if the frequency of the AC power supply is low or conversely high, the coupling amount is not high but exhibits its maximum amount only at a predetermined frequency with which a magnetic field resonance phenomenon occurs. In other words, the coupling amount exhibits frequency selectivity depending upon the magnetic field resonance.

Further, the relationship between the distance between the resonance elements103and201and the coupling amount of the contactless power supply system is illustrated inFIG. 15B. InFIG. 15B, the coupling amount decreases as the distance between the resonance elements increases.

However, even if the distance between the resonance elements is small, the coupling amount is not necessarily great, but at a particular resonance frequency, the coupling amount exhibits a maximum value at a particular distance. Further, inFIG. 15B, a coupling amount higher than a fixed level can be assured if the distance between the resonance elements remains within a certain range.

Further, the relationship between the resonance frequency and the distance between the resonance elements with which a maximum coupling amount is obtained in the contactless power supply system is illustrated inFIG. 15C. InFIG. 15C, where the resonance frequency is low, the distance between the resonance elements is great. Also, where the resonance frequency is high, a maximum coupling amount is obtained by decreasing the distance between the resonance elements.

In a contactless power supply system of the electromagnetic induction type which is used widely at present, it is necessary for the power supplying source and the power supplying destination to share magnetic fluxes, and in order to send power efficiently, it is necessary for the power supplying source and the power supplying destination to be disposed closely to each other. Also axial registration of the power supplying source and the power supplying destination to be coupled to each other is significant.

Meanwhile, a contactless power supply system which uses a magnetic field resonance phenomenon is advantageous in that, in the contactless power supply system, power can be transmitted over a greater distance compared to the electromagnetic induction method and even if the axial registration is not very good, the transmission efficiency does not significantly drop.

From the foregoing, the contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type is superior to the contactless power supply system of the electromagnetic induction type for the following reasons. First, the contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type is tolerant of displacement between the transmission and reception coils, which is, between the resonance elements and permits a longer transmission distance.

Therefore, the contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type can carry out power supply as inFIG. 17. In particular, referring toFIG. 17, a plurality of power supply destinations which are portable terminals inFIG. 17can be placed on a single power supply source which is a power supply cradle inFIG. 17so that they are charged by the latter.

However, the plural power supply destinations or portable terminals placed on the power supply source or power supply cradle may include a power supply destination which should be charged more rapidly than the other power supply destinations, or a power supply destination which may be charged, for example, before use of the same is started the following day.

As a conventional system which can charge a plurality of power supply destinations in a preferential order in this manner, a battery pack charging adapter of the contact type is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-207137 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1).

The battery pack charging adapter disclosed in Patent Document 1 can charge a plurality of battery packs at the same time and can include a preferential changeover to apply a priority order for charging to the battery packs connected thereto. However, in the conventional battery pack charging adapter, the electric connection between the charging adapter and the battery packs is established by a contact type connection, and the connection positions of the battery packs to the charging adapter are fixed.

The contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 13 to 16carries out contactless charging and has a characteristic that the placement positions of the power supply destinations200and300with respect to the power supply source100in the form of a charger are indefinite as inFIG. 16.

Therefore, in the contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type, it is impossible to determine from its structure, a priority order for supplying power to the object power supply destinations. Further, this ambiguity applies to both a contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type and a contactless power supply system of any other resonance type such as the electric field resonance type.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a contactless power supply system of the resonance type wherein a priority degree for power supply can be applied to each of apparatus of power supply destinations which receive power supply from a power supply source.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactless power supply apparatus that emits AC power using magnetic field resonance includes an AC power supply to generate an AC current. The contactless power supply also includes at least on circuit to generate a magnetic field from the AC current generated by the AC power supply, and a charging surface to charge at least one device in physical proximity thereto using magnetic field resonance according to the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction circuit. At least one indicator to indicate a charging priority relative to the charging surface according to a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field is also included in the contactless power supply apparatus.

With the contactless power supplying apparatus, while power is supplied to a device, which is an electronic apparatus of a power supply destination by resonance through the resonance element, priority degrees for power supply are displayed on the charging surface, or the mounting face of the mounting table, to which the electronic apparatus of the power supply destination is proximately located, in accordance with the intensity distribution of energy generated by the resonance element.

In particular, if the electronic apparatus is located relative to a region of the charging surface of the contactless power supplying apparatus in which the distribution of the energy generated by the resonance element is high, then a comparatively great amount of AC power is induced in the device.

In other words, if the device is placed relative to the region of the charging surface of the contactless power supplying apparatus in which the distribution of the energy generated by the resonance element is high, then the device can receive supply of power preferentially from the contactless power supply apparatus.

Thus, priority degrees for power supply are displayed relative to the charging surface of the contactless power supplying apparatus in accordance with the intensity distribution of the energy generated by the resonance element. The display of the priority degrees makes it possible to place an apparatus or external device, which should be supplied with power preferentially, in a region of the charging surface which is displayed as a region having a high priority degree but place another apparatus or device, which may be supplied with power less preferentially, in another region of the charging surface which is displayed as a region having a lower priority degree.

Consequently, a user of devices which are to be supplied with power from the contactless power supplying apparatus can apply a priority degree for power supply to each of the devices. Then, each device to be supplied with power can be supplied with power in accordance with the priority degree applied thereto to carry out charging or the like.

It is to be noted that the term “priority degree for power supply” represents a priority degree for power transmission as viewed from the contactless power supplying apparatus side, that is, from the power supply source side. Accordingly, a user of devices which are power supply destinations to receive supply of power from the contactless power supplying apparatus can apply, to each of the devices which are to receive supply of power, a priority degree of the same where the electronic apparatus should receive supply of power.

Further, the term “priority degree for power supply” represents a priority degree for reception of power supply as viewed from the side of the device, that is, from the contactless power receiving apparatus side. Accordingly, the user of devices which are power supply destinations to receive supply of power from the contactless power supplying apparatus can apply, to each of the devices which are to receive supply of power, a priority degree of the same where the electronic apparatus should receive supply of power.

As used herein a “device” is a device that is not part of the contactless power supply apparatus, and is instead charged by the contactless power supply apparatus.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a charging system that charges by magnetic field resonance includes a contactless power supply and a device. The contactless power supply includes an AC power supply to generate an AC current, and a circuit to generate a magnetic field based on the AC current. The contactless power supply also includes a charging surface to charge at least one device in physical proximity thereto using magnetic field resonance according to the magnetic field. The device to be charged includes at least one indicator, displayed on a display of the device, to indicate a charging priority relative to the charging surface according to a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction circuit.

In the device, supply of AC power can be received in a contactless fashion from the power supply source through the resonance element, and the AC power can be converted into DC power by the rectification circuit so that it can be used for charging and so forth.

Further, at the preceding stage or the succeeding stage to the rectification circuit, the received power amount by the device is detected, and a priority degree for supplying power to the device itself can be displayed on the device in accordance with the detected received power amount so as to advise a user of the device.

Consequently, the user who observes the priority degree for supplying power to the device displayed on the display section of the device can vary the position of the device relative to the power supplying source so that the priority degree of the device becomes higher or lower. In other words, the priority degree for power supply can be applied for each of the device.

Also in regard to the device, it is considered that the term “priority degree for power supply” represents a priority degree for power transmission as viewed from the device side.

In summary, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a contactless power supply system of the resonance type, a priority degree for power supply can be applied to each device which should receive supply of power from a power supply source. Consequently, the convenience to a user can be improved, for example, in that any device which should be supplied with power preferentially so as to carry out charging rapidly and any other device which may not be supplied with power preferentially can be supplied with power in an appropriate mode to the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, apparatus and methods of embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the present invention can be applied to apparatus and methods of various resonance types such as the magnetic field resonance type, electric field resonance type and electromagnetic induction type, for clarity the following description is provided with regard to apparatus and methods of the magnetic field resonance type.

First Embodiment

[Contactless Power Supply System of the Magnetic Field Resonance Type]

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 1, the contactless power supply system includes a power supply source1, and a plurality of power supply destinations2and3.

The power supply source1is a contactless power supplying apparatus, which can, for example, be configured as a charging cradle to which an apparatus and a method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention are applied. The power supply source1has a charging surface of a size sufficient to allow a plurality of devices, which become power supply destinations such as portable telephone terminals as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 17, to be charged based on a proximity thereto. For example, the charging surface may be a mounting table on which the devices are placed.

Each of the devices2and3is a contactless power supplying apparatus which becomes a power supply destination such as a portable telephone terminal as described hereinabove.

The power supply source1includes an AC power supply11, an excitation element12and a resonance element13. The external device2includes a resonance element21, an excitation element22and a rectification circuit23. Similarly, the device3includes a resonance element31, an excitation element32and a rectification circuit33.

Each of the excitation element12and the resonance element13of the power supply source1is formed from an air-core coil. Also the resonance element21and the excitation element22of the power supply destination2and the resonance element31and the excitation element32of the device3are each formed from an air-core coil.

The AC power supply11of the power supply source1generates AC power of a frequency equal to or substantially equal to a self-resonance frequency of the resonance element13of the power supply source1, resonance element21of the device2and resonance element31of the device3and supplies the generated AC power to the excitation element12.

In particular, in the contactless power supply system of the magnetic resonance type ofFIG. 1, the resonance element13of the power supply source1, resonance element21of the device2and resonance element31of the device3have an equal or substantially equal resonance frequency.

Further, the AC power supply11of the power supply source1includes a Kollwitz type oscillation circuit or a Hartley type oscillation circuit in order to generate AC power of an object frequency such as energy of AC current.

The excitation element12is excited by AC power from the AC power supply11and supplies the AC power to the resonance element13. The excitation element12, which receives supply of the AC power from the AC power supply11, and the resonance element13are coupled strongly by electromagnetic induction.

Therefore, AC power from the AC power supply11is supplied to the resonance element13through the excitation element12. It is to be noted that, by establishing impedance matching with the AC power supply11and the resonance element13, the excitation element12plays a role also of preventing reflection of an electric signal.

The resonance element13generates a magnetic field with AC power supplied thereto from the excitation element12. The resonance element13has inductance and capacitance. The resonance element13exhibits the highest magnetic field intensity at a resonance frequency thereof. In this manner, the resonance element13generates a magnetic field as energy.

FIG. 13shows a mathematical expression for determining a resonance frequency fr of the resonance element13. In the expression (1) ofFIG. 13, the character L represents the inductance of the resonance element13, and the character C represents the capacitance of the resonance element13.

Accordingly, the resonance frequency of the resonance element13depends upon the inductance L and the capacitance C the resonance element13. Since the resonance element13is formed from an air-core coil as described hereinabove, the line-to-line capacitance of the resonance element13plays a role as the capacitance. The resonance element13generates a magnetic field in an axial direction of the coil.

The resonance element21of the device2and the resonance element31of the device3receive supply of AC power from the power supply source1by magnetic field coupling by magnetic field resonance. The resonance element21of the device2and the resonance element31of the device3have inductance L and capacitance C similarly to the resonance element13of the power supply source described hereinabove in connection with the expression (1) ofFIG. 13and have a resonance frequency equal to or substantially equal to that of the resonance element13of the power supply source.

Since the resonance element21of the device2and the resonance element31and the device3have a configuration of an air-core coil as described hereinabove, the line-to-line capacitance plays a role as the capacitance. The resonance element21of the device2and the resonance element31of the device3are connected to the resonance element13of the power supply source1by magnetic field resonance as inFIG. 1.

Consequently, AC power, that is, energy such as alternating current (AC) current, is supplied by magnetic field resonance from the resonance element13of the power supply source1to the resonance element21of the device2and the resonance element31of the device3at the resonance frequency.

Further, as described hereinabove, in the device2, the resonance element21and the excitation element22are coupled to each other by electromagnetic induction, and AC power is supplied from the resonance element21to the rectification circuit23through the excitation element22. Similarly, in the device3, the resonance element31and the excitation element32are coupled to each other by electromagnetic induction, and AC power is supplied from the resonance element31to the rectification circuit33through the excitation element32.

It is to be noted that, by establishing impedance matching with the resonance element21and the rectification circuit23, the excitation element22plays a role also of preventing reflection of an electric signal. Similarly, by establishing impedance matching with the resonance element31and the rectification circuit33, the excitation element32plays a role also of preventing reflection of an electric signal.

Though not shown, DC power from each of the rectification circuit23and the rectification circuit33is supplied to a charging circuit to which a battery is connected to charge the battery.

In this manner, in the contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type of the present exemplary embodiment, the device2and the device3receive supply of power in a contactless fashion from the power supply source1and use the power to charge a battery or for some other application.

Where the contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type is configured for one-to-plural power supply such that a plurality of devices2and3are placed on a single power supply source1at the same time so as to receive supply of power, if the number of devices, that is, power receiving apparatus, is increased simply, then the power receiving amount per one power supply destination decreases.

Further, the power supply source1of the contactless power supply system of the magnetic field resonance type has a location at which the distribution of a magnetic field generated by the resonance element13is strong or high and another location at which the distribution is weak or low.

Thus, if a device is placed near the location of the charging surface of the power supply source1at which the distribution of the magnetic field or energy generated by the resonance element13is strong or high, then a greater amount of AC power can be induced in the device.

Further, if it is intended to use the power supply source1as a charger, then it is not necessarily required to charge all of a plurality of devices or power supplying destinations uniformly. For example, such a situation may occur that, although it is desired for charging of a portable telephone terminal to be completed as early as possible, a portable music reproduction machine may be charged up before tomorrow morning.

Therefore, in the power supply source1in the first embodiment, on the charging surface of the power supply source1on which the devices2and3are placed, priority degrees for power supply are displayed or indicated clearly in response to the intensity distribution of a magnetic field generated by the resonance element13.

FIG. 2is an example of the intensity distribution of a magnetic field formed on the charging surface of the power supply source1by the resonance element13of the power supply source1configured in such a manner as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 1. In the intensity distribution of the magnetic field inFIG. 2, a region in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field is high or strong exists on the inner side of the resonance element13in the form of an air-core coil, and regions in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field decreases stepwise exist around the region in which the intensity distribution is high.

In the intensity distribution of the magnetic field illustrated inFIG. 2, the intensity distribution of the magnetic field becomes gradually weaker in a direction from the inner side toward the outer side of the resonance element13such that, where the charging surface is roughly divided, it has four areas having different intensities of the electric field.

FIGS. 3 and 4are display modes of priority degrees to be applied to the charging surface1bof the mounting table1aof the power supply source1where the intensity distribution of the magnetic field ofFIG. 2is generated from the resonance element13.

In particular,FIG. 3illustrates the display mode where the areas of different intensity distributions of the magnetic field cut from the intensity distribution of the magnetic field inFIG. 2are indicated by rectangles on the charging surface1bof the mounting table1aof the power supply source1. In the display mode illustrated inFIG. 3, four areas are defined by three rectangles on the mounting face1b.

In particular, the power supply source1in the first embodiment includes the components thereof as inFIG. 1provided, for example, in the inside of the mounting table1ainFIG. 3, and the components of the power supply source1ofFIG. 1and the mounting table, that is, the charging surface, inFIG. 3configure the power supply source1.

The innermost area Ar1is a region in which the magnetic field intensity of the magnetic field is highest and whose priority degree is highest. Further, the intensity distribution of the magnetic field becomes gradually lower in a direction toward the outer side. In particular, the area Ar2on the outer side of the innermost area Ar1has the second highest priority degree, and the area Ar3on the outer side of the second innermost area Ar2has the third highest priority degree. Then, the outermost area Ar4is lowest in intensity distribution of the magnetic field and therefore has the fourth highest priority degree, that is, has the lowest priority degree.

FIG. 4is a display mode where the areas of different intensity distributions of the magnetic field cut from the intensity distribution of the magnetic field inFIG. 2are indicated by circles on the charging surface1bof the mounting table1aof the power supply source1. In the display mode ofFIG. 4, four areas are defined by three circles on the charging surface1b.

In particular, the power supply source1in the first exemplary embodiment includes the components ofFIG. 1provided, for example, in the inside of the mounting table1ashown inFIG. 3, and the components of the power supply source1inFIG. 1and the mounting table, that is, the charging surface, shown inFIG. 3configure the power supply source1.

The innermost circular area Ar1is a region in which the magnetic field intensity of the magnetic field is highest and whose priority degree is highest. Further, the intensity distribution of the magnetic field becomes gradually lower in a direction toward the outer side. In particular, the area Ar2on the outer side of the innermost area Ar1has the second highest priority degree, and the area Ar3on the outer side of the second innermost area Ar2has the third highest priority degree. Further, the outermost area Ar4is lowest in intensity distribution of the magnetic field and therefore has the fourth highest priority degree, that is, has the lowest priority degree.

Thus, a device which should be charged up as rapidly as possible like, for example, a personal digital assistant is placed in the area Ar1shown inFIG. 3or4. Another device which may be charged up in a longer period of time and has a lower priority degree for the power supply is placed in an area other than the area Ar1.

In particular, device having a lower priority degree for the power supply is placed in any of the areas Ar2, Ar3and Ar4. In this instance, the device may be placed across the area Ar2and the area Ar3or across the area Ar3and the area Ar4.

In this manner, a device can be placed in an area of the charging surface1b, on which the priority degrees corresponding to intensity distributions of a magnetic field generated by the resonance element13are displayed, in response to the priority degree thereof for the power supply.

Consequently, where a plurality of devices are placed on the charging surface1bof the mounting table of the power supply source1, the decrease of the power receiving amount which may occur with the individual devices can be suppressed to the minimum.

Further, a device which has a high priority degree for the power supply may be placed in the area of the charging surface whose intensity distribution of the magnetic field is highest such that it receives supply of power preferentially and is charged up rapidly.

On the other hand, a device which has a low priority degree for the power supply may be placed in an area of the charging surface whose intensity distribution of the magnetic field is lower such that it receives and is charged up by supply of power from the power supply source although the power receiving amount is smaller without disturbing the power supply to the device having a higher priority degree for the power supply.

In this manner, a user of an electronic apparatus such as a personal digital assistant, which may be a device, would set a priority degree for the power supply in response to a mode of use of the device used by the user itself. Then, the user can suitably select a mounting position on the charging surface1bin accordance with the priority degrees displayed on the charging surface1bof the mounting table1aof the power supply source1and place the electronic apparatus which becomes the device at the selected place so that the electronic apparatus can receive supply of power in accordance with the priority degree.

Accordingly, since the user of the electronic apparatus such as a personal digital assistant which becomes a device can set a priority degree for the power supply to each device and the electronic apparatus can receive supply of power from the power supply source in accordance with the priority degree, the convenience of the device to the user can be improved.

It is to be noted that the charging surface1bof the mounting table1aof the power supply source1can be set to an appropriate size in response to the diameter and the winding number of the resonance element13and the intensity distribution of the magnetic field to be generated by the resonance element13. For example, it is possible to set the size of the charging surface1bof the mounting table1aof the power supply source1to a square having a side of 30 cm and form an area Ar1of the first priority degree having a side of 8 cm at a central location of the square having a side of 30 cm and further form the areas Ar2, Ar3and Ar4in such a mode as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 3around the area Ar1.

Naturally, it is possible to provide a greater number of areas on the charging surface of the mounting table in response to the diameter and the winding number of the resonance element13and the intensity distribution of a magnetic field to be generated by the resonance element13or to conversely provide a smaller number of areas on the charging surface of the mounting table.

Second Embodiment

If a plurality of resonance elements are used for a power supply source, then a magnetic field can be generated in a mode different from that where a single resonance element is used. Therefore, in a contactless power supply system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two resonance elements are provided in the power supply source.

It is to be noted that, in the contactless power supply system of the second exemplary embodiment, the power supply source is different in configuration from the power supply source1in the first embodiment described hereinabove while the devices are not different in configuration. Therefore, also in the following description of the second exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the devices have a configuration similar to that of the devices2and3in the first exemplary embodiment described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 1.

First Example

FIG. 5is a power supply source1A of a first example of the second embodiment.FIG. 6is an intensity distribution of a magnetic field on a charging surface of a mounting table generated by two resonance elements of the power supply source1A inFIG. 5.

Referring first toFIG. 5, the power supply source1A in the second exemplary embodiment includes an AC power supply11, a pair of excitation elements12(a) and12(b), and a pair of resonance elements13(a) and13(b). The excitation element12(a) and the resonance element13(a) form a first power supply path, and the excitation element12(b) and the resonance element13(b) form a second power supply path.

The AC power supply11is configured similarly to the AC power supply11of the power supply source1in the first embodiment. The excitation elements12(a) and12(b) are configured similarly to the excitation element12of the power supply source1in the first exemplary embodiment. The resonance elements13(a) and13(b) are configured similarly to the resonance element13of the power supply source1in the first exemplary embodiment.

The AC power supply11generates AC power of a frequency equal to or substantially equal to a resonance frequency which the resonance elements13(a) and13(b), the resonance element21of the device2and the resonance element31of the device3have, and supplies the generated AC power to the excitation elements12(a) and12(b).

The excitation elements12(a) and12(b) are excited by the AC power from the AC power supply11and supply the AC power to the corresponding resonance elements13(a) and13(b), respectively. The excitation elements12(a) and12(b) and the corresponding resonance elements13(a) and13(b) are coupled strongly to each other by electromagnetic induction, respectively.

Therefore, the AC power from the AC power supply11is supplied to the resonance elements13(a) and13(b) through the corresponding excitation elements12(a) and12(b). It is to be noted that, by establishing impedance matching with the AC power supply11and the corresponding resonance elements13(a) and13(b), the excitation elements12(a) and12(b) play a role also of preventing reflection of an electric signal.

The resonance elements13(a) and13(b) generate a magnetic field or energy with the AC power supplied thereto from the corresponding excitation elements12(a) and12(b), respectively. The resonance elements13(a) and13(b) have inductance and capacitance and exhibit the highest magnetic field intensity at a resonance frequency thereof.

In particular, the resonance frequency fr of the resonance elements13(a) and13(b) can be determined in accordance with the expression (1) inFIG. 13similarly to that of the resonance element13of the power supply source1in the first exemplary embodiment.

Since the resonance elements13(a) and13(b) have a configuration of an air-core coil similarly to the resonance element13in the first exemplary embodiment, they generate a magnetic field in an axial direction of the coil thereof with AC power from the corresponding resonance elements13(a) and13(b), respectively.

Consequently, the AC power can be supplied to the resonance element of each power supply destination, or device such as the device2or the device3by electromagnetic coupling by magnetic field resonance.

Thus, such an intensity distribution of the magnetic field as inFIG. 6is formed on the charging surface of the mounting table by the resonance elements13(a) and13(b) of the power supply source1A having the configuration described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 5. In this instance, a region in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field is strong is formed at each of portions of the charging surface of the mounting table which correspond to the inner side of the resonance elements13(a) and13(b).

In particular, two regions in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field is strong are formed corresponding to the two resonance elements13(a) and13(b) as inFIG. 6, and regions in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field become weaker stepwise are formed around the two regions.

In the first example of the second exemplary embodiment, AC power from the AC power supply11is supplied to the excitation elements12(a) and12(b). Therefore, magnetic fields generated from the resonance elements13(a) and13(b) exhibit AC powers of the same phase and the same amplitude.

Further, priority degrees for power supply are disposed on the charging surface of the mounting table of the power supply source1A in response to the intensity distribution of the magnetic field inFIG. 6. In particular, in the power supply source1A of the first example of the second exemplary embodiment, the components of the power supply source1A inFIG. 5are provided in a mounting table1ahereinafter described.

It is to be noted that a particular mode of display of priority degrees in this instance is described particularly after an example of a configuration of a second example wherein two regions having a high intensity distribution of a magnetic field are formed similarly as in the first example described above is described.

Second Example

Now, a second example of the second exemplary embodiment is described. In the second example, two regions in which the intensity distribution of a magnetic field is high are formed similarly as in the case of the first example described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 7is a power supply source1B of a contactless power supply system of the second example of the second exemplary embodiment.FIG. 8is an intensity distribution of a magnetic field on the charging surface of the mounting table generated by two resonance elements of the power supply source1B inFIG. 7.

With reference toFIGS. 7 and 5, the power supply source1B of the second example is configured similarly to the power supply source1A of the first example inFIG. 5except that a phase inversion section14is provided between the AC power supply11and the excitation element12(a).

Therefore, overlapping description of the common configuration of the power supply source1B of the second example inFIG. 7to that of the power supply source1A of the first example shown inFIG. 5is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In the power supply source1B of the second example inFIG. 7, AC power from the AC power supply11is supplied as it is to the resonance element13(b). In contrast, to the resonance element13(a), the AC power from the AC power supply11is supplied through the phase inversion section14.

The phase inversion section14inverts the phase of the AC power supplied thereto and outputs the AC power of the inverted phase. Consequently, to the resonance element13(a) and the resonance element13(b), AC powers which have phases reverse to each other but have the same amplitude are supplied.

Such an intensity distribution of a magnetic field as inFIG. 8is formed on the charging surface of the mounting table by the resonance elements13(a) and13(b) of the power supply source1B having the configuration described above with reference toFIG. 7. In this instance, a region in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field is high is formed at portions of the charging surface of the mounting table which correspond to the inner side of the resonance elements13(a) and13(b).

In particular, also in the case of the second example, two regions in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field is high are formed corresponding to the resonance elements13(a) and13(b) as inFIG. 8. Further, in the second example, regions in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field becomes weaker stepwise are formed around the two regions in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field is high.

Further, priority degrees for power supply are displayed on the charging surface of the mounting table of the power supply source1B in response to the intensity distribution of the magnetic field inFIG. 8. In particular, in the power supply source1B of the second example of the second exemplary embodiment, the components of the power supply source1B shown inFIG. 7are provided in the inside of the mounting table1ahereinafter described.

[Display Mode of Priority Degrees for Power Supply in the First and Second Examples]

As can be recognized from comparison between the intensity distribution of the magnetic field in the first example described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 6and the intensity distribution of the magnetic field in the second example described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 8, in both of the power supply source1A of the first example and the power supply source1B of the second example, two regions in which the intensity distribution of a magnetic field is high are formed as described hereinabove.

Further, in the first example inFIG. 6, AC powers of the same phase and the same amplitude are supplied to the resonance elements13(a) and13(b) as described hereinabove. Therefore, regions in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field becomes gradually lower are formed in such a manner as to be common to each other around the resonance elements13(a) and13(b).

In contrast, in the second example shown inFIG. 8, AC powers which have phases reverse to each other but have the same amplitude are supplied to the resonance elements13(a) and13(b) as described hereinabove. Therefore, for each of the resonance elements13(a) and13(b), regions in which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field becomes lower stepwise are formed.

Thus, the power supply sources1A and1B of the first and second examples of the second exemplary embodiment in which an intensity distribution of a magnetic field is formed as inFIGS. 6 and 8display such priority degrees for power supply as inFIGS. 9 and 10.

FIGS. 9 and 10are examples of the display mode of priority degrees to be applied to the charging surface1bof the mounting table1aof the power supply sources1A and1B in the first and second examples of the second exemplary embodiment.

In particular,FIG. 9is an example where areas defined in accordance with the intensity distribution of the magnetic field and having different intensity distributions of a magnetic field inFIGS. 6 and 8are indicated by rectangles on the charging surface1bof the mounting table1aof the power supply source1. In the example inFIG. 9, four areas are defined by three rectangles on the charging surface1b.

The innermost area Ar1is a region in which the magnetic field intensity of the magnetic field is highest and whose priority degree is highest. Further, the intensity distribution of the magnetic field becomes gradually lower in a direction toward the outer side. In particular, the area Ar2on the outer side of the innermost area Ar1has the second highest priority degree, and the area Ar3on the outer side of the second innermost area Ar2has the third highest priority degree. Then, the outermost area Ar4is lowest in intensity distribution of the magnetic field and therefore has the fourth highest priority degree, that is, has the lowest priority degree.

In this manner, in the example ofFIG. 9, priority degrees for power supply are displayed by transversely elongated rectangles in response to the intensity distribution of the magnetic field inFIGS. 6 and 8.

FIG. 10is a display mode where the areas of different intensity distributions of the magnetic field cut from the intensity distribution of the magnetic field inFIG. 2are indicated by circles on the charging surface1bof the mounting table1aof the power supply source1.

In the example shown inFIG. 10, seven areas are defined by two sets of three circles on the charging surface1b. It is to be noted that the components of the power supply source1A or1B inFIG. 5or7are provided on the inner side of the mounting table1ainFIG. 10.

The innermost circular areas Ar11and Ar21in the two sets of circuits exhibit the highest intensity distribution of a magnetic field and therefore have the first priority degree. Further, the intensity distribution of the magnetic field becomes gradually lower in a direction toward the outer side, and the areas Ar12and Ar22on the outer side of the innermost areas Ar11and Ar21have the second highest priority degree and the areas Ar13and AR23on the outer side of the second innermost areas Ar12and Ar22have the third highest priority degree. Further, the outermost area Ar4is lowest in intensity distribution of the magnetic field and therefore has the fourth highest priority degree, that is, has the lowest priority degree.

Further, not only the power supply source1A in the first example but also the power supply source1B of the second example can display priority degrees for power supply as inFIGS. 9 and 10. However, in the case of the power supply source1A of the first example, priority degrees for power supply are displayed in the mode ofFIG. 9while, in the case of the power supply source1B of the second example, priority degrees for power supply are displayed in the mode ofFIG. 10to thus provide display of priority degrees in accordance with the intensity distributions of the magnetic fields inFIGS. 6 and 8, respectively.

Where a power supply source on which priority degrees for power supply are displayed in the mode ofFIG. 9, a device which should be charged up as rapidly as possible like, for example, a personal digital assistant is placed in the area Ar1ofFIG. 9. Another device which may be charged up in a longer period of time and has a lower priority degree for the power supply is placed in an area other than the area Ar1.

In particular, a device having a lower priority degree for the power supply is placed in any of the areas Ar2, Ar3and Ar4. In this instance, the device may be placed across the area Ar2and the area Ar3or across the area Ar3and the area Ar4.

Where a power supply source on which priority degrees for power supply are displayed in the mode ofFIG. 10, a device which should be charged up as rapidly as possible like, for example, a personal digital assistant is placed in the area Ar11or Ar21inFIG. 10. Another device which may be charged up in a longer period of time and has a lower priority degree for the power supply is placed in an area other than the areas Ar11and Ar21.

In particular, a device having a lower priority degree for the power supply is placed in one of the areas Ar12, Ar13, Ar22, Ar23and Ar4. In this instance, the device may be placed across the area Ar12and the area Ar13or across the area Ar13and the area Ar4. Similarly, the device may be placed across the area Ar22and the area Ar23or across the area Ar23and the area Ar4.

In this manner, also in the second exemplary embodiment described above, a device can be placed in an area of the charging surface1b, on which priority degrees in accordance with an intensity distribution of magnetic fields generated by the resonance elements13(a) and13(b) are displayed, in accordance with a priority degree thereof for power supply.

Further, a device which has a high priority degree for the power supply may be placed in the area of the charging surface whose intensity distribution of the magnetic field is highest such that it receives supply of power preferentially and is charged up rapidly.

On the other hand, a device which has a low priority degree for the power supply may be placed in an area of the charging surface whose intensity distribution of the magnetic field is lower such that it receives and is charged up by supply of power from the power supply source although the power receiving amount is smaller without disturbing the power supply to the device having a higher priority degree for the power supply.

In this manner, a user of an electronic apparatus such as a personal digital assistant which becomes the device would set a priority degree for power supply in response to a mode of use of the device used by the user itself. Then, the user can place the device near the charging surface so that the electronic apparatus can receive supply of power in accordance with the priority degree.

Accordingly, since the user of the electronic apparatus such as a personal digital assistant which becomes the device can set a priority degree for the power supply to each power supply destination and the electronic apparatus can receive supply of power from the power supply source in accordance with the priority degree, the convenience of the device to the user can be improved.

Further, in the second exemplary embodiment, since the power supply sources1A and1B are configured such that they have a plurality of resonance elements, they can be used properly and decrease of the power receiving amount where a plurality of devices are involved can be prevented efficiently.

As one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, the number of resonance elements in the power supply source is not limited to two but may be set a suitable number greater than two. Further, while it is described that the power supply sources1A and1B inFIGS. 5 and 7include a single AC power supply circuit11, one AC power supply circuit may be provided for each of excitation elements provided.

Further, also in the second exemplary embodiment, the size of the charging surface1bof the mounting table1aof the power supply sources1A and1B can be set suitably in accordance with the number, arrangement position, diameter and winding number of resonance elements, the intensity distribution of magnetic fields to be generated by the resonance elements and so forth.

Naturally, it is possible to provide a greater number of areas on the charging surface of the mounting table or provide a smaller number of areas on the charging surface of the mounting table in accordance with the diameter and the winding number of the resonance elements13and the intensity distribution of magnetic fields to be generated by the resonance elements13.

[Variations of the Display Mode of Priority Degrees for Power Supply on the Charging Surface of the Mounting Table of the Power Supply Source]

The display of priority degrees for power supply carried out on the charging surface of the mounting table of the power supply source is not limited to that implemented by line segmentation by rectangles or circles, that is, by segmentation of an area by drawn lines as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 3,4,9and10.

Areas having different priority degrees for power supply may be displayed or indicated clearly by color segmentation, pattern segmentation, character display, offset formation, material segmentation or the like as inFIGS. 3,4,9and10.

In one example where color segmentation is used to display areas having different priority degrees for power supply, the color is changed from red→orange→yellow→yellowish green in correspondence to a shift from a region having a high intensity distribution of a magnetic field generated by a resonance element toward another region having a lower intensity distribution of the magnetic field.

In another example where color segmentation is used to display areas having different priority degrees for power supply, the color is changed such that similar colors having successively decreasing depths are applied to regions having successively decreasing intensity distributions of a magnetic field generated by a resonance element. Naturally, different colors of different depths may be applied to the different areas without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In this manner, it is possible to display priority degrees for power supply on the charging surface through color display such that a device can be placed in a suitable area on the charging surface.

Meanwhile, in an example where pattern segmentation is used to display areas having different priority degrees for power supply, different patterns are applied to areas corresponding to regions among which the intensity distribution of the magnetic field generated by a resonance element is different.

For example, the areas are displayed in response to the intensity distribution of a magnetic field such that the figure is changed from a circle→a hexagon→a quadrangle→a triangle in correspondence to a shift from a region having a high intensity distribution of a magnetic field generated by a resonance element toward another region having a lower intensity distribution of the magnetic field.

Alternatively, a predetermined pattern is displayed in the areas in response to the intensity distribution of a magnetic field such that the size thereof is varied in response to the intensity distribution of the magnetic field. In this instance, not only the size or fineness of the pattern but also the pattern itself may be varied.

The pattern may also be drawn using various coating materials or may be applied by forming scratches or forming irregularity on the mounting face. Edging may also be applied using various methods to form patterns.

Further, regarding the character display, a priority degree may be displayed, such as “most preferential, preferential, not preferential,” “high, middle, low,” “high speed, middle speed, low speed,” or “first priority degree, second priority degree, . . . ” together with line segmentation, color segmentation or pattern segmentation. Naturally one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any number of other characters may be used to display priority degrees without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Meanwhile, according to the offset formation, the charging surface of the mounting table is worked such that an offset is provided between each adjacent ones of the areas in accordance with the intensity distribution of the magnetic field. For example, inFIGS. 3 and 4, the mounting face of the mounting table is worked such that the area Ar1is formed higher than the surrounding region and the areas Ar2, Ar3and Ar4around the area Ar1are formed successively lower than the area Ar1.

Meanwhile, according to the material segmentation, different materials are used individually for the areas segmented in accordance with the intensity distribution of the magnetic field to form the charging surface or films or the like of different materials are adhered individually to the areas. For example, an acrylic plate, a wood plate, a cloth piece, a felt piece, a paper piece and so forth are selectively used for the areas segmented in accordance with the intensity distribution of the magnetic field to display priority degrees for power supply.

Also with regard to the line segmentation, not only lines of rectangles or circles are drawn, but also portions indicated by rectangles or circles inFIG. 3,4,9or10are swollen or conversely recessed to display areas in accordance with the intensity distribution of the magnetic field to display priority degrees for power supply.

Further, the above described color segmentation, pattern segmentation, line segmentation, character display, offset formation, material segmentation and so forth may be used singly or in combination.

Third Embodiment

In the first and second embodiments described above, priority degrees for power supply are displayed on the charging surface of the mounting table of the power supply source. In a third exemplary embodiment, the device is configured such that it can display or advise priority degrees for power supply at present to the user.

FIG. 11is an example of a configuration of the device2in the third embodiment wherein the contactless power supplying apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is applied to the device2described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 1.

It is to be noted that, while, in the third embodiment, the configuration of the devices is different from that in the first embodiment as hereinafter described, the power supply source has the same configuration. Therefore, also the description of the present third embodiment is given assuming that the power supply source has a configuration similar to that of the power supply source1in the first embodiment described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 1.

[Example of the Configuration of the External Device2in the Third Embodiment]

Referring toFIG. 11, the device2of the third embodiment includes a resonance element21, an excitation element22, a rectification circuit23, a power detection section24, a control section25, a display control section26and a display section27.

The resonance element21, excitation element22and rectification circuit23are configured similarly to the resonance element21, excitation element22and rectification circuit23of the device2described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 1, respectively. Therefore, overlapping description of them is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In the device2in the third embodiment, AC power from the rectification circuit23is supplied to circuit sections at the succeeding stages through the power detection section24. The power detection section24is, in the present example, an ammeter and detects a current value of DC power from the rectification circuit, that is, a current value or magnitude of DC current. The detected magnitude of the DC power is supplied to the control section25.

In particular, the power detection section24detects a current value of DC power formed from AC power induced in the resonance element21connected to the resonance element13of the power supply source1by magnetic field resonance. Accordingly, if the intensity of the magnetic field from the power supply source1is low, then the current value of DC power formed in the power supply destination is low, but conversely if the intensity of the magnetic field from the power supply source1is high, then the current value of the DC power formed in the power supply destination is high.

The control section25is, through not shown, a microcomputer wherein a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a nonvolatile memory are connected to each other by a CPU bus.

In the nonvolatile memory of the control section25, a priority degree table is formed wherein current values of DC power formed by the rectification circuit23, intensities of a magnetic field from the power supply source1, priority degrees for power supply and charging time periods, that is, time periods required for charging up, are associated with each other.

The priority degree table makes allows determination of, when the current value of DC power formed by the rectification circuit23is a certain ampere value, the intensity of the magnetic field from the power supply source1, the corresponding priority degree and the time period required for charging.

The control section25refers to the priority degree table of the nonvolatile memory based on the current value of DC power from the power detection section24to extract information representative of the intensity of the magnetic field, the priority degree for power supply and the charging time at the current point of time. Then, the control section25supplies the extracted information to the display control section26.

The display control section26forms display information to be displayed on the display screen of the display section27based on the information supplied thereto from the control section25and supplies the formed display information to the display section27.

The display section27is formed from a slim type display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel or an organic EL panel (Organic Electroluminescence Panel). The display section27is controlled by the display control section26and displays the information representative of the intensity of the magnetic field, the priority degree for power supply and the charging time from the power supply source1at the current point of time on a display screen27G of the display section27itself.

FIGS. 12A and 12Bare examples of display of information regarding the priority degree for power supply displayed on the display screen27G of the display section27of the device2in the third embodiment.

If the current value of the DC power detected by the power detection section24is high and the information read out from the priority degree table based on the current value is that the magnetic field from the power supply source1is “high” and the priority degree is “high” and the charging time is “two hours,” then such a screen image as inFIG. 12Ais displayed.

On the other hand, if the current value of the DC current detected by the power detection section24is low and the information read out from the priority degree table based on the current value is such that the magnetic field from the power supply source1is “low” and the priority degree is “low” and besides the charging time is “eight hours,” then such a display screen image as inFIG. 12Bis displayed.

FIGS. 12A and 123are merely exemplary, and other displays are possible. For example, it is possible to display only a priority degree in such a character as “high,” “middle” or “low” or indicate a priority degree for power supply as a color or a number of figures of a star or the like.

If a user confirms the display image inFIG. 12Aor123and wants to lower the priority degree for power supply from the current value, then the user can search for a position at which the priority degree decreases from the current value on the charging surface of the mounting table of the power supply source1and move the device to the position.

On the other hand, if the user confirms the display image inFIG. 12Aor12B and wants to raise the priority degree for power supply from the current value, the user can search for a position at which the priority degree rises from the current value on the charging surface of the mounting table of the power supply source1and move the device to the position.

In particular, the information displayed on the display screen27G of the display section27of the power supply destination2can be varied on the real time basis by moving the device2on the charging surface of the mounting table of the power supply source1. Consequently, the variation of the placed position of the device2in accordance with the information displayed on the display screen27G can be carried out suitably.

Consequently, a user of an electronic apparatus such as a personal digital assistant which becomes the device can set a priority degree for power supply to each power supply destination so that each device can receive supply of power from the power supply source in accordance with its priority degree. Therefore, the convenience to the user of the device can be enhanced.

It is to be noted that display of information regarding the priority degree for power supply inFIG. 12Aor12B can be carried out normally while the device remains near on the charging surface of the power supply source1. Further, also it is possible to carry out display of information regarding the priority degree for power supply inFIG. 12Aor12B only when such display is required, for example, when an instruction is accepted through an operation section not shown connected to the control section25.

Further, while, in the foregoing description, the control section25is provided at the succeeding stage to the rectification circuit23, the arrangement position of the control section25is not limited to this. The control section25may otherwise be provided at a preceding stage to the rectification circuit23.

For example, if an ammeter formed using a toroidal coil is provided as a power detection section at a preceding stage to the rectification circuit23, then the magnitude of power supplied can be detected also at the preceding stage to the rectification circuit23. Then, if a result of the detection is supplied to the control section25, then information regarding the priority degree for power supply can be displayed similarly as in the example described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 11.

Others

It is to be noted that, in the embodiments described hereinabove, various electronic apparatus which require charging can be made a device such as a portable telephone set, a portable music player, a portable game machine, a digital still camera, a digital video camera and an electronic notebook.

Further, while, in the embodiments described hereinabove, power is supplied in a contactless fashion by a magnetic field resonance method, the present invention can be applied similarly where power is supplied in a contactless fashion using not only the magnetic field resonance method but also an electric field resonance method and an electromagnetic induction method.

In particular, while, in the case of the magnetic field resonance method, the energy generated by a resonance element is a magnetic field, the energy generated by a resonance element by the electric field resonance method is the intensity of an electric field, and this should be displayed.

Further, in the embodiments described hereinabove, the power supply source includes an excitation element between an AC power supply and a resonance element, and the devices include an excitation element between a resonance element and a rectification circuit. However, the configuration of the power supply source and the devices is not limited to this. If it is possible to deal with the problems of reflection of power and the impedance, then they can be configured without using an excitation element.

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations are possible depending on design requirements and other factors and are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.