Patent Publication Number: US-2015084587-A1

Title: Feeding apparatus, charging apparatus, and feeding method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
     The embodiments discussed herein are related to feeding apparatuses configured to execute non-contact power feeding, charging apparatuses, feeding methods, and feeding programs. 
     BACKGROUND ART  
     Recently, as one charging system for a vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV) and a plug-in hybrid vehicle, non-contact power feeding using electromagnetic induction is known. 
     In non-contact power feeding, a sensor or a radio unit to detect that a vehicle is parked is assumed to be included in order to specify a feeding unit of a feeding apparatus for supplying power to the vehicle when the vehicle is parked at a predetermined position. Therefore, the feeding apparatus must include a senor, a radio unit, or the like, which results in an increase in cost. 
     In addition, as a technology related to an exchange of information necessary when feeding power to a charging apparatus from a power transmission coil of a feeding apparatus through a power receiving coil on a vehicle side, a communication device using a signal transfer coil arranged separately from the power transmission coil and the power receiving coil is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). According to this signal transfer coil communication device, a transmission-side coil is embedded in a central space of the power receiving coil for power transfer, and a reception-side coil is embedded in a central space of a feeding coil for power transfer. After the opposing positions of the reception-side coil and the transmission-side coil are determined, a signal is transferred through an extremely short void space between the reception-side coil and the transmission-side coil. In signal transfer, for example, feeding information such as charging instructions and demand power is transmitted and received. As a result, since signal transfer is performed through the extremely short void space, it is less likely to be affected by electromagnetic interference from outside and radio interference. A position information detection function that the signal transfer coil communication device has can detect position information on whether or not the power receiving coil is positioned on the opposing position to the feeding coil with necessary accuracy, by communication sensitivity between the coils. 
     However, in a system such as the above signal transfer coil communication device using proximity radio communication, a signal transfer coil provided in each of a power receiving coil on a vehicle and a power transmission coil of a feeding apparatus is configured on a one-to-one basis. Thus, the power transmission coil and its periphery become complicated in configuration, which results in an expensive feeding apparatus and charging apparatus. 
     In addition, in a facility (for example, a charge station) where power is fed to a plurality of vehicles adjacent to each other, the same number of feeding units and accompanying signal transfer coil communication devices as that of the feeding apparatuses are necessary, which results in an increase in cost. 
     Thus, in order to reduce costs, a configuration is considered wherein one feeding apparatus including a control unit for controlling a plurality of feeding units, and a radio is installed in a facility, and radio communication is performed with a plurality of vehicles. As a result, the configuration of the periphery related to a signal transfer coil and a signal transfer coil communication device provided in each feeding unit can be replaced with one radio, which results in a cost reduction. As a radio communication, a radio having a close communication range, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and ZigBee (registered trademark) could possibly be used. 
     PRIOR ART REFERENCE  
     Patent Document  
     [Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2008-288889 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION   
     In view of the above problem, inventions aim to provide a feeding apparatus and a charging apparatus having a configuration capable of reducing costs even in a facility where a plurality of vehicles can perform non-contact power feeding, a feeding method, and a feeding program. 
     A feeding apparatus as one mode of the embodiments includes a feeding unit, a feeding control unit, and a radio communication unit. The feeding unit is in non-contact with a charging apparatus mounted on a vehicle, and outputs a first power and a second power. The radio communication unit performs radio communication. The feeding control unit controls the feeding unit. The feeding control unit makes the feeding unit output the first power of a magnitude corresponding to the feeding unit, in order to specify the feeding unit. The feeding control unit acquires, through the radio communication unit, feeding unit specifying information transmitted by the vehicle which has received the first power. The feeding control unit determines whether or not the magnitude of power indicated by the feeding unit specifying information is within a specific power range stored in advance, and transmits to the vehicle charging scare information for starting charging when determining that the magnitude is within the specific power range. Then, the feeding control unit controls the feeding unit specified by the feeding unit specifying information so that it outputs the second power. 
     A charging apparatus which is another mode of the embodiments is used for non-contact charging and is mounted on a vehicle, includes a power receiving unity, a charging unit, and a control device. The power receiving unit receives power fed from a feeding apparatus. The feeding unit charges a battery unit with received power. The control device transmits feeding unit specifying information containing information indicating the received power level. The control device performs control to charge the battery unit when receiving charging start information for starting charging which is transmitted from the feeding apparatus, in the case when the transmitted power level is within a specific power range that is stored in a storage unit of the feeding apparatus and that indicates the range of a determined power level. 
     EFFECT OF THE INVENTION  
     According to the embodiments, even in a facility where a plurality of vehicles can perform non-contact charging, costs can be reduced. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating one example of a charge station in embodiment 1; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a charging apparatus and a vehicle in embodiment 1; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a feeding apparatus and a server; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating one example of a feeding apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating one example of a charging apparatus; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating one example of a control device of each of the feeding apparatus and the charging apparatus, and hardware of a server; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating one example of operation of the feeding apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating one example of a data structure of feeding information; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating one example of a state during specifying of a feeding unit and during charging; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram illustrating one example of operation of the charging apparatus; 
         FIG. 11  in a diagram illustrating a time chart illustrating one example of operation states of the feeding apparatus and the charging apparatus; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating one example of a charge station in embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a feeding apparatus and a server in embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating one example of the feeding apparatus in embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 15  is a flow diagram illustrating one example of operation of the feeding apparatus in embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating one example of a data structure of feeding information in embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 17  is a flow diagram illustrating one example of operation of a charging apparatus in embodiment 2; and 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating a time chart illustrating operation states of the feeding apparatus and the charging apparatus in embodiment 2. 
     
    
    
     MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION  
     In embodiment 1, a first power assigned to each feeding unit, intended to specify the feeding unit, and differing in magnitude of power with respect to each feeding unit is output from a coil of a feeding unit of a feeding apparatus. Next, when the coil of a charging apparatus of a vehicle is determined to have received the first power, feeding unit specifying information specifying the feeding unit is transmitted from a radio communication unit of the vehicle. The feeding unit specifying information contains received power. 
     Next, the radio communication unit of the feeding apparatus receives the feeding unit specifying information, and forwards it to the feeding control unit of the feeding apparatus. The feeding control unit determines whether or not the magnitude of power indicated by the received feeding unit specifying information is within a specific power range stored in advance. When the magnitude of power is determined to be within the specific power range, the feeding unit related to the specific power range is specified. Next, charging start information for making the specified feeding unit start feeding power is transmitted to the vehicle through the radio communication unit of the feeding apparatus. Also, the feeding unit specified by the feeding unit specifying information is made to output second power. 
     According to embodiment 1, since the feeding apparatus can be specified without including a sensor or a radio unit configured to specify the feeding apparatus configured to feed power to a vehicle when the vehicle is parked in a predetermined position, costs can be reduced. 
     In addition, since a configuration related to radio communication on a feeding apparatus side can be executed by the one radio communication unit, costs can be reduced. 
     Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail according to drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating one example of a charge station in embodiment 1. In the charge station  1  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , there are parking areas  2   a - 2   d  for parking a vehicle  5 . In each of the parking areas  2   a - 2   d,  a first device  12  is arranged and a radio communication unit  11  is arranged separately from the first device  12 . The first device  12  has feeding units  4   a - 4   d,  and feeding control units  3   a - 3   d  associated with the feeding units  4   a - 4   d  respectively, and the feeding units and the feeding control units will be described hereinafter. The feeding control units  3   a - 3   d  of the first device  12  perform power transmission control when performing non-contact power feeding to the vehicle  5 , and the feeding units  4   a - 4   d  transmit power to the vehicle  5 . 
     In addition, a censor  6  is provided in the charge station  1 . The sensor  6  detects the vehicle  5  entering the charge station  1 , and notifies the radio communication unit  11  of the fact that the vehicle has been detected. 
     The radio communication unit  11  is connected to the feeding control units  3   a - 3   d,  the radio communication unit  11  and the feeding control units  3   a - 3   d  are connected, for example, through a Local Area Network (LAN), and the radio communication unit transmits a vehicle detection signal sent by the sensor  6  to the feeding control unit  3 . For example, the one radio communication unit  11  is arranged somewhere in the charge station  1 , so as to make the feeding control units  3   a - 3   d  of the first device  12  and the radio communication unit  11  communicate with each other. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a feeding apparatus and a vehicle in embodiment 1. The feeding apparatus  8  in  FIG. 2  includes the feeding control unit  3 , the feeding unit  4 , and the radio communication unit  11 . The radio communication unit  11  performs radio communication with the vehicle  5  and the sensor  6  or the like. The feeding control unit  3  controls the feeding unit  4  configured to transmit power fed from a commercial power source to the vehicle  5 . The feeding control unit  3  performs control related to calculation of a charging fee, calculation of a parking fee, payments of various fees, and the like. The feeding control unit  3  includes a communication interface, and communication with the radio communication unit  11  and a server  9 . 
     The feeding unit  4  is used when power is transmitted to the vehicle  5 , and is used for specifying in which of the areas  2   a - 2   d  the vehicle is parked. 
     In the feeding apparatus  8  in  FIG. 2 , the feeding control unit  3  and the feeding unit  4  are connected to each other through a signal line SIG. 
     The vehicle  5  in  FIG. 3  includes a charging apparatus  7 . The charging apparatus  7  receives power transmitted from the feeding unit  4 , and charges a battery unit  506  connected to the charging apparatus  7 . The battery unit  506  is a rechargeable secondary battery, and for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery, and a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery are possible. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the feeding apparatus and the server. Each of the feeding control units  3   a - 3   d  illustrated in  FIG. 3  communicates with the server  9  via a network  10 . The server  9  executes processing related to, for example, calculation of a charging fee, calculation of a parking fee, payments of various fees, and the like, and transmits the processing result to the feeding control units  3   a - 3   d.  The feeding control units  3   a - 3   d  and the server  9  may communicate with each other via the radio communication unit  11  by making the radio communication unit  11  and the server  9  communicate with each other. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating one example of the feeding apparatus. The feeding apparatus  8  in  FIG. 4  includes a feeding control unit  3  (control device  401 ), a driving unit  402 , and a first coil  403 . The driving unit  402  and the first coil  403  constitute the feeding unit  4 . The feeding unit  4  feeds power to a charging apparatus mounted on a vehicle in a non-contact manner. 
     The feeding control unit  3  controls the driving unit  402  so that a first power whose power transmission level is determined for each of feeding  4   a - 4   d  is output from the first coil  403  in order to specify the feeding unit  4  when receiving vehicle detection information from the sensor  6  configured to detect that the vehicle  5  has entered the charge station  1 . The feeding control unit  3  receives from the changing apparatus  7  of the vehicle  5  feeding unit specifying information corresponding to the power level received by the vehicle  5 . When the received power level is determined to be within the specific power range that is stored in advance in the storage unit and that indicates the determined power level range, the feeding control unit  3  transmits to the charging apparatus  7  charging start information indicating the start of charging. Thereafter, the feeding control unit  3  performs control so that the feeding unit  4  feeds a second power (charging power) in order to charge the battery unit of the charging apparatus  7 . 
     The control device  401  performs control so that the feeding unit  4  in preparation or during feeding power does not feed the first power. 
     The driving unit  402  converts power supplied from a commercial power source  404  into AC at a determined frequency and a determined power level to feed it to the first coil  403 . Control such as conversion is performed by the control device  401 . 
     The first coil  403  is used to feed power to the charging apparatus  7  mounted on a vehicle. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating one example of the charging apparatus. The charging apparatus  7  of  FIG. 5  includes a control device  501 , a second coil  502  (power receiving unit), and a charging unit (a matching unit  503 , a rectifying unit  504 , a detection unit  505 ). The power receiving unit receives power fed from the feeding apparatus. The charging unit charges a battery unit  506  with the received power. 
     The control device  501  receives power transmitted from the feeding apparatus  8 , and transmits feeding unit specifying information containing information indicating the received power level. The control device performs control to charge the battery unit when enlarging start information for starting charging transmitted from the feeding apparatus is received in the case in which the transmitted power level is within the specific power range that is stored in the storage unit of the feeding apparatus and that indicates the determined power level range. 
     The second coil  502  receives AC power transmitted from the feeding apparatus  8  through the first coil  403 , and the received power is supplied to the matching unit  503 . 
     The matching unit  503  performs impedance marching between the feeding apparatus  8  and the charging apparatus  7 , and is controlled by the control device  501 . 
     The rectifying unit  504  rectifier the received AC power to DC, and the power rectified to DC is supplied to the battery unit  506 . 
     A sensor for defecting a current flowing in the battery unit  506  when charging the battery unit  506  is considered as the detection unit  505 . For example, a current sensor is possible. 
     A rechargeable secondary battery or the like is considered as the battery unit  506 . 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating one example of each control device of each of the feeding apparatus and the charging apparatus, and one example of hardware of a server. The control device  401  of the feeding apparatus  8 , the control device  501  of the charging apparatus  7 , and hardware of the server  9  each include a control unit  601 , a storage unit  602 , a recording medium reading device  603 , an input-output interface  604  (input-output I/F), a communication interface  605  (communication I/F), or the like. The above configuration units are connected to one another through a bus  606 . The function of the server  9  can also be realized by using a cloud or the like. 
     As the control unit  601 , use of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a multicore CPU, a programmable device (Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) or the like) is considered. 
     As the storage unit  602 , for example, a memory such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) or a Random Access Memory (RAM) type memory, or a hard disk or the like are considered. In the storage unit  602 , data such as a parameter value and a variable value may be recorded, or the storage unit  602  may be used as a work area in execution. With respect to the feeding apparatus  8  and the server  9 , a storage unit other than the storage unit  602  may be provided outside the feeding apparatus  8  and the server  9 , and for example, it is possible to provide a database or the like. 
     The recording medium reading device  603  controls reading/writing of data from/to a recording medium  607  according to control by the control unit  601 , and then makes the recording medium  607  record data written by control of the recording medium reading device  603 , and makes the recording medium  607  read the recorded data. As the attachable/detachable recording medium  607 , there are a magnetic-storage device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory and the like, as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. As the magnetic-storage device, there is a hard disk device (HDD) or the hike. As the optical disk, there are a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a DVD-RAM, a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), a CD-R (Recordable)/RW (ReWritable), and the like. As the magneto-optical recording medium, there is a Magneto-Optical disk (MO), or the like. The storage unit  602  is included in the non-transitory recording medium. 
     The input/output interface  604  is connected with an input/output unit  608 , receives input information, and transmits it to the control unit  601  through the bus  606 . According to instructions from the control unit  601 , operation information or the like is displayed on a display screen. As the input device of the input/output unit  606 , for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (a mouse or the like), a touch panel and the like are considered. As the display which is the output unit of the input/output unit  608 , for example, a liquid crystal display or the like is considered. The input/output unit  608  of the charging apparatus  7  is thought to be provided on a dashboard of vehicle  5 . The output unit  608  may be an output device such as a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display, a printer, or the like. 
     The communication interface  605  is an interface for performing LAN connection and Internet connection. The communication interface  605  may also be used as an interface for performing LAN connection, Internet connection, and radio connection with another computer as necessary. 
     By using a computer having such a hardware configuration, various processing functions performed by the control device  401  of the feeding apparatus  8 , the control device  501  of the charging apparatus  7 , and the server  9  are realized. In this case, a program is provided in which processing content of the functions that the control device  401  of the feeding apparatus  8 , the control device  501  of the charging apparatus  7 , and the server  9  are supposed to have is described. By executing the program in the computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing content can be recorded on the computer-readable recording medium  607 . 
     When distributing the program, for example, the recording medium  607  such as a DVD and a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded is sold. The program can be recorded on a recording device of a server computer, and the program can be transferred from the server computer to another computer. 
     The computer executing the program stores for example, the program recorded on the recording medium  607  or the program transferred from the server computer, in its own storage unit  602 . The computer reads the program from its own storage unit  602 , and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also directly read the program from the recording medium  607  and execute processing according to the program. The computer can also successively execute processing according to the received program every time the program is transferred from the server computer. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating one example of operation of the feeding apparatus. In step S 701 , the feeding control unit  3  acquires vehicle detection information transmitted from the sensor  6  installed in the charge station  1  via the radio communication unit  11  of the feeding apparatus  8 . When the vehicle detection information is received (Yes), processing is moved to step S 702 , and the vehicle detection information cannot be received (No), processing is moved to step S 701 . Vehicle detection information is information for notifying the feeding apparatus  8  of the presence of the vehicle  5  entering the charge station  1 . In the example of  FIG. 1 , the sensor  6  transmits vehicle detection information to the radio communication unit  11 . The feeding control unit  3  of the feeding apparatus during charging is activated, but the control unit of the feeding control unit  3  of the feeding unit not during charging (on standby) is in a sleep state. However, the communication unit is activated, and when a communication signal is received, the control unit is activated from a sleep state. 
     In step S 702 , the control device  401  determines whether or not the present state is of being in preparation for charging or during charging. When the state is of being in preparation for charging or during charging (Yes), processing to specify the feeding apparatus  8  is not executed. When the state is of not being in preparation for charging nor during charging (No), processing is moved to step S 703 . For example, whether or not the control device  401  is being used for charging is determined referring to specifying information hereinafter described of feeding information stored in the storage unit (the storage unit  602  in the case of  FIG. 6 ) of the control device  401 . When the control device  401  is not being used for charging, the control device  401  drives the feeding unit  4 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating one example of a data structure of feeding information. In feeding information  801   a - 801   d  in  FIG. 8 , information indicated as “feeding unit ID” “specific power value” “specifying information” “specific power range” and the like is stored. In “feeding unit ID”, discrimination information for discriminating the feeding apparatus or the parking area is stored. In this example, discrimination information “1” to “4” for indicating the feeding units  41 - 4   d  is stored. In “specific power value”, the power level at which power is transmitted to the vehicle  5  in order to specify the feeding units  4   a - 4   d  for feeding power to the vehicle  5  entering the charge station  1  is stored. The power level at which power is transmitted to the vehicle  5  is different with respect to each feeding unit  4   a - 4   d.  In this example, information “s_level1” indicating a power level is stored in the feeding information  801   a,  and information “s_level2” indicating a power level is stored in the feeding information  801   b . Information “s_level3” indicating a power level is stored in the feeding information  801   c,  and information “s_level4” indicating a power level is stored in the feeding information  801   d.  In “specifying information”, information indicating whether or not it is being used for charging is stored. In this example, “1” is set when it is in a state in preparation to start charging or during charging, and “0” is set in cases other than that. During specifying of the feeding unit  4 , “2” is set. 
     In “specific power range”, the range of the power level needed to specify the feeding unit  4  in comparison with the power level included in the feeding unit specifying information transmitted from the vehicle  5  to the feeding apparatus  8  is stored. The “specific power range” is different with respect to each of the feeding units  4   a - 4   d.  In this example, the information “s_level_areal” indicating a specific power range is stored in the feeding information  801   a,  and the information “s_level_area2” indicating a specific power range is stored in the feeding information  801   b.  The information “s_level_area3” indicating a specific power range is stored in the feeding information  801   c,  and the information “s_level_area4” indicating a specific power range is stored in the feeding information  801   d.    
       FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating one example of a state in specifying the feeding unit and during charging. A in  FIG. 9  illustrates that in order to specify the feeding units  4   a - 4   d  included in the feeding apparatus  8 , each outputs a different power (arrow). B in  FIG. 9  illustrates that in order to specify the feeding unite  4   a,    4   d  included in the feeding apparatus  8 , each outputs a different power (arrow), and illustrates that each of the feeding units  4   b,    4   c  outputs power used for charging in order to charge the vehicle  5  (arrow including wave pattern). 
     In step S 703 , the control device  401  of the feeding apparatus  8  not being used for charging the charge station  1  drives the feeding unit  4 . To step S 704 , the control unit (the control unit  601  in the case of  FIG. 6 ) of the control device  401  refers to feeding information and makes the feeding unit  4  output a predetermined power (first power). For example, the power indicated in “s_level1” stored in the “specific power value” in the feeding information  801   a  is supplied to the feeding unit  4  for a predetermined time in the case of the feeding unit  4   a.    
     The charging apparatus  7  of the vehicle  5  receives power output from the first coil  403  of the feeding unit  4 , and transmits feeding unit specifying information including received power to the feeding apparatus  8 . 
     In step S 705 , the control device  401  determines whether or not feeding unit specifying information has been received via the radio communication unit  11 , and when the information has been received (Yes), processing is moved to step S 706 . When the information has not been received (No), processing is moved to step S 704 . 
     In step S 706 , the control device  401  compares the power level of feeding unit specifying information and the specific power range stored in the “specifying power information” of feeding information, and determines whether of not the power level is within the specific power range. When the power level is within the specific power range (Yes), processing is moved to step S 707 , and when the power level is not within the specific power range (No), processing is moved to step S 704 . Then, power is again supplied to the feeding unit  4  for a predetermined time. 
     However, when the processing of steps S 704 -S 706  exceeds a predetermined time, processing is moved to step S 701  and the processing is executed again. 
     In step S 707 , charging start information is transmitted via the radio communication unit  11  to the vehicle  5  which has transmitted feeding unit specifying information. The charging start information includes information for discriminating the vehicle  5  and information indicating that charging has been started. See step S 1003 . 
     In step S 708 , the control device  401  starts preparations for starting charging using the feeding unit  4 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flow diagram illustrating one example of the operation of the charging apparatus. In step S 1001 , the control device  501  determines whether or not power has been received. When power has been received (Yes), processing is moved to step S 1002 , and when power cannot be received (No), processing is moved to step S 1001 . For example, when a predetermined power amount or more is received, processing is moved to step S 1002 . However, during charging, currently executed processing with respect to charging continues, while the processing in S 1001 -S 1004  is not executed. As detection of the fact that charging is currently being performed, determining that charging is currently being performed when a predetermined power transmitted from the feeding apparatus  8  during charging is detected is considered. 
     In step S 1002 , feeding unit specifying information including information indicating power received by the control device  501  is transmitted to the feeding apparatus  8 . 
     In step S 1003 , it is determined whether or not the control device  501  has received changing start information via the communication interface (the communication interface  605  in  FIG. 6 ), and when the information has been received (Yes), processing is moved to step S 1004 . When the information has not been received (No), processing is moved to step S 1001 . 
     In step S 1004 , the control device  501  prepares to start charging the charging apparatus  7 . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating a time chart illustrating one example of operation states of the feeding apparatus and the charging apparatus. In the example in  FIG. 11 , when the entering vehicle  5  is to be parked in the parking area  2   a,  two vehicles in the parking areas  2   b,    2   c  are already being charges, and the parking areas  2   a,    2   d  are vacant. In the vertical axis in  FIG. 11 , the following are indicated: the power level at which the feeding apparatus  8  transmits power to the feeding unit  4   a  (power transmitting level); a signal transmitted/received by the feeding apparatus  8  in communication (transmission/reception signal); a signal for controlling the feeding apparatus  8  (control signal); the power level at which the vehicle  5  parked in the parking area  2   a  has received power (power reception level); and a signal transmitted/received by the vehicle  5  in communication (transmission/reception signal). In the vertical axis in  FIG. 11 , the following are indicated: the power level at which the feeding apparatus  8  transmits power to the feeding unit  4   b  (power transmission level); and the power level at which the feeding apparatus  8  transmits power to the feeding unit  4   c  (power transmission level). In the vertical axle in  FIG. 11 , the following are indicated: the power level at which the feeding apparatus  8  transmits power to the feeding unit  4   d  (power transmission level); a signal transmitted/received by the feeding apparatus  8  in communication (transmission/reception signal); and a signal for controlling the seeding apparatus  8  (control signal). The horizontal axis in  FIG. 11  is the time axis. 
     At time t 0 , the feeding apparatus  8  receives vehicle detection information transmitted from the sensor  6  (step S 701 ). In this example, the feeding units  4   b,    4   c  are not illustrated. 
     At time t 1 , signals to drive the feeding units  4   a,    4   d  that are not charging are output (step S 703 ). The feeding units  4   b,    4   c  continue charging. 
     At time t 2 , the feeding units  4   a,    4   d  that are not charging output the predetermined power (first power) s_level1, s_level4 to specify the parking area or the feeding unit (step S 704 ). The feeding units  4   b,    4   c  continue charging. 
     At circle t 3 , the charging apparatus  7  of the vehicle  5  parked in the parking area  2   a  receives power output from the feeding unit  4   a  (step S 1001 ). 
     If the vehicle  5  parked at the parking area  2   a  has received power for a predetermined time, feeding unit specifying information including received power is transmitted to the feeding apparatus  8  at time t 4  (step S 1002 ). In this example, the vehicle  5  stops receiving power at time t 4 , but may not stop receiving power at time t 4 . 
     Since no vehicles are parked in the parking area  2   d,  feeding unit specifying information is not transmitted to the feeding unit  4   d.    
     At time t 5 , the feeding unit specifying information transmitted from the vehicle  5  is received by the feeding unit  4   a  (step S 705 ). 
     At time t 6 , the feeding apparatus  8  transmits charging start information to the vehicle  5  (step S 707 ). 
     At time t 7 , output of the predetermined power (first power) for specifying the parking area or the feeding apparatus from the feeding units  4   a,    4   d  of the feeding apparatus  8  is stopped. Then, at time t 8 , the vehicle  5  parked in the parking area  2   a  is charged using the feeding unit  4   a.  That is, the power (second power) necessary for charging is transmitted to the charging apparatus  7 . 
     According to embodiment 1, since the feeding unit (or the parking area) can be specified without providing a sensor or the like configured to detect the vehicle position for each parking area, costs can be reduced oven in a facility where a plurality of vehicles can perform non-contact charging. 
     In addition, since a configuration related to radio communication on a feeding apparatus side can be executed by the one radio communication unit, costs can be reduced. 
     Embodiment 2 will be described. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating one example of a charge station in embodiment 2. In the charge station  1  illustrated in  FIG. 12 , there are parking areas  2   a - 2   d  for parking a vehicle. In each of the parking areas  2   a - 2   d,  feeding units  4   a - 4   d  which will be described hereinafter are arranged. A feeding apparatus includes: a second device  13  having a radio communication unit  11  which performs radio communication with the vehicle  5  or the like and communicates with a feeding control unit  3 , and the one feeding control unit  3  for executing control with respect to power transmission when feeding power to the vehicle  5 ; and the feeding units  4   a - 4   d  for transmitting power to a vehicle  5  side. For example, the second device  13  is provided somewhere in the charge station  1 , and each of the feeding units  4   a - 4   d  is controlled by the feeding control unit  3  of the second device  13 . 
     In addition, a sensor  6  is provided in the charge station  1 . The sensor  6  detects the vehicle  5  entering the charge station  1 , and notifies the feeding apparatus of the fact that the vehicle has been detected.  FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the feeding apparatus and a server in embodiment 2. The feeding apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 13  communicates with the server  9  through a network  10 . The server  9 , for example, communicates with the feeding control unit  3  of the feeding apparatus  8 , executes processing related to calculation of a charging fee, calculation of a parking fee, payments of various fees, and the like related to the parking areas  2   a - 2   d,  and transmits the processing result to the feeding control unit  3  of the feeding apparatus. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating one example of the feeding apparatus in embodiment 2. The feeding apparatus  8  in  FIG. 14  includes a control device  401 , a plurality of driving units  402 - 402   d,  and first coils  403   a - 403   d.  The control device  401  corresponds to the feeding control unit  3 . The driving units  402   a - 403   d  and the first coils  403   a  to  403   d  constitute the feeding units  4   a - 4   d.  The plurality of feeding units  4   a - 4   d  charge a charging apparatus mounted on a vehicle, in a non-contact manner. 
     The control device  401  (feeding control unit  3 ) performs control to feed to each feeding unit power determined to specify the feeding unit  4  and different for each feeding unit  4 , when receiving vehicle detection information from the sensor  6  configured to detect the vehicle  5  and transmit the vehicle detection information. When the feeding control unit receives from the charging apparatus feeding unit specifying information containing information indicating the power level at which power is received from the feeding unit, if the received power level is determined to be within the specific power range stored in advance in the storage unit and indicating the determined power level range, the feeding control unit transmits to the charging apparatus charging start information indicating the start of charging. Thereafter, the feeding control unit performs control to feed to the feeding unit power of the power level for charging the battery unit of the charging apparatus. 
     The control device  401  (feeding control unit  3 ) performs control so that the feeding unit  4  in preparation for feeding power or currently feeding power does not feed power determined to specify the feeding unit  4  and different for each feeding unit, when the charging apparatus is in preparation for charging or during charging. 
     The driving units  402   a - 402   d  convert power supplied from a commercial power source  404  into AC at a determined frequency and a determined power level to feed it to the first coil  403 . Control such as conversion is performed by the control device  401 . 
     The first coils  403   a - 403   d  are used to feed power to the charging apparatus  7  mounted on a vehicle. 
     The charging apparatus  7  used for non-contact charging and mounted on the vehicle  5  includes a power receiving unit, a charging unit, and a control device. The power receiving unit receives power fed from the feeding apparatus  8 . The charging unit charges a battery unit with the received power. The control device  501  (see  FIG. 5 ) transmits feeding unit specifying information containing information indicating the received power level. When receiving charging start information for starting charging transmitted from the feeding apparatus in the case when the transmitted power level is within the specific power range indicating the determined power level range stored in the storage unit of the feeding apparatus, the control device performs control to charge the battery unit. 
       FIG. 15  is a flow diagram illustrating one example of operation of the feeding apparatus in embodiment 2. In step S 1501 , the communication unit  1  of the feeding control unit  3  of the feeding apparatus  8  receives vehicle detection information transmitted from the sensor  6  installed in the charge station  1 . When the vehicle detection information is received (Yes), processing is moved to step S 1502 , and when the vehicle detection information cannot be received (No), processing is moved to step S 1501 . Vehicle detection information is information for notifying the feeding control unit  3  of the presence of the vehicle  5  entering the charge station  1 . In the example of  FIG. 12 , the sensor  6  transmits vehicle detection information to the feeding control unit  3 . The feeding control unit  3  during charging is activated, but the control unit of the feeding control unit  3  that is not charging (on standby) is in a sleep state. However, the communication unit is activated, and when a communication signal is received, the control unit is activated from a sleep state. 
     In step S 1502 , the control device  401  detects the feeding unit currently in preparation for charging or used during charging. For example, the control unit detects whether or not the feeding unit is being used for charging with reference to specifying information described hereinafter of the feeding information stored in the storage unit (storage unit  602  in the case of  FIG. 6 ) of the control device  401 , and the control device  401  drives the feeding unit  4  not being used for charging. 
       FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating one example of a data structure of feeding information in embodiment 2. In feeding information  1601  in  FIG. 16 , information indicated as “feeding unit ID” “specific power value” “specifying information” “specific power range” and the like is stored. In “feeding unit ID”, discrimination information for discriminating the feeding unit or the parking area is stored. In this example, discrimination information “1” to “4” for indicating the feeding units  4   a - 4   d  is stored. In “specific power valued”, the power level is stored at which power is transmitted to the vehicle  5  in order to specify the feeding units  4   a - 4   d  for feeding power to the vehicle  5  that has entered the charge station  1 . The power level at which power is transmitted to the vehicle  5  is different with respect to each feeding unit  4   a - 4   d.  In this example, information “s_level1” “s_level2”, “s_level3”, “s_level4” indicating power levels of the power transmitted by the feeding units  4   a - 4   d  is stored. In “specifying information”, information indicating whether or not it is being used for charging is stored. In this example, “1” is set when it is in a state in preparation to start charging or during charging, and “0” is set in the cases other than that. During specifying of the feeding apparatus  8 , “2” is set. 
     In “specific power range”, the power level range for specifying the feeding unit  4  in comparison with the power level included in the feeding unit specifying information transmitted from one vehicle  5  to the feeding control unit  3  is stored. “Specific power range” is different with respect to each of the feeding units  4   a - 4   d.  In this example, information “s_level_area1”, “s_level_area2”, “s_level_area3”, and “s_level_area4” indicating the specific power range is stored in the feeding information  1601 . 
     In step S 1503 , the control device  401  drives the feeding unit not being used for charging the charge station  1 . In step S 1504 , the control unit (the control unit  601  in the case of  FIG. 6 ) of the control device  401  refers to feeding information to make the feeding unit  4  output a predetermined power. For example, power indicated as “s_level1” stored in “specifying power value” in the feeding information  1601  is supplied to the feeding unit  4   a  for a predetermined time in the case of the feeding unit  4   a.    
     The charging apparatus  7  of the vehicle  5  receives power output from the first coil not being used for charging among the first coils  403   a - 403   d  of the feeding units  4   a - 4   d,  and transmits to the feeding control unit  3  feeding unit specifying information including information indicating the received power. See steps S 1701  and S 1702  in  FIG. 17 . 
     In step S 1505 , the control device  401  determines whether or not feeding unit specifying information is received via an antenna (antenna  609  in  FIG. 6 ) and a communication interface (communication interface  605  in  FIG. 6 ). When the information has been received (Yes), processing is moved to step S 1506 . When the information has not been received (No), processing is moved to step S 1504 . 
     In step S 1506 , the control device  401  compares the power level of feeding unit specifying information and the specific power range stored in the “specifying power information” of feeding information, to determine whether or not the power level is within the specific power range. When the power level is within the specific power range (Yes), processing is moved to step S 1507 , and when the power level is not within the specific power range (No), processing is moved to step S 1504 . Then, power is again supplied to the feeding unit  4  not being used for charging for a predetermined time. 
     However, when the processing in steps S 1504 -S 1506  exceeds a predetermined time, processing is moved to step S 1501  and the processing is executed again. 
     In step S 1507 , the control device  401  transmits charging start information via the communication interface (communication interface  605  in  FIG. 6 ) and the antenna (antenna  609  in  FIG. 6 ) to the vehicle  5  which has transmitted the feeding unit specifying information. The charging start information contains information for discriminating the vehicle  5  and information indicating that charging has been started. See step S 1703 . 
     In step S 1508 , the control device  401  starts preparations to start charging the vehicle  5  using the feeding unit  4  of the parking area in which the vehicle  5  is parked. 
       FIG. 17  is a flow diagram illustrating one example of the operation of the charging apparatus in embodiment 2. In step S 1701 , the control device  501  determines whether or not power has been received. When power has been received (Yes), processing is moved to step S 1702 , and when power cannot be received (No), processing is moved to step S 1701 . For example, when a predetermined power or greater has bean received, processing is moved to step S 1702 . However, during charging, processing being executed currently with respect to charging continues, while the processing in S 1701 -S 1704  is not executed. As detection of the fact of being charged, determining that currently it is in a state of being charged when a predetermined power transmitted from the feeding unit  4  is detected during charging is considered. 
     In step S 1702 , the control device  501  transmits to the feeding control unit  3  feeding unit specifying information containing information indicating received power. 
     In step S 1703 , the control device  501  determines whether or not charging start information has been received via the communication interface (the communication interface  605  in  FIG. 6 ), and when the information has been received (Yes), processing is moved to step S 1704 . When the information has not been received (No), processing is moved to step S 1701 . 
     In step S 1704 , the control device  501  makes the charging apparatus prepare to start charging. 
       FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating a time chart illustrating one example of operation states of the feeding apparatus and the charging apparatus in embodiment 2. In the example in  FIG. 18 , when the entering vehicle  5  is to be parked at the parking area  2   a,  two vehicles in the parking areas  2   b,    2   c  are being charged, and the parking areas  2   a,    2   d  are vacant. In the vertical axis in  FIG. 18 , the following are indicated: the power level at which power is transmitted to the heeding power  4   a  (power transmission level); a signal transmitted/received by the feeding control unit  3  in communication (transmission/reception signal); a signal for controlling the feeding unit  4   a  (control signal); the power level at which the vehicle  5  parked in the parking area  2   a  has received power (power reception level); and a signal transmitted/received by the vehicle  5  in communication (transmission/reception signal). In the vertical axis in  FIG. 18 , the following are indicated: the power level at which power is transmitted to the feeding power  4   b  (power transmission level); the power level at which power is transmitted to the feeding power  4   c  (power transmission level); and the power level at which power is transmitted to the feeding power  4   d  (power transmission level). The horizontal axis in  FIG. 18  is the time axis. 
     At time t 0 , the feeding control unit  3  receives vehicle detection information transmitted from the sensor  6  (step S 1501 ). In this example, the feeding units  4   b,    4   c  are not illustrated. 
     At time t 1 , signals for driving the feeding units  4   a,    4   s  not charging are output (step S 1503 ). The feeding units  4   b,    4   c  continue charging. 
     At time t 2 , the feeding units  4   a,    4   d  not charging output the predetermined power s_level1, s_level4 to specify the parking area or the feeding unit (step S 1504 ). The feeding units  4   b,    4   c  continue charging. 
     At time t 3 , the charging apparatus  7  of the vehicle  5  parked in the parking area  2   a  receives power output from the feeding unit  4   a  (step S 1701 ). 
     If the vehicle  5  parked in the parking area  2   a  has received power for a predetermined time, feeding unit specifying information including received power is translated to the feeding control unit  3  at time t 4  (step S 1702 ). In this example, the vehicle  5  stops receiving power at time t 4 , hut may not stop receiving power at time t 4 . 
     Since no vehicles are parked in the parking area  2   d,  feeding unit specifying information is not transmitted to the feeding unit  4   d.    
     At time t 5 , the feeding unit specifying information transmitted from the vehicle  5  is received by the feeding control unit  3  (step S 1505 ). 
     At time t 6 , the feeding control unit  3  transmits charging start information to the vehicle  5  (step S 1507 ). 
     At time t 7 , an output of the predetermined power for specifying the parking area or the feeding unit from the feeding units  4   a,    4   d  is stopped. Then, at time t 8 , the vehicle  5  parked at the parking area  2   a  is charged using the feeding unit  4   a.    
     According to embodiment 2, since the feeding unit (or the parking area) can be specified without providing a sensor or the like configured to detect the vehicle position for each parking area, costs can be reduced even in a facility where a plurality of vehicles can perform non-contact charging. 
     In addition, since a configuration related to radio communication on a feeding apparatus side can be executed by the one radio communication unit, costs can be reduced. 
     The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments 1 and 2, and various improvements and changes can be made within a scope not deviating from the gist of the present invention.