CONTACTLESS POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR MOVABLE OBJECT

Abstract

In an example of a system, power is transferred from a transmission coil to a reception coil by electromagnetic induction. A detecting unit calculates a difference between a standard value and a measured value, detects presence of a metallic foreign object on the transmission coil based on the difference, and outputs a signal when the metallic foreign object is detected. The standard value is obtained by supplying electrical power to the transmission coil when a metallic foreign object is absent on the transmission coil. The measured value is obtained by supplying electrical power to the transmission coil. If PIN0 represents input power of the transmission coil, PL0 represents output power of the reception coil, Pc1 represents copper loss of the transmission coil, and Pc2, represents copper loss of the reception coil, the detecting unit uses a value expressed by (PIN0-PL0-Pc1-Pc2) as the standard value and the measured value.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a contactless power transfer system for a movable object that performs contactless power transfer from a ground-based power transmission coil to a movable object such as an electrical vehicle including a power reception coil, thereby enables detection as well as removal of metallic foreign objects present on the power transmission coil.

BACKGROUND ART

A contactless power transfer system makes use of electromagnetic induction between a power transmission coil (a primary coil) and a power reception coil (a secondary coil) constituting a contactless power transfer transformer to supply electrical power from the power transmission coil to the power reception coil. As illustrated in FIG. 12, a contactless power transfer system for a movable object, which makes use of the contactless power transfer system mentioned above for charging the secondary battery installed in an electrical vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, includes, on the ground side: a high power factor rectifier 10 that converts the alternate current of a commercial power supply 5 into direct current; an inverter 20 that generates a high-frequency alternating current from the direct current; a power transmission coil 31 that serves as one end of the contactless power transfer transformer; and a primary-side series capacitor 33 that is connected in series to the power transmission coil.

On the other hand, when there exists a plug-in hybrid vehicle on the vehicle side, an engine 1 and a motor 2 is installed as the drive source. Moreover, the plug-in hybrid vehicle includes: a secondary battery 4 that serves as the power source for the motor; an inverter 3 that converts the direct current from the secondary battery 4 into alternate current and supplies the alternate current to the motor 2; and a power transfer mechanism for the secondary battery 4. The power transfer mechanism includes a power reception coil 32 that serves as the other end of the contactless power transfer transformer; a rectifier 40 that converts the alternate current into direct current for the secondary battery 4; and a secondary-side parallel resonance capacitor 34 that is connected in parallel between the power reception coil 33 and the rectifier 40.

Herein, (the power transmission coil 31+the power reception coil 33) are collectively referred to as the contactless power transfer transformer. Moreover, (the contactless power transfer transformer+the primary-side series capacitor 33+the secondary-side parallel resonance capacitor 34) are collectively referred to as a contactless power transfer system. Furthermore, (a high-frequency power source+the contactless power transfer system+the secondary-side rectifier 40) are collectively referred to as a contactless power transfer system.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of the contactless power transfer system.

FIG. 13( a) is a main circuit suitable for the commercial power supply 5 having 100 V to 220 V, single phase. Herein, a bridge-less high-power-factor boost rectifier 11 is used as the primary rectifier; a half-bridge inverter 21 is used as the inverter; and a double-voltage rectifier 41 is used as the secondary-side rectifier that rectifies the output of a contactless power transfer system 30.

FIG. 13( b) is a main circuit suitable for a power source having 200 V to 440 V, three phase. Herein, a three-phase high-power-factor PWM rectifier 12 is used as the primary-side rectifier; a full-bridge inverter 22 is used as the inverter; and a full-wave rectifier 42 is used as the secondary-side rectifier that rectifies the output of the contactless power transfer system 30.

The power transmission coil 31 has a flattened upper face that is either circular or rectangular in shape. At the time of transferring electrical power to a vehicle; the vehicle is parked in such a way that the power reception coil 32 is positioned nearly immediately above the power transmission coil 31, and electrical power is transferred in a contactless manner while maintaining an air gap in the range of 50 mm to 200 mm between the power transmission coil 31 and the power reception coil 32.

While transferring the electrical power, when a metallic foreign object such as a can, a nail, or a coin is present in the air gap formed between the power transmission coil 31 and the power reception coil 32, the metallic foreign object gets heated to a high temperature in the alternate current magnetic field of the air gap.

In FIG. 14 is illustrated a result of measuring the variation in temperature using an experiment apparatus illustrated in FIG. 15, which represents the power transmission coil and the power reception coil of a contactless power transfer system for movable objects, in the case when a steel can is present (FIG. 14(a)) and in the case when various coins are present (FIG. 14(b)) in between the power transmission coil and the power reception coil. In this experiment, electrical power of 1.5 kW is transferred at 50 kHz. The temperature of the steel can rose to 100° C. in about 18 seconds, and eventually rose to 120° C. Regarding the coins, the tendency of temperature rise was different according to the coin type. For a 100-yen coin having the fastest temperature rise, the temperature rose to 65° C. in about 10 minutes.

Since a contactless power transfer system transmits energy on the same principle (of electromagnetic induction) as that of an induction heating cooker, a metal such as a steel can becomes hot in an extremely short period of time. Hence, in case a combustible material is present in the vicinity, then it poses a risk of ignition or smoke generation.

When a metallic foreign object produces heat, it implies an increase in the power transfer loss (=transmitted electrical power-received electrical power) during contactless power transfer.

Meanwhile, contactless power transfer is used also in charging cellular phones or electrical shavers. In that case too, if a metallic foreign object such as a coin or a pin is present in between the power transmission coil and the power reception coil, the metallic foreign object produces heat thereby threatening the safety of the product.

With the aim of preventing such an accident from occurring; in Patent Literature 1 mentioned below, a contactless battery charger is proposed in which the power receiving side having a secondary battery sends, to the power transmitting side, information about an electrical power value obtained by integrating the battery voltage and the charging current at the time of charging. Then, the power transmitting side compares that value with the electrical power value that has been transmitted. If the difference between the electrical power values is within a specified value, then the power transmitting side continues with the electrical power transmission. However, if the difference between electrical power values is exceeding the specified value, then the power transmitting side stops the transmission of electrical power.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2011-83094

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, as compared to a contactless power transfer system for cellular phones, in a contactless power transfer system for a movable object, the electrical energy during power transfer is several orders of magnitude greater. For that reason, there is a relatively smaller rate of power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object. Therefore, in a contactless power transfer system for a movable object; it is a difficult task to detect, with high degree of accuracy, the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object.

Moreover, in a contactless power transfer system for a movable object, even if the presence of a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil is detected, it is not an easy task to remove the metallic foreign object because a vehicle is parked over the power transmission coil.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a contactless power transfer system for a movable object that is capable of detecting, with a high degree of accuracy, as well as removing a metallic foreign object present on the power transmission coil.

Means for Solving Problem

According to the present invention, a contactless power transfer system for a movable object includes: a power transmission coil installed on a ground side; a power reception coil positioned opposite the power transmission coil across a gap, and installed on a movable object side, power being transferred from the power transmission coil to the power reception coil by electromagnetic induction; and a foreign object detecting unit that calculates a difference between a standard value and a measured value, detects presence or absence of a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil based on the difference, and outputs a foreign object detection signal when the metallic foreign object is detected. The standard value is obtained in advance by supplying electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil in a state in which metallic foreign object is absent on the power transmission coil. The measured value is obtained by supplying the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil. The foreign object detecting unit uses, as the standard value and the measured value, a value of power transfer loss or a value expressed by an equation including power transfer loss.

In this apparatus, in the state in which the power transmission coil and the power reception coil are positioned opposite each other, a power transfer loss (i.e., the difference between an input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil and an output power P_L0 of the power reception coil) is measured or a value expressed by an equation including the power transfer loss is measured. Then, the value (measured value) is compared with a value (standard value) measured when no metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil. Thereafter, the presence or absence of a metallic foreign object is determined from the difference between the measured value and the standard value.

Moreover, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, if P_IM) represents an input power of the power transmission coil, P_L0 represents an output power of the power reception coil, P_c1 represents copper loss of the power transmission coil, and if P_c2 represents copper loss of the power reception coil, the foreign object detecting unit uses a value expressed by (P_IN0-P_L0-P_c1-P_c2) as the standard value and the measured value so as to detect presence or absence of a metallic foreign object.

In this way, the amount of loss equal to the copper loss is subtracted from the difference between the input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil and the output power P_L0 of the power reception coil. As a result, it becomes possible to enhance the detection sensitivity with respect to the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object.

Furthermore, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, if

P_IN0 represents an input power of the power transmission coil, P_L0 represents an output power of the power reception coil, P_c1 represents copper loss of the power transmission coil, P_c2 represents copper loss of the power reception coil, P_f1 represents iron loss of the power transmission coil, and if P_c2 represents iron loss of the power reception coil, the foreign object detecting unit may use a value expressed by (P_IN0-P_L0-P_c1-P_c2-P_f1-P_f2) as the standard value and the measured value to detect presence or absence of a metallic foreign object.

In this way, the amount of loss equal to the copper loss and the iron loss is subtracted from the difference between the input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil and the output power P_L0 of the power reception coil. As a result, it becomes possible to further enhance the detection sensitivity with respect to the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object.

Moreover, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, when the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil, it is preferred that connection between the power reception coil and a rectifier following the power reception coil is disconnected.

In this way, the power reception coil is separated from the rectifier and a secondary battery so as to exclude the amount of loss involving the rectifier and the secondary battery. As a result, it becomes possible to enhance the detection sensitivity with respect to the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object.

Furthermore, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil that is not positioned opposite the power reception coil, and, if P_IN0 represents an input power of the power transmission coil, the foreign object detecting unit uses a value of P_IN0 or uses a value expressed by an equation including P_IN0 as the standard value and the measured value to detect presence or absence of a metallic foreign object.

In this case, before a vehicle is parked over the power transmission coil, it can be checked whether a metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil. Thus, in the case of detecting a foreign object using only the power transmission coil, the advantage is that the measurement error attributed to the misalignment between the power transmission coil and the power reception coil can be eliminated.

Moreover, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, if P_IN0 represents an input power of the power transmission coil and P_c1 represents copper loss of the power transmission coil, the foreign object detecting unit can use a value expressed by (P_IN0-P_c1) as the standard value and the measured value to detect presence or absence of a metallic foreign object.

In this way, the amount of loss equal to the copper loss is subtracted from the input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil. As a result, it becomes possible to enhance the detection sensitivity with respect to the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object.

Furthermore, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, if P_IN0 represents an input power of the power transmission coil, P_c1 represents copper loss of the power transmission coil, and if P_f1 represents iron loss of the power transmission coil, the foreign object detecting unit may use a value expressed by (P_IN0-P_c1-P_f1) as the standard value and the measured value to detect presence or absence of a metallic foreign object.

In this way, the amount of loss equal to the copper loss and the iron loss is subtracted from the input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil. As a result, it becomes possible to further enhance the detection sensitivity with respect to the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object.

Moreover, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is preferred to be less than or equal to 20% of a rated power-transfer power.

In this way, by lowering the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose, it becomes possible to lower the risk of ignition or smoke generation during the detection of a foreign object.

Furthermore, the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention further includes a foreign object removing unit that removes, when the foreign object detecting unit detects a metallic foreign object, the metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil.

Thus, in this apparatus, the foreign object detecting unit detects a metallic foreign object, and the foreign object removing unit removes that metallic foreign object.

Moreover, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, the foreign object removing unit includes: a non-magnetic and non-conductive cover member that covers an upper face of the power transmission coil; a pivoting unit that pivotally supports the cover member at an edge position of the power transmission coil so that the cover member is able to rotate by a predetermined angle around an axis line parallel to the upper face of the power transmission coil; and a rotary drive unit that rotates, when a metallic foreign object is detected, the cover member by a predetermined angle around the axis line.

Thus, the foreign object removing unit obliquely tilts the cover member of the power transmission coil, and removes the metallic foreign object.

Furthermore, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, the cover member can be made of a plurality of divided cover members that dividedly covers the upper face of the power transmission coil, the pivoting unit can be provided to each of the divided cover members, and, when a metallic foreign object is detected, the rotary drive unit can rotates all of the divided cover members.

In this case, since the cover members are formed by means of division, the highest positions of the divided cover members in the tilted state can be kept at a lower height as compared to the highest position in the undivided state.

Moreover, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, the foreign object removing unit can include an air compressor that, when a metallic foreign object is detected, blows high-speed air in the air gap formed between the power transmission coil and the power reception coil.

Thus, the foreign object removing unit blows high-speed air to remove a metallic foreign object from the power transmission coil.

Furthermore, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, the foreign object removing unit includes a resin belt conveyor and a pair of rollers. The pair of rollers includes a driving roller and a driven roller that support the belt conveyor in a circularly-travelling manner. The pair of rollers supports the belt conveyor so that one face of the circularly-travelling belt conveyor covers the upper face of the power transmission coil. When a metallic foreign object is detected, the driving roller causes the belt conveyor to travel in a circular manner so that the face of the belt conveyor covering the upper face of the power transmission coil is renewed.

Thus, in this foreign object removing unit, the belt conveyor covering the upper face of the power transmission coil moves so that a metallic foreign object present on the belt conveyor is removed.

Moreover, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, the foreign object removing unit includes a wiper member and a wiper driving unit. The wiper member wipes the upper face of the power transmission coil. The wiper driving unit drives the wiper member. When a metallic foreign object is detected, the wiper driving unit drives the wiper member so that the upper face of the transmission coil is wiped by the wiper member.

Thus, in this foreign object removing unit, the wiper members move on the power transmission coil so that a metallic foreign object present on the power transmission coil is removed.

Furthermore, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, based on the foreign object detection signal output by the foreign object detecting unit, supply of the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil may be stopped, and a foreign object detection warning may be displayed.

As a result, even in a contactless power transfer system for a movable object that does not include a foreign object removing unit; it becomes possible to avoid accidents caused due to the presence of a metallic foreign object.

Moreover, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, for each time when a preliminarily set time is elapsed, the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose may be supplied to the power transmission coil to which supply of the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose has been stopped, and the foreign object detection operation may be performed again. When the foreign object detecting unit does not detect a metallic foreign object, electrical power for power transfer purpose may be supplied to the power transmission coil

As a result, even in a contactless power transfer system for a movable object that does not include a foreign object removing unit; contactless power transfer can be started only after confirming the safety.

Furthermore, in the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention, it is preferred that the foreign object removing unit that has removed a metallic foreign object from the upper face of the power transmission coil notifies the foreign object detecting unit about removal. Then, the foreign object detecting unit receives a notification and performs detection for a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil, and, when no metallic foreign object is detected, electrical power for power transfer purpose is . supplied to the power transmission coil.

Thus, regardless of the removal of a foreign object by the foreign object detecting unit, contactless power transfer can be started only after confirming the safety.

Effect of the Invention

A contactless power transfer system for a movable object of the present invention is able to detect, with a high degree of accuracy, a metallic foreign object present on a power transmission coil and to remove that metallic foreign object.

Hence, even if a metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil, the foreign object can be removed in an expeditious manner and contactless power transfer to a movable object can be carried on safely and without any delay.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[FIG. 1] A schematic diagram illustrating a contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 2] A block diagram illustrating a configuration of a foreign object detector of FIG. 1.

[FIG. 3] A flowchart illustrating an operation of the foreign object detecting unit of FIG. 2.

[FIG. 4] A view illustrating a modification example of the contactless power transfer system for a movable object of FIG. 1.

[FIG. 5] A schematic view illustrating a contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 6] A flowchart illustrating an operation of the foreign object detector of FIG. 5.

[FIG. 7] A view illustrating a foreign object removing unit that has a tilted structure of a cover member.

[FIG. 8] A view illustrating a foreign object removing unit that has a tilted structure of divided cover members.

[FIG. 9] A view illustrating a foreign object removing unit that includes an air compressor.

[FIG. 10] A view illustrating a foreign object removing unit that includes a belt conveyor.

[FIG. 11] A view illustrating a foreign object removing unit that includes wiper members.

[FIG. 12] A view illustrating a conventional contactless power transfer system for a movable object.

[FIG. 13] A circuit diagram of a contactless power transfer system for a movable object.

[FIG. 14] A diagram illustrating a measurement result of a heat generation experiment regarding a metallic foreign object.

[FIG. 15] A view illustrating an apparatus used in the experiment of FIG. 14.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

This apparatus includes: a foreign object detector 50 (in the scope of patent claims, a “foreign object detecting unit”) that detects a metallic foreign object 100 present in between the power transmission coil 31 and the power reception coil 32 of a contactless power transfer system; and a foreign object removing apparatus 70 (in the scope of patent claims, a “foreign object removing unit”) that, when a metallic foreign object is detected by the foreign object detector 50, removes the metallic foreign object 100 from the power transmission coil 31.

With the aim of detecting a metallic foreign object, the foreign object detector 50 obtains, from the ground side, information of an output voltage V_IN and an output current I_IN of the inverter 20 that are equivalent to the input voltage and the input current of the contactless power transfer system. Further, the foreign object detector 50 obtains, from the vehicle side, an output direct-current voltage V_L and an output direct-current electricity I_L of the rectifier 40 that are equivalent to the output voltage and the output current of the contactless power transfer system.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the foreign object detector 50 includes: a with-vehicle communicating unit 51 that is an interface for exchanging information with the vehicle side by wireless communication; a with-ground communicating unit 52 that is an interface for exchanging information with the ground-side apparatus; a foreign-object-detection-operation control unit 53 that controls a foreign object detection operation; a power-transmission-coil input power calculating unit 54 that calculates the electrical power input to the power transmission coil 31; a power-reception-coil output power calculating unit 55 that calculates the electrical power output from the power reception coil 32; an iron loss calculating unit 58 that calculates the iron loss of the power transmission coil 31 and the power reception coil 32; a copper loss calculating unit 59 that calculates the copper loss of the power transmission coil 31 and the power reception coil 32; a foreign object determining unit 56 that determines whether a metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil 31; and a memory unit 57 that is used to store information required in various calculations.

The foreign-object-detection-operation control unit 53, the power-transmission-coil input power calculating unit 54, the power-reception-coil output power calculating unit 55, the iron loss calculating unit 58, the copper loss calculating unit 59, and the foreign object determining unit 56 are implemented when a computer executes operations written in a program.

The power-transmission-coil input power calculating unit 54 calculates, from the information of the output voltage V_IN and the output current I_IN that is sent from the inverter 20, an output power P_IN(=V_IN×I_IN) of the inverter 20. Then, the power-transmission-coil input power calculating unit 54 calculates the average of the electrical power P_IN for a certain period of time, and obtains an average input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil 31 for a certain period of time.

The power-reception-coil output power calculating unit 55 calculates, from the information of the output direct-current voltage V_L and the output direct current I_L of the rectifier 40 that is sent from the vehicle side, an output power P_L(=V_L×I_L) of the rectifier 40. Then, the power-reception-coil output power calculating unit 55 calculates the average of the electrical power P_L for a certain period of time, and obtains an average output power P_L0 of the power reception coil for a certain period of time.

The copper loss calculating unit 59 calculates, from a wire-wound resistance (r₁) and the current (I_IN) of the power transmission coil 31, copper loss P_c1(=r₁×I_IN²) of the power transmission coil 31, and calculates, from a wire-wound resistance (r₂) and the current (I_L) of the power reception coil 32, copper loss P_c2(=r₂×I_L²) of the power reception coil 32. Herein, the information about the wire-wound resistance (r₁) of the power transmission coil 31 and the wire-wound resistance (r₂) of the power reception coil 32 is obtained in advance from the ground-side apparatus and the vehicle-side apparatus via the with-vehicle communicating unit 51 and the with-ground communicating unit 52, and is held in a copper loss parameter area 572 of the memory unit 57.

The iron loss calculating unit 58 calculates an estimated value of iron loss of the power transmission coil 31 and the power reception coil 32. The iron loss points to the electrical energy that is lost when the iron core (ferrite core) of the power transmission coil 31 and the power reception coil 32 undergoes magnetization by alternating current, and is expressed as the sum of the hysteresis loss and the eddy-current loss. The iron loss is a function of voltage. From the ground-side apparatus, an iron loss parameter is obtained in advance that enables calculation of the iron loss of the power transmission coil 31 by substituting V_IN. From the vehicle-side apparatus, an iron loss parameter is obtained in advance that enables calculation of the iron loss of the power reception coil 32 by substituting V_L. Then, the iron loss parameters are held in an iron loss parameter area 571 of the memory unit 57. As a result, the iron loss calculating unit 58 can calculate, from V_IN, an estimated value of iron loss (P_f1) of the power transmission coil 31; and can calculate, from V_L, en estimated value of iron loss (P_f2) of the power reception coil 32.

The foreign object determining unit 56 refers to the values calculated by the power-transmission-coil input power calculating unit 54, the power-reception-coil output power calculating unit 55, the copper loss determining unit 59, and the iron loss determining unit 58; and determines whether a metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil 31.

Prior to performing that determination, from the values P_IN0, P_L0, P_c1, P_c2, P_f1, and P_f2 that are respectively calculated by the power-transmission-coil input power calculating unit 54, the power-reception-coil output power calculating unit 55, the copper loss calculating unit 59, and the iron loss calculating unit 58 in a state in which no metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil 31, the foreign object determining unit 56 calculates the copper loss as well as calculates a value P_s(=P_IN0-P_L0-P_c1-P_c2-P_f1-P_f2) of power transfer loss that excludes the iron loss. Then, the foreign object determining unit 56 records the value P_s as a standard value in the memory unit 57. Meanwhile, when the configuration of a contactless power transfer system on the vehicle side is classified into a number of types, then each vehicle installed with the contactless power transfer system of one type is parked over the power transmission coil 31 on which no metallic foreign object is present; and the standard value for each type is measured and is recorded in the memory unit 57.

If the target vehicle for contactless power transfer is parked over the power transmission coil 31 in a condition in which it is not clear whether a metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil 31, then the foreign object determining unit 56 calculates a measured value P′_s(=P′_IN0-P′_L0-P′_c1-P′_c2-P′_f1-P′_f2) from values P′_IN0, P′_L0, P′_c1, P′_c2, P′^f1, and P′_f2 that are respectively calculated by the power-transmission-coil input power calculating unit 54, the power-reception-coil output power calculating unit 55, the copper loss calculating unit 59, and the iron loss calculating unit 58.

Then, the foreign object determining unit 56 reads, from the memory unit 57, the standard value P_s corresponding to the type of the contactless power transfer system installed in that vehicle, and calculates the difference (P′_s-P_s) between the measured value P′_s and the standard value P_s.

If the absolute value of difference (P′_s-P_s) is large, then it can be considered that a metallic foreign object is present in between the power transmission coil 31 and the power reception coil 32 and that the heat produced by the metallic foreign object is causing an increase in the power transfer loss.

Subsequently, the foreign object determining unit 56 compares the difference (P′_s-P_s) with a predetermined threshold value. If the difference (P′_s-P_s) exceeds the threshold value, then the foreign object determining unit 56 determines that a metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil 31. However, if the difference (P′_s-P_s) is equal to or below the threshold value, then the foreign object determining unit 56 determines that no metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil 31. Herein, the threshold value is set to a suitable value obtained by repeatedly performing a metallic-foreign-object detection test.

Meanwhile, comparison with the threshold value can also be performed for a value(=(P′s-P_s)/P_s) obtained by dividing the difference (P′_s-P_s) by the standard value P_s.

If the foreign object determining unit 56 determines that a metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil 31, then the foreign-object-detection-operation control unit 53 sends a foreign object detection signal to the foreign object removing apparatus 70.

The operations performed by the foreign object removing apparatus 70 are described later.

FIG. 3 illustrates an operation flow of the foreign object detector 50.

The standard value P_s of each vehicle installed with the contactless power transfer system of one type is measured and recorded in advance in the memory unit 57 (Step 1).

When a vehicle parked over the power transmission coil is detected (Step 2), the iron loss parameter, the copper loss parameter, and type information of the contactless power transfer system are obtained from that vehicle (Step 3), and the ground-side apparatus is instructed to start supplying electrical power for foreign object detection purpose (Step 4).

Herein, it is desirable that the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is set to be equal to or smaller than 20% of a rated power-transfer power so that, even if a metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil 31, there is no ignition or smoke generation during the detection.

Subsequently, the output voltage and the output current of the inverter 20 are obtained, and the input power of the power transmission coil 31 is calculated (Step 5). Moreover, the output direct-current voltage and the direct-current of the rectifier 40 are obtained, and the output power of the power reception coil 32 is calculated (Step 6). These operations are continued for a certain period of time, and the average input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil 31 and the average output power P_L0 of the power reception coil 32 are calculated (Step 8).

Furthermore, the copper loss P_c1 of the power transmission coil 31 and the copper loss P_c1 of the power reception coil 32 are calculated (Step 9), as well as the iron loss P_f1 of the power transmission coil 31 and the iron loss P_f1 of the power reception coil 32 are calculated (Step 10).

Then, a measurement value (P_IN0-P_L0-P_c1-P_c2-P_f1-P_f2) is obtained, and the difference between that value and the standard value P_s is calculated (Step 11). If the absolute value of the difference exceeds a threshold value (Yes at Step 12), a foreign object detection signal is sent to the foreign object removing apparatus 70 (Step 13). When information about the completion of foreign object removal is received from the foreign object removing apparatus 70 (Step 14), the ground-side apparatus is instructed to start supplying electrical power for power transfer purpose (Step 15). Meanwhile, at Step 12, if the absolute value of the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold value (No at Step 12), then the system control proceeds to Step 15 and the ground-side apparatus is instructed to start supplying electrical power for power transfer purpose.

Herein, instead of comparing the difference with the threshold value at Step 12, it is also possible to compare (the difference/P_s) with the threshold value.

In this way, in this contactless power transfer system for movable objects, while calculating the power transfer loss, the loss due to the copper loss and the iron loss is excluded. As a result, of the power transfer loss, “the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object” becomes relatively greater. For that reason, it becomes possible to enhance the detection sensitivity with respect to the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object, and to accurately determine the presence or absence of a metallic foreign object.

Meanwhile, herein, although the copper loss as well as the iron loss is excluded from the power transfer loss, it is alternatively possible to exclude only the copper loss which is easy to calculate.

Moreover, when supplying electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil 31 and the power reception coil 32 for detecting a metallic foreign object present on the power transmission coil 31, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the configuration can be such that the electrical connection between the power reception coil 32 and the rectifier 40 is disconnected (i.e., the output terminal of the power reception coil 32 is left open, or only the parallel capacitor 34 is connected to the power reception coil 32 without connecting the rectifier 40 or a load).

As a result, the power reception coil 32 is separated from the rectifier 40 and the secondary battery 4, and the amount of loss involving the rectifier 40 and the secondary battery 4 is excluded from the power transfer loss. For that reason, of the power transfer loss, “the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object” becomes relatively greater. That enables achieving an enhancement in the detection sensitivity with respect to the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object.

In this case, prior to instructing the ground-side apparatus to start supplying electrical power for foreign object detection purpose (Step 4 in FIG. 3), the foreign-object-detection-operation control unit 53 of the foreign object detector 50 instructs the vehicle side to open the output terminal of the power reception coil 32. Once the supply of electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is started, an output voltage V₂ and an output current I₂ of the power reception coil 32 are obtained from the vehicle side, and the power-reception-coil output power calculating unit 55 is instructed to calculate the output power of the power reception coil 32 (Step 6 illustrated in FIG. 3).

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this apparatus, before a vehicle is parked over the power transmission coil 31, the metallic foreign object 100 is detected by the foreign object detector 50 and is then removed by the foreign object removing apparatus 70.

Herein, although the configuration of the foreign object detector 50 is identical to the configuration according to the first embodiment (FIG. 2), the only difference is that the operations of the power-reception-coil output power calculating unit 55 are not carried out.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the foreign object detector 50.

In a state in which no metallic foreign object is present on the power transmission coil 31, the standard value P_s is measured and recorded in advance in the memory unit 57 (Step 21).

When a target vehicle for contactless power transfer moves closer, the ground-side apparatus is instructed to start supplying electrical power for foreign object detection purpose (Step 22).

The output voltage V_IN and the output current I_IN of the inverter 20 are obtained, and the output power P_IN(=V_IN×I_IN) of the inverter 20 is calculated (Step 23). This operation is performed for a certain period of time (Step 24) and the average input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil 31 is obtained (Step 25).

Moreover, from the wire-wound resistance (r₁) and I_IN of the power transmission coil 31 that are obtained in advance, the copper loss P_c1(=r₁×I_IN²) is calculated (Step 26). Furthermore, from the iron loss parameter and V_IN of the power transmission coil 31 that are obtained in advance, the estimated value of iron loss (P_f1) of the power transmission coil 31 is calculated (Step 27).

Then, a measurement value (P_IN0-P_c1-P_f1) is obtained, and the difference between that value and the standard value P_s is calculated (Step 28). If the absolute value of the difference exceeds a threshold value (Yes at Step 29), a foreign object detection signal is sent to the foreign object removing apparatus 70 (Step 30). When information about the completion of foreign object removal is received from the foreign object removing apparatus 70 (Step 31) and once it is confirmed that the vehicle is parked over the power transmission coil 31 (Step 32), the ground-side apparatus is instructed to start supplying electrical power for power transfer purpose (Step 33). Meanwhile, at Step 29, if the absolute value of the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold value (No at Step 29), then the system control proceeds to Step 32 to confirm that the vehicle is parked over the power transmission coil 31 and the ground-side apparatus is instructed to start supplying electrical power for power transfer purpose.

Herein, at Step 29, instead of comparing the difference with the threshold value, it is also possible to compare (the difference/P_s) with the threshold value.

In this way, in this contactless power transfer system for a movable object, the loss equal to the copper loss and the iron loss is excluded from the input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil. As a result, “the power transfer loss attributed to a metallic foreign object” becomes relatively greater with respect to the input power P_IN0, and an enhancement is achieved in the detection sensitivity with respect to a metallic foreign object.

Moreover, in this contactless power transfer system for a movable object, a metallic foreign object is detected and removed before a vehicle is driven over the power transmission coil 31. For that reason, even if there is ignition or smoke generation during the detection of a foreign object, there is almost no effect on the vehicle.

Furthermore, as compared to the first embodiment, a shorter sequence of operations enables the detection of a foreign object. Hence, it is easier to implement the second embodiment.

Moreover, in this contactless power transfer system for a movable object, a foreign object is detected using only the power transmission coil. Hence, as compared to the apparatus according to the first embodiment, the advantage is that the measurement error attributed to the misalignment between the power transmission coil and the power reception coil can be eliminated.

Meanwhile, herein, although the copper loss as well as the iron loss is excluded from the input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil, it is alternatively possible to exclude only the copper loss which is easy to calculate.

Still alternatively, instead of excluding the copper loss and the iron loss, a metallic foreign object can be detected from the difference between the average input power P_IN0 of the power transmission coil 31 and the standard value of the power transmission coil 31.

Third Embodiment

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the explanation is given about a configuration of the foreign object removing apparatus 70.

The foreign object removing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7 includes: a single cover member 81 that covers the upper face of the power transmission coil 31; a pivoting mechanism 82 that pivotally supports the cover member 81 at an edge position of the power transmission coil 31; and a rotary drive apparatus 83 that, when a foreign object detection signal is input from the foreign object detector 50, rotates the pivotally-supported cover member 81 by a predetermined angle.

The pivoting mechanism 82 pivotally supports the cover member 81 in such a way that the cover member 81 is able to rotate around the axis line parallel to the upper face of the power transmission coil 31.

The cover member 81 is made of a material such as reinforced resin that is non-magnetic and non-conductive in nature and that has excellent mechanical strength. In its normal state, the cover member 81 covers the upper face of the power transmission coil 31 along the upper face of power transmission coil 31.

When the foreign object detector 50 inputs a foreign object detection signal after detecting the metallic foreign object 100 on the cover member 81, the rotary drive apparatus 83 rotates the cover member 81 around the axis line parallel to the upper face of the power transmission coil 31. Herein, the maximum rotation angle of the cover member 81 is set to be about 30°.

When the cover member 81 becomes tilted as a result of the rotation, the metallic foreign object 100 slides down the cover member 81 due to the action of gravity.

Then, the rotary drive apparatus 83 sets the cover member 81, on which the metallic foreign object 100 is not present any more, to the normal state of covering the power transmission coil 31; and then notifies the foreign object detector 50 about the completion of foreign object removal.

In this foreign object removing apparatus, the highest position of the tilted cover member 81 becomes relatively higher. Therefore, if a vehicle is parked over the power transmission coil 31, then there is a risk that the leading end of the tilted cover member 81 abuts against the underside of the vehicle. For that reason, this foreign object removing apparatus can be suitably used in the contactless power transfer system for movable objects (FIG. 5) according to the second embodiment in which the detection of a foreign object is performed before a vehicle makes its way to the contactless power transfer position.

In FIG. 8 is illustrated a foreign object removing apparatus in which the cover member is configured with two divided cover members 811 and 812 and in which the pivoting mechanism 82 is individually disposed for each of the divided cover members 811 and 812.

When the foreign object detector 50 inputs a foreign object detection signal, the rotary drive apparatus 83 rotates each of the two divided cover members 811 and 812 around the axis line parallel to the upper face of the power transmission coil 31.

In this apparatus, since the cover members 811 and 812 are formed by division, the highest positions of the divided cover members 811 and 812 in the tilted state are not high. For that reason, this foreign object removing apparatus can also be suitably used in the contactless power transfer system for movable objects (FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment in which the detection of a foreign object is performed after a vehicle makes its way to the contactless power transfer position.

Meanwhile, herein, although two divided covers are used, it is also possible to have three or more number of divisions of the cover member.

In FIG. 9 is illustrated a foreign object removing apparatus that includes an air compressor 84. When the foreign object detector 50 inputs a foreign object detection signal, the air compressor 84 blows high-speed air in the air gap formed between the power transmission coil 31 and the power reception coil 32, and blows away the metallic foreign object 100 present on the power transmission coil 31.

In FIG. 10 is illustrated a foreign object removing apparatus in which a belt conveyor 85 made of resin is used. This belt conveyor 85 is supported by a pair of rollers, namely, a driving roller 86 and a driven roller 87 in such a way that the belt conveyor 85 travels in a circular manner with one surface thereof covering the upper face of the power transmission coil 31. When the foreign object detector 50 inputs a foreign object detection signal after detecting a metallic foreign object on the belt conveyor 85, the driving roller 86 rotates the belt conveyor 85 and makes it travel in a circular manner until the surface of the belt conveyor 85 covering the upper face of the power transmission coil 31 is completely renewed. As a result of such circular travelling, the metallic foreign object present on the belt conveyor 85 is removed.

In FIG. 11 is illustrated a foreign object removing apparatus that includes two wiper members 88 that wipe the upper surface of the power transmission coil 31. One end of each wiper member 88 is fixed to a drive shaft 89 that is placed at the diagonal position of a case 310 in which the power transmission coil 31 is housed. As illustrated in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 11(b), a motor 90 that rotates the drive shaft 89 is placed in the space available below a shield 312 that is present inside the case 310 (and that prevents the leakage magnetic flux of the power transmission coil 31, which is configured by winding an electrical wire around a ferrite core 311, from running on the lower side).

When the foreign object detector 50 inputs a foreign object detection signal after detecting the metallic foreign object 100 (FIG. 11(a)) present on the case 310 of the power transmission coil 31, the motor 90 rotates each of the two wiper members 88 by 90° as illustrated in FIG. 11(c). As a result of the rotation of the two wiper members 88, the surface of the case 310 of the power transmission coil 31 is wiped over the length and breadth thereof, and the metallic foreign object 100 present on the power transmission coil 31 is removed.

In this way, when a foreign object detection signal is received from the foreign object detector 50, the foreign object removing apparatus 70 removes the metallic foreign object 100 by implementing various methods and notifies the foreign object detector 50 about the completion of foreign object removal.

Meanwhile, herein, the explanation is for a case in which the foreign object removing apparatus 70 performs operations after directly receiving input of a foreign object detection signal from the foreign object detector 50.

However, alternatively, the configuration can be such that, based on a foreign object detection signal from the foreign object detector 50, alerting information is displayed on a display or the like. Then, either an administrator of the ground-side apparatus or the driver of a vehicle who comes across that information operates the foreign object removing apparatus 70.

Still alternatively, the configuration can be such that, based on a foreign object detection signal from the foreign object detector 50 that detected a foreign object, the supply of electrical power to the power transmission coil in the ground-side apparatus is stopped and a foreign object detection warning (a lamp or a warning sound) is displayed on a continuing basis.

In the case in which the foreign object detector 50 detects a foreign object thereby leading to the stopping of electrical power supply to the power transmission coil, the configuration can be such that, for each time when a preliminarily set time is elapsed, the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil, and the foreign object detection operation is performed again. Then, when no foreign object is detected, the electrical power supply to the power transmission coil is switched to the electrical power supply for power transfer purpose. With that, contactless power transfer to movable objects can be performed only after it is confirmed that the foreign object is not present any more.

Moreover, in the case in which the foreign object removing apparatus 70 removes a foreign object and notifies the foreign object detector 50 about the completion of foreign object removal, the configuration can be such that the foreign object detector 50 performs the foreign object detection operation and, only after it is confirmed that the foreign object is not detected any more, supplies the power transmission coil with electrical power supply for power transfer purpose.

In this way, a contactless power transfer system for movable objects according to the present invention is able to detect, with a high degree of accuracy, a metallic foreign object present on a power transmission coil and to remove that metallic foreign object. As a result, while transfer electrical power to a movable object in a contactless manner, it becomes possible to avoid accidents caused by metallic foreign objects or to avoid stagnation of the power transfer operation. Hence, contactless power transfer can be performed in a safe and stable manner.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A contactless power transfer system for movable objects according to the preset invention enables avoiding accidents caused by metallic foreign objects as well as enables safe and stable contactless power transfer; and can be extensively used for contactless power transfer of a number of movable objects such as electrical vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, carriers, mobile robots, and the like.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 Engine

2 Motor

3 Inverter

4 Secondary Battery

5 Commercial Power Supply

10 High Power Factor Rectifier

20 Inverter

31 Power Transmission Coil

32 Power Reception Coin

33 Primary-Side Series Capacitor

34 Secondary-Side Parallel Resonance Capacitor

40 Rectifier

50 Foreign Object Detector

51 With-Vehicle Communicating Unit

52 With-Ground Communicating Unit

53 Foreign-Object-Detection-Operation Control Unit

54 Power-Transmission-Coil Input Power Calculating Unit

55 Power-Reception-Coil Output Power Calculating Unit

56 Foreign Object Determining Unit

57 Memory Unit

58 Iron Loss Calculating Unit

59 Copper Loss Calculating Unit

70 Foreign Object Removing Apparatus

81 Cover Member

82 Pivoting Mechanism

83 Rotary Drive Apparatus

84 Air Compressor

85 Belt Conveyor

86 Driving Roller

87 Driven Roller

88 Wiper Member

89 Drive Shaft

90 Motor

100 Metallic Foreign Object

310 Case

311 Ferrite Core

312 Shield

571 Iron Loss Parameter Memory Area

572 Copper Loss Parameter Memory Area

811 Divided Cover Member

812 Divided Cover Member

Claims

1. A contactless power transfer system for a movable object, comprising: a power transmission coil installed on a ground side;a power reception coil positioned opposite the power transmission coil across a gap, and installed on a movable object side, power being transferred from the power transmission coil to the power reception coil by electromagnetic induction; anda foreign object detecting unit that calculates a difference between a standard value and a measured value, detects presence or absence of a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil based on the difference, and outputs a foreign object detection signal when the metallic foreign object is detected, wherein the standard value is obtained in advance by supplying electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil in a state in which metallic foreign object is absent on the power transmission coil, andthe measured value is obtained by supplying the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil, and whereinif PIN0 represents an input power of the power transmission coil, PL0 represents an output power of the power reception coil, Pc1 represents copper loss of the power transmission coil, and if Pc1 represents copper loss of the power reception coil, the foreign object detecting unit uses a value expressed by (PIN0-PL0-Pc1-Pc2) as the standard value and the measured value.

2. (canceled)

3. A contactless power transfer system for a movable object, comprising: a power transmission coil installed on a ground side;a power reception coil positioned opposite the power transmission coil across a gap, and installed on a movable object side, power being transferred from the power transmission coil to the power reception coil by electromagnetic induction; anda foreign object detecting unit that calculates a difference between a standard value and a measured value, detects presence or absence of a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil based on the difference, and outputs a foreign object detection signal when the metallic foreign object is detected, wherein the standard value is obtained in advance by supplying electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil in a state in which metallic foreign object is absent on the power transmission coil, andthe measured value is obtained by supplying the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil, and whereinif PIN0 represents an input power of the power transmission coil, PL0 represents an output power of the power reception coil, Pc1 represents copper loss of the power transmission coil, Pc2 represents copper loss of the power reception coil, Pf1 represents iron loss of the power transmission coil, and if Pc2 represents iron loss of the power reception coil, the foreign object detecting unit uses a value expressed by (PIN0-PL0-Pc1-Pc2-Pf1-Pf2) as the standard value and the measured value.

4. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 1, wherein, when the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil, connection between the power reception coil and a rectifier following the power reception coil is disconnected.

5. A contactless power transfer system for a movable object, comprising: a power transmission coil installed on a ground side;a power reception coil positioned opposite the power transmission coil across a gap, and installed on a movable object side, power being transferred from the power transmission coil to the power reception coil by electromagnetic induction; anda foreign object detecting unit that calculates a difference between a standard value and a measured value, detects presence or absence of a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil based on the difference, and outputs a foreign object detection signal when the metallic foreign object is detected, wherein the standard value is obtained in advance by supplying electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil in a state in which metallic foreign object is absent on the power transmission coil, andthe measured value is obtained by supplying the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil, and whereinthe electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil that is not positioned opposite the power reception coil, and,if PIN0 represents an input power of the power transmission coil and Pc1 represents copper loss of the power transmission coil, the foreign object detecting unit uses a value expressed by (PIN0-Pc1) as the standard value and the measured value.

6. (canceled)

7. A contactless power transfer system for a movable object, comprising: a power transmission coil installed on a ground side;a power reception coil positioned opposite the power transmission coil across a gap, and installed on a movable object side, power being transferred from the power transmission coil to the power reception coil by electromagnetic induction; anda foreign object detecting unit that calculates a difference between a standard value and a measured value, detects presence or absence of a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil based on the difference, and outputs a foreign object detection signal when the metallic foreign object is detected, wherein the standard value is obtained in advance by supplying electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil in a state in which metallic foreign object is absent on the power transmission coil, andthe measured value is obtained by supplying the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil, and whereinthe electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil that is not positioned opposite the power reception coil, and,if PIN0 represents an input power of the power transmission coil, Pc1 represents copper loss of the power transmission coil, and if Pf1 represents iron loss of the power transmission coil, the foreign object detecting unit uses a value expressed by (PIN0-Pc1-Pf1) as the standard value and the measured value.

8. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 1, wherein the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is less than or equal to 20% of a rated power-transfer power.

9. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 1, further comprising a foreign object removing unit that removes, when the foreign object detecting unit detects a metallic foreign object, the metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil.

10. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 9, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes: a non-magnetic and non-conductive cover member that covers an upper face of the power transmission coil;a pivoting unit that pivotally supports the cover member at an edge position of the power transmission coil so that the cover member is able to rotate by a predetermined angle around an axis line parallel to the upper face of the power transmission coil; anda rotary drive unit that rotates, when a metallic foreign object is detected, the cover member by a predetermined angle around the axis line.

11. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 10, wherein the cover member is made of a plurality of divided cover members that dividedly covers the upper face of the power transmission coil,the pivoting unit is provided to each of the divided cover members, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the rotary drive unit rotates all of the divided cover members.

12. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 9, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes an air compressor that blows, when a metallic foreign object is detected, high-speed air to an air gap formed between the power transmission coil and the power reception coil.

13. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 9, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes a resin belt conveyor and a pair of rollers,the pair of rollers includes a driving roller and a driven roller that support the belt conveyor in a circularly-travelling manner,the pair of rollers supports the belt conveyor so that one face of the circularly-travelling belt conveyor covers the upper face of the power transmission coil, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the driving roller causes the belt conveyor to travel in a circular manner so that the face of the belt conveyor covering the upper face of the power transmission coil is renewed.

14. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 9, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes a wiper member and a wiper driving unit,the wiper member wipes the upper face of the power transmission coil,the wiper driving unit drives the wiper member, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the wiper driving unit drives the wiper member so that the upper face of the transmission coil is wiped by the wiper member.

15. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 1, wherein, based on the foreign object detection signal output by the foreign object detecting unit, supply of the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil is stopped, and a foreign object detection warning is displayed.

16. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 15, wherein, for each time when a preliminarily set time is elapsed, the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil to which supply of the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose has been stopped, and the foreign object detection operation is performed again, and,when the foreign object detecting unit does not detect a metallic foreign object, electrical power for power transfer purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil.

17. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 9, wherein, the foreign object removing unit that has removed a metallic foreign object from the upper face of the power transmission coil notifies the foreign object detecting unit about removal,the foreign object detecting unit receives a notification and performs detection for a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil, and,when no metallic foreign object is detected, electrical power for power transfer purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil.

18. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 3, wherein, when the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil, connection between the power reception coil and a rectifier following the power reception coil is disconnected.

19. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 3, wherein the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is less than or equal to 20% of a rated power-transfer power.

20. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 3, further comprising a foreign object removing unit that removes, when the foreign object detecting unit detects a metallic foreign object, the metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil.

21. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 20, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes: a non-magnetic and non-conductive cover member that covers an upper face of the power transmission coil;a pivoting unit that pivotally supports the cover member at an edge position of the power transmission coil so that the cover member is able to rotate by a predetermined angle around an axis line parallel to the upper face of the power transmission coil; anda rotary drive unit that rotates, when a metallic foreign object is detected, the cover member by a predetermined angle around the axis line.

22. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 21, wherein the cover member is made of a plurality of divided cover members that dividedly covers the upper face of the power transmission coil,the pivoting unit is provided to each of the divided cover members, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the rotary drive unit rotates all of the divided cover members.

23. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 20, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes an air compressor that blows, when a metallic foreign object is detected, high-speed air to an air gap formed between the power transmission coil and the power reception coil.

24. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 20, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes a resin belt conveyor and a pair of rollers,the pair of rollers includes a driving roller and a driven roller that support the belt conveyor in a circularly-travelling manner,the pair of rollers supports the belt conveyor so that one face of the circularly-travelling belt conveyor covers the upper face of the power transmission coil, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the driving roller causes the belt conveyor to travel in a circular manner so that the face of the belt conveyor covering the upper face of the power transmission coil is renewed.

25. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 20, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes a wiper member and a wiper driving unit,the wiper member wipes the upper face of the power transmission coil,the wiper driving unit drives the wiper member, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the wiper driving unit drives the wiper member so that the upper face of the transmission coil is wiped by the wiper member.

26. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 3, wherein, based on the foreign object detection signal output by the foreign object detecting unit, supply of the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil is stopped, and a foreign object detection warning is displayed.

27. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 26, wherein, for each time when a preliminarily set time is elapsed, the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil to which supply of the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose has been stopped, and the foreign object detection operation is performed again, and,when the foreign object detecting unit does not detect a metallic foreign object, electrical power for power transfer purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil.

28. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 20, wherein, the foreign object removing unit that has removed a metallic foreign object from the upper face of the power transmission coil notifies the foreign object detecting unit about removal,the foreign object detecting unit receives a notification and performs detection for a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil, and,when no metallic foreign object is detected, electrical power for power transfer purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil.

29. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 5, wherein the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is less than or equal to 20% of a rated power-transfer power.

30. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 5, further comprising a foreign object removing unit that removes, when the foreign object detecting unit detects a metallic foreign object, the metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil.

31. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 30, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes: a non-magnetic and non-conductive cover member that covers an upper face of the power transmission coil;a pivoting unit that pivotally supports the cover member at an edge position of the power transmission coil so that the cover member is able to rotate by a predetermined angle around an axis line parallel to the upper face of the power transmission coil; anda rotary drive unit that rotates, when a metallic foreign object is detected, the cover member by a predetermined angle around the axis line.

32. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 31, wherein the cover member is made of a plurality of divided cover members that dividedly covers the upper face of the power transmission coil,the pivoting unit is provided to each of the divided cover members, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the rotary drive unit rotates all of the divided cover members.

33. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 30, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes an air compressor that blows, when a metallic foreign object is detected, high-speed air to an air gap formed between the power transmission coil and the power reception coil.

34. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 30, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes a resin belt conveyor and a pair of rollers,the pair of rollers includes a driving roller and a driven roller that support the belt conveyor in a circularly-travelling manner,the pair of rollers supports the belt conveyor so that one face of the circularly-travelling belt conveyor covers the upper face of the power transmission coil, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the driving roller causes the belt conveyor to travel in a circular manner so that the face of the belt conveyor covering the upper face of the power transmission coil is renewed.

35. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 30, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes a wiper member and a wiper driving unit,the wiper member wipes the upper face of the power transmission coil,the wiper driving unit drives the wiper member, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the wiper driving unit drives the wiper member so that the upper face of the transmission coil is wiped by the wiper member.

36. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 5, wherein, based on the foreign object detection signal output by the foreign object detecting unit, supply of the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil is stopped, and a foreign object detection warning is displayed.

37. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 36, wherein, for each time when a preliminarily set time is elapsed, the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil to which supply of the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose has been stopped, and the foreign object detection operation is performed again, and,when the foreign object detecting unit does not detect a metallic foreign object, electrical power for power transfer purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil.

38. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 37, wherein, the foreign object removing unit that has removed a metallic foreign object from the upper face of the power transmission coil notifies the foreign object detecting unit about removal,the foreign object detecting unit receives a notification and performs detection for a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil, and,when no metallic foreign object is detected, electrical power for power transfer purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil.

39. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 7, wherein the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is less than or equal to 20% of a rated power-transfer power.

40. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 7, further comprising a foreign object removing unit that removes, when the foreign object detecting unit detects a metallic foreign object, the metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil.

41. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 40, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes: a non-magnetic and non-conductive cover member that covers an upper face of the power transmission coil;a pivoting unit that pivotally supports the cover member at an edge position of the power transmission coil so that the cover member is able to rotate by a predetermined angle around an axis line parallel to the upper face of the power transmission coil; anda rotary drive unit that rotates, when a metallic foreign object is detected, the cover member by a predetermined angle around the axis line.

42. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 41, wherein the cover member is made of a plurality of divided cover members that dividedly covers the upper face of the power transmission coil,the pivoting unit is provided to each of the divided cover members, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the rotary drive unit rotates all of the divided cover members.

43. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 40, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes an air compressor that blows, when a metallic foreign object is detected, high-speed air to an air gap formed between the power transmission coil and the power reception coil.

44. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 40, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes a resin belt conveyor and a pair of rollers,the pair of rollers includes a driving roller and a driven roller that support the belt conveyor in a circularly-travelling manner,the pair of rollers supports the belt conveyor so that one face of the circularly-travelling belt conveyor covers the upper face of the power transmission coil, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the driving roller causes the belt conveyor to travel in a circular manner so that the face of the belt conveyor covering the upper face of the power transmission coil is renewed.

45. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 40, wherein the foreign object removing unit includes a wiper member and a wiper driving unit,the wiper member wipes the upper face of the power transmission coil,the wiper driving unit drives the wiper member, and,when a metallic foreign object is detected, the wiper driving unit drives the wiper member so that the upper face of the transmission coil is wiped by the wiper member.

46. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 7, wherein, based on the foreign object detection signal output by the foreign object detecting unit, supply of the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose to the power transmission coil is stopped, and a foreign object detection warning is displayed.

47. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 46, wherein, for each time when a preliminarily set time is elapsed, the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil to which supply of the electrical power for foreign object detection purpose has been stopped, and the foreign object detection operation is performed again, and,when the foreign object detecting unit does not detect a metallic foreign object, electrical power for power transfer purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil.

48. The contactless power transfer system for a movable object according to claim 40, wherein, the foreign object removing unit that has removed a metallic foreign object from the upper face of the power transmission coil notifies the foreign object detecting unit about removal,the foreign object detecting unit receives a notification and performs detection for a metallic foreign object on the power transmission coil, and,when no metallic foreign object is detected, electrical power for power transfer purpose is supplied to the power transmission coil.