JP2014143836A - Non-contact power transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve transmission efficiency and transmission distance of electric power by a relay coil even when a power receiving coil is small.SOLUTION: A non-contact power transmission system 10 comprises: a power transmission part 11 which includes a power transmission side resonance circuit comprising a power transmission coil L1 for transmitting electric power in a non-contact manner and a power transmission side resonance capacitor; and a relay part 12 which includes a relay resonance circuit comprising a relay coil L2 and a relay resonance capacitor and LC-resonating with the power transmission side resonance circuit; and electric equipment 13 including a power receiving coil L3 for receiving electric power from the power transmission coil L1 via the relay coil L2 in a state of non-contact with the relay coil L2. An area of a flux linkage area A2 of the relay coil L2 is larger than an area of a flux linkage area A3 of the power receiving coil L3.

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-contact power transmission system that transmits power from a power transmission coil to a power reception coil in a contactless manner.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a non-contact power transmission system that transmits electric power from a power transmission coil to a power receiving coil in a non-contact manner by interlinking magnetic flux generated in the power transmission coil by electromagnetic induction to the power receiving coil. Conventional non-contact power transmission systems are mainly applied to devices that perform charging and feeding in electric vehicles and residential facilities, including small electric devices.

  In recent years, a magnetic field resonance type non-contact power transmission system using electromagnetic resonance has attracted attention. In the magnetic field resonance type non-contact power transmission system, the resonance coil is provided in each of the power feeding coil and the power receiving coil, and the power transmission distance can be extended as compared with the electromagnetic induction system.

  Further, as a means for extending the power transmission distance, a non-contact power transmission system has been proposed in which a resonance coil is arranged as a relay coil between a power transmission coil and a power reception coil (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-151946 A

  In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, power is transmitted from the power transmission coil to the power reception coil via the relay coil. Even if the power reception coil is small, the power transmission efficiency and transmission distance can be further improved by the relay coil. Is desired.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a non-contact power transmission system that can further improve power transmission efficiency and transmission distance by a relay coil even when a power receiving coil is small. .

  A non-contact power transmission system according to the present invention includes a power transmission unit including a power transmission side resonance circuit including a power transmission coil and a power transmission side resonance capacitor for transmitting power in a contactless manner, and a relay coil and a relay resonance capacitor. A relay unit including a relay resonance circuit that performs LC resonance with the side resonance circuit, and an electric device including a power reception coil for receiving power from the power transmission coil via the relay coil without contact with the relay coil. The area of the magnetic flux linkage region of the relay coil is larger than the area of the magnetic flux linkage region of the power receiving coil.

  According to this configuration, the magnetic flux can be transferred from the relay coil to the power receiving coil after the relay coil whose area of the magnetic flux linkage region is larger than the power receiving coil secures a large amount of magnetic flux generated in the power transmitting coil. For this reason, even if a receiving coil is small, it becomes possible to further improve the transmission efficiency and transmission distance of electric power by a relay coil.

  In the non-contact power transmission system, the power transmission unit is configured such that an axis of the power transmission coil is parallel to a horizontal plane, and the electric device has an axis of the power reception coil parallel to a horizontal plane. It is good also as comprised so that.

  According to this configuration, since the axis of the power transmission coil and the axis of the power reception coil are configured to be parallel to the horizontal plane, the power transmission unit and the electric device can be arranged side by side. The degree of freedom of arrangement of electric equipment can be increased.

  Further, in the above non-contact power transmission system, the relay unit is configured such that an axis of the relay coil is parallel to a horizontal plane, and the electric device includes an axis of the power receiving coil that is an axis of the relay coil. And may be configured to be coaxial with each other.

  According to this configuration, since the power transmission efficiency between the opposing coils is high, power can be efficiently transmitted from the relay coil to the power receiving coil.

  In the non-contact power transmission system, the relay unit may be configured such that an axis of the relay coil intersects an axis of the power receiving coil.

  According to this configuration, of the magnetic flux generated in the power transmission coil, a magnetic flux that diverges in the lateral direction of the power reception coil and does not directly link to the power reception coil is guided to the power reception coil by the relay coil inclined with respect to the power reception coil. can do. For this reason, the transmission efficiency of electric power can be improved.

  In the non-contact power transmission system, the electric device may be configured such that an axis of the power receiving coil is orthogonal to a horizontal plane.

  According to this structure, since the axis | shaft of a receiving coil is comprised so that it may orthogonally cross with respect to a horizontal surface, since a receiving coil can be provided, for example in the bottom face of an electric equipment, a receiving coil is easily arrange | positioned to an electric equipment. be able to.

  In the non-contact power transmission system, the relay unit may be configured such that an axis of the relay coil is orthogonal to a horizontal plane.

  According to this configuration, since the axis of the relay coil is configured to be orthogonal to the horizontal plane, the relay coil can be provided, for example, on the bottom surface of the relay unit. Therefore, the relay coil is easily arranged in the relay unit. be able to.

  In the non-contact power transmission system, the power transmission unit is configured such that an axis of the power transmission coil is parallel to a horizontal plane, and the relay unit is configured such that the relay coil is higher than the power reception coil. The relay coil may be configured to be positioned at substantially the same height as the coil and so that the axis of the relay coil intersects the axis of the power receiving coil.

  According to this configuration, the power transmission coil is located above the power reception coil, but the relay coil is inclined with respect to the power reception coil, so that the magnetic flux generated in the power transmission coil is guided to the power reception coil by the relay coil. Can do. For this reason, the transmission efficiency of electric power can be improved.

  In the non-contact power transmission system, the relay unit and the electrical device are configured such that a distance between the relay coil and the power receiving coil is shorter than a distance between the relay coil and the power transmission coil. It may be configured.

  According to this configuration, since the distance between the relay coil and the power receiving coil is shorter than the distance between the relay coil and the power transmitting coil, the power transmission efficiency from the relay coil to the power receiving coil can be improved.

  In the non-contact power transmission system, the relay unit may further include a holding unit that holds the electric device that is not used. According to this configuration, since the relay unit also has a function of holding the electrical device, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of components that configure the non-contact power transmission system.

  In the non-contact power transmission system, the holding unit may be formed in a cup shape having an opening on the upper surface. According to this configuration, the relay unit can be used as a cup, and there is an advantage that the function of the relay unit is increased.

  In the non-contact power transmission system, the relay unit may be configured in a sheet shape that can be attached to a container for holding the electric device. According to this configuration, the user selects a preferred container as a member for holding the electrical device by sticking the relay portion configured in a sheet shape to the container for holding the electrical device such as a cup or a basket. it can.

  According to the present invention, since the area of the magnetic flux linkage region of the relay coil is larger than the area of the magnetic flux linkage region of the power receiving coil, it is possible to improve the power transmission distance and the power transmission efficiency.

It is a perspective view showing roughly the appearance of the non-contact electric power transmission system of a 1st embodiment. It is a circuit diagram showing the non-contact electric power transmission system in a 1st embodiment. It is a side view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the contactless energy transfer system of 1st Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the contactless energy transfer system of 1st Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil. It is a top view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 1st Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil, and the flow of magnetic flux. It is a top view which shows roughly the relay part and electric equipment of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 2nd Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil. It is a top view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 2nd Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil, and the flow of magnetic flux. It is a top view which shows roughly the relay part of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 3rd Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil. It is a top view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 3rd Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil, and the flow of magnetic flux. It is a top view which shows roughly the non-contact electric power transmission system of 4th Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 4th Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil. It is a top view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 4th Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil, and the flow of magnetic flux. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the non-contact electric power transmission system of 5th Embodiment. It is a side view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 5th Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 5th Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil. It is a side view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 5th Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil, and the flow of magnetic flux. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the electric equipment which made the shape of a receiving coil solenoid. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the non-contact electric power transmission system of 6th Embodiment. It is a side view which shows roughly the power transmission part and relay part of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 6th Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 6th Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil. It is a side view which shows roughly the positional relationship of the power transmission coil of the non-contact electric power transmission system of 6th Embodiment, a relay coil, and a receiving coil, and the flow of magnetic flux. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the non-contact electric power transmission system of 7th Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the non-contact electric power transmission system of 8th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a contactless power transmission system 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the non-contact power transmission system 10 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the non-contact power transmission system 10 of the first embodiment includes a power transmission unit 11, a relay unit 12, and an electric device 13.

  In FIG. 2, the power transmission unit 11 includes an AC-DC converter 15 that converts AC power input from a commercial AC power supply PS (not shown) into DC power, and switching elements S <b> 1 to S1 that turn on and off DC power from the AC-DC converter 15. S4, the power transmission coil L1, the power transmission side resonance capacitor C1, the control part 16 which controls on-off of switching element S1-S4, gate resistance R1-R4, and diode D1-D4 are provided. Field effect transistors (FETs) are used as the switching elements S1 to S4.

  The gates of the switching elements S1 to S4 are connected to the control unit 16 via gate resistors R1 to R4, respectively. The diodes D1 to D4 are connected between the drains and the sources of the switching elements S1 to S4, respectively.

  The power transmission side resonance capacitor C1 is connected in series with the power transmission coil L1. The power transmission coil L1 and the power transmission resonance capacitor C1 constitute a power transmission resonance circuit LC1. The power transmission side resonance circuit LC1 is connected in series between the switching element S1 and the switching element S4, and is connected in series between the switching element S3 and the switching element S2.

  The controller 16 alternately turns on the switching elements S1 and S4 and turns off the switching elements S2 and S3, and turns off the switching elements S1 and S4 and turns on the switching elements S2 and S3. As a result, the DC power from the AC-DC converter 15 is alternately inverted and flows to the power transmission side resonance circuit LC1. As a result, an alternating current flows through the power transmission coil L1, and an alternating magnetic flux is generated. For convenience of illustration, the control unit 16 is illustrated in four places, but actually, one control unit 16 is provided.

  The relay unit 12 includes a relay coil L2 and a relay resonance capacitor C2. The relay coil L2 and the relay resonance capacitor C2 constitute a relay resonance circuit LC2. The relay coil L2 receives the magnetic flux generated by the power transmission coil L1, and transfers it to the power reception coil L3. The relay resonance circuit LC2 resonates with the power transmission side resonance circuit LC1 of the power transmission unit 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the power transmission unit 11 and the electric device 13 are electrically insulated.

  The electric device 13 includes a power receiving coil L3 that receives magnetic flux generated by the power transmitting coil L1 and the relay coil L2, a rectifier circuit BD that converts AC power of the power receiving coil L3 into DC power, and a smoother that smoothes DC power of the rectifier circuit BD. A capacitor C3 and a load LD are provided. As the rectifier circuit BD, a bridge-type full-wave rectifier circuit composed of four diodes is used. In this embodiment, the load LD is, for example, a secondary battery, and is charged by DC power smoothed by the smoothing capacitor C3.

  In FIG. 1, the power transmission unit 11 has an outlet plug (not shown) protruding from the casing of the power transmission unit 11 on the opposite surface of the power transmission coil L1. The cordless power transmission unit 11 is realized by inserting the outlet plug together with the casing of the power transmission unit 11 into the outlet. In addition, you may make it the power transmission part 11 have an outlet plug with a cord. In this case, the freedom degree of arrangement | positioning of the power transmission part 11 can be increased. The power transmission coil L1 is fixed in contact with the inside of the casing of the power transmission unit 11.

  The relay unit 12 includes a columnar holding unit 21 and a flat plate-like back surface unit 22 fixed to the holding unit 21. The holding portion 21 is provided with a cylindrical recess 23, and the recess 23 is provided with a thin groove 24 formed in the vertical direction. The groove 24 is provided on the side opposite to the back surface portion 22, that is, on the front side of the relay portion 12. The holding unit 21 holds the electric device 13 inserted into the recess 23. The back surface portion 22 stores the relay coil L2 and the relay resonance capacitor C2 (FIG. 2).

  The electric device 13 is an electric toothbrush in the first embodiment. The electric device 13 includes a brush part 31 and a main body part 32 as in the case of a conventional electric toothbrush. The main body 32 includes a toothbrush operation circuit (not shown). The main body 32 further includes a power receiving coil L3, a power switch 33, a display LED 34, and a substrate (not shown) provided with a smoothing capacitor C3 and a rectifier circuit BD. The power receiving coil L <b> 3 is provided at the center on the back side of the lower half of the main body 32. The main body 32 further includes a protrusion 35 formed on the front side of the lower end of the main body 32.

  By inserting the main body 32 into the recess 23, the electric device 13 is held by the holding unit 21. At this time, the main body 32 cannot be inserted into the recess 23 unless the protrusion 35 formed at the lower end of the main body 32 is fitted in the groove 24 of the holding portion 21. As a result, the positional relationship between the relay coil L2 of the relay unit 12 and the power receiving coil L3 of the electrical device 13 can be fixed.

  In the first embodiment, the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 are each formed in a planar shape, for example, by winding a copper wire in a spiral shape.

  FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing a positional relationship among the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 of the non-contact power transmission system 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a positional relationship among the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 of the contactless power transmission system 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the positional relationship between the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 of the contactless power transmission system 10 of the first embodiment and the flow of magnetic flux.

  The power transmission unit 11 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured such that the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1 is parallel to the horizontal plane H0 as illustrated in FIG. Moreover, the relay part 12 shown by FIG. 1 is comprised so that the axis | shaft O2 of the relay coil L2 may become parallel with respect to the horizontal surface H0, as FIG. 3 shows. Further, the electric device 13 shown in FIG. 1 is configured so that the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 is parallel to the horizontal plane H0 as shown in FIG. 3 while being held by the holding portion 21. Yes. Further, the distance between the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 is sufficiently small, and the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 are sufficiently coupled.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 and the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 coincide (that is, are coaxial). In other words, the projection 35 of the main body 32 and the groove 24 of the recess 23 are formed at a position where the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 and the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 coincide with each other, and the relay coil L2 is arranged in the relay unit 12. The power receiving coil L3 is disposed in the electric device 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1 and the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 (axis O3 of the power reception coil L3) coincide (that is, are coaxial). . That is, in 1st Embodiment, the power transmission part 11 and the relay part 12 are arrange | positioned by the user so that the axis | shaft O1 of the power transmission coil L1 and the axis | shaft O2 of the relay coil L2 may correspond.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, in the first embodiment, the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 are all planar and rectangular coils. When the length D11 in the vertical direction of the power transmission coil L1, the length D12 in the vertical direction of the relay coil L2, and the length D13 in the vertical direction of the power receiving coil L3 are compared, in the first embodiment, D11> D12> D13. ing.

  Further, when comparing the horizontal length D21 of the power transmission coil L1, the horizontal length D22 of the relay coil L2, and the horizontal length D23 of the power receiving coil L3, in the first embodiment, the length of the power transmission coil L1 is compared. The length D21 is sufficiently longer than the length D22 of the relay coil L2 and the length D23 of the power receiving coil L3. Therefore, the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A1 of the power transmission coil L1 is sufficiently larger than the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A2 of the relay coil L2 and the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A3 of the power receiving coil L3. Yes.

  Further, the length D22 of the relay coil L2 is longer than the length D23 of the power receiving coil L3. That is, D22> D23. Therefore, the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A2 of the relay coil L2 is larger than the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A3 of the power receiving coil L3.

  In FIG. 5, the strength of the magnetic flux MF is represented by the thickness of the broken line. That is, the thicker the broken line, the stronger the magnetic flux MF. As shown in FIG. 5, the magnetic flux MF in the direction parallel to the axis O1 is strong from the center of the power transmission coil L1, and the magnetic flux MF is weaker as the distance from the center of the power transmission coil L1 increases.

  The operation of the non-contact power transmission system 10 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  First, DC power is applied by the AC-DC converter 15, and the switching elements S <b> 1 to S <b> 4 perform a switching operation according to a control signal input from the control unit 16 via the gate resistors R <b> 1 to R <b> 4. AC power is supplied to the power transmission coil L1 connected between the full bridge circuits composed of the switching elements S1 to S4 by the switching operation of the switching elements S1 to S4, and the power transmission coil L1 is excited.

  The magnetic flux MF generated in the power transmission coil L1 is linked to the relay coil L2 and the power reception coil L3, and alternating power is generated in each of the relay coil L2 and the power reception coil L3. At this time, when the area of the magnetic flux linkage region A3 of the power receiving coil L3 is compared with the area of the magnetic flux linkage region A2 of the relay coil L2, the relay coil L2 is larger. For this reason, compared with the power receiving coil L3, the relay coil L2 has a stronger interlinkage magnetic flux, and the generated alternating power is larger.

  A magnetic flux is generated by the alternating power generated in the relay coil L2, and the magnetic flux is supplied to the power receiving coil L3. As described above, the distance between the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 is sufficiently shorter than the distance between the power transmitting coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3. Therefore, the coupling coefficient between the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 is sufficiently larger than the coupling coefficient between the power transmitting coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3. For this reason, the magnetic flux is efficiently supplied from the relay coil L2 to the power receiving coil L3. Alternating power is generated by the magnetic flux interlinked with the power receiving coil L3, and the load LD is charged.

  As described above, the magnetic flux MF generated in the power transmission coil L1 has the strongest center position of the power transmission coil L1. Moreover, the axis | shaft O2 of the relay coil L2 and the axis | shaft O3 of the receiving coil L3 correspond by the protrusion 35 formed in the main-body part 32 of the electric equipment 13, and the groove | channel 24 formed in the recessed part 23 of the relay part 12. FIG. Yes. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the relay unit 12 that holds the electric device 13 is arranged with respect to the power transmission unit 11 by the user so that the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 coincides with the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1. Thus, the magnetic flux MF is easily transmitted from the power transmission coil L1 to the relay coil L2. As a result, the power generated in the power transmission coil L1 can be transmitted to the power reception coil L3 via the relay coil L2 with high efficiency, and the power can be supplied even if the distance between the power transmission unit 11 and the electrical device 13 is relatively long. Can be transmitted.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A2 of the relay coil L2 is made larger than the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A3 of the power receiving coil L3, and the power transmitting coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power receiving coil. The power transmission unit 11, the relay unit 12, and the electric device 13 are configured so that the axes O1, O2, and O3 of all the coils of L3 are arranged in parallel to the horizontal plane H0, and the axis O2 and the power reception coil of the relay coil L2 The axis O3 of L3 is made coincident. Therefore, the magnetic flux generated in the power transmission coil L1 is not directly received only by the power reception coil L3, but is temporarily received by the relay coil L2 whose area of the magnetic flux linkage region is larger than the power reception coil L3, and then the power reception coil L3 is interlinked. By doing so, more magnetic flux can be linked to the receiving coil L3. Further, as is known, since the power transmission efficiency between the opposing coils is high, the power can be efficiently transmitted from the relay coil L2 to the power receiving coil L3.

  Furthermore, by arranging the relay unit 12 with respect to the power transmission unit 11 so that the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 and the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1 coincide, the relay coil is located at a position where a strong magnetic flux is generated in the power transmission coil L1. L2 and the receiving coil L3 can be arrange | positioned. For this reason, the receiving coil L3 can receive more magnetic flux. As a result, when power is transmitted from the power transmission unit 11 to the electrical device 13 in a non-contact manner, it is possible to improve transmission efficiency and transmission distance.

  Further, the power transmission unit 11, the relay unit 12, and the electric device 13 are arranged so that the axes O1, O2, and O3 of all the coils of the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 are arranged in parallel to the horizontal plane H0. It is composed. Therefore, what is necessary is just to arrange | position the power transmission part 11 and the relay part 12 of the state holding the electric equipment 13 side by side. For this reason, even when using the electric equipment 13 in the washroom where the area which arrange | positions the power transmission part 11 is restricted, the power transmission part 11 and the relay part 12 can be arrange | positioned suitably.

  In the first embodiment, since the relay unit 12 includes the holding unit 21, the relay unit 12 also has a function of holding the electric device 13. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts constituting the non-contact power transmission system 10 can be suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the relay unit 12a and the electric device 13 of the non-contact power transmission system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a positional relationship among the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 of the non-contact power transmission system 10a of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing the positional relationship between the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 and the flow of magnetic flux in the non-contact power transmission system 10a of the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, for convenience of illustration, only the power receiving coil L <b> 3 is illustrated as the electric device 13 inserted into the recess 23 of the relay unit 12 a. In the second embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  The non-contact power transmission system 10a of the second embodiment includes a power transmission unit 11, a relay unit 12a, and an electrical device 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the relay part 12a has a teardrop-shaped holding part 21a in plan view. The holding part 21a has a recess 23 and a groove 24 formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. A relay coil L2 is provided on the wall surface on the back side of the holding portion 21a. As shown in FIG. 8, the relay coil L2 is arranged away from the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3, and the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 and the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 intersect at an angle θ0. Yes. In other words, the shape of the wall surface of the holding portion 21a provided with the relay coil L2 and the groove 24 of the recess 23 so that the positional relationship between the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 is the positional relationship shown in FIG. The position is determined.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, the relay unit 12 a is arranged such that the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 intersects the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 instead of being coaxial. It is arranged with respect to the electric device 13. 7 and 8, the user connects the relay unit 12a in a state where the electric device 13 is inserted into the recess 23 and holds the electric device 13, the shaft O1 of the power transmission coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3. It arrange | positions with respect to the power transmission part 11 so that the axis | shaft O3 may correspond. As a result, the relay coil L2 interlinks the magnetic flux MF1 that cannot be received by the power receiving coil L3 and diverges from the power transmitting coil L1 in the lateral direction of the power receiving coil L3, and a part of the magnetic flux MF2 is received by the power receiving coil L3. It becomes possible to pass to. As a result, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to improve the power transmission efficiency compared to the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically illustrating the relay unit 12b of the non-contact power transmission system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a positional relationship among the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 of the non-contact power transmission system 10b of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing the positional relationship between the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 and the flow of magnetic flux in the non-contact power transmission system 10b of the third embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, for convenience of illustration, only the power receiving coil L3 is illustrated as the electric device 13 inserted into the recess 23b of the relay portion 12b. In the third embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  A non-contact power transmission system 10 b according to the third embodiment includes a power transmission unit 11, a relay unit 12 b, and an electrical device 13. As shown in FIG. 9, the relay unit 12 b includes a holding unit 21 b and a back surface unit 22. That is, the relay unit 12b includes a holding unit 21b in place of the holding unit 21 in the relay unit 12 of the first embodiment. The holding portion 21b of the second embodiment differs from the holding portion 21 of the first embodiment in the position of the groove provided in the recess. That is, in the second embodiment, when the protrusion 35 provided on the electric device 13 is fitted into the groove 24b and the electric device 13 is inserted into the recess 23b of the holding portion 21b, the power receiving coil provided on the electric device 13 L <b> 3 is inclined with respect to the relay coil L <b> 2 provided on the back surface portion 22.

  In a state where the relay unit 12b holds the electric device 13, the user moves the relay unit 12b shown in FIG. 9 on the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1 and the relay coil L2 as shown in FIG. In a state of being inclined with respect to L1, the angle between the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 and the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1 is θ1, and the angle between the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 and the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1 is Assuming θ2, θ1> θ2.

  In other words, in FIG. 11, the angle formed by the planar power transmission coil L1 and the relay coil L2 is smaller than the angle formed by the planar power transmission coil L1 and the power reception coil L3. That is, the relay coil L2 is arranged at the substantially center of the sector formed by the power receiving coil L3 and the power transmitting coil L1 with the extension line of the power receiving coil L3 and the power transmitting coil L1 as the center.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the holding portion 21b of the relay portion 12b is configured so that the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 is arranged to intersect the axis O2 of the relay coil L2. 10 and 11, the user transmits the relay unit 12b in which the electric device 13 is inserted into the recess 23b so that the relay coil L2 is positioned on the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1. It is arranged with respect to the part 11. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 11, since the power receiving coil L3 is not opposed to the power transmitting coil L1, the magnetic flux is less likely to be linked to the power receiving coil L3 due to the flow of magnetic flux generated in the power transmitting coil, and is generated in the power transmitting coil L1. Only the magnetic flux MF3 away from the center of the magnetic flux MF to be linked to the power receiving coil L3.

  However, in the third embodiment, the relay coil L2 is disposed between the power reception coil L3 and the power transmission coil L1 so as to be inclined to the power reception coil L3 and the power transmission coil L1. For this reason, a part of the magnetic flux MF5 generated in the power transmission coil L1 and interlinked with the relay coil L2 is induced by the relay coil L2 toward the power receiving coil L3. As a result, the magnetic flux interlinking with the power receiving coil L3 increases, so that the power transmission efficiency can be improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing the contactless power transmission system 10c of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing a positional relationship among the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 of the non-contact power transmission system 10c of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing the positional relationship between the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 and the flow of magnetic flux in the non-contact power transmission system 10c of the fourth embodiment. In 4th Embodiment, the same or similar code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same or similar structure as 1st Embodiment. Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

  The non-contact power transmission system 10c of the fourth embodiment includes a power transmission unit 11c having a power transmission coil L1, a relay unit 12c having a relay coil L2, and an electric device 13c having a power reception coil L3. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, in the non-contact power transmission system 10 c of the fourth embodiment, each of the power transmission coil L <b> 1, the relay coil L <b> 2, and the power reception coil L <b> 3 is, for example, a copper wire having a spiral shape along a curved surface. And is formed in a curved surface shape.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the casing of the power transmission unit 11 c has a side surface that is curved in plan view, and a power transmission coil L <b> 1 is provided along the curved side surface. The electric device 13c has a cylindrical main body, and a curved receiving coil L3 is provided along the cylindrical curved side surface.

  The relay part 12c has a cylindrical holding part 21c. A curved relay coil L2 is provided along the curved side surface of the cylindrical holding portion 21c. The recessed part 23 and the groove | channel 24 are comprised similarly to 1st Embodiment. Therefore, when the electric device 13c is inserted into the recess 23 of the holding portion 21c, as shown in FIG. 14, the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 and the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 are aligned with respect to the electric device 13c. A relay unit 12c is arranged.

  According to this 4th Embodiment, since the receiving coil L3 is curving, there exists an advantage which becomes easy to incorporate with respect to the electric equipment 13c which has a curved surface. Further, since the power transmission coil L1 is curved, it is possible to release the magnetic flux MF more widely than in the first embodiment. Therefore, even if the user arranges the relay unit 12c slightly deviated from the power transmission unit 11c, it is possible to transmit power appropriately. Moreover, since the power transmission coil L1 is curved, it is possible to obtain a magnetic flux distribution suitable for supplying electric power simultaneously by arranging a plurality of electric devices 13c horizontally.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically showing a contactless power transmission system 10d of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a side view schematically showing the positional relationship between the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 of the contactless power transmission system 10d of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing a positional relationship among the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 of the contactless power transmission system 10d of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a side view schematically showing the positional relationship between the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 and the flow of magnetic flux in the contactless power transmission system 10d of the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

  The non-contact power transmission system 10d of the fifth embodiment includes a power transmission unit 11 having a power transmission coil L1, a relay unit 12d having a relay coil L2, and an electric device 13d having a power reception coil L3. The relay part 12d includes a columnar holding part 21d. The holding portion 21d is provided with a cylindrical recess 23d. The holding part 21d holds the electric device 13d inserted into the recess 23d. The electric device 13d includes a brush part 31 and a main body part 32d. In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the relay coil L2 is provided on the bottom surface of the holding portion 21d of the relay portion 12d, and the power receiving coil L3 is provided on the bottom surface of the main body portion 32d of the electric device 13d. It has been.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the power transmission coil L1 is configured such that the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1 is parallel to the horizontal plane H0, as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 are configured such that the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 and the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 are perpendicular to the horizontal plane H0. Further, as described above, the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 are provided on the bottom surfaces of the holding portion 21d and the electric device 13d, respectively, so that the holding portion 21d is inserted by inserting the electric device 13d into the recess 23d. In a state where the electric device 13d is held, the distance between the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 is sufficiently small, and the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 are sufficiently coupled.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 and the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 coincide (that is, are coaxial). In other words, the relay coil L2, the power receiving coil L3, and the recess 23d are provided at a position where the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 and the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 coincide.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 are located in front of the power transmitting coil L1. That is, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the power transmission unit 11 and the relay unit 12d are arranged by the user so that the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1 and the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 are orthogonal to each other. Is arranged.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, in the fifth embodiment, the power transmission coil L1 is a planar and rectangular coil, and the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 are planar. It is a circular coil. The area of the magnetic flux linkage area A1 of the power transmission coil L1 is sufficiently larger than the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A2 of the relay coil L2 and the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A3 of the power receiving coil L3. Yes. Further, the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A2 of the relay coil L2 is larger than the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A3 of the power receiving coil L3.

  Next, operation | movement of the non-contact electric power transmission system 10d of 5th Embodiment is demonstrated. First, as in the first embodiment, the magnetic flux MF generated in the power transmission coil L1 is also linked to the power receiving coil L3, but more in the relay coil L2 where the area of the magnetic flux linkage region is larger than that of the power receiving coil L3. The magnetic flux MF is interlinked. The magnetic flux MF interlinked with the relay coil L2 is efficiently interlinked with the power receiving coil L3 arranged close to the relay coil L2. Alternating power is generated by the magnetic flux MF interlinked with the power receiving coil L3, and the load LD (FIG. 1) is charged by the alternating power.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the relay unit 12d is configured such that the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane H0. Therefore, the relay coil L2 may be wound around the holding portion 21d of the relay portion 12d. For this reason, the back surface part 22 in 1st Embodiment becomes unnecessary, and the relay part 12d can be made compact. Note that the holding portion 21d of the relay portion 12d is basically formed with a recess 23d that matches the outer shape of the electrical device 13d, and the electrical device 13d is inserted into the recess 23d. Thus, the point that the electric device 13d is held by the holding portion 21d is the same as in the first embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, the electric device 13d is configured such that the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane H0. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to employ a configuration in which the power receiving coil L3 is built in the bottom surface of the electric device 13d. For this reason, the receiving coil L3 can be easily provided in the electric equipment 13d. For example, when the electric devices 13 and 13d are electric toothbrushes as in the first and fifth embodiments, the bottom surface of the main body 32d as shown in FIG. 15 rather than the periphery of the main body 32 as shown in FIG. It is easier to secure a space for providing the power receiving coil L3.

  In the fifth embodiment, the electric device 13d is configured such that the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane H0. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 19, the electric device 13 d may be configured with the shape of the power receiving coil L <b> 3 as a solenoid. In general, with an electric toothbrush, it is easy to secure a space in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, when the electric device 13d is an electric toothbrush as in the fifth embodiment, if the shape of the power receiving coil L3 is a solenoid as shown in FIG. 19, the power receiving coil L3 can be easily attached to the electric device 13d. Can be provided.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 20 is a perspective view schematically showing a non-contact power transmission system 10e according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a side view schematically showing the power transmission unit 11e and the relay unit 12e of the contactless power transmission system 10e of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a perspective view schematically showing a positional relationship among the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 of the non-contact power transmission system 10e of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a side view schematically showing the positional relationship between the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 and the flow of magnetic flux in the non-contact power transmission system 10e of the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  The non-contact power transmission system 10e of the sixth embodiment includes a power transmission unit 11e having a power transmission coil L1, a relay unit 12e having a relay coil L2, and an electric device 13e having a power reception coil L3. Compared with the power transmission unit 11 of the first embodiment, the power transmission unit 11e has a longer dimension in the height direction of the housing, and the position of the power transmission coil L1 is closer to that of the power transmission unit 11e than the power transmission unit 11. Is higher.

  The relay part 12e includes an inclined columnar holding part 21e whose upper surface is inclined. The holding portion 21e is provided with an oblique cylindrical recess 23e. The holding part 21e holds the electric device 13e inserted into the recess 23e. In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the relay coil L2 is provided on the inclined upper surface of the holding portion 21e.

  The electric device 13e includes a brush part 31 and a main body part 32e. The main body 32e has an inclined bottom surface. In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the power receiving coil L3 is provided on the inclined bottom surface of the main body 32e. Therefore, the receiving coil L3 is located below the lower end of the power transmission coil L1. When the electric device 13e is inserted into the oblique cylindrical recess 23e, the oblique cylindrical recess 23e and the inclined bottom surface of the main body 32e are formed so that the inclined bottom surface of the main body 32e matches the bottom surface of the recess 23e. Yes. In FIG. 21, only the power receiving coil L3 of the electric device 13e is shown for convenience of illustration.

  The power transmission unit 11e is configured such that the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1 is parallel to the horizontal plane, as shown in FIGS. The relay unit 12e is configured such that the axis O2 of the relay coil L2 intersects the axis O1 of the power transmission coil L1. The electric device 13e is configured such that the axis O3 of the power receiving coil L3 is orthogonal to the axis O1 of the power transmitting coil L1.

  As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 22, in the sixth embodiment, the power transmission coil L1 is a planar and rectangular coil, and the relay coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 are planar. It is a circular coil. The area of the magnetic flux linkage area A1 of the power transmission coil L1 is sufficiently larger than the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A2 of the relay coil L2 and the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A3 of the power receiving coil L3. Yes. Further, the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A2 of the relay coil L2 is larger than the area of the magnetic flux linkage area A3 of the power receiving coil L3.

  As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the power transmission unit 11e and the holding unit 21e of the relay unit 12e are configured so that the power transmission coil L1 and the relay coil L2 have substantially the same height. In addition, you may comprise the holding | maintenance part 21e of the power transmission part 11e and the relay part 12e so that the relay coil L2 may become a position somewhat lower than the power transmission coil L1.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the power reception coil L3 is disposed below the lower end of the power transmission coil L1, and the relay coil L2 is substantially the same height as the power transmission coil L1 and is higher than the power reception coil L3. In the position, it is inclined with respect to the power transmission coil L1 and the power reception coil L3. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, particularly, a strong magnetic flux MF near the center of the power transmission coil L1 can be linked to the lower power reception coil L3 via the relay coil L2. As a result, the power transmission efficiency can be improved, and the power transmission distance can be increased.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 24 is a perspective view schematically showing a non-contact power transmission system 10f according to the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as those in the first and fifth embodiments. Hereinafter, the seventh embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the fifth embodiment.

  The non-contact power transmission system 10f of the seventh embodiment includes a power transmission unit 11, a relay unit 12f, and an electrical device 13d. The relay unit 12f includes a holding unit 21f. The holding part 21f has a cup shape. The relay coil L2 is provided on the bottom surface of the holding portion 21f.

  Thus, in the seventh embodiment, the holding portion 21f that holds the electric device 13d is formed in a cup shape. Therefore, there is an advantage that the relay unit 12f can have a function different from the relay of electric power and the holding of the electric device 13d that is used for gargle as a cup, and the function of the relay unit 12f is increased.

  Further, in the seventh embodiment, the diameter of the cup is formed to be twice or more the diameter of the electric device 13d, and the plurality of electric devices 13d are held by the holding portion 21f, so that one relay coil L2 is used. Electric power can be transmitted to the plurality of power receiving coils L3. That is, the load LD (FIG. 1) of the plurality of electric devices 13d can be charged.

  Furthermore, in this 7th Embodiment, storage around a wash surface can be shown naturally as an aesthetics. In addition, you may form the relay part 12f in the shape of the storage container which can hold | maintain the basket and other electric equipment 13d instead of a cup.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 25 is a perspective view schematically showing a contactless power transmission system 10g of the eighth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as those in the first and fifth embodiments. Hereinafter, the eighth embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the fifth embodiment.

  The non-contact power transmission system 10g of the eighth embodiment includes a power transmission unit 11, a relay unit 12g, and an electric device 13d. The relay portion 12g is configured in a sheet shape and is configured to be able to be attached to, for example, a commercially available cup 41 by an adhesive means such as an adhesive tape.

  Thus, in the eighth embodiment, the user can use the cup 41 according to his / her preference as a relay unit having a function of holding the electric device 13d. For this reason, the versatility of a non-contact electric power transmission system spreads. In addition, you may make it affix the relay part 12g not to a cup but to a basket and other storage containers.

(Other)
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, the power transmission coil L1, the relay coil L2, and the power reception coil L3 may be planar or solenoidal. Further, a planar coil and a solenoid coil may be used in combination. Moreover, when it is a planar coil, it may be rectangular or circular. Also, the direction of bending can be changed as appropriate.

  The circuit configuration of the switching elements S1 to S4 of the power transmission units 11 and 11e may be a full bridge circuit or a half bridge circuit. Further, the rectifier circuit BD of the electric devices 13, 13d, 13e may be a half-wave rectifier circuit instead of a full-wave rectifier circuit.

  In the above embodiments, the electric devices 13, 13 d, and 13 e are exemplified by electric toothbrushes. May be. Further, the place of use is not limited to the washroom, and any place where small appliances are used in the bathroom, bedroom, or living room may be used.

  The non-contact power transmission system according to the present invention can improve the power transmission efficiency and increase the transmission distance, and thus can be applied not only to small household appliances but also to applications such as lighting equipment and toys.

10, 10a to 10g Non-contact power transmission system 11, 11e Power transmission unit 12, 12a to 12g Relay unit 13, 13d, 13e Electrical equipment C1 Transmission side resonance capacitor C2 Relay resonance capacitor L1 Power transmission coil L2 Relay coil L3 Power reception coil LC1 Power transmission Side resonance circuit LC2 Relay resonance circuit

Claims (11)

A power transmission unit including a power transmission side resonance circuit including a power transmission coil and a power transmission side resonance capacitor for transmitting power in a contactless manner;
A relay unit comprising a relay coil and a relay resonance capacitor, and including a relay resonance circuit that performs LC resonance with the power transmission side resonance circuit;
An electric device including a power receiving coil for receiving power from the power transmitting coil through the relay coil in a non-contact manner with the relay coil;
The contactless power transmission system according to claim 1, wherein an area of the magnetic flux linkage region of the relay coil is larger than an area of the magnetic flux linkage region of the power receiving coil. The power transmission unit is configured such that an axis of the power transmission coil is parallel to a horizontal plane,
The contactless power transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the electric device is configured such that an axis of the power receiving coil is parallel to a horizontal plane. The relay unit is configured such that an axis of the relay coil is parallel to a horizontal plane,
The contactless power transmission system according to claim 2, wherein the electric device is configured such that an axis of the power receiving coil is coaxial with an axis of the relay coil.   The contactless power transmission system according to claim 2, wherein the relay unit is configured such that an axis of the relay coil intersects an axis of the power receiving coil.   The contactless power transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the electric device is configured such that an axis of the power receiving coil is orthogonal to a horizontal plane.   The contactless power transmission system according to claim 5, wherein the relay unit is configured such that an axis of the relay coil is orthogonal to a horizontal plane. The power transmission unit is configured such that an axis of the power transmission coil is parallel to a horizontal plane,
The relay unit is configured such that the relay coil is located at a level higher than the power reception coil and substantially the same as the power transmission coil, and the axis of the relay coil intersects the axis of the power reception coil. The contactless power transmission system according to claim 5, wherein   The relay unit and the electrical device are configured such that a distance between the relay coil and the power receiving coil is shorter than a distance between the relay coil and the power transmission coil. Item 8. The non-contact power transmission system according to any one of Items 1 to 7.   The contactless power transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the relay unit further includes a holding unit that holds the electric device that is not used.   The non-contact power transmission system according to claim 9, wherein the holding portion is formed in a cup shape having an opening on an upper surface.   The contactless power transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the relay unit is configured in a sheet shape that can be attached to a container for holding the electric device.

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