JP7840740B2 - Insertion coupler, receiving coupler, and wireless power transmission system - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an insertion-side coupler, an acceptance-side coupler, and a wireless power transmission system.

In recent years, with the widespread adoption of mobile phones and electric vehicles, the development of wireless power transmission systems has been actively pursued. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a wireless power supply system in which the connector body of a charging connector housing a power transmission unit is inserted into the insertion part of a power receiving connector housing a power receiving unit, thereby wirelessly transmitting power from the power transmission unit to the power receiving unit.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-73016

However, while the technology described in Patent Document 1 can reliably connect and hold the wireless power transmission device to the wireless power reception device, there is room for improvement in terms of suppressing stray capacitance generated in the power transmission and reception sections.

The present invention aims to provide an insertion-side coupler, an acceptance-side coupler, and a wireless power transmission system that enable wireless power transmission with high transmission efficiency.

This invention relates to an insertion-side coupler comprising an insertion-side first electrode and an insertion-side second electrode positioned at a distance from the insertion-side first electrode, and capable of transmitting power to a receiving-side coupler in an inserted state where the insertion-side first electrode faces the receiving-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode faces the receiving-side second electrode.

The insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode may be configured such that the distance between them decreases as they move toward the tip side in the insertion direction into the receiving-side coupler.

The angle of the insertion-side second electrode relative to the insertion-side first electrode may be 45° or less.

The device further comprises a resin electrode support portion positioned between the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode, supporting both the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode; and a resin insertion-side electrode coating layer covering the surface of the insertion-side first electrode opposite to the electrode support portion and the surface of the insertion-side second electrode opposite to the electrode support portion. The dielectric constant of the electrode support portion may be smaller than that of the insertion-side electrode coating layer.

The dielectric loss tangent of the insertion-side electrode coating layer may be smaller than the dielectric loss tangent of the electrode support portion.

In the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode may be brought closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode may be brought closer together, as these are movable electrodes.

The movable electrode may be movable in conjunction with the insertion operation into the receiving coupler.

In the aforementioned insertion state, the device may further include an elastic member that biases the movable electrode in a direction that brings the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode closer together, and in a direction that brings the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode closer together.

The device may further include a drive mechanism that drives the movable electrode so that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode approach each other, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode approach each other.

The movable electrode may be configured to be movable by magnetic force such that, in the inserted state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode are close together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode are close together.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a receiving-side coupler comprising a receiving-side first electrode and a receiving-side second electrode positioned at a distance from the receiving-side first electrode, and an insertion-side coupler comprising an insertion-side first electrode and an insertion-side second electrode positioned at a distance from the insertion-side first electrode, wherein power transmission is possible in an inserted state where the receiving-side first electrode faces the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side second electrode faces the insertion-side second electrode.

It may have an insertion opening formed by the receiving side first electrode and the receiving side second electrode, which widens in a substantially V-shape toward the tip.

In the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode may be brought closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode may be brought closer together, as these are movable electrodes.

The movable electrode may be movable in conjunction with the insertion operation into the insertion-side coupler.

In the aforementioned insertion state, the device may further include an elastic member that biases the movable electrode in a direction that brings the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode closer together, and in a direction that brings the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode closer together.

The device may further include a drive mechanism that drives the movable electrode so that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode approach each other, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode approach each other.

The movable electrode may be configured to be movable by magnetic force such that, in the inserted state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode are close together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode are close together.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a wireless power transmission system comprising: an insertion-side coupler having an insertion-side first electrode and an insertion-side second electrode positioned at a distance from the insertion-side first electrode; and a receiving-side coupler having a receiving-side first electrode and a receiving-side second electrode positioned at a distance from the receiving-side first electrode; wherein power is transmitted between the insertion-side coupler and the receiving-side coupler in an inserted state, with the insertion-side coupler inserted into the receiving-side coupler such that the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode face each other, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode face each other.

The insertion-side coupler is formed such that the distance between the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode narrows towards the tip side in the insertion direction into the receiving-side coupler, and the receiving-side coupler may have an insertion opening formed by the receiving-side first electrode and the receiving-side second electrode, which widens in a substantially V-shape toward the tip side.

The insertion-side coupler may be formed such that the angle between the insertion-side second electrode and the insertion-side first electrode is 45° or less, and the receiving-side coupler may be formed such that the angle between the receiving-side second electrode and the receiving-side first electrode is equal to the angle between the insertion-side second electrode and the insertion-side first electrode.

The distance between the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode, and the distance between the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode in the insertion state, may be smaller than the distance between the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode.

The insertion-side coupler further comprises a resin electrode support portion formed between the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode, supporting the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode, and a resin insertion-side electrode coating layer covering the surface of the insertion-side first electrode opposite to the electrode support portion and the surface of the insertion-side second electrode opposite to the electrode support portion. The receiving-side coupler further comprises a receiving-side electrode coating layer covering the surface of the receiving-side first electrode facing the insertion-side first electrode and the surface of the receiving-side second electrode facing the insertion-side second electrode. The dielectric constant of the receiving-side electrode coating layer and the dielectric constant of the insertion-side electrode coating layer may each be greater than the dielectric constant of the electrode support portion.

The dielectric loss tangents of the insertion-side electrode coating layer and the receiving-side electrode coating layer may each be smaller than the dielectric loss tangent of the electrode support portion.

In the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode may be brought closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode may be brought closer together. At least one of these three electrodes may be configured to be movable.

The movable electrode may be movable in conjunction with the operation of inserting the insertion-side coupler into the receiving-side coupler.

In the aforementioned insertion state, the device may further include an elastic member that biases the movable electrode in a direction that brings the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode closer together, and in a direction that brings the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode closer together.

The device may further include a drive mechanism that drives the movable electrode so that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode approach each other, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode approach each other.

The movable electrode may be configured to be movable by magnetic force such that, in the inserted state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode are close together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode are close together.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an insertion-side coupler, an acceptance-side coupler, and a wireless power transmission system that enable wireless power transmission with high transmission efficiency.

This is a configuration diagram showing a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of the circuit configuration of a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view of a coupler in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the insertion-side coupler is inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a cross-sectional view of a coupler in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in the process of inserting the insertion-side coupler into the receiving-side coupler. This is a cross-sectional view of a coupler in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a cross-sectional view showing a coupler of a first modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the relationship between the gap between the insertion-side electrode coating layer of the insertion-side coupler and the receiving-side coating layer of the receiving-side coupler according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the transmission efficiency. This figure shows the relationship between the dielectric constant of the insertion-side electrode coating layer and the receiving-side coating layer of an insertion-side coupler according to one embodiment of the present invention and the transmission efficiency. This figure shows the relationship between the dielectric constant and transmission efficiency of the insertion-side electrode support portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the relationship between the thickness of the insertion-side electrode support portion and the transmission efficiency according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing a coupler of a second modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of a coupler of a second modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the insertion-side coupler is inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a second modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler is being inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a second modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a perspective view showing a coupler of a third modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of a coupler of a third modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the insertion-side coupler is inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a third modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler is being inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a third modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a perspective view showing a coupler of a fourth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of a coupler of a fourth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the insertion-side coupler is inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a fourth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler is being inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a fourth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a perspective view showing a coupler of a fifth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of a coupler of a fifth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the insertion-side coupler is inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a fifth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler is being inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a fifth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a perspective view showing a coupler of a sixth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of a coupler of a sixth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the insertion-side coupler is inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a sixth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler is being inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a sixth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a perspective view showing a coupler of a seventh modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of a coupler of a seventh modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the insertion-side coupler is inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a seventh modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a seventh modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state after the drive mechanism has been driven after the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a perspective view showing a coupler of the eighth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of a coupler of the eighth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the insertion-side coupler is inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of the eighth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of the eighth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state after the drive mechanism has been driven after the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a perspective view showing a coupler of a ninth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of a coupler of a ninth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the insertion-side coupler is inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a ninth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler is being inserted into the receiving-side coupler. This is a side view of a coupler of a ninth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the insertion-side coupler is inserted into the receiving-side coupler, compared to the state shown in Figure 24B. This is a side view of a coupler of a ninth modified example in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler.

(Embodiment)
The following describes a wireless power transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the figures referenced in the following description merely provide a schematic representation of the shape, size, and positional relationships to the extent that the contents of this disclosure can be understood. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the shapes, sizes, and positional relationships exemplified in the figures.

First, the overall configuration of the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the wireless power transmission system 100. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the circuit configuration of the wireless power transmission system 100. The wireless power transmission system 100 comprises a wireless power transmission device 1 and a wireless power receiving device 2.

The wireless power transmission device 1 will now be described. The wireless power transmission device 1 comprises an insertion-side coupler 10, coils _L11 and _L12 , and a power supply 40.

The insertion-side coupler 10 is configured to be insertable into the receiving-side coupler 20 of the wireless power receiving device 2, which will be described later. The insertion-side coupler 10 comprises a flat plate-shaped insertion-side first electrode 11 and a flat plate-shaped insertion-side second electrode 12 positioned at a distance from the insertion-side first electrode 11. A detailed description of the insertion-side coupler 10 will be provided later.

Coil L ₁₁ is connected to the insertion-side first electrode 11 via the transmission line 31. Coil L ₁₂ is connected to the insertion-side second electrode 12 via the transmission line 32.

The power supply 40 is an AC power supply that supplies AC power to the insertion-side first electrode 11 and insertion-side second electrode 12 of the insertion-side coupler 10. The power supply 40 has terminals 41 and 42. The end of the transmission line 31 opposite to the side to which the insertion-side first electrode 11 is connected is connected to terminal 41. That is, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the insertion-side first electrode 11 of the insertion-side coupler 10 is connected to the power supply 40 via the transmission line 31 and coil L ₁₁ in that order. On the other hand, the end of the transmission line 32 opposite to the side to which the insertion-side second electrode 12 is connected is connected to terminal 42. That is, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the insertion-side second electrode 12 of the insertion-side coupler 10 is connected to the power supply 40 via the transmission line 32 and coil L ₁₂ in that order. The power sent from the power supply 40 is transmitted to the insertion-side coupler 10 via the transmission line 31 and coil L ₁₁ or the transmission line 32 and coil L ₁₂ .

The wireless power receiving device 2 will now be described. The wireless power receiving device 2 is equipped with a receiving-side coupler 20 and coils L ₂₁ and L ₂₂ , and is connected to a load 50. The load 50 is, for example, a storage battery, which is used in industrial equipment and portable electronic devices. Examples of industrial equipment include electric vehicles, and examples of portable electronic devices include laptop computers, smartphones, and portable music players.

The receiving-side coupler 20 comprises a flat receiving-side first electrode 21 and a flat receiving-side second electrode 22 positioned at a distance from the receiving-side first electrode 21. The receiving-side coupler 20 is formed so that the insertion-side coupler 10 can be inserted between the receiving-side first electrode 21 and the receiving-side second electrode 22. As shown in Figure 1, in the inserted state where the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20, the receiving-side first electrode 21 faces the insertion-side first electrode 11, and the receiving-side second electrode 22 faces the insertion-side second electrode 12. A detailed explanation of the receiving-side coupler 20's configuration will follow later.

Coil L ₂₁ is connected to the receiving side first electrode 21 via transmission line 33. Coil L ₂₂ is connected to the receiving side second electrode 22 via transmission line 34.

The load 50 has terminals 51 and 52. Terminal 51 is connected to the end of the transmission line 33 opposite to the side to which the receiving side first electrode 21 is connected. That is, as shown in Figure 1, the receiving side first electrode 21 of the receiving side coupler 20 is connected to the load 50 via the transmission line 33 and coil L ₂₁ in that order. On the other hand, terminal 52 is connected to the end of the transmission line 34 opposite to the side to which the receiving side second electrode 22 is connected. That is, as shown in Figure 1, the receiving side second electrode 22 of the receiving side coupler 20 is connected to the load 50 via the transmission line 34 and coil L ₂₂ in that order. Power transmitted to the insertion side coupler 10 is transmitted to the receiving side coupler 20 by a wireless transmission method using electric field coupling or electric field resonance. Power transmitted to the receiving side coupler 20 is transmitted to the load 50 via the transmission line 33 and coil L ₂₁ or the transmission line 34 and coil L ₂₂ .

Next, the details of the wireless power transmission method of the wireless power transmission system 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

When power is transmitted from the power supply 40, a capacitance C _m1 is formed between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21, and a capacitance C _m2 is formed between the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22. Since AC power is transmitted from the power supply 40, charge is stored in or released in capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , thereby transmitting power from the insertion-side coupler 10 to the receiving-side coupler 20, and supplying power to the load 50. Specifically, when a positive voltage is sent from the power supply 40 and a positive charge from the power supply 40 is accumulated on the insertion-side first electrode 11, a negative charge is induced on the receiving-side first electrode 21 via capacitance C _m1 . Then, the negative voltage is transmitted to the wireless power receiving device 2. When a negative voltage is sent from the power supply 40 and a negative charge from the power supply 40 is accumulated on the insertion-side first electrode 11, a positive charge is induced on the receiving-side first electrode 21 via capacitance C m1. Then, a positive voltage is transmitted to the wireless power receiving device 2. AC power is then transmitted to the wireless power receiving device 2. Similarly, AC power is transmitted between the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22. That is, a resonant circuit is formed by coils _L11 , _L12 , _L21 , _L22 and _Cm1 , _Cm2, etc., and power is transmitted by an electric field resonance power transmission method. As described above, the power transmitted from the wireless power transmitting device 1 is transmitted to the wireless power receiving device 2 through capacities _Cm1 and _Cm2 .

Here, as shown in Figure 2, a stray capacitance C ₁₁ is formed between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12 due to the formation of an electric field. Also, a stray capacitance C ₁₂ is formed between the receiving-side first electrode 21 and the receiving-side second electrode 22 due to the formation of an electric field. If the stray capacitances C ₁₁ and C ₁₂ , which do not contribute to power transmission, become large, the degree of coupling between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving-side coupler 20 decreases, and the power transmission efficiency decreases. The objective of one embodiment of the present invention is to improve the power transmission efficiency by suppressing the stray capacitances C ₁₁ and C ₁₂ .

In this embodiment, a slot-in type coupler 60 is formed by the insertion-side coupler 10 of the wireless power transmission device 1 and the receiving-side coupler 20 of the wireless power receiving device 2. The details of the configuration of the coupler 60 of the wireless power transmission system 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

The coupler 60 comprises an insertion-side coupler 10 and a receiving-side coupler 20. Wireless power transmission is possible between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving-side coupler 20 when the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20. In Figure 1, the insertion direction X of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20 is defined as the X-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction in the plane of the insertion-side first electrode 11, insertion-side second electrode 12, receiving-side first electrode 21, and receiving-side second electrode 22 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the coupler 60 is defined as the Z-axis direction.

The insertion-side coupler 10 will now be described. As shown in Figure 1, the insertion-side coupler 10 further comprises an insertion-side electrode support portion 13 that supports the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12, a support portion coating layer 14, and an insertion-side electrode coating layer 15.

The insertion-side electrode support portion 13 is made of plate-shaped resin, and its thickness d1 decreases towards the tip side in the insertion direction X into the receiving-side coupler 20. That is, the insertion-side electrode support portion 13 has a roughly wedge shape.

As shown in Figure 1, the insertion-side first electrode 11 is positioned on one side (the upper side in Figure 1) of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13 in the Z-axis direction (the thickness direction of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13). The insertion-side second electrode 12 is positioned on the other side (the lower side in Figure 1) of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12 are positioned facing each other with the insertion-side electrode support portion 13 in between. The angle A1 of the insertion-side second electrode 12 relative to the insertion-side first electrode 11 is preferably 45° or less. By setting the angle A1 to 45° or less, the overall thickness of the coupler 60 can be made thinner.

The resin forming the insertion-side electrode support portion 13 is preferably one with a low dielectric constant from the viewpoint of improving transmission efficiency. Examples include expanded polystyrene.

The support portion coating layer 14 is formed of resin. The support portion coating layer 14 covers the tip end of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13 in the insertion direction X.

The insertion-side electrode coating layer 15 is formed of resin. The insertion-side electrode coating layer 15 includes a first electrode coating layer 151 covering the insertion-side first electrode 11 and a second electrode coating layer 152 covering the insertion-side second electrode 12.

The first electrode coating layer 151 covers the surface of the insertion-side first electrode 11 opposite to the insertion-side electrode support portion 13. That is, in the inserted state, the first electrode coating layer 151 is positioned between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21.

The second electrode coating layer 152 covers the side of the insertion-side second electrode 12 opposite to the insertion-side electrode support portion 13. That is, in the inserted state, the second electrode coating layer 152 is positioned between the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22. The coating of the electrodes by the first electrode coating layer 151 and the second electrode coating layer 152 prevents electrical short circuits.

The resin forming the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15 is preferably one with a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss tangent, from the viewpoint of improving transmission efficiency. For example, the dielectric constant of the resin in the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15 is preferably 4 or higher, and the dielectric positive electrode is preferably 0.01 or lower. As for the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15, depending on the system frequency, for example at 450 kHz, an FR-4 material, which is made by impregnating a glass fiber cloth commonly used in printed circuit boards with epoxy resin and then heat-curing it, is an example.

The receiving-side coupler 20 will now be described. As shown in Figure 1, the receiving-side coupler 20 further comprises a receiving-side electrode support portion 23 that supports the receiving-side first electrode 21 and the receiving-side second electrode 22, a support portion coating layer 24, and a receiving-side electrode coating layer 25.

The receiving electrode support portion 23 is made of resin with a roughly U-shaped cross-section. The receiving electrode support portion 23 includes a first electrode support portion 231 that supports the receiving first electrode 21, a second electrode support portion 232 that supports the receiving second electrode 22, and a connecting portion 233.

The first electrode support portion 231 and the second electrode support portion 232 are plate-shaped and formed to face each other with a gap between them. The gap between the first electrode support portion 231 and the second electrode support portion 232 is formed to widen towards the tip side of the receiving coupler 20.

The receiving side first electrode 21 is positioned on the surface of the first electrode support portion 231 facing the second electrode support portion 232. The receiving side second electrode 22 is positioned on the surface of the second electrode support portion 232 facing the first electrode support portion 231. That is, the receiving side first electrode 21 and the receiving side second electrode 22 are positioned facing each other. The angle A2 of the receiving side second electrode 22 relative to the receiving side first electrode 21 is approximately equal to the angle A1 of the insertion side second electrode 12 relative to the insertion side first electrode 11. The receiving side first electrode 21 and the receiving side second electrode 22 form an insertion opening 26 that widens in a roughly V-shape toward the tip of the receiving side coupler 20.

The connecting portion 233 is plate-shaped and, in the inserted state, extends from the end of the first electrode support portion 231 on the tip side in the insertion direction X to the end of the second electrode support portion 232.

The support portion covering layer 24 is formed of resin. The support portion covering layer 24 covers the surface of the connecting portion 233 on the insertion opening 26 side.

The receiving electrode coating layer 25 is formed of resin. The receiving electrode coating layer 25 includes a first electrode coating layer 251 covering the receiving first electrode 21, and a second electrode coating layer 252 covering the receiving second electrode 22.

The first electrode coating layer 251 covers the surface of the receiving-side first electrode 21 opposite to the first electrode support portion 231. That is, in the inserted state, the first electrode coating layer 251 is positioned between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21.

The second electrode coating layer 252 covers the side of the receiving-side second electrode 22 opposite to the second electrode support portion 232. That is, in the inserted state, the second electrode coating layer 252 is positioned between the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22. The coating of the electrodes by the first electrode coating layer 251 and the second electrode coating layer 252 prevents electrical short circuits.

The resin forming the receiving electrode coating layer 25 is preferably one with a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss tangent, from the viewpoint of improving transmission efficiency. For example, the dielectric constant of the resin in the receiving electrode coating layer 25 is preferably 4 or higher, and the dielectric positive electrode is preferably 0.01 or lower. As for the receiving electrode coating layer 25, depending on the system frequency, for a 450 kHz system, for example, an FR-4 material, which is made by impregnating a glass fiber cloth commonly used in printed circuit boards with epoxy resin and then heat-curing it, is an example.

Next, the connection operation of the coupler 60 will be explained with reference to Figures 3A to 3C. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the coupler 60 of the wireless power transmission system 100, showing the state before the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the coupler 60 of the wireless power transmission system 100, showing the state during the insertion of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20. Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the coupler 60 of the wireless power transmission system 100, showing the inserted state after the insertion-side coupler 10 has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20.

First, as shown in Figure 3A, insert the tip end (support portion coating layer 14 side) of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the insertion port 26 from the tip end of the receiving-side coupler 20.

As shown in Figure 3B, the insertion-side coupler 10 has a roughly wedge shape overall, with the thinnest thickness d1 at the tip. On the other hand, the insertion opening 26 of the receiving-side coupler 20 is roughly V-shaped, with the widest point at the tip. Therefore, the insertion-side coupler 10 can be easily inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20, eliminating the need to provide a gap between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving-side coupler 20 in the inserted state to account for manufacturing tolerances.

As shown in Figure 3C, the insertion state is achieved by housing the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12 within the insertion port 26, completing the connection operation of the coupler 60. In this embodiment, since no design gap is provided to account for manufacturing tolerances, in the insertion state, the first electrode coating layer 151 contacts the first electrode coating layer 251, and the second electrode coating layer 152 contacts the second electrode coating layer 252.

Here, if the size of the gap between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21, or the gap between the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode ₂₂ changes, the capacitance will fluctuate because the capacitance is inversely proportional to the width of the _gap . This gap fluctuates due to the tolerance of the device. Furthermore, if the positional displacement of the insertion-side first electrode 11, the receiving-side first electrode 21, the insertion-side second electrode 12, and the receiving-side second electrode 22 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions causes a change in the area where the electrodes face each other, the capacitance will fluctuate because the capacitance is proportional to this facing area.

Furthermore, in the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment, a resonant circuit is formed by coils _L11 , _L12 , _L21 , _L22 and capacitances _Cm1 , _Cm2, etc., and the frequency of the AC power supply is set to the resonant frequency to transmit power. If capacitances _Cm1 or _Cm2 fluctuate, the resonant frequency shifts, causing a discrepancy with the frequency of the AC power supply and reducing transmission efficiency.

According to the wireless power transmission system 100 of this embodiment, the insertion opening 26 of the receiving coupler 20 is substantially V-shaped, widening towards the tip, and the insertion-side first electrode 11 and insertion-side second electrode 12 are closest to each other at their tip ends in the insertion direction X into the insertion opening 26. Therefore, there is no need to provide a gap between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving coupler 20 in the inserted state to account for manufacturing tolerances. This allows for larger capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , and also suppresses variations in capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 due to fluctuations in the relative position between the electrodes. Thus, high transmission efficiency can be maintained.

(First variation of the coupler)
Next, in the above embodiment, the following modifications can be adopted for the coupler configuration. Referring to the above description and with reference to Figure 4, the configuration of the first modified coupler 60 will be described. In the following description of the first modified coupler, components corresponding to the coupler 60 will be denoted by the same reference numerals according to the same rules. Their descriptions may be omitted or referred to.

Coupler 60A comprises an insertion-side coupler 10A and a receiving-side coupler 20A. Coupler 60A allows for wireless power transmission between the insertion-side coupler 10A and the receiving-side coupler 20A when the insertion-side coupler 10A is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20A.

The insertion-side coupler 10A will now be described. As shown in Figure 4, the insertion-side coupler 10A comprises an insertion-side first electrode 11A, an insertion-side second electrode 12A, an insertion-side electrode support portion 13A, and an insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A.

The insertion-side first electrode 11A and the insertion-side second electrode 12A are flat plates and are positioned opposite each other with a gap between them. In this embodiment, the insertion-side first electrode 11A is positioned approximately parallel to the insertion-side second electrode 12A.

The insertion-side electrode support portion 13A is made of a roughly rectangular resin. That is, in this embodiment, unlike the coupler 60, the thickness d1 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A is formed to be constant. As shown in Figure 4, in the coupler 60A, the insertion-side first electrode 11A is positioned on one side (upper side in Figure 4) of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A in the Z-axis direction. The insertion-side second electrode 12A is positioned on the other side (lower side in Figure 4) of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A in the Z-axis direction. That is, the insertion-side first electrode 11A and the insertion-side second electrode 12A are positioned facing each other with the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A in between.

The insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A is formed of resin. The insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A includes a first electrode coating layer 151A covering the insertion-side first electrode 11A and a second electrode coating layer 152A covering the insertion-side second electrode 12A.

The first electrode coating layer 151A covers the side of the insertion-side first electrode 11A opposite to the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A. That is, in the inserted state, the first electrode coating layer 151A is positioned between the insertion-side first electrode 11A and the receiving-side first electrode 21A.

The second electrode coating layer 152A covers the side of the insertion-side second electrode 12A opposite to the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A. That is, the second electrode coating layer 152A is formed between the insertion-side second electrode 12A and the receiving-side second electrode 22A in the inserted state.

The receiving-side coupler 20A will now be described. As shown in Figure 4, the receiving-side coupler 20A further comprises a receiving-side first electrode 21A, a receiving-side second electrode 22A, a receiving-side electrode support portion 23A, and a receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A.

The receiving side first electrode 21A and the receiving side second electrode 22A are flat plates and are positioned opposite each other with a gap between them. In this embodiment, the receiving side first electrode 21A is positioned approximately parallel to the receiving side second electrode 22A.

The receiving electrode support portion 23A includes a first electrode support portion 231A that supports the receiving first electrode 21A and a second electrode support portion 232A that supports the receiving second electrode 22A.

The first electrode support portion 231A and the second electrode support portion 232A are substantially rectangular in shape and are arranged opposite each other with a gap between them. In this embodiment, the first electrode support portion 231A is arranged substantially parallel to the second electrode support portion 232A.

The receiving-side first electrode 21A is positioned on the surface of the first electrode support portion 231A facing the second electrode support portion 232A. The receiving-side second electrode 22A is positioned on the surface of the second electrode support portion 232A facing the first electrode support portion 231A.

The receiving electrode coating layer 25A is formed of resin. The receiving electrode coating layer 25A includes a first electrode coating layer 251A covering the receiving first electrode 21A and a second electrode coating layer 252A covering the insertion second electrode 12A.

The first electrode coating layer 251A covers the surface of the receiving-side first electrode 21A opposite to the first electrode support portion 231A. That is, in the inserted state, the first electrode coating layer 251A is positioned between the insertion-side first electrode 11A and the receiving-side first electrode 21A.

The second electrode coating layer 252A covers the side of the receiving-side second electrode 22A opposite to the second electrode support portion 232A. That is, in the inserted state, the second electrode coating layer 252A is positioned between the insertion-side second electrode 12A and the receiving-side second electrode 22A. The space 26A between the first electrode coating layer 251A and the second electrode coating layer 252A is formed to allow insertion of the insertion-side coupler 10A of the wireless power transmission device 1.

Furthermore, in coupler 60A, the first electrode coating layer 251A and the second electrode coating layer 252A, which form the space 26A into which the insertion-side coupler 10A is inserted, are formed substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, unlike coupler 60, a gap d2, as shown in Figure 4, is provided to account manufacturing tolerances.

Next, we will explain the influence of each coupler parameter on transmission efficiency, referring to Figures 5 through 8.

(Evaluation Test 1)
In Evaluation Test 1, the effect of the gap between the insertion-side coupler and the receiving-side coupler on transmission efficiency was confirmed. In Evaluation Test 1, using a wireless power transmission system 100 in which the couplers have the same configuration as the coupler 60A described above, the transmission efficiency was confirmed when the gap d2, which is the sum of the gap between the first electrode coating layer 151A and the first electrode coating layer 251A and the gap between the second electrode coating layer 152A and the second electrode coating layer 252A, was changed. Specifically, the transmission efficiency was confirmed when the gap d2 was 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3.0 mm, respectively. Couplers with the following conditions other than gap d2 were used.

Surface dimensions of the insertion-side first electrode 11A, insertion-side second electrode 12A, receiving-side first electrode 21A, and receiving-side second electrode 22A: 210 mm (length) x 148 mm (width)
Thickness of the insertion electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving electrode coating layer 25A: 0.58 mm
Dielectric constant (ε1) of the insertion electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving electrode coating layer 25A: 4.4
Material of the insertion electrode support: Expanded polystyrene; Dielectric constant (ε²) of the insertion electrode support: 1.1

Figure 5 is a graph showing the results of evaluation test 1. The horizontal axis of Figure 5 shows the gap d2 (mm) which is the combined gap between the first electrode coating layer 151A and the first electrode coating layer 251A and the gap between the second electrode coating layer 152A and the second electrode coating layer 252A, and the vertical axis shows the transmission efficiency (%). As shown in Figure 5, the transmission efficiency is 95% when there is no gap d2, and it can be confirmed that it decreases in proportion to the size of the gap d2. This is thought to be because the distance between the insertion-side first electrode 11A and the receiving-side first electrode 21A and the distance between the insertion-side second electrode 12A and the receiving-side second electrode 22A increases, so the capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 that they form decrease.

(Evaluation Test 2)
In Evaluation Test 2, the influence of the dielectric constant ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A on the transmission efficiency was confirmed. In Evaluation Test 2, the gap d2 was 0 mm, and the same wireless power transmission system 100 as in Evaluation Test 1 was used, except for the types of insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A. The transmission efficiency was confirmed when the dielectric constant ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A was changed. Specifically, the transmission efficiency was confirmed when the dielectric constant ε1 was 3.1, 4.4, 6.2, 8.9, 10.2, and 11.3, respectively. The material for the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A with a dielectric constant ε1 of 3.1 is CS-3377S manufactured by Rishou Kogyo Co., Ltd. The material for the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A with a dielectric constant ε1 of 4.4 is CS-3377S manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Ltd. The material for the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A with a dielectric constant ε1 of 8.9 is NPC-F1000A manufactured by Nippon Pillar Industries Co., Ltd. The material for the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A with dielectric constants ε1 of 6.2 and 10.2 is RO3000 manufactured by ROGERS Co., Ltd. The material for the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A with a dielectric constant ε1 of 11.3 is CS-3396 manufactured by Rishou Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Figure 6 is a graph showing the results of evaluation test 2. The horizontal axis of Figure 6 shows the dielectric constant ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A, and the vertical axis of Figure 6 shows the transmission efficiency. As shown in Figure 6, it can be confirmed that increasing the dielectric constant ε1 increases the capacitance C _m1 and C _m2 , thereby improving the transmission efficiency.

(Evaluation Test 3)
In Evaluation Test 3, the influence of the dielectric constant ε2 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A on transmission efficiency was confirmed. In Evaluation Test 3, the same wireless power transmission system 100 as in Evaluation Test 2 was used, except that the dielectric constants ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A and the dielectric constant ε2 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A were changed. The transmission efficiency was confirmed when the dielectric constant ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A was 3.1 (CS-3377S, manufactured by Risho Kogyo Co., Ltd.) or 11.3 (CS-3396, manufactured by Risho Kogyo Co., Ltd.), and the dielectric constant ε2 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A was 1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0.

Figure 7 is a graph showing the results of evaluation test 3. In Figure 7, the horizontal axis represents the dielectric constant ε2 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A, and the vertical axis represents the transmission efficiency. In Figure 7, the results when the dielectric constant ε1 is 3.1 are shown by a dashed line, and the results when the dielectric constant ε2 is 11.3 are shown by a solid line. As shown in Figure 7, it can be confirmed that the transmission efficiency decreases as the dielectric constant ε2 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A increases, and that the higher the dielectric constant ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A, the higher the transmission efficiency can be maintained even as the dielectric constant ε2 increases. In order to maintain high transmission efficiency, it is necessary to increase the dielectric constant ε1 relative to the dielectric constant ε2 between the insertion-side first electrode 11A and the insertion-side second electrode 12A of the insertion-side coupler 10A. That is, the stray capacitance C11 between the electrodes of the wireless power transmission device 1 becomes smaller than the capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 that contribute to electric field resonance coupling, the degree of electric field coupling increases, and the transmission efficiency improves. For example, in order to maintain high transmission efficiency, it is preferable that the dielectric constant ε1 is at least twice that of the dielectric constant ε2.

(Evaluation Test 4)
In Evaluation Test 4, the effect of the thickness d1 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A on transmission efficiency was confirmed. In Evaluation Test 4, the same wireless power transmission system 100 as in Evaluation Test 3 was used, except that the dielectric constant ε2 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A was fixed at 3.9 and the thickness of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A was changed. The transmission efficiency was confirmed when the dielectric constant ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25A was 3.1 (CS-3377S, manufactured by Rishou Kogyo Co., Ltd.) or 11.3 (CS-3396, manufactured by Rishou Kogyo Co., Ltd.), and the thickness of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13A was 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, and 10 mm.

Figure 8 is a graph showing the results of evaluation test 4. The horizontal axis in Figure 8 represents the thickness d1 (mm) of the insertion-side electrode support, and the vertical axis represents the transmission efficiency. In Figure 8, the results when the dielectric constant ε1 is 3.1 are shown with white circles, and the results when the dielectric constant ε1 is 11.3 are shown with black circles. As shown in Figure 8, when the thickness d1 of the insertion-side electrode support 13A decreases, the distance between the electrodes of the insertion-side coupler 10A decreases, so the stray capacitance C11 increases and the transmission efficiency decreases. In contrast, by increasing the dielectric constant ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15A and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25 formed between the electrodes of the insertion-side coupler 10A and the receiving-side coupler 20A, high transmission efficiency can be maintained even when the thickness d1 of the insertion-side electrode support 13A is reduced.

(A second variation of the Capra model)
Next, the configurations of the second to ninth modified versions of the coupler 60 will be described, drawing upon the above explanation. In the following descriptions of the second to ninth modified versions, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the configurations corresponding to the coupler 60. These descriptions may be omitted or referenced without explanation.

First, the configuration of the coupler 60B according to the second modified example will be described. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the coupler 60B. Figure 10A is a side view showing the coupler 60B before the insertion-side coupler 10B is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20. Figure 10B is a side view showing the coupler 60B in the process of inserting the insertion-side coupler 10B into the receiving-side coupler 20. Figure 10C is a side view of the coupler 60B showing the state after the insertion of the insertion-side coupler 10B into the receiving-side coupler 20 is complete. Note that in Figure 9, the configuration corresponding to the receiving-side electrode support portion 23 is omitted from the illustration. Also, the insertion-side first electrode 11B and a part of the first electrode coating layer 151B are omitted from the illustration in order to explain the state of the elastic member 17 arranged in the through hole 131B, which will be described later.

Coupler 60B comprises an insertion-side coupler 10B and a receiving-side coupler 20. Coupler 60B allows wireless power transmission between the insertion-side coupler 10B and the receiving-side coupler 20 when the insertion-side coupler 10B is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20. The configuration of the receiving-side coupler 20 of coupler 60B is the same as that of the receiving-side coupler 20 of coupler 60, and therefore its description is omitted.

The insertion-side coupler 10B will now be described. As shown in Figure 9, the insertion-side coupler 10B comprises an insertion-side first electrode 11B, an insertion-side second electrode 12B, an insertion-side electrode support portion 13B, an insertion-side electrode coating layer 15B, and a plurality of elastic members 17. In the following description, the tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10B in the insertion direction X into the receiving-side coupler 20 will be referred to as the "tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10B."

The insertion-side first electrode 11B and the insertion-side second electrode 12B are flat plates and are positioned opposite each other with a gap between them. The insertion-side first electrode 11B and the insertion-side second electrode 12B are configured such that the distance between them decreases as they approach the tip of the insertion-side coupler 10B.

The insertion-side electrode support portion 13B is a plate-shaped member made of resin material, and its thickness decreases towards the tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10B. A gripping portion 16 is provided at the end of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13B opposite to the tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10B for the user to grip the insertion-side coupler 10B during charging.

The insertion-side electrode support portion 13B has multiple through-holes 131B that penetrate in the thickness direction Z. These multiple through-holes 131B are formed in the insertion-side electrode support portion 13B, extending from the tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10B to the gripping portion 16 side.

The elastic member 17 is a compression spring and is supported by the insertion-side electrode support portion 13B in a manner that allows it to expand and contract freely. Each of the multiple elastic members 17 is positioned in the through-hole 131B such that its axial direction is substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction (the thickness direction of the insertion-side coupler 10B). Furthermore, one end of the elastic member 17 in the axial direction (the upper end in Figure 9) is fixed to the insertion-side first electrode 11B, and the other end in the axial direction (the lower end in Figure 9) is fixed to the insertion-side second electrode 12B. That is, the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the insertion-side second electrode 12B are supported by the elastic member 17 and are relatively movable in opposing directions.

The insertion-side electrode coating layer 15B is formed of resin. The insertion-side electrode coating layer 15B comprises a first electrode coating layer 151B covering the insertion-side first electrode 11B and a second electrode coating layer 152B covering the insertion-side second electrode 12B. The first electrode coating layer 151B covers the side of the insertion-side first electrode 11B opposite to the insertion-side electrode support portion 13B. The second electrode coating layer 152B covers the side of the insertion-side second electrode 12B opposite to the insertion-side electrode support portion 13B.

As shown in Figure 10A, the thickness d3 (width in the Z-axis direction) of the tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10B is thinner than the distance d4 between the first electrode coating layer 251 and the second electrode coating layer 252 on the tip side of the receiving-side coupler 20, and thicker than the distance d5 between the first electrode coating layer 251 and the second electrode coating layer 252 on the support portion coating layer 24 side. Furthermore, the thickness d6 (width in the Z-axis direction) of the gripping portion 16B side of the insertion-side coupler 10B from the first electrode coating layer 151B to the second electrode coating layer 152B is thicker than the distance d4.

Next, the connection operation of coupler 60B will be explained with reference to Figures 10A to 10C.

First, as shown in Figure 10A, the tip of the insertion-side coupler 10B is inserted into the insertion port 26 from the tip of the receiving-side coupler 20. Since the thickness d3 of the insertion-side coupler 10B is thinner than the spacing d4 of the receiving-side coupler 20, the insertion-side coupler 10B can be easily inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20.

As shown in Figure 10B, the insertion opening 26 of the receiving coupler 20 narrows in the Z-axis direction toward the support coating layer 24. Therefore, as the tip of the insertion coupler 10B approaches the support coating layer 24, the force applied to the insertion coupler 10B in the Z-axis direction increases. This force in the Z-axis direction compresses the elastic member 17, causing the insertion-side first electrode 11B and insertion-side second electrode 12B to move toward each other, and their thicknesses d3 and d6 become thinner. In other words, the insertion-side first electrode 11B and insertion-side second electrode 12B can move in conjunction with the operation of inserting the insertion coupler 10B into the receiving coupler 20.

As shown in Figure 10C, the insertion state is achieved by housing the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the insertion-side second electrode 12B in the insertion port 26, and the connection operation of the coupler 60B is completed. At this time, the elastic member 17 compressed by the receiving-side coupler 20 biases the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the insertion-side second electrode 12B in a direction that brings them close to the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the receiving-side first electrode 21B, and brings the insertion-side second electrode 12B and the receiving-side second electrode 22B closer together in the insertion state. In other words, the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the insertion-side second electrode 12B are movable electrodes configured to move so that the insertion-side first electrode 11B is close to the receiving-side first electrode 21, and the insertion-side second electrode 12B is close to the receiving-side second electrode 22 in the insertion state. This allows the first electrode coating layer 251B to be in close contact with the first electrode coating layer 151 and the second electrode coating layer 252B to be in close contact with the second electrode coating layer 152 when inserted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in capacitance C _m1 and C _m2 between the insertion-side coupler 10B and the receiving-side coupler 20 due to manufacturing tolerances, etc.

(Third variation of the Capra)
Next, the configuration of the coupler 60C according to the third modified example will be described. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the coupler 60C. Figure 12A is a side view showing the coupler 60C before the insertion-side coupler 10C is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20. Figure 12B is a side view showing the coupler 60C in the process of inserting the insertion-side coupler 10C into the receiving-side coupler 20. Figure 12C is a side view of the coupler 60C showing the state after the insertion of the insertion-side coupler 10C into the receiving-side coupler 20 is completed.

Coupler 60C comprises an insertion-side coupler 10C and a receiving-side coupler 20. Coupler 60C allows for wireless power transmission between the insertion-side coupler 10C and the receiving-side coupler 20 when the insertion-side coupler 10C is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20.

The insertion-side coupler 10C will now be described. As shown in Figure 11, the insertion-side coupler 10C comprises an insertion-side first electrode 11C, an insertion-side second electrode 12C, an insertion-side electrode support portion 13C, an insertion-side electrode coating layer 15C, and a plurality of biasing mechanisms 18.

The insertion-side electrode support portion 13C is a plate-shaped member made of resin material, and its thickness decreases towards the tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10C. As shown in Figure 11, the width of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13C in the Y-axis direction is larger on the tip side and gripping portion 16 side of the insertion-side coupler 10C than on the width of the intermediate portion, thereby forming a groove portion 132C on the intermediate portion side.

The insertion-side first electrode 11C and insertion-side second electrode 12C are flat plates and are positioned opposite each other with a gap between them. When the insertion-side coupler 10C is not inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20, the insertion-side first electrode 11C and insertion-side second electrode 12C are positioned approximately parallel to each other. The insertion-side first electrode 11C has locking portions 111C and 112C that protrude toward the groove portion 132C. The insertion-side second electrode 12C has locking portions 121C and 122C that protrude toward the groove portion 132C. Locking portion 111C is formed on the tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10C, and locking portion 112C is formed on the gripping portion 16 side. Locking portion 121C is formed in a position opposite to locking portion 111C, and locking portion 122C is formed in a position opposite to locking portion 112C.

The biasing mechanism 18 mainly consists of an expandable/contractible section 181 and elastic members 182 and 183. The expandable/contractible section 181 is rod-shaped overall and is positioned within the groove 132C so as to be expandable/contractible in the insertion direction X. The expandable/contractible section 181 has a cylindrical member 1811 and a rod-shaped member 1812, partly housed within the cylindrical member 1811 and slidable relative to the cylindrical member 1811. The expandable/contractible section 181 expands and contracts in the insertion direction X as the rod-shaped member 1812 slides relative to the cylindrical member 1811.

The elastic members 182 and 183 are leaf springs with a semicircular cross-section. Elastic member 182 has one end (upper in Figure 11) locked to a locking portion 111C in the Z-axis direction, the other end (lower in Figure 11) locked to a locking portion 121C, and its central portion fixed to the tip end of the insertion-side coupler 10C of the rod-shaped member 1812. Elastic member 183 has one end (112C) locked to a locking portion 112C in the Z-axis direction, the other end locked to a locking portion 122C, and its central portion fixed to the gripping portion 16 end of the cylindrical member 1811. That is, the insertion-side first electrode 11C and the insertion-side second electrode 12C are supported by the elastic members 182 and 183 and are relatively movable in opposing directions.

As shown in Figure 12A, the thickness d3 (width in the thickness direction Z) of the tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10C is thinner than the distance d4 between the first electrode coating layer 251 and the second electrode coating layer 252 on the tip side of the receiving-side coupler 20, and thicker than the distance d5 between the first electrode coating layer 251 and the second electrode coating layer 252 on the support portion coating layer 24 side.

Next, the connection operation of coupler 60C will be explained with reference to Figures 12A to 12C.

First, as shown in Figure 12A, insert the tip of the insertion-side coupler 10C into the insertion port 26 of the receiving-side coupler 20 from the tip side.

As shown in Figure 12B, when the insertion-side coupler 10C is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20, the elastic member 182 is compressed in the Z-axis direction by the force applied to the insertion-side coupler 10C. At this time, the force in the Z-axis direction applied to the insertion-side coupler 10C is transmitted from the elastic member 182 to the elastic member 183 via the expandable portion 181, stretching the elastic member 183 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the insertion-side first electrode 11C and the insertion-side second electrode 12C are movable in conjunction with the operation of inserting the insertion-side coupler 10C into the receiving-side coupler 20.

As shown in Figure 12C, the insertion state is achieved by housing the insertion-side first electrode 11C and the insertion-side second electrode 12C within the insertion port 26, completing the connection operation of the coupler 60C. At this time, the elastic members 182 and 183, compressed by the receiving-side coupler 20, bias the insertion-side first electrode 11C and the insertion-side second electrode 12C in a direction that brings them closer to the receiving-side first electrode 21 and the insertion-side second electrode 22. This allows the first electrode coating layer 251C to be in close contact with the first electrode coating layer 151 and the second electrode coating layer 252C to be in close contact with the second electrode coating layer 152 in the insertion state.

(Fourth variation of the coupler)
Next, the configuration of the coupler 60D according to the fourth modified example will be described. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the coupler 60D. Figure 14A is a side view showing the coupler 60D before the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20D. Figure 14B is a side view showing the coupler 60D in the process of inserting the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20D. Figure 14C is a side view of the coupler 60D showing the state after the insertion of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20 has been completed.

Coupler 60D comprises an insertion-side coupler 10 and a receiving-side coupler 20D. Coupler 60D allows wireless power transmission between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving-side coupler 20D when the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20D. Note that the insertion-side coupler 10 of coupler 60D has the same configuration as the insertion-side coupler 10 of coupler 60, except for the presence of a gripping portion 16; therefore, its description is omitted.

The receiving-side coupler 20D will now be described. As shown in Figure 13, the receiving-side coupler 20D comprises a receiving-side first electrode 21D, a receiving-side second electrode 22D, a receiving-side electrode coating layer 25D, a housing 27, and a plurality of elastic members 28.

The receiving side first electrode 21D and the receiving side second electrode 22D are flat plates and are positioned opposite each other with a gap between them. As shown in Figure 14A, the gap between the receiving side first electrode 21D and the receiving side second electrode 22D widens towards the tip of the receiving side coupler 20D when the insertion side coupler 10 is not inserted.

The receiving electrode coating layer 25D is formed of resin. The receiving electrode coating layer 25D comprises a first electrode coating layer 251D covering the receiving first electrode 21D and a second electrode coating layer 252D covering the receiving second electrode 22D. The first electrode coating layer 251D covers the surface of the receiving first electrode 21D facing the receiving second electrode 22D. The second electrode coating layer 252D covers the surface of the receiving second electrode 22D facing the receiving first electrode 21D.

The housing 27 is box-shaped and has an opening 274 on the side into which the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted. The housing 27 houses the receiving-side first electrode 21D, the receiving-side second electrode 22D, and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25D inside. The housing 27 comprises an upper plate 271, a lower plate 272, a first side plate 273, a second side plate (not shown), and a third side plate (not shown).

The upper plate 271 is formed in a position facing the receiving side first electrode 21D. The lower plate 272 is formed in a position facing the receiving side second electrode 22D. The first side plate 273 extends from the edge of the upper plate 271 to the edge of the lower plate 272 and is formed on the side opposite to the side into which the insertion side coupler 10 is inserted. The second and third side plates extend from the edge of the upper plate 271 to the edge of the lower plate 272 and are formed to face each other in the Y-axis direction. The second and third side plates movably support the receiving side first electrode 21D, the receiving side second electrode 22D, and the receiving side electrode coating layer 25D.

The multiple elastic members 281 and 282 are compression springs, and are arranged within the housing 27 so that their axial direction is substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction (the thickness direction of the receiving coupler 20D). Specifically, one end of the multiple elastic members 281 in the axial direction (upper side in Figure 13) is fixed to the bottom surface of the upper plate 271, and the other end in the axial direction (lower side in Figure 13) is fixed to the upper surface of the receiving first electrode 21D. One end of the multiple elastic members 282 in the axial direction (upper side in Figure 13) is fixed to the bottom surface of the receiving second electrode 22D, and the other end in the axial direction (lower side in Figure 13) is fixed to the upper surface of the lower plate 272. The multiple elastic members 28 are formed extending from the opening 274 side to the first side plate 273 side of the housing 27 in the receiving first electrode 21D and the receiving second electrode 22D. In other words, the receiving-side first electrode 21D and the receiving-side second electrode 22D are supported by the elastic member 28 and are relatively movable in opposing directions.

As shown in Figure 14A, the distance d4 between the first electrode coating layer 251D and the second electrode coating layer 252D on the tip side (opening 274 side) of the receiving coupler 20D is wider than the thickness d3 on the tip side of the insertion coupler 10, and narrower than the thickness d6 between the first electrode coating layer 151 and the second electrode coating layer 152 on the gripping portion 16 side.

Next, the connection operation of coupler 60D will be explained with reference to Figures 14A to 14C.

First, as shown in Figure 14A, the tip of the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the insertion port 26D from the tip of the receiving-side coupler 20D. Since the thickness d3 of the insertion-side coupler 10 is thinner than the spacing d4 of the receiving-side coupler 20D, the insertion-side coupler 10 can be easily inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20D.

As shown in Figure 14B, the insertion opening 26D of the receiving coupler 20D narrows in the thickness direction Z toward the first side plate 273. Therefore, as the tip of the insertion coupler 10 approaches the first side plate 273, the force in the Z-axis direction applied to the receiving coupler 20C increases. This force in the Z-axis direction compresses the elastic member 28, causing the receiving first electrode 21D and the receiving second electrode 22D to move away from each other, and the insertion opening 26D widens in the Z-axis direction. That is, the receiving first electrode 21D and the receiving second electrode 22D can move in conjunction with the insertion of the insertion coupler 10 into the receiving coupler 20D.

As shown in Figure 14C, the insertion state is achieved by housing the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12 within the insertion opening 26D, completing the connection operation of the coupler 60D. At this time, the elastic member 28 compressed by the insertion-side coupler 10 biases the receiving-side first electrode 21D and the receiving-side second electrode 22D in a direction that brings the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21D closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22D closer together, in the insertion state. That is, the receiving-side first electrode 21D and the receiving-side second electrode 22D are movable electrodes configured to move so that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21D are closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22D are closer together.

(Fifth variation of the coupler)
Next, the configuration of the coupler 60E according to the fifth modified example will be described. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the coupler 60E. Figure 16A is a side view showing the coupler 60E before the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20E. Figure 16B is a side view showing the coupler 60E in the process of inserting the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20E. Figure 16C is a side view of the coupler 60E showing the state after the insertion of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20E is completed.

Coupler 60E comprises an insertion-side coupler 10 and a receiving-side coupler 20E. Coupler 60E allows for wireless power transmission between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving-side coupler 20E when the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20E.

The receiving-side coupler 20E will now be described. As shown in Figure 15, the receiving-side coupler 20E comprises a receiving-side first electrode 21E, a receiving-side second electrode 22E, a receiving-side electrode coating layer 25E, a housing 27, and a plurality of elastic members 28E.

The receiving coupler 20E differs from the receiving coupler 20D mainly in that the receiving first electrode 21E is fixed to the plate-shaped member 275, while only the receiving second electrode 22E is supported by the elastic member 28E.

The plate-shaped member 275 is fixed to the bottom surface of the upper plate 271, and its thickness is formed to increase from the opening 274 side toward the first side plate 273. The receiving-side first electrode 21E is fixed to the surface of the plate-shaped member 275 opposite to the surface fixed to the upper plate 271. That is, as shown in Figure 16A, the receiving-side first electrode 21E is positioned so as to be inclined diagonally upward toward the opening 274 side in a side view.

Multiple elastic members 28E have one end on their axial side (upper side in Figure 15) fixed to the bottom surface of the receiving-side second electrode 22E, and the other end on their axial side (lower side in Figure 15) fixed to the upper surface of the lower plate 272. The multiple elastic members 28E are formed extending from the opening 274 side of the housing 27 to the first side plate 273 side of the receiving-side second electrode 22E. That is, the receiving-side second electrode 22E is supported by the elastic members 28E and is relatively movable in the direction facing the receiving-side first electrode 21E.

As shown in Figure 16A, the distance d4 between the first electrode coating layer 251E and the second electrode coating layer 252E on the tip side (opening 274 side) of the receiving coupler 20E is wider than the thickness d3 on the tip side of the insertion coupler 10, and narrower than the thickness d6 between the first electrode coating layer 151 and the second electrode coating layer 152 on the gripping portion 16 side.

Next, the connection operation of coupler 60E will be explained with reference to Figures 16A to 16C.

First, as shown in Figure 16A, insert the tip of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the insertion port 26E from the tip of the receiving-side coupler 20E.

As shown in Figure 16B, when the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20E, the elastic member 28E is compressed in the Z-axis direction by the force applied to the receiving-side coupler 20E. This compression of the elastic member 28E by the Z-axis direction causes the receiving-side second electrode 22E to move away from the receiving-side first electrode 21E, and the insertion opening 26E widens in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the receiving-side second electrode 22E is movable in conjunction with the insertion of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20E.

As shown in Figure 16C, the insertion state is achieved by housing the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12 within the insertion opening 26E, completing the connection operation of the coupler 60E. At this time, the elastic member 28E, compressed by the receiving-side coupler 20E, approaches the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21E in the insertion state, biasing the receiving-side second electrode 22E in a direction that brings the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22E closer together.

Here, the materials of the elastic members 17, 182, 183, 28, and 28E used in the second, third, fourth, and fifth modifications of the coupler 60 will be described. Examples of materials for the elastic members 17, 182, 183, 28, and 28E include metals such as stainless steel and resins. Examples of resins include foamed urethane, foamed rubber, rubber materials, polycarbonate, polyacetal, and polyetheretherketone. Elastic members 17, 182, 183, 28, and 28E made of metal or stainless steel have high durability against repeated expansion and contraction. Elastic members 17, 182, 183, 28, and 28E made of polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyetheretherketone, or foamed resin can reduce the impact on electrical properties.

(Sixth variation of the coupler)
Next, the configuration of the coupler 60F according to the sixth modified example will be described. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the coupler 60F. Figure 18A is a side view showing the coupler 60F before the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20F. Figure 18B is a side view showing the coupler 60F in the process of inserting the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20F. Figure 18C is a side view of the coupler 60F showing the state after the insertion of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20F is completed.

The coupler 60F comprises an insertion-side coupler 10 and a receiving-side coupler 20F. The coupler 60F allows for wireless power transmission between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving-side coupler 20F when the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20F.

The receiving-side coupler 20F will now be described. As shown in Figure 17, the receiving-side coupler 20F comprises a receiving-side first electrode 21F, a receiving-side second electrode 22F, a receiving-side electrode coating layer 25F, a housing 27, and multiple oscillating mechanisms 29.

The receiving side first electrode 21F and the receiving side second electrode 22F are flat plates and are positioned opposite each other with a gap between them. In the receiving side coupler 20F, with the insertion side coupler 10 not inserted, the receiving side first electrode 21F and the receiving side second electrode 22F are typically positioned approximately parallel to each other, within a range regulated by the support members 276 and 277 (described later) and the oscillating mechanism 29 (also described later).

The receiving side first electrode 21F is pivotably supported by a rod-shaped support member 276 extending substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction. Similarly, the receiving side second electrode 22F is pivotably supported by a rod-shaped support member 277 extending substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction. The support members 276 and 277 are rotatably supported and movable substantially in the Z-axis direction by, for example, second and third side plates (not shown). With this configuration, when the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the insertion opening 26F, the receiving side first electrode 21F and the receiving side second electrode 22F are configured to pivot around the support members 276 and 277 as axes of rotation, following the inclination of the insertion-side coupler 10, and to move substantially in the Z-axis direction.

The receiving electrode coating layer 25F is formed of resin. The receiving electrode coating layer 25F comprises a first electrode coating layer 251F covering the receiving first electrode 21F and a second electrode coating layer 252F covering the receiving second electrode 22F. The first electrode coating layer 251F covers the surface of the receiving first electrode 21F facing the receiving second electrode 22F. The second electrode coating layer 252F covers the surface of the receiving second electrode 22F facing the receiving first electrode 21F.

The multiple oscillating mechanisms 291 and 292 are arranged within the housing 27. Specifically, oscillating mechanism 291 is positioned between the upper plate 271 and the receiving-side first electrode 21F, and oscillating mechanism 292 is positioned between the lower plate 272 and the receiving-side second electrode 22F.

The rocking mechanism 291 comprises a rod-shaped member 2911 and a plate-shaped member 2912. The rod-shaped member 2911 extends substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction and is rotatably supported by a second side plate and a third side plate. The plate-shaped member 2912 is flat and is positioned to face the receiving-side first electrode 21F. The plate-shaped member 2912 is supported by the rod-shaped member 2911 so as to be rockable around the rotation axis of the rod-shaped member 2911 as a pivot point. The plate-shaped member 2912 has protruding pieces 2913 and 2914 that project toward the receiving-side first electrode 21F. Specifically, the protruding piece 2913 is formed at the end of the plate-shaped member 2912 on the side of the opening 274, and the protruding piece 2914 is formed at the end of the plate-shaped member 2912 on the side of the first side plate 273. The protruding pieces 2913 and 2914 are positioned at a predetermined distance from the receiving-side first electrode 21F when the insertion-side coupler 10 is not inserted.

The rocking mechanism 292 comprises a rod-shaped member 2921 and a plate-shaped member 2922. The rod-shaped member 2921 extends substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction and is rotatably supported by a second side plate and a third side plate. The plate-shaped member 2922 is flat and is positioned to face the receiving-side second electrode 22F. The plate-shaped member 2922 is supported by the rod-shaped member 2921 so as to be rockable around the rotation axis of the rod-shaped member 2921 as a fulcrum. The plate-shaped member 2922 has protruding pieces 2923 and 2924 that project toward the receiving-side second electrode 22F. Specifically, the protruding piece 2923 is formed at the end of the plate-shaped member 2922 on the side of the opening 274, and the protruding piece 2924 is formed at the end of the plate-shaped member 2922 on the side of the first side plate 273. The protruding pieces 2923 and 2924 are positioned at a predetermined distance from the receiving-side second electrode 22F when the insertion-side coupler 10 is not inserted.

As shown in Figure 18A, the distance d4 between the first electrode coating layer 251F and the second electrode coating layer 252F on the tip side (opening 274 side) of the receiving coupler 20F is wider than the thickness d3 on the tip side of the insertion coupler 10, and narrower than the thickness d6 between the first electrode coating layer 151 and the second electrode coating layer 152 on the gripping portion 16 side.

Next, the connection operation of coupler 60F will be explained with reference to Figures 18A to 18C.

First, as shown in Figure 18A, insert the tip of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the insertion port 26F of the receiving-side coupler 20F from the tip side.

As shown in Figure 18B, the thickness of the insertion-side coupler 10 increases toward the gripping portion 16. Therefore, as the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted, the receiving-side first electrode 21F on the opening 274 side contacts the protruding piece 2913, and the receiving-side second electrode 22F contacts the protruding piece 2923.

As shown in Figure 18C, when the insertion-side coupler 10 is further inserted into the first side plate 273, the plate-shaped members 2912 and 2922 swing, causing the protruding piece 2914 to contact the receiving-side first electrode 21F, and the protruding piece 2924 to contact the receiving-side second electrode 22F. When the connection operation of the coupler 60F is completed, the receiving-side first electrode 21F is pressed against the protruding pieces 2913 and 2914, and the receiving-side second electrode 22F is pressed against the protruding pieces 2923 and 2924. That is, the receiving-side first electrode 21F and the receiving-side second electrode 22F are movable electrodes configured to move so that, in the inserted state, the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21F are close together, and the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22F are close together. In this case, the support members 276 and 277, which pivotably support the receiving-side first electrode 21F and the receiving-side second electrode 22F, are attached to the second and third side plates so that they can move away from each other in approximately the Z-axis direction. Therefore, as the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20F, the support members 276 and 277 are pushed by the receiving-side first electrode 21F and the receiving-side second electrode 22F, respectively, causing their distance from each other to widen. As a result, the first electrode coating layer 251F and the second electrode coating layer 252F come into contact with the first electrode coating layer 151 and the second electrode coating layer 152 of the insertion-side coupler 10, respectively, while being constrained by the pivoting mechanisms 291 and 292.

(The seventh variation of the Capra)
Next, the configuration of the coupler 60G according to the seventh modified example will be described. Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the coupler 60G. Figure 20A is a side view showing the coupler 60G before the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20G. Figure 20B is a side view showing the coupler 60G after the insertion of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20G has been completed. Figure 20C is a side view of the coupler 60G showing the state after the drive mechanism 70 has been driven after the insertion of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the receiving-side coupler 20G.

Coupler 60G comprises an insertion-side coupler 10 and a receiving-side coupler 20G. Coupler 60G allows for wireless power transmission between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving-side coupler 20G when the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20G.

The receiving-side coupler 20G will now be described. As shown in Figure 19, the receiving-side coupler 20F comprises a receiving-side first electrode 21F, a receiving-side second electrode 22F, a receiving-side electrode coating layer 25F, a housing 27, and a plurality of drive mechanisms 70.

The drive mechanism 70 is a mechanism that drives the receiving side first electrode 21F and receiving side second electrode 22F in a direction that brings the insertion side first electrode 11 and the receiving side first electrode 21F closer together, and brings the insertion side second electrode 12 and the receiving side second electrode 22F closer together, when in the insertion state. Multiple drive mechanisms 70 are arranged between the upper plate 271 and the receiving side first electrode 21F, and between the lower plate 272 and the receiving side second electrode 22F. In the example shown in Figure 20A, the multiple drive mechanisms 70 are arranged on the first side plate 273 side and the central side of the receiving side coupler 20G in a side view.

The drive mechanism 70 mainly comprises a cam 71 having a long axis portion and a short axis portion, a shaft member 72 connected to the cam 71 and serving as a rotation axis, and a motor (not shown) for rotating the shaft member 72. The cam 71 is rotatably supported by the shaft member 72. The shaft member 72 extends substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction and is rotatably supported by a second side plate and a third side plate. According to the drive mechanism 70, the cam 71 rotates by driving the motor to rotate the shaft member 72.

As shown in Figure 20A, the distance d4 between the first electrode coating layer 251F and the second electrode coating layer 252F on the tip side (opening 274 side) of the receiving coupler 20G is wider than the thickness d3 on the tip side of the insertion coupler 10, and is approximately the same width as the thickness d6 between the first electrode coating layer 151 and the second electrode coating layer 152 on the gripping portion 16 side.

Next, the connection operation of coupler 60G will be explained with reference to Figures 20A to 20C.

First, as shown in Figure 20A, the tip of the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the insertion port 26F of the receiving-side coupler 20G from the tip side. Since the distance between the first electrode coating layer 251F and the second electrode coating layer 252F of the receiving-side coupler 20G is approximately the same width as the thickness d6, the insertion-side coupler 10 can be easily inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20G until it reaches the state shown in Figure 20B.

As shown in Figure 20B, when the insertion-side coupler 10 is fully inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20G, gaps are formed between the first electrode coating layer 251F and the first electrode coating layer 151, and between the second electrode coating layer 252F and the second electrode coating layer 152.

When the motor of the drive mechanism 70 is driven in the inserted state, the shaft member 72 rotates, and the cam 71 rotates so that its longest diameter portion presses against the receiving side first electrode 21F or receiving side second electrode 22F. As a result, as shown in Figure 20C, the pressing force of the drive mechanism 70 causes the first electrode coating layer 251F to adhere closely to the first electrode coating layer 151, and the second electrode coating layer 252F to adhere closely to the second electrode coating layer 152. In other words, the receiving side first electrode 21G and the receiving side second electrode 22G are movable electrodes configured to move so that in the inserted state, the insertion side first electrode 11 and the receiving side first electrode 21G are close together, and the insertion side second electrode 12 and the receiving side second electrode 22G are close together.

(The eighth variation of the Capra)
Next, the configuration of the coupler 60H according to the eighth modified example will be described. Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the coupler 60H. Figure 22A is a side view showing the coupler 60H before the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20H. Figure 22B is a side view showing the coupler 60H after the insertion-side coupler 10 has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20H. Figure 22C is a side view of the coupler 60H showing the state after the drive mechanism 70H has been driven after the insertion-side coupler 10 has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20H.

Coupler 60H comprises an insertion-side coupler 10 and a receiving-side coupler 20H. Coupler 60H allows for wireless power transmission between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving-side coupler 20H when the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20H.

The receiving-side coupler 20H will now be described. As shown in Figure 21, the receiving-side coupler 20H comprises a receiving-side first electrode 21F, a receiving-side second electrode 22F, a receiving-side electrode coating layer 25F, a housing 27, and multiple drive mechanisms 70H.

Multiple drive mechanisms 70H are arranged between the upper plate 271 and the receiving-side first electrode 21F, and between the lower plate 272 and the receiving-side second electrode 22F. In the example shown in Figure 22A, the multiple drive mechanisms 70H are arranged on the first side plate 273 side and the central side of the receiving-side coupler 20H in a side view.

The drive mechanism 70H comprises a plunger 71H, a cylinder 72H that can slide relative to the plunger 71H, and a motor (not shown) that drives the cylinder 72H. The drive mechanism 70H extends and retracts in the Z-axis direction as the cylinder 72H slides relative to the plunger 71H. According to the drive mechanism 70H, driving the motor causes the cylinder 72H to slide outward from the plunger 71H, pressing against the receiving-side first electrode 21F and the receiving-side second electrode 22F.

As shown in Figure 22A, the distance d4 between the first electrode coating layer 251F and the second electrode coating layer 252F on the tip side (opening 274 side) of the receiving coupler 20G is wider than the thickness d3 on the tip side of the insertion coupler 10, and is approximately the same width as the thickness d6 between the first electrode coating layer 151 and the second electrode coating layer 152 on the gripping portion 16 side.

Next, the connection operation of coupler 60G will be explained with reference to Figures 22A to 22C.

First, as shown in Figure 22A, insert the tip of the insertion-side coupler 10 into the insertion port 26F of the receiving-side coupler 20H from the tip side.

As shown in Figure 22B, when the insertion-side coupler 10 is fully inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20H, gaps are formed between the first electrode coating layer 251F and the first electrode coating layer 151, and between the second electrode coating layer 252F and the second electrode coating layer 152.

When the motor of the drive mechanism 70H is driven in the inserted state, the cylinder 72H extends in the Z-axis direction so as to press against the receiving side first electrode 21F or the receiving side second electrode 22. As a result, as shown in Figure 22C, the pressing force of the drive mechanism 70H causes the first electrode coating layer 251F to adhere closely to the first electrode coating layer 151, and the second electrode coating layer 252F to adhere closely to the second electrode coating layer 152.

(The ninth variation of the Capra)
Next, the configuration of the coupler 60I according to the ninth modified example will be described. Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the coupler 60I. Figure 24A is a cross-sectional view of the coupler 60I before the insertion-side coupler 10I is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20I. Figure 24B is a cross-sectional view of the coupler 60I in the process of inserting the insertion-side coupler 10I into the receiving-side coupler 20I. Figure 24C is a cross-sectional view of the coupler 60I showing the state in which the insertion-side coupler 10I has been inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20I more than the state shown in Figure 24B. Figure 24D is a cross-sectional view of the coupler 60I in the state in which the insertion-side coupler 10I has been fully inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20I.

Coupler 60I comprises an insertion-side coupler 10I and a receiving-side coupler 20I. Coupler 60I allows wireless power transmission between the insertion-side coupler 10I and the receiving-side coupler 20I when the insertion-side coupler 10I is inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20I.

The insertion-side coupler 10I will now be described. As shown in Figure 23, the insertion-side coupler 10I comprises an insertion-side first electrode 11I, an insertion-side second electrode 12I, an insertion-side electrode support portion 13, a support portion coating layer 14, an insertion-side electrode coating layer 15I, and a plurality of magnets 80. The insertion-side coupler 10I differs in that the magnets 80 are arranged on the insertion-side first electrode 11I, the insertion-side second electrode 12I, and the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15I.

Multiple through-holes 91 are formed in the insertion-side first electrode 11I and the first electrode coating layer 151I, extending in the Z-axis direction. These through-holes 91 are formed in the insertion-side first electrode 11I and the first electrode coating layer 151I on both the tip side and the gripping portion 16 side of the insertion-side coupler 10I.

Each of the multiple through-holes 91 is positioned to accommodate a magnet 80. Specifically, the north pole magnet 81 is positioned in the through-hole 91 formed on the tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10I, and the south pole magnet 82 is positioned in the through-hole 91 formed on the gripping portion 16 side.

Multiple through-holes 92 are formed in the insertion-side second electrode 12I and the second electrode coating layer 152I, extending in the Z-axis direction. These through-holes 92 are formed in the insertion-side second electrode 12I and the second electrode coating layer 152I on both the tip side and the gripping portion 16 side of the insertion-side coupler 10I.

Each of the multiple through-holes 92 is positioned to accommodate a magnet 80. Specifically, the north pole magnet 81 is positioned in the through-hole 92 formed on the tip side of the insertion-side coupler 10I, and the south pole magnet 82 is positioned in the through-hole 92 formed on the gripping portion 16 side.

The receiving coupler 20I will now be described. As shown in Figure 23, the receiving coupler 20I comprises a receiving first electrode 21I, a receiving second electrode 22I, a receiving electrode coating layer 25I, a housing 27, and multiple magnets 80. The receiving coupler 20I differs from the receiving coupler 20F mainly in that the magnets 80 are arranged on the receiving first electrode 21I, the receiving second electrode 22I, and the receiving electrode coating layer 25I, and it does not have a swing mechanism 29.

Multiple through-holes 93 are formed in the receiving-side first electrode 21I and the first electrode coating layer 251I, extending in the Z-axis direction. These through-holes 93 are formed on both the first side plate 273 side and the opening 274 side of the receiving-side first electrode 21I and the first electrode coating layer 251I.

Each of the multiple through-holes 93 is positioned to accommodate a magnet 80. Specifically, the north pole magnet 81 is positioned in the through-hole 93 formed on the opening 274 side, and the south pole magnet 82 is positioned in the through-hole 93 formed on the first side plate 273 side.

Multiple through-holes 94 are formed in the receiving-side second electrode 22I and the second electrode coating layer 252I, extending in the Z-axis direction. These through-holes 94 are formed on both the first side plate 273 side and the opening 274 side of the receiving-side second electrode 22I and the second electrode coating layer 252I.

Each of the multiple through-holes 94 is positioned to accommodate a magnet 80. Specifically, the north pole magnet 81 is positioned in the through-hole 94 formed on the opening 274 side, and the south pole magnet 82 is positioned in the through-hole 94 formed on the first side plate 273 side.

As shown in Figure 24A, the distance d4 between the first electrode coating layer 251I and the second electrode coating layer 252I on the tip side (opening 274 side) of the receiving coupler 20I is wider than the thickness d3 on the tip side of the insertion coupler 10I, and is approximately the same width as the thickness d6 between the first electrode coating layer 151I and the second electrode coating layer 152I on the gripping portion 16 side.

Next, the connection operation of coupler 60I will be explained with reference to Figures 24A to 24D.

First, as shown in Figure 24A, insert the tip of the insertion-side coupler 10I into the insertion port 26I from the tip of the receiving-side coupler 20I.

As shown in Figure 24B, when the tip of the insertion-side coupler 10I is inserted into the insertion port 26I, the north-pole magnet 81 on the insertion-side coupler 10I and the north-pole magnet 81 on the receiving-side coupler 20I repel each other, causing the tip of the insertion port 26I to widen. This allows the insertion-side coupler 10I to be easily inserted by the receiving-side coupler 20I.

As shown in Figure 24C, when the insertion-side coupler 10I is further inserted into the first side plate 273 side of the receiving-side coupler 20I, the inclination of the receiving-side first electrode 21I and the receiving-side second electrode 22I changes to approximately horizontal.

As shown in Figure 24D, the insertion state is achieved by housing the insertion-side first electrode 11I and the insertion-side second electrode 12I within the insertion port 26I, completing the connection operation of the coupler 60I. At this time, the magnets 80 with opposite poles are positioned opposite each other between the insertion-side coupler 10I and the receiving-side coupler 20I, causing the opposing magnets 80 to attract each other. This allows the first electrode coating layer 251I to be in close contact with the first electrode coating layer 151I, and the second electrode coating layer 252I to be in close contact with the second electrode coating layer 152I, in the insertion state.

According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

The insertion-side coupler 10 according to this embodiment comprises an insertion-side first electrode 11 and an insertion-side second electrode 12 positioned at a distance from the insertion-side first electrode 11. In an insertion state where the insertion-side coupler 10 is inserted into a receiving-side coupler 20, which includes a receiving-side first electrode 21 and a receiving-side second electrode 22 positioned at a distance from the receiving-side first electrode 21, the insertion-side first electrode 11 faces the receiving-side first electrode 21, and the insertion-side second electrode 12 faces the receiving-side second electrode 22, wireless power transmission between the receiving-side coupler 20 and the receiving-side coupler 20 is possible.

As a result, the insertion-side coupler 10, which has an insertion-side first electrode 11 and an insertion-side second electrode 12 arranged at a distance from each other, is inserted between the receiving-side first electrode 21 and the receiving-side second electrode 22. This allows for narrowing the distance between the electrodes that form capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , while widening the electrode spacing of the insertion-side coupler 10 and the electrode spacing of the receiving-side coupler 20. This reduces stray capacitances C ₁₁ and C ₁₂ while increasing capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 that contribute to electric field coupling.

Furthermore, in the insertion-side coupler 10 according to this embodiment, the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12 are configured such that the distance between them decreases as they move toward the tip side in the insertion direction X into the receiving-side coupler 20.

As a result, the distance between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12 narrows as it approaches the tip in the insertion direction X, allowing for easy insertion into the receiving-side coupler 20. Furthermore, the insertion operation simultaneously reduces the distance between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21, and the distance between the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22, thereby ensuring close contact between the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15 and the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25.

Furthermore, in the insertion-side coupler 10 according to this embodiment, the angle of the insertion-side second electrode 12 with respect to the insertion-side first electrode 11 is 45° or less.

This allows for a thinner overall thickness of the coupler 60. Therefore, even when the surface area of the insertion-side first electrode 11 and insertion-side second electrode 12 is increased to ensure sufficient capacitance for electric field coupling, the coupler 60 can be made larger. For example, in vehicles where mounting location is limited, it becomes possible to mount the coupler along the vehicle's frame.

Furthermore, the insertion-side coupler 10 according to this embodiment further comprises a resin insertion-side electrode support portion 13 positioned between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12, supporting both the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12, and a resin insertion-side electrode coating layer 15 covering the surface of the insertion-side first electrode 11 opposite to the insertion-side electrode support portion 13 and the surface of the insertion-side second electrode 12 opposite to the insertion-side electrode support portion 13. The dielectric constant ε2 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13 is smaller than the dielectric constant ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15.

As a result, the dielectric constant ε2 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13 is smaller than ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15, which reduces the stray capacitance C ₁₁ and improves transmission efficiency.

Furthermore, in the insertion-side coupler 10 according to this embodiment, the dielectric loss tangent of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15 is smaller than the dielectric loss tangent of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13.

This reduces capacitance loss contributing to electric field coupling, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

Furthermore, for example, in this embodiment, the insertion-side coupler 10B is a movable electrode configured such that, in the insertion state, at least one of the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the receiving-side first electrode 21 approaches each other, and the insertion-side second electrode 12B approaches each other.

This allows for a narrower spacing between the electrodes forming capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , thereby improving transmission efficiency. Furthermore, since at least one of the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the insertion-side second electrode 12B can be moved in the insertion state, fluctuations in capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 due to manufacturing tolerances between the insertion-side coupler 10B and the receiving-side coupler 20 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the insertion-side coupler 10B has a movable electrode that moves in conjunction with the insertion operation into the receiving-side coupler 20.

This allows at least one of the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the insertion-side second electrode 12B to move when the insertion-side coupler 10B is inserted, making it easier to insert the insertion-side coupler 10B into the receiving-side coupler 20.

Furthermore, for example, the insertion-side coupler 10B according to this embodiment further includes an elastic member 17 that biases the movable electrode in a direction that brings the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the receiving-side first electrode 21 closer together, and brings the insertion-side second electrode 12B and the receiving-side second electrode 22 closer together, when in the insertion state.

This allows for a narrower spacing between electrodes that form capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 in a simple configuration, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

Furthermore, in the insertion-side coupler 10I according to this embodiment, for example, the movable electrodes are configured to be movable by magnetic force such that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode 11I and the receiving-side first electrode 21I are brought closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode 12I and the receiving-side second electrode 22I are brought closer together.

This allows for a narrower spacing between electrodes that form capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 in a simple configuration, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

Furthermore, the receiving-side coupler 20 according to this embodiment comprises a receiving-side first electrode 21 and a receiving-side second electrode 22 positioned at a distance from the receiving-side first electrode 21. In an insertion-side coupler 10, which includes an insertion-side first electrode 11 and an insertion-side second electrode 12 positioned at a distance from the insertion-side first electrode 11, wireless power transmission is possible when the receiving-side first electrode 21 faces the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side second electrode 22 faces the insertion-side second electrode 12.

As a result, the insertion-side coupler 10, which has insertion-side first electrode 11 and insertion-side second electrode 12 arranged at a distance from each other, is inserted between the receiving-side first electrode 21 and receiving-side second electrode 22. This allows for narrowing the distance between electrodes that form capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , while widening the electrode spacing of the insertion-side coupler 10 and the electrode spacing of the receiving-side coupler 20. This reduces stray capacitances C ₁₁ and C ₁₂ while increasing capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 that contribute to electric field coupling.

Furthermore, the receiving-side coupler 20 according to this embodiment has an insertion opening formed by the receiving-side first electrode 21 and the receiving-side second electrode 22, which widens in a substantially V-shape toward the tip.

As a result, the insertion opening 26 of the receiving coupler 20 is roughly V-shaped, with the tip being the widest, allowing the insertion coupler 10 to be easily inserted.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the receiving-side coupler 20D is a movable electrode configured such that at least one of the receiving-side first electrode 21D and the receiving-side second electrode 22D moves closer together when inserted, and closer together when inserted.

This allows for a narrower spacing between the electrodes forming capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , thereby improving transmission efficiency. Furthermore, since at least one of the receiving side first electrode 21D and receiving side second electrode 22D can be moved in the inserted state, fluctuations in capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 due to manufacturing tolerances between the insertion side coupler 10 and the receiving side coupler 20D can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the receiving coupler 20D has movable electrodes that move in conjunction with the insertion operation of the insertion coupler 10D.

This allows at least one of the receiving side first electrode 21D and receiving side second electrode 22D to move when the insertion side coupler 10 is inserted, making it easier to insert the insertion side coupler 10 into the receiving side coupler 20D.

Furthermore, for example, the receiving-side coupler 20D according to this embodiment further includes an elastic member 28 that biases the movable electrode in a direction that brings the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21D closer together, and brings the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22D closer together, when the coupler is inserted.

This allows for a narrower spacing between electrodes that form capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 in a simple configuration, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

Furthermore, for example, the receiving coupler 20G according to this embodiment further includes a drive mechanism 70 that drives the movable electrodes so that, in the inserted state, the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21F are in contact, and the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22F are in contact.

This allows for a narrower spacing between the electrodes forming capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , thereby improving transmission efficiency.

Furthermore, in the receiving-side coupler 20I according to this embodiment, for example, the movable electrodes are configured to be movable by magnetic force such that, in the inserted state, the insertion-side first electrode 11I and the receiving-side first electrode 21I are brought closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode 12I and the receiving-side second electrode 22I are brought closer together.

This allows for a narrower spacing between electrodes that form capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 in a simple configuration, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

Furthermore, the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment comprises an insertion-side coupler 10 having an insertion-side first electrode 11 and an insertion-side second electrode 12 positioned at a distance from the insertion-side first electrode 11, and a receiving-side coupler 20 having a receiving-side first electrode 21 and a receiving-side second electrode 22 positioned at a distance from the receiving-side first electrode 21. In this inserted state, power is transmitted wirelessly between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving-side coupler 20, with the insertion-side coupler 10 inserted into the receiving-side coupler 20 so that the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21 face each other, and the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22 face each other.

As a result, the insertion-side coupler 10, which has insertion-side first electrode 11 and insertion-side second electrode 12 arranged at a distance from each other, is inserted between the receiving-side first electrode 21 and receiving-side second electrode 22. This allows for narrowing the distance between electrodes that form capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , while widening the electrode spacing of the insertion-side coupler 10 and the electrode spacing of the receiving-side coupler 20. This reduces stray capacitances C ₁₁ and C ₁₂ while increasing capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 that contribute to electric field coupling.

Furthermore, in the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment, the insertion-side coupler 10 is formed such that the distance between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12 narrows towards the tip side in the insertion direction X into the receiving-side coupler 20. The receiving-side coupler 20 is formed by the receiving-side first electrode 21 and the receiving-side second electrode 22 and has an insertion opening 26 that widens in a substantially V-shape toward the tip side.

As a result, the insertion opening 26 of the receiving coupler 20 is roughly V-shaped, widening towards the tip, and the insertion-side first electrode 11 and insertion-side second electrode 12 are closest to each other at their tips in the insertion direction X into the insertion opening 26. Therefore, there is no need to provide a gap between the insertion-side coupler 10 and the receiving coupler 20 in the inserted state to account for manufacturing tolerances. This allows for larger capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , and also suppresses variations in capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 due to fluctuations in the relative position between the electrodes.

Furthermore, in the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment, the insertion-side coupler 10 is formed such that the angle A1 of the insertion-side second electrode 12 relative to the insertion-side first electrode 11 is 45° or less, and the receiving-side coupler 20 is formed such that the angle A2 of the receiving-side second electrode 22 relative to the receiving-side first electrode 21 is equal to the angle A1 of the insertion-side second electrode 12 relative to the insertion-side first electrode 11.

This allows for a thinner overall thickness of the coupler 60. Therefore, even when the surface area of the insertion-side first electrode 11 and insertion-side second electrode 12 is increased to ensure sufficient capacitance for electric field coupling, the coupler 60 can be made larger. For example, in vehicles where mounting location is limited, it becomes possible to mount the coupler along the vehicle's frame.

Furthermore, in the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment, the distance between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21, and the distance between the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22 in the insertion state are smaller than the distance between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12.

This suppresses the increase in stray capacitances _C11 and _C12 , as well as the decrease in capacitances _Cm1 and _Cm2 that contribute to electric field coupling.

Furthermore, in the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment, the insertion-side coupler 10 is formed between the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12 and further comprises a resin insertion-side electrode support portion 13 that supports the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12, and a resin insertion-side electrode coating layer 15 that covers the surface of the insertion-side first electrode 11 opposite to the insertion-side electrode support portion 13 and the surface of the insertion-side second electrode 12 opposite to the insertion-side electrode support portion 13. The receiving-side coupler 20 further comprises a receiving-side electrode coating layer 25 that covers the surface of the receiving-side first electrode 21 facing the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the surface of the receiving-side second electrode 22 facing the insertion-side second electrode 12. The dielectric constant ε1 of the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25 and the dielectric constant ε1 of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15 are each greater than the dielectric constant ε2 of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13.

This reduces the stray capacitances _C11 and _C12 , while increasing the capacitances _Cm1 and _Cm2 that contribute to electric field coupling.

Furthermore, in the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment, the dielectric loss tangent of the insertion-side electrode coating layer 15 and the dielectric loss tangent of the receiving-side electrode coating layer 25 are each smaller than the dielectric loss tangent of the insertion-side electrode support portion 13.

This reduces capacitance loss contributing to electric field coupling, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

Furthermore, in the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment, for example, the insertion-side first electrode 11I, the insertion-side second electrode 12I, the receiving-side first electrode 21I, and the receiving-side second electrode 22I are movable electrodes configured such that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode 11I and the receiving-side first electrode 21I approach each other, and the insertion-side second electrode 12I and the receiving-side second electrode 22I approach each other.

This allows for a narrower spacing between the electrodes forming capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , thereby improving transmission efficiency. Furthermore, since at least one of the insertion-side first electrode 11I, insertion-side second electrode 12I, receiving-side first electrode 21I, and receiving-side second electrode 22I can be moved while the device is inserted, fluctuations in capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 due to manufacturing tolerances between the insertion-side coupler 10I and the receiving-side coupler 20I can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment, for example, the movable electrode is movable in conjunction with the operation of inserting the insertion-side coupler 10I into the receiving-side coupler 20I.

This makes it easier to insert the insertion-side coupler 10I into the receiving-side coupler 20I because at least one of the insertion-side first electrode 11I, insertion-side second electrode 12I, receiving-side first electrode 21I, and receiving-side second electrode 22I moves when the insertion-side coupler 10I is inserted.

Furthermore, for example, the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment further includes an elastic member 17 that biases the movable electrodes in a direction that brings the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the receiving-side first electrode 21 closer together, and brings the insertion-side second electrode 12B and the receiving-side second electrode 22 closer together, when the electrodes are inserted.

This allows for a narrower spacing between electrodes that form capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 in a simple configuration, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

Furthermore, for example, the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment further includes a drive mechanism 70 that drives the movable electrodes so that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21F are close together, and the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22F are close together.

This allows for a narrower spacing between the electrodes forming capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 , thereby improving transmission efficiency.

Furthermore, in the wireless power transmission system 100 according to this embodiment, for example, the movable electrodes are configured to be movable by magnetic force such that, in the inserted state, the insertion-side first electrode 11I and the receiving-side first electrode 21I are close together, and the insertion-side second electrode 12I and the receiving-side second electrode 22I are close together.

This allows for a narrower spacing between electrodes that form capacitances C _m1 and C _m2 in a simple configuration, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In the above embodiment, the wireless power transmission device 1 was equipped with insertion-side couplers 10 and 10A, and the wireless power receiving device 2 was equipped with receiving-side couplers 20 and 20A. However, it is also possible to configure the wireless power transmission device 1 to be equipped with receiving-side couplers 20 and 20A, and the wireless power receiving device 2 to be equipped with insertion-side couplers 10 and 10A.

Furthermore, for example, in the coupler 60G, both the receiving-side first electrode 21G and the receiving-side second electrode 22G were driven by the drive mechanism 70 in the insertion state. However, it is also possible to have a configuration where only one of the receiving-side first electrode 21G and the receiving-side second electrode 22G is driven by the drive mechanism 70. Alternatively, for example, the configuration may include a drive mechanism that drives at least one of the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the insertion-side second electrode 12.

Furthermore, for example, in the coupler 60B, the elastic member 17 biased both the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the insertion-side second electrode 12B in the insertion state. However, the coupler may also be configured to include an elastic member that biases either the insertion-side first electrode 11B or the insertion-side second electrode 12B in a direction that brings the insertion-side first electrode 11B and the receiving-side first electrode 21 closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode 12B and the receiving-side second electrode 22 closer together.

Furthermore, for example, in the coupler 60E, the elastic member 28E biased the receiving-side second electrode 22E in the inserted state. However, instead of the receiving-side second electrode 22, the receiving-side first electrode 21 may be biased in a direction that brings the insertion-side first electrode 11 and the receiving-side first electrode 21E closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode 12 and the receiving-side second electrode 22E closer together.

Furthermore, while the elastic members of couplers 60B, 60D, and 60E were compression springs and the elastic member of coupler 60C was a leaf spring, the elastic member may also be a bag-shaped container sealed with gas, liquid, beads, etc. For example, it may be a container made of polyester or PVC sealed with liquid, gas, or beads such as small-diameter foamed resin or microbeads. For example, coupler 60D may be configured such that, instead of the elastic member 28, a bag-shaped container sealed with gas, liquid, or microbeads is placed between the upper plate 271 and the receiving-side first electrode 21D, and between the lower plate 272 and the receiving-side second electrode 22D.

10, 10A Insertion-side coupler, 11, 11A Insertion-side first electrode, 12, 12A Insertion-side second electrode, 20, 20A Receiving-side coupler, 21, 21A Receiving-side first electrode, 22, 22A Receiving-side second electrode, 100 Wireless power transmission system

Claims (24)

The first electrode on the insertion side,
An insertion-side second electrode is positioned at a distance from the insertion-side first electrode,
A resin electrode support portion is positioned between the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode, and supports the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode.
The device comprises a resin insertion-side electrode covering layer that covers the surface of the insertion-side first electrode opposite to the electrode support portion and the surface of the insertion-side second electrode opposite to the electrode support portion ,
In a receiving coupler comprising a receiving-side first electrode and a receiving-side second electrode positioned at a distance from the receiving-side first electrode, power can be transmitted between the receiving coupler and the insertion-side first electrode in an inserted state such that the insertion-side second electrode faces the receiving-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode faces the receiving-side second electrode .
An insertion-side coupler in which the dielectric constant of the electrode support portion is smaller than the dielectric constant of the insertion-side electrode coating layer . The insertion-side coupler according to claim 1, wherein the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode are configured such that the distance between them decreases as they move toward the tip side in the insertion direction into the receiving-side coupler. The insertion-side coupler according to claim 2, wherein the angle of the insertion-side second electrode with respect to the insertion-side first electrode is 45° or less. The insertion-side coupler according to claim 1 , wherein the dielectric loss tangent of the insertion-side electrode coating layer is smaller than the dielectric loss tangent of the electrode support portion. An insertion-side coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode is configured to be movable such that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode are brought closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode are brought closer together. The insertion-side coupler according to claim 5 , wherein the movable electrode is movable in conjunction with the operation of inserting into the receiving-side coupler. The insertion-side coupler according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising an elastic member that biases the movable electrode in a direction such that the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode approach each other in the insertion state, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode approach each other . The insertion-side coupler according to claim 5, further comprising a drive mechanism for driving the movable electrode such that the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode approach each other in the insertion state, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode approach each other. The receiving-side coupler further comprises a receiving-side electrode covering layer that covers the surface of the receiving-side first electrode facing the insertion-side first electrode and the surface of the receiving-side second electrode facing the insertion-side second electrode, and a plurality of magnets are arranged on the receiving-side first electrode, the receiving-side second electrode, and the receiving-side electrode covering layer.
The insertion-side coupler according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of magnets are arranged on the insertion-side first electrode, the insertion-side second electrode, and the insertion-side electrode coating layer . The receiving side first electrode and
It comprises a receiving side second electrode positioned at a distance from the receiving side first electrode,
An insertion-side coupler comprising an insertion-side first electrode and an insertion-side second electrode positioned at a distance from the insertion-side first electrode, is capable of transmitting power in an inserted state where the receiving-side first electrode faces the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side second electrode faces the insertion-side second electrode .
In the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode are brought closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode are brought closer together, as a movable electrode, wherein at least one of the receiving-side first electrode and the receiving-side second electrode is configured to be movable.
The movable electrode is configured to be movable by magnetic force such that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode are close together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode are close together . The receiving-side coupler according to claim 10 , having an insertion opening formed by the receiving-side first electrode and the receiving-side second electrode, which widens in a substantially V-shape toward the tip. The receiving coupler according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the movable electrode is movable in conjunction with the operation of being inserted into the insertion-side coupler. The receiving coupler according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising an elastic member that biases the movable electrode in a direction such that the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode approach each other in the insertion state , and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode approach each other. The receiving coupler according to claim 10, further comprising a drive mechanism for driving the movable electrode such that the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode approach each other in the insertion state, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode approach each other. An insertion-side coupler comprising an insertion-side first electrode and an insertion-side second electrode positioned at a distance from the insertion-side first electrode,
The receiving coupler comprises a receiving side first electrode and a receiving side second electrode positioned at a distance from the receiving side first electrode,
With the insertion-side coupler inserted into the receiving-side coupler such that the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode face each other, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode face each other, power is transmitted between the insertion-side coupler and the receiving-side coupler in this inserted state .
The insertion-side coupler is formed between the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode, and includes a resin electrode support portion that supports the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode,
The device further comprises a resin-based insertion-side electrode covering layer that covers the surface of the insertion-side first electrode opposite to the electrode support portion and the surface of the insertion-side second electrode opposite to the electrode support portion.
The receiving-side coupler further comprises a receiving-side electrode covering layer that covers the surface of the receiving-side first electrode facing the insertion-side first electrode and the surface of the receiving-side second electrode facing the insertion-side second electrode.
A wireless power transmission system in which the dielectric constant of the receiving electrode coating layer and the dielectric constant of the insertion electrode coating layer are each greater than the dielectric constant of the electrode support portion . The insertion-side coupler is formed such that the distance between the insertion-side first electrode and the insertion-side second electrode narrows as it approaches the tip side in the insertion direction into the receiving-side coupler.
The wireless power transmission system according to claim 15 , wherein the receiving coupler is formed by the receiving first electrode and the receiving second electrode and has an insertion opening that widens in a substantially V shape toward the tip. The insertion-side coupler has an angle of 45° or less between the insertion-side second electrode and the insertion-side first electrode.
The wireless power transmission system according to claim 16 , wherein the receiving coupler is formed such that the angle of the receiving second electrode with respect to the receiving first electrode is equal to the angle of the insertion second electrode with respect to the insertion first electrode. The wireless power transmission system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the distance between the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode and the distance between the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode in the insertion state are each smaller than the distance between the insertion -side first electrode and the insertion- side second electrode. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 15 , wherein the dielectric loss tangent of the insertion-side electrode coating layer and the dielectric loss tangent of the receiving-side electrode coating layer are each smaller than the dielectric loss tangent of the electrode support portion. A wireless power transmission system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein at least one of the insertion-side first electrode, the insertion-side second electrode, the receiving-side first electrode, and the receiving-side second electrode is configured to be movable such that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode are brought close together, and the insertion- side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode are brought close together. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 20 , wherein the movable electrode is movable in conjunction with the operation of inserting the insertion-side coupler into the receiving-side coupler. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising an elastic member that biases the movable electrode in a direction such that the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode approach each other in the insertion state, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode approach each other . The wireless power transmission system according to claim 20, further comprising a drive mechanism for driving the movable electrode such that the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode approach each other in the insertion state, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode approach each other. In the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode are brought closer together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode are brought closer together, as a movable electrode, wherein at least one of the receiving-side first electrode and the receiving-side second electrode is configured to be movable.
The wireless power transmission system according to claim 15, wherein the movable electrode is configured to be movable by magnetic force such that, in the insertion state, the insertion-side first electrode and the receiving-side first electrode are close together, and the insertion-side second electrode and the receiving-side second electrode are close together.