Power transmission device

Abstract

The present application provides a power transmission device capable of sufficiently ensuring the strength of the configuration of a magnetic core. A power transmission device (100) is provided with a ring-shaped transmission unit (10) having a ring-shaped first magnetic core (31) and a transmission coil (61), and a ring-shaped reception unit (20) having a ring-shaped second magnetic core (33) and a reception coil (62) in a configuration opposing each other, the power transmission device (100) transmitting electric power from the transmission unit (10) to the reception unit (20). The transmission unit (10) and the reception unit (20) are capable of relative rotation centered on a rotation axis (95) passing through a cavity inside the transmission unit (10) and a cavity inside the reception unit (20), the first magnetic core (31) is a configuration divided into a plurality of first divided cores (32) in a circumferential direction, and the second magnetic core (33) is a configuration divided into a plurality of second divided cores (34) in a circumferential direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electric power transmission device. Background Technology

[0002] The power transmission device of Patent Document 1 includes a pair of coil sections arranged opposite to each other. Each coil section has a magnetic core formed in the shape of a ring, and each magnetic core has a plurality of slots arranged in concentric circles, in which a winding is housed.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-150277 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] According to the research of the inventors of this application, there is room for improvement in the strength of the magnetic core structure of the power transmission device in Patent Document 1.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a power transmission device that can sufficiently ensure the strength of the structure of the magnetic core.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] According to the present invention, a power transmission device is provided, comprising: an annular transmitting unit having an annular first magnetic core and a transmitting coil arranged opposite to each other; and an annular receiving unit having an annular second magnetic core and a receiving coil, the power transmission device being used to transmit power from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, wherein...

[0011] The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are capable of rotating relative to each other about a rotation axis through which the cavities inside the transmitting unit and the receiving unit pass.

[0012] The first magnetic core is a structure that is divided into multiple first segmented cores in the circumferential direction.

[0013] The second magnetic core is a structure that is divided into multiple second segmented cores in the circumferential direction.

[0014] The effects of the invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the structural strength of the magnetic core can be sufficiently ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side view of the power transmission device according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded side view of the power transmission device according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the receiving unit in the implementation method.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view of the power transmission device according to the implementation method.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a top view of the first magnetic core and the transmitting coil in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of part A in the image.

[0023] Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) represents the measured values ​​of each characteristic of the first magnetic core of the power transmission device of the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b) represents the measured values ​​of each characteristic of the first magnetic core of the power transmission device of the first modified example.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a top view of the power transmission device in the second variation.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0027] 10. Transmitting unit; 10a. Inner peripheral surface; 11. Cavity; 20. Receiving unit; 20a. Inner peripheral surface; 21. Cavity; 31. First magnetic core; 31a. First surface (one surface); 31b. Second surface (opposite side); 31c. Outer peripheral surface; 32. First segmented core; 32a. Plate-shaped portion; 32b. Inner peripheral wall portion; 32c. Outer peripheral wall portion; 33. Second magnetic core; 33a. First surface (one surface); 33b. Second surface (opposite side); 33c. Outer peripheral surface; 34. Second segmented core; 34a 34b. Plate-like portion; 34c. Inner peripheral wall portion; 34c. Outer peripheral wall portion; 35. Inner peripheral wall portion; 36. Outer peripheral wall portion; 37. Plate-like portion; 38. Groove portion; 39. Notch-shaped portion; 39a, 39b. Notch-shaped portion; 41. First retaining member; 42. First outer peripheral edge portion; 43. First inner peripheral edge portion; 43a. Erected portion; 44. First annular portion; 44b. Slit portion; 46. First engaging protrusion portion; 47. First erected wall portion; 48. First engaging claw portion; 51. Second retaining member; 52. Second outer peripheral edge portion; 53. 2. Inner peripheral edge; 53a. Erected portion; 54. Second annular portion; 54b. Slit portion; 56. Second engaging protrusion; 57. Second erected wall portion; 57a. Opening portion; 58. Second engaging claw portion; 59. Second protrusion; 61. Transmitting coil; 62. Receiving coil; 65. Winding portion; 66. Lead-out wiring portion; 70. Terminal holding portion; 71. First terminal holding portion; 72. Second terminal holding portion; 73. Third erected wall portion; 74. First plate-shaped portion; 75. Fourth erected wall portion; 76. Second plate-shaped portion; 77. Notch Shape part; 80, Terminal part; 81, First terminal part; 82, Second terminal part; 83, Third terminal part; 84, Fourth terminal part; 85, External terminal; 86, Crimped terminal; 87, Fitting part; 90, Magnetic seal; 91, Substrate; 92, Magnetic body; 93, Adhesive layer; 95, Rotation axis; 100, Power transmission device; 110, Handle shaft; 115, Shaft; 120, Connecting component; 121, Cylindrical part; 122, Fitting part; 123, Through hole; 124, Flange part; 130, Imaginary reference surface. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following uses Figures 1 to 8 Section (b) describes embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0029] like Figures 1-6As shown in any of the above, the power transmission device 100 of this embodiment is provided with an annular transmitting unit 10 having an annular first magnetic core 31 and a transmitting coil 61 arranged opposite to each other; and an annular receiving unit 20 having an annular second magnetic core 33 and a receiving coil 62. The power transmission device 100 is used to transmit power from the transmitting unit 10 to the receiving unit 20.

[0030] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the transmitting unit 10 and the receiving unit 20 are able to rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis 95 through which the cavity 11 inside the transmitting unit 10 and the cavity 21 inside the receiving unit 20 pass. The first magnetic core 31 is constructed to be divided into a plurality of first segmented cores 32 in the circumferential direction, and the second magnetic core 33 is constructed to be divided into a plurality of second segmented cores 34 in the circumferential direction.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the first magnetic core 31 is constructed by dividing it into a plurality of first segmented cores 32, and the second magnetic core 33 is constructed by dividing it into a plurality of second magnetic cores 33. That is, the desired power transmission efficiency can be achieved using an assembly of first segmented cores 32, each with a size smaller than that of the first magnetic core 31, and an assembly of second segmented cores 34, each with a size smaller than that of the second magnetic core 33. Therefore, compared to the case where the first magnetic core 31 and the second magnetic core 33 are integrally formed, the strength (damage resistance) and durability of the structure of the first magnetic core 31 and the second magnetic core 33 can be sufficiently ensured, and the ease of manufacturing the first magnetic core 31 and the second magnetic core 33 is also improved.

[0032] The transmitting unit 10 and the receiving unit 20 use the reference plane 130 (refer to) as an imaginary plane. Figure 1 and Figure 6 They are positioned opposite each other in a sandwiched manner. More specifically, the receiving unit 20 is configured in a manner that does not contact the transmitting unit 10, and is configured in a manner that is close to the transmitting unit 10.

[0033] Furthermore, the rotation axis 95 is, for example, an imaginary axis that is orthogonal to the reference plane 13 and passes through the center of the annular transmitting unit 10 and the center of the annular receiving unit 20, respectively.

[0034] In this embodiment, the receiving unit 20 rotates relative to the transmitting unit 10 about the rotation axis 95. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the relative rotation of the receiving unit 20 relative to the transmitting unit 10 is flexible in both counterclockwise and clockwise directions.

[0035] For the sake of simplicity, the rotation axis 95 will be assumed to be an axis extending in the vertical direction to explain the positional relationships of the constituent elements. Therefore, in the following explanation, the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 95 is the horizontal direction. In addition, the side in the vertical direction where the transmitting unit 10 is located is referred to as the lower side, and the side in the vertical direction where the receiving unit 20 is located is referred to as the upper side.

[0036] Furthermore, in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation 95, the direction passing through the axis of rotation 95 is called radial. Moreover, the direction radially closer to the axis of rotation 95 is called radially inner, and the direction radially away from the axis of rotation 95 is called radially outer.

[0037] The circumferential direction is the direction around the axis of rotation at 95 degrees.

[0038] Unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships of the various parts of the power transmission device 100 are used to describe the positional relationships of the various parts of the power transmission device 100 when they are assembled together to form the power transmission device 100.

[0039] However, the direction of the rotation axis 95 of the power transmission device 100 during use is not limited to the up and down direction.

[0040] As an example, the power transmission device 100 is used in the handle (steering wheel) and surrounding area of ​​a vehicle such as an automobile to supply power to various loads (not shown) mounted on the handle. That is, the receiving coil 62 of the receiving unit 20 is electrically connected to the load and supplies power to the load transmitted from the transmitting coil 61 of the transmitting unit 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, the transmitting unit 10 and the receiving unit 20 are arranged around a metal handle shaft 110. The handle shaft 110 is configured to include a cylindrical shaft 115 formed in the vertical direction and a connecting member 120 connected to the upper end of the shaft 115. The handle shaft 110 being made of metal means that at least one of the shaft 115 and the connecting member 120 is made of metal; preferably, both the shaft 115 and the connecting member 120 are made of metal. The handle shaft 110, for example, passes through the cavity 11 of the transmitting unit 10 and the cavity 21 of the receiving unit 20. The outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110 is arranged along the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20, and is opposite to the inner peripheral surfaces 10a and 20a.

[0042] In addition, the handle shaft 110 is coaxially configured with the rotation axis 95.

[0043] Furthermore, the handle is connected, for example, to the top end (upper part) of the handle shaft 110. In addition, the handle shaft 110 is held in a state where it can rotate about the axis of the handle shaft 110 by means of a base (not shown).

[0044] In the structure of the power transmission device 100, the transmitting unit 10 is disposed on the base and the receiving unit 20 is disposed on the handle.

[0045] Therefore, if the driver of the vehicle rotates the handle, the load and receiving unit 20 rotate with the handle, while the transmitting unit 10 mounted on the base does not rotate.

[0046] The power transmission device 100 is not limited to the handle and its surrounding parts in a vehicle; it can also be installed on other devices. Other devices include entertainment devices such as game consoles and simulation devices that have handles. However, other devices can be devices that do not have handles but have two parts that can rotate relative to each other, or devices that connect two parts to form a device that can rotate relative to each other without using the handle shaft 110.

[0047] Alternatively, the power transmission device 100 may also be provided as a handle component pre-installed in the handle structure for receiving unit 20.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the transmitting unit 10 and the receiving unit 20 are formed symmetrically about each other with reference plane 130 as the reference.

[0049] More specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the receiving unit 20 is positioned above the transmitting unit 10.

[0050] Hereinafter, the receiving unit 20 in the transmitting unit 10 and the receiving unit 20 will be described in detail.

[0051] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the second magnetic core 33 is formed, for example, in a ring shape when viewed from above.

[0052] More specifically, the second magnetic core 33 has: a plate-shaped portion 37 that is annular in plan view, centered on a rotation axis 95; an inner peripheral wall portion 35 that protrudes downward from the inner peripheral edge of the plate-shaped portion 37; and an outer peripheral wall portion 36 that protrudes downward from the outer peripheral edge of the plate-shaped portion 37.

[0053] The upper and lower surfaces of the plate-shaped portion 37 are formed, for example, flat and arranged horizontally.

[0054] Both the inner peripheral wall portion 35 and the outer peripheral wall portion 36 are formed, for example, into a cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction, and protrude from the lower surface of the plate-shaped portion 37.

[0055] In this embodiment, when viewed from above, the plate-shaped portion 37, the inner peripheral wall portion 35, and the outer peripheral wall portion 36 are arranged in a concentric circle around the rotation axis 95.

[0056] The outer diameter of the plate-shaped portion 37 is set to be equal to the outer diameter of the outer peripheral wall portion 36, and the inner diameter of the plate-shaped portion 37 is set to be equal to the inner diameter of the inner peripheral wall portion 35.

[0057] The lower end face of the inner peripheral wall portion 35 is at the same height as the lower end face of the outer peripheral wall portion 36.

[0058] In this embodiment, the annular groove 38, viewed from above, is composed of an inner peripheral wall 35, an outer peripheral wall 36, and a plate-like portion 37, and the groove 38 is, for example, open downwards.

[0059] In addition, one surface of the second magnetic core 33 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first surface 33a) is composed of the lower end surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 35 and the lower end surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 36, and the surface of the second magnetic core 33 opposite to the first surface 33a (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second surface 33b) is composed of the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 37.

[0060] As described above, the second magnetic core 33 is constructed by dividing it into multiple second segmented cores 34.

[0061] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each of the second segmented cores 34 is formed, for example, into a shape that divides the second magnetic core 33 into 6 equal parts in the circumferential direction. That is, the top view of each of the second segmented cores 34 is formed into a fan shape with a central angle of 60 degrees, and the second magnetic core 33 is composed of an assembly of 6 second segmented cores 34.

[0062] However, the number of second segmented cores 34 in the second magnetic core 33 is not limited to the above example; at least two or more are acceptable.

[0063] The second dividing core 34 has, for example, a plate-shaped portion 34a, which is formed into a shape that divides a ring centered on the axis of rotation 95 into 6 equal parts when viewed from above, i.e., a fan-shaped shape with a central angle of 60 degrees; an inner peripheral wall portion 34b, which protrudes downward from the inner peripheral edge of the plate-shaped portion 34a; and an outer peripheral wall portion 34c, which protrudes downward from the outer peripheral edge of the plate-shaped portion 34a.

[0064] Furthermore, the assembly of each plate-shaped portion 34a constitutes the plate-shaped portion 37 of the second magnetic core 33. In addition, the assembly of each inner peripheral wall portion 34b constitutes the inner peripheral wall portion 35 of the second magnetic core 33, and the assembly of each outer peripheral wall portion 34c constitutes the outer peripheral wall portion 36 of the second magnetic core 33.

[0065] Therefore, the portion formed by combining the lower end faces of each inner peripheral wall portion 34b and the lower end faces of each outer peripheral wall portion 34c constitutes the first surface 31a of the second magnetic core 33. Furthermore, the assembly of the upper surfaces of each plate-shaped portion 34a constitutes the second surface 33b of the second magnetic core 33.

[0066] Preferably, a gap is formed between each of the second segment cores 34 in the circumferential direction, but this gap may not be formed.

[0067] In addition, in this embodiment, a pair of notch-shaped portions 39 are formed on the outer peripheral wall portion 34c of each second dividing core 34, and the second engaging protrusion 56, which will be discussed later, engages with each notch-shaped portion 39.

[0068] Each notch shape 39 is formed, for example, in a portion of the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 34c.

[0069] Each notch shape 39 is formed from the upper end to the lower end of the outer peripheral wall portion 34c, for example, and penetrates the outer peripheral wall portion 34c in the thickness direction (radial).

[0070] In this embodiment, the receiving unit 20 includes a second holding member 51 made of resin that holds the second magnetic core 33.

[0071] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the second retaining member 51 has, for example, a second upright wall portion 57 disposed along the outer peripheral surface 33c of the second magnetic core 33, and the second upright wall portion 57 is disposed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction.

[0072] More specifically, the second retaining member 51 has, for example, a second annular portion 54 formed as a generally circular ring centered on the axis of rotation 95 when viewed from above.

[0073] The upper and lower surfaces of the second annular portion 54 are, for example, formed flat and arranged horizontally.

[0074] Each of the second erected wall portions 57, for example, rises upward from the outer periphery of the upper surface of the second annular portion 54.

[0075] Each of the second upright wall portions 57 is formed to be the same size and shape as each other, and is arranged intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0076] Each of the second upright wall portions 57 is, for example, formed into an arc shape centered on the axis of rotation 95 when viewed from above.

[0077] In addition, the outer peripheral surface of each of the second erected wall portions 57 and the outer peripheral surface of the second annular portion 54 are located on the same cylindrical surface.

[0078] For each of the second upright wall portions 57, except for the second engaging claw portion 58 which will be discussed later, the height of the upper end of the portion is set to be approximately the same as the height of the second surface 33b of the second magnetic core 33.

[0079] In this embodiment, the second upright wall portion 57 has, for example, a second engaging claw portion 58 that engages with the second surface 33b of the second magnetic core 33.

[0080] More specifically, two adjacent second segmented cores 34 of the plurality of second segmented cores 34 of the second magnetic core 33 engage with a common second engaging claw portion 58.

[0081] More specifically, each second engaging claw portion 58 is formed, for example, at the upper end of each second erected wall portion 57. Each second engaging claw portion 58 protrudes radially inward from the upper end of the portion of each second erected wall portion 57 other than the second engaging claw portion 58, and extends in the circumferential direction.

[0082] In addition, in the radial direction, the top end of each second engaging claw portion 58 is positioned inside the inner circumferential surface of the portion of each second upright wall portion 57 other than the second engaging claw portion 58.

[0083] In addition, the circumferential dimension of the second engaging claw portion 58 is set to be smaller than the circumferential dimension of the portion of each second upright wall portion 57 other than the second engaging claw portion 58.

[0084] The upper and lower surfaces of the second engaging claw portion 58 are both formed to be substantially flat and are arranged horizontally. However, a chamfered portion is formed, for example, on the tip side (the tip in the protruding direction) of the second engaging claw portion 58. The upper side of the chamfered portion is, for example, a C-shaped chamfer. This allows the second engaging claw portion 58 to smoothly engage with the second surface 33b of the second magnetic core 33. In addition, the lower side of the chamfered portion is, for example, an R-shaped chamfer. This allows for a gentler impact between the second engaging claw portion 58 and the second magnetic core 33.

[0085] When the second engaging claw portion 58 is engaged with the second surface 33b of the second magnetic core 33, the lower surface of the second engaging claw portion 58 is in contact with the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 37 of the second magnetic core 33.

[0086] Furthermore, the second retaining member 51 has, for example, a plurality of second outer peripheral portions 52, which are arranged along the outer peripheral surface 33c of the second magnetic core 33 and are respectively arranged between two second upright wall portions 57 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. More specifically, the second outer peripheral portions 52 and the second upright wall portions 57 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0087] Each of the second outer peripheral portions 52 is formed to have the same size and shape as each other.

[0088] Each of the second outer peripheral portions 52 is, for example, formed into an arc shape centered on the axis of rotation 95 when viewed from above, and slightly raised upward from the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface of the second annular portion 54.

[0089] The outer peripheral surfaces of each of the second outer peripheral edges 52, the outer peripheral surfaces of the second annular portions 54, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the second upright wall portions 57 are disposed on the same cylindrical surface.

[0090] In addition, the thickness dimension (radial dimension) of each second outer peripheral portion 52 is set to be equal to the thickness dimension (radial dimension) of each second erected wall portion 57.

[0091] The height position of the upper end face of each second outer peripheral portion 52 is, for example, positioned below the height position of the upper end face of each second erected wall portion 57.

[0092] In the circumferential direction, the second outer peripheral edge portion 52 and the second upright wall portion 57 are arranged separately from each other, and slit portions 54b are formed in the circumferential gap between the second outer peripheral edge portion 52 and the second upright wall portion 57 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0093] The slit portion 54b extends radially, for example. The slit portion 54b penetrates the second annular portion 54 in the vertical direction and opens outward in the radial direction.

[0094] Furthermore, the second retaining member 51 has an opening 57a formed along the inner peripheral surface of the second upright wall portion 57 (see reference). Figure 3 The opening 57a extends, for example, in the circumferential direction and penetrates the second annular portion 54 in the vertical direction. In the circumferential direction, the length of the opening 57a is, for example, smaller than the length of the second upright wall portion 57.

[0095] According to the above structure, the second retaining member 51 can easily deform elastically in the radial direction, thus allowing the second magnetic core 33 to be properly housed inside the second retaining member 51. More specifically, when the second magnetic core 33 is installed onto the second retaining member 51, the second retaining member 51 easily deforms elastically outward in the radial direction (expanding its diameter), and after the installation of the second magnetic core 33 is completed, the second retaining member 51 elastically recovers inward in the radial direction (reducing its diameter).

[0096] Furthermore, as an example, the number of the second upright wall portion 57 is 6. On the other hand, as an example, the number of the second outer peripheral portion 52 is 5. And, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the second outer peripheral portion 52 is not disposed at either of the intervals between the two adjacent second erected wall portions 57 in the circumferential direction. Instead, the second terminal holding portion 72, which will be discussed later, is disposed at that interval.

[0097] In this embodiment, the second retaining member 51 has, for example, a second engaging protrusion 56 that engages with the second dividing core 34, and the circumferential misalignment of the second dividing core 34 is limited by the second engaging protrusion 56.

[0098] More specifically, each of the second engaging protrusions 56 is formed to be the same size and shape as the others.

[0099] Each of the second engaging protrusions 56 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the second annular portion 54 near the outer periphery of the upper surface of the second annular portion 54.

[0100] Each of the second engaging protrusions 56 is, for example, formed as a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the radial dimension is longer than the circumferential dimension. Furthermore, the circumferential width of each of the second engaging protrusions 56 is set to be approximately constant. Additionally, one radial surface of each of the second engaging protrusions 56 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the second outer peripheral edge portion 52.

[0101] Therefore, even if the second dividing core 34 is misaligned in the radial direction, the second engaging protrusion 56 can still engage well with the notch-shaped portion 39 of the second dividing core 34.

[0102] Furthermore, it is preferable that the upper end of the second engaging protrusion 56 is positioned above, for example, the upper end of the second outer peripheral portion 52. This ensures better engagement of the second engaging protrusion 56 with the second magnetic core 33.

[0103] In this embodiment, as an example, each of the second engaging protrusions 56 is connected to both ends (both ends in the circumferential direction) of a second outer peripheral portion 52. Therefore, as an example, the number of second engaging protrusions 56 in the second retaining member 51 is 10.

[0104] As described above, each of the second segmented cores 34 has a pair of notch-shaped portions 39, and each of the second engaging protrusions 56 engages with the corresponding notch-shaped portion 39. However, in this embodiment, the second retaining member 51 has 10 second engaging protrusions 56, while the second magnetic core 33 has 6 second segmented cores 34. Therefore, the second engaging protrusions 56 do not engage with the notch-shaped portion 39 of one of the 6 second segmented cores 34. Instead, the lead-out wiring portion 66 of the receiving coil 62 (discussed in detail later) is led out to the outside of the second magnetic core 33 via the notch-shaped portion 39.

[0105] In addition, the second retaining member 51 has, for example, a second inner peripheral edge portion 53 disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the second magnetic core 33 and a plurality of upright portions 53a that stand upward from the upper end of the second inner peripheral edge portion 53.

[0106] The second inner peripheral edge portion 53, for example, rises slightly upward from the inner peripheral edge portion of the upper surface of the second annular portion 54, forming a ring shape.

[0107] Each of the uprights 53a is arranged intermittently in the circumferential direction, for example.

[0108] Each of the raised parts 53a is, for example, formed into an arc shape centered on the axis of rotation 95 when viewed from above.

[0109] The inner peripheral surface of the second inner peripheral edge portion 53 and the inner peripheral surface of each upright portion 53a are respectively disposed on the same cylindrical surface as the inner peripheral surface of the second annular portion 54.

[0110] The height of the upper end of each upright part 53a is, for example, arranged at a position approximately equal to or higher than the height of the second surface 33b of the second magnetic core 33.

[0111] By forming the upright portion 53a, when the handle shaft 110 passes through the cavity 11 of the transmitting unit 10, the handle shaft 110 is guided by the upright portion 53a to smoothly pass through the power transmission device 100. In addition, the upright portion 53a can be used to suppress the interference between the handle shaft 110 and the second magnetic core 33.

[0112] In this embodiment, as an example, the second retaining member 51 has six upright portions 53a.

[0113] Furthermore, the second retaining member 51 may have, for example, a second terminal retaining portion 72 that retains the terminal portion 80, which will be discussed later.

[0114] More specifically, the second terminal holding portion 72 has, for example, an arc-shaped fourth upright wall portion 75 that rises upward from the upper surface of the outer periphery of the second annular portion 54; and a flat second plate portion 76 that protrudes radially outward from the upper edge of the fourth upright wall portion 75.

[0115] The fourth upright wall portion 75 is, for example, formed as an arc centered on the axis of rotation 95 when viewed from above.

[0116] Additionally, in the circumferential direction, a notch-shaped portion 77 is formed between the fourth upright wall portion 75 and the second upright wall portion 57 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0117] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the fourth upright wall portion 75 and the outer peripheral surface of the second outer peripheral edge portion 52 are disposed on the same cylindrical surface.

[0118] In addition, the thickness dimension (radial dimension) of the fourth upright wall portion 75 is, for example, set to be equal to the thickness dimension (radial dimension) of each of the second outer peripheral portions 52.

[0119] The second plate-shaped portion 76 is, for example, formed to be roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from above.

[0120] The upper and lower surfaces of the second plate-shaped portion 76 are, for example, horizontally arranged. In addition, the height of the upper surface of the second plate-shaped portion 76 is, for example, set to be the same as the height of the upper end of the portion of the second upright wall portion 57 excluding the second engaging claw portion 58.

[0121] Furthermore, the inner peripheral surface of the fourth upright wall portion 75 is arranged, for example, along the outer peripheral surface of one of the six second dividing cores 34. More specifically, the second dividing cores 34 that do not engage with the aforementioned second engaging protrusion 56 are arranged radially with the fourth upright wall portion 75.

[0122] As described above, the transmitting unit 10 is formed symmetrically with respect to the reference plane 130 and the receiving unit 20. Therefore, the first magnetic core 31 and the second magnetic core 33 of the transmitting unit 10 also have a plate-shaped portion 37, an inner peripheral wall portion 35, and an outer peripheral wall portion 36.

[0123] Furthermore, one surface of the first magnetic core 31 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first surface 31a) is formed by the upper end surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 35 and the upper end surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 36 of the first magnetic core 31, and the surface of the first magnetic core 31 opposite to one surface (the first surface 31a) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second surface 31b) is formed by the lower surface of the plate-shaped portion 37 of the first magnetic core 31.

[0124] Furthermore, each of the first segmented cores 32 and the second segmented cores 34 is similarly formed, for example, into a shape that divides the first magnetic core 31 into six equal parts in the circumferential direction, and has a plate-shaped portion 32a similar to the plate-shaped portion 34a, an inner peripheral wall portion 32b similar to the inner peripheral wall portion 34b, and an outer peripheral wall portion 32c similar to the outer peripheral wall portion 34c (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0125] Furthermore, similar to the second segmented core 34, a pair of notch-shaped portions 39 are formed on the outer peripheral wall portion 32c of each of the first segmented cores 32. Each of the first engaging protrusions 46 (discussed later) of the first retaining member 41 (discussed later) engages with the notch-shaped portion 39 of the corresponding first segmented core 32. Alternatively, the first engaging protrusion 46 does not engage with the notch-shaped portion 39 of one of the six first segmented cores 32. Instead, the lead-out wiring portion 66 of the transmitting coil 61 (discussed in detail later) is led out to the outside of the first magnetic core 31 via the notch-shaped portion 39.

[0126] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 10 includes a first retaining member 41, which is the same as the second retaining member 51. Therefore, the first retaining member 41 includes a first annular portion 44, which is the same as the second annular portion 54; a first engaging protrusion 46, which is the same as the second engaging protrusion 56; a first upright wall portion 47, which is the same as the second upright wall portion 57; a first outer peripheral edge portion 42, which is the same as the second outer peripheral edge portion 52; a first inner peripheral edge portion 43, which is the same as the second inner peripheral edge portion 53; and an upright portion 43a, which is the same as the upright portion 53a.

[0127] In addition, the first retaining member 41 also has a first terminal retaining portion 71 for retaining the terminal portion 80. Similar to the second terminal retaining portion 72, the first terminal retaining portion 71 has, for example, a third upright wall portion 73 that is the same as the fourth upright wall portion 75 and a first plate-shaped portion 74 that is the same as the second plate-shaped portion 76.

[0128] Furthermore, the inner peripheral surface of the third upright wall portion 73 is arranged, for example, along the outer peripheral surface of one of the six first dividing cores 32. More specifically, the first dividing core 32 among the six first dividing cores 32 that does not engage with the aforementioned first engaging protrusion 46 is arranged radially with the third upright wall portion 73.

[0129] Thus, the transmitting unit 10 has a first resin holding member 41 that holds the first magnetic core 31, and the receiving unit 20 has a second resin holding member 51 that holds the second magnetic core 33. The first holding member 41 is an annular member arranged along one surface (first surface 31a) of the first magnetic core 31 in the axial direction, and the second holding member 51 is an annular member arranged along one surface (first surface 33a) of the second magnetic core 33 in the axial direction.

[0130] Therefore, the distance between the first magnetic core 31 and the second magnetic core 33 can be kept constant, thus enabling a more stable characteristic of the power transmission device 100.

[0131] Furthermore, as described above, the first magnetic core 31 is constructed by dividing it into multiple first segmented cores 32, and the second magnetic core 33 is constructed by dividing it into multiple second segmented cores 34. Therefore, for example, when a temperature change occurs in the environment surrounding the power transmission device 100, even if thermal stress is generated on the first magnetic core 31 due to thermal deformation of the first holding member 41 caused by the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the first magnetic core 31 and the first holding member 41, this thermal stress can be absorbed by widening or narrowing the gaps between the first segmented cores 32. Similarly, even if thermal stress is generated on the second magnetic core 33 due to thermal deformation of the second holding member 51, this thermal stress can be absorbed by widening or narrowing the gaps between the second segmented cores 34. Thus, more stable characteristics of the power transmission device 100 can be achieved. Furthermore, the damage resistance of the first magnetic core 31 and the second magnetic core 33 can be improved.

[0132] In addition, the first retaining member 41 has a first engaging protrusion 46 that engages with the first dividing core 32, and the circumferential misalignment of the first dividing core 32 is limited by the first engaging protrusion 46. The second retaining member 51, for example, has a second engaging protrusion 56 that engages with the second dividing core 34, and the circumferential misalignment of the second dividing core 34 is limited by the second engaging protrusion 56.

[0133] In addition, the first retaining member 41 has, for example, a first upright wall portion 47 disposed along the outer peripheral surface 31c of the first magnetic core 31, and the first upright wall portion 47 is disposed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. The second retaining member 51 has, for example, a second upright wall portion 57 disposed along the outer peripheral surface 33c of the second magnetic core 33, and the second upright wall portion 57 is disposed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction.

[0134] In addition, the first upright wall portion 47 has a first engaging claw portion 48 that engages with the surface (second surface 31b) of the first magnetic core 31 located on the opposite side of one surface (first surface 31a), and the second upright wall portion 57 has, for example, a second engaging claw portion 58 that engages with the surface (second surface 33b) of the second magnetic core 33 located on the opposite side of one surface (first surface 33a).

[0135] That is, the first retaining member 41 has a first upright wall portion 47 disposed along the outer peripheral surface 31c of the first magnetic core 31, and the first upright wall portion 47 has a first engaging claw portion 48 that engages with the surface (second surface 31b) of the first magnetic core 31 located on the opposite side of one surface (first surface 31a). The second retaining member 51 has a second upright wall portion 57 disposed along the outer peripheral surface 33c of the second magnetic core 33, and the second upright wall portion 57 has a second engaging claw portion 58 that engages with the surface (second surface 33b) of the second magnetic core 33 located on the opposite side of one surface (first surface 33a).

[0136] Therefore, the first magnetic core 31 can be well held by the first holding member 41, and the second magnetic core 33 can be well held by the second holding member 51.

[0137] Furthermore, two adjacent first segmented cores 32 of the plurality of first segmented cores 32 of the first magnetic core 31 engage with a common first engaging claw portion 48, and two adjacent second segmented cores 34 of the plurality of second segmented cores 34 of the second magnetic core 33 engage with a common second engaging claw portion 58.

[0138] Therefore, each of the first segmented cores 32 can be held by the first retaining member 41 well using a smaller number of first engaging claw portions 48, and each of the second segmented cores 34 can be held by the second retaining member 51 well using a smaller number of second engaging claw portions 58.

[0139] Furthermore, the upper surfaces of adjacent second segment cores 34 can be made to have the same height (position in the vertical direction). Similarly, the lower surfaces of adjacent first segment cores 32 can be made to have the same height (position in the vertical direction).

[0140] In this embodiment, the inner diameters of the first magnetic core 31 and the second magnetic core 33 are larger than the outer diameters of the first inner peripheral portion 43 and the second inner peripheral portion 53. Furthermore, the outer diameters of the first magnetic core 31 and the second magnetic core 33 are smaller than the inner diameters of the first outer peripheral portion 42 and the second outer peripheral portion 52.

[0141] The upper ends of the second inner peripheral portion 53 and the second outer peripheral portion 52 are positioned below the height of the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 37 of the second magnetic core 33. Furthermore, the lower ends of the first inner peripheral portion 43 and the first outer peripheral portion 42 are positioned above the height of the lower surface of the plate-shaped portion 37 of the first magnetic core 31.

[0142] And, as Figure 6 As shown, the second magnetic core 33 is disposed between the second outer peripheral portion 52 and the second inner peripheral portion 53. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface 33c of the second magnetic core 33 is disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the second outer peripheral portion 52, and the inner peripheral surface of the second magnetic core 33 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the second inner peripheral portion 53. That is, the second magnetic core 33 and the second outer peripheral portion 52, as well as the second magnetic core 33 and the second inner peripheral portion 53, are close to each other and disposed concentrically. In addition, the first surface 33a of the second magnetic core 33 is in contact with the upper surface of the second annular portion 54.

[0143] Similarly, the first magnetic core 31 is disposed between the first outer peripheral portion 42 and the first inner peripheral portion 43. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface 31c of the first magnetic core 31 is disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the first outer peripheral portion 42, and the inner peripheral surface of the first magnetic core 31 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the first inner peripheral portion 43. That is, the first magnetic core 31 and the first outer peripheral portion 42, as well as the first magnetic core 31 and the first inner peripheral portion 43, are close to each other and disposed concentrically. In addition, the first surface 31a of the first magnetic core 31 is in contact with the lower surface of the first annular portion 44.

[0144] In addition, in this embodiment, the cavity 11 inside the transmitting unit 10 is formed by dividing the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10. The inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10 is composed of the inner peripheral surface of the first annular portion 44, the inner peripheral surface of each first inner peripheral edge portion 43, and the inner peripheral surface of each upright portion 43a.

[0145] Similarly, the cavity 21 inside the receiving unit 20 is formed by dividing the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20. The inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20 is composed of the inner peripheral surface of the second annular portion 54, the inner peripheral surface of each second inner peripheral edge portion 53, and the inner peripheral surface of each upright portion 53a.

[0146] In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the transmitting unit 10 is composed of the outer peripheral surface of the first annular portion 44, the outer peripheral surface of each of the first upright wall portions 47 and the outer peripheral surface of each of the first outer peripheral edge portions 42, and the outer peripheral surface of the receiving unit 20 is composed of the outer peripheral surface of the second annular portion 54, the outer peripheral surface of each of the second upright wall portions 57 and the outer peripheral surface of each of the second outer peripheral edge portions 52.

[0147] The thickness (radial dimension) of each of the first inner peripheral portion 43 and the raised portion 43a is, for example, smaller than the thickness (radial dimension) of the first outer peripheral portion 42. Similarly, the thickness (radial dimension) of each of the second inner peripheral portion 53 and the raised portion 53a is, for example, smaller than the thickness (radial dimension) of the second outer peripheral portion 52.

[0148] Therefore, by keeping the outer diameters of the transmitting unit 10 and the receiving unit 20 unchanged, the diameters of the cavities 11 and 21 can be adequately ensured.

[0149] In this embodiment, both the transmitting coil 61 and the receiving coil 62 are made of metal wire with an insulating coating. Both the transmitting coil 61 and the receiving coil 62 have a winding portion 65 formed by winding the wire around the inner peripheral wall portion 35 and a pair of lead-out wiring portions 66 formed by the two ends of the wire.

[0150] The winding portion 65 of the receiving coil 62 is housed inside the slot 38 of the second magnetic core 33, and the opening of the slot 38 is blocked by the second annular portion 54. Similarly, the winding portion 65 of the transmitting coil 61 is housed inside the slot 38 of the first magnetic core 31, and the opening of the slot 38 is blocked by the first annular portion 44.

[0151] Furthermore, each lead-out wiring portion 66 of the receiving coil 62 is led out to the outside of the outer peripheral wall portion 36, for example, via the notch-shaped portion 39 of the second dividing core 34, which is disposed opposite to the second terminal holding portion 72 described above.

[0152] Similarly, each lead-out wiring portion 66 of the transmitting coil 61 is led out to the outside of the outer peripheral wall portion 36 via, for example, the notch-shaped portion 39 of the first dividing core 32, which is arranged opposite to the first terminal holding portion 71 described above.

[0153] The receiving coil 62 and the second magnetic core 33 can also be fixed to each other, for example, by double-sided adhesive tape (not shown).

[0154] Furthermore, the double-sided fixing band is formed, for example, into a ring shape that is substantially the same as the plate-like portion 37 of the second magnetic core 33 when viewed from above. Also, it is preferable that each of the second segmented cores 34 is also arranged in a wraparound shape along this fixing band. This arrangement helps to suppress relative displacement between the second segmented cores 34.

[0155] Similarly, the transmitting coil 61 and the first magnetic core 31 can also be fixed to each other, for example, by double-sided adhesive tape (not shown).

[0156] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the power transmission device 100 has, for example, a first terminal portion 81, a second terminal portion 82, a third terminal portion 83, and a fourth terminal portion 84 as a terminal portion 80.

[0157] The first terminal portion 81 and the second terminal portion 82 are each held by the first terminal holding portion 71 of the first holding member 41 and are electrically connected to the transmitting coil 61. The third terminal portion 83 and the fourth terminal portion 84 are each held by the second terminal holding portion 72 of the second holding member 51 and are electrically connected to the receiving coil 62.

[0158] The first terminal portion 81 to the fourth terminal portion 84 are formed, for example, by bending a longitudinally elongated plate-shaped metal member (for example, bending it 90 degrees).

[0159] More specifically, the third terminal portion 83 is L-shaped in front view, and has a vertical portion extending in the vertical direction and a horizontal portion extending in the horizontal direction from the lower end of the vertical portion. Furthermore, the vertical portion is an external terminal 85 that connects to the outside when the power transmission device 100 is installed, and the horizontal portion is a crimp terminal 86 to which the lead-out wiring portion 66 of the receiving coil 62 is fixed.

[0160] The lower part of the external terminal 85 of the third terminal portion 83 is embedded in the second plate-shaped portion 76 of the second terminal holding portion 72, and the upper part of the external terminal 85 is exposed to the outside from the upper surface of the second plate-shaped portion 76.

[0161] On the other hand, the crimp terminal 86 extends horizontally along the lower surface of the second plate-shaped portion 76 (approximately along the tangential direction relative to the outer periphery of the second annular portion 54 when viewed from above).

[0162] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a groove (not shown) with a shape corresponding to the crimp terminal 86 of the third terminal portion 83 is formed on the lower surface of the second plate-shaped portion 76. A portion of the crimp terminal 86 of the third terminal portion 83 is received in the groove and is arranged horizontally along the bottom surface of the groove.

[0163] In addition, the top end of the crimp terminal 86 (the end opposite to the side of the external terminal 85) forms a fitting portion 87, which is bent in a generally cylindrical manner in a horizontal direction with an axial direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the crimp terminal 86.

[0164] Furthermore, with one of the pair of lead-out wiring portions 66 of the receiving coil 62 penetrating the inner cavity of the fitting portion 87, the top end and base end of the fitting portion 87 are closed, thereby enabling the lead-out wiring portion 66 to engage with the fitting portion 87. That is, by deforming the fitting portion 87, the lead-out wiring portion 66 can be fixed relative to the crimp terminal 86 while penetrating the inner cavity of the fitting portion 87. In this state, for example, it can be fixed by soldering or by brazing.

[0165] For example, the fourth terminal portion 84 is formed in a shape symmetrical to the third terminal portion 83 with reference to a plane including the second retaining member 51 in a radial direction from the rotation axis 95 toward the second terminal retaining portion 72 and the rotation axis 95. Therefore, similar to the third terminal portion 83, the fourth terminal portion 84 has an external terminal 85, a crimp terminal 86, and a mating portion 87.

[0166] Furthermore, the other lead-out wiring portion 66 of the pair of lead-out wiring portions 66 of the receiving coil 62 (the lead-out wiring portion 66 that is not connected to the third terminal portion 83) is fixed relative to the crimp terminal 86 in the fitting portion 87 in the same way as the third terminal portion 83.

[0167] Additionally, a groove (not shown) with a shape corresponding to the crimp terminal 86 of the fourth terminal portion 84 is formed on the lower surface of the second plate-shaped portion 76. A portion of the crimp terminal 86 of the fourth terminal portion 84 is received in the groove and is arranged horizontally along the bottom surface of the groove.

[0168] For example, the first terminal portion 81 is formed in a shape that is vertically symmetrical to the third terminal portion 83. Therefore, similar to the third terminal portion 83, the first terminal portion 81 has an external terminal 85, a crimp terminal 86, and a mating portion 87.

[0169] Furthermore, one of the pair of lead-out wiring portions 66 of the transmitting coil 61 is fixed relative to the crimp terminal 86 at the fitting portion 87, just like the third terminal portion 83.

[0170] Similarly, for example, the second terminal portion 82 is formed in a shape that is vertically symmetrical to the fourth terminal portion 84. Therefore, the second terminal portion 82 has an external terminal 85, a crimp terminal 86, and a mating portion 87.

[0171] Furthermore, the other lead-out wiring portion 66 of the pair of lead-out wiring portions 66 of the transmitting coil 61 (the lead-out wiring portion 66 that is not connected to the first terminal portion 81) is fixed relative to the crimp terminal 86 in the fitting portion 87 in the same way as the third terminal portion 83.

[0172] The first segment core 32 and the second segment core 34 are integrally formed from magnetic material.

[0173] The first retaining member 41 and the second retaining member 51 are, for example, integrally formed from an insulating material such as resin.

[0174] In this embodiment, the transmitting unit 10 is connected to a power source (not shown), and current is applied from the power source to the transmitting coil 61. By applying current to the transmitting coil 61, a magnetic field is generated around the transmitting coil 61, and thus an induced electromotive force is generated in the receiving coil 62. That is, the power transmission device 100 transmits power from the transmitting coil 61 of the transmitting unit 10 to the receiving coil 62 of the receiving unit 20 by means of electromagnetic induction.

[0175] In this embodiment, the power transmission device 100 also includes a magnetic seal 90.

[0176] The magnetic seal 90 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110 from the gap between the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110 and the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10 to the gap between the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20.

[0177] Therefore, a magnetic seal 90 is provided around the handle shaft 110, so that even if the handle shaft 110 is made of metal, eddy currents can be suppressed on the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110, thereby improving the power transmission efficiency of the power transmission device 100.

[0178] More specifically, in the power transmission device 100, the power transmission efficiency is expressed as the product of the coupling degree between the transmitting coil 61 and the receiving coil 62 and the respective Q-values ​​(quality factors) of the transmitting coil 61 and the receiving coil 62. Therefore, to improve the power transmission efficiency, it is required to increase this Q-value. Furthermore, the structure described above suppresses the generation of eddy currents, thereby reducing the resistance of the transmitting coil 61, and thus increasing the Q-value of the transmitting coil 61.

[0179] Furthermore, since the magnetic seal 90 suppresses eddy currents on the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110, even if the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20 are respectively arranged closer to the handle shaft 110, good power transmission efficiency of the power transmission device 100 can be achieved. Therefore, the power transmission device 100 can be further miniaturized.

[0180] in, Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) represents an example of the measured values ​​of various characteristics of the transmitting coil 61 obtained using the power transmission device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b) represents an example of measured values ​​of various characteristics of the transmitting coil 61 obtained using the power transmission device 100 of the first modified example discussed later (power transmission device 100 without magnetic seal 90). Figure 8 (a) and Figure 9 (a) shows, in tabular form, the measured values ​​of the inductance of the transmitting coil 61 at each power supply frequency [kHz]. Figure 8 (a) and Figure 9 (a) L[uH]), the measured value of the resistance of transmitting coil 61 ( Figure 8 (a) and Figure 9 (a) R[mohm][Ω]), and the measured value of the Q value of the transmitting coil 61 ( Figure 8 (a) and Figure 9 Q in (a). And, Figure 8 (b) indicates that they are respectively marked with Figure 8 The curve is obtained by taking the measured resistance [mohm][Ω] of the transmitting coil 61 in (a) and the measured Q value of the transmitting coil 61. Figure 9 (b) indicates that they are respectively marked with Figure 9 The curve is obtained by combining the measured resistance [mohm][Ω] of the transmitting coil 61 in (a) with the measured Q value of the transmitting coil 61. Additionally, in Figure 8 (b) and Figure 9 In (b), the vertical axis on the right is the Q value of the transmitting coil 61, the vertical axis on the left is the resistance value [mohm], and the horizontal axis is the frequency [kHz].

[0181] like Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 As shown in (b), this is in contrast to the case of the power transmission device 100 using the first variant discussed later (see [reference]). Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 Compared to (b), when the power transmission device 100 of this embodiment is used, the measured value of the resistance of the transmitting coil 61 is further reduced, while the measured value of the Q value of the transmitting coil 61 is further increased.

[0182] More specifically, for example, when the frequency of the power supply is 100 kHz, the measured resistance of the transmitting coil 61 measured using the power transmission device 100 of this embodiment is 107 mohm, and the Q value of the transmitting coil is 100.

[0183] On the other hand, for example, when the frequency of the power supply is 100 kHz, the measured resistance of the transmitting coil measured using a power transmission device 100 without a magnetic seal 90 is 200 mohm, and the Q value of the transmitting coil is 39.

[0184] Thus, by arranging the magnetic seal 90 around the handle shaft 110, the Q value of the transmitting coil 61 can be increased, thereby improving the power transmission efficiency of the power transmission device 100.

[0185] like Figure 7 As shown, the magnetic seal 90 includes, for example: a sheet-like substrate 91; a plurality of magnetic bodies 92 disposed on one side of the substrate 91; and an adhesive layer 93 formed on the other side of the substrate 91. Furthermore, Figure 7 It is a sectional view along the radial direction.

[0186] The substrate 91 is, for example, made of a soft resin material.

[0187] The plurality of magnetic bodies 92 are formed, for example, in the form of thin plates. The shape of each magnetic body 92 is not particularly limited, but for example, a generally rectangular shape can be listed. The plurality of magnetic bodies 92 are arranged in an array on approximately the entire surface of one of the aforementioned surfaces of the substrate 91.

[0188] As an example, the multiple magnetic bodies 92 are sintered ferrites with high magnetic permeability. Therefore, the magnetic body seal 90 can effectively suppress the leakage of magnetic flux generated around the transmitting coil 61.

[0189] The magnetic seal 90 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110, for example, by means of an adhesive layer 93. More specifically, the opposite side of the substrate 91 to which the adhesive layer 93 is formed is disposed along the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110. In addition, one side of the substrate 91 to which a plurality of magnetic elements 92 are disposed is disposed along both the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20. The magnetic seal 90 is fixed to the handle shaft 110 by means of the adhesive layer 93, for example, while being wound along the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110. When the magnetic seal 90 is wound around the handle shaft 110, the plurality of magnetic elements 92 are arranged in an array, so the magnetic seal 90 can be easily deformed into a shape similar to the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110.

[0190] However, the magnetic seal 90 may also be configured along both the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20. In this case, the opposite side of the substrate 91 to which the adhesive layer 93 is formed is configured along both the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20.

[0191] The handle shaft 110, as described above, has a cylindrical shaft 115, and a connecting member 120 (see reference) is mounted on the upper end of the shaft 115, for example. Figure 1 and Figure 2 (etc.). A handle is mounted on the connecting member 120, for example, and the handle is connected to the upper end of the shaft 115 via the connecting member 120. Furthermore, in Figure 1 and Figure 6 The diagram shows the state in which the connecting member 120 passes through the cavity 11 of the transmitting unit 10 and the cavity 21 of the receiving unit 20.

[0192] Furthermore, if the handle is rotated, the shaft 115 rotates about the axis of the shaft 115 (about the axis of the handle shaft 110) along with the handle and the connecting member 120.

[0193] More specifically, the connecting member 120 has: a cylindrical portion 121 formed in a cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction; a through hole 123 that passes through the cylindrical portion 121 in the vertical direction; and a flange portion 124 that extends from the upper edge of the cylindrical portion 121 to the periphery.

[0194] In this embodiment, the handle is mounted on the connecting member 120 by embedding a portion of the handle into the through hole 123 of the connecting member 120.

[0195] In addition, by embedding the lower part of the cylindrical portion 121 into the shaft 115, the connecting member 120 is installed on the upper end of the shaft 115.

[0196] More specifically, the lower part of the cylindrical portion 121 of the connecting member 120 forms a stepped fitting portion 122, and the outer diameter of the connecting member 120 is reduced downwards in a two-step manner. The connecting member 120 and the handle are mounted on the shaft 115 by fitting the fitting portion 122 into the inner cavity of the upper end of the shaft 115. Furthermore, the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 121 is located above the upper end of the shaft 115, and its outer peripheral surface faces the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20. Additionally, the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 121 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 115 are disposed on the same cylindrical surface.

[0197] In addition, the cylindrical portion 121 of the connecting member 120 is inserted into the cavity 11 of the transmitting unit 10 and the cavity 21 of the receiving unit 20.

[0198] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the magnetic seal 90 is configured to surround, for example, the portion from the upper part of the cylindrical portion 121 to the upper end of the shaft 115, along the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the cylindrical portion 121 and the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the shaft 115.

[0199] Therefore, since the magnetic seal 90 also covers the upper part of the cylindrical part 121 and the upper end of the shaft 115, the state in which the connecting member 120 is installed at the upper end of the shaft 115 can be well maintained.

[0200] Furthermore, as described above, the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110 is arranged along the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 121 is arranged along the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20, and the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the shaft 115 is arranged along the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the magnetic seal 90 is arranged along the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10 and also along the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20.

[0201] In this embodiment, gaps are formed between the outer peripheral surface of the magnetic seal 90 and the inner peripheral surface 10a of the transmitting unit 10, and between the outer peripheral surface of the magnetic seal 90 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the receiving unit 20.

[0202] In this embodiment, the magnetic seal 90 is wound around the outer peripheral surface 110a of the handle shaft 110 more than once.

[0203] <Example 1>

[0204] Next, in Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b) indicates the first variation of the embodiment. The power transmission device 100 of this variation differs from the power transmission device 100 of the above-described embodiment in that it does not have a magnetic seal 90, but is otherwise constructed in the same way as the power transmission device 100 of the above-described embodiment.

[0205] As described above, when the power supply frequency is 100kHz, an example of the measured resistance of the transmitting coil measured using a power transmission device 100 without a magnetic seal 90 is 200 mohm, and an example of the Q value of the transmitting coil is 39.

[0206] <Second Variation>

[0207] Next, use Figure 10 The second variation of the embodiment will be described. The power transmission device 100 of this variation differs from the power transmission device 100 of the above-described embodiment and the first variation in the points described below, but is otherwise constructed in the same manner as the power transmission device 100 of the above-described embodiment and the first variation.

[0208] In this modified example, the first retaining member 41 has a first protrusion (not shown) disposed circumferentially between two adjacent first dividing cores 32, and the second retaining member 51 has a second protrusion 59 disposed circumferentially between two adjacent second dividing cores 34 (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0209] This allows for the suppression of circumferential displacement of the first segment 32. Additionally, it allows for the suppression of circumferential displacement of the second segment 34.

[0210] In this modified example, the second retaining member 51 has a second protrusion 59 instead of the second engaging protrusion 56. Additionally, a notch-shaped portion 39 is formed between two adjacent first dividing cores 32, and the second protrusion 59 engages with this notch-shaped portion 39.

[0211] More specifically, each of the second protrusions 59, for example, differs from the second engaging protrusion 56 in that it is a protrusion extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of each of the second erected wall portions 57.

[0212] Furthermore, notch-shaped portions 39a and 39b are formed at both ends of each second dividing core 34 in the circumferential direction. For example, the notch-shaped portion 39a penetrates the second dividing core 34 in the vertical direction and opens towards one side in the circumferential direction, while the notch-shaped portion 39b penetrates the second dividing core 34 in the vertical direction and opens towards the other side in the circumferential direction.

[0213] Furthermore, the notch-shaped portion 39a of one of the two adjacent second dividing cores 34 and the notch-shaped portion 39b of the other second dividing core 34 are combined to form the notch-shaped portion 39.

[0214] Similar to the second retaining member 51, as an example, the first retaining member 41 has a first protrusion instead of the first engaging protrusion 46. In addition, a notch-shaped portion 39 is formed between two adjacent first dividing cores 32, and the first protrusion engages with the notch-shaped portion 39.

[0215] In this modified example, as an example, the second retaining member 51 also has six second upright wall portions 57. Therefore, as an example, the second retaining member 51 also has six second protrusions 59. However, the number of second protrusions 59 is not particularly limited.

[0216] Similarly, as an example, the first retaining member 41 has six first upright wall portions 47. Therefore, as an example, the first retaining member 41 also has six first protrusions. However, the number of first protrusions is not particularly limited.

[0217] The embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and various structures other than those described above can also be used.

[0218] For example, in the above description, an example of transmitting power from the transmitting unit 10 to the receiving unit 20 by electromagnetic induction was given, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and magnetic field resonance can also be used.

[0219] Furthermore, for example, in the above description, examples were given of the first upright wall portion 47 being disposed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction and the second upright wall portion 57 being disposed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. However, in the present invention, for example, the first upright wall portion 47 may be formed in a surrounding shape along the outer periphery of the first annular portion 44, and the second upright wall portion 57 may be formed in a surrounding shape along the outer periphery of the second annular portion 54.

[0220] This implementation method incorporates the following technical concepts.

[0221] (1) A power transmission device comprising, in a configuration opposite to each other: an annular transmitting unit having an annular first magnetic core and a transmitting coil; and an annular receiving unit having an annular second magnetic core and a receiving coil, the power transmission device being used to transmit power from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, wherein,

[0222] The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are capable of rotating relative to each other about a rotation axis through which the cavities inside the transmitting unit and the receiving unit pass.

[0223] The first magnetic core is a structure that is divided into multiple first segmented cores in the circumferential direction.

[0224] The second magnetic core is a structure that is divided into multiple second segmented cores in the circumferential direction.

[0225] (2) The power transmission device according to (1), wherein,

[0226] The transmitting unit includes a first resin retaining member for holding the first magnetic core.

[0227] The receiving unit includes a second resin retaining member for holding the second magnetic core.

[0228] The first retaining member is an annular member arranged along one surface on the axial direction of the first magnetic core.

[0229] The second retaining member is an annular member arranged along one face of the axial direction of the second magnetic core.

[0230] (3) The power transmission device according to (2), wherein,

[0231] The first retaining member has a first engaging protrusion that engages with the first segmented core, thereby limiting circumferential misalignment of the first segmented core.

[0232] The second retaining member has a second engaging protrusion that engages with the second segment core, thereby limiting circumferential misalignment of the second segment core.

[0233] (4) The power transmission device according to (2) or (3), wherein,

[0234] The first retaining member has a first upright wall portion disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the first magnetic core, and the first upright wall portion is disposed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction.

[0235] The second retaining member has a second upright wall portion disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the second magnetic core, and the second upright wall portion is disposed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction.

[0236] (5) The power transmission device according to (4), wherein,

[0237] The first upright wall portion has a first engaging claw portion that engages with the surface of the first magnetic core located on the opposite side of the first surface.

[0238] The second upright wall portion has a second engaging claw portion that engages with the surface of the second magnetic core located on the opposite side of the first surface.

[0239] (6) The power transmission device according to (2) or (3), wherein,

[0240] The first retaining member has a first upright wall portion disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the first magnetic core.

[0241] The first upright wall portion has a first engaging claw portion that engages with the surface of the first magnetic core located on the opposite side of the first surface.

[0242] The second retaining member has a second raised wall portion disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the second magnetic core.

[0243] The second upright wall portion has a second engaging claw portion that engages with the surface of the second magnetic core located on the opposite side of the first surface.

[0244] (7) The power transmission device according to (5) or (6), wherein,

[0245] Two adjacent first segmented cores of the first magnetic core engage with a shared first engaging claw portion.

[0246] Two adjacent second segmented cores of the plurality of second segmented cores of the second magnetic core engage with a shared second engaging claw portion.

[0247] (8) The power transmission apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0248] The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are arranged around the metal handle shaft.

[0249] The power transmission device also features a magnetic seal.

[0250] The magnetic seal is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the handle shaft from the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the handle shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the transmitting unit to the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the handle shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving unit.

[0251] This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2020-150936, filed on September 9, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A power transmission device comprising, in a configuration opposite to each other: an annular transmitting unit having an annular first magnetic core and a transmitting coil; and an annular receiving unit having an annular second magnetic core and a receiving coil, the power transmission device being used to transmit power from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, wherein, The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are capable of rotating relative to each other about a rotation axis through which the cavities inside the transmitting unit and the receiving unit pass. The first magnetic core is a structure that is divided into multiple first segmented cores in the circumferential direction. The second magnetic core is a structure that is divided into multiple second segmented cores in the circumferential direction. The transmitting unit includes a first resin retaining member for holding the first magnetic core. The receiving unit includes a second resin retaining member for holding the second magnetic core. The first retaining member is ring-shaped. A portion of the first retaining member is disposed along a first surface of the first magnetic core, the first surface being a surface facing one side in the direction of the rotation axis. The first surface of the first magnetic core is axially opposite a second surface, which is a surface of the second magnetic core of the receiving unit. The second retaining member is ring-shaped. A portion of the second retaining member is disposed along the second surface of the second magnetic core, the second surface being a side facing the opposite side in the direction of the rotation axis, and the second surface of the second magnetic core is axially opposite to the first surface of the first magnetic core of the transmitting unit. The transmitting coil and the receiving coil are arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation axis and are opposite to each other with the first holding member and the second holding member in between.

2. The power transmission device according to claim 1, wherein, The first retaining member has a first engaging protrusion that engages with the plurality of first segmented cores, thereby limiting circumferential misalignment of the plurality of first segmented cores. The second retaining member has a second engaging protrusion that engages with the plurality of second segmented cores, thereby limiting circumferential misalignment of the plurality of second segmented cores.

3. The power transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first retaining member has a plurality of first upright walls arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the first magnetic core, the plurality of first upright walls being disposed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the first retaining member. The second retaining member has a plurality of second upright walls arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the second magnetic core, the plurality of second upright walls being disposed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the second retaining member.

4. The power transmission device according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of first upright walls each have a first engaging claw that engages with a surface of the first magnetic core located on the opposite side of the first surface of the first magnetic core. The plurality of second upright walls each have a second engaging claw that engages with the face of the second magnetic core located on the opposite side of the second surface of the second magnetic core.

5. The power transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first retaining member has a first upright wall disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the first magnetic core. The first upright wall has a first engaging claw that engages with the surface of the first magnetic core located on the opposite side of the first surface of the first magnetic core. The second retaining member has a second upright wall disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the second magnetic core. The second upright wall has a second engaging claw that engages with the face of the second magnetic core located on the opposite side of the second surface of the second magnetic core.

6. The power transmission device according to claim 4, wherein, The first engaging claw engages with two adjacent first segmented cores among the plurality of first segmented cores of the first magnetic core. The second engaging claw engages with two adjacent second segment cores among the plurality of second segment cores of the second magnetic core.

7. The power transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power transmission device also features a magnetic seal. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are arranged around the metal handle shaft. The magnetic seal is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the handle shaft from the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the handle shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the transmitting unit to the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the handle shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving unit.

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