Wireless connector mounting and demounting method, robotic device, wireless connector and wireless connector unit

Abstract

A wireless connector (103) is formed by a pair of units (110, 111). Each unit (110, 111) includes a ring-shaped transceiving unit (113, 126) provided with a coil for wirelessly transmitting electric power and formed by a plurality of coil components, and a main connector portion (115, 128) detachably attached to an object from the outside of the object to transmit electric power to the object. Each unit (110, 111) is assembled so that each unit (110, 111) can be divided into a plurality of non-ring-shaped portions, so that the coil can be formed by coupling the plurality of coil components via a plurality of connectors for the coil. When one of the transceiving units (113, 126) is attached to an object, the one of the transceiving units (113, 126) is arranged in non-contact opposition with the other of the transceiving units (113, 126), so that electric power can be wirelessly transmitted therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for installing and removing a wireless connector, a robotic device, a wireless connector, and a wireless connector unit. Background Technology

[0002] Technology for wirelessly supplying power to a load is known. Hereinafter, this technology is referred to as "wireless power supply technology." Wireless power supply technology is applied to industrial robots, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses... Figure 36A An example of a robotic arm device is shown. The illustrated robotic arm device includes a first joint J1 to a sixth joint J6. A first wireless power supply unit IHU2 and a second wireless power supply unit IHU4 are respectively provided in the second joint J2 and the fourth joint J4. The first wireless power supply unit IHU2 and the second wireless power supply unit IHU4 wirelessly transmit power at the second joint J2 and the fourth joint J4 via a pair of coils, respectively.

[0003] The aforementioned patent document 1 also discloses, as follows: Figure 36B The diagram shows a portion of the structure of a wireless power transmission system. The illustrated wireless power transmission system includes a wireless power supply unit 1, a power supply device 2, and a load 3. The wireless power supply unit 1 is located between the power supply device 2 and the load 3. The wireless power supply unit 1 corresponds to the aforementioned first wireless power supply unit IHU2. Figure 36B As shown, the wireless power supply unit 1 includes a power transmitting device 10 and a receiving device 20. The power transmitting device 10 includes a power transmitting antenna 11 with a coil, an inverter circuit 13, and a power transmitting control circuit 15. The receiving device 20 includes a power receiving antenna 21 with a coil and a rectifier circuit 23.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent document 1: JP 2018-117511 A. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0008] Generally, coils used for wirelessly transmitting and receiving power frequently generate heat during operation. Therefore, the wireless power supply unit 1 may malfunction due to disconnections caused by heat generation in the coils. Such malfunctions in the wireless power supply unit 1 may interfere with the operation of the robotic arm. Accordingly, it is desirable to be able to quickly repair the wireless power supply unit 1 through replacement or the like.

[0009] Patent Document 1 does not disclose how the second joint J2 and the fourth joint J4 are equipped with the wireless power supply unit 1, such as the arrangement of a pair of coils. Furthermore, in the robotic arm device described in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable that the wireless power supply unit 1 could be applied not only to the second joint J2 and the fourth joint J4, but also to the first joint J1 and the fifth joint J5. However, Patent Document 1 makes no disclosure whatsoever of applying the wireless power supply unit 1 to the first joint J1 and the fifth joint J5. Therefore, even with reference to Patent Document 1, it is difficult to obtain a wireless power supply unit that can be quickly repaired.

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to provide a wireless connector that can be quickly repaired.

[0011] Problem Solving Methods

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for installing and removing a wireless connector is provided. This method is used to install a wireless connector to a first object and a second object, and to remove the wireless connector from the first object and the second object, wherein the first object and the second object are rotatably connected about a rotation axis, and the wireless connector is configured to wirelessly transmit power between the first object and the second object, wherein:

[0013] The wireless connector includes:

[0014] The first unit includes a first main connector portion and a first transceiver unit having a first coil, the first coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power and including a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; the first main connector portion is configured to transmit power to / from the first object; and

[0015] The second unit includes a second main connector portion and a second transceiver unit provided with a second coil, the second coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil and including a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; the second main connector portion is configured to transmit power to / from the second object;

[0016] The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors;

[0017] The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors.

[0018] The method for installing and removing the wireless connector includes:

[0019] The step of attaching the wireless connector to the first object and the second object in a non-contact, facing-to-face state of the first and second transceiver units, in order to wirelessly transmit the power; and

[0020] The step of detaching the wireless connector from the first object and the second object;

[0021] The installation steps include:

[0022] The step of engaging one or more first coil connectors from the outside of the first object, such that the first transceiver unit is configured in a closed annular shape around the axis of rotation, and such that the first main connector is mounted to the first object; and

[0023] The step of engaging one or more second coil connectors from the outside of the second object causes the second transceiver unit to be configured in a closed annular shape around the axis of rotation, and causes the second main connector to be mounted to the second object.

[0024] The disassembly steps include:

[0025] The step of disengaging the engagement of one or more first coil connectors by working outside the first object causes the first transceiver unit to be placed in an open state and causes the first main connector portion to be detached from the first object; and

[0026] The step of disengaging the engagement of one or more second coil connectors by working outside the second object causes the second transceiver unit to be placed in an open state and causes the second main connector portion to be detached from the second object.

[0027] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0028] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0029] The first transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors.

[0030] The first unit can be assembled to be divided into first-level components to i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to i-th-level components are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors.

[0031] The second transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors.

[0032] The second unit can be assembled to be divided into first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts (j is an integer not less than 2), the first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts are not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

[0033] The installation steps may include:

[0034] The step of engaging the plurality of first coil connectors from the outside of the first object causes the first transceiver unit to be configured in a closed annular shape around the axis of rotation, and causes the first main connector portion to be mounted to the first object; and

[0035] The step of engaging the plurality of second coil connectors from the outside of the second object causes the second transceiver unit to be configured in a closed annular shape around the axis of rotation, and causes the second main connector portion to be mounted to the second object.

[0036] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0037] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0038] The first unit may include:

[0039] The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0040] A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the first coil connector.

[0041] The second unit may include:

[0042] The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0043] A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

[0044] To achieve the above objectives, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a robotic device is provided, comprising:

[0045] A first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being connected to each other to be rotatable about a rotation axis; and

[0046] A wireless connector for wirelessly transmitting power between the first object and the second object;

[0047] The first object includes a first mating connector portion exposed to the outside;

[0048] The second object includes a second mating connector portion exposed to the outside;

[0049] The wireless connector includes:

[0050] The first unit includes:

[0051] A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being configured to wirelessly transmit the power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0052] A first main connector section is connected to a first mating connector section to transmit the power to / from the first object;

[0053] The second unit, the second unit includes:

[0054] A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being configured to transmit power to / from the first coil and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0055] A second main connector section is connected to a second mating connector section to transmit the power to / from the second object;

[0056] The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors.

[0057] The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors;

[0058] When the first unit and the second unit are respectively installed on the first object and the second object, the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are arranged in a closed ring state and facing each other in a non-contact manner so as to transmit the power outside the first object and the second object.

[0059] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0060] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0061] The first transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors.

[0062] The first unit can be assembled to be divided into first-level components to i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to i-th-level components are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors.

[0063] The second transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors.

[0064] The second unit can be assembled to be divided into first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts (j is an integer not less than 2), the first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts are not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

[0065] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0066] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0067] The first unit may include:

[0068] The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0069] A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the first coil connector.

[0070] The second unit may include:

[0071] The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0072] A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

[0073] The wireless connector can be mounted into a recess formed at the connection between the first object and the second object so that it does not protrude outward beyond the first object and the second object when viewed along the axis of rotation.

[0074] To achieve the above objectives, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a wireless connector is provided for wirelessly transmitting power between a first object and a second object, the wireless connector comprising:

[0075] A first unit, wherein the first unit is detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; and

[0076] The second unit is detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object;

[0077] The first unit includes:

[0078] A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being configured to wirelessly transmit the power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0079] A first main connector section is configured to transmit power to / from the first object by being detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object.

[0080] The second unit includes:

[0081] A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil of the first transceiver unit and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0082] A second main connector section is configured to transmit power to / from the second object by being detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object.

[0083] The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors.

[0084] The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors;

[0085] When the first unit and the second unit are respectively installed on the first object and the second object, the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are arranged in a closed ring state and face each other in a non-contact manner in order to wirelessly transmit the power.

[0086] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0087] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0088] The first transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors.

[0089] The first unit can be assembled to be divided into first-level components to i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to i-th-level components are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors.

[0090] The second transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors.

[0091] The second unit can be assembled to be divided into first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts (j is an integer not less than 2), the first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts are not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

[0092] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0093] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0094] The first unit may include:

[0095] The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0096] A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the first coil connector.

[0097] The second unit may include:

[0098] The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0099] A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

[0100] To achieve the above objectives, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a wireless connector is provided for wirelessly transmitting power between a first object and a second object, the wireless connector comprising:

[0101] A first unit, wherein the first unit is detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; and

[0102] The second unit is detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object;

[0103] The first unit includes:

[0104] A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being configured to wirelessly transmit the power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0105] A first main connector section is configured to transmit power to / from the first object by being detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object.

[0106] The second unit includes:

[0107] A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil of the first transceiver unit and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0108] A second main connector section is configured to transmit power to / from the second object by being detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object.

[0109] The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors.

[0110] The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors;

[0111] When the first unit and the second unit are respectively installed on the first object and the second object, the first coil and the second coil are arranged in a closed loop state and parallel to each other in a non-contact manner to transmit the power wirelessly.

[0112] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0113] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0114] The first transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors.

[0115] The first unit can be assembled to be divided into first-level components to i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to i-th-level components are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors.

[0116] The second transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors.

[0117] The second unit can be assembled to be divided into first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts (j is an integer not less than 2), the first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts are not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

[0118] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0119] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0120] The first unit may include:

[0121] The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0122] A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the first coil connector.

[0123] The second unit may include:

[0124] The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0125] A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

[0126] To achieve the above objectives, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a wireless connector is provided for wirelessly transmitting power between a first object and a second object, the wireless connector comprising:

[0127] A first unit, wherein the first unit is detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; and

[0128] The second unit is detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object;

[0129] The first unit includes:

[0130] A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being configured to wirelessly transmit the power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0131] A first main connector section is configured to transmit power to / from the first object by being detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object.

[0132] The second unit includes:

[0133] A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil of the first transceiver unit and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0134] A second main connector section is configured to transmit power to / from the second object by being detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object.

[0135] The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors.

[0136] The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors;

[0137] When the first unit and the second unit are respectively installed on the first object and the second object, the first coil and the second coil are arranged in a closed loop state and parallel to each other in a non-contact manner so as to magnetically couple with each other.

[0138] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0139] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0140] The first transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors.

[0141] The first unit can be assembled to be divided into first-level components to i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to i-th-level components are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors.

[0142] The second transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors.

[0143] The second unit can be assembled to be divided into first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts (j is an integer not less than 2), the first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts are not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

[0144] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0145] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0146] The first unit may include:

[0147] The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0148] A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the first coil connector.

[0149] The second unit may include:

[0150] The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0151] A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

[0152] The first object and the second object can be connected to each other so that they can rotate about a rotation axis.

[0153] Each of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit can be formed in a closed state into a circular annular shape with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation, or into a polygonal annular shape with the through hole.

[0154] The first object and the second object can be connected to each other so that they can rotate about a rotation axis.

[0155] In each of the closed states of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit, each of the first coil and the second coil may be arranged in a circular annular region having a through hole centered on the axis of rotation, or in a polygonal annular region having the through hole.

[0156] The first object and the second object can be connected to each other so that they can rotate about a rotation axis.

[0157] Each of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit can be formed in a closed state into a disk shape with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation.

[0158] In each of the closed states of the first and second transceiver units, each of the first and second coils can form a vortex shape.

[0159] The first transceiver unit may include:

[0160] The first coil is configurable at least in one location, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and

[0161] A first holding portion has a main surface on which the first coil is disposed, and the first holding portion is detachable at a location shared with the first coil.

[0162] The second transceiver unit may include:

[0163] The second coil is openable at least in one location, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and

[0164] The second holding part has a main surface on which the second coil is disposed, and the second holding part can be separated at a position shared with the second coil.

[0165] One main surface of the first holding part and one main surface of the second holding part can be those surfaces of the first holding part and the second holding part that are close to each other.

[0166] The first transceiver unit may include:

[0167] The first coil is configurable at least in one location, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and

[0168] A first holding portion, which accommodates the first coil and is detachable at a location shared with the first coil.

[0169] The second transceiver unit may include:

[0170] The second coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and

[0171] The second holding part accommodates the second coil and can be separated at a location shared with the second coil.

[0172] The first object and the second object can be connected to each other so that they can rotate about a rotation axis;

[0173] Each of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit may have a cylindrical shape in the closed state, the cylindrical shape having a through hole centered on the axis of rotation.

[0174] Each of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit may have a circular cylindrical shape in the closed state.

[0175] In each of the closed states of the first and second transceiver units, each of the first and second coils may have a helical shape along the axis of rotation.

[0176] The first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit can be configured such that when respectively mounted to the first object and the second object, the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis in the closed state.

[0177] The first transceiver unit may include:

[0178] The first coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and

[0179] A cylindrical first holding portion, wherein the first coil is disposed on the inner or outer surface of the first holding portion, and the first holding portion is detachable at a position shared with the first coil.

[0180] The second transceiver unit may include:

[0181] The second coil is openable at least in one location, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and

[0182] A cylindrical second retaining portion, wherein the second coil is provided on the inner or outer surface of the second retaining portion, and the second retaining portion can be separated at a position shared with the second coil.

[0183] The first transceiver unit may include:

[0184] The first coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and

[0185] A first retaining portion in the shape of a cylinder, the first retaining portion accommodating the first coil and capable of separation at a location shared with the first coil.

[0186] The second transceiver unit may include:

[0187] The second coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and

[0188] A cylindrical second retaining portion that accommodates the second coil and is detachable at a location shared with the second coil.

[0189] The first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit, each in the closed state, can be configured such that the second transceiver unit is fitted into the interior of the first transceiver unit with a gap, so that they overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0190] The first transceiver unit may include:

[0191] The first coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and

[0192] A cylindrical first holding portion, on the inner surface of which the first coil is disposed, and the first holding portion is detachable at a position shared with the first coil.

[0193] The second transceiver unit may include:

[0194] The second coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and

[0195] A cylindrical second holding portion, on the outer surface of which the second coil is provided, and the second holding portion can be separated at a position shared with the second coil.

[0196] The first transceiver unit may include:

[0197] The first coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and

[0198] A first retaining portion in the shape of a cylinder, the first retaining portion accommodating the first coil and capable of separation at a location shared with the first coil.

[0199] The second transceiver unit may include:

[0200] The second coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and

[0201] A cylindrical second retaining portion that accommodates the second coil and is detachable at a location shared with the second coil.

[0202] To achieve the above objectives, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a wireless connector is provided for wirelessly transmitting power between a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being connected to each other to be rotatable about a rotation axis, the wireless connector comprising:

[0203] A first unit, wherein the first unit is detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; and

[0204] The second unit is detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object;

[0205] The first unit includes:

[0206] A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being configured to wirelessly transmit the power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0207] A first main connector section is configured to transmit power to / from the first object by being detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object.

[0208] The second unit includes:

[0209] A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil of the first transceiver unit and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0210] A second main connector section is configured to be detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object to transmit power to / from the second object;

[0211] The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors.

[0212] The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors;

[0213] The first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis in the closed state so that they are positioned facing each other in a non-contact manner.

[0214] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0215] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0216] The first transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors.

[0217] The first unit can be assembled to be divided into first-level components to i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to i-th-level components are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors.

[0218] The second transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors.

[0219] The second unit can be assembled to be divided into first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts (j is an integer not less than 2), the first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts are not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

[0220] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0221] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0222] The first unit may include:

[0223] The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0224] A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the first coil connector.

[0225] The second unit may include:

[0226] The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0227] A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

[0228] To achieve the above objective, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a wireless connector is provided for wirelessly transmitting power between a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being connected to each other to be rotatable about a rotation axis, the wireless connector comprising:

[0229] A first unit, wherein the first unit is detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; and

[0230] The second unit is detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object;

[0231] The first unit includes:

[0232] A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being configured to wirelessly transmit the power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0233] A first main connector section is configured to transmit power to / from the first object by being detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object.

[0234] The second unit includes:

[0235] A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil of the first transceiver unit and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0236] A second main connector section is configured to transmit power to / from the second object by being detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object.

[0237] The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors.

[0238] The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors;

[0239] The first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis when they are closed, so that they are arranged to face each other in a non-contact manner.

[0240] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0241] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other.

[0242] The first transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors.

[0243] The first unit can be assembled to be divided into first-level components to i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to i-th-level components are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors.

[0244] The second transceiver unit may be configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors.

[0245] The second unit can be assembled to be divided into first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts (j is an integer not less than 2), the first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts are not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

[0246] The first coil may include the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0247] The second coil may include the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other.

[0248] The first unit may include:

[0249] The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0250] A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the first coil connector.

[0251] The second unit may include:

[0252] The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and

[0253] A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

[0254] The first object and the second object can be connected to each other to be rotatable about a rotation axis; and

[0255] Each of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit may have a center that substantially coincides with the center of the rotation axis.

[0256] The first object and the second object can be connected to each other so that they can rotate about a rotation axis.

[0257] Each of the first coil and the second coil may have a center that substantially coincides with the center of the axis of rotation.

[0258] The wireless connector may also include:

[0259] The protective part includes an elastic member that closes at least a portion of a gap that is continuous with a facing space, the facing space being the space between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit when they are facing each other, and the protective part prevents foreign objects from entering the facing space.

[0260] The protective part may further include a first protective cover and a second protective cover, wherein the first protective cover and the second protective cover respectively seal and cover the first coil and the second coil in the closed state.

[0261] The elastic member may have a base end and a top end, the base end being disposed in one of the first protective cover and the second protective cover, and the top end contacting the other of the first protective cover and the second protective cover, thereby closing at least a portion of the gap that is continuous with the facing space.

[0262] Each of the first coil and the second coil may include printed wiring.

[0263] Each of the first coil and the second coil may include a conductor wire.

[0264] To achieve the above objectives, according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a wireless connector unit is provided, the wireless connector unit constituting a wireless connector for wirelessly transmitting power between two objects, and the wireless connector unit being mounted to each of the two objects; the wireless connector unit comprising:

[0265] A transceiver unit is provided with a coil configured to wirelessly transmit the power and comprising multiple coil portions, the multiple coil portions being separable from each other or the multiple coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and

[0266] A main connector section for transmitting power to / from the object by being detachably mounted to the object from the outside of the object;

[0267] The transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when closed, such that the coil is formed by connecting the plurality of coil portions via at least one coil connector.

[0268] The transceiver unit is configured to be in a non-contact state facing different transceiver units when installed in one of the two objects in a closed state, so as to wirelessly transmit the power, wherein the different transceiver units are installed in the other of the two objects in the closed state.

[0269] Effects of the present invention

[0270] According to the present invention, wireless connectors can be repaired quickly. Attached Figure Description

[0271] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a robot device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0272] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the robot device shown in the figure;

[0273] Figure 3 Is Figure 1 and Figure 2 Perspective view of the first and second objects used in the illustrated robotic device;

[0274] Figure 4 Is Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the wireless connector used in the illustrated robotic device;

[0275] Figure 5 Is Figure 4 Side view of the first unit used in the wireless connector shown in the figure;

[0276] Figure 6 Is Figure 4 Side view of the second unit used in the wireless connector shown in the figure;

[0277] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows the circuit structure of the wireless connector.

[0278] Figure 8 It shows that Figure 4 The wireless connector shown in the diagram is installed to Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the installation method of the first and second objects;

[0279] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 5 The second-level component of the first unit shown in the figure is installed to Figure 3 A side view of the state of the first object shown in the illustration;

[0280] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 5 The first-level component of the first unit shown in the figure is installed to Figure 9 A side view of the first object as illustrated, fixed to the second-level component;

[0281] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 6 The second and second level components of the second unit shown in the figure are installed to Figure 10 A side view of the state of the second object shown in the illustration;

[0282] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 6 The first and second level components of the second unit shown in the figure are installed to Figure 11 The side view of the second object shown in the figure, fixed to the second secondary part;

[0283] Figure 13 It shows from Figure 12 The first and second objects shown in the figure are disassembled. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the process of disassembling the wireless connector.

[0284] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a wireless connector according to a first variation of the present invention;

[0285] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a wireless connector according to a second variation of the present invention;

[0286] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a wireless connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0287] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 The illustration shows a side sectional view of the wireless connector;

[0288] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of a robot device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0289] Figure 19 It is shown in Figure 18 Perspective view of the first and second units of the wireless connector used in the illustrated robotic device;

[0290] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 The illustrated wireless connector is a side sectional view in its installed state onto the first and second objects.

[0291] Figure 21 It shows that Figure 19 The wireless connector shown in the diagram is installed to Figure 20 A flowchart illustrating the installation method of the first and second objects;

[0292] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of a robot device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0293] Figure 23 Is Figure 22 A perspective view of the first unit of the wireless connector used in the illustrated robotic device;

[0294] Figure 24 Is Figure 22 A perspective view of the second unit of the wireless connector used in the illustrated robotic device;

[0295] Figure 25 This is a perspective view of a robot device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0296] Figure 26 Is it installed to Figure 25 The illustration shows a side sectional view of the wireless connector of the robot device;

[0297] Figure 27 It is by Figure 26 An enlarged side section view of the area enclosed by the dotted and dashed lines in the image;

[0298] Figure 28 It is constituted in Figure 25 A perspective view of the first unit (second unit) of the wireless connector used in the illustrated robotic device;

[0299] Figure 29 Is Figure 28 A perspective view of the first-level component (first-level component) used in the first unit (second unit) shown in the figure;

[0300] Figure 30 Is Figure 28 A perspective view of the second-level component (second-level component) used in the first unit (second unit) shown in the figure;

[0301] Figure 31 This is a perspective view of a robot device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0302] Figure 32 It shows the structure in Figure 31 A perspective view of the closed state of the first unit of the wireless connector used in the illustrated robotic device.

[0303] Figure 33 It is constituted in Figure 31 The illustrated cross-sectional view of the first unit (second unit) of the wireless connector used in the robotic device is taken along the first dividing plane (second dividing plane), which enlarges the view of the vicinity of the first connecting mechanism (second connecting mechanism);

[0304] Figure 34 It is shown Figure 32 A perspective view of the first unit in its open state, as shown in the illustration;

[0305] Figure 35 It shows the composition in Figure 31 A perspective view of the closed state of the second unit of the wireless connector used in the illustrated robotic device;

[0306] Figure 36A This is a diagram showing the structure of a robotic arm device based on the related technology disclosed in Patent Document 1; and

[0307] Figure 36B This is a diagram showing the circuit structure of a wireless power transmission system based on the related technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. Detailed Implementation

[0308] In the following description, a wireless connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0309] <<First Embodiment>>

[0310] (Structure of the robot device 100 according to the first embodiment)

[0311] The robot device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is an industrial robot in which power is wirelessly transmitted between a first object 101 and a second object 102 via a wireless connector 103. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the perspective view, the robot device 100 includes a first object 101, a second object 102, and a wireless connector 103 for wirelessly transmitting power between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0312] For example, as a perspective view Figure 3 As shown, the first object 101 and the second object 102 are components constituting the robot device 100 and are connected to be able to rotate relative to each other about a common axis of rotation AR.

[0313] In the following description, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the direction along the rotation axis AR is defined as the up-down direction, the direction along which the first object 101 is positioned relative to the second object 102 is defined as the down direction, and its opposite direction is defined as the up direction. A direction perpendicular to the up-down direction is defined as the front direction, and its opposite direction is defined as the rear direction. The left-right direction is defined according to the direction seen from the front. The front-back direction may be referred to as the first direction or the thickness direction, while the left-right direction may be referred to as the second direction or the lateral direction, and the up-down direction may be referred to as the third direction or the height direction. The first direction to the third direction are perpendicular to each other and define an orthogonal coordinate system. However, it should be noted that the terms indicating these directions are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0314] In detail, the first object 101 is covered by a first outer shell (not shown). The first object 101 includes a base portion 104 fixed to a base (not shown) and a first shaft portion 105 disposed above the base portion 104. The second object 102 is covered by a second outer shell (not shown). The second object 102 includes a second shaft portion 106 disposed above the first shaft portion 105 and a connecting portion 107 for different components disposed at the upper end of the second shaft portion 106.

[0315] Electrical components, etc., are housed inside the base portion 104 and the first shaft portion 105. Figures 1 to 3 An example is shown where the base portion 104 has a column shape extending in the vertical direction around the axis of rotation AR. However, the shape of the base portion 104 can be appropriately changed.

[0316] Examples of electrical components housed in the base portion 104 and the first shaft portion 105 may include a drive mechanism comprising a motor, gears, etc., for rotating the second object 102 about the rotation axis AR; a power supply device; and components constituting various circuits. As described above, since the first object 101 is covered by the first housing, the constituent components inside the first object 101, such as the electrical components housed in the base portion 104 and the first shaft portion 105, are not exposed to the outside.

[0317] Electrical components and the like are housed inside the second shaft portion 106 and the connecting portion 107 for different components. The connecting portion 107 for different components is connected to different components (such as an arm that performs rotational operations, a hand that holds components, etc.).

[0318] Examples of electrical components housed in the second shaft portion 106 and the connecting portion 107 of different components can be drive mechanisms, including gears, for rotating relative to the first object 101 about the axis of rotation AR. Furthermore, the second shaft portion 106 and the connecting portion 107 of different components can house drive mechanisms, including motors, gears, etc., for rotating different components connected to the connecting portion 107 of different components; components constituting various different circuits, etc. As described above, since the second object 102 is covered by a second housing, the constituent components inside the second object 102, such as the electrical components inside the connecting portion 107 of different components, are not exposed to the outside.

[0319] The first shaft portion 105 and the second shaft portion 106 are columnar portions having the same diameter and each extending vertically about a rotation axis AR, respectively arranged on the lower and upper sides, and configured to rotate relative to each other about the rotation axis AR. By connecting the first shaft portion 105 and the second shaft portion 106 in a rotatable manner, the first object 101 and the second object 102 can rotate relative to each other about a common rotation axis AR.

[0320] The relative rotatable angle of the first object 101 and the second object 102 can be limited within a predetermined range. However, according to the first embodiment, the first object 101 and the second object 102 are configured to be able to rotate about the rotation axis AR at any desired angle in all directions.

[0321] As described above, since the first shaft portion 105 and the second shaft portion 106 have the same diameter, their outer peripheral surfaces are configured to be flush with each other in the vertical direction. The lower surface of the first shaft portion 105 is smaller than the upper surface of the base portion 104, and the upper surface of the second shaft portion 106 is smaller than the lower surface of the connecting portion 107 of the different components. Therefore, a recessed portion facing the axis of rotation AR is formed near the connecting portion between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0322] When viewed along the axis of rotation AR, the wireless connector 103 is mounted into the recess so as not to protrude outward beyond the first object 101 and the second object 102. Accordingly, compared to the case where the wireless connector 103 protrudes outward, the possibility of the wireless connector 103 colliding with different components during the operation of the robotic device 100 can be reduced. Therefore, the durability of the wireless connector 103 can be improved.

[0323] The first shaft portion 105 and the second shaft portion 106 respectively include a first mating connector portion 108 and a second mating connector portion 109 connected to the wireless connector 103. The first mating connector portion 108 and the second mating connector portion 109 are connectors for transmitting power to / from the wireless connector 103, and are respectively provided on the first object 101 and the second object 102 so as to be exposed to the outside.

[0324] The second mating connector portion 109 is disposed on the second shaft portion 106. Figure 3 An example of a socket located on the rear side of the second shaft portion 106 and having a mating surface facing that rear side is shown. A first mating connector portion 108 is disposed on the first shaft portion 105. Figure 3 An example of a socket located on the left side of the first shaft portion 105 and having a mating surface facing that left side is shown.

[0325] The robotic device 100 may be a humanoid robot or the like. In this case, the first object 101 and the second object 102 may be disposed on the waist, neck, wrist, or the like of the humanoid robot.

[0326] The wireless connector 103 is a connector that can be detachably installed from the outside of the first object 101 and the second object 102. For example, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the wireless connector 103 is mounted to the aforementioned recess formed on the objects (101, 102). Here, the term "objects (101, 102)" is a general term for the first object 101 and the second object 102. This also applies to the following.

[0327] When the wireless connector 103 is installed on objects (101, 102), it wirelessly transmits power, for example, from the first object 101 to the second object 102 via magnetic field coupling (specifically, electromagnetic induction) without interfering with the relative rotation of the objects (101, 102) around the axis of rotation AR. The wireless connector 103 can also wirelessly transmit power from the second object 102 to the first object 101. The method of wirelessly transmitting power is not limited to electromagnetic induction; it could be a magnetic resonance method as another mode of magnetic field coupling, or it could be the transmission / reception of electromagnetic waves such as microwaves.

[0328] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in the perspective view, the wireless connector 103 includes a first unit 110 and a second unit 111. The first unit 110 is detachably mounted to the first object 101 from the outside. The second unit 111 is detachably mounted to the second object 102 from the outside.

[0329] When the first unit 110 and the second unit 111 are respectively installed onto the first object 101 and the second object 102, the first unit 110 and the second unit 111 are arranged without contacting each other. Therefore, when the first unit 110 and the second unit 111 are respectively installed onto the first object 101 and the second object 102, the first unit 110 and the second unit 111 are allowed to rotate relative to each other about the rotation axis AR at any desired angle.

[0330] here, Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the wireless connector 103. As will be described later, the first unit 110 is configured to be divisible into a first primary component 110A and a second primary component 110B by being able to open / close at multiple locations. Similarly, the second unit 111 is configured to be divisible into a first secondary component 111A and a second secondary component 111B by being able to open / close at multiple locations. Figure 4The figure shows the state in which the first unit 110 is installed onto the first object 101 (i.e., the state in which the first unit 110 is closed). The same figure also shows the state in which the second unit 111 is divided into a first secondary component 111A and a second secondary component 111B (i.e., the state in which the second unit 111 is open according to the first embodiment), the first secondary component 111A and the second secondary component 111B being the components constituting the second unit 111.

[0331] If it is in a closed state Figure 5 As shown in the side view, the first unit 110 includes a first transceiver unit 113 in an annular shape with a first coil 112, two first guide portions 114, and a first main connector portion 115 for transmitting power to / from the first object 101, wherein the first transceiver unit 113 is fixed to the two first guide portions 114.

[0332] In its closed state, the first transceiver unit 113 is, as a whole, a generally annular circular member with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and in a first embodiment, the first transceiver unit 113 has a generally circular disk shape with a through hole. The first transceiver unit 113 includes a first coil 112 for wirelessly transmitting power and a first holding plate 116, the first coil 112 serving as a first holding portion for holding the first coil 112.

[0333] According to the first embodiment, the first retaining plate 116 includes two rigid substrates. In the closed state, the first retaining plate 116 as a whole has a generally circular annular shape with a circular through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR. As will be described later, in order to be secured to the two first guides 114, the first retaining plate 116 has a plurality of first protrusions 117 that project outward in a direction away from the axis of rotation AR.

[0334] The first coil 112 comprises two separable first coil portions. The first coil 112 is constructed by connecting two printed wirings via two first coil connectors 118 when the first holding plate 116 is closed. These two printed wirings are conductors comprising the aforementioned two first coil portions printed on a main surface (the upper surface in the first embodiment) of the first holding plate 116. When viewed from above with the first transceiver unit 113 closed, the first coil 112 is arranged in a generally circular annular region having a through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and in the first embodiment, the first coil 112 is constructed to form a generally flat spiral shape. Specifically, a portion of each printed wiring formed at the end of each rigid substrate of the first holding plate 116 is electrically connected via a through-hole (not shown) to the corresponding first coil connector 118. Thus, by electrically connecting the two printed wirings via the two first coil connectors 118, the first coil 112 has a substantially spiral shape. In the first embodiment, a through-hole connector is used as the first coil connector 118. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Instead of through-hole connectors, such as SMT (Surface Mount Technology) connectors, adhesive film connectors, or combinations of FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) connectors and FPCs, can be used as the first coil connector 118.

[0335] Here, "vortex shape" refers to a linear or ribbon-like shape that rotates around the axis of rotation AR from the end closest to it and gradually moves away from it. Alternatively, "vortex shape" refers to a linear or ribbon-like shape that rotates around the axis of rotation AR from the end furthest from it and gradually moves closer to it. A "vortex" may be formed by only smooth curves, or it may include bends.

[0336] The first transceiver unit 113 can be constructed by fixing a flexible substrate on which the first coil 112 is printed to a first holding plate 116 made of resin or the like using adhesives, double-sided tape or the like.

[0337] Two first guide portions 114 are respectively provided on the left and right sides. The two first guide portions 114 are the parts to which the first transceiver unit 113 is fixed to for reinforcement of the first transceiver unit 113, and serve as guides when the first unit 110 is installed on the first object 101.

[0338] With the first unit 110 closed, when viewed from above, the two first guide portions 114 are generally annular as a whole and have a first circumferential surface portion 119, which forms an inner surface positioned on a circumference centered on the axis of rotation AR. Each of the two first guide portions 114 is made of a material such as metal or resin, and a first protrusion 117 is fixed to the first guide portion via a threaded connection through a first spacer 120.

[0339] When viewed from above with the first unit 110 closed, the first circumferential surface portion 119 is positioned on a circumference that is the same as or smaller than the through hole of the first transceiver unit 113, and this first circumferential surface portion 119 is provided on a circumference having substantially the same diameter as the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft portion 105. Therefore, when the first unit 110 is mounted to the first object 101, the first circumferential surface portion 119 is configured to contact the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft portion 105.

[0340] The method for securing the two first guide portions 114 and the first transceiver unit 113 can be any suitable method, such as adhesive. For example, if reinforcement of the first transceiver unit 113 is not required, the two first guide portions 114 may not be provided. In this case, similar to the first peripheral surface portion 119, when the first unit 110 is mounted to the first object 101, a portion of the through hole surrounding the first transceiver unit 113 may be configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion 105.

[0341] The first main connector portion 115 transmits power to / from the first object 101 by being detachably mounted to the first object 101 from the outside. Specifically, the first main connector portion 115 is a plug that mates with the first mating connector portion 108 and is electrically connected to each of the two ends of the first coil 112. The first main connector portion 115 can be a socket, while the first mating connector portion 108 can be a plug.

[0342] The first unit 110 is assembled to be divisible into a first primary component 110A and a second primary component 110B that are not circular, such that the first coil 112 is formed by connecting two first coil portions constituting the first coil 112 via two first coil connectors 118. It is only necessary that the first unit 110 be divisible into i non-circular primary components (i is an integer equal to or greater than 2), and the number of such primary components is not limited to two.

[0343] In detail, the first transceiver unit 113 is configured to be separable at two locations, one on the front side and one on the rear side, where two first coil connectors 118 are provided, such that by disengaging the two first coil connectors 118, the first coil 112 can be separated into two first coil portions. Therefore, the first unit 110 can be divided into a first primary component 110A on the right side and a second primary component 110B on the left side via a first dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR, and the first unit 110 is formed by combining these primary components 110A and 110B.

[0344] The two first coil connectors 118 include a plug and a socket, and their mating planes substantially coincide with the aforementioned first dividing plane. The two first coil portions are connected via the two first coil connectors 118 to form a separable first coil 112 with a spiral shape.

[0345] Furthermore, the first holding plate 116 is configured to be divisible via a first dividing plane shared with the first coil 112. Thus, a first transceiver unit 113 (i.e., the first transceiver unit 113 is formed in an annular shape that can be opened and closed at two locations) can be obtained via a first dividing plane that substantially coincides with the mating planes of the two first coil connectors 118.

[0346] It should be noted that the first dividing plane can be configured to open the annular first transceiver unit 113. Therefore, the first coil connector 118 can be configured according to the number of primary components constituting the first unit 110, such that the mating plane of the first coil connector 118 coincides with the first dividing plane.

[0347] The first guide portion 114 on the right side is included in the first stage part 110A, and the first guide portion 114 on the left side is included in the second stage part 110B.

[0348] The first main connector portion 115 may be included in either the first primary component 110A or the second primary component 110B. In the first embodiment, the first main connector portion 115 is included in the second primary component 110B and is fixed to the first guide portion 114 on the left side via the first circuit portion 121.

[0349] The first circuit section 121 is a circuit board, which includes a power transmission circuit 122 that connects the two ends of the first coil 112 to the first main connector section 115 (see [link]). Figure 7 )wait.

[0350] When the first unit 110 is installed onto the first object 101, the first primary component 110A and the second primary component 110B are fastened together by two first bolts 123, which serve as fastening members, so as to fix them to each other and thus prevent easy disengagement.

[0351] In detail, when the first unit 110 is assembled, the two first guides 114 have two first bolt holes 124 that are continuous in the left-right direction on the front and rear sides for inserting two first bolts 123.

[0352] The first bolt hole 124, located on the left side of the first guide portion 114, is open on the left side. By inserting the first bolt 123 from the left side, the head of the first bolt 123 is locked in the second primary part 110B, while the thread of the first bolt 123 is engaged in the first primary part 110A by threaded connection or tightening action.

[0353] If it is in a closed state Figure 6 As shown in the side view, the second unit 111 has a structure that is obtained by vertically reversing the first unit 110.

[0354] Specifically, the second unit 111 includes a ring-shaped second transceiver unit 126 with a second coil 125, two second guides 127, and a second main connector 128 for transmitting power to / from the second object 102, wherein the second transceiver unit 126 is fixed to the two second guides 127.

[0355] In the closed state, the second transceiver unit 126 as a whole has a generally circular annular shape with a through hole centered on the rotation axis AR, and in the first embodiment, the second transceiver unit 126 has a generally circular disk shape with a through hole. According to the first embodiment, the second transceiver unit 126 and the first transceiver unit 113 are spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis AR so that they are positioned facing each other in a non-contact manner. The second transceiver unit 126 includes a second coil 125 for wirelessly transmitting power and a second holding plate 129, the second coil 125 serving as a second holding portion for holding the second coil 125.

[0356] The second retaining plate 129 according to the first embodiment includes two rigid substrates. In the closed state, the second retaining plate 129 as a whole has a generally circular annular shape with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR. As will be described later, in order to be fixed to the two second guides 127, the second retaining plate 129 has a plurality of second protrusions 130 that project outward in a direction away from the axis of rotation AR.

[0357] The second coil 125 comprises two separable second coil portions. The second coil 125 is constructed by connecting two printed wires via two second coil connectors 131 when the second holding plate 129 is closed. These two printed wires are conductors comprising two second coil portions printed on a main surface (the lower surface in the first embodiment) of the second holding plate 129. When viewed from above with the second transceiver unit 126 closed, the second coil 125 is arranged in a generally circular annular region having a through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and in the first embodiment, the second coil 125 is constructed to form a generally flat spiral shape. Specifically, a portion of each printed wire formed at the end of each rigid substrate of the second holding plate 129 is electrically connected via a through-hole (not shown) to the corresponding second coil connector 131. Thus, by electrically connecting the two printed wires via the two second coil connectors 131, the second coil 125 has a substantially spiral shape. In the first embodiment, the through-hole connector is used as the second coil connector 131. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Instead of through-hole connectors, for example, as described above, SMT connectors, adhesive film connectors, or combinations of FPC connectors and FPCs can be used as the second coil connector 131.

[0358] The second transceiver unit 126 can be constructed by fixing a flexible substrate on which the second coil 125 is printed to a second holding plate 129 made of resin or the like using adhesives, double-sided tape or the like.

[0359] Two second guide portions 127 are respectively provided on the front and rear sides. Each of the two second guide portions 127 is the part to which the second transceiver unit 126 is fixed to for reinforcement of the second transceiver unit 126, and serves as a guide when the second unit 111 is installed onto the second object 102.

[0360] With the second unit 111 closed, when viewed from above, the two second guide portions 127 are generally annular as a whole and have a second circumferential surface portion 132, which forms an inner surface positioned on a circumference centered on the axis of rotation AR. Each of the two second guide portions 127 is made of a material such as metal or resin, and the second protrusion 130 is fixed by a threaded connection via a second spacer 133.

[0361] When viewed from above with the second unit 111 closed, the second circumferential surface portion 132 is positioned on a circumference that is the same as or smaller than the through hole of the second transceiver unit 126, and this second circumferential surface portion 132 is provided on a circumference having substantially the same diameter as the outer circumferential surface of the second shaft portion 106. Therefore, when the second unit 111 is mounted to the second object 102, the second circumferential surface portion 132 is configured to contact the outer circumferential surface of the second shaft portion 106.

[0362] The method for securing the two second guide portions 127 and the second transceiver unit 126 can be any suitable method, such as adhesive. For example, if reinforcement of the second transceiver unit 126 is not required, the second guide portions 127 may not be provided. In this case, similar to the second peripheral surface portion 132, when the second unit 111 is mounted to the second object 102, a portion of the through hole surrounding the second transceiver unit 126 may be configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the second shaft portion 106.

[0363] The second main connector portion 128 transmits power to / from the second object 102 by being detachably mounted to the second object 102 from the outside. Specifically, the second main connector portion 128 is a plug that mates with the second mating connector portion 109 and is electrically connected to each of the two ends of the second coil 125. The second main connector portion 128 can be a socket, while the second mating connector portion 109 can be a plug.

[0364] The second unit 111 is assembled to be divisible into a first secondary component 111A and a second secondary component 111B that are not circular, such that the second coil 125 is formed by connecting the two second coil portions constituting the second coil 125 via two second coil connectors 131. It is only necessary that the second unit 111 be divisible into j non-circular secondary components (j is an integer equal to or greater than 2), and the number of such secondary components is not limited to two.

[0365] In detail, the second transceiver unit 126 is configured to be separable at two locations on the left and right sides where two second coil connectors 131 are provided, such that by disengaging the two second coil connectors 131, the second coil 125 can be separated into two second coil portions. Therefore, the second unit 111 can be divided into a front first secondary component 111A and a rear second secondary component 111B via a second dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR, and the second unit 111 is formed by combining these secondary components 111A and 111B.

[0366] The two second coil connectors 131 include plugs and sockets, and their mating planes (planes positioned between the mating plugs and sockets) substantially coincide with the second dividing plane. The two second coil portions are connected by the two second coil connectors 131 to form a separable second coil 125 with a spiral shape.

[0367] Furthermore, the second holding plate 129 is configured to be divisible via a second dividing plane shared with the second coil 125. Thus, a second transceiver unit 126 that can be divisible via a second dividing plane that substantially coincides with the mating planes of the two second coil connectors 131 (i.e., the second transceiver unit 126 is formed in an annular shape that can be opened and closed at two locations) can be obtained.

[0368] It should be noted that the second dividing plane can be configured to open the annular second transceiver unit 126. Therefore, the second coil connector 131 can be configured according to the number of secondary components constituting the second unit 111, such that the mating plane of the second coil connector 131 coincides with the second dividing plane.

[0369] The second guide portion 127 on the front side is included in the first secondary component 111A, and the second guide portion 127 on the rear side is included in the second secondary component 111B.

[0370] The second main connector portion 128 may be included in either the first secondary component 111A or the second secondary component 111B. In the first embodiment, the second main connector portion 128 is included in the second secondary component 111B and is fixed to the rear-side second guide portion 127 via a box-shaped second circuit portion 134.

[0371] The second circuit section 134 is a circuit board, which includes a power receiving circuit 135 that connects both ends of the second coil 125 to the second main connector section 128 (see [link]). Figure 7 )wait.

[0372] When the second unit 111 is installed onto the second object 102, the first secondary part 111A and the second secondary part 111B are fastened together by two second bolts 136, which serve as fastening members, so as to fix them to each other and thus prevent easy disengagement.

[0373] In detail, with the second unit 111 assembled, the two second guides 127 have two second bolt holes 137 that are continuous in the front-rear direction on the left and right sides for inserting two second bolts 136.

[0374] The second bolt hole 137, located in the second guide portion 127 on the rear side, is open on the rear side. By inserting the second bolt 136 from the rear side, the head of the second bolt 136 is locked in the second secondary part 111B, while the thread of the second bolt 136 engages in the first secondary part 111A through a threaded connection or a tightening action.

[0375] (Operation of the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment)

[0376] Now, refer to Figure 7 The operation of the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment is described by the circuit structure diagram.

[0377] like Figure 7 As shown, the power (DC power) supplied from the first object 101 (power supply side) is converted into AC power (high-frequency power) via the first main connector 115 and the power transmission circuit 122 and supplied to the first coil 112. The power transmission circuit 122 includes, for example, capacitors connected in series or parallel to the first coil 112. The power transmission circuit 122 includes a DC / AC converter, such as an inverter, for converting the DC power into AC power (high-frequency power). Thus, AC current flows through the first coil 112, generating an AC magnetic field around the first coil 112.

[0378] The first coil 112 and the second coil 125 are spaced apart from each other along the axis of rotation AR so that they are positioned facing each other in a non-contact manner. Therefore, the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 are magnetically coupled, such that an induced electromotive force corresponding to the AC magnetic field generated around the first coil 112 is generated in the second coil 125. Thus, in the first embodiment, the first coil 112 serves as a power transmitting coil, while the second coil 125 serves as a power receiving coil.

[0379] The power (AC power) generated in the second coil 125 is converted into DC power by the power receiving circuit 135 and the second main connector portion 128, and supplied to the second object 102 (load side). The power receiving circuit 135 includes, for example, capacitors connected in series or parallel to the second coil 125. The power receiving circuit 135 includes an AC / DC converter, such as a rectifier, for converting AC power into DC power. Thus, the wireless connector 103 can wirelessly transmit power between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0380] In the first embodiment, as described above, objects (101, 102) rotate about the rotation axis AR, and associatedly, the first unit 110 and the second unit 111 rotate about the rotation axis AR.

[0381] The first coil 112 and the second coil 125 are fixed in the first unit 110 and the second unit 111, respectively. Therefore, even when the first unit 110 and the second unit 111 rotate, the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 are arranged facing each other in a non-contact manner along the rotation axis AR and are magnetically coupled by electromagnetic induction.

[0382] Regardless of the relative rotation angle of the first object 101 and the second object 102 about the rotation axis AR, and even during the rotation operation of the first object 101 and the second object 102, the magnetic field coupling between the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 is maintained. As a result, regardless of the rotation angle and rotation operation of the first object 101 and the second object 102, the wireless connector 103 can operate in a manner similar to that described above to wirelessly transmit power between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0383] In the first embodiment, the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 are disposed on adjacent surfaces between the main surfaces of the first retaining plate 116 and the second retaining plate 129. Therefore, the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 can be disposed very close to each other. As a result, the magnetic field coupling force between the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 is increased, enabling efficient wireless power transmission.

[0384] (Method for installing and removing the wireless connector according to the first embodiment)

[0385] Previously, the operation of the wireless connector 103 according to a first embodiment of the present invention has been described. Now, reference will be made to... Figures 8 to 13 This describes a method for installing and removing a wireless connector according to a first embodiment.

[0386] The wireless connector installation and removal method according to the first embodiment is a method of installing the wireless connector 103 onto or removing the wireless connector 103 from objects (101, 102) included in the robot device 100, and includes an installation method and a removal method for the wireless connector 103.

[0387] (Instructions for installing wireless connector 103)

[0388] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of installing the wireless connector 103 onto objects (101, 102). This is achieved by preparing a robotic device including objects (101, 102) (see...). Figure 3The method of installing the wireless connector 103 onto objects (101, 102) is described. The wireless connector 103 can be prepared with the first unit 110 and the second unit 111 open, that is, with the wireless connector 103 divided into a first primary component 110A, a second primary component 110B, a first secondary component 111A, and a second secondary component 111B.

[0389] like Figure 8 As shown, the first unit 110 is installed from the outside of the first object 101 to the first object 101 (step 1: the step of installing the first unit).

[0390] In detail, in step 1, the second primary component 110B is installed onto the first object 101 (step 1A: the step of installing the second primary component).

[0391] In the first embodiment, the second primary component 110B is configured such that, with one of the two first coil portions constituting the first coil 112 pointing upwards, the first peripheral surface portion 119 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion 105, while the first main connector portion 115 engages with the first mating connector portion 108. Accordingly, the first main connector portion 115 and the first mating connector portion 108 are electrically connected to each other, and the second primary component 110B is mounted to the first object 101, such as... Figure 9 The side view is shown.

[0392] like Figure 8 As shown, the first primary component 110A is mounted to the first object 101 so that it can rotate around the axis of rotation AR together with the second primary component 110B (step 1B: the step of mounting the first primary component).

[0393] In the first embodiment, the first primary component 110A is configured such that, with one of the two first coil portions constituting the first coil 112 pointing upwards, the first peripheral surface portion 119 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion 105. At this time, each first coil connector 118 provided in the first primary component 110A engages with a corresponding first coil connector 118 provided in the second primary component 110B. Accordingly, the first primary component 110A is mounted to the first object 101 to form a first coil 112 comprising two first coil portions connected via the two first coil connectors 118. Furthermore, the first transceiver unit 113 is placed in a closed state and forms a ring shape.

[0394] like Figure 8As shown, the first primary component 110A and the second primary component 110B are fastened and fixed by two first bolts 123 (step 1C: the step of fixing the first unit).

[0395] Specifically, two first bolts 123 are inserted and tightened from the left side of the two first bolt holes 124. Accordingly, as... Figure 10 As shown in the side view, the first unit 110 is assembled and fixed to the first object 101.

[0396] like Figure 8 As shown, the second unit 111 is installed from the outside of the second object 102 to the second object 102 (step 2: the step of installing the second unit).

[0397] In detail, in step 2, the second secondary component 111B is installed onto the second object 102 (step 2A: the step of installing the second secondary component).

[0398] In the first embodiment, the second secondary component 111B is configured such that, with one of the two second coil portions constituting the second coil 125 pointing downwards, the second peripheral surface portion 132 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the second shaft portion 106, while the second main connector portion 128 engages with the second mating connector portion 109. Accordingly, the second main connector portion 128 and the second mating connector portion 109 are electrically connected to each other, and the second secondary component 111B is mounted to the second object 102, such as... Figure 11 The side view is shown.

[0399] like Figure 8 As shown, the first secondary component 111A is mounted to the second object 102 so that it rotates around the axis of rotation AR together with the second secondary component 111B (step 2B: the step of mounting the first secondary component).

[0400] In the first embodiment, the first secondary component 111A is configured such that, with one of the two second coil portions constituting the second coil 125 pointing downwards, the second peripheral surface portion 132 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the second shaft portion 106. At this time, each second coil connector 131 provided in the first secondary component 111A engages with the corresponding second coil connector 131 provided in the second secondary component 111B. Accordingly, the first secondary component 111A is mounted to the second object 102 to form a second coil 125 comprising two second coil portions connected via two second coil connectors 118. Furthermore, the second transceiver unit 126 is placed in a closed state and forms a ring shape.

[0401] like Figure 8As shown, the first secondary component 111A and the second secondary component 111B are fastened and fixed by the second bolt 136 (step 2C: the step of fixing the second unit).

[0402] Specifically, two second bolts 136 are inserted and tightened from the rear side of the two second bolt holes 137, respectively. Correspondingly, as... Figure 12 As shown in the side view, the second unit 111 is assembled and fixed to the second object 102.

[0403] Thus, the method of installing the wireless connector 103 onto the objects (101, 102) is completed, and the wireless connector 103 is fixedly installed onto the first object 101 and the second object 102. Furthermore, the first transceiver unit 113 and the second transceiver unit 126 are positioned approximately parallel to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, facing each other non-contactly outside the first shaft portion 105 and the second shaft portion 106, so as to wirelessly transmit power.

[0404] For the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment, the order of performing the first unit installation step (step 1) and the second unit installation step (step 2) can be replaced. In step 1, the order of performing the second primary component installation step (step 1A) and the first primary component installation step (step 1B) can be replaced. Similarly, in step 2, the order of performing the second secondary component installation step (step 2A) and the first secondary component installation step (step 2B) can be replaced.

[0405] (Method for disassembling wireless connector 103)

[0406] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of removing the wireless connector 103 from objects (101, 102). After the wireless connector 103 is installed onto the robot device 100 by the method described above, the method of removing the wireless connector 103 from the objects (101, 102) is typically performed as needed. An example of needing to remove the wireless connector 103 from the objects (101, 102) could be the case of replacing a faulty wireless connector 103 with a normal wireless connector 103.

[0407] like Figure 13 As shown, the first unit 110 is disassembled from the first object 101 by working outside the first object 101 (step 3; the step of disassembling the first unit).

[0408] Specifically, in step 3, the fixation between the first primary component 110A and the second primary component 110B is released (step 3A: the step of releasing the fixation of the first unit).

[0409] In the first embodiment, after loosening the two first bolts 123 by twisting to disengage the fit, the two first bolts 123 are pulled out from the left side of the two first bolt holes 124. This releases the first unit 110 from its fixation.

[0410] Remove the first-level component 110A from the first object 101 (Step 3B: Step to remove the first-level component).

[0411] In the first embodiment, the first stage component 110A is pulled out to the right. Accordingly, the engagement of the two first coil connectors 118 is released, and the first stage component 110A is removed from the first object 101. Furthermore, the first transceiver unit 113 is placed in the open state and has a non-ring-shaped design.

[0412] Remove the second-level component 110B from the first object 101 (Step 3C: Step to remove the second-level component).

[0413] In the first embodiment, the second primary component 110B is pulled out to the left. Accordingly, the engagement between the first main connector portion 115 and the first mating connector portion 108 is released, and the second primary component 110B is removed from the first object 101.

[0414] The second unit 111 is removed from the second object 102 by working outside the second object 102 (step 4: the step of removing the second unit).

[0415] Specifically, in step 4, the fixation between the first secondary component 111A and the second secondary component 111B is released (step 4A: the step of releasing the fixation of the second unit).

[0416] In the first embodiment, after loosening the two second bolts 136 by twisting to disengage the fit, the two second bolts 136 are pulled out from the rear side of the two second bolt holes 137. This releases the second unit 111 from its fixation.

[0417] Remove the first secondary part 111A from the second object 102 (step 4B: the step of removing the first secondary part).

[0418] In the first embodiment, the first secondary component 111A is pulled out to the front. Accordingly, the engagement of the two second coil connectors 131 is released, and the first secondary component 111A is removed from the second object 102. Additionally, the second transceiver unit 126 is placed in an open state and has a non-annular shape.

[0419] Remove the second secondary part 111B from the second object 102 (step 4C: the step of removing the second secondary part).

[0420] In the first embodiment, the second secondary component 111B is pulled out to the rear. Accordingly, the engagement between the second main connector portion 128 and the second mating connector portion 109 is released, and the second secondary component 111B is removed from the second object 102.

[0421] Thus, the method of detaching the wireless connector 103 from the objects (101, 102) ends, and the wireless connector 103 is detached from the objects (101, 102).

[0422] For the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment, the order of performing the first unit disassembly step (step 3) and the second unit disassembly step (step 4) can be replaced. In step 3, the order of performing the first primary component disassembly step (step 3B) and the second primary component disassembly step (step 3C) can be replaced. Similarly, in step 4, the order of performing the first secondary component disassembly step (step 4B) and the second secondary component disassembly step (step 4C) can be replaced.

[0423] According to the first embodiment, when the first main connector portion 115 and the second main connector portion 128 are respectively installed on the first mating connector portion 108 and the second mating connector portion 109, the first transceiver unit 113 and the second transceiver unit 126 are arranged outside the first object 101 and the second object 102 in a non-contact manner facing each other along the rotation axis AR so as to wirelessly transmit power.

[0424] In other words, when the first unit 110 and the second unit 111 are respectively installed on the first object 101 and the second object 102, the first transceiver unit 113 and the second transceiver unit 126, each in a closed loop state, are arranged facing each other in a non-contact manner to wirelessly transmit power. In this case, the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 are arranged parallel to each other in a non-contact manner to wirelessly transmit power.

[0425] Therefore, when the first object 101 and the second object 102 rotate relative to each other, power can be wirelessly transmitted between the first object 101 and the second object 102 even without providing components that interfere with each other between the first unit 110 and the second unit 111 or components that restrict the rotation range of the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0426] Therefore, power can be transmitted between the first object 101 and the second object 102 without restricting the relative rotation range between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0427] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the wireless connector 103 can be easily installed to and removed from the first object 101 and the second object 102 from the outside. Therefore, the wireless connector 103 can be quickly repaired in the event of a malfunction.

[0428] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described previously. The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment, but includes modes obtained by modifying the first embodiment.

[0429] For example, in the first embodiment, an example is described in which the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 have a flat spiral shape. However, the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 can be disposed on a curved surface having, for example, complementary shapes forming a mountain shape and a valley shape respectively around the axis of rotation AR, and the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 can be configured to have a highly spiral shape.

[0430] For example, in the first embodiment, it has been described that the first transceiver unit 113 and the first coil 112 in the closed state have a generally circular disk shape with a through hole, and the second transceiver unit 126 and the second coil 125 in the closed state also have a generally circular disk shape with a through hole. However, the shape of each of the first transceiver unit, the first coil, the second transceiver unit, and the second coil is only required to be annular in the closed state, and is not limited to a generally circular disk shape with a through hole. In the closed state, the first transceiver unit, the first coil, the second transceiver unit, and the second coil may have a polygonal annular shape. In the first and second modifications described later, examples in which the first transceiver unit and the first coil have a regular polygonal annular shape in the closed state and the second transceiver unit and the second coil also have a regular polygonal annular shape will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0431] <First Variation>

[0432] like Figure 14 As shown in the perspective view, the wireless connector 203 according to the first variant includes a first unit 210 and a second unit 211. The first unit 210 includes a first transceiver unit 213 replacing the first transceiver unit 113, and the second unit 211 includes a second transceiver unit 226 replacing the second transceiver unit 126.

[0433] Each of the first transceiver unit 213 and the second transceiver unit 226 is an approximately equilateral triangular ring member having an equilateral triangular through-hole about an axis of rotation AR as its center (center of gravity) in the closed state, and having a plate shape.

[0434] The first transceiver unit 213 includes a first coil and a first holding plate 216. The first coil is wound into a generally triangular spiral shape by connecting two first coil portions through two first coil connectors similar to the two first coil connectors in the first embodiment. The first holding plate 216 has the first coil disposed on its upper surface. The second transceiver unit 226 includes a second coil and a second holding plate 229. The second coil is wound into a generally triangular spiral shape by connecting two second coil portions through two second coil connectors similar to the two second coil connectors 131 in the first embodiment. The second holding plate 229 has the second coil disposed on its lower surface.

[0435] As described above, in the wireless connector 203 according to the first variation, the shapes of the first transceiver unit 213, the first coil, the first holding plate 216, the second transceiver unit 226, the second coil, and the second holding plate 229 are different from the corresponding shapes according to the first embodiment described above.

[0436] Apart from the points mentioned above, the wireless connector 203 is configured to be similar to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment.

[0437] Specifically, for example, a first unit 210 is constructed by combining a first primary component 210A on the front side and a second primary component 210B on the rear side, the first primary component 210A and the second primary component 210B being divisible by a first dividing plane including a rotation axis AR. A second unit 211 is constructed by combining a first secondary component 211A on the front side and a second secondary component 211B on the rear side, the first secondary component 211A and the second secondary component 211B being divisible by a second dividing plane including a rotation axis AR. Each of the first primary component 210A, the second primary component 210B, the first secondary component 211A, and the second secondary component 211B is not annular when divided.

[0438] <Second Variation>

[0439] like Figure 15 As shown in the perspective view, the wireless connector 303 according to the second variation includes a first unit 310 replacing the first unit 110 and a second unit 311 replacing the second unit 111.

[0440] The first unit 310 includes a first transceiver unit 313 replacing the first transceiver unit 113 and two first guides 314 replacing the two first guides 114. The second unit 311 includes a second transceiver unit 326 replacing the second transceiver unit 126 and two second guides 327 replacing the two second guides 127.

[0441] Each of the first transceiver unit 313 and the second transceiver unit 326 is a generally regular octagonal annular member having a regular octagonal through hole around a rotation axis AR as the center (center of gravity) in the closed state, and having a plate shape.

[0442] The first transceiver unit 313 includes a first coil and a first holding plate 316. The first coil is wound into a generally octagonal spiral shape by connecting two first coil portions through two first coil connectors 118, similar to the two first coil connectors in the first embodiment described above. The first holding plate 316 has the first coil disposed on its upper surface. The second transceiver unit 326 includes a second coil and a second holding plate 329. The second coil is wound into a generally octagonal spiral shape by connecting two second coil connectors 131, similar to the two second coil connectors in the first embodiment described above. The second holding plate 329 has the second coil disposed on its lower surface.

[0443] As described above, in the wireless connector 303 according to the second variation, the shapes of the first transceiver unit 213, the first coil, the first holding plate 216, the second transceiver unit 226, the second coil, and the second holding plate 229 are different from the corresponding shapes according to the first embodiment described above.

[0444] Each of the two first guide portions 314 and the two second guide portions 327 has an approximately octagonal shape as its external shape when viewed from above, or a square shape with four corners cut in a gentle arc.

[0445] Apart from the points mentioned above, the wireless connector 303 is configured to be similar to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0446] Specifically, for example, a first unit 310 is constructed by combining a front first-stage component 310A and a rear second-stage component 310B, which can be divided via a first dividing plane including a rotation axis AR. A second unit 311 is constructed by combining a front first-second-stage component 311A ​​and a rear second-second-stage component 311B, which can be divided via a second dividing plane including a rotation axis AR. Each of the first-stage component 310A, the second-stage component 310B, the first-second-stage component 311A, and the second-second-stage component 311B is not annular when divided.

[0447] Similar to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above, the wireless connectors 203 and 303 according to the first and second modifications can wirelessly transmit power between the first object 101 and the second object 102 without restricting the relative rotation range between them. Furthermore, the wireless connectors 203 and 303 can be repaired quickly.

[0448] <Second Embodiment>

[0449] In the first embodiment and the first and second modifications described above, examples have been described in which each of the first transceiver units 113, 213, 313 and the second transceiver units 126, 226 and 326 has a flat plate shape. However, the shape of each of the first and second transceiver units is only required to be an annular shape that can be opened and closed, and can be an annular shape with length in the vertical direction, i.e., a tubular shape. In the second embodiment described below, an example in which each of the first and second transceiver units has a generally circular cylindrical shape within a tubular shape will be described.

[0450] (Structure of the robot device according to the second embodiment)

[0451] The robot device according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a first object 101 and a second object 102 similar to the first object and the second object of the first embodiment described above, and a wireless connector 403 for wirelessly transmitting power between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0452] like Figure 16 Perspective and Figure 17 As shown in the side sectional view, the wireless connector 403 includes a first unit 410 replacing the first unit 110 and a second unit 411 replacing the second unit 111. The first unit 410 includes a first transceiver unit 413 replacing the first transceiver unit 113, and the second unit 411 includes a second transceiver unit 426 replacing the second transceiver unit 126.

[0453] Apart from the structures of the first transceiver unit 413 and the second transceiver unit 426, the wireless connector 403 according to the second embodiment can be constructed in a manner largely similar to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above. For the sake of simplicity, in the second embodiment, the differences between the first transceiver unit 413 and the first transceiver unit 113 according to the first embodiment, and the differences between the second transceiver unit 426 and the second transceiver unit 126 according to the first embodiment will be primarily described.

[0454] In its closed state, the first transceiver unit 413 is, as a whole, a generally circular annular member with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and in a second embodiment, the first transceiver unit 413 has a generally circular cylindrical shape with a through hole. The first transceiver unit 413 includes a first coil 412 for wirelessly transmitting power and a first holding portion 438 for holding the first coil 412.

[0455] According to the second embodiment, the first retaining portion 438 includes two semi-circular cylindrical members. In the closed state, the first retaining portion 438 as a whole is a generally circular cylindrical member having a columnar through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and the first retaining portion 438 is made of, for example, resin. The first retaining portion 438 has a flange-shaped first protrusion 417 formed at the lower end and protruding outward to be fixed to the first guide portion 114, similar to the first embodiment.

[0456] The first coil 412 comprises two separable first coil portions. The first coil 412 is constructed by connecting two wiring patterns via two first coil connectors 418 when the first holding portion 438 is closed. These two wiring patterns include two first coil portions disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first holding portion 438. When the first transceiver unit 413 is closed, the first coil 412 has a helical shape along the axis of rotation AR, and when viewed from above, the first coil 412 is disposed in a generally circular annular region having a through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR (in the second embodiment, it is disposed approximately on the circumference). The first coil 412 may be disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the first holding portion 438.

[0457] The first transceiver unit 413 according to the second embodiment can be constructed by fixing a flexible substrate on which the first coil 412 is printed to the first holding portion 438 using adhesives, double-sided tape, etc.

[0458] In its closed state, the second transceiver unit 426 is, as a whole, a generally circular annular member with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR. In the second embodiment, the second transceiver unit 426 has a generally circular cylindrical shape with a through hole, similar to the first transceiver unit 413 described above. The dimensions of the second transceiver unit 426 are substantially the same as those of the first transceiver unit 413.

[0459] When the second transceiver unit 426 and the first transceiver unit 413 are respectively mounted to the second object 102 and the first object 101, the second transceiver unit 426 and the first transceiver unit 413 are spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis AR so that they are arranged in a non-contact facing-to-face state, similar to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the second transceiver unit 426 and the first transceiver unit 413 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR.

[0460] The second transceiver unit 426 includes a second coil 425 for wirelessly transmitting power and a second holding part 439 for holding the second coil 425.

[0461] Similar to the first retaining portion 438 mentioned above, the second retaining portion 439 according to the second embodiment includes two semi-circular cylindrical members. In the closed state, the second retaining portion 439 is, as a whole, a generally circular cylindrical member having a columnar through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and the second retaining portion 439 is made of resin, for example. The dimensions of the second retaining portion 439 are approximately the same as those of the first retaining portion 438. The second retaining portion 439 has a flange-shaped second protrusion 430 that protrudes outward to be secured to the second guide portion 127, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0462] The second coil 425 comprises two separable second coil portions. The second coil 425 is constructed by connecting two wiring patterns via two second coil connectors 431 when the second holding portion 439 is closed. These two wiring patterns comprise two second coil portions disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the second holding portion 439. When the second transceiver unit 426 is closed, the second coil 425 has a helical shape along the axis of rotation AR, and when viewed from above, it is disposed in a generally circular annular region having a through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR (in the second embodiment, it is disposed approximately on the circumference). The second coil 425 may be disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the second holding portion 439.

[0463] The second transceiver unit 426 according to the second embodiment can be constructed by fixing a flexible substrate on which the second coil 425 is printed to the second holding portion 439 using adhesives, double-sided tape, etc.

[0464] Apart from these points, the wireless connector 403 can be constructed similarly to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0465] Specifically, for example, a first unit 410 is constructed by combining a front first-stage component 410A and a rear second-stage component 410B, which can be divided via a first dividing plane including a rotation axis AR. A second unit 411 is constructed by combining a front first-secondary component 411A and a rear second-secondary component 411B, which can be divided via a second dividing plane including a rotation axis AR. Each of the first-stage component 410A, the second-stage component 410B, the first-secondary component 411A, and the second-secondary component 411B is not annular when divided.

[0466] Figure 16 and Figure 17 An example is shown in which the first transceiver unit 413 and the second transceiver unit 426 are directly attached to the first guide portion 114 and the second guide portion 127, respectively. However, needless to say, as in the first embodiment described above, the first transceiver unit 413 and the second transceiver unit 426 can be attached to the first guide portion 114 and the second guide portion 127 via the first spacer 120 and the second spacer 133, respectively.

[0467] (Operation, installation and removal method of wireless connector 403 according to the second embodiment)

[0468] In the wireless connector 403 according to the second embodiment, the first coil 412 and the second coil 425 are respectively positioned similarly to the reference... Figure 7 The wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above is magnetically coupled in the manner of the first coil 112 and the second coil 125. Therefore, the wireless connector 403 can operate similarly to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0469] You can also refer to Figure 8 and Figure 13 The method described for installing and removing the wireless connector 403 according to the second embodiment is similar to the method for installing the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0470] Using the wireless connector 403 according to the second embodiment, power can be wirelessly transmitted between the first object 101 and the second object 102 without restricting the relative rotation range between them, as in the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, similar to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment, the wireless connector 403 can be easily installed onto and removed from the first object 101 and the second object 102 from the outside. Therefore, the wireless connector 403 can be quickly repaired in case of a malfunction.

[0471] <<Third Embodiment>>

[0472] In the second embodiment described above, an example has been described where the first transceiver unit 413 and the second transceiver unit 426 have cylindrical shapes of substantially the same size. However, the first transceiver unit 413 and the second transceiver unit 426 may have cylindrical shapes that mate with each other. In the third embodiment described below, an example will be described where the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit mate with each other by having cylindrical shapes of different diameters.

[0473] (Structure of the robot device 500 according to the third embodiment)

[0474] like Figure 18 As shown in the perspective view, the robot device 500 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a first object 101 and a second object 102 similar to the first object and the second object in the first embodiment described above, and a wireless connector 503 for wirelessly transmitting power between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0475] like Figure 19 Perspective and Figure 20 As shown in the side sectional view, the wireless connector 503 includes a first unit 510 replacing the first unit 410 and a second unit 511 replacing the second unit 411. The first unit 510 includes a first transceiver unit 513 replacing the first transceiver unit 413, and the second unit 511 includes a second transceiver unit 526 replacing the second transceiver unit 426.

[0476] Apart from the structures of the first transceiver unit 513 and the second transceiver unit 526, the wireless connector 503 according to the third embodiment can be constructed in a manner substantially similar to the wireless connector 403 according to the second embodiment described above. For the sake of simplicity, in the third embodiment, the differences between the first transceiver unit 513 and the first transceiver unit 413 according to the second embodiment, and the differences between the second transceiver unit 526 and the second transceiver unit 426 according to the second embodiment, will be described.

[0477] In its closed state, the first transceiver unit 513 is, as a whole, a generally circular annular member with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and as in the second embodiment described above, the first transceiver unit 513 has a generally circular cylindrical shape with the through hole. The first transceiver unit 513 includes a first coil 512 for wirelessly transmitting power and a first holding portion 538 for holding the first coil 512.

[0478] The first retaining portion 538 according to the third embodiment can be constructed similarly to the first retaining portion 438 according to the second embodiment described above. Specifically, the first retaining portion 538 includes two semi-circular cylindrical members. In the closed state, the first retaining portion 538 as a whole is a generally circular cylindrical member having a columnar through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and the first retaining portion 538 is made of resin, for example. The first retaining portion 538 has a flange-shaped first protrusion 517 formed at the lower end and protruding outward to be fixed to the first guide portion 114, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0479] The first coil 512 comprises two separable first coil portions. The first coil 512 is constructed by connecting two wiring patterns via two first coil connectors 518 when the first holding portion 538 is closed. These two wiring patterns comprise two first coil portions disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the first holding portion 538. When the first transceiver unit 513 is closed, the first coil 512 has a helical shape along the axis of rotation AR, and when viewed from above, the first coil 512 is disposed in a generally circular annular region having a through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR (in the third embodiment, it is disposed approximately on the circumference).

[0480] The first transceiver unit 513 according to the third embodiment can be constructed by fixing a flexible substrate on which the first coil 512 is printed to the inner peripheral surface of the first holding portion 538 using adhesives, double-sided tape, etc.

[0481] In the closed state, the second transceiver unit 526 as a whole is a generally circular annular member with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and similar to the first transceiver unit 513 described above, the second transceiver unit 526 has a generally circular cylindrical shape with a through hole.

[0482] In the third embodiment, in the closed state, the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the second transceiver unit 526 is smaller than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the first transceiver unit 513. Therefore, the second transceiver unit 526, mounted to the second object 102, fits inside the first transceiver unit 513 mounted to the first object 101, and a gap is left between the second transceiver unit 526 and the first transceiver unit 513. Thus, when the first unit 510 and the second unit 511 are respectively mounted to the first object 101 and the second object 102, the second transceiver unit 526 and the first transceiver unit 513 are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the second transceiver unit 526 and the first transceiver unit 513 are spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, so that they are positioned facing each other in a non-contact manner.

[0483] The second transceiver unit 526 includes a second coil 525 for wirelessly transmitting power and a second holding part 539 for holding the second coil 525.

[0484] According to the third embodiment, the second retaining portion 539 comprises two semi-cylindrical members. In the closed state, the second retaining portion 539 as a whole is a generally circular cylindrical member having a columnar through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and the second retaining portion 539 is made of, for example, resin. The dimension of the second retaining portion 539 in the direction of the axis of rotation AR is approximately the same as the dimension of the first retaining portion 538 in the direction of the axis of rotation AR. Conversely, the dimension of the second retaining portion 539 in the radial direction is smaller than the dimension of the first retaining portion 538 in the radial direction. The second retaining portion 539 has a flange-shaped second protrusion 530 formed at the upper end and protruding outward to be fixed to the second guide portion 127, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0485] The second coil 525 comprises two separable second coil portions. The second coil 525 is constructed by connecting two wiring patterns via two second coil connectors 531 when the second holding portion 539 is closed. These two wiring patterns comprise two second coil portions disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the second holding portion 539. When the second transceiver unit 526 is closed, the second coil 525 has a helical shape along the axis of rotation AR, and when viewed from above, the second coil 525 is disposed in a generally circular annular region having a through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR (in the third embodiment, it is disposed approximately on the circumference).

[0486] The second transceiver unit 526 according to the third embodiment can be constructed by fixing a flexible substrate on which the second coil 525 is printed to the outer peripheral surface of the second holding portion 539 using adhesives, double-sided tape, etc.

[0487] Apart from these points, the wireless connector 503 can be constructed similarly to the wireless connector 403 according to the second embodiment described above.

[0488] Specifically, for example, a first unit 510 is constructed by combining a first primary component 510A on the right and a second primary component 510B on the left, the first primary component 510A and the second primary component 510B being divisible by a first dividing plane including a rotation axis AR. A second unit 511 is constructed by combining a first secondary component 511A on the front and a second secondary component 511B on the rear, the first secondary component 511A and the second secondary component 511B being divisible by a second dividing plane including a rotation axis AR. Each of the first primary component 510A, the second primary component 510B, the first secondary component 511A, and the second secondary component 511B is not annular when divided.

[0489] Figures 18 to 20 An example is shown in which the first transceiver unit 513 and the second transceiver unit 526 are directly fixed to the first guide portion 114 and the second guide portion 127, respectively. However, needless to say, as in the first embodiment described above, the first transceiver unit 513 and the second transceiver unit 526 can be fixed to the first guide portion 114 and the second guide portion 127 via the first spacer 120 and the second spacer 133, respectively.

[0490] (Operation of the wireless connector 503 according to the third embodiment)

[0491] According to the wireless connector 503 of the third embodiment, the first coil 512 and the second coil 525 are spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, so that they are positioned facing each other in a non-contact manner. Similar to the reference. Figure 7 The first coil 112 and the second coil 125 of the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above are magnetically coupled. Therefore, the wireless connector 503 can operate similarly to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0492] In the third embodiment, the first coil 512 and the second coil 525 are respectively disposed on the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the first holding portion 538 and the second holding portion 539, respectively, on their closely adjacent peripheral surfaces. Accordingly, the first coil 512 and the second coil 525 can be disposed very close to each other. As a result, the coupling force of the magnetic field coupling between the first coil 512 and the second coil 525 is increased, thereby enabling efficient wireless power transmission.

[0493] (Method for installing and removing a wireless connector according to the third embodiment)

[0494] In the wireless connector 503 according to the third embodiment, the second transceiver unit 526 is disposed inside the first transceiver unit 513. Therefore, in the method of installing the wireless connector to the objects (101, 102) according to the third embodiment, as... Figure 21 As shown in the flowchart, the installation step of the second unit is performed first (step 2), followed by the installation step of the first unit (step 1). The details of steps 2 and 1 are generally similar to those of the first embodiment described above.

[0495] The method for removing the wireless connector 503 according to the third embodiment from objects (101, 102) can be the same as that described in the reference. Figure 13 The method described is similar to the method for disassembling the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0496] Using the wireless connector 503 according to the third embodiment, power can be wirelessly transmitted between the first object 101 and the second object 102 without restricting the relative rotation range between them, as in the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, similar to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment, the wireless connector 503 can be easily installed onto and removed from the first object 101 and the second object 102 from the outside. Therefore, the wireless connector 503 can be quickly repaired in case of a malfunction.

[0497] <<Fourth Embodiment>>

[0498] In the first to third embodiments described above, examples have been described in which the first coils 112, 412, 512 and the second coils 125, 425 and 525 are formed by printed wiring. However, the first coils and the second coils can be conductor wires, coated conductor wires obtained by coating conductor wires, etc. In the fourth embodiment described below, an example in which the first coils 112 and the second coils 125 of the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above are replaced by first coils and second coils formed by coated conductor wires.

[0499] The first and second coils formed by coated conductor wires as described below can be used as the first and second coils according to other embodiments such as the second and third embodiments.

[0500] (Structure of the robot device 600 according to the fourth embodiment)

[0501] like Figure 22 As shown in the perspective view, the robot device 600 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a first object 101 and a second object 102 similar to the first object and the second object in the first embodiment described above, and a wireless connector 603 for wirelessly transmitting power between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0502] like Figure 22As shown in the perspective view, the wireless connector 603 includes a first unit 610 replacing the first unit 110 and a second unit 611 replacing the second unit 111. Figure 23 As shown in the perspective view, the first unit 610 includes a first transceiver unit 613 replacing the first transceiver unit 113. (As...) Figure 24 As shown in the perspective view, the second unit 611 includes a second transceiver unit 626 that replaces the second transceiver unit 126.

[0503] Apart from the structures of the first transceiver unit 613 and the second transceiver unit 626, the wireless connector 603 according to the fourth embodiment can be constructed in a manner largely similar to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above. For the sake of simplicity, in the fourth embodiment, the differences between the first transceiver unit 613 and the first transceiver unit 113 according to the first embodiment, and the differences between the second transceiver unit 626 and the second transceiver unit 126 according to the first embodiment, will be described.

[0504] like Figure 23 As shown, in the closed state, the first transceiver unit 613 is an integral, generally circular annular member with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and as in the first embodiment described above, the first transceiver unit 613 has a generally circular disk shape with a through hole. The first transceiver unit 613 includes a first coil 612 for wirelessly transmitting power and a first holding portion 638 for holding the first coil 612.

[0505] In the closed state, the first retaining portion 638 according to the fourth embodiment is, as a whole, a generally circular annular member having a circular through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and the first retaining portion 638 is made of resin, for example. The first retaining portion 638 has a plurality of first annular groove portions 640 on a main surface (the upper surface in the fourth embodiment). The first annular groove portions 640 according to the fourth embodiment are arranged in three rows, each row forming a circular annular groove. One or more first annular groove portions 640 need to be provided.

[0506] The first retaining portion 638 has a plurality of through holes extending in the vertical direction, and similar to the first embodiment described above, the first retaining portion 638 is fixed to the first guide portion 114 by providing screws passing through the corresponding through holes. The method of fixing the first retaining portion 638 to the first guide portion 114 is not limited to screwing or threaded connection, and any suitable method can be used, such as adhesive or double-sided tape.

[0507] The first coil 612 comprises two separable first coil portions. The first coil 612 is constructed by connecting two coated conductor patterns via two first coil connectors 618 with the first retaining portion 638 closed. These two coated conductor patterns constitute two first coil portions that fit into the first annular groove portion 640. The coated conductor wire constituting the first coil 612 is accommodated in the first retaining portion 638 by fitting into the first annular groove portion 640. When viewed from above with the first transceiver unit 613 closed, the first coil 612 is positioned in a generally circular annular region having a through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and in the fourth embodiment, the first coil 612 has a generally flat spiral shape. The upper side of the first coil 612 can be covered by securing a cover (not shown) to the first retaining portion 638.

[0508] like Figure 24 As shown, in the closed state, the second transceiver unit 626 is an integral, generally circular annular member with a circular through-hole centered on the rotation axis AR, and as in the first embodiment described above, the second transceiver unit 626 has a generally circular disk shape with the through-hole. The second transceiver unit 626 includes a second coil 625 for wirelessly transmitting power and a second holding portion 639 for holding the second coil 625.

[0509] In the closed state, the second retaining portion 639 according to the fourth embodiment is, as a whole, a generally circular annular member having a circular through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and the second retaining portion 639 is made of resin, for example. The second retaining portion 639 has a plurality of second annular groove portions 641 on a main surface (the lower surface in the fourth embodiment). The second annular groove portions 641 according to the fourth embodiment are arranged in three rows, each row forming a circular annular groove. Only one or more second annular groove portions 641 need to be provided.

[0510] The second retaining portion 639 has a plurality of through holes extending in the vertical direction, and similar to the first embodiment described above, the second retaining portion 639 is fixed to the second guide portion 127 by providing screws passing through the respective through holes. The method of fixing the second retaining portion 639 to the second guide portion 127 is not limited to screwing or threaded connection, and any suitable method can be used, such as adhesive or double-sided tape.

[0511] The second coil 625 comprises two separable second coil portions. The second coil 625 is constructed by connecting two coated conductor patterns via two second coil connectors 631 when the second retaining portion 639 is closed. These two coated conductor patterns constitute two second coil portions that fit into the second annular groove portion 641. The coated conductor wire constituting the second coil 625 is accommodated in the second retaining portion 639 by fitting into the second annular groove portion 641. When viewed from above with the second transceiver unit 626 closed, the second coil 625 is positioned in a generally circular annular region having a through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and in the fourth embodiment, the second coil 625 has a generally flat spiral shape. The lower side of the second coil 625 can be covered by securing a cover (not shown) to the second retaining portion 639.

[0512] Apart from these points, the wireless connector 603 can be constructed similarly to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0513] Specifically, for example, a first unit 610 is constructed by combining a first primary component 610A on the right and a second primary component 610B on the left, the first primary component 610A and the second primary component 610B being divisible by a first dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR. A second unit 611 is constructed by combining a first secondary component 611A on the front and a second secondary component 611B on the rear, the first secondary component 611A and the second secondary component 611B being divisible by a second dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR. Each of the first primary component 610A, the second primary component 610B, the first secondary component 611A, and the second secondary component 611B is not annular when divided.

[0514] Figures 22 to 24 An example is shown in which the first transceiver unit 613 and the second transceiver unit 626 are directly fixed to the first guide portion 114 and the second guide portion 127, respectively. However, needless to say, as in the first embodiment described above, the first transceiver unit 613 and the second transceiver unit 626 can be fixed to the first guide portion 114 and the second guide portion 127 via the first spacer 120 and the second spacer 133, respectively.

[0515] (Operation, installation and removal method of wireless connector 603 according to the fourth embodiment)

[0516] According to the wireless connector 603 of the fourth embodiment, the first coil 612 and the second coil 625 are connected to a reference... Figure 7The first coil 112 and the second coil 125 of the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above are magnetically coupled in a similar manner. Therefore, the wireless connector 603 can operate in a similar way to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0517] You can also refer to Figure 8 and Figure 13 The method described for installing and removing the wireless connector 603 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the method for installing the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0518] Using the wireless connector 603 according to the fourth embodiment, power can be wirelessly transmitted between the first object 101 and the second object 102 without restricting the relative rotation range between them, as in the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, similar to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment, the wireless connector 603 can be easily installed onto and removed from the first object 101 and the second object 102 from the outside. Therefore, the wireless connector 603 can be quickly repaired in case of a malfunction.

[0519] <<Fifth Embodiment>>

[0520] The first transceiver units 113, 213, 313, 413, 513, and 613, and the second transceiver units 126, 226, 326, 426, 526, and 626 described above are arranged to face each other in a non-contact manner, with gaps between them. Therefore, foreign objects such as droplets and dust may enter the space between the first and second transceiver units. Examples of dust include scattered metal powder, gravel, etc.

[0521] In cases where the foreign object is relatively large, the rotational operation between the first transceiver units 113, 213, 313, 413, 513, and 613 and the second transceiver units 126, 226, 326, 426, 526, and 626 may be interfered with, and these units may be damaged by the foreign object. Even if the foreign object is very small, when it accumulates together with oil droplets, the coupling force between the coils due to magnetic field coupling may weaken.

[0522] To prevent foreign objects from intruding into the space between the first transceiver units 113, 213, 313, 413, 513, and 613 and the second transceiver units 126, 226, 326, 426, 526, and 626, a protective portion may be provided. In the fifth embodiment, an example of a variation of the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above will be described, wherein a protective portion is provided in the wireless connector. Note that the protective portion according to the fifth embodiment can be appropriately modified and applied to wireless connectors according to other embodiments such as the second to fourth embodiments.

[0523] (Structure of the robot device 700 according to the fifth embodiment)

[0524] like Figure 25 As shown in the perspective view, the robot device 700 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a first object 101 and a second object 102 similar to the first object and the second object in the first embodiment described above, and a wireless connector 703 for wirelessly transmitting power between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0525] like Figures 25 to 30 As shown, the wireless connector 703 includes a first unit 710 replacing the first unit 110 and a second unit 711 replacing the second unit 111. Furthermore, the wireless connector 703 includes an elastic member 742 inserted between the first unit 710 and the second unit 711.

[0526] here, Figure 25 This is a perspective view of the robot device 700 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional view of the wireless connector 703 of the object (101, 102) installed into the robot device 700, viewed from the right, at the first dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR. Figure 27 It is by Figure 26 An enlarged sectional view of the area near the part enclosed by the dotted line C.

[0527] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of the first unit 710 constituting the wireless connector 703 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 28 In the figure, the reference numerals of the components of the second unit 711 are indicated in parentheses after the reference numerals of the corresponding components of the first unit 710. The arrows in the parentheses indicating the forward, backward, upward, downward, leftward, and rightward directions correspond to the second unit 711.

[0528] Similarly, in the fifth embodiment, the first unit 710 is constructed by combining the first primary component 710A on the right and the second primary component 710B on the left, the first primary component 710A and the second primary component 710B being divisible by a first dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR. Figure 29 This is a perspective view showing the first-level part 710A, and Figure 30 This is a perspective view showing the second-level part 710B.

[0529] The second unit 711 is constructed by combining the first secondary component 711A on the front side and the second secondary component 711B on the rear side. The first secondary component 711A and the second secondary component 711B can be separated via a second dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR. Except for the absence of the elastic member 742, the first secondary component 711A and the second secondary component 711B have substantially the same structure as the first secondary component 710A and the second secondary component 710B, respectively.

[0530] Therefore, in Figure 29 In the figure, the reference numerals of the constituent parts of the first secondary part 711A are indicated in parentheses after the reference numerals of the corresponding parts of the first primary part 710A. Additionally, in Figure 29 In the brackets, the arrows indicating forward, backward, upward, downward, left, and right directions correspond to the first and second level parts 711A.

[0531] Similarly, in Figure 30 In the figure, the reference numerals of the constituent parts of the second-level part 711B are indicated in parentheses after the reference numerals of the corresponding constituent parts of the second-level part 710B. Additionally, in Figure 30 In the brackets, the arrows indicating forward, backward, upward, downward, left, and right directions correspond to the second-level part 711B.

[0532] like Figures 26 to 30 As shown, the first unit 710 includes a first main connector portion 115 similar to that in the first embodiment described above, and a first transceiver unit 713 and two first guide portions 714 replacing the first transceiver unit 113 and two first guide portions 114 according to the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the first unit 710 includes a first protective cover portion 743.

[0533] The first transceiver unit 713 includes a first coil 112 similar to the first coil in the first embodiment described above, and a first holding plate 716 replacing the first holding plate 116 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0534] In the closed state, the first holding plate 716 is, as a whole, a generally circular annular rigid substrate with a circular through hole centered on the rotation axis AR, and the first holding plate 716 holds the first coil 112 as a first holding part. The first holding plate 716 differs from the first holding plate 116 according to the first embodiment described above in that it does not have a first protrusion 117.

[0535] The first coil 112 is not configured as a strip-shaped annular portion along the outer edge of the first retaining plate 716. The first retaining plate 716 is threadedly connected to the first guide 714 through a through hole formed in this portion. Not limited to a threaded connection, the first retaining plate 716 can be secured to the first guide 714 by any suitable method.

[0536] Similar to the two first guide portions 114 according to the first embodiment described above, the two first guide portions 714 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides, and are the portions to which the first transceiver unit 713 is fixed to reinforce the first transceiver unit 713, and serve as guides when the first unit 710 is installed on the first object 101.

[0537] When the first unit 710 is closed, the two first guide portions 714 are generally annular as a whole, and each first guide portion 714 includes a first flat plate portion 745, a first protrusion 746, a first inner groove portion 747 and a first outer groove portion 748.

[0538] The first flat plate portion 745 is a flat, circular annular portion and has a first circumferential surface portion 119 similar to the first circumferential surface portion of the first embodiment described above. The first protrusion portion 746 is a portion that protrudes upward from the first flat plate portion 745. The first inner groove portion 747 forms an outwardly recessed groove on the inner circumferential surface of the first protrusion portion 746. The first outer groove portion 748 forms an inwardly recessed groove on the outer circumferential surface of the first protrusion portion 746.

[0539] The first protective cover 743 is fixed to the two first guides 714 and seals and covers the first coil 112, thereby forming a substantially liquid-tight first unit 710 together with the two first guides 714. However, the terminal portion of the first main connector portion 115 is exposed to mate with the first mating connector portion 108. Here, "liquid-tight" means sealed to the extent that no liquid can pass through.

[0540] In detail, the first protective cover 743 includes a first inner sealing member 749, a first outer sealing member 750, a first coil cover 751, a first connection cover 752, and a first connector cover 753.

[0541] Each of the first inner sealing member 749 and the first outer sealing member 750 is a sealing member made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is generally annular as a whole. Each first inner sealing member 749 fits into a first inner groove portion 747, and each first outer sealing member 750 fits into a first outer groove portion 748.

[0542] Each first coil cover portion 751 is an arc-shaped portion provided corresponding to the printed wiring of the first coil 112, and is made of resin, for example. Each first coil cover portion 751 includes an arc-shaped first annular plate portion 751A provided above the printed wiring of the first coil 112, a first outer wall portion 751B extending downward from the outer periphery of the first annular plate portion 751A, and a first inner wall portion 751C extending downward from the inner periphery of the first annular plate portion 751A.

[0543] The first outer wall portion 751B and the first inner wall portion 751C are arranged to sandwich the first outer sealing member 750 and the first inner sealing member 749 in close contact. Correspondingly, the first coil cover portion 751 liquid-tightly covers the upper and lateral sides of the printed wiring of the first coil 112.

[0544] Each first connection cover 752 is a hollow arc-shaped portion corresponding to the first coil connector 118. The first connection cover 752 includes a first insertion portion 752A and a first elastic portion 752B. The first insertion portion 752A is made of, for example, resin, and the first elastic portion 752B almost completely covers both end faces of the first insertion portion 752A. By placing the first coil connector 118 inside, the first connection cover 752 liquid-tightly covers the periphery of the first coil connector 118.

[0545] With the first unit 710 assembled, the end faces of the first coil cover 751 and the first elastic part 752B are brought into close contact with each other by tightening the two first bolts 123. The end faces of the first inner sealing member 749 and the first outer sealing member 750 are also in close contact with the first elastic part 752B. Therefore, with the first unit 710 assembled, the first transceiver unit 713 is liquid-tightly covered by the first protective cover 743 and the first guide part 714.

[0546] Except for the terminal portion of the first main connector portion 115, the first connector cover portion 753 liquid-tightly covers the first main connector portion 115 and the first circuit portion 121.

[0547] When the first unit 710 is divided into a first primary component 710A and a second primary component 710B, a first connection cover 752 can be provided at each connection portion between the first primary component 710A and the second primary component 710B. In the fifth embodiment, as... Figure 29 As shown, the first connecting cover 752 is fixed to the corresponding end of the second primary part 710B that has the first main connector 115.

[0548] The second unit 711 has a structure roughly obtained by vertically reversing the first unit 710. For example... Figures 26 to 30As shown, the second unit 711 includes a second main connector portion 128 similar to the second main connector portion of the first embodiment described above, and a second transceiver unit 726 and two second guide portions 727 respectively replacing the second transceiver unit 126 and two second guide portions 127 according to the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the second unit 711 includes a second protective cover portion 744.

[0549] In the closed state, the second transceiver unit 726 is, as a whole, a generally circular annular member with a through hole centered on the rotation axis AR, and in the fifth embodiment, the second transceiver unit 726 has a generally circular disk shape with a through hole. Similar to the first embodiment described above, the second transceiver unit 726 and the first transceiver unit 713 according to the fifth embodiment are spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis AR so that they are arranged facing each other in a non-contact manner. The second transceiver unit 726 includes a second coil 125 similar to the second coil of the first embodiment described above, and two second retaining plates 729 replacing the two second retaining plates 129 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0550] In the closed state, the two second holding plates 729 together form a generally circular annular rigid substrate with a circular through hole centered on the rotation axis AR, and the two second holding plates 729 serve as second holding portions to hold the second coil 125. The two second holding plates 729 differ from the two second holding plates 129 according to the first embodiment described above in that they do not have a second protrusion 130.

[0551] Furthermore, the second coil 125 is not configured as a strip-shaped annular portion along the outer edges of the two second retaining plates 729. The two second retaining plates 729 are threadedly connected to the two second guides 727 via through holes formed in these portions. Not limited to a threaded connection, the two second retaining plates 729 can be secured to the two second guides 727 by any suitable method.

[0552] Similar to the two second guide portions 127 according to the first embodiment described above, the two second guide portions 727 are respectively provided on the front and rear sides. The two second guide portions 727 are the portions to which the second transceiver unit 726 is fixed to reinforce the second transceiver unit 726, and serve as guides when the second unit 711 is installed onto the second object 102.

[0553] When the second unit 711 is closed, the two second guide portions 727 are generally annular as a whole, and include a second flat plate portion 754, a second protrusion 755, a second inner groove portion 756, and a second outer groove portion 757.

[0554] The second flat plate portion 754 is a flat, circular annular portion and has a second circumferential surface portion 132 similar to the second circumferential surface portion of the first embodiment described above. The second protrusion portion 755 is a portion that protrudes downward from the second flat plate portion 754. The second inner groove portion 756 forms an outwardly recessed groove on the inner circumferential surface of the second protrusion portion 755. The second outer groove portion 757 forms an inwardly recessed groove on the outer circumferential surface of the second protrusion portion 755.

[0555] The second protective cover portion 744 is fixed to each of the two second guide portions 727 and seals and covers the second coil 125, thereby forming a substantially liquid-tight second unit 711 together with the two second guide portions 727. However, in the second protective cover portion 744, the terminal portion of the second main connector portion 128 is exposed for mating with the second mating connector portion 109.

[0556] In detail, the second protective cover 744 includes a second inner sealing member 758, a second outer sealing member 759, a second coil cover 760, a second connection cover 761, and a second connector cover 762.

[0557] Each of the second inner sealing member 758 and the second outer sealing member 759 is a sealing member made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is generally annular as a whole. The second inner sealing member 758 fits into the second inner groove portion 756, and the second outer sealing member 759 fits into the second outer groove portion 757.

[0558] Each second coil cover 760 is an arc-shaped portion provided corresponding to the printed wiring of the second coil 125, and is made of, for example, resin. Each second coil cover 760 includes an arc-shaped second annular plate portion 760A provided above the printed wiring of the second coil 125, a second outer wall portion 760B extending downward from the outer periphery of the second annular plate portion 760A, and a second inner wall portion 760C extending downward from the inner periphery of the second annular plate portion 760A.

[0559] The second outer wall portion 760B and the second inner wall portion 760C are arranged to sandwich the second outer sealing member 759 and the second inner sealing member 758 in close contact. Correspondingly, the second coil cover portion 760 liquid-tightly covers the upper and lateral sides of the printed wiring of the second coil 125.

[0560] Each second connection cover 761 is a hollow arc-shaped portion provided corresponding to each of the second coil connectors 131. The second connection cover 761 includes a second insertion portion 761A and a second elastic portion 761B. The second insertion portion 761A is made of, for example, resin, and the second elastic portion 761B almost completely covers both end faces of the second insertion portion 761A. By providing the second coil connector 131 internally, the second connection cover 761 liquid-tightly covers the periphery of the second coil connector 131.

[0561] With the second unit 711 assembled, the end faces of the second coil cover 760 and the second elastic portion 761B are brought into close contact with each other by tightening the two second bolts 136. The end faces of the second inner sealing member 758 and the second outer sealing member 759 are also in close contact with the second elastic portion 761B. Therefore, with the second unit 711 assembled, the second transceiver unit 726 is liquid-tightly covered by the second protective cover 744 and the second guide portion 127.

[0562] Except for the terminal portion of the second main connector portion 128, the second connector cover portion 762 liquid-tightly covers the second main connector portion 128 and the second circuit portion 134.

[0563] When the second unit 711 is divided into a first secondary component 711A and a second secondary component 711B, a second connection cover 761 can be provided at each connection portion between the first secondary component 711A and the second secondary component 711B. In the fifth embodiment, as... Figure 29 As shown, the second connecting cover 761 is fixed to the corresponding end of the second secondary part 711B that is provided with the second main connector 128.

[0564] The elastic member 742 is a member that closes the gap between the face space and the space. Here, the "face space" is the space between the first transceiver unit 713 and the second transceiver unit 726, which are in a state of facing each other by installing the first unit 710 and the second unit 711 to the first object 101 and the second object 102 respectively.

[0565] The elastic member 742 is a member made of rubber or the like and is elastic. When the first unit 710 and the second unit 711 are respectively installed on the first object 101 and the second object 102, the elastic member 742 forms an approximately circular annular shape.

[0566] In detail, the elastic member 742 has a base end fixed to the upper surface of the first protective cover 743 and a top end in contact with the lower surface of the second protective cover 744 in order to close the gap that is continuous with the facing space.

[0567] The elastic member 742 can be disposed in either the first protective cover 743 or the second protective cover 744, wherein its tip remains in contact with the other of the first protective cover 743 and the second protective cover 744. Furthermore, the elastic member 742 can close at least a portion of the gap continuous with the facing space. For example, if the tip of the elastic member 742 extends close to the other of the first protective cover 743 and the second protective cover 744, then the tip of the elastic member 742 may not be in contact with it. This also reduces the possibility of foreign objects intruding into the facing space.

[0568] Apart from these points, the wireless connector 703 can be constructed in a similar manner to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0569] In detail, as described above, for example, the first unit 710 is constructed by combining a first primary component 710A on the right and a second primary component 710B on the left, the first primary component 710A and the second primary component 710B being divisible via a first dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR. The second unit 711 is constructed by combining a first secondary component 711A on the front side and a second secondary component 711B on the rear side, the first secondary component 711A and the second secondary component 711B being divisible via a second dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR. Each of the first primary component 710A, the second primary component 710B, the first secondary component 711A, and the second secondary component 711B is not annular when divided.

[0570] Figures 25 to 30 An example is shown in which the first transceiver unit 713 and the second transceiver unit 726 are directly fixed to the first guide portion 714 and the second guide portion 727, respectively. However, of course, as in the first embodiment, the first transceiver unit 713 and the second transceiver unit 726 can be fixed to the first guide portion 714 and the second guide portion 727 via the first spacer 120 and the second spacer 133, respectively.

[0571] (Operation, installation and removal method of wireless connector 703 according to the fifth embodiment)

[0572] According to the wireless connector 703 of the fifth embodiment, the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 are connected to a reference... Figure 7 The first coil 112 and the second coil 125 of the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above are magnetically coupled in a similar manner. Therefore, the wireless connector 703 can also operate in a similar manner to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0573] You can also refer to Figure 8 and Figure 13The method described for installing and removing the wireless connector 703 according to the fifth embodiment is similar to the method for installing the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0574] Using the wireless connector 703 according to the fifth embodiment, power can also be wirelessly transmitted between the first object 101 and the second object 102 without restricting the relative rotation range between the first object 101 and the second object 102, as in the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, similar to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment, the wireless connector 703 can be easily installed to and removed from the first object 101 and the second object 102 from the outside. Therefore, the wireless connector 703 can be quickly repaired in the event of a malfunction.

[0575] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, an elastic member 742 is provided as a protective element. Therefore, foreign objects can be prevented from entering the facing space, and the possibility of foreign objects entering the facing space can be reduced. This reduces the possibility of malfunctions, such as damage to the wireless connector 703 due to foreign objects entering the facing space, and weakening of the magnetic field coupling force between the first coil 112 and the second coil 125. Therefore, the durability of the wireless connector 703 can be improved.

[0576] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the first coil 112 is sealed by the first protective cover 743, and the second coil 125 is sealed by the second protective cover 744. Accordingly, the coupling force of the magnetic field coupling between the first coil 112 and the second coil 125 can be prevented from weakening due to the adhesion or accumulation of dirt and foreign matter. Therefore, the durability of the wireless connector 703 can be further improved.

[0577] <<Sixth Embodiment>>

[0578] In the first to fifth embodiments described above, examples have been described in which a first transceiver unit is connected by a plurality of first coil connectors and a second transceiver unit is connected by a plurality of second coil connectors, such that each of the first and second transceiver units is configured as an annular shape that can be opened and closed at multiple locations. Examples have also been described in which the first unit, together with the first transceiver unit, is divided into a plurality of independent primary components, and the second unit, together with the second transceiver unit, is divided into a plurality of independent secondary components.

[0579] However, if the first transceiver unit has an openable / closeable annular shape, multiple primary components can be connected via a connecting mechanism such as a hinge. Similarly, if the second transceiver unit has an openable / closeable annular shape, multiple secondary components can also be connected via a connecting mechanism such as a hinge. In the sixth embodiment, an example in which the connecting mechanism is applied to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above will be described. The connecting mechanism according to the sixth embodiment can be appropriately modified and applied to wireless connectors according to other embodiments such as the second to fifth embodiments.

[0580] (Structure of robot device 800 according to the sixth embodiment)

[0581] like Figure 31 As shown in the perspective view, the robot device 800 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a first object 101 and a second object 102 similar to the first object and the second object in the first embodiment described above, and a wireless connector 803 for wirelessly transmitting power between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0582] like Figure 31 As shown, the wireless connector 803 includes a first unit 810 replacing the first unit 110 and a second unit 811 replacing the second unit 111.

[0583] As shown in perspective, the closed state is depicted. Figure 32 As shown, the first unit 810 is constructed by combining the first primary component 810A on the right and the second primary component 810B on the left. The first primary component 810A and the second primary component 810B can be separated from each other at a rear position via a first dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR.

[0584] According to the sixth embodiment, the first unit 810 further includes a first connecting mechanism 863, which connects a first primary component 810A and a second primary component 810B, which are adjacent primary components, on the front side. By providing the first connecting mechanism 863, the first primary component 810A and the second primary component 810B are connected to open and close on the rear side.

[0585] In detail, the first unit 810 includes a first main connector portion 115 similar to the first main connector portion of the first embodiment described above, and a first transceiver unit 813 and a first guide portion (814A, 814B) replacing the first transceiver unit 113 and the first guide portion 114 according to the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the first unit 810 according to the sixth embodiment includes a first connecting element 864.

[0586] Similar to the first transceiver unit 113 according to the first embodiment described above, in the closed state, the first transceiver unit 813 as a whole has a generally circular disk shape with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR. The first transceiver unit 813 includes a first coil 812 replacing the first coil 112 according to the first embodiment described above, and a first retaining plate 116 similar to the first retaining plate of the first embodiment described above. The first coil 812 includes two first coil portions that can be separated at one location and can be bent relative to each other.

[0587] The first coil 812 is constructed by connecting two printed wires via a first coil connector 118 and a first connecting wire 865. These two printed wires are conductors comprising two portions of the first coil printed on a main surface (the upper surface in the sixth embodiment) of the first retaining plate 116. The first connecting wire 865 is, for example, a conductor wire coated with an insulator.

[0588] In detail, of the four ends of the two printed wirings formed on the two rigid substrates of the first retaining plate 116, the two ends closer to the first connecting mechanism 863 are connected by the first connecting wiring 865, while the two ends farther away from the first connecting mechanism 863 are connected by the first coil connector 118.

[0589] Accordingly, when viewed from above with the first transceiver unit 813 closed, the first coil 812 is disposed in a generally circular annular region having a through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and in the sixth embodiment, the first coil 812 is configured to form a generally flat spiral shape. Specifically, portions of the printed wiring formed at the two ends of each rigid substrate of the first retaining plate 116 away from the first connecting mechanism 863 are electrically connected to the first coil connector 118 via through-holes (not shown). Thus, by electrically connecting two printed wirings via a first coil connector 118 and a first connecting wiring 865, the first coil 812 has a substantially spiral shape. In the sixth embodiment, a through-hole connector is used as the first coil connector 118. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, similar to the first embodiment described above, for example, as described above, an SMT connector, an adhesive film connector, or a combination of an FPC connector and an FPC can be used as the first coil connector 118 instead of a through-hole connector.

[0590] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the four ends of the two printed wirings formed on the first retaining plate 116 can be connected by two first coil connectors 118.

[0591] The first guide portion (814A, 814B) includes a first primary guide component 814A on the right and a second primary guide component 814B on the left. This is similar to the first guide portion 114 according to the first embodiment described above. Unlike the first embodiment described above, the first guide portions (814A, 814B) according to the sixth embodiment are connected by a first connecting mechanism 863 so as not to be completely separated.

[0592] In detail, the first-stage guide component 814A includes a first-stage guide body 866A and a first-stage connecting segment 867A. Similarly, the second-stage guide component 814B includes a second-stage guide body 866B and a second-stage connecting segment 867B.

[0593] The first primary guide 866A and the second primary guide 866B are constructed similarly to the first guide portion 114 according to the first embodiment described above. Specifically, when the first unit 810 is closed, the first primary guide 866A and the second primary guide 866B have a generally annular shape as a whole, and as in the first embodiment described above, they have a first peripheral surface portion 119 that is in contact with the first shaft portion 105.

[0594] The first primary connecting segment 867A is a flat plate-shaped portion extending to the left from one end face of the first primary guide 866A. In the sixth embodiment, the first primary connecting segment 867A is a flat plate-shaped portion extending to the left from the front end face of those end faces of the first primary guide 866A facing the second primary guide 866B, and has a through hole in the vertical direction.

[0595] The second-level connecting segment 867B is a flat plate-shaped portion extending to the right from one end face of the second-level guide body 866B. In the sixth embodiment, the second-level connecting segment 867B consists of two flat plate-shaped portions extending to the right from the upper and lower ends of the front end face of the second-level guide body 866B facing the first-level guide body 866A, and has through holes in the vertical direction.

[0596] The first primary connecting segment 867A is disposed between a pair of second primary connecting segments 867B, such that the first primary connecting segment 867A is clamped by the pair of second primary connecting segments 867B in the vertical direction. The through holes formed in the first primary connecting segment 867A and the pair of second primary connecting segments 867B are arranged to penetrate in the vertical direction.

[0597] like Figure 33 As shown, the first connecting element 864 includes a first connecting pin 864A and a first fastener 864B.

[0598] here, Figure 33It is a cross-sectional view of the first unit 810 on the first dividing plane (including the axis of rotation AR and the plane facing the front-back direction), and an enlarged view near the first connecting mechanism 863.

[0599] The first connecting pin 864A is a component formed to penetrate through through holes of a first primary connecting segment 867A and a pair of second primary connecting segments 867B, and is, for example, a metal pin having a head that locks around the through holes. The first fastener 864B is a C-shaped (ring with a notch) component that locks to the end of the first connecting pin 864A so that the first connecting pin 864A cannot escape from the through holes, and is, for example, a C-shaped (ring with a notch) component made of metal.

[0600] The first connecting mechanism 863 is a hinge including a first primary connecting segment 867A, a pair of second primary connecting segments 867B and a first connecting element 864, and the first connecting mechanism 863 connects the first primary guide 866A and the second primary guide 866B so as to be able to rotate about the first connecting pin 864A.

[0601] The first transceiver unit 813 is configured such that, by disengaging the first coil connector 118 included in the first coil 812, the first coil 812 can be separated into two first coil portions at a location on the rear side where the first coil connector 118 is provided.

[0602] Furthermore, the first primary component 810A on the right and the second primary component 810B on the left are connected at the front via a first connecting mechanism 863 so that they can rotate about a first connecting pin 864A oriented in the vertical direction.

[0603] Therefore, as Figure 34 As shown in the perspective view, the first unit 810 can be separated into a first primary part 810A and a second primary part 810B on the rear side via a first dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR, and is opened in the left-right direction on the front side to allow the first shaft portion 105 to pass through.

[0604] With the first unit 810 closed according to the sixth embodiment, the first primary guide part 814A and the second primary guide part 814B are fastened at the rear so as to be fixed to each other by a first bolt 123 inserted into and engaging in the first bolt hole 124, as in the first embodiment described above. Accordingly, the first unit 810 can remain closed so as to be difficult to open during rotational operation of the robot device 800, etc.

[0605] In the sixth embodiment, an example has been described in which the first primary component 810A and the second primary component 810B are connected by a first connecting mechanism 863 provided in the first primary guide component 814A and the second primary guide component 814B. However, the first primary guide component 814A and the second primary guide component 814B may not be provided. In this case, the mechanism corresponding to the first connecting mechanism 863 may be provided in the first transceiver unit 813. Furthermore, multiple first connecting mechanisms 863 may be provided. In addition, the first unit may include three or more primary components, some of which are connected by the first connecting mechanism 863, and the remaining primary components are configured to be completely separable.

[0606] As shown in perspective, the closed state is depicted. Figure 35 As shown, the second unit 811 is constructed by combining the first secondary component 811A on the right and the second secondary component 811B on the left. The first secondary component 811A and the second secondary component 811B can be separated from each other at a rear position via a second dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR.

[0607] According to the sixth embodiment, the second unit 811 further includes a second connecting mechanism 868, which connects the first secondary component 811A and the second secondary component 811B, which are adjacent secondary components, on the front side. By providing the second connecting mechanism 868, the first secondary component 811A and the second secondary component 811B are connected to open and close on the rear side.

[0608] In detail, the second unit 811 includes a second main connector portion 128 similar to the second main connector portion of the first embodiment described above, and a second transceiver unit 826 and a second guide portion (827A, 827B) respectively replacing the second transceiver unit 126 and the second guide portion 127 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the second unit 811 according to the sixth embodiment includes a second connecting element 869.

[0609] Similar to the second transceiver unit 126 according to the first embodiment described above, in the closed state, the second transceiver unit 826 as a whole has a generally circular disk shape with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation AR. The second transceiver unit 826 includes a second coil 825 replacing the second coil 125 according to the first embodiment described above, and a second retaining plate 129 similar to the second retaining plate of the first embodiment described above. Similar to the first coil 812, the second coil 825 includes two second coil portions that can be separated at one location and can be bent relative to each other.

[0610] The second coil 825 is constructed by connecting two printed wires via a second coil connector 131 and a second connection wire 870. These two printed wires are conductors comprising two portions of the second coil printed on a main surface (the lower surface in the sixth embodiment) of the second retaining plate 129. The second connection wire 870 is, for example, a conductor wire coated with an insulator.

[0611] In detail, of the four ends of the two printed wirings formed on the two rigid substrates of the second retaining plate 129, the two ends closer to the second connecting mechanism 868 are connected by the second connecting wiring 870, while the two ends farther away from the second connecting mechanism 868 are connected by the second coil connector 131.

[0612] Accordingly, when viewed from above with the second transceiver unit 826 closed, the second coil 825 is disposed in a generally circular annular region having a through-hole centered on the axis of rotation AR, and in the sixth embodiment, the second coil 825 is configured to form a generally flat spiral shape. Specifically, portions of the printed wiring formed at the two ends of each rigid substrate of the second retaining plate 129 away from the second connection mechanism 868 are electrically connected to the second coil connector 131 via through-holes (not shown). Thus, by electrically connecting the two printed wirings via a second coil connector 131 and a second connection wiring 870, the second coil 825 has a substantially spiral shape. In the sixth embodiment, a through-hole connector is used as the second coil connector 131. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, similar to the first embodiment described above, for example, as described above, an SMT connector, an adhesive film connector, or a combination of an FPC connector and an FPC can be used as the second coil connector 131 instead of a through-hole connector.

[0613] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the four ends of the two printed wirings formed on the second retaining plate 129 can be connected by two second coil connectors 131.

[0614] The second guide section (827A, 827B) includes a first secondary guide part 827A on the right and a second secondary guide part 827B on the left. This is similar to the second guide section 127 according to the first embodiment described above. Unlike the first embodiment described above, the second guide section (827A, 827B) according to the sixth embodiment is connected by a second connecting mechanism 868 so as not to be completely separated.

[0615] In detail, the first and second stage guide component 827A includes a first and second stage guide body 871A and a first and second stage connecting segment 872A. Similarly, the second and second stage guide component 827B includes a second and second stage guide body 871B and a second and second stage connecting segment 872B.

[0616] The first secondary guide 871A and the second secondary guide 871B are constructed similarly to the second guide portion 127 according to the first embodiment described above. In detail, when the first unit 810 is closed, the first secondary guide 871A and the second secondary guide 871B have a generally annular shape as a whole, and as in the first embodiment described above, they have a second peripheral surface portion 132 that is provided in contact with the second shaft portion 106.

[0617] The first secondary connecting segment 872A is a flat plate-shaped portion extending to the left from one end face of the first secondary guide 871A. In the sixth embodiment, the first secondary connecting segment 872A is a flat plate-shaped portion extending to the left from the front end face of those end faces of the first secondary guide 871A facing the second secondary guide 871B, and has a through hole in the vertical direction.

[0618] The second secondary connecting segment 872B is a flat plate-shaped portion extending to the right from one end face of the second secondary guide 871B. In the sixth embodiment, the second secondary connecting segment 872B consists of two flat plate-shaped portions extending to the right from the upper and lower ends of the front end face of the second secondary guide 871B facing the first secondary guide 871A, and has through holes in the vertical direction.

[0619] The first secondary connecting segment 872A is disposed between a pair of second secondary connecting segments 872B, such that the first secondary connecting segment 872A is clamped by the pair of second secondary connecting segments 872B in the vertical direction. The through holes formed in the first secondary connecting segment 872A and the pair of second secondary connecting segments 872B are arranged to penetrate in the vertical direction.

[0620] like Figure 33 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the second connecting element 869 includes a second connecting pin 869A and a second fastener 869B.

[0621] Figure 33 This is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first connecting mechanism 863 described above. An enlarged view of the vicinity of the second connecting mechanism 868 is also shown in the same manner as the enlarged view of the vicinity of the first connecting mechanism 863. Specifically, Figure 33 It is a cross-sectional view of the second unit 811 on the second dividing plane (including the axis of rotation AR and the plane facing the front and rear directions), and also an enlarged view near the second connecting mechanism 868.

[0622] exist Figure 33 In the figure, the reference numerals of the constituent parts of the second unit 811 are indicated in parentheses after the reference numerals of the corresponding parts of the first unit 810. The arrows in parentheses indicating the forward, backward, upward, and downward directions correspond to the second unit 811.

[0623] The second connecting pin 869A is a component formed to penetrate through through holes of the first secondary connecting segment 872A and a pair of second secondary connecting segments 872B, and is, for example, a metal pin with a head that locks around the through holes. The second fastener 869B is a component that locks to the end of the second connecting pin 869A so that the second connecting pin 869A cannot escape from the through holes, and is, for example, a C-shaped (ring-shaped) component made of metal.

[0624] The second connecting mechanism 868 is a hinge including a first secondary connecting segment 872A, a pair of second secondary connecting segments 872B, and a second connecting element 869, and the second connecting mechanism 868 connects the first secondary guide 871A and the second secondary guide 871B so as to be able to rotate about the second connecting pin 869A.

[0625] The second transceiver unit 826 is configured such that, by disengaging the second coil connector 131 included in the second coil 825, the second coil 825 can be separated into two second coil portions at a location on the rear side where the second coil connector 131 is provided.

[0626] Furthermore, the first secondary component 811A on the right and the second secondary component 811B on the left are connected at the front via a second connecting mechanism 868, allowing them to rotate about a second connecting pin 869A oriented in the vertical direction. Therefore, the second unit 811 can be separated into the first secondary component 811A and the second secondary component 811B at the rear via a second dividing plane including the axis of rotation AR, and opened at the front in the left-right direction to allow the passage of the second shaft portion 106.

[0627] With the second unit 811 closed according to the sixth embodiment, the first secondary guide part 827A and the second secondary guide part 827B are fastened at the rear so as to be fixed to each other by inserting and engaging the second bolt 136 in the second bolt hole opened on the right side, as in the first embodiment described above. Accordingly, the second unit 811 can remain closed so as to be difficult to open during the rotational operation of the robot device 800, etc.

[0628] In the sixth embodiment, an example has been described in which the first secondary component 811A and the second secondary component 811B are connected by a second connecting mechanism 868 provided in the first secondary guide component 827A and the second secondary guide component 827B. However, the first secondary guide component 827A and the second secondary guide component 827B may not be provided. In this case, the mechanism corresponding to the second connecting mechanism 868 may be provided in the second transceiver unit 826. Furthermore, multiple second connecting mechanisms 868 may be provided. In addition, the second unit may include three or more secondary components, some of which are connected by the second connecting mechanism 868, and the remaining secondary components are configured to be completely separable.

[0629] (Operation of the wireless connector 803 according to the sixth embodiment)

[0630] According to the wireless connector 803 of the sixth embodiment, the first coil 812 and the second coil 825 are connected to a reference. Figure 7 The first coil 112 and the second coil 125 of the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above are magnetically coupled in a similar manner. Therefore, the wireless connector 803 can also operate in a similar manner to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0631] (Method for installing and removing the wireless connector according to the sixth embodiment)

[0632] Previously, the operation of the wireless connector 803 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention has been described. Now, a method for installing and removing the wireless connector according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0633] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the wireless connector 803 can be installed onto and detached from the objects (101, 102) in a process substantially the same as that in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, reference will also be made to... Figure 8 and Figure 13 This describes the installation and removal methods for wireless connectors.

[0634] (Instructions for installing the 803 wireless connector)

[0635] By preparing robotic equipment including objects (101, 102) (see...) Figure 3 The method for installing the wireless connector 803 is as follows:

[0636] like Figure 8 As shown, the first unit 810 is installed from the outside of the first object 101 to the first object 101 (step 1: the step of installing the first unit).

[0637] In detail, in step 1, the second primary component 810B is installed onto the first object 101 (step 1A: the step of installing the second primary component).

[0638] In the sixth embodiment, with the first coil 812 facing upwards and the first unit 810 and the first transceiver unit 813 open together, the first shaft portion 105 passes through the opening space behind the first primary component 810A and the second primary component 810B. The second primary component 810B is configured such that the first peripheral surface portion 119 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion 105.

[0639] Then, the first main connector portion 115 is mated to the first mating connector portion 108. Accordingly, the first main connector portion 115 and the first mating connector portion 108 are electrically connected to each other, and the second primary component 810B is mounted to the first object 101.

[0640] like Figure 8 As shown, the first primary component 810A is mounted to the first object 101 so that it can rotate around the axis of rotation AR together with the second primary component 810B (step 1B: the step of mounting the first primary component).

[0641] In the sixth embodiment, since the first primary component 810A is connected to the second primary component 810B through the first connecting mechanism 863, the first coil 812 faces upward.

[0642] Therefore, the first stage component 810A rotates around the first connecting pin 864A, causing the first peripheral surface portion 119 to contact the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion 105. Then, the first coil connector 118 provided in the first stage component 810A engages with the first coil connector 118 provided in the second stage component 810B, and the first unit 810 and the first transceiver unit 813 close together.

[0643] Accordingly, the first primary component 810A is mounted to the first object 101 and forms the first coil 812 connected via the first coil connector 118.

[0644] like Figure 8 As shown, the first primary component 810A and the second primary component 810B are fastened and fixed by the first bolt 123 (step 1C: the step of fixing the first unit).

[0645] Specifically, the first bolt 123 is inserted and tightened from the right side of the first bolt hole 124. Accordingly, with the first unit 810 and the first transceiver unit 813 closed together, the first unit 810 is assembled and fixed to the first object 101.

[0646] like Figure 8As shown, the second unit 811 is installed from the outside of the second object 102 to the second object 102 (step 2: the step of installing the second unit).

[0647] In detail, in step 2, the second secondary component 811B is installed onto the second object 102 (step 2A: the step of installing the second secondary component).

[0648] In the sixth embodiment, with the second coil 825 facing downwards and the second unit 811 and the second transceiver unit 826 open together, the second shaft portion 106 passes through the opening space behind the first secondary component 811A and the second secondary component 811B. The second secondary component 811B is configured such that the first peripheral surface portion 119 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the second shaft portion 106.

[0649] Then, the second main connector portion 128 is mated to the second mating connector portion 109. Thus, the second main connector portion 128 and the second mating connector portion 109 are electrically connected to each other, and the second secondary component 811B is mounted to the second object 102.

[0650] like Figure 8 As shown, the first secondary component 811A is installed onto the second object 102 so that it rotates around the axis of rotation AR together with the second secondary component 811B (step 2B: the step of installing the first secondary component).

[0651] In the sixth embodiment, since the first secondary component 811A is connected to the second secondary component 811B through the second connecting mechanism 868, the second coil 825 faces downward.

[0652] Therefore, the first secondary component 811A rotates around the second connecting pin 869A, causing the first peripheral surface portion 119 to contact the outer peripheral surface of the second shaft portion 106. Then, the second coil connector 131 provided in the first secondary component 811A engages with the second coil connector 131 provided in the second secondary component 811B, and the second unit 811 and the second transceiver unit 826 close together.

[0653] Accordingly, the first secondary component 811A is mounted to the second object 102 and forms a second coil 825 connected via the second coil connector 118.

[0654] like Figure 8 As shown, the first secondary component 811A and the second secondary component 811B are fastened and fixed by the second bolt 136 (step 2C: the step of fixing the second unit).

[0655] Specifically, the second bolt 136 is inserted and tightened from the right side of the second bolt hole 137 provided in the first secondary guide part 827A. Accordingly, the second unit 811 is assembled and fixed to the second object 102 in the closed state.

[0656] Thus, the method of installing the wireless connector 803 onto the objects (101, 102) is completed, and the wireless connector 803 is fixedly installed onto the first object 101 and the second object 102. Furthermore, the first transceiver unit 813 and the second transceiver unit 826 are positioned approximately parallel to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, facing each other non-contactly outside the first shaft portion 105 and the second shaft portion 106, so as to wirelessly transmit power.

[0657] Furthermore, in the method of installing the wireless connector 803 onto objects (101, 102) according to the sixth embodiment, the order of performing the first unit installation step (step 1) and the second unit installation step (step 2) can be replaced, as in the first embodiment described above. In step 1, the order of performing the second primary component installation step (step 1A) and the first primary component installation step (step 1B) can be replaced. Similarly, in step 2, the order of performing the second secondary component installation step (step 2A) and the first secondary component installation step (step 2B) can be replaced.

[0658] (How to disassemble the wireless connector 803)

[0659] After the wireless connector 803 is installed onto the robot device 800 using the method described above, a method for removing the wireless connector 803 from the objects (101, 102) is typically performed as needed. This is similar to the method for removing the wireless connector 803 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0660] like Figure 13 As shown, the first unit 810 is removed from the first object 101 by working outside the first object 101 (step 3: the step of removing the first unit).

[0661] Specifically, in step 3, the fixation between the first-level component 810A and the second-level component 810B is released (step 3A: the step of releasing the fixation of the first unit).

[0662] In the sixth embodiment, after loosening the first bolt 123 by twisting to disengage the fit, the first bolt 123 is pulled out from the right side of the first bolt hole 124. This releases the first unit 810 from its fixation.

[0663] Remove the first-level part 810A from the first object 101 (Step 3B: Step to remove the first-level part).

[0664] In the sixth embodiment, the engagement of the first coil connector 118 is released, and the first primary component 810A is rotated around the first connecting pin 864A. Accordingly, the engagement of the first coil connector 118 is released, and the first primary component 810A is removed from the first object 101. Simultaneously, the first unit 810 and the first transceiver unit 813 are placed in the open state.

[0665] Remove the second-level part 810B from the first object 101 (step 3C: the step of removing the second-level part).

[0666] In the sixth embodiment, the second primary component 810B is pulled out to the left. Accordingly, the engagement between the first main connector portion 115 and the first mating connector portion 108 is released, and the second primary component 810B is removed from the first object 101.

[0667] The first unit 810 is removed from the first object 101 by passing the first shaft portion 105 through the opening space behind the first primary part 810A and the second primary part 810B.

[0668] The second unit 811 is removed from the second object 102 by working outside the second object 102 (step 4: the step of removing the second unit).

[0669] Specifically, in step 4, the fixation between the first secondary component 811A and the second secondary component 811B is released (step 4A: the step of releasing the fixation of the second unit).

[0670] In the sixth embodiment, after loosening the second bolt 136 by twisting to disengage the fit, the second bolt 136 is pulled out from the right side of the second bolt hole 137. This releases the second unit 811 from its fixation.

[0671] Remove the first secondary part 811A from the first object 101 (step 4B: the step of removing the first secondary part).

[0672] In the sixth embodiment, the engagement of the second coil connector 131 is released, and the first secondary component 811A rotates around the second connecting pin 869A. Accordingly, the engagement of the second coil connector 131 is released, and the first secondary component 811A is detached from the first object 101. Simultaneously, the second unit 811 and the second transceiver unit 826 are placed in the open state.

[0673] Remove the second secondary part 811B from the second object 102 (step 4C: disassembly of the second secondary part).

[0674] In the sixth embodiment, the second secondary component 811B is pulled out to the left. Accordingly, the engagement between the second main connector portion 128 and the second mating connector portion 109 is released, and the second secondary component 811B is removed from the second object 102.

[0675] The second unit 811 is disassembled from the second object 102 by allowing the second shaft portion 106 to pass through the opening space behind the first secondary part 811A and the second secondary part 811B.

[0676] Thus, the method of disassembling the wireless connector 803 ends, and the wireless connector 803 is removed from the objects (101, 102).

[0677] In the wireless connector 803 according to the sixth embodiment, the order of performing the first unit disassembly step (step 3) and the second unit disassembly step (step 4) can be replaced. In step 3, the order of performing the first primary component disassembly step (step 3B) and the second primary component disassembly step (step 3C) can be replaced. Similarly, in step 4, the order of performing the first secondary component disassembly step (step 4B) and the second secondary component disassembly step (step 4C) can be replaced.

[0678] According to the sixth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, when the first main connector portion 115 and the second main connector portion 128 are respectively installed on the first mating connector portion 108 and the second mating connector portion 109, the first transceiver unit 813 and the second transceiver unit 826 are arranged outside the first object 101 and the second object 102 in a non-contact manner facing each other along the rotation axis AR so as to wirelessly transmit power.

[0679] In other words, when the first unit 810 and the second unit 811 are respectively installed on the first object 101 and the second object 102, the first transceiver unit 813 and the second transceiver unit 826 are arranged facing each other in a non-contact manner to wirelessly transmit power. In this case, the first coil 812 and the second coil 825 are arranged parallel to each other in a non-contact manner to wirelessly transmit power.

[0680] Therefore, when the first object 101 and the second object 102 rotate relative to each other, without providing components that interfere with each other between the first unit 810 and the second unit 811 or components that restrict the rotation range of the first object 101 and the second object 102, power can be wirelessly transmitted between the first object 101 and the second object 102.

[0681] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the wireless connector 803 according to the sixth embodiment can wirelessly transmit power between the first object 101 and the second object 102 without restricting the relative rotation range between them. Furthermore, similar to the wireless connector 103 according to the first embodiment, the wireless connector 803 can be easily installed onto and removed from the first object 101 and the second object 102 from the outside. Therefore, the wireless connector 803 can be quickly repaired in the event of a malfunction.

[0682] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the first primary component 810A and the second primary component 810B are connected via the first connecting mechanism 863. Therefore, compared to the first embodiment described above, the first unit 810 can be installed and removed more easily. Since the first secondary component 811A and the second secondary component 811B are connected via the second connecting mechanism 868, the second unit 811 can be installed and removed more easily compared to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, it is easier to install to and remove from the first object 101 and the second object 102 from the outside. Consequently, the wireless connector 803 can be repaired more quickly in the event of a malfunction.

[0683] Embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described previously. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention also covers modes obtained by appropriately combining some or all of the embodiments and variations described above, as well as modes obtained by adding any variations to the above modes.

[0684] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0685] 100, 500, 600, 700, 800 robot equipment

[0686] 101 First Object

[0687] 102 Second Object

[0688] Wireless connectors 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703, 803

[0689] AR Rotation Axis

[0690] 104 base section

[0691] 105 First Shaft

[0692] 106 Second Shaft

[0693] 107 different component connection parts

[0694] 108 First mating connector section

[0695] 109 Second mating connector section

[0696] Unit 1: 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810

[0697] 110A, 210A, 310A, 410A, 510A, 610A, 710A, 810A - Level 1 parts

[0698] Level 2 parts: 110B, 210B, 310B, 410B, 510B, 610B, 710B, 810B

[0699] Unit 2: 111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, 811

[0700] 111A, 211A, 311A, 411A, 511A, 611A, 711A, 811A First and Second Level Components

[0701] Second and third level parts: 111B, 211B, 311B, 411B, 511B, 611B, 711B, 811B

[0702] 112, 412, 512, 612, 812 First coil

[0703] 113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713, 813 First Transceiver Unit

[0704] 114, 314, 714, 814A, 814B First Guiding Section

[0705] 115 First Main Connector Section

[0706] 116, 216, 316, 716 First retaining plate

[0707] 117, 417, 517 First protrusion

[0708] 118, 418, 518, 618 First Coil Connector

[0709] 119 First Week Surface Section

[0710] 120 First Spacer

[0711] 121 First Circuit Section

[0712] 122 power transmission circuit

[0713] 123 First Bolt

[0714] 124 First bolt hole

[0715] 125, 425, 525, 625, 825 second coil

[0716] Second transceiver units: 126, 226, 326, 426, 526, 626, 726, 826

[0717] Second guidance section of 127, 327, 727, 827A, 827B

[0718] 128 Second Main Connector Section

[0719] 129, 229, 329, 729 Second Holding Plate

[0720] Second protrusions at 130, 430, and 530

[0721] 131, 431, 531, 631 Second Coil Connector

[0722] 132 Second week surface section

[0723] 133 Second spacer

[0724] 134 Second Circuit Section

[0725] 135 power receiving circuit

[0726] 136 Second Bolt

[0727] 137 Second Bolt Hole

[0728] 438, 538, 638 First Maintenance Section

[0729] 439, 539, 639 Second Maintenance Section

[0730] 640 First annular groove

[0731] 641 Second annular groove

[0732] 742 Elastic Component

[0733] 743 First Protection Coverage Section

[0734] 744 Second Protection Cover Section

[0735] 745 First Flat Plate Division

[0736] 746 First Protrusion

[0737] 747 First Inner Groove Section

[0738] 748 First outer groove

[0739] 749 First inner sealing component

[0740] 750 First outer sealing component

[0741] 751 First Coil Cover Section

[0742] 751A First Annular Flat Plate Section

[0743] 751B First Outer Wall Section

[0744] 751C First Inner Wall Section

[0745] 752 First Connecting Cover Section

[0746] 752A First Insertion Section

[0747] 752B First Elastic Section

[0748] 753 First Connector Cover Section

[0749] 754 Second Flat Plate Section

[0750] 755 Second Protrusion

[0751] 756 Second Inner Groove

[0752] 757 Second outer groove

[0753] 758 Second Inner Sealing Component

[0754] 759 Second External Sealing Component

[0755] 760 Second Coil Cover Section

[0756] 760A Second Annular Plate Section

[0757] 760B Second Outer Wall Section

[0758] 760C Second Inner Wall Section

[0759] 761 Second Connecting Cover Section

[0760] 761A Second Insertion Section

[0761] 761B Second Elastic Section

[0762] 762 Second Connector Cover

[0763] 814A First Stage Guidance Component

[0764] 814B Secondary Guidance Component

[0765] 827A First and Second Stage Guidance Components

[0766] 827B Second and Secondary Guidance Components

[0767] 863 First Connecting Mechanism

[0768] 864 First Connecting Element

[0769] 864A First Connecting Pin

[0770] 864B First Fastener

[0771] 865 First Connection Wiring

[0772] 866A First Stage Guiding Body

[0773] 866B Secondary Guiding Body

[0774] 867A First-Stage Connection Section

[0775] 867B Secondary Connection Section

[0776] 868 Second Connecting Mechanism

[0777] 869 Second Connecting Element

[0778] 869A Second Connecting Pin

[0779] 869B Second Fastener

[0780] 870 Second Connection Wiring

[0781] 871A First and Second Stage Guiding Bodies

[0782] 871B Secondary and Secondary Guide Bodies

[0783] 872A First and Secondary Connection Sections

[0784] 872B Secondary and Secondary Connection Sections.

Claims

1. A method for installing and removing a wireless connector, the method comprising installing a wireless connector to and removing a wireless connector from a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being rotatably connected about a rotation axis, the wireless connector being configured to wirelessly transmit power between the first object and the second object, wherein: The first object and the second object each include a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, which are configured to rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion each include a first mating connector portion and a second mating connector portion, which are connected to the wireless connector and are configured to be exposed externally. The wireless connector includes: The first unit includes a first main connector portion and a first transceiver unit with a first coil. The first coil is wound around the axis of rotation in a helical or spiral shape to wirelessly transmit power and includes multiple first coil portions that are separable from each other or separable at one location and bendable relative to each other. The first main connector portion is connected to the first mating connector portion to transmit power to / from the first object. The second unit includes a second main connector and a second transceiver unit with a second coil. The second coil is wound in a helical or spiral shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil and includes a plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other or that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other. The second main connector is connected to the second mating connector to transmit power to / from the second object. The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors; The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors. The method for installing and removing the wireless connector includes: The step of attaching the wireless connector to the first object and the second object in a non-contact, facing-to-face state of the first and second transceiver units, in order to wirelessly transmit the power; and The step of detaching the wireless connector from the first object and the second object; The installation steps include: The step of engaging one or more first coil connectors from the outside of the first object, such that the first transceiver unit is configured in a closed annular shape around the axis of rotation, and such that the first main connector portion is mounted to the first mating connector portion of the first object and the first unit is fixed to the first object by fastening the first unit to the first shaft portion using a first fastening member; and The step of engaging the second coil connector or the plurality of second coil connectors from the outside of the second object causes the second transceiver unit to be configured in a closed annular shape around the axis of rotation, and causes the second main connector portion to be mounted to the second mating connector portion of the second object and the second unit to be fixed to the second object by fastening the second unit to the second shaft portion using the second fastening member; The disassembly steps include: The step of disengaging the engagement of one or more first coil connectors by working outside the first object, such that the first transceiver unit is placed in an open state, and the first main connector portion is detached from the first mating connector portion of the first object after the fixation to the first unit is released by the first fastening member; and The step of disengaging the engagement of one or more second coil connectors by working outside the second object causes the second transceiver unit to be placed in an open state, and causes the second main connector portion to be detached from the second mating connector portion of the second object after the fixation of the second unit is released by the second fastening member.

2. The method for installing and removing a wireless connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other; The first transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors; The first unit is assembled to be divisible into a first-level component to an i-th-level component (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level component to the i-th-level component are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors; The second transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors; The second unit is assembled to be divisible into first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts (j is an integer not less than 2), the first secondary parts to j-th secondary parts are not circular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil parts by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors; The installation steps include: The step of engaging the plurality of first coil connectors from the outside of the first object is such that the first transceiver unit is configured in a closed annular shape to surround the axis of rotation, and the first main connector portion is mounted to the first mating connector portion of the first object. and The step of engaging the plurality of second coil connectors from the outside of the second object causes the second transceiver unit to be configured in a closed annular shape around the axis of rotation, and causes the second main connector portion to be mounted to the second mating connector portion of the second object.

3. The method for installing and removing a wireless connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The first unit includes: The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one first coil connector; The second unit includes: The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

4. A robotic device, comprising: A first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being connected to each other so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis; and A wireless connector for wirelessly transmitting power between the first object and the second object; The first object and the second object each include a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, which are configured to rotate relative to each other about the rotation axis. The first shaft portion includes a first mating connector portion exposed to the outside; The second shaft portion includes a second mating connector portion exposed to the outside; The wireless connector includes: The first unit includes: A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being wound in a helical or vortex shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and A first main connector portion, connected to a first mating connector portion, is used to transmit power to / from the first object; and A first fastening member is used to fasten the first unit to the first shaft portion; The second unit, the second unit includes: A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being wound in a helical or spiral shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and A second main connector section, which connects to the second mating connector section, is used to transmit power to / from the second object; and The second fastening member is used to fasten the second unit to the second shaft portion; The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors. The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors; When the first unit and the second unit are respectively installed on the first object and the second object, the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are arranged in a closed ring state and facing each other in a non-contact manner so as to transmit the power outside the first object and the second object.

5. The robot device according to claim 4, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other; The first transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors; The first unit is assembled to be divisible into a first-level component to an i-th-level component (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level component to the i-th-level component are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors; The second transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors; as well as The second unit is assembled to be divisible into a first secondary component to a j-th secondary component (j is an integer not less than 2), wherein the first secondary component to the j-th secondary component is not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

6. The robot device according to claim 4, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The first unit includes: The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one first coil connector; The second unit includes: The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

7. The robot device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The wireless connector is mounted to a recess formed at the connection between the first object and the second object so that it does not protrude outward beyond the first object and the second object when viewed along the axis of rotation.

8. A wireless connector for wirelessly transmitting power between a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being rotatably connected about a rotation axis. The first object and the second object each include a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, which are configured to rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion each include a first mating connector portion and a second mating connector portion, which are connected to the wireless connector and are configured to be exposed externally. in, The wireless connector includes: A first unit, wherein the first unit is detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; and The second unit is detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object; The first unit includes: A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being wound in a helical or vortex shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and A first main connector portion, which is connected to the first mating connector, is used to transmit power to / from the first object by being detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object. The second unit includes: A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being wound in a helical or spiral shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil of the first transceiver unit, and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and The second main connector section is connected to the second mating connector to transmit power to / from the second object by being detachably installed to the second object from the outside of the second object; The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors. The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors; The wireless connector further includes: A first fastening member is used to fasten the first unit to the first shaft portion; and The second fastening member is used to fasten the second unit to the second shaft portion; When the first unit and the second unit are respectively installed on the first object and the second object, the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are arranged in a closed ring state and face each other in a non-contact manner in order to wirelessly transmit the power.

9. The wireless connector according to claim 8, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other; The first transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors; The first unit is assembled to be divisible into a first-level component to an i-th-level component (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level component to the i-th-level component are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors; The second transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors; as well as The second unit is assembled to be divisible into a first secondary component to a j-th secondary component (j is an integer not less than 2), wherein the first secondary component to the j-th secondary component is not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

10. The wireless connector according to claim 8, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The first unit includes: The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one first coil connector; The second unit includes: The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

11. A wireless connector for wirelessly transmitting power between a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being rotatably connected about a rotation axis. in, The first object and the second object each include a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, which are configured to rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion respectively include a first mating connector portion and a second mating connector portion, which are connected to the wireless connector and are configured to be exposed to the outside. The wireless connector includes: A first unit, wherein the first unit is detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; and The second unit is detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object; The first unit includes: A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being wound in a helical or vortex shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and A first main connector portion is connected to a first mating connector portion to transmit power to / from the first object by being detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; The second unit includes: A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being wound in a helical or spiral shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil of the first transceiver unit, and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and The second main connector section is connected to the second mating connector section to transmit power to / from the second object by being detachably installed to the second object from the outside of the second object; The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors. The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors; The wireless connector further includes: A first fastening member is used to fasten the first unit to the first shaft portion; and The second fastening member is used to fasten the second unit to the second shaft portion; When the first unit and the second unit are respectively installed on the first object and the second object, the first coil and the second coil are arranged in a closed loop state and parallel to each other in a non-contact manner to transmit the power wirelessly.

12. The wireless connector according to claim 11, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other; The first transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors; The first unit is assembled to be divisible into a first-level component to an i-th-level component (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level component to the i-th-level component are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors; The second transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors; as well as The second unit is assembled to be divisible into a first secondary component to a j-th secondary component (j is an integer not less than 2), wherein the first secondary component to the j-th secondary component is not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

13. The wireless connector according to claim 11, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The first unit includes: The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one first coil connector; The second unit includes: The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

14. A wireless connector for wirelessly transmitting power between a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being rotatably connected about a rotation axis. in, The first object and the second object each include a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, which are configured to rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion each include a first mating connector portion and a second mating connector portion, which are connected to the wireless connector and are configured to be exposed externally. The wireless connector includes: A first unit, wherein the first unit is detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; and The second unit is detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object; The first unit includes: A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being wound in a helical or vortex shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and A first main connector portion is connected to the first mating connector to transmit power to / from the first object by being detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; The second unit includes: A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being wound in a helical or spiral shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil of the first transceiver unit, and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and The second main connector section is connected to the second mating connector to transmit power to / from the second object by being detachably installed to the second object from the outside of the second object; The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors. The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors; The wireless connector further includes: A first fastening member is used to fasten the first unit to the first shaft portion; and The second fastening member is used to fasten the second unit to the second shaft portion; When the first unit and the second unit are respectively installed on the first object and the second object, the first coil and the second coil are arranged in a closed loop state and parallel to each other in a non-contact manner so as to magnetically couple with each other.

15. The wireless connector according to claim 14, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other; The first transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors; The first unit is assembled to be divisible into a first-level component to an i-th-level component (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level component to the i-th-level component are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors; The second transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors; as well as The second unit is assembled to be divisible into a first secondary component to a j-th secondary component (j is an integer not less than 2), wherein the first secondary component to the j-th secondary component is not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

16. The wireless connector according to claim 14, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The first unit includes: The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one first coil connector; The second unit includes: The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

17. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, wherein: Each of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit, in its closed state, forms either a circular annular shape with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation, or a polygonal annular shape with the through hole.

18. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, wherein: In each of the closed states of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit, each of the first coil and the second coil is arranged in a circular annular region having a through hole centered on the axis of rotation, or in a polygonal annular region having the through hole.

19. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, wherein: Each of the first and second transceiver units, when in the closed state, forms a disk shape with a through hole centered on the axis of rotation.

20. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, wherein: In each of the closed states of the first and second transceiver units, each of the first and second coils forms a vortex shape.

21. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, in, The first transceiver unit includes: The first coil is configurable at least in one location, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and A first holding portion has a main surface on which the first coil is disposed, and the first holding portion can be separated at a position shared with the first coil; The second transceiver unit includes: The second coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and The second holding portion has a main surface on which the second coil is disposed, and the second holding portion can be separated at a location shared with the second coil. Wherein, the main surface of the first holding part and the main surface of the second holding part are those surfaces of the first holding part and the second holding part that are close to each other.

22. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, in, The first transceiver unit includes: The first coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and A first holding portion, which accommodates the first coil and is detachable at a location shared with the first coil; The second transceiver unit includes: The second coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and The second holding part accommodates the second coil and can be separated at a location shared with the second coil.

23. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, wherein: Each of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit has a cylindrical shape in the closed state, the cylindrical shape having a through hole centered on the axis of rotation.

24. The wireless connector according to claim 23, wherein: Each of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit has a circular cylindrical shape in the closed state.

25. The wireless connector according to claim 23 or 24, wherein: In each of the closed states of the first and second transceiver units, each of the first and second coils has a helical shape along the axis of rotation.

26. The wireless connector according to claim 23, wherein: The first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are configured such that when respectively mounted to the first object and the second object, the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis in the closed state.

27. The wireless connector according to claim 26, in, The first transceiver unit includes: The first coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and A cylindrical first holding portion, wherein the first coil is provided on the inner or outer surface of the first holding portion, and the first holding portion can be separated at a position shared with the first coil; The second transceiver unit includes: The second coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and A cylindrical second retaining portion, wherein the second coil is provided on the inner or outer surface of the second retaining portion, and the second retaining portion can be separated at a position shared with the second coil.

28. The wireless connector according to claim 26, in, The first transceiver unit includes: The first coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and A cylindrical first retaining portion, which accommodates the first coil and is detachable at a location shared with the first coil; The second transceiver unit includes: The second coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and A cylindrical second retaining portion that accommodates the second coil and is detachable at a location shared with the second coil.

29. The wireless connector according to claim 23, wherein: The first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are each configured in the closed state such that the second transceiver unit is fitted into the interior of the first transceiver unit and a gap is left between them, so that they overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

30. The wireless connector according to claim 29, in, The first transceiver unit includes: The first coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and A cylindrical first holding portion, wherein the first coil is provided on the inner surface of the first holding portion, and the first holding portion can be separated at a position shared with the first coil; The second transceiver unit includes: The second coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and A cylindrical second holding portion, on the outer surface of which the second coil is provided, and the second holding portion can be separated at a position shared with the second coil.

31. The wireless connector according to claim 29, in, The first transceiver unit includes: The first coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via the one or more first coil connectors; and A cylindrical first retaining portion, which accommodates the first coil and is detachable at a location shared with the first coil; The second transceiver unit includes: The second coil, which is openable at least in one location, is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via the one or more second coil connectors; and A cylindrical second retaining portion that accommodates the second coil and is detachable at a location shared with the second coil.

32. A wireless connector for wirelessly transmitting power between a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being connected to each other to be rotatable about a rotation axis. in, The first object and the second object each include a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, which are configured to rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion each include a first mating connector portion and a second mating connector portion, which are connected to the wireless connector and are configured to be exposed externally. The wireless connector includes: A first unit, wherein the first unit is detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; and The second unit is detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object; The first unit includes: A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being wound in a helical or vortex shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and A first main connector portion is connected to the first mating connector to transmit power to / from the first object by being detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; The second unit includes: A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being wound in a helical or spiral shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil of the first transceiver unit, and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and The second main connector section is connected to the second mating connector to transmit power to / from the second object by being detachably installed to the second object from the outside of the second object; The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors. The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors; The wireless connector further includes: A first fastening member is used to fasten the first unit to the first shaft portion; and The second fastening member is used to fasten the second unit to the second shaft portion; The first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis in the closed state so that they are arranged to face each other in a non-contact manner.

33. The wireless connector according to claim 32, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other; The first transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors; The first unit is assembled to be divisible into a first-level component to an i-th-level component (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level component to the i-th-level component are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors; The second transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors; as well as The second unit is assembled to be divisible into a first secondary component to a j-th secondary component (j is an integer not less than 2), wherein the first secondary component to the j-th secondary component is not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

34. The wireless connector according to claim 32, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The first unit includes: The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one first coil connector; The second unit includes: The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

35. A wireless connector for wirelessly transmitting power between a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being connected to each other to be rotatable about a rotation axis. in, The first object and the second object each include a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, which are configured to rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion respectively include a first mating connector portion and a second mating connector portion, which are connected to the wireless connector and are configured to be exposed to the outside. The wireless connector includes: A first unit, wherein the first unit is detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; and The second unit is detachably mounted to the second object from the outside of the second object; The first unit includes: A first transceiver unit is provided with a first coil, the first coil being wound in a helical or vortex shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power and comprising a plurality of first coil portions, the plurality of first coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of first coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and A first main connector portion is connected to the first mating connector to transmit power to / from the first object by being detachably mounted to the first object from the outside of the first object; The second unit includes: A second transceiver unit is provided with a second coil, the second coil being wound in a helical or spiral shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power to / from the first coil of the first transceiver unit, and comprising a plurality of second coil portions, the plurality of second coil portions being separable from each other or the plurality of second coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and The second main connector section is connected to the second mating connector to transmit power to / from the second object by being detachably installed to the second object from the outside of the second object; The first transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the plurality of first coil portions via one or more first coil connectors. The second transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the plurality of second coil portions via one or more second coil connectors; The wireless connector further includes: A first fastening member is used to fasten the first unit to the first shaft portion; and The second fastening member is used to fasten the second unit to the second shaft portion; The first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis when they are closed, so that they are arranged to face each other in a non-contact manner.

36. The wireless connector according to claim 35, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable from each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable from each other; The first transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when the first transceiver unit is closed, such that the first coil is formed by connecting the multiple first coil portions via the multiple first coil connectors; The first unit is assembled to be divisible into a first-level component to an i-th-level component (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level component to the i-th-level component are not circular, such that the first coil can be separated into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the plurality of first coil connectors; The second transceiver unit is configured to be separable at multiple locations to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be ring-shaped when the second transceiver unit is closed, such that the second coil is formed by connecting the multiple second coil portions via the multiple second coil connectors; as well as The second unit is assembled to be divisible into a first secondary component to a j-th secondary component (j is an integer not less than 2), wherein the first secondary component to the j-th secondary component is not annular, such that the second coil can be separated into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the plurality of second coil connectors.

37. The wireless connector according to claim 35, wherein: The first coil includes the plurality of first coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The second coil includes the plurality of second coil portions that are separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; The first unit includes: The first-level components to the i-th-level components (i is an integer not less than 2), the first-level components to the i-th-level components are not circular, and each includes a plurality of first coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A first connecting mechanism is used to connect the first primary component to an adjacent primary component among the i-th primary components, such that the first coil is opened in a state where it is bent into the plurality of first coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one first coil connector; The second unit includes: The first to j-th secondary components (j being an integer not less than 2) are not annular and each includes a plurality of second coil portions that are bendable relative to each other; and A second connecting mechanism is used to connect the first secondary component to an adjacent secondary component among the j-th secondary components, such that the second coil is opened when it is bent into the plurality of second coil portions by disengaging the engagement of the one second coil connector.

38. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, wherein: Each of the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit has a center that substantially coincides with the center of the rotation axis.

39. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, wherein: Each of the first coil and the second coil has a center that substantially coincides with the center of the axis of rotation.

40. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, further comprising: The protective part includes an elastic member that closes at least a portion of a gap that is continuous with a facing space, the facing space being the space between the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit when they are facing each other, and the protective part prevents foreign objects from entering the facing space.

41. The wireless connector according to claim 40, wherein: The protective part further includes a first protective cover and a second protective cover, wherein the first protective cover and the second protective cover respectively seal and cover the first coil and the second coil in the closed state; as well as The elastic member has a base end and a top end, the base end being disposed in one of the first protective cover and the second protective cover, and the top end contacting the other of the first protective cover and the second protective cover, thereby closing at least a portion of the gap that is continuous with the facing space.

42. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, wherein: Each of the first coil and the second coil includes printed wiring.

43. The wireless connector according to claim 8 or 11, wherein: Each of the first coil and the second coil includes a conductor wire.

44. A wireless connector unit that constitutes a wireless connector for wirelessly transmitting power between two objects rotatably connected to each other about a rotation axis, and the wireless connector unit being mounted to each of the two objects. in, Each of the two objects includes a shaft portion configured to rotate relative to the other object about the axis of rotation. The shaft portion includes a mating connector portion, which is connected to the wireless connector unit and is configured to be exposed externally. The wireless connector unit includes: A transceiver unit equipped with a coil, the coil being wound in a helical or spiral shape around the axis of rotation to wirelessly transmit power, and comprising multiple coil portions, the multiple coil portions being separable from each other or the multiple coil portions being separable at one location and bendable relative to each other; and A main connector section, which is connected to the mating connector to transmit power to / from the object by being detachably mounted to the object from the outside of the object; The transceiver unit is configured to be openable and closeable, and is configured to be annular when closed, such that the coil is formed by connecting the plurality of coil portions via at least one coil connector. The wireless connector further includes a fastening member for fastening the wireless connector unit to the shaft portion; The transceiver unit is configured to be in a non-contact state facing different transceiver units when installed in one of the two objects in a closed state, so as to wirelessly transmit the power, wherein the different transceiver units are installed in the other of the two objects in the closed state.

Images