An underwater wireless charging coupling device and method of use

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of underwater wireless charging technology, providing an underwater wireless charging coupling device and its usage method. The device includes a transmitter and a receiver, both of which include a wireless power transmission coil, a ferrite shell, and a cover. The ferrite shell is a cylindrical shape with one open end, and the wireless power transmission coil is coiled inside. The cover closes the open end, sealing the wireless power transmission coil inside and forming a composite conical mating structure. During mating, the two conical surfaces fit together, forming a closed magnetic circuit, confining the magnetic field inside. This application effectively improves the magnetic sealing of the wireless power transmission coupling device in a marine environment, thereby improving the system's utilization efficiency of magnetic energy, increasing the coil's coupling coefficient, and significantly improving the system's energy transmission efficiency. Simultaneously, its overall structure is purely mechanical, offering advantages such as simple structure, ease of production, and installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater wireless charging technology, and in particular to an underwater wireless charging coupling device and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing development of land and shallow sea resources, human resource exploration and scientific research are accelerating their shift towards the deep sea. Against this backdrop, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have become key equipment, but the inability to replenish power in a timely and effective manner during deep-sea exploration makes endurance issues particularly prominent.

[0003] Currently, wireless charging technology suitable for marine environments typically uses a male-to-female connector of a coupling coil for energy transfer. When an AUV needs charging, its receiver and transmitter roughly align with each other with some mechanical assistance, thus entering the charging state.

[0004] The existing coupling coil structure lacks enclosure, has serious magnetic leakage, and has a low coupling coefficient; at the same time, it is easily affected by external magnetic field electromagnetic interference; and it generates large eddy currents in seawater, resulting in serious magnetic energy loss and significantly reduced transmission efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an underwater wireless charging coupling device and its usage method, addressing the shortcomings of existing technologies such as low coupling efficiency and high eddy current losses due to magnetic field leakage. It effectively improves the magnetic sealing of wireless power transmission coupling devices in marine environments, thereby increasing the system's efficiency in utilizing magnetic energy, increasing the coil's coupling coefficient, and significantly enhancing the system's energy transmission efficiency. Furthermore, its overall structure is purely mechanical, offering advantages such as simple structure, ease of production, and installation.

[0006] This invention provides an underwater wireless charging coupling device, comprising: It includes a transmitter and a receiver, wherein both the transmitter and the receiver include: Wireless power transfer coil; The ferrite shell is a closed shell with one end open, and the wireless power transmission coil is coiled inside the ferrite shell. A cover is provided that fits over the opening of the ferrite shell to seal the wireless power transmission coil inside the ferrite shell. The cover has a mating surface for the transmitter and receiver to mate and connect. The mating surface is a composite conical mating structure. When the transmitter and receiver are connected, their mating surfaces fit together to form a closed magnetic circuit, which confines the magnetic field generated during wireless charging within the closed magnetic circuit.

[0007] According to the present invention, an underwater wireless charging coupling device is provided in which one of the transmitting end and the receiving end has a conical annular body made of flexible material on its cover, and the other end has a columnar body with a conical groove made of flexible material that matches the conical annular body.

[0008] According to the present invention, the radial cross-section of the cylindrical body with tapered groove is formed as a V-shaped or W-shaped annular groove. The radial section of the conical annular body is formed as a V-shaped or W-shaped annular ridge that matches the V-shaped or W-shaped annular groove; The outer peripheral edges of the V-shaped or W-shaped annular groove and the V-shaped or W-shaped annular ridge both protrude radially from the outer wall of their respective ferrite shells.

[0009] According to the present invention, an underwater wireless charging coupling device is provided, wherein a friction surface is provided on the contact surface of the conical annular body and the conical groove, and the friction coefficient μ of the friction surface is in the range of 0.3≤μ≤0.65.

[0010] According to the present invention, the cone angle β of the conical groove is in the range of 105°≤β≤135°.

[0011] According to the present invention, the length D of the friction surface in an underwater wireless charging coupling device is determined by the following formula: D ; Where R is the radius of the cover body in mm; β is the cone angle of the conical groove.

[0012] According to the present invention, an underwater wireless charging coupling device is provided, wherein the wireless power transmission coil is fixed inside the ferrite shell by an ultra-thin impregnation process, and the remaining space inside the ferrite shell outside the wireless power transmission coil is filled with a flexible waterproof material.

[0013] According to the present invention, an underwater wireless charging coupling device is provided, wherein an auxiliary column is provided at the bottom center of the ferrite shell, and the wireless energy transmission coil is spirally wound around the auxiliary column.

[0014] According to the present invention, the bottom of the ferrite shell is provided with bolt holes for connecting the underwater wireless charging coupling device to an underwater device, as well as inner and outer through holes for leading out the wireless energy transmission coil wire.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for using an underwater wireless charging coupling device, employing the underwater wireless charging coupling device as described above, the method comprising the following steps: S1: In an underwater environment, drive the transmitter and receiver to move closer to each other; S2: The conical surface of the composite conical mating structure is used for automatic guidance and alignment until the mating surfaces of the transmitting end and the receiving end are in contact with each other, forming a closed magnetic circuit; S3: Wireless power transfer is performed through the wireless power transfer coil.

[0016] This invention provides an underwater wireless charging coupling device and its usage method. The device uses a cylindrical ferrite shell with one open end, along with a cover, to seal the wireless power transmission coil inside. When the transmitting and receiving ends are connected, their mating composite conical surfaces together form a closed magnetic circuit, effectively confining the magnetic field generated during wireless charging within this closed magnetic circuit. This significantly improves the magnetic sealing of the wireless power transmission coupling device in a marine environment, reduces magnetic leakage and seawater eddy current losses, thereby increasing the system's efficiency in utilizing magnetic energy, increasing the coil's coupling coefficient, and significantly improving the system's energy transmission efficiency. Furthermore, since the entire coupling device consists only of a wireless power transmission coil, a ferrite shell, and a cover—purely mechanical structures—it requires no complex electronic control or auxiliary mechanisms, thus offering advantages such as simple structure, ease of production, and installation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the underwater wireless charging coupling device provided by the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the underwater wireless charging coupling device provided by the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the ferrite shell provided by the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is the second schematic diagram of the ferrite shell provided by the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transmitter or receiver with a conical ring provided by the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transmitter or receiver end of the columnar body with a conical groove provided by the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the columnar body with a conical groove provided by the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover with a conical ring provided by the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure provided by the present invention, in which a wireless power transmission coil is arranged inside a ferrite shell.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure provided by the present invention, showing the wireless power transmission coil passing through the bottom of the ferrite shell.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the docking process between the transmitter and receiver provided by the present invention.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a comparative schematic diagram of the closed ferrite shell and the semi-closed ferrite shell provided by the present invention.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic field distribution of the closed ferrite shell and the semi-closed ferrite shell provided by the present invention.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a comparative schematic diagram of the misalignment of the closed ferrite shell and the semi-closed ferrite shell provided by the present invention.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a magnetic field distribution cloud map of the closed ferrite shell and the semi-closed ferrite shell provided by the present invention when they are misaligned.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmitting or receiving end of the cylindrical body with a tapered groove provided by the present invention.

[0034] Figure label: 10. Underwater wireless charging coupling device; 100. Transmitter; 200. Receiver; 300. Wireless power transfer coil; 400. Ferrite shell; 410. Auxiliary column; 420. Bolt hole; 430. Inner through hole; 440. Outer through hole; 500, Cover; 510, Butt joint surface; 511, Conical annular body; 512, Columnar body; 5121, Conical groove; 513, Friction surface. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0036] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 16 This invention describes an underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 and its usage method.

[0037] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 11 As shown, an underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 includes a transmitter 100 and a receiver 200. Both the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 include a wireless power transmission coil 300, a ferrite shell 400, and a cover 500. The ferrite shell 400 is a closed shell with one end open, and the wireless power transmission coil 300 is coiled inside the ferrite shell 400. The cover 500 covers the opening of the ferrite shell 400 to seal the wireless power transmission coil 300 inside the ferrite shell 400. A mating surface 510 is formed on the cover 500 for the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 to mate and connect. The mating surface 510 has a composite conical mating structure. When the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are mated, their mating surfaces 510 fit together to form a closed magnetic circuit, which confines the magnetic field generated during wireless charging within the closed magnetic circuit.

[0038] The transmitter 100 and receiver 200 are components of the underwater wireless charging coupling device 10. The transmitter 100 is responsible for converting electrical energy into magnetic field energy and transmitting it outward, while the receiver 200 is responsible for receiving the magnetic field energy emitted by the transmitter 100 and converting it back into electrical energy to power the underwater equipment. The two work together to realize the function of underwater wireless charging and are the starting and ending points of the entire energy transmission process.

[0039] The wireless power transmission coil 300 is located at the transmitter 100 and is a key component in the conversion of electrical energy into magnetic field energy. When current flows through the coil, a magnetic field is generated around the coil according to the principle of electromagnetic induction, thereby realizing the wireless transmission of electrical energy.

[0040] The wireless power transfer coil 300 is located at the receiver 200, and this coil is the core of the magnetic field energy to electrical energy conversion. When it is in the magnetic field generated by the transmitter 100, an induced current is generated in the coil, which converts the magnetic field energy back into electrical energy to provide usable power for the underwater equipment.

[0041] The ferrite housing 400 is a closed housing with one end open, providing a relatively independent and stable installation space for the wireless power transmission coil 300. The open end facilitates the installation of the coil and the subsequent closing of the cover 500, while the closed structure effectively blocks external environmental interference to the coil, such as seawater corrosion and the influence of other magnetic fields, protecting the coil for normal operation.

[0042] The wireless power transmission coil 300 is coiled inside the ferrite shell 400. On the one hand, the high magnetic permeability of the ferrite material can be used to guide and concentrate the magnetic field, enhance the magnetic field strength generated by the coil, and improve the energy transmission efficiency. On the other hand, the ferrite shell 400 can provide mechanical support and protection for the coil, preventing it from being damaged by collisions, compression, etc. in the marine environment.

[0043] The cover 500 fits over the opening of the ferrite housing 400, sealing the wireless power transmission coil 300 inside the ferrite housing 400. The cover 500 and the ferrite housing 400 together form a completely sealed space, further protecting the wireless power transmission coil 300 from seawater corrosion, marine organism attachment, and other effects, thus extending the coil's lifespan. Simultaneously, the sealed structure helps reduce magnetic field leakage from the opening, improving magnetic sealing and allowing more magnetic field energy to be concentrated for transmission between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200.

[0044] The mating surface 510 provides positioning and connection functions for accurate mating of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200. Through the specific design of the mating surface 510, it is possible to ensure that the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are precisely positioned relative to each other during mating, ensuring good coupling between the wireless power transmission coils 300, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of power transmission.

[0045] The composite conical mating structure offers unique geometric advantages. When the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 mate, this structure allows their mating surfaces 510 to better fit together, increasing the contact area and reducing the contact gap. On one hand, this helps to form a tighter closed magnetic circuit, further confining the magnetic field, reducing magnetic leakage, and improving the utilization efficiency of magnetic energy. On the other hand, the good fit enhances the mechanical stability between the transmitter 100 and receiver 200, maintaining a reliable mating state even in the complex currents and vibrations of the ocean, ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the wireless charging process.

[0046] When the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 are docked, their docking surfaces 510 fit together to form a closed magnetic circuit. This closed magnetic circuit is crucial for the efficient energy transfer of the underwater wireless charging coupling device 10. It confines the magnetic field generated during wireless charging within a limited space between the transmitter 100 and receiver 200, allowing the magnetic field to circulate along a specific path, reducing its diffusion and leakage into the surrounding marine environment. This not only improves the utilization efficiency of magnetic energy and reduces energy loss, but also reduces potential interference from the magnetic field to surrounding marine life and electronic equipment. Simultaneously, it enhances the coupling effect of the wireless energy transfer coil 300 between the transmitter 100 and receiver 200, thereby significantly improving the system's energy transfer efficiency.

[0047] This application employs a cylindrical ferrite shell 400 with one open end, along with a cover 500, to seal the wireless power transmission coil 300 inside. When the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 are connected, their mating composite conical surfaces 510 together form a closed magnetic circuit, effectively confining the magnetic field generated during wireless charging within this closed magnetic circuit. This significantly improves the magnetic sealing of the wireless power transmission coupling device in marine environments, reduces magnetic leakage and seawater eddy current losses, thereby increasing the system's efficiency in utilizing magnetic energy, increasing the coil's coupling coefficient, and significantly improving the system's energy transmission efficiency. Furthermore, since the entire coupling device consists only of a purely mechanical structure such as the wireless power transmission coil 300, the ferrite shell 400, and the cover 500, it requires no complex electronic control or auxiliary mechanisms, thus offering advantages such as simple structure and ease of production and installation.

[0048] Reference Figure 12 In designing the comparative experiment, to facilitate intuitive data measurement, this experiment only uses a single-sided cross-section. During the experiment, it is necessary to ensure that the chassis diameter (M, mm), yoke wall thickness (N, mm), and yoke height (H, mm) remain completely consistent for both the partially enclosed and fully enclosed structures.

[0049] We performed Maxwell simulations on both structures and plotted the magnetic field distribution contour maps for both structures, referring to... Figure 13 .

[0050] As shown in the left figure, the existing semi-enclosed structure has a loose magnetic field distribution, with significant leakage from the left side, and the overall magnetic field size is smaller than that on the right side. In contrast, the fully enclosed structure has a denser magnetic field distribution, confining the magnetic field within the magnetic enclosure, greatly improving magnetic sealing and significantly reducing magnetic leakage. Further experiments show that the coupling coefficient k value of the fully enclosed structure is approximately 14.3% higher than that of the semi-enclosed structure.

[0051] In a marine environment, due to various reasons such as ocean currents and marine biological disturbances, the upper and lower parts of the coupling coil are prone to radial displacement. To simulate the working conditions of the two working conditions under special circumstances, we designed the following experiment.

[0052] Reference Figure 14 Maxwell simulations were performed on the two structures respectively, and magnetic field distribution cloud maps of the two structures were plotted. It can be found that...

[0053] Reference Figure 15 When radial displacement occurs, existing semi-enclosed magnetic field structures suffer from severe magnetic field leakage, resulting in a sharp decrease in effective coupling magnetic flux and increased system transmission loss. In contrast, the enclosed ferrite structure of this invention can still maintain magnetic circuit stability well under displacement conditions, confining most of the magnetic field inside the ferrite and preventing large-scale magnetic leakage.

[0054] The effects of coil radial offset on the coupling coefficient k value under two operating conditions were determined experimentally, as shown in the table below. The overall structural stability of this device decreases significantly when the offset exceeds 30%, therefore this table only compares the effects of offset between 0% and 30% on the coupling coefficient.

[0055] Table 1 Comparison of Radial Offset and Coupling Coefficient Reference Figures 5 to 11 According to the present invention, an underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 is provided in which a conical annular body 511 made of flexible material is provided on the cover 500 of one of the transmitting end 100 and the receiving end 200, and a columnar body 512 with a conical groove 5121 made of flexible material is provided on the cover 500 of the other end to match the conical annular body 511.

[0056] Understandably, by setting mutually matching flexible conical annular bodies 511 and columnar bodies 512 with conical grooves 5121 on the covers 500 of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 respectively, a flexible, self-guiding, and highly airtight docking structure is achieved. The use of flexible materials not only improves the buffering capacity and structural protection during docking, but also compensates for errors through deformation, making the docking surfaces 510 fit more tightly, thereby effectively reducing magnetic circuit reluctance and improving the coupling coefficient and energy transmission efficiency. At the same time, this structure can reduce seawater entering the magnetic loop region, reduce eddy current losses, and enhance the system's anti-interference capability and stability.

[0057] Reference Figures 4 to 8 and Figure 11According to the present invention, an underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 is provided, wherein the radial cross-section of the columnar body 512 with the conical groove 5121 is formed as a V-shaped or W-shaped annular groove; the radial cross-section of the conical annular body 511 is formed as a V-shaped or W-shaped annular ridge that matches the V-shaped or W-shaped annular groove; the outer peripheral edges of the V-shaped or W-shaped annular groove and the V-shaped or W-shaped annular ridge both protrude radially from the outer side wall of their respective ferrite shell 400.

[0058] Understandably, by designing the cylindrical body 512 with tapered grooves 5121 and the tapered annular body 511 with radially V-shaped or W-shaped structures, and by extending their outer peripheral edges radially beyond the ferrite shell by 400°, a docking structure with higher precision, better sealing, and stronger protection is achieved. The V-shaped or W-shaped structure provides bidirectional guidance and a larger contact area, significantly improving docking stability and magnetic circuit closure. The flexible material of the extended portion forms an external sealing barrier, effectively preventing seawater from entering the magnetic loop region, reducing eddy current losses, and protecting the ferrite from collision damage. The overall structure further enhances the magnetic sealing, energy transmission efficiency, and reliability of the device.

[0059] Reference Figure 11 According to the present invention, an underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 is provided with a friction surface on the contact surface of the conical annular body 511 and the conical groove 5121, and the friction coefficient μ of the friction surface is in the range of 0.3≤μ≤0.65.

[0060] Understandably, the friction surface significantly increases the friction between the conical annular body 511 and the conical groove 5121, enabling the docked structure to effectively resist external interference such as water flow impact and vibration, and preventing radial sliding or separation between the transmitting end 100 and the receiving end 200, thereby ensuring the stable closure of the magnetic circuit.

[0061] When designing the friction coefficient, the limitations of the flexible material itself, as well as its hindering effect on the guiding process and its anti-deviation ability, are taken into account. With an appropriate friction coefficient (0.3≤μ≤0.65), a self-locking effect can be formed, making the mating surfaces 510 fit more tightly and less prone to loosening, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the docking in the underwater environment.

[0062] If the coefficient of friction is too low (μ<0.3), it cannot provide enough frictional force, and slippage is likely to occur after docking, resulting in insufficient stability. If the coefficient of friction is too high (μ>0.65), it will increase the docking resistance, affect the guiding effect, and even lead to docking difficulties or increased wear of flexible materials.

[0063] Therefore, controlling the coefficient of friction within the range of 0.3 to 0.65 can provide sufficient stability while ensuring smooth docking, thus achieving optimal overall performance.

[0064] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 16 According to the present invention, the underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 has a cone angle β of the conical groove 5121 in the range of 105°≤β≤135°.

[0065] Understandably, when designing the tilt angle, its impact on guiding capability and structural compactness should be considered. When the angle is too small, the guiding capability weakens, the required docking precision increases, and the disk surface itself cannot provide enough space for the flexible material to achieve excessively small angles. Conversely, when the angle is too large, structural compactness weakens, and the ferrite is more prone to radial misalignment. Through mechanical simulation and experimental verification, the tilt angle β should be maintained within a certain range. Within this range, reliable and smooth self-alignment can be achieved with reasonable structural dimensions, while maintaining a high degree of structural compactness.

[0066] Reference Figure 16 According to the underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 provided by the present invention, the length D of the friction surface is determined by the following formula: D ; Where R is the radius of the cover 500 in mm; β is the cone angle of the conical groove 5121.

[0067] Understandably, an excessively long rough surface would increase the difficulty of docking and separating the receiver 200 and transmitter 100, while a short rough surface would fail to enhance structural compactness. By determining the friction surface length D using a formula, a relationship is established between the friction surface length and the radius R of the cover 500 and the cone angle β, thus achieving optimized structural parameter design. This design ensures that the friction surface has a suitable length, providing sufficient friction to ensure structural stability after docking, while avoiding docking difficulties or material damage caused by an excessively long or short friction surface. Simultaneously, this formula improves the calculability and standardization of the structural design, facilitating mass production. A reasonable friction surface length further ensures the stable closure of the magnetic circuit, thereby improving the coupling coefficient and energy transmission efficiency, giving the device higher reliability and adaptability in marine environments.

[0068] In some embodiments, according to the underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 provided by the present invention, the wireless power transmission coil 300 is fixed inside the ferrite shell 400 by an ultra-thin impregnation process, and the remaining space inside the ferrite shell 400 outside the wireless power transmission coil 300 is filled with a flexible waterproof material.

[0069] Understandably, the ultra-thin impregnation layer tightly secures the coil within the ferrite housing 400, preventing displacement or deformation due to vibration and water flow in the marine environment, thus ensuring the long-term stability of the coil structure. Simultaneously, the ultra-thin impregnation minimizes the spacing between coils, allowing for a more compact coil arrangement, which improves magnetic field density and coupling efficiency. Furthermore, the impregnation layer forms a dense protective film on the coil surface, effectively isolating it from seawater and preventing moisture, corrosion, or short circuits, significantly enhancing the reliability and lifespan of the device in marine environments.

[0070] The flexible material filling the gap between the coil and the ferrite shell 400 provides all-around support and cushioning for the coil, preventing damage from mechanical impacts during transportation, docking, or operation. It also absorbs vibrations, improving the overall structure's impact resistance. Simultaneously, the flexible waterproof material effectively blocks seawater from entering the ferrite shell 400, preventing direct contact between seawater and the coil or magnetic circuit. Since seawater is a good conductor, its entry would increase eddy current losses; therefore, this filling structure significantly reduces eddy current losses and improves energy transmission efficiency. Furthermore, the flexible waterproof material creates a stable and uniform dielectric environment around the coil, reducing magnetic field scattering caused by dielectric inhomogeneity. This helps concentrate the magnetic field within the magnetic circuit formed by the ferrite, improving magnetic sealing and coupling coefficient.

[0071] Reference Figure 9 According to the present invention, an underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 is provided, wherein an auxiliary column 410 is provided at the bottom center of the ferrite shell 400, and the wireless energy transmission coil 300 is spirally wound around the auxiliary column 410.

[0072] Understandably, the auxiliary column 410 serves as the central positioning structure for coil winding, enabling the coil to be wound in a spiral shape around a fixed central axis, preventing the coil from shifting, overlapping, or becoming disordered during the winding process, and ensuring the uniformity and consistency of the coil arrangement.

[0073] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to the present invention, the bottom of the ferrite housing 400 is provided with bolt holes 420 for connecting the underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 to an underwater device, and inner through holes 430 and outer through holes 440 for leading out the wires of the wireless power transmission coil 300.

[0074] Understandably, bolt hole 420 provides a standardized and robust mounting interface for the coupling device, enabling it to be securely fixed to underwater equipment such as AUVs or seabed base stations. Threaded connections offer advantages such as high connection strength, strong impact resistance, and easy disassembly, ensuring that the device maintains structural stability in complex marine environments (such as strong currents and vibrations) and will not loosen or fall off.

[0075] The inner through-hole 430 is used to lead out the starting end (or center end) of the coil, and the outer through-hole 440 is used to lead out the ending end (or edge end) of the coil. This separate design avoids the wires from tangling or crossing each other during lead-out, ensuring neat wiring. By rationally arranging the through-hole positions, the wires can be led out along the shortest path, reducing the redundant length of the wires inside the ferrite core and lowering line losses and parasitic parameters. Leading out the wires through specific through-holes avoids interference with the magnetic field distribution inside the ferrite core caused by haphazard wire placement. At the same time, this structured wiring method helps maintain the regularity of the coil winding, ensuring that the magnetic field is concentrated in the designed magnetic circuit for transmission, thereby maintaining a high coupling coefficient.

[0076] The present invention also provides a method of using the underwater wireless charging coupling device 10, which employs the underwater wireless charging coupling device 10 as described above. The method includes the following steps: S1: In an underwater environment, the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 are brought close together; the realization of underwater wireless charging depends on the coordinated operation of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200. In an underwater environment, the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 are usually separated from each other; only by bringing them close together can the physical conditions for subsequent energy transfer be created.

[0077] S2: The composite conical mating structure utilizes its conical surface for automatic guidance and alignment until the mating surfaces 510 of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 are in contact, forming a closed magnetic circuit. In underwater environments, due to water resistance and visibility, manual and precise alignment of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 is extremely difficult. The conical surface of the composite conical mating structure has an automatic guidance function. When the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 approach each other, the conical surface guides them to gradually move closer and automatically adjusts their positions, much like magnets attracting each other. This allows the two devices to quickly and accurately find their correct positions, greatly reducing the difficulty and complexity of operation. The automatic guidance function reduces the time spent on manual intervention and repeated adjustments, improving the docking efficiency of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200.

[0078] In applications such as ocean exploration and underwater robot charging, time is often extremely valuable. Quick and accurate docking can save significant operational time and improve work efficiency. The efficiency and quality of wireless power transfer largely depend on the magnetic field coupling accuracy between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200's wireless power transfer coil 300. The conical surface of the composite conical docking structure ensures that the wireless power transfer coil 300 is precisely aligned when the docking surfaces 510 of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 are in contact, maximizing magnetic field coupling, reducing energy loss during transmission, and improving charging efficiency.

[0079] Precise alignment ensures a more stable connection between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200, reducing shaking and displacement caused by inaccurate docking. In complex underwater environments, a stable connection guarantees the continuous wireless charging process, preventing charging interruptions or damage due to device shaking.

[0080] When the mating surfaces 510 of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 are fitted together to form a closed magnetic circuit, the magnetic field can flow more smoothly within the circuit, reducing leakage and scattering. This is similar to a closed loop in a circuit, where current can flow efficiently, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of wireless energy and enabling the receiver 200 to receive more energy. The closed magnetic circuit effectively confines the magnetic field, reducing its interference with the surrounding environment. In underwater environments, excessive electromagnetic interference can affect the normal operation of other underwater equipment and even adversely affect marine life. Forming a closed magnetic circuit can reduce this interference and ensure electromagnetic compatibility in the underwater environment.

[0081] S3: Wireless power transfer via wireless power transfer coil 300.

[0082] The wireless power transmission coil 300 is the core component of the underwater wireless charging coupling device 10. It can convert the electrical energy of the transmitter 100 into magnetic field energy, and then convert the magnetic field energy back into electrical energy at the receiver 200, thereby realizing the function of wireless charging.

[0083] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An underwater wireless charging coupling device, characterized in that, It includes a transmitter and a receiver, wherein both the transmitter and the receiver include: Wireless power transfer coil; The ferrite shell is a closed shell with one end open, and the wireless power transmission coil is coiled inside the ferrite shell. A cover is provided that fits over the opening of the ferrite shell to seal the wireless power transmission coil inside the ferrite shell. The cover has a mating surface for the transmitter and receiver to mate and connect. The mating surface is a composite conical mating structure. When the transmitter and receiver are connected, their mating surfaces fit together to form a closed magnetic circuit, which confines the magnetic field generated during wireless charging within the closed magnetic circuit.

2. The underwater wireless charging coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the transmitter and receiver has a conical ring made of flexible material on its cover, while the other has a column with a conical groove made of flexible material that matches the conical ring.

3. The underwater wireless charging coupling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radial section of the columnar body with the tapered groove is formed as a V-shaped or W-shaped annular groove; The radial section of the conical annular body is formed as a V-shaped or W-shaped annular ridge that matches the V-shaped or W-shaped annular groove; The outer peripheral edges of the V-shaped or W-shaped annular groove and the V-shaped or W-shaped annular ridge both protrude radially from the outer wall of their respective ferrite shells.

4. The underwater wireless charging coupling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The contact surfaces of the conical annular body and the conical groove are provided with friction surfaces, and the friction coefficient μ of the friction surfaces is in the range of 0.3≤μ≤0.

65.

5. The underwater wireless charging coupling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cone angle β of the conical groove is in the range of 105°≤β≤135°.

6. The underwater wireless charging coupling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The length D of the friction surface is determined by the following formula: D ； Where R is the radius of the cover body in mm; β is the cone angle of the conical groove.

7. The underwater wireless charging coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Inside the ferrite shell, the wireless power transmission coil is fixed by an ultra-thin impregnation process, and the remaining space inside the ferrite shell outside the wireless power transmission coil is filled with a flexible waterproof material.

8. The underwater wireless charging coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An auxiliary column is provided at the bottom center of the ferrite shell, and the wireless power transmission coil is spirally wound around the auxiliary column.

9. The underwater wireless charging coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the ferrite shell is also provided with bolt holes for connecting the underwater wireless charging coupling device to the underwater equipment, as well as inner and outer through holes for leading out the wireless energy transmission coil wires.

10. A method of using an underwater wireless charging coupling device, characterized in that, The method using the underwater wireless charging coupling device as described in any one of claims 1-9 includes the following steps: S1: In an underwater environment, drive the transmitter and receiver to move closer to each other; S2: The conical surface of the composite conical mating structure is used for automatic guidance and alignment until the mating surfaces of the transmitting end and the receiving end are in contact with each other, forming a closed magnetic circuit; S3: Wireless power transfer is performed through the wireless power transfer coil.

Images