Wireless power transmission device and wireless power transmission system

Abstract

To provide a wireless power transmission device and a wireless power transmission system that are capable of suppressing voltage fluctuations caused by changes in load.SOLUTION: The wireless power transmission device comprises: a transmission coil; a reception coil arranged opposite to the transmission coil; a mediator coil disposed between the transmission coil and the reception coil; and a coupling mechanism that links the transmission coil, the mediator coil and the reception coil to each other. The coupling mechanism is configured to allow the first distance between the transmission coil and the mediator coil and the second distance between the mediator coil and the reception coil to be changed while maintaining a state in which the first distance and the second distance are equal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a wireless power supply device and a wireless power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a wireless power feeder that supplies power from a power feeder to a load device by contactlessly coupling a power transmitting coil provided in the power feeder with a power receiving coil provided in the load device. The following Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe technologies related to such wireless power feeders. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-164294 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-005790 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a wireless power transfer device, when the state of a load device changes, the coupling state between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil changes, which can cause fluctuations in the voltage applied to the load device. Placing a mediator coil between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil can suppress voltage fluctuations caused by changes in the load. However, the distance between the power transmitting coil and the mediator coil and the distance between the mediator coil and the power receiving coil must be equal. This may limit the ability to freely change the distance between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of a wireless power feeder disclosed in this specification includes a power transmitting coil, a power receiving coil arranged opposite to the power transmitting coil, a mediator coil arranged between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil, and a coupling mechanism that couples the power transmitting coil, the mediator coil, and the power receiving coil to one another. The coupling mechanism is configured to be able to change a first distance between the power transmitting coil and the mediator coil and a second distance between the mediator coil and the power receiving coil while maintaining the first distance and the second distance equal to each other.

[0006] According to the above structure, the coupling mechanism allows the first distance and the second distance to be changed while maintaining the first distance and the second distance equal to each other. This allows the distance between the transmitting coil and the receiving coil to be freely changed while stabilizing the voltage supplied to the load by the receiving coil. This increases the degree of freedom in the placement of the transmitting coil and the receiving coil. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a wireless power feeder 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a specific example of the configuration of a coil. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of a coil according to Example 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of a coil according to Example 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of a coil according to Example 3. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view of the wireless power supply system 401. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a side view of the wireless power supply system 401. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a side view of the wireless power supply system 501. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a side view of the wireless power supply system 501. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the right front part of a vehicle equipped with a wireless power supply system 601. [Figure 11]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the right front part of a vehicle equipped with a wireless power supply system 601. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Example]

[0008] (Configuration of wireless power supply device 1) 1 shows a circuit configuration diagram of a wireless power feeder 1 according to this embodiment. The wireless power feeder 1 includes an excitation circuit 10, a power transmitting resonant circuit 12, an intermediary resonant circuit 14, a power receiving resonant circuit 16, and a control unit 18. A DC power source 20 is connected to the excitation circuit 10, and a load circuit 22 including a motor MT is connected to the power receiving resonant circuit 16. The power transmitting resonant circuit 12, the intermediary resonant circuit 14, and the power receiving resonant circuit 16 form a resonant system that transmits power by resonance, and transmits power output from the excitation circuit 10 to the load circuit 22.

[0009] The excitation circuit 10 includes a switching element S1 and a switching element S2 connected in series. The positive terminal of the DC power source 20 is connected to the upper end of the switching element S1. The negative terminal of the DC power source 20 is connected to the lower end of the switching element S2. The control unit 18 controls the on / off of the switching elements S1 and S2. As a result, the excitation circuit 10 outputs a rectangular wave voltage having a rectangular time waveform to the power transmitting resonant circuit 12.

[0010] The power transmitting resonant circuit 12 includes a power transmitting capacitor C1, a power transmitting resistor R1, and a power transmitting coil L1 connected in series. One end of the power transmitting capacitor C1 is connected to the connection point of the switching elements S1 and S2, and the other end is connected to one end of the power transmitting resistor R1. The other end of the power transmitting resistor R1 is connected to one end of the power transmitting coil L1, and the other end of the power transmitting coil L1 is connected to the lower end of the switching element S2.

[0011] The intermediate resonant circuit 14 includes an intermediate coil L2, an intermediate resistor R2, and an intermediate capacitor C2. One end of the intermediate coil L2 is connected to one end of the intermediate resistor R2, and the other end of the intermediate resistor R2 is connected to one end of the intermediate capacitor C2. The other end of the intermediate capacitor C2 is connected to the other end of the intermediate coil L2.

[0012] The power receiving resonant circuit 16 includes a power receiving coil L3, a power receiving resistor R3, and a power receiving capacitor C3. A load circuit 22 is connected to the power receiving resonant circuit 16. The load circuit 22 includes a diode bridge 24, a smoothing capacitor C4, and a motor MT. One end of the power receiving coil L3 is connected to one end of the power receiving resistor R3, and the other end of the power receiving resistor R3 is connected to one end of the power receiving capacitor C3. The other end of the power receiving capacitor C3 is connected to one of two AC terminals of the diode bridge 24. The other end of the power receiving coil L3 is connected to the other of the two AC terminals of the diode bridge 24. The smoothing capacitor C4 and the motor MT are connected between a pair of output terminals of the diode bridge 24.

[0013] The motor MT may be a DC motor, a DC brushless motor, an AC motor, a switched reluctance motor, a stepping motor, or an ultrasonic motor. Depending on whether the power supplied to the motor MT is AC power or DC power, the diode bridge 24 may be replaced with another power conversion circuit such as an inverter circuit. The motor MT is an example of a load. Various load devices may be connected instead of the motor MT.

[0014] The transfer coil L2 is magnetically coupled to the power transmitting coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3. The coupling coefficient K between the power transmitting coil L1 and the transfer coil L2 is 12 and the coupling coefficient K between the intermediary coil L2 and the receiving coil L3. 23are the same. The natural resonant frequencies of the power transmitting resonant circuit 12, the intermediate resonant circuit 14, and the power receiving resonant circuit 16 are also the same. The natural resonant frequencies can be set appropriately by the inductances of the power transmitting coil L1, the intermediate coil L2, and the power receiving coil L3, and the capacitances of the power transmitting capacitor C1, the intermediate capacitor C2, and the power receiving capacitor C3. The power transmitting coil L1, the intermediate coil L2, and the power receiving coil L3 can be coils of various types, and may be loop coils, helical coils, or the like.

[0015] (Coil configuration) FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a specific example of the configuration of the power transmitting coil L1, the transfer coil L2, and the power receiving coil L3. In FIG. 2, the excitation circuit 10, the load circuit 22, and the like are omitted. The power transmitting coil L1, the transfer coil L2, and the power receiving coil L3 are loop coils. The power transmitting coil L1 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the central axis AX1. The transfer coil L2 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the central axis AX2. The power receiving coil L3 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the central axis AX3. In this embodiment, the power transmitting coil L1, the transfer coil L2, and the power receiving coil L3 all have the same diameter. The power transmitting coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3 are arranged opposite to each other. The transfer coil L2 is arranged between the power transmitting coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3. The transfer coil L2 is configured to be capable of magnetic field coupling and electric field coupling with both the power transmitting coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3.

[0016] The transmitting coil L1, the intermediate coil L2, and the receiving coil L3 are connected to one another by a connecting mechanism 30. The connecting mechanism 30 includes a rail mechanism 40 and a distance adjustment mechanism 50. The rail mechanism 40 includes sliders 41-43 and a rail 44. The rail 44 is a linear rod-shaped member extending in the x-axis direction. The sliders 41-43 are configured to be movable in the x-axis direction on the rail 44. The transmitting coil L1 is fixed to the slider 41 so that its central axis AX1 is parallel to the x-axis direction. The intermediate coil L2 is fixed to the slider 42 so that its central axis AX2 is parallel to the x-axis direction. The receiving coil L3 is fixed to the slider 43 so that its central axis AX3 is parallel to the x-axis direction. The central axes AX1, AX2, and AX3 are substantially coincident with one another. That is, the rail mechanism 40 functions as a guide mechanism that guides at least two of the power transmitting coil L1, the intermediate coil L2, and the power receiving coil L3 so that they can move along the central axis direction.

[0017] Here, the distance between the center of the transmitting coil L1 and the intermediate coil L2 is defined as a first distance D1. The distance between the intermediate coil L2 and the receiving coil L3 is defined as a second distance D2. The distance adjustment mechanism 50 is a mechanism for changing the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 while maintaining the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 equal to each other. Specifically, the distance adjustment mechanism 50 is a link mechanism that connects the transmitting coil L1 and the receiving coil L3.

[0018] The distance adjustment mechanism 50 includes links 51 and 52, a slider 53, and a rail 54. The rail 54 protrudes from the slider 42 in the -y direction. The longitudinal direction of the rail 54 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail 44. The slider 53 is configured to be movable on the rail 54 in the y direction. One end of the link 51 is connected to the slider 41 by a joint 51j1, and the other end is connected to the slider 53 by a joint 51j2. One end of the link 52 is connected to the slider 41 by a joint 52j1, and the other end is connected to the slider 53 by a joint 52j2. The links 51 and 52 have the same length.

[0019] Distance adjustment mechanism 50 has a variable truss structure in which slider 53 moves so as to maintain an isosceles triangle formed by link 51 and link 52. This allows the first distance D1 or the second distance D2 to be changed in response to a change in the other. Therefore, it is possible to change first distance D1 and second distance D2 while maintaining a state in which central axes AX1, AX2, and AX3 are substantially aligned with one another and a state in which first distance D1 and second distance D2 are equal.

[0020] The distance adjustment mechanism 50 is not limited to the link mechanism of the first embodiment, and various link mechanisms can be used.

[0021] (effect) In a wireless power transfer device using a transfer coil L2, an eigenmode can be generated by equalizing the first distance D1 between the power transmitting coil L1 and the transfer coil L2 and the second distance D2 between the transfer coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3. In the eigenmode, fluctuations in the voltage supplied to the load can be suppressed even when the magnitude of the load included in the load circuit 22 connected to the power receiving coil L3 fluctuates. The technology of this embodiment allows the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 to be changed while maintaining the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 equal to each other using the coupling mechanism 30. This allows the distance between the power transmitting coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3 to be freely changed while stabilizing the voltage supplied to the load by the power receiving coil L3. This increases the degree of freedom in the placement of the power transmitting coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3. [Example]

[0022] Fig. 3 shows a specific configuration example of a coil according to Example 2. Fig. 3 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 2 of Example 1. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components common to Examples 1 and 2, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0023] The rail 244 is a linear groove extending in the x-axis direction. The sliders 41-43 are configured to be movable on the rail 244 in the x-direction.

[0024] The power transmitting coil L1, the transfer coil L2, and the power receiving coil L3 are connected to one another by a connecting mechanism 230. The connecting mechanism 230 includes pantograph mechanisms 140 and 240 and a distance adjustment mechanism 250. The pantograph mechanism 140 is a guide mechanism that guides the power transmitting coil L1 and the transfer coil L2 movably along the central axis direction (x direction). The pantograph mechanism 240 is a guide mechanism that guides the transfer coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 movably along the central axis direction (x direction). The distance adjustment mechanism 250 is a mechanism that maintains the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 in an equal state.

[0025] The pantograph mechanism 140 connects the power transmission coil L1 and the intermediate coil L2. The pantograph mechanism 140 includes a pair of links 141 and 142. One end of the pair of links 141 is connected to the slider 41 by a joint 140j1. One end of the pair of links 142 is connected to the slider 42 by a joint 140j3. The other end of the pair of links 141 and the other end of the pair of links 142 are connected to each other by a joint 140j2.

[0026] The pantograph mechanism 240 connects the intermediate coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3. The pantograph mechanism 240 includes a pair of links 241 and 242. One end of the pair of links 241 is connected to the slider 43 by a joint 240j1. One end of the pair of links 242 is connected to the slider 42 by a joint 240j3. The other end of the pair of links 241 and the other end of the pair of links 242 are connected to each other by a joint 240j2.

[0027] The distance adjustment mechanism 250 includes a first spring 251 and a second spring 252. The first spring 251 connects the transmitting coil L1 and the intermediate coil L2. The second spring 252 connects the intermediate coil L2 and the receiving coil L3. The first spring 251 and the second spring 252 have the same spring constant. Furthermore, the first spring 251 and the second spring 252 have the same length.

[0028] The first spring 251 and the second spring 252 function to maintain the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 in an equal state. For example, when the power transmitting coil L1 is fixed and the power receiving coil L3 is moved in the ±x direction, the first spring 251 and the second spring 252 function to equalize the loads acting on the first spring 251 and the second spring 252 (i.e., to equalize the amount of deformation of both springs). Therefore, the transfer coil L2 can be automatically moved in the ±x direction so that the transfer coil L2 is located at the midpoint between the power transmitting coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3. Furthermore, for example, when the power receiving coil L3 is moved in the ±x direction without fixing the power transmitting coil L1, the first spring 251 and the second spring 252 function to maintain their initial lengths when no load is acting on them. Therefore, the power transmitting coil L1 and the transfer coil L2 can be automatically moved in the ±x direction to follow the movement of the power receiving coil L3.

[0029] As described above, in the technique of the second embodiment, the distance between the power transmitting coil L1 and the power receiving coil L3 can be freely changed while stabilizing the voltage supplied to the load by the power receiving coil L3.

[0030] (Modification of Example 2) In the second embodiment, the degree of freedom of the sliders 41-43 can be limited to one degree of freedom in the x-direction by the pantograph mechanisms 140 and 240. Therefore, even if the rail 244 is not provided, it is possible to change the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 while maintaining the state in which the central axes AX1, AX2, and AX3 are substantially aligned with one another. In this case, casters or the like may be provided below the sliders 41-43. [Example]

[0031] In Example 3, an example in which the technology of the present specification is applied to a robot arm or the like will be described. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a specific configuration example of a coil according to Example 3. FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views seen from the y direction. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the arm mechanism 340 is extended. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the arm mechanism 340 is bent. Note that components common to Examples 1 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0032] The coupling mechanism 330 includes an arm mechanism 340 and a distance adjustment mechanism 350. The distance adjustment mechanism 350 is a mechanism for changing the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 while maintaining the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 equal to each other. The details of the distance adjustment mechanism 350 are not particularly limited, and various mechanisms can be used. The distance adjustment mechanism 350 may be, for example, a link mechanism as described in the first embodiment or a spring mechanism as described in the second embodiment.

[0033] The arm mechanism 340 includes sliders 341 and 343, an intermediate member 342, bending mechanisms 344 and 345, and arms 346 and 347. The slider 341 is movable on the arm 346. The slider 343 is movable on the arm 347. A power transmitting coil L1 is fixed to the slider 341. A relay coil L2 is fixed to the intermediate member 342. A power receiving coil L3 is fixed to the slider 343.

[0034] The bending mechanism 344 is a mechanism that can freely change the angle of the arm 346. The bending mechanism 345 is a mechanism that can freely change the angle of the arm 347. As shown in FIG. 4, when the bending mechanisms 344 and 345 are not bent, the central axis AX1 of the power transmitting coil L1 and the central axis AX3 of the power receiving coil L3 are aligned on the same straight line. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the bending mechanisms 344 and 345 are bent, the central axis AX1 and the central axis AX3 intersect at an intersection angle AG in the intermediate coil L2. The intersection angle AG can be freely changed.

[0035] 5, the bending mechanisms 344 and 345 are configured to be able to change the intersection angle AG while maintaining a state in which the central axis AX1 of the power transmitting coil L1 passes through the intermediate coil L2 (see area AR1) and a state in which the central axis AX3 of the power receiving coil L3 passes through the intermediate coil L2 (see area AR2). This allows the bending state of the arm mechanism 340 to be freely changed while maintaining a state in which the coupling between the power transmitting coil L1 and the intermediate coil L2 and a state in which the coupling between the intermediate coil L2 and the power receiving coil L3 is high. Even when the arm mechanism 340 is used, stable wireless power transfer is possible.

[0036] (Modification of Example 3) The connecting mechanism 330 may include an angle adjustment mechanism. The angle adjustment mechanism adjusts the angle of the central axis AX1 of the power transmitting coil L1 so that the central axis AX1 always passes through the intermediate coil L2. The angle adjustment mechanism adjusts the angle of the central axis AX3 of the power receiving coil L3 so that the central axis AX3 always passes through the intermediate coil L2. The angle adjustment mechanism is not particularly limited, and various mechanisms can be used. The angle adjustment mechanism may be, for example, a link mechanism as described in the first embodiment or a spring mechanism as described in the second embodiment.

[0037] Various mechanisms can be used for the bending mechanisms 344 and 345. For example, they may be mechanisms with one degree of freedom that allow bending and extension, or they may be mechanisms with three degrees of freedom, such as universal joints. [Example]

[0038] In Example 4, a wireless power supply system 401 for a desk including a wireless power supply device 1 will be described. The wireless power supply device 1 used in Example 4 can be, for example, the device described in Examples 1-3. FIGS. 6 and 7 show side views of the wireless power supply system 401. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the height of the tabletop 462 is low. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the height of the tabletop 462 is high.

[0039] The desk mainly comprises legs 461, a top board 462, and a height adjustment mechanism 463. The legs 461 are placed on a floor FL. The top board 462 is supported by the legs 461. The height adjustment mechanism 463 is a mechanism that can adjust the height of the top board 462 from the floor FL.

[0040] The coupling mechanism 430 includes pantograph mechanisms 440L and 440U and a distance adjustment mechanism 450. Specific details of the pantograph mechanisms 440L and 440U have been described in the second embodiment. The distance adjustment mechanism 450 is not particularly limited, and various mechanisms can be used. The power transmitting coil L1 is disposed on the floor FL. The power receiving coil L3 is disposed on the top plate 462. The lower end of the pantograph mechanism 440L is connected to the power transmitting coil L1, and the upper end is connected to the transfer coil L2. The lower end of the pantograph mechanism 440U is connected to the transfer coil L2, and the upper end is connected to the power receiving coil L3. As a result, the transfer coil L2 is disposed between the top plate 462 and the floor FL.

[0041] A load 464 is placed on the power receiving coil L3. A power receiving coil (not shown) included in the load 464 is coupled to the power receiving coil L3, thereby enabling wireless power supply to the load 464. The load 464 may be various, and may be, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone or a laptop computer.

[0042] (effect) In the wireless power supply system 401 of the fourth embodiment, the height of the tabletop 462 can be changed while maintaining the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 equal to each other. This allows the height of the tabletop 462 to be freely changed while stabilizing the voltage supplied to the load 464 by the power receiving coil L3.

[0043] Since the arrangement position of the load 464 has a high degree of freedom, the positional relationship between the load 464 and the power receiving coil L3 changes in various ways, and the load state of the load 464 also changes in various ways. Even in such cases, the wireless power feeding system 401 of the fourth embodiment can stabilize the voltage supplied to the load 464. [Example]

[0044] In Example 5, a wireless power feeding system 501 for furniture including a wireless power feeding device 1 will be described. The wireless power feeding device 1 used in Example 5 can be, for example, the device described in Examples 1-3. FIGS. 8 and 9 show side views of the wireless power feeding system 501. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the slide table 562 is stored. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the slide table 562 is pulled out.

[0045] The furniture mainly comprises a base 561, a slide table 562, and a slide rail 563. The slide table 562 is movable in the x direction on the slide rail 563. The slide table 562 can be pulled out from the base 561 for use. The connecting mechanism 530 comprises pantograph mechanisms 540A and 540B and a distance adjustment mechanism 550. The specific details of the pantograph mechanisms 540A and 540B have been explained in the second embodiment. The details of the distance adjustment mechanism 550 are not particularly limited, and various mechanisms can be used.

[0046] The power transmitting coil L1 is disposed on the back plate 561b of the base 561. The power receiving coil L3 is disposed on the slide table 562. The −x-direction end of the pantograph mechanism 540A is connected to the power transmitting coil L1, and the +x-direction end is connected to the relay coil L2. The −x-direction end of the pantograph mechanism 540B is connected to the relay coil L2, and the +x-direction end is connected to the power receiving coil L3. As a result, the relay coil L2 is disposed between the back plate 561b and the slide table 562.

[0047] A load 564 is placed near the power receiving coil L3. By coupling a power receiving coil (not shown) included in the load 564 with the power receiving coil L3, it is possible to wirelessly supply power to the load 564. The load 564 may be various, and may be, for example, a home appliance such as a rice cooker or a television.

[0048] In the wireless power supply system 501 of the fifth embodiment, the slide table 562 can be moved in the x direction while maintaining the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 equal to each other. This allows the amount of pullout of the slide table 562 to be freely changed while stabilizing the voltage supplied to the load 564 by the power receiving coil L3. [Example]

[0049] In the sixth embodiment, a wireless power supply system 601 for a vehicle equipped with a wireless power supply device 1 will be described. FIGS. 10 and 11 show cross-sectional views of the right front part of the vehicle. FR indicates the front side of the vehicle, LF indicates the left side of the vehicle, and UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the vehicle is traveling on a flat road. FIG. 11 shows a state in which a tire 665 is riding on a protrusion 666.

[0050] The vehicle mainly comprises a vehicle body 661, a wheel 662, and an in-wheel motor 663. The in-wheel motor 663 is disposed on the wheel 662. The in-wheel motor 663 is attached to the vehicle body 661 by a suspension arm 664. A tire 665 is fitted onto the wheel 662.

[0051] The wireless power supply system 601 includes an arm mechanism 540. The specific details of the arm mechanism 540 have been described in Example 3. The power transmitting coil L1 is disposed on the vehicle body 661. The power receiving coil L3 is disposed on the in-wheel motor 663. One end of the arm mechanism 540 is connected to the power transmitting coil L1, and the other end is connected to the power receiving coil L3. An intermediate member 542 equipped with a bending mechanism is provided at the midpoint of the arm mechanism 540. The intermediate coil L2 is disposed on the intermediate member 542. As a result, the intermediate coil L2 is disposed between the vehicle body 661 and the in-wheel motor 663.

[0052] 11 , even when the tire 665 rides over a protrusion 666 and the suspension arm 664 is bent significantly, the arm mechanism 540 can maintain a high level of coupling between the power transmitting coil L1, the intermediate coil L2, and the power receiving coil L3, thereby enabling stable wireless power supply to the in-wheel motor 663.

[0053] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives alone is technically useful.

[0054] (Variation) In this specification, a rail mechanism and a pantograph mechanism have been described as examples of guide mechanisms, but the present invention is not limited to these. Various mechanisms can be used as guide mechanisms. Furthermore, a link mechanism and a spring mechanism have been described as examples of distance adjustment mechanisms, but the present invention is not limited to these. Various mechanisms can be used as distance adjustment mechanisms.

[0055] The combination of the guide mechanism and the distance adjustment mechanism is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification, and various combinations are possible. For example, a combination of a rail mechanism (guide mechanism) and a spring mechanism (distance adjustment mechanism) or a combination of a pantograph mechanism (guide mechanism) and a link mechanism (distance adjustment mechanism) can be used.

[0056] Various coupling methods may be used for the wireless power feeder 1. For example, a magnetic field resonance method, an electric field coupling method, a high frequency electromagnetic coupling method, etc. may be used.

[0057] Aspects of the present technology are listed below. [Aspect 1] A transmitting coil; a power receiving coil disposed opposite the power transmitting coil; an intermediate coil disposed between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil; a coupling mechanism that couples the transmitting coil, the intermediary coil, and the receiving coil to one another; A wireless power supply device comprising: the coupling mechanism is configured to be able to change a first distance between the transmitting coil and the intermediary coil and a second distance between the intermediary coil and the receiving coil while maintaining the first distance and the second distance equal to each other. Wireless power supply device. [Aspect 2] The wireless power feeder according to aspect 1, wherein the connecting mechanism is configured to be able to change the first distance and the second distance while maintaining a state in which the central axis of the transmitting coil, the central axis of the intermediary coil, and the central axis of the receiving coil are approximately aligned with one another. [Aspect 3] The connecting mechanism includes: a guide mechanism that guides at least two of the power transmitting coil, the intermediate coil, and the power receiving coil so that they are movable along the central axis; a distance adjustment mechanism that maintains the first distance and the second distance in an equal state; 3. The wireless power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: [Aspect 4] 4. The wireless power supply device according to aspect 3, wherein the guide mechanism is a pantograph mechanism or a rail mechanism including a rail and a slider configured to be movable on the rail. [Aspect 5] 5. The wireless power feeder according to aspect 3 or 4, wherein the distance adjustment mechanism includes a link mechanism that connects the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil. [Aspect 6] the distance adjustment mechanism includes a first spring connecting the power transmitting coil and the intermediary coil, and a second spring connecting the intermediary coil and the power receiving coil, 5. The wireless power supply device according to aspect 3 or 4, wherein the first spring and the second spring have the same spring constant. [Aspect 7] the power transmitting coil has a power transmitting coil central axis, the receiving coil has a receiving coil central axis, the coupling mechanism further includes a bending mechanism configured to change an intersection angle between a central axis of the power transmitting coil and a central axis of the power receiving coil in the intermediate coil, The wireless power feeder according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the bending mechanism is configured to be able to change the intersection angle while maintaining a state in which the central axis of the power transmitting coil passes through the intermediate coil and a state in which the central axis of the power receiving coil passes through the intermediate coil. [Aspect 8] A wireless power supply system for a desk, including the wireless power supply device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, the desk includes legs placed on a floor, a top board supported by the legs, and a height adjustment mechanism that can adjust the height of the top board from the floor, the power transmitting coil is disposed on the floor, the power receiving coil is disposed on the top plate, The intermediary coil is disposed between the top plate and the floor. Wireless power supply system. [Aspect 9] A wireless power supply system for furniture, including the wireless power supply device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, The furniture includes a base and a slide table configured to be able to be pulled out from the base, the power transmitting coil is disposed on the base; the power receiving coil is disposed on the slide table, The intermediate coil is disposed between the base and the slide table. Wireless power supply system. [Aspect 10] A wireless power supply system for a vehicle including the wireless power supply device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, The vehicle includes a vehicle body, a wheel, and an in-wheel motor disposed in the wheel, the power transmission coil is disposed on the vehicle body, the power receiving coil is disposed in the in-wheel motor, the intermediate coil is disposed between the vehicle body and the in-wheel motor. Wireless power supply system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1: Wireless power supply device 30: Connection mechanism 40: Rail mechanism 50: Distance adjustment mechanism D1: First distance D2: Second distance L1: Power transmission coil L2: Intermediary coil L3: Power receiving coil

Claims

1. A transmitting coil; a power receiving coil disposed opposite the power transmitting coil; an intermediate coil disposed between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil; a coupling mechanism that couples the transmitting coil, the intermediary coil, and the receiving coil to one another; A wireless power supply device comprising: the coupling mechanism is configured to be able to change a first distance between the power transmitting coil and the intermediary coil and a second distance between the intermediary coil and the power receiving coil while maintaining the first distance and the second distance equal to each other. Wireless power supply device.

2. 2. The wireless power feeder according to claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to be able to change the first distance and the second distance while maintaining a state in which a central axis of the transmitting coil, a central axis of the intermediary coil, and a central axis of the receiving coil are substantially aligned with one another.

3. The connecting mechanism includes: a guide mechanism that guides at least two of the power transmitting coil, the intermediate coil, and the power receiving coil so that the coils are movable along the central axis; a distance adjustment mechanism that maintains the first distance and the second distance in an equal state; The wireless power supply device according to claim 2 , comprising:

4. The wireless power supply device according to claim 3 , wherein the guide mechanism is a pantograph mechanism or a rail mechanism including a rail and a slider configured to be movable on the rail.

5. The wireless power feeder according to claim 4 , wherein the distance adjustment mechanism includes a link mechanism that connects the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil.

6. the distance adjustment mechanism includes a first spring connecting the power transmitting coil and the intermediary coil, and a second spring connecting the intermediary coil and the power receiving coil, The wireless power supply device according to claim 4 , wherein the first spring and the second spring have the same spring constant.

7. the power transmitting coil has a power transmitting coil central axis, the receiving coil has a receiving coil central axis, the coupling mechanism further includes a bending mechanism configured to change an intersection angle between a central axis of the power transmitting coil and a central axis of the power receiving coil in the intermediate coil, 2. The wireless power feeder according to claim 1, wherein the bending mechanism is configured to be capable of changing the intersection angle while maintaining a state in which the central axis of the power transmitting coil passes through the intermediate coil and a state in which the central axis of the power receiving coil passes through the intermediate coil.

8. A wireless power supply system for a desk, comprising the wireless power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the desk includes legs placed on a floor, a top board supported by the legs, and a height adjustment mechanism that can adjust the height of the top board from the floor, the power transmitting coil is disposed on the floor, the power receiving coil is disposed on the top plate, The intermediary coil is disposed between the top plate and the floor. Wireless power supply system.

9. A wireless power supply system for furniture, comprising the wireless power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The furniture includes a base and a slide table configured to be able to be pulled out from the base, the power transmitting coil is disposed on the base; the power receiving coil is disposed on the slide table, The intermediate coil is disposed between the base and the slide table. Wireless power supply system.

10. A wireless power supply system for a vehicle, comprising the wireless power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The vehicle includes a vehicle body, a wheel, and an in-wheel motor disposed in the wheel, the power transmission coil is disposed on the vehicle body, the power receiving coil is disposed in the in-wheel motor, the intermediate coil is disposed between the vehicle body and the in-wheel motor. Wireless power supply system.

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