vehicle

Abstract

The system includes a configuration that allows for charging of the onboard battery while driving, and also simplifies this configuration. [Solution] A vehicle according to one aspect of this technology comprises a towing unit to which a towed body is connected, an on-board battery which serves as an on-board secondary battery, a receiving coil which receives magnetic flux generated in a power supply coil connected to an external battery mounted on the towed body and generates power to be used to charge the on-board battery, and is located below the floor panel, a holding unit which holds the power supply coil directly below the receiving coil, and a lifting unit which raises and lowers the receiving coil. The lifting unit positions the receiving coil at a first height corresponding to the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle when the holding unit does not hold the power supply coil, and positions the receiving coil at a second height which is the height of the receiving coil that corresponds to the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle when the holding unit holds the power supply coil.

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] This technology relates to the technical field of non-contact charging of secondary batteries mounted on vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicles that can run without using fuels such as gasoline, and hybrid vehicles that can combine fuel-based driving and electric driving, have been spreading. In order to increase the distance that can be traveled on a single charge in such vehicles, it is conceivable to increase the size of the in-vehicle battery mounted on the vehicle. However, increasing the size of the in-vehicle battery has problems such as an increase in vehicle weight and difficulty in securing an arrangement space.

[0003] In view of this point, in Patent Document 1 below, a power generation unit is mounted on a tow vehicle towed by a vehicle, and it is disclosed that when traveling long distances, the tow vehicle is connected to the vehicle and the in-vehicle battery is charged using the power generation unit mounted on the tow vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a facility in which the part that receives the power supplied from the power generation unit can be used only when the tow vehicle is being towed. Therefore, in a vehicle having a power receiving facility corresponding to a charging lane capable of charging during driving, a part of the facility is redundantly provided, and there is room for improvement in terms of vehicle weight and vehicle miniaturization.

[0006] Therefore, this technology aims to provide a configuration that allows charging of the vehicle's battery while driving, while also simplifying that configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle according to one aspect of this technology comprises a towing unit to which a towed body is connected, an on-board battery which serves as an on-board secondary battery, a power receiving coil which receives magnetic flux generated in a power supply coil connected to an external battery mounted on the towed body and generates power to be used to charge the on-board battery, and is located below the floor panel, a holding unit which holds the power supply coil directly below the power receiving coil, and a lifting unit which raises and lowers the power receiving coil, wherein the lifting unit positions the power receiving coil at a first height corresponding to the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle when the holding unit is not holding the power supply coil, and positions the power receiving coil at a second height which is the height of the power receiving coil that corresponds to the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle when the holding unit is holding the power supply coil. For example, when the power receiving coil installed on the underside of the vehicle is not holding the power supply coil, its lower end is positioned at a height where it is approximately equal to the vehicle's minimum ground clearance. When the power receiving coil is holding the power supply coil, both the power supply coil and the power receiving coil are positioned at a height higher than the vehicle's minimum ground clearance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This technology allows for charging of the vehicle's battery while driving, and also simplifies this configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle and a power supply coil buried in the ground according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle and a towed object. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the holding section and the lifting section. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a state in which each part constituting the holding part and the elevating part is combined. [Figure 5] It is a top view of the holding part and the elevating part. [Figure 6] It is a view showing a state in which the power receiving coil is located at the first position. [Figure 7] It is a view showing a state in which the power receiving coil is located at the lower end position. [Figure 8] It is a view showing a state in which the power feeding coil is held in a state where the power receiving coil is located at the lower end position. [Figure 9] It is a view showing a state in which the power receiving coil is located at the second position. [Figure 10] It is a view showing a configuration example of the power feeding coil connected to an external battery mounted on the towed object.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the vehicle 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] The description will be made in the following order. <1. Configuration of the vehicle> <2. Configuration of the holding part and the elevating part> <3. Configuration of the power feeding coil> <4. Operations of the holding part and the elevating part> <5. Others> <6. Summary>

[0012] <1. Configuration of the vehicle> FIG. 1 is a view showing a configuration example of the vehicle 1 which is an electric vehicle. The vehicle 1 is capable of non-contact charging by using a power feeding coil 100 buried in the ground.

[0013] An alternating current flows through the power feeding coil 100 by a power supply unit 101 which is an alternating current power supply buried in the ground in the same manner or installed on the ground.

[0014] In the power supply coil 100, a magnetic flux is generated when an alternating current flows.

[0015] The vehicle 1 includes a power receiving coil 2, a rectifier circuit 3, an in-vehicle battery 4, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 5, a motor 6, and a control unit 7.

[0016] In the power receiving coil 2, an alternating current is generated by the magnetic flux generated in the power supply coil 100. That is, non-contact power transmission is performed between the power supply coil 100 and the power receiving coil 2.

[0017] The alternating current generated in the power receiving coil 2 is supplied to the rectifier circuit 3. The rectifier circuit 3 functions as an AC (Alternating Current) / DC (Direct Current) conversion circuit, converts the alternating voltage input by the alternating current into a direct voltage, and supplies it to the in-vehicle battery 4.

[0018] The in-vehicle battery 4 is a high-voltage secondary battery. The in-vehicle battery 4 supplies the power used for driving the wheels and the power used for driving various electronic devices of the vehicle 1. FIG. 1 shows the power supply for driving the wheels from the in-vehicle battery 4, and the illustration of the power supply for driving other parts is omitted.

[0019] The in-vehicle battery 4 is charged based on the direct voltage supplied from the rectifier circuit 3. That is, non-contact charging of the in-vehicle battery 4 is enabled by the power supply coil 100 and the power supply unit 101 buried in the ground, the power receiving coil 2 of the vehicle 1, and the rectifier circuit 3.

[0020] The in-vehicle battery 4 supplies the power supply voltage for driving the motor 6 to the PCU 5.

[0021] The PCU 5 is configured to include an inverter, a DC / DC converter, etc. for driving the motor 6.

[0022] The PCU5 generates and supplies an alternating current to drive the motor 6 based on the above power supply voltage. The PCU5 controls the torque of the motor 6 by controlling the alternating current. The PCU5 may also have a regenerative braking function to optimize energy efficiency by utilizing regenerative energy.

[0023] Motor 6 is configured as a motor generator with a power generation function, and drives the wheels based on the supplied alternating current.

[0024] The control unit 7 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, etc., and performs overall control of the vehicle 1. The control unit 7 may be provided as a single unit, or it may be composed of multiple ECUs (Electronic Control Units). Multiple ECUs may include various types, such as a battery control ECU that controls the charging of the onboard battery 4, a display control ECU that controls the display of display devices (including meters, etc.) provided by the vehicle 1, an airbag control ECU, and an air conditioning control ECU.

[0025] Although not shown in Figure 1, the onboard battery 4 may also be rechargeable via a connector provided on the vehicle 1.

[0026] The control unit 7 calculates and manages the State of Charge (SOC) of the vehicle battery 4 using measured values ​​such as the output current value and output voltage value of the vehicle battery 4. Alternatively, the PCU 5 may manage the SOC information, and the control unit 7 may be able to obtain the SOC from the PCU 5. The control unit 7 is capable of control according to the SOC.

[0027] Furthermore, the height of the on-board battery 4 and the power receiving coil 2 relative to the ground is set to a height that ensures the minimum ground clearance set for vehicle 1. In the following explanation, the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle will be referred to as "minimum ground clearance H0".

[0028] Vehicle 1 is capable of charging the onboard battery 4 not only through contactless charging using a power supply coil 100 embedded in the ground as shown in Figure 1, but also through charging in different ways.

[0029] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 1 is capable of contactless charging of the on-board battery 4 by utilizing the power supply coil 201 and external battery 202 provided in the towed body 200 that is towed by the vehicle 1.

[0030] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a towing section 8 which is a mechanism for towing a towed body 200. Various configurations are possible for the towing section 8. For example, the towing section 8 in vehicle 1 may be equipped with a ball pin to which a slot on the towed body 200 is connected, a coupler to which the towed body 200 is connected, a hitch ball to which the coupler on the towed body 200 is connected, or a hook to which a ring on the towed body 200 is connected.

[0031] The slots, couplers, rings, etc., on the towed body 200 are designated as the towed section 203. In other words, the towed section 203 is connected to the towing section 8 in various ways.

[0032] In vehicle 1, the on-board battery 4 is charged by the transmission of power between the power supply coil 201 and the power receiving coil 2, which are connected to the external battery 202, as described above.

[0033] Furthermore, vehicle 1 is equipped with a holding part 9 below the power receiving coil 2 for holding the power supply coil 201.

[0034] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a lifting unit 10 that raises and lowers the power receiving coil 2 so that the height of the power supply coil 201 is such that the minimum ground clearance H0 is ensured, while the power supply coil 201 is held directly below the power receiving coil 2.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in vehicle 1, at least the power receiving coil 2 and the onboard battery 4 are located at the bottom of the floor panel FP. The holding part 9 and the lifting part 10, which will be described later, that hold the power supply coil 201 are also located at the bottom of the floor panel FP.

[0036] Note that the holding part 9 and the lifting part 10 are not shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0037] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the power receiving coil 2 of the vehicle 1 is capable of generating alternating current not only by utilizing the power supply coil 100 buried in the ground, but also by utilizing the magnetic flux generated in the power supply coil 201 of the towed body 200.

[0038] In other words, the power receiving coil 2 of vehicle 1 is used in any of the following: contactless charging while parked using the power supply coil 100 embedded in the parking lot; contactless charging while driving using the power supply coil 100 embedded in the charging lane; or contactless charging using the external battery 202 and power supply coil 201 mounted on the towed body 200. In other words, vehicle 1 is equipped with only one power receiving coil 2 that can be used for a wide variety of contactless charging related to the on-board battery 4.

[0039] <2. Configuration of the holding and lifting parts> Specific examples of the holding section 9 and lifting section 10 of vehicle 1 are shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5. In this explanation, the direction in which vehicle 1 moves forward is referred to as the front-rear direction, and the vehicle width direction is referred to as the left-right direction. Furthermore, the left and right directions in the left-right direction are shown from the perspective of facing forward.

[0040] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the components disassembled. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the traction unit 8 and the holding unit 9 combined together with the power receiving coil 2. Figure 5 is a view from above of the assembled components.

[0041] The power receiving coil 2 installed in vehicle 1 is housed inside the power receiving coil case 11.

[0042] The power receiving coil case 11 is fixed to the frame 12.

[0043] For example, the power receiving coil case 11 has a box-shaped case body 13 and a flange portion 14 that protrudes horizontally from approximately the center in the vertical direction of the case body 13. The flange portion 14 is divided into a front flange portion 14a, a rear flange portion 14b, a right flange portion 14c, and a left flange portion 14d.

[0044] Frame 12 is formed in a frame shape and consists of two first frames 15, 15 that extend in the front-to-back direction and are spaced apart in the left-to-right direction, and two second frames 16, 16 that extend in the left-to-right direction and are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction.

[0045] The power receiving coil case 11 is fixed to the frame 12 with the flange portion 14 positioned on the upper part of the frame 12. Specifically, the front flange portion 14a and the rear flange portion 14b of the flange portion 14 are fixed from above to the two second frames 16, 16. In addition, the right flange portion 14c of the flange portion 14 is fixed from above to the first frame 15, which is the rightmost of the two first frames 15, 15.

[0046] Various methods can be used for fastening, such as screw fastening or bolt fastening.

[0047] On the other hand, the left flange portion 14d of the flange portion 14 is located to the right of the first frame 15, which is located to the left. That is, the left flange portion 14d is not fixed to the first frame 15.

[0048] The power receiving coil case 11 is supported by the frame 12 by being fixed to the frame 12. The power receiving coil case 11 moves together with the frame 12.

[0049] Both ends of the two first frames 15, 15 in frame 12 are provided with protrusions on their upper surfaces. The protrusion on the front end of the first frame 15 is designated as the front protrusion 17, and the protrusion on the rear end of the first frame 15 is designated as the rear protrusion 18.

[0050] The front projection 17 and the rear projection 18 may be formed integrally with the first frame 15, or they may be separate components fixed to the first frame 15 from above.

[0051] Each of the front protrusions 17 and rear protrusions 18 has a through hole 19 that penetrates in the left-right direction.

[0052] A single front shaft member 20, which extends in the left-right direction and is formed in the shape of a rod, is inserted through the through holes 19 formed in the two front protrusions 17, 17.

[0053] A rear shaft member 21, which is formed in the same shape as the front shaft member 20, is inserted through the respective through holes 19 formed in the two rear protrusions 18, 18.

[0054] A pair of crossbars are provided at the lower rear of the vehicle body of vehicle 1, extending in the left-right direction and spaced apart front to back. Of the pair of crossbars, the one located in front is called the front crossbar 22, and the one located in rear is called the rear crossbar 23.

[0055] The front crossbar 22 and the rear crossbar 23 are fixed to the vehicle body, and their attitude and position relative to the vehicle body remain unchanged.

[0056] One end of a first link 24 is attached to both the left and right ends of the front crossbar 22. Specifically, a rotating center hole 24a is formed in one end of the first link 24, extending in the left-right direction. The position of the first link 24 relative to the front crossbar 22 is fixed by the front crossbar 22 being inserted through the rotating center hole 24a. However, the first link 24 is capable of rotating around the rotating center hole 24a as the pivot point relative to the front crossbar 22.

[0057] Furthermore, the movement of the first link 24 in the lateral direction relative to the front crossbar 22 is restricted by a mechanism (not shown).

[0058] A mounting hole 24b is formed at the end of the first link 24 opposite to the rotational center hole 24a. The end of the front shaft member 20 is rotatably inserted into the mounting hole 24b.

[0059] One end of a second link 25 is attached to both the left and right ends of the rear crossbar 23. Specifically, a rotating center hole 25a is formed in one end of the second link 25, extending in the left-right direction. The position of the second link 25 relative to the rear crossbar 23 is fixed by inserting the rear crossbar 23 through the rotating center hole 25a. However, the second link 25 is capable of rotating around the rotating center hole 25a as the pivot point relative to the rear crossbar 23.

[0060] Furthermore, the movement of the second link 25 in the lateral direction relative to the rear crossbar 23 is restricted by a mechanism (not shown).

[0061] A mounting hole 25b is formed at the end of the second link 25 opposite to the rotational center hole 25a. The end of the rear shaft member 21 is rotatably inserted into the mounting hole 25b.

[0062] In other words, the frame 12 is indirectly supported by the front crossbar 22 and the rear crossbar 23 by four links, namely two first links 24 and two second links 25.

[0063] Furthermore, as the first link 24 and the second link 25 rotate with respect to the front crossbar 22 and rear crossbar 23, respectively, with respect to the rotation center holes 24a and 25a, the frame 12 rotates in an arc relative to the front crossbar 22 and rear crossbar 23.

[0064] As a result, the frame 12's orientation relative to the vehicle body remains constant, while its position in the longitudinal and vertical directions relative to the vehicle body becomes variable (see Figures 6 to 9).

[0065] A first gear 26 is attached to one end of the front crossbar 22, at a position further out than the part to which the first link 24 is attached. The first gear 26 has its axis of rotation in the left-right direction and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first link 24.

[0066] The lifting section 10 of the vehicle 1 includes a first motor 27 attached to the lower part of the vehicle body, with its attitude and position fixed relative to the vehicle body, and a second gear 28 attached to the rotating shaft 27a of the first motor 27.

[0067] The second gear 28 is, for example, a worm gear and is positioned to mesh with the first gear 26.

[0068] In other words, when a drive voltage is applied to the first motor 27 to rotate the rotating shaft 27a, the second gear 28 attached to the rotating shaft 27a rotates, and consequently, the first gear 26 that meshes with the second gear 28 rotates.

[0069] Since the first gear 26 and the first link 24 rotate together, the first link 24 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first gear 26, and the frame 12 and the power receiving coil case 11 held by the frame 12 move in the front-rear and up-down directions relative to the vehicle body by the two first links 24 and the two second links 25.

[0070] A front gripping portion 29 is attached to the front shaft member 20 in the portion between the two front protrusions 17.

[0071] Specifically, the front gripping portion 29 has a shape that is roughly F-shaped when viewed from the left and right directions, and has a base portion 30, a first gripping piece 31, and a second gripping piece 32 that form the F shape.

[0072] A support hole 33 is formed at one end of the base portion 30. The front shaft member 20 is inserted through the support hole 33.

[0073] The first gripping piece 31 is positioned further away from the supported hole 33 than the second gripping piece 32. The base portion 30 and the first gripping piece 31 form an L shape when viewed from the left or right direction.

[0074] The second gripping piece 32 protrudes from the portion of the base portion 30 between the supported hole 33 and the first gripping piece 31 in the same direction as the first gripping piece 31.

[0075] A rear gripping portion 34 is attached to the rear shaft member 21 in the portion between the two rear protrusions 18.

[0076] The rear gripping portion 34, like the front gripping portion 29, has a roughly F-shape when viewed from the left or right direction. Furthermore, the front gripping portion 29 and the rear gripping portion 34 are symmetrical with respect to an axis extending in the vertical direction when viewed from the left or right direction.

[0077] Specifically, the rear gripping portion 34, like the front gripping portion 29, comprises a base portion 30, a first gripping piece 31, and a second gripping piece 32, with a support hole 33 formed in the base portion 30.

[0078] The holding section 9 of the vehicle 1 includes a third link 35, a fourth link 36, a rotating member 37, and a second motor 38.

[0079] The second motor 38 has a box-shaped main body 39 and a drive shaft 40 protruding from the main body 39.

[0080] The main body 39 is fixed to the upper surface (the area shown in hatching in Figure 3) of the leftmost of the pair of first frames 15 of the frame 12, which is located approximately in the center.

[0081] The rotating member 37 is attached to the drive shaft 40 of the second motor 38 so as to rotate together with the drive shaft 40. The rotating member 37 has a hole into which the drive shaft 40 is inserted. This hole is the rotation center hole of the rotating member 37 and is called the rotation center hole 41.

[0082] The third link 35 has one end inserted into the first link hole 42 formed in the rotating member 37. The first link hole 42 is formed in the rotating member 37 at a different position from the rotation center hole 41, but facing the same direction as the rotation center hole 41.

[0083] Furthermore, the other end of the third link 35 is inserted into a connecting hole 43 provided in the front gripping portion 29. The connecting hole 43 in the front gripping portion 29 is formed as a hole that is in a different position from the supported hole 33 but faces the same direction as the supported hole 33.

[0084] The connecting hole 43 in the front gripping portion 29 may be provided in the base portion 30, the first gripping piece 31, or the second gripping piece 32, but in this example it is provided in the base portion 30.

[0085] The fourth link 36 has one end inserted into a second link hole 44 formed in the rotating member 37. The second link hole 44 is formed in the rotating member 37 at a different position from the rotation center hole 41 and the first link hole 42, and faces the same direction as the rotation center hole 41.

[0086] Furthermore, the other end of the fourth link 36 is inserted into a connecting hole 43 provided in the rear gripping portion 34. The connecting hole 43 in the rear gripping portion 34 is formed as a hole that is in a different position from the supported hole 33 but faces the same direction as the supported hole 33.

[0087] The connecting hole 43 in the rear gripping portion 34 may be provided in the base portion 30, the first gripping piece 31, or the second gripping piece 32, but in this example it is provided in the base portion 30.

[0088] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, when a drive voltage is applied to the second motor 38 to rotate the drive shaft 40, the rotating member 37 rotates together with the drive shaft 40.

[0089] As the rotating member 37 rotates, the positions of one end of the third link 35 and one end of the fourth link 36 change, and the distance between the rotating member 37 and the front gripping portion 29 and the distance between the rotating member 37 and the rear gripping portion 34 change.

[0090] Accordingly, the front gripping portion 29 rotates around the front shaft member 20 as its pivot point, and the rear gripping portion 34 rotates around the rear shaft member 21 as its pivot point.

[0091] In addition, the state shown in Figure 6, where the recess formed by the first gripping piece 31, the second gripping piece 32, and the base portion 30 of the front gripping portion 29 is open approximately downwards, is defined as the non-gripping position Png. Furthermore, in the state shown in Figures 8 and 9, the gripping position Pg is defined as the state in which the recess formed by the first gripping piece 31 and the second gripping piece 32 of the front gripping portion 29 is open to the rear.

[0092] Similarly, for the rear gripping portion 34, the state in which the recess formed by the first gripping piece 31, the second gripping piece 32, and the base portion 30 is open approximately downward is defined as the non-gripping position Png, and the state in which the recess is open approximately rearward is defined as the gripping position Pg.

[0093] <3. Configuration of the power supply coil> The configuration of the power supply coil 201 is shown in Figure 10. The power supply coil 201 is housed inside the power supply coil case 204. A flexible cable 205, which is connected to an external battery 202 mounted on the towed body 200, is also connected to the power supply coil 201.

[0094] The flexible cable 205 may be drawn out from the case of the tractioned body 200 into the external space of the tractioned body 200, or it may be drawn out from the tractioned portion 203 that protrudes forward from the case of the tractioned body 200 into the external space of the tractioned body 200.

[0095] The power supply coil case 204 has a case body 206 and a flange portion 207 that protrudes laterally from approximately the center of the case body 206 in the vertical direction.

[0096] The thickness of the flange portion 207 is approximately the same as the distance between the opposing surfaces of the first gripping piece 31 and the second gripping piece 32 in the front gripping portion 29 of the holding portion 9 of the vehicle 1. In other words, the flange portion 207 of the power supply coil case 204 functions as a gripped portion that is gripped by the front gripping portion 29 and the rear gripping portion 34 of the holding portion 9.

[0097] <4. Operation of the holding and lifting parts> The operation of the holding unit 9 and the lifting unit 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 9.

[0098] Figure 6 shows a state in which the holding unit 9 does not hold the power supply coil 201, and charging control of the on-board battery 4 using the power supply coil 201 and the power receiving coil 2 is not being performed.

[0099] In the state shown in Figure 6, the receiving coil 2 is positioned so that its lower end is at a location that ensures the minimum ground clearance H0 of the vehicle 1. The position of the receiving coil 2 shown in Figure 6 is designated as the first position P1. The height of the receiving coil 2 from the road surface when it is positioned at the first position P1 is designated as the first height H1. The first height H1 is set to a value greater than the minimum ground clearance H0.

[0100] When the power receiving coil 2 is in the first position P1, both the front gripping portion 29 and the rear gripping portion 34 are in the non-gripping position Png. Furthermore, the non-gripping position Png is also the position where the minimum ground clearance H0 of vehicle 1 is ensured.

[0101] When starting to charge the on-board battery 4 using the power supply coil 201 and the power receiving coil 2, the control unit 7 of the vehicle 1 first moves the power receiving coil 2 downward using the lifting unit 10, with the power supply coil 201 positioned below the power receiving coil 2, as shown in Figure 7. The position of the power receiving coil 2 shown in Figure 7 is the position moved downward to hold the power supply coil 201, and this position is called the lower end position PL. The height of the power receiving coil 2 from the road surface when it is at the lower end position PL is called the height HL. The height HL is set to a value smaller than the minimum ground clearance H0.

[0102] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 7 of the vehicle 1 moves the front gripping portion 29 and the rear gripping portion 34 of the holding portion 9 from the non-gripping position Png to the gripping position Pg while the power receiving coil 2 is positioned at the lower end position PL.

[0103] In this configuration, the first gripping piece 31 of the front gripping section 29 is located on the upper part of the flange portion 207 of the power supply coil 201, and the second gripping piece 32 of the front gripping section 29 is located on the lower part of the flange portion 207. Similarly, the first gripping piece 31 and the second gripping piece 32 of the rear gripping section 34 are located on the upper and lower parts of the flange portion 207, respectively.

[0104] As a result, the power supply coil 201 is held by the holding part 9 of the vehicle 1 directly below the power receiving coil 2.

[0105] Next, the control unit 7 of the vehicle 1 moves the power receiving coil 2 upward using the lifting unit 10, as shown in Figure 9.

[0106] The position of the power receiving coil 2 shown in Figure 9 is set to be above the first position P1, and this position is designated as the second position P2. The height of the power receiving coil 2 from the road surface when it is located at the second position P2 is designated as the second height H2. The second height H2 is set to be greater than the minimum ground clearance H0 and greater than the first height H1. Specifically, the second height H2 is set to be at least as much as the height of the case body 206 compared to the first height H1.

[0107] The second height H2 is also the height at which the lowest end of the power supply coil 201 and the case body 206, while held by the holding part 9, is positioned higher than the minimum ground clearance H0 of the vehicle 1. This makes it possible to suitably charge the on-board battery 4 using the power supply coil 201 and the power receiving coil 2 while the vehicle 1 is in motion.

[0108] <5. Others> The distance between the opposing surfaces of the first gripping piece 31 and the second gripping piece 32 of the front gripping portion 29 and the rear gripping portion 34 may differ depending on whether the flange portion 207 of the power supply coil 201 is being gripped or not. For example, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the first gripping piece 31 and the second gripping piece 32 when the flange portion 207 is not being gripped may be longer than the thickness of the flange portion 207, while the distance when the flange portion 207 is being gripped may be approximately the same length as the thickness of the flange portion 207.

[0109] Furthermore, the front gripping portion 29 and the rear gripping portion 34 may be provided with a locking mechanism or the like to maintain the state in which the first gripping piece 31 and the second gripping piece 32 grip the flange portion 207. This prevents the power supply coil 201 and the like from falling off the holding portion 9 of the vehicle 1.

[0110] <6. Summary> The vehicle 1 of this technology comprises a towing unit 8 to which a towed body 200 is connected, an on-board battery 4 which serves as an on-board secondary battery, a power receiving coil 2 located below the floor panel FP which receives magnetic flux generated in a power supply coil 201 connected to an external battery 202 mounted on the towed body 200 to generate power used to charge the on-board battery 4, a holding unit 9 which holds the power supply coil 201 directly below the power receiving coil 2, and a lifting unit 10 which raises and lowers the power receiving coil 2. Furthermore, the lifting unit 10 positions the power receiving coil 2 at a first height H1 corresponding to the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle (minimum ground clearance H0) when the holding unit 9 is not holding the power supply coil 201, and positions the power receiving coil 2 at a second height H2, which is the height of the power receiving coil 2 that corresponds to the minimum ground clearance H0 when the holding unit 9 is holding the power supply coil 201. For example, when the power receiving coil 2 installed at the bottom of vehicle 1 is not holding the power supply coil 201, its lower end is positioned at a height where it is approximately equal to the minimum ground clearance H0. When the power receiving coil 2 is holding the power supply coil 201, both the power supply coil 201 and the power receiving coil 2 are positioned at a height higher than the minimum ground clearance H0. As a result, when the power supply coil 201 is not being held, the onboard battery 4 can be charged while driving by, for example, using a charging lane in which the power supply coil 100 is embedded in the ground. In particular, by positioning the power receiving coil 2 as low as possible while ensuring the minimum ground clearance H0, the charging efficiency when using the driving lane can be improved. Furthermore, when the power supply coil 201 is held in place, it becomes possible to charge the on-board battery 4 using the external battery 202 mounted on the towed body 200, even when driving in an area where no charging lane facilities exist, thereby extending the driving range of the vehicle 1. In particular, by positioning both the power supply coil 201 and the power receiving coil 2 in a position that ensures the minimum ground clearance H0, contact with obstacles while driving can be avoided, and charging can be performed while driving without compromising safety.

[0111] The lifting section 10 in the vehicle 1 may include a frame 12 to which a power receiving coil 2 is attached, a plurality of links (first links 24, 24 and second links 25, 25) with one end connected to the frame 12, a first gear 26 attached to the links that changes the angle of the links relative to the vehicle body by rotation, a second gear 28 which is a worm gear that meshes with the first gear 26, and a first drive unit (first motor 27) that drives the second gear 28. In other words, by driving the first drive unit, the second gear 28 and the first gear 26 that meshes with the second gear 28 rotate together, changing the angle of the link relative to the vehicle body. As a result, the vertical position of the frame 12 and the power receiving coil 2 attached to the end of the link changes. The link is subjected to a load that causes it to rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation driven by the first drive unit, due to the weight of the frame 12 and the power receiving coil 2. However, by using a worm gear as the second gear 28, it is prevented that the second gear 28 will rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation driven by the first drive unit due to the weight of the frame 12 and the power receiving coil 2. As a result, the positions of the power receiving coil 2 and the power supply coil 201 can be maintained even when the drive by the first drive unit is stopped. In other words, it is not necessary to provide a separate mechanism to prevent the positions of the power receiving coil 2 and the power supply coil 201 from changing due to the weight of the frame 12 and the power receiving coil 2, and the mechanism can be made smaller and lighter. In addition, it is possible to prevent the continuous consumption of power in order to maintain the positions of the power receiving coil 2 and the power supply coil 201.

[0112] The holding portion 9 in the vehicle 1 has gripping portions (front gripping portion 29, rear gripping portion 34) that grip the gripped portion (flange portion 207) of the power supply coil, and the gripping portions are movable between a non-gripping position Png in which they do not grip the gripped portion and a gripping position Pg in which they can grip the gripped portion, and may also be provided with a second drive unit (second motor 38) that moves the gripping portions between the non-gripping position Png and the gripping position Pg. Various methods can be considered for holding the power supply coil 201 and the power receiving coil 2 in close proximity, such as using magnets. By adopting a configuration in which the gripping part grips the part to be gripped, as in this configuration, it becomes easy to stably hold the power receiving coil 2 and the power supply coil 201 in close proximity. Furthermore, by enabling the gripping part to move between the gripping position Pg and the non-gripping position Png using the second drive unit, it is possible to adopt a configuration that eliminates the need for manual labor to crawl under the vehicle body and bring the power supply coil 201 close to the power receiving coil 2 and secure it. In other words, by adopting a motor or the like for the second drive unit, it becomes possible to drive it electrically, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0113] The gripping portion (front gripping portion 29, rear gripping portion 34) in the vehicle 1 is supported at one end by the frame 12 to which the power receiving coil 2 is attached, and the other end is a gripping portion that grips the part to be gripped (flange portion 207). The other end of the gripping portion may be located above the lower end of the power receiving coil 2 in the non-gripping position Png, and below the power receiving coil 2 in the gripping position Pg. This prevents the gripping portion from being positioned below the minimum ground clearance H0 when the receiving coil 2, which is not gripping the power supply coil 201, is positioned near the minimum ground clearance H0, thus preventing it from obstructing the movement of the vehicle 1. The support configuration in which one end of each of the front gripping portion 29 and the rear gripping portion 34, which serve as gripping portions, are supported by the frame 12 may be direct or indirect. In the example described above, the front gripping portion 29 and the rear gripping portion 34 are indirectly supported by the frame 12 by being attached to the front shaft member 20 and the rear shaft member 21, respectively.

[0114] The lifting section 10 in the vehicle 1 may be configured to allow the power receiving coil 2 to be positioned below the minimum ground clearance H0. For example, when parked, it is not necessary to ensure a minimum ground clearance H0. By making it possible to position the receiving coil 2 closer to the ground (lower end position PL) under predetermined conditions such as when parked, it becomes possible to bring the power supply coil 201 buried in the parking lot of one's home closer to the receiving coil 2, thereby improving charging efficiency.

[0115] Furthermore, the various examples mentioned above can be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 vehicle 2. Receiving coil 4. Vehicle battery 8 Traction section 9 Holding part 10 Lifting section 12 frames 24. First Link (link) 25 Second Link (link) 26 First gear 27 First motor (first drive unit) 28 Second gear 29 Front grip part (grip part) 34 Rear grip part (grip part) 38. Second motor (second drive unit) 200 Towed object 201 Power supply coil 202 External car battery 207 Flange portion (part to be gripped) FP Floor Panel H0 Minimum ground clearance H1 First height H2 Second Height Pg gripping position Png non-grasping position

Claims

1. The towing section to which the towed object is connected, The onboard battery, which was designated as a secondary battery for vehicles, A power supply coil connected to an external battery mounted on the towed vehicle receives a magnetic flux generated in the power supply coil and generates power to charge the on-board battery, and a power receiving coil is located below the floor panel, A holding part that holds the power supply coil directly below the power receiving coil, It comprises a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the power receiving coil, The aforementioned lifting mechanism is When the holding part is not holding the power supply coil, the power receiving coil is positioned at a first height corresponding to the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle. With the holding part holding the power supply coil, the receiving coil is positioned at a second height, which is the height of the receiving coil that corresponds to the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle. vehicle.

2. The lifting unit comprises a frame to which the power receiving coil is attached, a plurality of links with one end connected to the frame, a first gear attached to the links that changes the angle of the links relative to the vehicle body by rotation, a second gear which is a worm gear that meshes with the first gear, and a first drive unit that drives the second gear. The vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The holding portion has a gripping portion that grips the gripping portion of the power supply coil, The gripping portion is movable between a non-gripping position in which it does not grip the portion to be gripped and a gripping position in which it can grip the portion to be gripped. The gripping portion is equipped with a second drive unit that moves the gripping portion between the non-gripping position and the gripping position. The vehicle according to claim 1.

4. The gripping portion is supported at one end by the frame to which the power receiving coil is attached, and the other end is a gripping portion that grips the portion to be gripped. The other end of the gripping portion is located above the lower end of the power receiving coil in the non-gripping position and below the power receiving coil in the gripping position. The vehicle according to claim 3.

5. The lifting mechanism is designed to allow the power receiving coil to be positioned below the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle. The vehicle according to claim 1.

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