Power transmission equipment and electrode connection members

Abstract

To provide a power transmission device and an electrode connection member for suppressing the occurrence of standing waves while improving the efficiency of installing a wireless power supply system.SOLUTION: A power transmission device includes: a first electrode formed using a plate-shaped conductor; a second electrode formed using a plate-shaped conductor and having an end overlapping with an end of the first electrode; and an electrode connection member formed using a dielectric material for connecting the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrode connection member includes: a thin-plated portion sandwiched between the end of the first electrode in contact with one surface and the end of the second electrode in contact with the other surface; and a thick-plated portion having a stepped surface protruding from the one surface of the thin-plated portion and allowing the tip of the first electrode to abut against the stepped surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power transmission device and an electrode connection member.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles that run using electric power have been increasingly popular. An electric vehicle drives a motor by the electric power stored in an on-vehicle battery, rotates wheels, and runs. Therefore, when the power storage amount of the battery decreases, the user needs to connect the electric vehicle to a predetermined charging facility to charge the battery.

[0003] On the other hand, a wireless power supply system that wirelessly supplies power to vehicles that use electric energy as power, such as electric vehicles, electric carts, and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), has attracted attention. In the wireless power supply system, for example, power is wirelessly and non-contactingly supplied from a power transmission electrode buried under the road surface to a power reception electrode mounted on the vehicle. Since the power is supplied non-contactingly, the vehicle can run using the power transmitted from the road surface without relying on the power from the battery.

[0004] The power transmission electrode of such a wireless power supply system has, for example, a shape extending along a road and transmits a high-frequency voltage from a high-frequency power source to the vehicle. Therefore, a traveling wave traveling from the high-frequency power source to the vehicle and a reflected wave reflected from the vehicle to the high-frequency power source are mixed in the power transmission electrode, and a standing wave may occur. When a standing wave occurs in the power transmission electrode, power reception to the power reception electrode is not performed at the position of the node of the standing wave, so the power transmission efficiency decreases.

[0005] Therefore, it has been studied to periodically connect a connection circuit for advancing the phases of the traveling wave and the reflected wave to the power transmission electrode in the electrified road to suppress the generation of a standing wave in the power transmission electrode (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] However, when suppressing standing waves using connection circuits, it is necessary to periodically connect these circuits to the power transmission electrodes at intervals of one-quarter wavelength, which reduces construction efficiency and increases costs. Specifically, when transmitting a high-frequency voltage of, for example, 10 MHz using power transmission electrodes, one-quarter wavelength is 7.5 m, so connection circuits made of electronic components must be buried every 7.5 m. Furthermore, since the connection circuits are buried beneath the road surface where vehicles pass, they must be constructed to withstand vibrations from vehicle traffic, requiring costs for ensuring strength, as well as costs for replacing and maintaining the connection circuits. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-227025 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-34919 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide a power transmission device and electrode connection member that can suppress the generation of standing waves while improving the efficiency of the installation of wireless power supply systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a power transmission device includes a first electrode formed using a plate-shaped conductor, a second electrode formed using a plate-shaped conductor and having an end that overlaps with the end of the first electrode, and an electrode connecting member formed using a dielectric and connecting the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the electrode connecting member has a thin plate portion sandwiched between the end of the first electrode that contacts one surface and the end of the second electrode that contacts the other surface, and a thick plate portion having a stepped surface protruding from the one surface of the thin plate portion, the stepped surface to which the tip of the first electrode abuts.

[0010] With this configuration, the first electrode can be easily aligned with the electrode connecting member, eliminating the need to adjust the area of ​​the overlapping ends of the first and second electrodes to a desired area. Therefore, the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the ends of the first and second electrodes and the thin plate portion sandwiched between these ends can be precisely set, and the phase of the traveling and reflected waves transmitted by the power transmission device can be adjusted. As a result, the efficiency of the installation of the wireless power supply system can be improved while suppressing the generation of standing waves.

[0011] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the power transmission device further comprises, in the above configuration, a first fixing member inserted through the first electrode and the through hole formed in the thin plate portion to fix the position of the first electrode relative to the electrode connecting member, and a second fixing member inserted through the second electrode and the through hole formed in the thick plate portion to fix the position of the second electrode relative to the electrode connecting member.

[0012] With this configuration, the first electrode is fixed to the thin plate portion and the second electrode is fixed to the thick plate portion, so that the relative positions of the first and second electrodes connected by the electrode connecting member can be fixed. For this reason, even during the installation of the wireless power supply system, the relative positions of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the electrode connecting member do not change, and the capacitance of the capacitor formed by them can be kept constant.

[0013] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the electrode connecting member has a thin plate portion on which the end of the first electrode is in contact with one surface and the end of the second electrode is in contact with the other surface, and a thick plate portion having a stepped surface protruding from the one surface of the thin plate portion, the tip of the first electrode being in contact with the stepped surface.

[0014] With this configuration, when connecting the first electrode and the second electrode using an electrode connecting member, the first electrode can be efficiently aligned with the electrode connecting member, and the overlapping area of ​​the thin plate portions of the first and second electrodes can be precisely adjusted to a desired area. Therefore, the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the first electrode, the second electrode, and the thin plate portion sandwiched between them can be precisely set, and the phase of the traveling and reflected waves transmitted by the power supply line having the first electrode, the second electrode, and the electrode connecting member can be adjusted. As a result, the efficiency of the installation of the wireless power supply system can be improved while suppressing the generation of standing waves. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the installation of wireless power supply systems while suppressing the generation of standing waves. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of a wireless power supply system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the power transmission layer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram corresponding to the power transmission layer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the power transmission electrode according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the electrode connecting member according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a specific example of power transmission efficiency. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the power transmission electrode according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the electrode connecting member according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the electrode connecting member. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another modification of the electrode connection member.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are examples and are not to be construed as being limited by this description.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of a wireless power supply system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The wireless power supply system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided on a road on which a vehicle 10 travels and supplies power to the vehicle 10 that travels using power. This wireless power supply system 100 has a surface layer 110, a power transmission layer 120, a drainage layer 130, and a base layer 140.

[0019] The surface layer 110 is a layer formed using, for example, an asphalt mixture using ceramic aggregate, and the vehicle 10 travels on the surface layer 110.

[0020] The power transmission layer 120 transmits a high-frequency voltage from a high-frequency power source to the vehicle 10. Specifically, the power transmission layer 120 has a plurality of first power transmission electrodes 121 buried at a shallow position near the lower surface of the surface layer 110, and a plurality of second power transmission electrodes 122 buried at a deeper position than the first power transmission electrodes 121. Both ends of each of the first power transmission electrodes 121 and the second power transmission electrodes 122 have an overlapping region in plan view and are connected by an electrode connection member (not shown in FIG. 1). The entire upper and lower surfaces of the first power transmission electrodes 121, the second power transmission electrodes 122, and the electrode connection member are covered with an asphalt sheet (not shown), and the periphery is filled with, for example, ceramic crushed stone. Further, an asphalt stabilizing treatment layer (not shown) may be provided under the power transmission layer 120.

[0021] The power transmission layer 120 transmits a high-frequency voltage by the first power transmission electrodes 121 and the second power transmission electrodes 122 and supplies power to a power reception electrode (not shown) of the vehicle 10. The configuration of the power transmission layer 120 will be described in detail later.

[0022] The drainage layer 130 is formed, for example, using a resin product with drainage properties, and facilitates drainage from the power transmission layer 120.

[0023] The base layer 140 is a layer formed using, for example, an asphalt mixture containing ceramic aggregate, and is formed on the upper surface of the roadbed to support the surface layer 110, the power transmission layer 120, and the drainage layer 130.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the power transmission layer 120 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 mainly shows the configuration related to power transmission.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the power transmission layer 120 has two power transmission lines arranged in parallel, and each power transmission line is formed by connecting a first power transmission electrode 121 and a second power transmission electrode 122 with an electrode connecting member 123. Specifically, the first power transmission electrode 121, which is buried at a shallow position, and the second power transmission electrode 122, which is buried at a deep position, are arranged alternately, and the ends of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, which are adjacent to each other in a plan view, are connected by the electrode connecting member 123. The ends of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 have overlapping regions in a plan view, and in this region they face each other with the electrode connecting member 123 in between.

[0026] The first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 are each formed from a conductor having a thin plate shape, for example, with a width of 800-850 mm and a length of 2000 mm. The lengths of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 are shorter than the wavelength of the high-frequency signal transmitted by the power transmission line. Each power transmission line is formed by connecting, for example, five first power transmission electrodes 121 and five second power transmission electrodes 122, resulting in a line with a total length of approximately 20 m.

[0027] The electrode connecting member 123 is formed from a dielectric material such as resin. Specifically, the electrode connecting member 123 is made from a material that has heat resistance up to 160 degrees Celsius, load-bearing capacity up to 49 kN, is non-absorbent, and has insulating properties. Materials that satisfy these conditions include resins such as Teflon®, polypropylene, polyethylene, or Duracon®, or glass fibers impregnated with these resins. The ends of the conductive first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 face each other with the dielectric electrode connecting member 123 in between, thereby forming a capacitor at these ends.

[0028] A high-frequency power supply 124 and an inductor 125 are connected to one end of each of the two power lines. An inductor 126 is connected to the other end of each power line, which is farther from the high-frequency power supply 124.

[0029] With such capacitors and inductors 125 and 126, the power supply line of the power transmission layer 120 can be represented by an equivalent circuit, for example, as shown in Figure 3. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the power transmission layer 120 has inductors with inductance L at one end close to the high-frequency power supply 124 and at the other end far from the high-frequency power supply 124, and capacitors with capacitance C at the positions where the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 are connected by the electrode connecting member 123.

[0030] In this circuit configuration, by appropriately setting the inductance L of the inductor and the capacitance C of the capacitor, the phase of the high-frequency traveling and reflected waves transmitted by the power supply line is adjusted at the position of the capacitor. As a result, the generation of standing waves caused by the combination of traveling and reflected waves is suppressed, and standing wave nodes that would lead to a decrease in power transmission efficiency are not formed.

[0031] By the way, in order to suppress the generation of standing waves in the transmission layer 120, it is necessary to accurately set the capacitance C of the capacitors formed at the ends of the first transmission electrode 121 and the second transmission electrode 122. The capacitance C of the capacitor is calculated by the following equation (1). C = εr·ε0·S / d ···(1)

[0032] However, in equation (1), εr is the relative permittivity of the dielectric forming the electrode connecting member 123, ε0 is the permittivity of vacuum, S is the area of ​​the regions of the first power transmitting electrode 121 and the second power transmitting electrode 122 that face each other, and d is the distance between the first power transmitting electrode 121 and the second power transmitting electrode 122.

[0033] Therefore, by precisely adjusting the area S of the opposing regions of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, and the distance d between the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, a capacitor with a desired capacitance C can be formed, and the generation of standing waves can be suppressed. In other words, by precisely aligning the adjacent first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, a power transmission layer 120 that improves power transmission efficiency can be formed.

[0034] Therefore, the electrode connecting member 123 according to this embodiment defines the positions of the ends of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, enabling precise alignment of the adjacent first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122. The connection portion of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 using the electrode connecting member 123 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 4.

[0035] Figure 4(a) is a plan view showing the connection between the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, and Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing the line II cross-section of Figure 4(a).

[0036] As shown in these figures, the ends of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 have overlapping regions, and the electrode connecting member 123 is sandwiched in this region. In other words, the end of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the end of the second power transmission electrode 122 face each other with the electrode connecting member 123 in between. The electrode connecting member 123 also has a region that overlaps only with the first power transmission electrode 121 and a region that overlaps only with the second power transmission electrode 122, and the position of the first power transmission electrode 121 or the second power transmission electrode 122 and the electrode connecting member 123 is fixed by screws 127 passing through the first power transmission electrode 121 or the second power transmission electrode 122 and the electrode connecting member 123 in these regions.

[0037] Specifically, in the region of the first power transmission electrode 121 that overlaps only with the electrode connecting member 123, two through holes are formed aligned in the width direction of the first power transmission electrode 121, and two through holes corresponding to the electrode connecting member 123 are also formed. The position of the first power transmission electrode 121 relative to the electrode connecting member 123 is fixed by inserting the screw 127 through the through holes of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the electrode connecting member 123.

[0038] Similarly, in the region of the second power transmission electrode 122 that overlaps only with the electrode connecting member 123, two through holes are formed aligned in the width direction of the second power transmission electrode 122, and two through holes corresponding to the electrode connecting member 123 are also formed. The position of the second power transmission electrode 122 relative to the electrode connecting member 123 is fixed by inserting the screws 127 through the through holes of the second power transmission electrode 122 and the electrode connecting member 123.

[0039] The screws 127 are formed using, for example, a conductor, but none of the screws 127 penetrate both the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122. Therefore, the screws 127 do not electrically connect the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122.

[0040] Furthermore, the electrode connection member 123 is formed so that its cross-section in side view is approximately L-shaped, and by bringing the tip of the first power transmission electrode 121 into contact with the stepped portion, the first power transmission electrode 121 can be easily aligned with the electrode connection member 123. By aligning the first power transmission electrode 121 and the electrode connection member 123, the positions of the through holes formed in the first power transmission electrode 121 and the electrode connection member 123 overlap, making it easy to insert the screw 127. In other words, the efficiency of the installation of the wireless power supply system can be improved.

[0041] In this way, by connecting the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 while precisely defining their positions using the electrode connecting member 123, the overlap width W shown in Figure 4(b) can be precisely adjusted to a desired width. As a result, the capacitance C of the capacitor formed in the region where the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 face each other can be precisely set, and the generation of standing waves in the power transmission line can be suppressed.

[0042] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of the electrode connecting member 123 according to Embodiment 1. The electrode connecting member 123 has a thin plate portion 201 that is sandwiched between the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, and a thick plate portion 202 that is thicker than the thin plate portion 201 and protrudes from one surface of the thin plate portion 201.

[0043] The thin plate portion 201 has a first surface 201a that contacts the first power transmission electrode 121 and a second surface 201b that contacts the second power transmission electrode 122. In the region where the first surface 201a contacts the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second surface 201b does not contact the second power transmission electrode 122, a through hole 201c is formed that penetrates from the first surface 201a to the second surface 201b.

[0044] The thick plate portion 202 is provided at one end of the thin plate portion 201 in the longitudinal direction and protrudes from the first surface 201a of the thin plate portion 201. Therefore, when the electrode connecting member 123 is viewed from the side in the short direction of the thin plate portion 201, the electrode connecting member 123 has a substantially L-shape. The thick plate portion 202 has a stepped surface 202a that rises from the first surface 201a of the thin plate portion 201 and forms a step. In addition, a through hole 202b is formed that penetrates the thick plate portion 202 in the thickness direction.

[0045] The first power transmission electrode 121, which contacts the first surface 201a of the thin plate portion 201, has its tip abut against the stepped surface 202a of the thick plate portion 202, thereby defining the position of the first power transmission electrode 121 in the longitudinal direction of the thin plate portion 201. By aligning the first power transmission electrode 121 to this position, the positions of the through hole formed in the first power transmission electrode 121 and the through hole 201c formed in the thin plate portion 201 coincide, allowing the screw 127 to be easily inserted. As a result, the positions of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the electrode connecting member 123 are fixed.

[0046] Furthermore, by aligning the through-hole formed in the second power transmission electrode 122 with the through-hole 202b formed in the thick plate portion 202 and inserting a screw 127, the positions of the second power transmission electrode 122 and the electrode connecting member 123 are fixed. As a result, the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 are fixed to the electrode connecting member 123, and even when the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 are embedded in the power transmission layer 120 or when the surface layer 110 is pressurized, the relative positions of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 do not change.

[0047] In this way, the electrode connecting member 123 fixes the relative positions of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, allowing the area of ​​the region where the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 face each other to be set to a desired area. Furthermore, since the distance between the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 is determined by the thickness of the thin plate portion 201 of the electrode connecting member 123, it becomes possible to accurately set the area S and distance d in the above equation (1) which represents the capacitance C of the capacitor. Therefore, the amount of phase adjustment at the position of the capacitor in the power transmission line can be accurately set, and the generation of standing waves in the power transmission line can be suppressed.

[0048] Figure 6 shows an example of the relationship between the power receiving position, indicated by the distance from the high-frequency power supply 124, and the power transmission efficiency. In Figure 6, the solid line shows the power transmission efficiency by the transmission line of the transmission layer 120 described above, and the dashed line shows the power transmission efficiency by a conventional continuous transmission line.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, when power is transmitted via a continuous transmission line, the power transmission efficiency drops significantly at a receiving position approximately 8m from the high-frequency power source 124. This is because standing waves are generated in the transmission line, and nodes of these standing waves are formed at this receiving position. In contrast, when power is transmitted via the transmission line of the transmission layer 120, although the power transmission efficiency gradually decreases as the distance from the high-frequency power source 124 increases, there is no receiving position where the power transmission efficiency drops significantly. Thus, the transmission line of the transmission layer 120 can suppress the generation of standing waves and thus suppress the decrease in power transmission efficiency.

[0050] As described above, according to this embodiment, in a power transmission line having a first power transmission electrode and a second power transmission electrode arranged so that their ends overlap, the tip of the first power transmission electrode is aligned by contacting the stepped surface of an electrode connecting member made of a dielectric material that is substantially L-shaped in side view, and the overlapping ends of the first and second power transmission electrodes are configured to sandwich the electrode connecting member. This makes it possible to efficiently form a power transmission line in which a capacitor is formed by the ends of the first and second power transmission electrodes and the electrode connecting member sandwiched by these ends, and the capacitance of this capacitor can be accurately set to adjust the phase of the traveling wave and the reflected wave. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the construction of the wireless power transmission system while suppressing the generation of standing waves.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, a power supply line was described in which the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 are connected by an electrode connecting member 123 that is substantially L-shaped in side view. However, the shape of the electrode connecting member is not limited to this. Therefore, in Embodiment 2, a power supply line will be described in which the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 are connected by an electrode connecting member with a different shape than that of Embodiment 1.

[0052] The configuration of the wireless power supply system and transmission layer according to Embodiment 2 is the same as that of the wireless power supply system 100 and transmission layer 120 according to Embodiment 1, so its description will be omitted. In Embodiment 2, the configuration of the connection portion between the first transmission electrode 121 and the second transmission electrode 122 using an electrode connection member differs from that of Embodiment 1 in terms of the power supply line of the transmission layer.

[0053] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a side cross-section of the connection portion between the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 7, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in Figure 4(b).

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 are connected by an electrode connecting member 210. Specifically, the ends of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 have overlapping regions, and the electrode connecting member 210 is sandwiched in these regions. The electrode connecting member 210 also has a region that overlaps only with the first power transmission electrode 121 and a region that overlaps only with the second power transmission electrode 122, and the position of the first power transmission electrode 121 or the second power transmission electrode 122 and the electrode connecting member 210 is fixed by screws 127 passing through the first power transmission electrode 121 or the second power transmission electrode 122 and the electrode connecting member 210 in these regions.

[0055] Furthermore, the electrode connection member 210 is formed so that its cross-section in side view is substantially U-shaped, and by bringing the tip of the first power transmission electrode 121 into contact with the bottom surface of the central recess, the first power transmission electrode 121 can be easily aligned with the electrode connection member 210. By aligning the first power transmission electrode 121 and the electrode connection member 210, the positions of the through holes formed in the first power transmission electrode 121 and the electrode connection member 210 overlap, allowing the screw 127 to be easily inserted. In other words, the efficiency of the installation of the wireless power supply system can be improved.

[0056] In this way, by connecting the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 while precisely defining their positions using the electrode connection member 210, the area of ​​the region where the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 face each other can be precisely adjusted to a desired area. As a result, the capacitance C of the capacitor formed in the region where the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 face each other can be precisely set, and the generation of standing waves in the power transmission line can be suppressed. Furthermore, because the electrode connection member 210 has a substantially U-shape when viewed from the side, it becomes possible to transport the first power transmission electrode 121 and the electrode connection member 210 with the tip of the first power transmission electrode 121 being held by the electrode connection member 210, further improving the efficiency of construction.

[0057] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the structure of the electrode connecting member 210 according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 8, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in Figure 5.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, the electrode connecting member 210 has a thin plate portion 201 sandwiched between the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, a thick plate portion 202 which is thicker than the thin plate portion 201 and protrudes from one surface of the thin plate portion 201, and an opposing thin plate portion 211 which extends from the protruding portion of the thick plate portion 202 toward the thin plate portion 201.

[0059] The opposing thin plate portion 211 has a first surface 211a that contacts the first power transmission electrode 121 and a second surface 211b that does not contact the electrode and is covered by a bituminous sheet. A through hole 211c is formed at a position opposite to the through hole 201c of the thin plate portion 201, extending from the first surface 211a to the second surface 211b.

[0060] Since the thin plate portion 201 and the opposing thin plate portion 211 extend from both ends of the thick plate portion 202 so as to face each other, when the electrode connecting member 210 is viewed from the side in the short direction of the thin plate portion 201, the electrode connecting member 210 has a substantially U-shape. The stepped surface 202a of the thick plate portion 202 becomes the bottom surface of this substantially U-shaped recess. The first power transmission electrode 121, which is sandwiched between the first surface 201a of the thin plate portion 201 and the first surface 211a of the opposing thin plate portion 211, has its tip in contact with the stepped surface 202a of the thick plate portion 202, thereby defining the position of the first power transmission electrode 121 in the longitudinal direction of the thin plate portion 201. By aligning the first power transmission electrode 121 to this position, the through holes formed in the first power transmission electrode 121 coincide with the through holes 201c and 211c formed in the thin plate portion 201 and the opposing thin plate portion 211, allowing the screw 127 to be easily inserted. As a result, the positions of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the electrode connecting member 123 are fixed.

[0061] Furthermore, by aligning the through-hole formed in the second power transmission electrode 122 with the through-hole 202b formed in the thick plate portion 202 and inserting a screw 127, the positions of the second power transmission electrode 122 and the electrode connecting member 123 are fixed. As a result, the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 are fixed to the electrode connecting member 123, and even when the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 are embedded in the power transmission layer 120 or when the surface layer 110 is pressurized, the relative positions of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 do not change.

[0062] In this way, the electrode connecting member 210 fixes the relative positions of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, allowing the area of ​​the region where the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 face each other to be set to a desired area. Furthermore, since the distance between the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122 is determined by the thickness of the thin plate portion 201 of the electrode connecting member 210, it becomes possible to accurately set the capacitance C of the capacitor. Therefore, the amount of phase adjustment at the position of the capacitor in the power transmission line can be accurately set, and the generation of standing waves in the power transmission line can be suppressed.

[0063] As described above, according to this embodiment, in a power transmission line having a first power transmission electrode and a second power transmission electrode arranged so that their ends overlap, the tip of the first power transmission electrode is aligned by contacting the bottom surface of a recess of an electrode connecting member made of a dielectric material that is substantially U-shaped in side view, and the overlapping ends of the first and second power transmission electrodes are configured to sandwich the electrode connecting member. This makes it possible to efficiently form a power transmission line in which a capacitor is formed by the ends of the first and second power transmission electrodes and the electrode connecting member sandwiched by these ends, and the capacitance of this capacitor can be accurately set to adjust the phase of the traveling wave and the reflected wave. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the construction of the wireless power transmission system while suppressing the generation of standing waves.

[0064] Furthermore, the electrode connecting members can be modified in various ways other than the electrode connecting members 123 and 210 described in Embodiments 1 and 2 above. Hereinafter, modified examples of the electrode connecting members will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0065] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the electrode connecting member 220 according to a modified example. In Figure 9, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in Figure 5.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, the electrode connecting member 220 has a thin plate portion 201 sandwiched between the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, a first thick plate portion 202 which is thicker than the thin plate portion 201 and protrudes from one side of the thin plate portion 201, and a second thick plate portion 221 which is thicker than the thin plate portion 201 and protrudes from the other side of the thin plate portion 201. The first thick plate portion 202 and the second thick plate portion 221 are provided at both ends of the thin plate portion 201 in the longitudinal direction.

[0067] The first thick plate portion 202 is provided at one end of the thin plate portion 201 in the longitudinal direction and protrudes from the first surface 201a of the thin plate portion 201. The first thick plate portion 202 has a stepped surface 202a that rises from the first surface 201a of the thin plate portion 201 and forms a step. A through hole 202b is also formed in the first thick plate portion 202, penetrating it in the thickness direction.

[0068] The second thick plate portion 221 is provided at the other end of the thin plate portion 201 in the longitudinal direction and protrudes from the second surface 201b of the thin plate portion 201. The second thick plate portion 221 has a stepped surface 221a that rises from the second surface 201b of the thin plate portion 201 and forms a step. A through hole 221b is also formed in the second thick plate portion 221, penetrating it in the thickness direction.

[0069] The first power transmission electrode 121, which contacts the first surface 201a of the thin plate portion 201, has its tip abut against the stepped surface 202a of the first thick plate portion 202, thereby defining the position of the first power transmission electrode 121 in the longitudinal direction of the thin plate portion 201. By aligning the first power transmission electrode 121 to this position, the through hole formed in the first power transmission electrode 121 and the through hole 221b formed in the second thick plate portion 221 coincide, allowing the screw 127 to be easily inserted. As a result, the positions of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the electrode connecting member 220 are fixed.

[0070] Similarly, the position of the second power transmission electrode 122 in the longitudinal direction of the thin plate portion 201 is defined by bringing its tip into contact with the stepped surface 221a of the second thick plate portion 221. By aligning the second power transmission electrode 122 to this position, the through hole formed in the second power transmission electrode 122 and the through hole 202b formed in the first thick plate portion 202 coincide, allowing the screw 127 to be easily inserted. As a result, the positions of the second power transmission electrode 122 and the electrode connecting member 220 are fixed.

[0071] In this way, the electrode connecting member 220 fixes the relative positions of the first power transmitting electrode 121 and the second power transmitting electrode 122. As a result, the area of ​​the region where the first power transmitting electrode 121 and the second power transmitting electrode 122 face each other across the thin plate portion 201 can be precisely adjusted. Consequently, it becomes possible to precisely set the capacitance C of the capacitor.

[0072] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of an electrode connecting member 230 according to another modified example. In Figure 10, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in Figure 5.

[0073] As shown in Figure 10, the electrode connecting member 230 has a thin plate portion 201 sandwiched between the first power transmission electrode 121 and the second power transmission electrode 122, a thick plate portion 202 which is formed thicker than the thin plate portion 201 and protrudes from one surface of the thin plate portion 201, and side plate portions 231 which protrude to the same height as the thick plate portion 202 at both ends in the short direction of the thin plate portion 201.

[0074] The side plate portions 231 are provided at both ends of the thin plate portion 201 in the short direction and protrude from the first surface 201a of the thin plate portion 201 to the same height as the thick plate portion 202. As a result, the first surface 201a of the thin plate portion 201 is surrounded on three sides by the thick plate portion 202 and the side plate portions 231.

[0075] The first power transmission electrode 121, which contacts the first surface 201a of the thin plate portion 201, has its tip abutting against the stepped surface 202a of the thick plate portion 202, thereby defining the position of the first power transmission electrode 121 in the longitudinal direction of the thin plate portion 201. Furthermore, the first power transmission electrode 121 has its ends in the width direction abutting against the side plate portions 231, thereby defining the position of the first power transmission electrode 121 in the short direction of the thin plate portion 201. By aligning the first power transmission electrode 121 to this position, the positions of the through hole formed in the first power transmission electrode 121 and the through hole 201c formed in the thin plate portion 201 coincide, allowing the screw 127 to be easily inserted. As a result, the positions of the first power transmission electrode 121 and the electrode connecting member 230 are fixed.

[0076] Furthermore, by aligning the through-hole formed in the second power transmission electrode 122 with the through-hole 202b formed in the thick plate portion 202 and inserting the screw 127, the positions of the second power transmission electrode 122 and the electrode connecting member 230 are fixed.

[0077] In this way, the electrode connecting member 230 fixes the relative positions of the first power transmitting electrode 121 and the second power transmitting electrode 122. As a result, the area of ​​the region where the first power transmitting electrode 121 and the second power transmitting electrode 122 face each other across the thin plate portion 201 can be precisely adjusted. Consequently, it becomes possible to precisely set the capacitance C of the capacitor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 100 Wireless Power Transfer Systems 110 Surface layer 120 Transmission layer 121 First power transmission electrode 122 Second power transmission electrode 123, 210, 220, 230 Electrode connection members 124Hz High Frequency Power Supply 125, 126 インダクタ 127 ビス 130 Drainage Layer 140 grassroots 201 Thin Plate Section Page 1 of 201a and 211a Page 2 of 201b and 211b Through holes 201c, 202b, 211c, 221b 202 Thick Plate Section (1st Thick Plate Section) 202a, 221a step difference surfaces 211 Targeting thin plate section 221 2nd Thick Plate Department 231 Side panel section

Claims

1. A first electrode formed using a plate-shaped conductor, A second electrode is formed using a plate-shaped conductor and has an end that overlaps with the end of the first electrode, It is formed using a dielectric material and has an electrode connecting member that connects the first electrode and the second electrode, The electrode connecting member is A thin plate portion sandwiched between the end of the first electrode that contacts one surface and the end of the second electrode that contacts the other surface, The thin plate portion has a stepped surface protruding from one of its surfaces, and the thick plate portion has a stepped surface on which the tip of the first electrode abuts. Power transmission equipment.

2. The first electrode and the first fixing member are inserted through the through hole formed in the thin plate portion and fix the position of the first electrode relative to the electrode connecting member, The device further comprises the second electrode and a second fixing member inserted through a through hole formed in the thick plate portion, which fixes the position of the second electrode relative to the electrode connecting member. The power transmission device according to claim 1.

3. A thin plate portion in which the end of the first electrode is in contact with one surface and the end of the second electrode is in contact with the other surface, The thick plate portion has a stepped surface protruding from one of the surfaces of the thin plate portion, and the tip of the first electrode is brought into contact with the stepped surface. An electrode connecting member having the following characteristics.

Images