JP5293354B2 - Power receiver, non-contact power transmission device, and joint auxiliary device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power receiver downsizing a heat dissipating member, reducing a weight and excellently dissipating heat of a power receiving part of an apparatus having a waterproof property. <P>SOLUTION: The power receiver 45 is composed by attaching a power receiving core 50 having a power receiving coil 49 for generating an induced electromotive force by non-contact electromagnetic induction action at a power receiving head 47, and includes a heat sink 52 whose one surface is closely attached to the power receiving head 47 and a cover 55 for ventilation which is attached to the other surface of the heat sink 52 through a space part 54 and on which many vent holes 55a are formed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power receiver, a non-contact power transmission device, and a joint assist device in which power fed from a power feeder is transmitted in a non-contact manner.

  In order to assist the decline in muscle strength by assisting various actions such as walking, raising and lowering of stairs, standing up from sitting posture, and sitting up from standing posture for elderly people and victims with weak muscle strength in recent years Has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Such a walking assist device is a joint assist device that provides a link mechanism portion at a user's joint portion and drives the link mechanism portion by a drive portion to assist the operation of the joint portion. A non-contact power transmission device that transmits power in a non-contact manner is provided.

  In the non-contact power transmission device, a power feeding core having a power feeding coil is attached to a power feeding head substrate of a power feeder, a power receiving core having a power receiving coil is attached to a power receiving head substrate of a power receiver, and the power feeding coil, the power feeding core, the power receiving coil, and the power receiving power By connecting the power feeder and the power receiver so that the core is coaxially opposed to each other, the power can be supplied in a non-contact manner by electromagnetic induction, and the transmitter is connected to the power feeding head substrate and the power receiving head substrate. In addition, the power supply unit and the power receiver are connected to each other so that power can be supplied as described above, and various data can be exchanged without contact (for example, Patent Document 2). reference).

  In such a non-contact power transmission device, when the amount of power supply is large, the power receiving head substrate facing the power supply head substrate of the power feeder may generate heat. Usually, the heat generating part is blown by using an intake fan or an exhaust fan, or a heat conducting member such as a metal frame or a heat sink for heat dissipation is brought into contact with the heat generating part to dissipate heat. .

JP 2007-325732 A JP 2007-143315 A

  By the way, in the non-contact power transmission device as described above, although heat can be dissipated by blowing air to the power receiving head substrate, which is a heat generating portion, using an intake fan or an exhaust fan, waterproof measures are taken against the heat generating portion. When the above-mentioned fan is necessary or when the opening cannot be formed, the fan as described above cannot be used.

  Moreover, when using a member for heat conduction, it is necessary to increase the surface area, and the apparatus becomes larger and the weight increases, which makes it difficult to cope with it.

  Here, the target device is a walking assist system used in rehabilitation or the like, and since this is used in a medical institution, waterproof processing is necessary. Moreover, in order to operate | wear with a user and to operate | move, it is necessary to consider a low-temperature burn, a fall, etc. Therefore, a cooling fan or a heat sink cannot be used. In addition, there is a method of circulating the cooling water using a pump. However, this method also requires electric power, is accompanied by maintenance, and is difficult to cope with.

  In addition, since a cooling fan, a heat sink, etc. are arrange | positioned in the side away from a user's skin surface, although it does not touch a user directly, a hand may touch and it is necessary to take this countermeasure.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. A power receiver capable of reducing the size and weight of a heat dissipating member and heat-dissipating a power receiving unit of a waterproof device, and a non-contact type It is intended to provide a power transmission device and a joint assist device.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

That is, the invention according to claim 1 is a power receiver (45) in which a power receiving core (50) having a power receiving coil (49) that generates an induced electromotive force by non-contact electromagnetic induction action is attached to a power receiving head (47). ), A heat radiating plate (52 ) having one surface closely attached to the power receiving core (50), and the other surface of the heat radiating plate (52) attached via a space portion (54), and a large number of A ventilation cover (55) in which a ventilation hole (55a) is formed. The ventilation cover (55) has a peripheral wall part (57) and a protrusion part (58) at the peripheral part and the central part, respectively. The peripheral wall portion (57) and the projecting portion (58) are brought into contact with the heat radiating plate (52) and the space portion (54) is attached to the heat radiating plate (52). Electric appliance (45) is adopted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power feeder (35) in which a power feeding core (40) having a power feeding coil (39) for power feeding by non-contact electromagnetic induction action is attached to a power feeding head (37), and a power receiving head. And (47) a power receiver (45) to which a power receiving core (50) having a power receiving coil (49) that generates an induced electromotive force by non-contact electromagnetic induction action is attached. (30), the heat sink (52) provided with one surface in close contact with the power receiving core (50) , the other surface of the heat sink (52) attached via the space (54), and A ventilation cover (55) in which a large number of ventilation holes (55a) are formed. The ventilation cover (55) has a peripheral wall portion (57) and a protruding portion (58) at the peripheral edge portion and the central portion, respectively. Forming these peripheral walls (57) and Protrusion (58) in contact with the heat radiating plate (52), contactless power transmission apparatus in which the mounted with a space (54) between said heat radiating plate (52) (30) Is adopted.

The invention according to claim 3 is the power receiver (45) or the non-contact power transmission device (30) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat radiating plate (52) is formed of an aluminum plate. And

The invention according to claim 4 includes a link mechanism portion (3) attached to a user's joint portion, a drive portion (5) for driving the link mechanism portion (3) to assist the operation of the joint portion, and driving. claim 2 transmits power in a non-contact manner part (5), or a non-contact type power transmission device according to claim 3 and (30), adopting the Ru with a joint assist device (S).

  According to the present invention, one surface of the heat radiating plate is brought into close contact with the power receiving head substrate, and a ventilation cover in which a large number of air holes are formed with a fixed interval with respect to the other surface of the heat radiating plate is attached. Thus, the heat dissipation member can be reduced in size and weight, and the power receiving portion of the waterproof device can be radiated favorably.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the joint assistance apparatus provided with one Embodiment of the non-contact-type electric power transmission apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state with which the joint assistance apparatus provided with the non-contact-type electric power transmission apparatus of one Embodiment was mounted | worn by the user. It is the schematic which shows the example of installation of the electrical storage unit, control unit, and electric power supply unit in one Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which isolate | separated the electric power feeding unit and the receiving unit in the electric power supply unit of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which assembled | attached the electric power feeding unit and the receiving unit in the electric power supply unit of FIG. It is a front view which shows the cover for ventilation | gas_flowing of FIG. It is a rear view which shows the cover for ventilation | gas_flowing of FIG.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a joint assist device including an embodiment of a contactless power transmission apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 illustrates a joint assist device including the contactless power transmission apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an installation example of a power storage unit, a control unit, and a power supply unit in one embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power supply unit in the power supply unit of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the power reception unit is separated, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the power supply unit and the power reception unit are assembled in the power supply unit of FIG.

  In addition, embodiment described below is embodiment at the time of applying this invention as the joint assistance apparatus S which assists the motion of the joint in the knee part of a human body. Further, in the following description, the terms “front” and “rear” refer to cases where the user is front and rear.

−Outline of configuration and function of joint assist device−
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the joint assist device S of the present embodiment includes a drive unit 10 that is attached to both feet of the user 2, a power storage unit 20 that includes a storage battery, and a non-contact drive unit that uses electromagnetic induction. Power control unit 30 with a communication function for transmitting power from power storage unit 20 to 10 and transmitting a signal for driving control of drive unit 10, and overall control of each unit 10, 20, 30 And a control unit 60. Here, the power transmission unit 30 constitutes a non-contact power transmission apparatus of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drive units 10 are respectively attached to the thighs of both feet of the user 2 using a fixture (not shown) such as a surface bonding tape or a band.

  The power storage unit 20, the power transmission unit 30, and the control unit 60 are each electrically connected via a cable or the like (not shown), and are housed in a casing as shown in FIGS. The belt 70 is attached to the waist of the user 2. Each housing that houses the power storage unit 20 and the control unit 60 is detachably attached to the belt 70.

  First, a specific configuration and function of the drive unit 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive unit 10 includes a link mechanism unit 3 attached to a joint portion of the knee 2 a of the user 2 and a drive unit 5 for driving the link mechanism unit 3. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the link mechanism unit 3 includes, for example, a first link 3a attached to a side surface of the upper leg rest 6 wound around the user's thigh and a lower portion wound around the user's lower leg. A second link 3b attached to the side surface of the leg rest 7 and a third link that obtains power from the drive unit 5 constituted by a motor or the like and swings the second link 3b in the front-rear direction with respect to the first link 3a. 3c.

  The first link 3a is attached so as to extend from the user's thigh to the knee 2a, and the second link 3b is attached so as to extend from the user's knee 2a to the tip (ground) direction of the foot. The first link 3a and the second link 3b are connected to each other so as to be rotatable in the vicinity of the knee 2a of the user. One end of the third link 3c is connected to the tip of the second link 3b.

  Although not shown, each of the upper leg rest 6 and the lower leg rest 7 is configured to include a pair of leg rest members, and is wound so as to cover the thigh and lower leg portions of the user 2, It attaches so that attachment or detachment is possible with fixtures, such as a surface bonding tape and a band mentioned above.

  Further, the upper leg rest 6 and the lower leg rest 7 are formed by molding, for example, polypropylene (PP) resin or the like, and a cushioning member such as a stretchable sponge is provided at a portion in contact with the user's thigh. Is attached.

  Although not shown, the drive unit 5 includes a DC motor having a rotation mechanism and a drive control unit that drives and controls the DC motor at a predetermined rotation direction and speed. Moreover, the drive part 5 is accommodated in the inside of the housing | casing 5a kept airtight and liquid-tight, Therefore, the penetration | invasion of the water to the inside of the housing | casing 5a is prevented.

  The DC motor is connected to the other end of the third link 3c through a gear box whose rotation shaft includes a predetermined gear group. Then, the rotational driving force obtained by rotating the rotating shaft of the DC motor is converted into linear motion via the gear group and transmitted to the third link 3c, and the driving force is transmitted to the second link 3b. . And the 2nd link 3b is rock | fluctuated to the front-back direction with respect to the 1st link 3a with the rotation direction of a DC motor, and assists the motion of the joint in the knee part 2a of the user 2. FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 5 is electrically connected to the power transmission unit 30 via the cable 11, and the control unit 60 transmits power from the power storage unit 20 and is transmitted from the control unit 60. The drive control unit drives and controls the DC motor according to the signal, and operates the link mechanism unit 3.

  Next, a specific configuration and function of the power transmission unit 30 as a contactless power transmission device will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the power transmission unit 30 includes a power feeding housing 31 and a power receiving housing 32, which are detachably assembled by fitting means. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the power feeding housing 31 is fixedly attached to the belt 70, and the power receiving housing 32 is configured to be separable or assembled to the power feeding housing 31.

  As shown in FIG. 4, inside the power supply housing 31, the power supply unit 35 electrically connected to the power storage unit 20 and the control unit 60 via a conductor such as a cable (not shown), and the power supply unit 35 generates the power. A heat radiating plate 33 that transmits heat and a heat absorber 34 that absorbs heat from the heat radiating plate 33 are accommodated. On the other hand, a power receiving unit 45 connected to the drive unit 5 (for example, a DC motor) via a cable (not shown) is accommodated in the power receiving housing 32.

  The power feeding unit 35 includes a power feeding substrate 36 including a power feeding circuit for transmitting power to the power receiving unit 45 and a power feeding head 37. On the other hand, the power reception unit 45 includes a power reception head 47 for receiving power from the power supply unit 35. In the present embodiment, a power receiving board (not shown) including a power receiving circuit for supplying the power received by the power receiving head 47 to the drive unit 5 is housed in the housing 5 a together with the drive unit 5.

  The power supply head 37 includes a power supply unit 38 and a communication terminal (not shown) that transmits and receives information. The power supply unit 38 and the communication terminal are positioned on a glass epoxy substrate (not shown), for example, to supply power. It is fixed inside the housing 31.

  On the other hand, the power receiving head 47 includes a power receiving unit 48 and a communication terminal (not shown) that transmits and receives information. The power receiving unit 48 and the communication terminal are positioned on a substrate made of, for example, glass epoxy, and the inside of the power receiving housing 32. It is fixed to.

  The communication terminals provided in the power supply housing 31 and the power receiving housing 32 can transmit and receive predetermined information by communication (infrared communication or the like) using a predetermined wavelength using, for example, an IR-phototransistor or an IR-LED. It is configured.

  The power supply unit 38 and the power reception unit 48 respectively include an annular power supply coil 39 and a power reception coil 49, and a power supply core 40 and a power reception core 50 made of a magnetic material such as ferrite to which the power supply coil 39 and the power reception coil 49 are attached. Yes. The power feeding core 40 and the power receiving core 50 each have an annular recess, and a cylindrical protrusion is provided at the center of the recess. The power feeding coil 39 and the power receiving coil 49 are housed and disposed in a recess formed around the protrusion.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in a state where the power supply housing 31 and the power reception housing 32 are assembled, the power supply coil 39 and the power reception coil 49 are disposed so as to be close to each other and face each other on the same axis.

  During power feeding, an electromagnetic induction circuit is formed between the power feeding coil 39 and the power receiving coil 49 by applying a voltage to the power feeding coil 39 of the power feeding head 37, and the power receiving coil 49 is induced by the electromagnetic induction action. The power receiving unit 45 can receive power from the power feeding unit 35 in a non-contact manner.

  Similarly, the communication terminals of both the power supply housing 31 and the power receiving housing 32 are arranged so as to be close to each other and face the same axis in parallel, and predetermined information can be communicated with both communication terminals. ing.

  The power feeding unit 35, the power receiving unit 45, the communication terminal, and the power feeding board 36 are covered (molded) with a resin or the like on the basis of the height of the power feeding core 40 and the power receiving core 50, respectively. The power receiving unit 45 is integrally formed by disposing cover sheets 41 and 51 on surfaces facing each other, so that contacts and the like are not exposed to the outside. Thereby, it is possible to easily prevent water from entering the housing from the outside, and it is possible to prevent contact failure due to corrosion or rust.

  Further, inside the power supply housing 31, on the back side of the substrate on which the power supply unit 38 is provided, a heat radiating plate 33 is fixed inside the power supply housing 31 so as to be in contact with the substrate. A heat absorber 34 is disposed in the space surrounded by.

  For example, an aluminum plate is preferably used as the heat radiating plate 33, but other known metal materials having a function of transferring heat may be used.

  For the heat absorber 34, for example, a phase change material generally called PCM is used. This phase change material has a property of changing into a solid phase (solid) and a liquid phase (liquid) at a specified temperature.

  In the present embodiment, when PCM is used as the heat absorber, the upper limit temperature that allows contact with the human body is assumed to be 40 ° C., and considering that the power supply housing 31 is attached to the belt 70, the specified temperature is 48. It is possible to use PCM at about -50 ° C. In the case of PCM with a specified temperature of 48 ° C., it is solid at 48 ° C. or lower and liquid (gel) at higher temperature.

  On the other hand, one surface of a heat radiating plate 52 formed of a rectangular aluminum plate is disposed in close contact with the power receiving head 47 of the power receiving housing 32. The heat radiating plate 52 is held by a holding frame 53 formed in a rectangular frame shape. Further, a ventilation cover 55 made of ABS resin is attached to the power receiving housing 32 via a space portion 54 on the other surface of the heat radiating plate 52 by a fixing tool 56 such as four resin screws. Therefore, since the power receiving head 47 is bonded in advance to the heat radiating plate 52, the power receiving head 47, the heat radiating plate 52, the holding frame 53, and the ventilation cover 55 are integrated by the fixture 56. These are integrally fixed to the power feeding unit 35 using a fixing tool 59 (shown in FIG. 6) such as a resin screw.

  6 is a front view showing the ventilation cover of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the ventilation cover of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the ventilation cover 55 is formed with a large number of ventilation holes 55a arranged vertically and horizontally. These vent holes 55a communicate with a space portion 54 formed between the heat radiating plate 52 and the vent cover 55, respectively. In addition, the large number of vent holes 55a are set to have such a diameter that the user's 2 finger is not inserted. That is, the diameter of the large number of air holes 55a is smaller than the finger of the user 2, and is specifically set to 9 mm or less. And the distance of the cover part between the vent hole 55a and the vent hole 55a is set to 1 mm or more. Incidentally, if the distance is less than this distance, the ventilation cover 55 is made of ABS resin, so that there is a problem that it is easily damaged.

  As shown in FIG. 7, on the back surface (inner surface) of the ventilation cover 55, a peripheral wall portion 57 and a protruding portion 58 are formed at the peripheral edge portion and the central portion, respectively. It is formed in contact with the other surface. Since the peripheral wall portion 57 and the protruding portion 58 are formed on the ventilation cover 55, the space portion 54 is formed between the heat sink 52.

  Here, in the case of a method of transmitting power using a coil as in this embodiment, heat is generated by transmitting power. Since the heat also becomes a factor of deteriorating the power transmission efficiency, it is preferable to include a heat radiating means for radiating heat.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a ventilation cover in which one surface of the heat radiating plate 52 is provided in close contact with the power receiving head 47, and a large number of air holes 55 a are formed on the other surface of the heat radiating plate 52 through the space 54. 55 is attached, heat generated from the power receiving head 47 of the power receiving unit 40 is transmitted to the heat radiating plate 52, and the heat radiating plate 52 receives power by air flowing in from a large number of air holes 55 a of the ventilation cover 55. The part 40 can be radiated with high efficiency.

  Next, a specific configuration and function of the control unit will be described.

  The control unit 60 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) having a calculation function, a working RAM, and a ROM that stores various data and programs. The CPU executes various programs stored in the ROM, for example, thereby controlling each unit and overall control of the joint assisting device S as a whole. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the control unit 60 outputs a drive signal for driving and controlling the DC motor, such as the rotation direction and speed of the DC motor, to the power feeding unit 35. Yes. Further, the control unit 60 outputs a power control signal for controlling the power to be supplied to the power supply unit 35.

  The joint assist device S configured as described above is configured so that the power of the storage battery is supplied to the drive unit 5 in a non-contact manner by electromagnetic induction based on the power control signal output by the control unit 60, and based on the drive signal. The DC motor is driven at a predetermined number of revolutions to operate the link mechanism unit 3 to assist the movement of the knee of the user 2 and assist the user 2 in walking.

  That is, in the joint auxiliary device S of the present embodiment, the power of the power storage unit 20 is transmitted to the drive unit 5 in a non-contact manner, while the drive signal output from the control unit 60 is transmitted to the drive unit 5 to link the link mechanism unit 3. Is activated to assist the movement of the knee of the user 2 and assist the user 2 in walking.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, one surface of the heat radiating plate 52 is provided in close contact with the power receiving head 47, and a large number of air holes 55 a are formed on the other surface of the heat radiating plate 52 via the space portion 54. Since the ventilation cover 55 is attached, the heat dissipation member can be reduced in size and weight, and the power receiving portion of the waterproof device can be radiated favorably.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the ventilation cover 55 has the peripheral wall portion 57 and the protruding portion 58 formed at the peripheral portion and the central portion, respectively, and the peripheral wall portion 57 and the protruding portion 58 are brought into contact with the heat sink 52. Thus, even if a large number of ventilation holes 55 a are formed in the ventilation cover 55, the ventilation cover 55 can be maintained at a predetermined mechanical strength.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the ventilation hole 55a of the ventilation cover 55 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the fingers of the hand, so that the user 2 does not directly touch the heat radiating plate 52 and is reliable. Can increase the sex.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment, A various change is possible. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the casing of the power receiver is a male type and the casing of the power feeder is a female type. However, the casings may have opposite shapes. Moreover, although this non-contact-type electric power transmission apparatus was demonstrated as what is provided in a walking assistance apparatus, it is also possible to provide in apparatuses other than a walking assistance apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... User 3 ... Link mechanism part 5 ... Drive part 10 ... Drive unit 20 ... Power storage unit 30 ... Electric power transmission unit 31 ... Power supply housing 32 ... Power receiving housing 35 ... Power supply part 37 ... Power supply head 39 ... Power supply coil 40 ... Power supply core 45 ... Power receiving part 47 ... Power receiving head 49 ... Power receiving coil 50 ... Power receiving core 52 ... Heat sink 54 ... Space part 55 ... Ventilation cover 55a ... Vent hole 57 ... Peripheral wall part 58 ... Projection part

Claims (4)

In a power receiver in which a power receiving core having a power receiving coil that generates an induced electromotive force by non-contact electromagnetic induction action is attached to a power receiving head,
A heat sink provided with one surface in close contact with the power receiving core ;
A ventilation cover that is attached to the other surface of the heat dissipation plate via a space and has a large number of ventilation holes ,
The ventilation cover has a peripheral wall part and a protruding part at a peripheral part and a central part, respectively, and the peripheral wall part and the protruding part are brought into contact with the heat radiating plate, and the space part is provided between the heat radiating plate. A power receiver characterized by being attached . A power feeder in which a power feeding core having a power feeding coil for feeding power by non-contact electromagnetic induction action is attached to the power feeding head;
In a non-contact type power transmission device comprising a power receiving head, a power receiving core having a power receiving core having a power receiving coil that generates an induced electromotive force by a non-contact electromagnetic induction action,
A heat sink provided with one surface in close contact with the power receiving core ;
A ventilation cover that is attached to the other surface of the heat dissipation plate via a space and has a large number of ventilation holes ,
The ventilation cover has a peripheral wall part and a protruding part at a peripheral part and a central part, respectively, and the peripheral wall part and the protruding part are brought into contact with the heat radiating plate, and the space part is provided between the heat radiating plate. A non-contact power transmission device characterized by being attached . In the power receiver or the non-contact power transmission device according to claim 1 or 2,
The power radiator or the non-contact power transmission device, wherein the heat radiating plate is formed of an aluminum plate. A link mechanism attached to the joint of the user;
A drive unit that drives the link mechanism unit to assist the operation of the joint unit;
The contactless power transmission device according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein power is transmitted to the drive unit in a contactless manner.
A joint assisting device comprising:

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