Abstract: A charging system is used for contactless transfer of electric power from a charging unit to a mobile unit. The system includes a first substantially U-shaped ferrite core which is operable to be located within the charging unit. The first core includes a base area and two leg areas. Each leg area of the first core includes a pole face. A first winding is arranged on the base area of the first ferrite core. The system also includes a second substantially U-shaped ferrite core which is operable to be located within a mobile unit. The second core includes a base area and two leg areas. Each leg area of the second core includes a pole face. A second winding is arranged on the base area of the second ferrite core. The first ferrite core has larger cross-sectional dimensions than the second ferrite core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a charging unit used for a contactless transfer of electric power to a mobile unit, a complementary power absorbing device and a charging system. The charging unit transfers by means of an alternating magnetic field electric power from at least one primary winding to at least one secondary winding arranged in said mobile unit, and comprises a substantially U-shaped ferrite core which comprises a base area and two leg areas, each provided with a pole face, and which has the primary winding arranged thereon. In order to provide a charging unit for a contactless transfer of electric power to a mobile unit, an associated power absorbing device and a charging system, which permit an improved magnetic coupling between the primary side and the secondary side and consequently an improved power transfer, the primary winding is arranged on the base area of the U-shaped ferrite core.