Wireless power transfer apparatus for automated logistics systems

CN122844478APending Publication Date: 2026-09-29GREEN POWER
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202610224502.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-03-26
Filing Date
2026-02-25
Publication Date
2026-09-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

在此情况下,缺点是需要长长地设置高额的延长线,且具有较多的用于设置延长线的电缆托盘、电缆管道、设置人工费等附加费用

Benefits of technology

[0025]以往的用于物流自动化装置的无线电力传输装置中,供电线与逆变器之间的距离远且相互隔开,因此,连接供电线与逆变器的延长线的长度长且成本高,具有维护不便且维护的耗时长的问题,但本发明中,将逆变器直接贴在轨道的侧面,可自动将发生故障的逆变器更换为新逆变器,因此,可实现相当多的成本减少、维护的自动化以及快速的维护,从而具有提高物流自动化装置的效率的效果。

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a wireless power transmission device which transmits power to one or more than one transfer car moving along a track in a non-contact manner by magnetic induction. The wireless power transmission device of the new structure is characterized in that an inverter is arranged at the side of the track, the extension line can be cancelled to reduce the cost, and the input terminal and the output terminal of the inverter can be assembled and disassembled by a connecting unit, so that when the inverter fails, the AS uses the transfer car to take out the inverter which fails and moves to a storage part, a new inverter is transferred and arranged at the position of the inverter which fails, so as to realize automatic maintenance.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wireless power transmission device that transmits power non-contactly to one or more transport vehicles moving along a track via magnetic induction. More specifically, when implementing the wireless power transmission device, the inverter is positioned on the side of the track, eliminating the need for long extension cables connecting the inverter and the power supply track, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, the input and output terminals of the inverter can be detached via a connection unit. Thus, when an inverter fails, the transport vehicle removes the faulty inverter and moves it to an inverter storage unit, where a new inverter is transferred and placed at the location of the faulty inverter, thereby achieving automatic maintenance. Background Technology

[0002] The following content provides background information related to this embodiment only and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Wireless power transmission devices that transmit power to a moving vehicle along a track in a non-contact manner have the advantages of not generating dust and increasing speed due to the absence of mechanical contact. Therefore, they are widely used in cleanroom environments such as semiconductor and LCD production lines.

[0004] The wireless power transmission device includes: a power supply line; an inverter for directing high-frequency current to the power supply line; a collector coil (pick-up device) for obtaining an induced electromotive force from a high-frequency magnetic field generated in the power supply line; a rectifier for rectifying the voltage induced in the collector coil; and a regulator for constantly controlling the rectified DC voltage as appropriate.

[0005] In addition to semiconductor or display production lines, battery production lines, logistics centers, and other similar facilities rely on wireless power transmission devices for their operation. Even a momentary power outage can lead to huge losses, thus requiring the unparalleled reliability of wireless power transmission devices.

[0006] When there are multiple transport vehicles on a power supply line, if the inverter fails, all transport vehicles on that power supply line will inevitably stop. Therefore, the inverter can be regarded as the part that has the greatest impact on reliability in wireless power transmission devices.

[0007] To address this issue, a fail-over technology has been proposed. When two wireless power transmission devices are installed, each power supply line connects to two independent inverters that apply AC power, and two power supply units (resonant unit and power supply line) are connected to the output terminals of each inverter via switches. If one of the two inverters fails, the output switch of the failed inverter is turned off, and the connection switch connecting the input terminals of the two power supply units is turned on. This allows the output of the unfailed inverter to be supplied to both power supply units, enabling one inverter to drive both power supply units and ensuring that both power supply lines receive the supplied power smoothly.

[0008] In addition, semiconductor production lines typically consist of a Fab layer, an intermediate layer, and a lower layer. The Fab layer contains various process equipment and serves as the site for actual semiconductor processes, comprised of highly cleanrooms. The Fab layer includes an Overhead Hoist Transfer (OHT) system, which transports and loads semiconductor wafers into front-opening unified pods (FOUPs). A spiderweb-like network of tracks is laid on the ceiling of the Fab layer for the OHT to navigate. To maintain cleanliness, power is supplied to the OHT via a wireless power transmission device capable of non-contact power delivery. The wireless power transmission device for the OHT includes: a power supply line arranged along the tracks to form a closed loop; an inverter that directs high-frequency current to the power supply line; and an extension line connecting the power supply line and the inverter. The OHT is equipped with a collector that receives power from the high-frequency current flowing through the power supply line via magnetic induction, thereby receiving the power used to drive the OHT.

[0009] Due to the high cost of cleanrooms, it's difficult to install inverters within them. Therefore, they are primarily located at the bottom of the lower level. Extension cables connected to the inverter output rise to the ceiling of the lower level, then move horizontally through an intermediate level, ascend to the fab level, and finally rise along conduits to the tracks. The disadvantages of this approach are the need for long and expensive extension cables, and the additional costs associated with cable trays, conduits, and labor. Furthermore, in the event of an inverter or power supply failure, the lower level is not visible from the fab level, making after-sales service (AS) inconvenient.

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, there is also the possibility of embedding inverters into the walls of the Fab layer. However, this still requires relatively long extension lines, thus failing to be a perfect solution. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a novel wireless power transmission device. This device utilizes an ultra-miniature inverter manufactured and mounted on the side of the OHT track, thereby eliminating the need for extension cables and reducing costs. Furthermore, the inverter is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing the OHT to move and detach the corresponding inverter when it malfunctions, relocate and install a new inverter, thus achieving automated and unmanned inverter operation (AS).

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] To achieve the objectives described above, the wireless power transmission device of the present invention, which transmits electricity non-contactly to multiple transfer vehicles moving along a track via magnetic induction, is characterized in that...

[0015] include:

[0016] The power supply line is laid along the aforementioned track, forming a closed loop;

[0017] The power supply track is formed by multiple power supply line loops arranged sequentially along the track.

[0018] An inverter that supplies alternating current to each of the aforementioned power lines;

[0019] Inverter bracket, which is provided on the side of the aforementioned track, for placing the aforementioned inverter;

[0020] Multiple connection units, the power supply line is connected to the inverter bracket, the inverter is placed in the inverter bracket, and the connection units connect the input and output terminals of the inverter to the inverter bracket in a manner that allows the inverter to be installed and removed.

[0021] A transfer vehicle, used to replace the aforementioned inverter;

[0022] The central controller remotely controls the entire transfer vehicle and the aforementioned integrated inverter, and monitors various data.

[0023] In the event of a failure in one of the aforementioned inverters, the central controller detects the failure and commands the transfer vehicle to move to the location of the faulty inverter. The faulty inverter is then separated from the inverter bracket and moved to the inverter storage unit. A new inverter stored in the inverter storage unit is transferred and placed on the inverter bracket of the faulty inverter, and connected to the connection unit, thereby automatically replacing the faulty inverter with a new one.

[0024] Invention Effects

[0025] In conventional wireless power transmission devices used in logistics automation equipment, the distance between the power supply line and the inverter is long and they are separated from each other. Therefore, the extension cable connecting the power supply line and the inverter is long and costly, and has the problems of inconvenient and time-consuming maintenance. However, in this invention, the inverter is directly attached to the side of the track, and the faulty inverter can be automatically replaced with a new one. Therefore, it can achieve a significant reduction in cost, automation of maintenance, and rapid maintenance, thereby improving the efficiency of logistics automation equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a conventional structural diagram of a wireless power transmission device used in logistics automation equipment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure of a semiconductor production line and the configuration of automated logistics equipment and inverters.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the OHT (Outlet Transporter) used as a transport vehicle for FOUP (Fouplets) in a semiconductor production line and the side rail buffer (STB) used as a storage space for FOUP.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an illustrative diagram of an inverter and a transfer vehicle placed on the side of a track according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 A diagram showing a connector structure according to an embodiment of the present invention as a detachable connection unit.

[0031] Figure 6 This is an embodiment of the invention that utilizes the side arm of a transfer vehicle and a hoist to replace the inverter.

[0032] Figure 7 This is an embodiment of the parallel operation of multiple inverters placed on the side of the track according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a modularly separated inverter placed on the side of a track according to the present invention.

[0034] Figures 9 to 11 The diagram illustrates the structure of the transfer vehicle and bracket for horizontally placing an inverter according to the present invention, and the method for horizontally placing the inverter.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0036] 100: Track 110: Power supply line

[0037] 112: Input power cable; 13: Thermal induction wire

[0038] 120, 320, 730, 820: Inverter; 130: Extension cable

[0039] 132: Terminal block; 140: Transfer vehicle

[0040] 200: Side rail buffer (STB) 202: FOUP

[0041] 300, 800: Inverter brackets; 310, 810: AS dedicated transfer vehicle

[0042] 300_1, 300_2, 300_3: Separate inverter bracket assemblies

[0043] 400, 410, 822, 824: Bracket connectors

[0044] 500: Female connector; 510: Male connector

[0045] 512: Bracket

[0046] 600, 812: Horizontal boom; 610: Lifting hoist

[0047] 720: Parallel connection cable; 721: Parallel connection thermal induction wire.

[0048] 730_1: Input module; 730_2: Control module

[0049] 730_3: Output module; 732: Connecting cable

[0050] 734: Signal line

[0051] 802, 813: Roller tracks; 804, 814: Vertical inclined surfaces

[0052] 806, 816: Horizontal inclined surface; 826: Vertical roller

[0053] 828: Guide roller; 829: Inverter connector. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description is merely exemplary and illustrates only the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] A wireless power transmission device that transmits power non-contactly to multiple transport vehicles moving along a track via magnetic induction typically includes: power lines arranged along the track to form a closed loop; a power track consisting of multiple power line loops connected sequentially along the track; an inverter that supplies high-frequency current to each power line; an extension line that connects the power lines and the inverter; and a collector located on the transport vehicle that collects power from the power track via magnetic induction.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a conventional wireless power transmission device. (Refer to...) Figure 1 Multiple power supply lines 110 forming a closed loop are sequentially arranged along the track 100 and connected to an inverter 120 via an extension line 130. The inverter 120 directs high-frequency current to each power supply line 110. The extension line 130 is connected to the power supply line 110 via a terminal block 132 and is typically made of a non-inductive cable such as a coaxial cable.

[0057] Figure 2 The structure of a semiconductor production line is shown. A semiconductor production line typically consists of a Fab layer, an intermediate layer, and a lower layer. The Fab layer contains various process equipment and serves as the site for actual semiconductor processes, consisting of highly cleanrooms. The Fab layer includes OHT 140s, which act as transport equipment for FOUPs (Front-Up Units) carrying semiconductor wafers. A spiderweb-like network of tracks 100 is laid on the ceiling of the Fab layer for the OHT 140s to travel on. The OHT 140 is a type of transport vehicle. To maintain cleanliness, power is supplied to the OHT 140s via wireless power transmission devices capable of non-contact power delivery. The wireless power transmission devices for the OHTs are arranged along the tracks 100, with power lines 110 forming a closed loop.

[0058] Due to the high cost of cleanrooms, it is difficult to install the inverter 120 within them. Therefore, it is primarily located in the lower layer. The extension cable 130 connected to the output of the inverter 120 rises to the ceiling of the lower layer via cable trays, moves horizontally within the intermediate layer, rises to the Fab layer, and then ascends along a conduit to the track 100. A terminal block 132 is typically used on the track 100 for connection to the power supply line 110. The disadvantages of this configuration are the need for long and expensive extension cables, and the additional costs associated with cable trays, conduits, and installation labor. Furthermore, when the inverter 120 or power supply line 110 malfunctions, the lower layer is not visible from the Fab layer, making after-sales service (AS) inconvenient.

[0059] Typically, OHT logistics automation equipment includes multiple transfer vehicles and multiple inverters, and includes a central controller (not shown) that communicates with the aforementioned transfer vehicles and inverters to send and receive various data and issue commands.

[0060] Figure 3 The image shows an actual picture of the OHT 140, which serves as a transport vehicle for FOUPs in a semiconductor production line, the track 100 on which the OHT 140 travels, and the side track buffers (STBs) 200 located on both sides of the track 100 as spaces for temporary storage of FOUPs 202.

[0061] The OHT 140 transfers multiple wafer fodder units (FOUPs) 202 from one process unit to another as needed. To improve efficiency, a side rail buffer 200 is provided on the upper part of the unit to temporarily store the FOUPs 202. The FOUPs 202 are then quickly transferred to the process unit as needed. The present invention aims to provide a wireless power transmission device utilizing a novel structure of the OHT 140 and the side rail buffer 200 as described above.

[0062] Figure 4 According to the present invention, a wireless power transmission device is constructed with an inverter 320 in an ultra-miniature form, which is then positioned on the side of an OHT rail 100, thereby directly connecting to the power supply line 110. In this configuration, no separate extension cable is required, thus resulting in a significant cost reduction. More specifically, refer to... Figure 4 An inverter bracket 300 capable of holding an inverter 320 is disposed on the side of the track 100, so that the input and output terminals of the inverter 320 are connected to the inverter bracket 300 through a detachable connection unit, so that the inverter 320 can be installed and removed from the inverter bracket 300.

[0063] The inverter bracket 300 directly utilizes the side rail buffer 200 used to store the existing FOUP 202 on the side of the rail. The power supply line 110 and the input power cable 112 are connected to the bottom surface of the side rail buffer, and the inverter 320 is placed there. The input and output terminals of the inverter 320 can be connected to the inverter bracket 300 through a detachable connection unit. Figure 4 In this diagram, only the bracket connection units 400 and 410 implemented on the inverter bracket 300 are shown as connection units; corresponding inverter connection units may also be provided on the inverter 320. Furthermore, a thermal sensing wire 113 may be connected to the inverter bracket 300.

[0064] Preferably, the inverter bracket 300 is positioned at both ends of the power supply line closed loop in the track 100. The inverter bracket 300 can be configured at a specified distance from the track 100 to avoid physical interference with the transfer vehicle 310.

[0065] In another embodiment, when inverter 320 fails, maintenance personnel can climb a ladder to manually replace it. In this case, given the ultra-miniaturized manufacturing of inverter 320, replacement is not difficult.

[0066] The wireless power transmission device according to the present invention can utilize a central controller (not shown) included in a logistics system to remotely control the overall transfer vehicle and the overall inverter, and monitor various data. For example, in the event of a failure in one of the multiple inverters, the central controller detects the failure and commands the transfer vehicle to move to the location of the failed inverter, detach the failed inverter from the inverter holder 300, and move it to the inverter storage section (not shown). A new inverter stored in the inverter storage section is then moved, installed, and connected to the failed inverter holder 300, thereby automatically replacing the failed inverter with a new one.

[0067] Furthermore, in this invention, an AS-specific transport vehicle 310 is required for replacing the inverter 320. This is because when the inverter 320 malfunctions, power cannot be supplied to the power supply line 110 connected to the inverter 320, thus presenting a problem that cannot be addressed by a regular transport vehicle 140. The AS-specific transport vehicle 310 used for inverter replacement needs to include its own energy storage device to operate even without inductive power supply, and may also require additional structures or functions for inverter replacement. However, if a regular transport vehicle includes an energy storage device by default, it can be used for inverter replacement.

[0068] Furthermore, compared to transport vehicles used for transferring logistics, the AS dedicated transport vehicle 310 allows for a larger drive unit and frame, as well as increased load-bearing capacity, to transport inverters that are heavier and larger than the objects being transported.

[0069] In addition, in this invention, two or more AS-dedicated transfer vehicles 310 are set up. When a specific inverter fails, the central controller dispatches two AS-dedicated transfer vehicles at the same time, one empty and the other loaded with a new inverter. After the faulty inverter is removed, a new inverter is immediately set up, thereby minimizing the inverter replacement time.

[0070] Figure 5 The connector structure is shown as an embodiment of a detachable connection unit. In this case, a female connector 500 and a male connector 510 are respectively provided in the inverter 320 and the inverter bracket 300, and the connectors can be engaged by pressure. Figure 5 In cases where the female connector 500 and male connector 510 are not properly aligned or vibration occurs, the contact force will weaken. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a connector support 512 made of a soft material in at least one of the female connector 500 and male connector 510. Even so, in the event of poor contact in the connector, there is a risk of overheating and fire. Therefore, an overheat sensor (not shown) can be provided to prevent overheating and fire.

[0071] Hereinafter, connectors will be used to represent connection units. However, the connection units described above are not limited to the form of connectors.

[0072] Figure 6 This is an embodiment of the invention that utilizes the side arm of a transfer vehicle and a hoist to replace the inverter.

[0073] Figure 6 In this context, the AS dedicated transfer vehicle 310 can utilize existing transfer vehicles for transferring FOUPs. (See reference...) Figure 6 The AS-specific transfer vehicle 310 moves the inverter 320 to the position of the inverter bracket 300. After extending the horizontal arm 600, the hoist 610 lowers the inverter 320 to place it. Input connectors can be installed on the inverter 320 to receive single-phase AC input, three-phase AC input, or DC input. As output connectors, two high-frequency AC output connectors are needed to receive the output of the inverter 320. However, the contact resistance of the connectors increases due to the high-frequency current; therefore, two or more connectors can be connected in parallel to form a single connector. Additionally, the power supply line 110 can be configured as one turn or two turns. In the case of a two-turn configuration, at least four output connectors are required.

[0074] In addition, a heat-sensing wire for detecting the heat of the power supply line 110 needs to be connected, but since the current is not large, it can be composed of two small connectors.

[0075] In addition, connectors may be provided for connecting the inverter 320 to external sensors, or for communication cables, which are used to connect the inverter 320 to external devices for communication. In this case, a connector that corresponds exactly to the connector provided on the inverter 320 may be provided in the inverter bracket 300.

[0076] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the inverter bracket according to the present invention is shown.

[0077] The size or weight of inverters that can be transported using the AS dedicated transfer vehicle 310 is considerably limited. In such cases, even maximizing inverter capacity may not yield the required capacity. In this situation, such as... Figure 7As shown, multiple small-capacity inverters 320 are placed in adjacent brackets 300_1 and 300_2, and their input and output connectors are connected in parallel via parallel connection cables 720 to achieve the required inverter capacity. At this time, the thermal sensing wire 721 can also be connected in parallel along with the parallel connection cables 720. In this configuration, in addition to the input and output connectors, each inverter also has a synchronous inverter output and can share signal lines for transmitting and receiving various data. Therefore, a separate connector (not shown) for signals may also be included.

[0078] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the inverter bracket according to the present invention is shown.

[0079] Reference Figure 8 In cases where the required inverter capacity is difficult to obtain due to size or weight limitations of the inverters that can be transported using the AS dedicated transfer vehicle 310, such as Figure 8 As shown, an inverter 730 is divided into multiple modules 730_1, 730_2, and 730_3. Input / output connectors are installed on each module 730_1, 730_2, and 730_3, and these modules are placed sequentially on adjacent brackets 300_1, 300_2, and 300_3. The connectors of each module are then connected in series on the brackets via connecting cables 732 to obtain the required inverter capacity. The inverter 730 is described using a circuit diagram, as follows: Figure 8 As shown in (c), the inverter 730 can be divided into an input module 730_1, which includes an input circuit breaker, EMI filter, fuse, switch, etc.; a control module 730_2, which includes a rectifier, inverter, controller, etc.; and an output module 730_3, which includes a resonant section, switch, etc. In this case, a connector (not shown) for transmitting and receiving signals between the modules and a signal line 734 may also be included.

[0080] In another embodiment, the inverter is divided into multiple modules so that the AS-dedicated transfer vehicle 310 can meet the size or weight limitations for transfer. The input module 730_1 and output module 730_3, which have a low probability of failure, are fixed to the inverter bracket. Only the control module 730_2, which has a high probability of failure, is provided with a separate connector, and the configuration is designed for easy assembly and disassembly. In this case, a connector corresponding to the control module 730_2 also needs to be provided in the bracket. By replacing only the control module using the transfer vehicle, a high-capacity inverter can be achieved.

[0081] Figures 9 to 11 The diagram illustrates the structure of the transfer vehicle and bracket for horizontally placing the inverter according to the present invention, and the method for horizontally placing the inverter.

[0082] first, Figure 9 The following structure is shown: When constructing the AS dedicated transfer vehicle 810, in order to accommodate a larger inverter 820, the hoist inside the transfer vehicle 810 is removed, and the upper horizontal arm 812 extending to the side is rotated to the side of the inverter 820, gripping both sides of the inverter 820 and extending the arm 812, thereby maximizing the use of the internal space of the transfer vehicle 810.

[0083] Therefore, referring to Figures 9 to 11 Multiple rollers 826 and 828 are provided on both sides of the inverter 820. Roller tracks 802 and 813 that enable the rollers 826 and 828 to roll can be provided on both sides of the AS-dedicated transfer vehicle 810 and both sides of the bracket 800. The roller tracks 802 and 813 can be widened by setting vertical inclined surfaces 804 and 814 and horizontal inclined surfaces 806 and 816, so that even if there is a level or greater error in the alignment of the AS-dedicated transfer vehicle 810 and the inverter bracket 800, the rollers can roll in smoothly.

[0084] Therefore, referring to Figure 10 When the horizontal arms 812 located on both sides of the AS-dedicated transfer vehicle 810 push the inverter 820 into the bracket, it can roll from the transfer vehicle 810 into the inverter bracket 800 via rollers 826 and 828 located on the inverter 820. In this case, the inverter connector 829 is located on the side of the inverter 820, and corresponding bracket connectors 822 and 824 can be located on the opposite side of the inverter bracket 800. That is, the horizontal arms 812 push the inverter 820 into the inverter bracket 800, and a connector is located at the end, so that the inverter can be pushed with greater force at the end, thereby allowing the connector to engage.

[0085] When the inverter is powerfully pushed by the horizontal arm 812, the AS-specific transfer vehicle 810 will tilt to the opposite side of the arm extension. To prevent this problem, a protrusion (not shown) is protruding on the upper part of the opposite side of the arm extension of the AS-specific transfer vehicle 810 to push the opposite side track, thereby preventing the transfer vehicle from tilting to the opposite side.

[0086] Additionally, the inverter bracket 800 may include a fixing wedge (not shown) that, after the inverter 820 is placed, fixes the inverter 820 to prevent it from rolling off.

[0087] Even if the AS dedicated transfer vehicle 810 holds the inverter on both sides, there is still a risk that the inverter will fall off. Therefore, a structure may be included to block the bottom of the AS dedicated transfer vehicle 810.

[0088] When implementing the wireless power transmission device according to the present invention, if the inverter is replaced while the power is on, sparks or arcs will occur at the connector, leading to additional faults or secondary damage. To solve the above problem, the inverter includes an input circuit breaker that operates via an external on / off signal. The AS-specific transfer vehicle includes a unit capable of sending an on / off signal to the input circuit breaker. Before the AS-specific transfer vehicle separates the faulty inverter from the bracket, the input circuit breaker is turned off before separation. When replacing with a new inverter, the replacement is performed with the input circuit breaker in the off state. After the replacement is completed, an on signal is sent to the input circuit breaker to turn it on, thereby starting the new inverter.

[0089] The AS dedicated transfer vehicle can send on / off signals to the inverter's circuit breaker using units such as ultraviolet light, Zigbee technology, or ultrasound.

[0090] Furthermore, when two inverters are installed in adjacent inverter brackets to drive two power supply lines adjacent to track 100, a fault-switching unit (not shown) can be installed in the bracket adjacent to the two inverters so that when one inverter fails, the remaining inverter can drive the power supply line connected to the failed inverter. The fault-switching unit includes a switch box that enables it. The fault-switching unit is connected to the output terminals of the two inverters via connectors, and the output terminals of the fault-switching unit are connected to the two power supply lines.

[0091] In this scenario, the following advantages are available: the power supply line can continue to operate uninterrupted even if one of the inverters fails, thus enabling uninterrupted operation and automatic replacement of the faulty inverter. Furthermore, the transfer device requires no additional energy storage.

[0092] In a logistics system including the wireless power transmission device of the present invention, if one of the inverters fails and is unable to supply power to the power supply line of a specific section, all transport vehicles will stop when entering that section, and AS-dedicated transport vehicles will also have difficulty entering. Therefore, the central controller stores the power supply track information supplied by each inverter. When a specific inverter fails, the central controller can issue a command to the entire mobile unit to prohibit entry into the power supply track connected to the inverter that failed.

[0093] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings. Although specific terminology is used, these terms are merely for the purpose of illustrating the technical content of the present invention and aiding in understanding the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that other modifications based on the technical concept of the present invention can be applied in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system, wherein the wireless power transmission device transmits power to multiple transfer vehicles moving along a track in a non-contact manner via magnetic induction, characterized in that, include: The power supply line is arranged along the track to form a closed loop; The power supply track is formed by multiple power supply line loops arranged sequentially along the track; An inverter that supplies alternating current to each of the power supply lines; An inverter bracket is provided on the side of the track to hold the inverter; Multiple connection units are provided, the power supply line is connected to the inverter bracket, the inverter is placed in the inverter bracket, and the multiple connection units connect the input and output terminals of the inverter to the inverter bracket in a manner that allows the inverter to be detached. A transfer vehicle used to replace the inverter; The central controller remotely controls the entire transfer vehicle and the overall inverter, and monitors various data. In the event of a failure in one of the plurality of inverters, the central controller detects the failure and commands the transfer vehicle to move to the location of the failed inverter, detach the failed inverter from the inverter bracket and move it to the inverter storage section, transfer a new inverter stored in the inverter storage section and place it on the inverter bracket of the failed inverter and connect it to the connection unit, thereby automatically replacing the failed inverter with a new inverter.

2. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer vehicle used for replacing the inverter is an AS-specific transfer vehicle. Unlike transport vehicles used for transferring logistics, the AS-specific transport vehicle includes an internal energy storage device, enabling it to operate for a certain period of time without inductive power supply.

3. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inverter bracket is positioned at both ends of the closed loop of the power supply line in the track. The inverter bracket is configured at a specified distance from the track to avoid physical interference with the transfer vehicle.

4. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection unit is configured in the form of a connector. The multiple connectors located on the inverter and the multiple connectors located on the inverter bracket are connected and disconnected from each other.

5. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inverter includes the connection unit on its lower side. The inverter bracket includes a connection unit corresponding to the connection unit of the inverter. The transfer vehicle includes a horizontally extending boom and a hoist. When the transfer vehicle lifts and moves the inverter using a hoist and places it on the inverter bracket, the inverter is moved above the inverter bracket by extending the horizontal moving arm to the side. Then, the hoist is used to place the inverter on the inverter bracket and connect the connection unit.

6. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inverter includes the connection unit on its side, and the inverter bracket includes connection units corresponding to the connection units of the inverter. The transfer vehicle includes an arm that extends to the side, thereby moving the inverter and pushing it from the side into the inverter bracket.

7. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transfer vehicle includes roller tracks on both sides inside. The inverter includes vertical rollers and guide rollers on both sides that can roll on the roller track. The inverter bracket includes roller tracks corresponding to the vertical rollers and guide rollers of the inverter, making it easy for the inverter to roll from the transfer vehicle into the inverter bracket.

8. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The roller tracks installed on the transfer vehicle and the inverter bracket are widened by setting vertical and horizontal inclined surfaces, so that the rollers can roll in smoothly even if the alignment of the transfer vehicle and the inverter bracket has an error of more than a specified level.

9. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inverter bracket includes a fixing wedge, which, after the inverter is placed, secures the inverter to prevent it from rolling off.

10. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 4, characterized in that, To prevent misalignment of the male and female connectors after they are joined together or vibration from reducing the connection force of the connectors, the connector of the inverter or the connector of the bracket includes a connector support made of soft material on at least one side of the male and female connectors.

11. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection unit includes an overheat detection sensor that disconnects the inverter when overheating occurs due to poor contact.

12. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inverter consists of small-capacity inverters within the size or weight limits that the transfer vehicle can transport. Multiple small-capacity inverters are placed in multiple inverter brackets, and the input and output terminals of the multiple inverters are connected in parallel within the multiple inverter brackets to obtain the required capacity.

13. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inverter is divided into multiple modules to meet the size or weight limitations that the transfer vehicle can transport. The connection unit is set at the input and output ends of each module, and multiple inverter brackets with connection units corresponding to each module are configured to place the multiple modules in sequence. The modules are connected in the multiple inverter brackets to form an inverter with a large capacity.

14. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inverter is divided into multiple modules to meet the size or weight limitations that the transfer vehicle can transport. The input modules, including the input circuit breaker, EMI filter, MC, and fuse, which have a low probability of failure, and the output modules, including the resonant circuit and various sensors, are fixed in the inverter bracket. Only the control modules, including the rectifier, inverter, and controller, which have a high probability of failure, are provided with separate connection units. Corresponding connection units are also provided in the inverter bracket, so that only the control modules can be replaced by the transfer vehicle.

15. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inverter includes an input circuit breaker that can be operated by an external on / off signal. The transfer vehicle includes a unit capable of sending an open / close signal to the input circuit breaker. Before the transfer vehicle separates the faulty inverter from the inverter bracket, the input circuit breaker is turned off before separation. When replacing with a new inverter, the replacement is performed with the input circuit breaker in the closed state. After the replacement is completed, an open signal is sent to the input circuit breaker to open the input circuit breaker and start the new inverter.

16. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method by which the transfer vehicle sends an on / off signal to the circuit breaker of the inverter uses units such as ultraviolet light, purple bee technology, and ultrasound.

17. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, To drive two adjacent power supply lines, two inverters are placed in the inverter bracket, and a fault switching unit connected to the output terminals of the two inverters is also provided so that when one inverter fails, the remaining inverter can drive the power supply line connected to the faulty inverter.

18. The wireless power transmission device for an automated logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central controller stores the power supply rail information supplied by each inverter. When a specific inverter fails, the central controller issues a command to the entire mobile unit to prohibit entry into the power supply rail connected to the faulty inverter.