Power receiving device

Abstract

To meet the need for provision of technology pertaining to stable supply of power to a target apparatus in a power receiving device for contactlessly receiving the power from electric wires.SOLUTION: Provided is a power receiving device 1 for contactlessly receiving power from an electric wire where AC current flows and supplying the power to a target apparatus P, the power receiving device provided with a coupler unit 10 which is installed while its position relative to the electric wire is fixed. The coupler unit 10 includes a magnetic core 11 disposed so as to enclose the electric wire, and a coil 12 wound around the magnetic core. The magnetic core 11 includes a first core part 13 and a second core part 14 which are respectively divided on a core dividing face 3. A facing surface 14a of the second core part 14, which is located along the core dividing surface 3 and facing the first core part 13 side, is formed in a planar shape, and a non-magnetic body 4 composed of a non-magnetic material is located along the facing surface 14a so as to cover the facing surface 14a and is sandwiched between the first core part 13 and the second core part 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power receiving device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2006-141115 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique related to a power receiving device. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The power receiving device (power supply device 30) of Patent Document 1 includes a coupler unit (non-contact power supply transformer 2) arranged on a power supply line (1). The coupler unit includes a magnetic core (core 4) and a coil (pickup coil 3) wound around the magnetic core. The magnetic core is arranged to surround the power supply line (1). Then, a magnetic flux generated by a current flowing through the power supply line (1) passes through the magnetic core, thereby supplying power to the coil in a non-contact manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-141115 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned power receiving device, in order to extract more power from the power supply line, it is preferable to collect more magnetic flux in the magnetic core and increase the induced electromotive force. On the other hand, if the magnetic flux density increases, the magnetic core becomes more likely to become magnetically saturated, which may make it difficult to extract power stably. If the magnetic core becomes magnetically saturated, an overcurrent may flow through the coil, which may damage the power receiving device itself. It is possible to avoid magnetic saturation by enlarging the magnetic core or using a magnetic core with good magnetic performance, but this leads to problems such as an increase in the size and cost of the power receiving device.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a technology for a power receiving device that receives power contactlessly from an electric wire, to stably supply power to a target device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A power receiving device according to the present disclosure is a power receiving device that receives power in a non-contact manner from an electric wire through which an alternating current flows and supplies the power to a target device, a coupler unit that is installed in a state where its position is fixed relative to the electric wire; the coupler unit includes a magnetic core arranged to surround the electric wire, and a coil wound around the magnetic core, The magnetic core includes a first core portion and a second core portion separated from each other by a core separation surface, In the second core portion, an opposing surface that is disposed along the core division surface and faces the first core portion is formed in a flat shape, A non-magnetic body made of a non-magnetic material is disposed along the opposing surface so as to cover the opposing surface, and is sandwiched between the first core portion and the second core portion.

[0008] According to this configuration, the magnetic core is divided into a first core part and a second core part, and the non-magnetic material is arranged to cover the opposing surface of the second core part and is sandwiched between the first core part and the second core part, so that the first core part and the second core part are not continuously connected. This makes it possible to increase the magnetic resistance of the magnetic core and make the magnetic core less likely to become magnetically saturated. Therefore, it is possible to make it less likely that the inductance of the coil will suddenly decrease due to magnetic saturation of the magnetic core, causing an overcurrent to flow in the coil, and it is easy to stabilize the current taken out of the coil. In addition, according to this configuration, by adjusting the thickness of the non-magnetic material in advance, the magnitude of the magnetic resistance (magnitude of magnetic permeability) of the magnetic core can be adjusted, making it easier to reduce variation in the characteristics of the power receiving device. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since the facing surface of the second core part is formed in a flat shape and the non-magnetic body made of a non-magnetic material is arranged along the facing surface so as to cover the facing surface, it is easy to simplify the shape of the second core part and to make the shape of the non-magnetic body flat. Therefore, it is easy to simplify the shape and structure of the non-magnetic body and also to simplify the installation work of the non-magnetic body. In this manner, with this configuration, it is possible to stably supply power to the target device.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the power receiving device will become apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments which are given with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the transport facility [Diagram 2] Front view of the moving object [Diagram 3] A front view showing a coupler unit [Figure 4] IV-IV cross section in FIG. [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of a power receiving device [Figure 6] Power conversion unit circuit diagram [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a main part of a conveying facility according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An example in which the power receiving device is applied to a transportation facility will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the conveying facility 110 includes a traveling rail R arranged along a travel path 100, a moving body 50 that moves while being guided by the traveling rail R, an electric wire 2 that supplies driving power to the moving body 50 in a non-contact manner, equipment P, and a control unit 9 that controls the conveying facility 110 as a whole. The moving body 50 moves along the travel path 100 while being guided by the traveling rail R. The electric wire 2 is disposed along the travel path 100. In this example, the moving body 50 moves along the travel path 100 to convey an article. The equipment P includes various devices (peripheral devices, etc.) installed in the conveying facility 110.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the traveling rails R are arranged along the ceiling. Specifically, a pair of traveling rails R are suspended and supported from the ceiling. Therefore, the moving body 50 is configured to move along a traveling path 100 formed along the ceiling while being guided by the pair of traveling rails R. Thus, in this example, the moving body 50 is a ceiling transport vehicle. Note that examples of articles transported by the moving body 50 include FOUPs (Front Opening Unified Pods) and FOSBs (Front Opening Shipping Boxes) that accommodate semiconductor substrates, but are not limited thereto.

[0014] The moving body 50 includes a traveling section 59 that travels on the traveling rail R, a main body section 58 that is positioned below the traveling rail R and suspended and supported by the traveling section 59, and a power receiving section 53 that receives power from the electric wire 2 in a non-contact manner. The main body section 58 includes a storage section (not shown) that stores an object to be transported, and an object support section (not shown) that holds the object and raises and lowers it relative to the storage section. When the moving body 50 travels along the traveling rail R, the moving body 50 stores and holds the object in the storage section. When the moving body 50 transfers an object to a transfer target location while stopped, the moving body 50 raises and lowers the object relative to the storage section, and performs a transfer operation to the transfer target location below the storage section. Examples of the transfer target location include a port (a placement section for transferring an object to the processing device) of a processing device that performs a predetermined process on a semiconductor substrate, and a storage shelf that stores objects.

[0015] The running unit 59 is provided with running wheels 55 (here, multiple running wheels 55) that roll on the upper surface of the running rail R. The running unit 59 is also provided with a running motor 54 that rotationally drives at least one of the multiple running wheels 55. The rotational drive by the running motor 54 allows the moving body 50 to obtain a propulsive force for running on the running rail R. The running unit 59 is also provided with a pair of guide wheels 56 that freely rotate around an axis along the vertical direction. Each of the pair of guide wheels 56 rolls on the inner side surface of the corresponding running rail R.

[0016] Electric power is supplied to various actuators (including a traveling motor 54) provided on the moving body 50 from the electric wire 2 via the power receiving unit 53. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric wire 2 is connected to an AC power source 5 provided on the conveying facility 110. As shown in FIG. 2, the electric wire 2 is supported by each of the traveling rails R. In the illustrated example, the electric wire 2 includes a pair of power feeders 2a. Here, the pair of power feeders 2a is formed by folding back one electric wire 2 (FIG. 1). Hereinafter, the folded back portion of the electric wire 2 is referred to as a folded back portion 15. In this example, the power feeders 2a are provided on each of the pair of traveling rails R. Specifically, each of the pair of power feeders 2a is supported by a support member 57 fixed to the traveling rail R, and is arranged so as to sandwich the power receiving unit 53 of the moving body 50. When a high-frequency current flows through the power feeder 2a, the power receiving unit 53 generates a magnetic field around the power feeder 2a. The power receiving unit 53 includes a pickup coil 53a and a magnetic core, and the pickup coil 53a is induced by electromagnetic induction from a magnetic field. The induced AC power is converted to DC by a power receiving circuit (not shown) including a rectifier circuit such as a full-wave rectifier circuit and a smoothing capacitor, and is then supplied to the actuator and the drive circuit.

[0017] In this specification, a so-called ceiling transport vehicle has been exemplified as the moving body 50, but it goes without saying that the moving body 50 may also be an article transport vehicle that travels on the ground (including an article transport vehicle that travels along each storage section of a storage shelf having multiple storage sections lined up in the vertical direction), or may be a traveling cart of a stacker crane, etc. The moving body 50 may be in any form as long as it is operated by receiving power from the electric wire 2. Of course, the moving body 50 is not limited to an article transport vehicle.

[0018] Hereinafter, a direction along the electric wire 2 (feeder wire 2a) is referred to as an electric wire direction X, a specific direction perpendicular to the electric wire direction X is referred to as a width direction Y, and a direction perpendicular to both the electric wire direction X and the width direction Y is referred to as a vertical direction Z. One side of the vertical direction Z is referred to as a vertical first side Z1, and the opposite side is referred to as a vertical second side Z2.

[0019] As described above, the moving body 50 is supplied with power from the power feeder 2a arranged along the travel route 100. On the other hand, the equipment P installed in the conveying facility 110 is, in principle, supplied with power from an electric wire different from the above-mentioned electric wire 2, which is wired from a distribution board or the like. However, as the types and number of devices included in the equipment P increase, the number of electric wires wired from the distribution board or the like increases, and the wiring work process by the worker tends to become more complicated. Therefore, by performing non-contact power supply using the power feeder 2a to the equipment P, it is possible to simplify the wiring work process by the worker. In this case, a power receiving device 1 that receives power from the power feeder 2a and supplies power to the target equipment P is required. The power receiving device 1 will be specifically described below.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the power receiving device 1 receives power in a non-contact manner from an electric wire 2 through which an alternating current flows, and supplies the power to a target device P. The power receiving device 1 includes a coupler unit 10 that is installed in a state where its position relative to the electric wire 2 is fixed. The coupler unit 10 is arranged to surround one electric wire 2 (power supply line 2a) (FIG. 3). A single electric wire 2 may be constituted by a conductor wire bundle in which a plurality of conductor wires are bundled. In this example, as shown in FIG. 1, the coupler unit 10 is attached to a folded portion 15 of the electric wire 2. The folded portion 15 is arranged at a position that does not interfere with the travel path of the moving body 50 (FIG. 1), so that the installation of the power receiving device 1 does not impede the travel of the moving body 50. In the example of FIG. 1, the folded portion 15 and the coupler unit 10 are shown enlarged for easy understanding. The members for supporting the coupler unit 10 arranged to surround the power feeder 2a are appropriately selected according to the location where the device P is arranged and the manner in which the power feeder 2a is supported at the turn-back portion 15. The coupler unit 10 may be fixed to the ceiling or the underside or side of the traveling rail R via such a supporting member. The coupler unit 10 may also be arranged at the connection point between the AC power source 5 and the power feeder 2a. In this way, the location where the coupler unit 10 is arranged is not limited to the turn-back portion 15. The device P to which power is supplied by the power receiving device 1 includes a communication device (wireless access point) and a control device for controlling the travel of the mobile body 50, but is not limited thereto. Examples of the device P include the above-mentioned processing device and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, the coupler unit 10 includes a magnetic core 11 arranged to surround the electric wire 2, and a coil 12 wound around the magnetic core 11. A high-frequency current flows through the electric wire 2 (power supply line 2a), which generates a magnetic field around the power supply line 2a. When magnetic flux is collected in the magnetic core, an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil 12 (pickup coil). This causes an induced current (AC) to flow through the coil 12. In this example, ferrite is used as the magnetic material for the magnetic core 11, but the magnetic material is not limited to this, and materials other than ferrite may be used as the magnetic material.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic core 11 includes a first core portion 13 and a second core portion 14 that are divided from each other by a core division surface 3. The core division surface 3 is a virtual plane (boundary surface) that divides the magnetic core 11 into the first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14. In this embodiment, the first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14 are arranged so as not to directly contact each other. Specifically, a non-magnetic body 4 described later is arranged between the first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14, so that the first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14 do not contact each other. In other words, the first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14 are connected via the non-magnetic body 4. The core division surface 3 does not necessarily have to be a flat surface as a whole, and may be a surface that is partially bent or curved.

[0023] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the second core portion 14 is a rod-shaped member. As shown in Figs. 3 and 5, when the magnetic core 11 is arranged in a posture along the vertical direction Z, the second core portion 14 is a rod-shaped member that is long in the width direction Y. The second core portion 14 is arranged on the upper side with respect to the first core portion 13. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the facing surface 14a of the second core portion 14, which is arranged along the core division surface 3 and faces the first core portion 13, is formed in a flat shape. In this embodiment, the facing surface 14a is a flat surface along the electric wire direction X and the width direction Y, and is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the width direction Y as a whole. In the illustrated example, the second core portion 14 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The entire surface facing the first core portion 13 (one side in the vertical direction Z) is the facing surface 14a. Note that the area of ​​the opposing surface 14a facing the first core portion 13 (specifically, a pair of tip surfaces 13a described later) is formed in a flat shape, and other areas (non-facing areas) of the opposing surface 14a do not have to be formed in a flat shape. In the illustrated example, for ease of understanding, the core division surface 3 is set on the opposing surface 14a, but this is not limiting. For example, a virtual plane set between the opposing surface 14a and the tip surface 13a described later can also be the core division surface 3.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the first core portion 13 is formed in a U-shape surrounding the electric wire 2 when viewed in the electric wire direction X along the electric wire direction X, and includes a pair of tip surfaces 13a arranged along the core division surface 3. The pair of tip surfaces 13a are separated in the width direction Y and arranged on the same plane. The pair of tip surfaces 13a are connected to the opposing surface 14a of the second core portion 14 via the non-magnetic body 4. In this embodiment, the first core portion 13 includes a pair of arm portions 22, each of whose end surfaces is the tip surface 13a, and a connection portion 23 that connects the pair of arm portions 22 on the side opposite to the tip surface 13a. The pair of arm portions 22 are arranged separated in the width direction Y. The tip surface 13a is the surface of the arm portion 22 facing the second core portion 14 (specifically, the opposing surface 14a). In this example, each of the pair of arm portions 22 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vertical direction Z, and thus has a rectangular shape when viewed from the electric wire direction X. In the illustrated example, the outer edge of the end of the arm portion 22 on one side in the vertical direction Z (the opposite side to the tip surface 13a) is curved, but it does not necessarily have to be curved. Thus, in this embodiment, the "U-shape" includes an angular U-shape and a semicircular shape.

[0025] The connection portion 23 is a member that connects the ends of the pair of arm portions 22 on one side in the vertical direction Z (opposite to the tip surface 13a) to each other. The connection portion 23 is a rod-shaped member that is long in the width direction Y. In the illustrated example, the connection portion 23 is in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but is not limited to this. Here, the connection portion 23 is integrally formed with the pair of arm portions 22. Since the pair of arm portions 22 and the connection portion 23 are formed in this manner, the first core portion 13 is formed in a U-shape as a whole. As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply line 2a is arranged between the pair of arm portions 22 with a gap therebetween. In addition, the coil 12 is wound around the connection portion 23. In this example, the coil 12 is wound around the entire connection portion 23, but may be wound around a part of the connection portion 23.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the opposing surface 14a is arranged parallel to the pair of tip surfaces 13a. As described above, the opposing surface 14a is a plane along the electric wire direction X and the width direction Y. Also, each of the pair of tip surfaces 13a is a plane along the electric wire direction X and the width direction Y. Therefore, the opposing surface 14a and the pair of tip surfaces 13a are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction Z. Also, the pair of tip surfaces 13a are arranged to face the surfaces of both ends of the opposing surface 14a in the width direction Y. In other words, the pair of tip surfaces 13a overlap the surfaces of both ends of the opposing surface 14a in the width direction Y when viewed in the vertical direction Z, and do not overlap the central region of the opposing surface 14a in the width direction Y. Note that the opposing surface 14a does not necessarily have to be arranged parallel to the pair of tip surfaces 13a.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the non-magnetic body 4 made of a non-magnetic material is disposed along the opposing surface 14a so as to cover the opposing surface 14a, and is sandwiched between the first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14. In this embodiment, the non-magnetic body 4 is disposed between the opposing surface 14a and a pair of tip surfaces 13a, which are disposed parallel to each other. Here, the non-magnetic body 4 is disposed so as to cover the entire opposing surface 14a of the second core portion 14. The non-magnetic body 4 is also in contact with the entire opposing surface 14a of the second core portion 14. The non-magnetic body 4 is formed to have the same size and shape as the opposing surface 14a. Meanwhile, the non-magnetic body 4 abuts against the pair of tip surfaces 13a at both ends in the width direction Y. That is, the non-magnetic body 4 overlaps with the entire opposing surface 14a when viewed in the vertical direction Z, and overlaps with the pair of tip surfaces 13a at both ends in the width direction Y (FIG. 4). In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the non-magnetic body 4 is formed in the shape of one plate or one sheet. Here, the "plate" and "sheet" are both flat shapes, but for example, based on the bending rigidity, a relatively high bending rigidity can be "plate" and a relatively low bending rigidity can be "sheet". Also, based on the presence or absence of flexibility, a flexible one can be "plate" and a non-flexible one can be "sheet", or based on the thickness, a relatively large thickness can be "plate" and a relatively small thickness can be "sheet". Also, "one piece" is not limited to a single layer, and may be formed by integrating multiple layers by adhesion, fusion, or the like. In this example, the non-magnetic body 4 is a film of a resin material and is formed in the shape of one sheet. The non-magnetic body 4 may be a plate-shaped member, in which case it is formed in the shape of one plate. The non-magnetic body 4 made of such a non-magnetic material has the function of making it difficult for magnetic flux to pass through the magnetic core 11. In other words, by disposing the non-magnetic body 4, the overall magnetic resistance of the magnetic core 11 can be increased. The non-magnetic body 4 may be formed larger or smaller than the opposing surface 14a. In the illustrated example, the non-magnetic body 4 is adhered to the opposing surface 14a.

[0028] 3, when the coupler unit 10 is disposed on the power supply line 2a, the power supply line 2a is disposed so as to be surrounded by the first core portion 13, the non-magnetic body 4, and the coil 12. The power supply line 2a is disposed so as not to come into contact with any of these. Naturally, the power supply line 2a is disposed so as not to come into contact with the second core portion 14 either.

[0029] 5, in this embodiment, a detection unit 81 of a temperature sensor 91 is disposed so as to contact at least one of the pair of arm portions 22. In this example, the detection unit 81 is disposed only on one of the pair of arm portions 22. Moreover, the detection unit 81 is disposed so as to contact the surface of the arm portion 22.

[0030] 5, in this embodiment, the power receiving device 1 includes an insertion hole 7 through which the electric wire 2 is inserted, and also includes a case 8 that houses a first core portion 13 and a second core portion 14. The case 8 houses a coupler unit 10. Specifically, in addition to the first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14, the case 8 also houses a coil 12, a non-magnetic body 4, and a detection portion 81. The first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14 are supported by the case 8.

[0031] In this embodiment, the case 8 includes a first case portion 86, a second case portion 85, and a fitting mechanism 87, which are configured to be detachable from each other. The first case portion 86 and the second case portion 85 are box-shaped. In this example, the first case portion 86 is disposed on the first side Z1 in the vertical direction relative to the second case portion 85. The first case portion 86 houses the first core portion 13, and the second case portion 85 houses the second core portion 14. In the illustrated example, the second case portion 85 is placed over the opening of the first case portion 86 and fitted to the first case portion 86 by the fitting mechanism 87, so that the first case portion 86 and the second case portion 85 are fixed so as not to come off from each other. As a result, the pair of tip surfaces 13a of the first core portion 13 come into contact with the non-magnetic body 4 adhered to the opposing surface 14a. When the fitting by the fitting mechanism 87 is released, the first case portion 86 and the second case portion 85 can be separated from each other. Here, the first core portion 13 is housed in the first case portion 86 in advance, and the second core portion 14 is housed in the second case portion 85 in advance. The first case portion 86 and the second case portion 85 may be connected to each other by a hinge so that the second case portion 85 can be opened and closed relative to the opening of the first case portion 86. The position of the case 8 can be changed as appropriate depending on the position of the power feeder 2a.

[0032] In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, the second case portion 85 accommodates the second core portion 14 and the non-magnetic body 4 in their entirety. In the illustrated example, the second case portion 85 includes an upper bottom portion 85a and a second side wall portion 85b extending from the outer edge of the upper bottom portion 85a to the first side Z1 in the vertical direction. The tip of the second side wall portion 85b is disposed closer to the first side Z1 in the vertical direction than the second core portion 14 and the non-magnetic body 4. The first case portion 86 accommodates the first core portion 13, the coil 12, and the detection portion 81. The first case portion 86 includes a lower bottom portion 86a and a first side wall portion 86b extending from the outer edge of the lower bottom portion 86a to the second side Z2 in the vertical direction. The tip of the first side wall portion 86b is disposed closer to the first side Z1 in the vertical direction than the pair of tip faces 13a of the first core portion 13. In this example, the insertion hole 7 is formed to penetrate the first side wall portion 86b in the electric wire direction X (here, further in the vertical direction second side Z2). The insertion hole 7 is formed between the pair of arm portions 22 when viewed in the electric wire direction X.

[0033] The insertion hole 7 is curved toward the first vertical side Z1 from the center portion in correspondence with the cross-sectional shape of the power feeder 2a. In the illustrated example, a guide portion 88 is formed in the second case portion 85. The guide portion 88 is disposed so as to protrude toward the first vertical side Z1 from the second side wall portion 85b. The guide portion 88 is curved in correspondence with the cross-sectional shape of the power feeder 2a. When the power feeder 2a is inserted into the insertion hole 7 and the first case portion 86 and the second case portion 85 are fitted together, the power feeder 2a is disposed surrounded by the first side wall portion 86b and the guide portion 88.

[0034] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the case 8 includes a pressing portion 84 that presses either one of the first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14 toward the other side. In this example, the pressing portion 84 presses the second core portion 14 toward the first vertical side Z1 (the side of the first core portion 13). In this example, the pressing portion 84 is provided on the second case portion 85. In the illustrated example, the pressing portion 84 is provided on the upper bottom portion 85a. The pressing portion 84 is a pair of plate-like members extending inward in the width direction Y from parts of the outer edge of the upper bottom portion 85a (here, two places facing each other in the width direction Y), and each plate-like member is disposed in a posture inclined toward the first vertical side Z1 as it moves toward the inside in the width direction Y. Then, the tip portions of the pair of plate-like members facing each other press the second core portion 14 from the second vertical side Z2. In this example, the pressing portion 84 is a plate-shaped resin member formed integrally with the second case portion 85, but it may also be an elastic member (such as a spring) separate from the second case portion 85.

[0035] In the example of FIG. 5, the coil 12 is wound around the connection portion 23 via a bobbin 94. Here, the bobbin 94 is supported by the first case portion 86. In a state in which the first case portion 86 and the second case portion 85 are fitted together, the second core portion 14 is urged toward the first core portion 13 by a constant pressing force from the pressing portion 84. This makes it possible to prevent the tip surface 13a from being separated from the opposing surface 14a (or the non-magnetic body 4). Therefore, it is easy to optimize the distance between the second core portion 14 and the first core portion 13 sandwiching the non-magnetic body 4 therebetween.

[0036] In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 6, the power receiving device 1 further includes a power conversion unit 18 that converts AC power output from the coupler unit 10 into DC power. As shown in Fig. 6, the power conversion unit 18 includes an overvoltage protection circuit 74 that cuts off a circuit when the voltage across the coil 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold, and an overcurrent protection circuit 76 that cuts off a circuit when the current flowing through the coil 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Fig. 6 shows the overvoltage protection circuit 74 and the overcurrent protection circuit 76 in the power conversion unit 18. Here, the power conversion unit 18 further includes a DC / DC converter. The overvoltage protection circuit 74 also includes an overvoltage detection unit 74a. When the voltage across the coil 12 exceeds the predetermined threshold, the overvoltage detection unit 74a is short-circuited. Then, the power receiving device 1 (coupler unit 10) and the capacitor are in a resonant state, an overcurrent flows through the power conversion unit 18, and the fuse melts. The fuse also melts when the current flowing through the coil 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold, i.e., when an overcurrent flows. This cuts off the circuit of the power conversion unit 18. In this example, when the detection unit 81 of the temperature sensor 91 provided in the arm unit 22 detects a value exceeding a predetermined threshold, the output of the DC / DC converter to the device P is stopped, and the current of the coil 12, which is thought to be the cause of overheating, is suppressed. In this example, the control unit 9 can also execute such protection control for the power receiving device 1.

[0037] Next, other embodiments of the power receiving device will be described.

[0038] (1) In the above embodiment, a single AC power source 5 is installed in the transport facility 110, and the power receiving device 1 is supplied with power from the electric wire 2 connected to the AC power source 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transport facility 110 may be installed with a plurality of AC power sources 5 connected to the electric wire 2. In this case, the power receiving device 1 may be connected to the plurality of AC power sources 5 via the electric wire 2, and may be configured to be able to supply power to the device P using the other AC power sources 5 even if one AC power source 5 is unintentionally stopped. Such an example is shown in FIG. 7. In the illustrated example, the transport facility 110 includes at least two AC power sources 5. Different power feed lines 2a are connected to each AC power source 5. In the turn-back portion 15, each of the two power feed lines 2a is formed in a loop shape extending in the vertical direction so as to surround the movement trajectory of the moving body 50. As a result, the turn-back portion 15 does not interfere with the moving body 50 during travel. In addition, a coupler unit 10 is attached to each loop-shaped portion of the power feed line 2a. A common power conversion unit 18 and a device P are connected to each coupler unit 10. Therefore, even if one of the two AC power sources 5 stops, the power receiving device 1 can receive power using the other AC power source 5, so that the power supply to the device P can be continued.

[0039] (2) In the above embodiment, the first core portion 13 is formed in a U-shape surrounding the electric wire 2 when viewed in the electric wire direction X along the electric wire direction X. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first core portion 13 may be formed in a shape other than a U-shape. For example, the first core portion 13 may be formed in an E-shape. In this case, it is preferable that three tip surfaces 13a are formed on the three arm portions 22, and each of the tip surfaces 13a is connected to the opposing surface 14a via the non-magnetic body 4. This allows two electric wires 2 to be arranged between the respective arm portions 22.

[0040] (3) In the above embodiment, the non-magnetic body 4 is formed in a plate or sheet shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The non-magnetic body 4 may be formed in a plurality of plates or sheets. In the above embodiment, the non-magnetic body 4 is arranged to cover the entire opposing surface 14a of the second core portion 14, but the non-magnetic body 4 may be arranged to cover only a part of the opposing surface 14a. For example, in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, a pair of non-magnetic bodies 4 may be arranged in the areas of the opposing surface 14a facing the pair of tip surfaces 13a, respectively, and the non-magnetic body 4 may not be arranged in the areas of the opposing surface 14a that do not face the pair of tip surfaces 13a. In addition, the non-magnetic body 4 may be formed in a plate or sheet shape having a plurality of holes penetrating in the thickness direction, so that the non-magnetic body 4 covers only a part of the opposing surface 14a. In this case, a gap is formed between the opposing surface 14a and the tip surface 13a in the area where the holes are formed.

[0041] (4) In the above embodiment, the coil 12 is wound around the connection portion 23, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The coil 12 may be wound around the arm portion 22, for example. In the above embodiment, the detection portion 81 of the temperature sensor 91 is disposed so as to contact the arm portion 22, and when the detection portion 81 detects a value exceeding a predetermined threshold value, the output of the DC / DC converter to the device P is stopped. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the power conversion unit 18 may be provided with an overheat protection circuit for preventing current from flowing through the coil 12 when the detection portion 81 detects abnormal overheating of the arm portion 22. In addition, the temperature sensor 91 may simply transmit the surface temperature of the arm portion 22 detected by the detection portion 81 to the control portion 9 as detection information.

[0042] (5) In the above embodiment, the case 8 is described as having the pressing portion 84 that presses either the first core portion 13 or the second core portion 14 toward the other side, but the present invention is not limited to this. The pressing portion 84 may also be configured to press each of the first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14 so as to bring the first core portion 13 and the second core portion 14 closer to each other.

[0043] (6) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be combined with configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative in all respects and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Summary of the above embodiment The power receiving device described above will now be summarized.

[0045] A power receiving device according to the present disclosure is a power receiving device that receives power in a non-contact manner from an electric wire through which an alternating current flows and supplies the power to a target device, a coupler unit that is installed in a state where its position is fixed relative to the electric wire; the coupler unit includes a magnetic core arranged to surround the electric wire, and a coil wound around the magnetic core, The magnetic core includes a first core portion and a second core portion separated from each other by a core separation surface, In the second core portion, an opposing surface that is disposed along the core division surface and faces the first core portion is formed in a flat shape, A non-magnetic body made of a non-magnetic material is disposed along the opposing surface so as to cover the opposing surface, and is sandwiched between the first core portion and the second core portion.

[0046] According to this configuration, the magnetic core is divided into a first core part and a second core part, and the non-magnetic material is arranged to cover the opposing surface of the second core part and is sandwiched between the first core part and the second core part, so that the first core part and the second core part are not continuously connected. This makes it possible to increase the magnetic resistance of the magnetic core and make the magnetic core less likely to become magnetically saturated. Therefore, it is possible to make it less likely that the inductance of the coil will suddenly decrease due to magnetic saturation of the magnetic core, causing an overcurrent to flow in the coil, and it is easy to stabilize the current taken out of the coil. In addition, according to this configuration, by adjusting the thickness of the non-magnetic material in advance, the magnitude of the magnetic resistance (magnitude of magnetic permeability) of the magnetic core can be adjusted, making it easier to reduce variation in the characteristics of the power receiving device. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since the facing surface of the second core part is formed in a flat shape and the non-magnetic body made of a non-magnetic material is arranged along the facing surface so as to cover the facing surface, it is easy to simplify the shape of the second core part and to make the shape of the non-magnetic body flat. Therefore, it is easy to simplify the shape and structure of the non-magnetic body and also to simplify the installation work of the non-magnetic body. In this manner, with this configuration, it is possible to stably supply power to the target device.

[0047] Here, the direction along the electric wire is defined as the electric wire direction, The first core portion is formed in a U-shape surrounding the electric wire when viewed in the electric wire direction along the electric wire direction, and includes a pair of tip surfaces arranged along the core division surface, It is preferable that the opposing surfaces are disposed parallel to the pair of tip surfaces.

[0048] This configuration allows the shape of the first core portion to be simplified. Also, since the planar opposing surface and the pair of tip surfaces are arranged in parallel, it is easy to simplify the shapes of the pair of tip surfaces of the first core portion, the opposing surface of the second core portion, and the non-magnetic body arranged therebetween.

[0049] It is also preferable that the non-magnetic body is formed in the shape of a single plate or sheet.

[0050] According to this configuration, it is easier to reduce the number of parts in the power receiving device compared to when the non-magnetic body is divided into multiple pieces.

[0051] The first core portion includes a pair of arm portions, each of whose end surfaces is the tip surface, and a connection portion that connects the pair of arm portions on the opposite side to the tip surface side, The coil is wound around the connection portion, It is preferable that a detection portion of the temperature sensor is disposed so as to be in contact with at least one of the pair of arms.

[0052] According to this configuration, the coil is wound around the connection part, and the detection part of the temperature sensor is disposed so as to contact the arm part. In this manner, the coil and the detection part of the temperature sensor can be attached by utilizing the shape of the first core part, so that the coil and the temperature sensor can be easily attached and the power receiving device can be easily miniaturized.

[0053] The coil also includes an insertion hole through which the electric wire is inserted and a case that accommodates the first core portion and the second core portion, It is preferable that the case includes a pressing portion that presses either the first core portion or the second core portion toward the other side.

[0054] According to this configuration, the first core part and the second core part can be appropriately protected by being housed in the case. Also, since the case has a pressing part, it is easy to optimize the distance between the second core part and the first core part sandwiching the non-magnetic material.

[0055] It is sufficient for the power receiving device according to the present disclosure to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1: Power receiving device 2:Electric wire 3: Core division surface 4: Non-magnetic material 7: Insertion hole 8: Case 10: Coupler unit 11: Magnetic core 12: Coil 13: First core section 13a: Tip surface 14: Second core section 14a: Opposing surface 22: Arm section 23: Connection part 81: Detection unit 84: Pressing part 91: Temperature sensor P:Equipment X: Wire direction

Claims

1. A power receiving device that receives power in a non-contact manner from an electric wire through which an alternating current flows and supplies the power to a target device, a coupler unit that is installed in a state where its position is fixed relative to the electric wire; the coupler unit includes a magnetic core arranged to surround the electric wire, and a coil wound around the magnetic core, The magnetic core includes a first core portion and a second core portion separated from each other by a core separation surface, an opposing surface of the second core portion that is disposed along the core division surface and faces the first core portion is formed in a flat shape, A power receiving device, wherein a non-magnetic body made of a non-magnetic material is arranged along the opposing surface so as to cover the opposing surface, and is sandwiched between the first core portion and the second core portion.

2. The direction along the electric wire is defined as the electric wire direction, The first core portion is formed in a U-shape surrounding the electric wire when viewed in the electric wire direction along the electric wire direction, and includes a pair of tip surfaces arranged along the core division surface, The power receiving device according to claim 1 , wherein the opposing surface is disposed parallel to the pair of tip surfaces.

3. The power receiving device according to claim 2 , wherein the non-magnetic body is formed in the shape of a single plate or sheet.

4. the first core portion includes a pair of arm portions, each of whose end surfaces is the tip surface, and a connection portion connecting the pair of arm portions on the opposite side to the tip surface side, The coil is wound around the connection portion, The power receiving device according to claim 2 , wherein a detection portion of a temperature sensor is disposed so as to be in contact with at least one of the pair of arms.

5. a case including an insertion hole through which the electric wire is inserted and accommodating the first core portion and the second core portion; The power receiving device according to claim 1 , wherein the case includes a pressing portion that presses either the first core portion or the second core portion toward the other side.

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