Array switch, power supply system to movable body and power supply method to movable body

Abstract

To provide a power supply system and a power supply method to a movable body having a simpler structure than the conventional one.SOLUTION: Array switch includes a plurality of movable contacts which are provided on a tabular conductive body and are arranged along a surface formed by the conductive body and a panel electrode which forms a cover body of a box body for storing the conductive body and the plurality of movable contacts. A contact part containing a magnetic body is provided on each of the plurality of the movable contacts, respective contact parts are displaced by receiving a magnetic force from an outer part, and can be brought into contact with the panel electrode. Therein, ON-state in which wiring connected with the conductive body side and wiring connected with the panel electrode side are made conductive with each other by causing such a plurality of effective contacts that contact parts, of the plurality of movable contacts which are in contact state with the panel electrode, and OFF-state in which wiring connected with the conductive body side without causing all of the plurality of movable contacts to be brought into contact with the panel electrode and wiring connected with the panel electrode side are not made conductive with each other can be switched according to the presence or absence of the magnetic force.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an array switch in which a large number of movable contacts are arranged in an array, and particularly to power supply to a moving body using the array switch.

Background Art

[0002] Many electric moving bodies that operate independently, such as electric vehicles and robots, are equipped with a storage battery as a power source. Since the capacity of the storage battery is limited, there is a limit to the moving distance from a fully charged state, and charging the storage battery at an appropriate timing is essential for continuous use. Charging usually needs to be performed at a predetermined location, and since the operation is basically not performed during charging, a time loss cannot be avoided.

[0003] On the other hand, even if an inexpensive electric vehicle could be developed, it would not be easy to popularize it without a large number of charging facilities. Charging of electric vehicles has been a plug type until now, and a box-type charger (charging stand) was required, so the spread has not advanced sufficiently due to problems such as the occupancy of the location. Installing such charging stands at every location on every road would require enormous costs and a long construction period.

[0004] In addition, although the electrification of freight trucks and construction machinery has also been researched and developed, it has not been put into practical use because a storage battery having a sufficient capacity to operate them has not been developed.

[0005] These problems can be solved in principle by enabling direct power supply to an operating moving body at an arbitrary location.

[0006] For example, a contact power supply device that contacts a vehicle-side contact and supplies power to the vehicle, and includes a pair of rail-shaped road contacts that contact the vehicle-side contact, is already known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0007] In addition, there is already a known vehicle power supply system of an electric field power supply method, which is a form of non-contact power supply method that forms a series resonance circuit between a power transmission unit buried in a road and a conductor such as a carcass provided inside a tire of a vehicle, and can transmit power (alternating current power) to the vehicle in a resonance state (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, the devices and systems disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are very expensive because their device configurations are complex. To popularize them, an enormous cost and a long construction period are required to install power supply facilities on all roads.

[0010] For the popularization of direct power supply, a simpler system that is cheaper and safer is required.

[0011] For example, cost reduction measures can be considered by constructing a system in combination with the poleless project promoted from the viewpoints of improving disaster prevention, ensuring safety and comfort, and forming a good landscape.

[0012] In addition, the automatic driving control of conventional moving bodies such as electric vehicles requires a complex system such as image processing of images taken by many sensors and cameras, and thus is expensive.

[0013] In addition, the means for collecting peripheral information from the outside in conventional moving objects has been limited to cameras, sensors, GPS, etc. equipped on the moving objects. Therefore, in moving objects, information such as wetness of the road surface and the presence or absence of objects, which is necessary for safe driving, could not be collected in advance.

[0014] Also, in a factory, moving objects such as robots may be used. Generally, when the products manufactured in the factory change, it is necessary to change the production line accordingly each time. However, such reconstruction of the production line has required high costs and long time including reinstallation of the power supply equipment for the moving object.

[0015] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power supply system and a power supply method for a moving object, which have a simpler structure than before.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention includes a flat conductor, a plurality of movable contacts that are electrically connected to the conductor at a base portion and are arranged along a surface formed by the conductor, a box body that houses the conductor and the plurality of movable contacts, and a panel electrode that forms a lid of the box body. A contact portion containing a magnetic body is provided at each of the plurality of movable contacts, and each of the contact portions of the plurality of movable contacts can be brought into contact with the panel electrode by being displaced by receiving a magnetic force from the outside. When a movable contact in which the contact portion is in contact with the panel electrode is defined as an effective contact among the plurality of movable contacts, an ON state in which a plurality of the effective contacts are in contact with the panel electrode to conduct a wiring connected to the conductor side and a wiring connected to the panel electrode side, and an OFF state in which none of the plurality of movable contacts is in contact with the panel electrode and the wiring connected to the conductor side and the wiring connected to the panel electrode side are not conductive can be switched by the presence or absence of the magnetic force.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention is the array switch according to the first aspect, characterized in that the plurality of effective contacts are switched according to a change in the position where the magnetic force is received.

[0018] A third aspect of the present invention is the array switch according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that the plurality of movable contacts are continuous from the conductor and have a movable part provided with the contact part at the tip.

[0019] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the array switch according to the third aspect, characterized in that the conductor and the plurality of movable contacts excluding the contact part are made of beryllium copper.

[0020] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the array switch according to the first or second aspect, wherein the conductors are a first conductor and a second conductor that are non-contact with each other, and the plurality of movable contacts are a plurality of first movable contacts provided on the first conductor and a plurality of second movable contacts provided on the second conductor. A first contact part that is the contact part provided on each of the plurality of first movable contacts and a second contact part that is the contact part provided on each of the plurality of second movable contacts are magnets with opposite magnetic poles facing the panel electrode side. Among the plurality of first movable contacts, a movable contact in which the first contact part is in contact with the panel electrode is defined as a first effective contact, and among the plurality of second movable contacts, a movable contact in which the second contact part is in contact with the panel electrode is defined as a second effective contact. When a first ON state in which a wiring connected to the first conductor side and a wiring connected to the panel electrode side are electrically connected by the plurality of first effective contacts contacting the panel electrode, a second ON state in which a wiring connected to the second conductor side and a wiring connected to the panel electrode side are electrically connected by the plurality of second effective contacts contacting the panel electrode, and the OFF state can be switched by the presence or absence and polarity of the magnetic force.

[0021] The sixth aspect of the present invention is a power supply system for a moving body, comprising: a DC power supply device capable of supplying power to a load connected between a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a pair of array switches each of which is an array switch according to the second aspect and is provided such that the panel electrodes form the moving surface of the moving body or are located in the vicinity of the moving surface; and one or more unit power supply parts each including the pair of array switches. In each of the unit power supply parts, one of the pair of array switches is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply device, and the other of the pair of array switches is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply device. The moving body has a pair of conductive wheels, and a pair of magnetic field generation sources that apply a magnetic field to each of the pair of array switches when each of the corresponding pair of wheels is in a conductive state with each of the panel electrodes of the pair of array switches provided in any of the one or more unit power supply parts, a power receiving part, and a power supply path for the power receiving part. In the one or more unit power supply parts, each of the pair of array switches is turned on by receiving the magnetic force generated by the action of the magnetic field from each of the pair of magnetic field generation sources, and power is supplied from the DC power supply device to the power receiving part.

[0022] The seventh aspect of the present invention is a power supply system for a moving body according to the sixth aspect, wherein the one or more unit power supply parts are a plurality of unit power supply parts, and one of each pair of array switches of the plurality of unit power supply parts and the other of each pair of array switches are arranged in a row along the moving direction of the moving body, thereby forming a first array switch row and a second array switch row. As the moving body moves along the moving direction, the positions where each of the pair of magnetic field generation sources applies the magnetic field move along the first array switch row and the second array switch row, so that the pair of array switches that are turned on are sequentially switched, and power is supplied to the moving moving body.

[0023] The eighth aspect of the present invention is a power supply system for a moving body according to the sixth aspect, wherein in each of the pair of array switches, the panel electrodes are provided below the moving surface, and a pair of road surface electrodes that are electrically connected to the respective panel electrodes and exposed on the moving surface are further provided. By each of the pair of wheels of the moving body coming into contact with each of the pair of road surface electrodes, each of the pair of wheels is electrically connected to the panel electrodes of each of the pair of array switches. This is the gist of the invention.

[0024] The ninth aspect of the present invention is a power supply system for a moving body according to the eighth aspect, wherein each of the one or more unit power supply parts further includes a high-frequency application means capable of applying a high-frequency current between the pair of road surface electrodes. Based on the impedance between the pair of road surface electrodes when the high-frequency application means applies the high-frequency current to the pair of road surface electrodes that are not in contact with the pair of wheels, the state between the pair of road surface electrodes is detected. This is the gist of the invention.

[0025] The tenth aspect of the present invention is a power supply system for a moving body according to the ninth aspect, wherein each of the one or more unit power supply parts further includes a DC cut capacitor between the high-frequency application means and each of the pair of road surface electrodes. This is the gist of the invention.

[0026] The eleventh aspect of the present invention is a power supply system for a moving body, comprising: a DC power supply device capable of supplying power to a load connected between a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a plurality of array switches, each of which is a two-dimensional array switch provided so that the panel electrodes form the floor surface on which the moving body moves or are located in the vicinity of the floor surface, and each of the array switches pertains to the fifth aspect; wherein the first conductors of each of the plurality of array switches are connected in parallel to the positive electrode of the DC power supply device, and the second conductors of each of the plurality of array switches are connected in parallel to the negative electrode of the DC power supply device; the moving body includes a first wheel and a second wheel each having conductivity, a first magnetic field generation source provided corresponding to the first wheel, which, when the first wheel comes into contact with the panel electrode of a first array switch, which is one of the plurality of array switches, and is in a conductive state with the panel electrode, applies the first magnetic field to the first array switch to generate a first magnetic force, which is the magnetic force; a second magnetic field generation source provided corresponding to the second wheel, which, when the second wheel comes into contact with the panel electrode of a second array switch, which is one of the plurality of array switches, and is in a conductive state with the panel electrode, applies the second magnetic field to the second array switch to generate a second magnetic force, which is the magnetic force; a power receiving part; and a power supply path for the power receiving part; wherein the polarities of the magnetic fields generated by the first magnetic field generation source and the second magnetic field generation source are opposite; when the first wheel comes into contact with the panel electrode of the first array switch and the first array switch receives the first magnetic force to enter the ON state, at the same time, when the second wheel comes into contact with the panel electrode of the second array switch and the second array switch receives the second magnetic force to enter the ON state, power is supplied from the DC power supply device to the power receiving part.

[0027] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a power supply method for a moving body, comprising providing a pair of array switches, each of which is an array switch according to the second aspect, such that the panel electrodes form the moving surface of the moving body or are located in the vicinity of the moving surface, and connecting one of the pair of array switches and the other of the pair of array switches to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively, of a DC power supply device capable of supplying power to a load connected between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; providing the moving body with a pair of conductive wheels, and a pair of magnetic field generation sources provided corresponding to each of the pair of wheels, the magnetic field generation sources configured to apply a magnetic field to each of the pair of array switches when each of the corresponding pair of wheels is in conduction with the respective panel electrodes of the pair of array switches provided in any of the one or more unit power supply parts; providing a power receiving part and a power supply path for the power receiving part; and generating the magnetic force by applying the magnetic field to each of the pair of magnetic field generation sources, thereby turning on each of the pair of array switches, and supplying power from the DC power supply device to the power receiving part.

[0028] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a power supply method for a moving body according to the twelfth aspect, comprising arranging one of the pair of array switches and the other of the pair of array switches in a row along the moving direction of the moving body to form a first array switch row and a second array switch row, and moving the moving body along the moving direction to move the positions where each of the pair of magnetic field generation sources applies the magnetic field along the first array switch row and the second array switch row, thereby sequentially switching the pair of array switches that are each in the ON state, and supplying power to the moving moving body.

[0029] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a power supply method for a moving body according to the twelfth aspect, wherein each of the panel electrodes of the pair of array switches is provided below the moving surface, and a pair of road surface electrodes electrically connected to the respective panel electrodes are provided so as to be exposed on the moving surface, and each of the pair of wheels of the moving body is brought into contact with each of the pair of road surface electrodes, whereby each of the pair of wheels is electrically connected to the respective panel electrode of the pair of array switches, and power is supplied from the DC power supply device to the power receiving part.

[0030] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a power supply method for a moving body, including providing a plurality of array switches, each of which is an array switch according to the fifth aspect, two-dimensionally such that the panel electrodes form the floor surface on which the moving body moves or are located in the vicinity of the floor surface, and connecting, in parallel, each of the first conductors of the plurality of array switches and each of the second conductors of the plurality of array switches to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively, of a DC power supply device capable of supplying power to a load connected between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The moving body is provided with a first wheel and a second wheel each having conductivity, a first magnetic field generation source provided corresponding to the first wheel, which generates a first magnetic force as the magnetic force by applying the first magnetic field to the first array switch when the first wheel comes into contact with and is in conduction with the panel electrode of the first array switch, which is any one of the plurality of array switches, a second magnetic field generation source provided corresponding to the second wheel, which generates a second magnetic force as the magnetic force by applying the second magnetic field to the second array switch when the second wheel comes into contact with and is in conduction with the panel electrode of the second array switch, which is any one of the plurality of array switches, a power supply target portion, and a power supply path to the power supply target portion. The polarities of the magnetic fields generated by the first magnetic field generation source and the second magnetic field generation source are made opposite to each other. By bringing the first wheel into contact with the panel electrode of the first array switch and generating the first magnetic force to turn the first array switch to the ON state, and at the same time, bringing the second wheel into contact with the panel electrode of the second array switch and generating the second magnetic force to turn the second array switch to the ON state, power is supplied from the DC power supply device to the power supply target portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0031] According to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, a simple structure is provided in which a movable contact under the action of a magnetic field comes into contact with a panel electrode to become conductive, and becomes non-conductive when the magnetic field is removed, and a switch capable of non-contact switching of the ON / OFF state of conduction is realized.

[0032] In particular, according to the second aspect, a switch is realized in which the ON state is maintained even when the position receiving the magnetic force changes.

[0033] In particular, according to the fifth aspect, a switch capable of non-contact switching between a first ON state, a second ON state, and an OFF state is realized.

[0034] Further, according to the sixth to fifteenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to directly supply power to a moving body with a simpler configuration than before. It is also possible to make the moving body substantially battery-free. Further, by securing a large number of effective contacts, the contact resistance in the ON state can be made smaller than that of a conventional switch, and a larger power can be supplied, so that electrification of freight trucks and construction machinery is also possible.

[0035] In particular, according to the seventh and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, continuous power supply to a moving body moving on a road becomes possible.

[0036] In particular, according to the ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to detect states such as wetness and the presence or absence of an object between road surface electrodes that are not energized.

[0037] In particular, according to the eleventh and fifteenth aspects, it is possible to continuously or continuously supply power to a moving body moving arbitrarily on a floor surface. For example, when adopted in a factory where a robot or the like moves, power can be supplied to the robot or the like at any location within the factory, there is no time loss for charging, and it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the movement route and the manufacturing line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] <First Embodiment> <Array Switch> FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the array switch 1 used in the power supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) is a plan view of the array switch 1, and FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of the array switch 1.

[0040] The array switch 1 generally includes a flat conductor 2, a number of movable contacts 3 provided on the conductor 2 and arranged along the plane formed by the conductor 2, a case 4 that houses the conductor 2 and the movable contacts 3, a flat panel electrode 5 that covers the upper part of the case 4, a power supply line 6 for supplying power to the conductor 2, and a cable 7 for establishing conduction between the panel electrode 5 and the outside.

[0041] The conductor 2 is made of a metal plate, preferably a beryllium copper plate with high spring properties. As shown in Fig. 1(b), the conductor 2 is installed in the case 4 in parallel with and spaced apart from the panel electrode 5.

[0042] The case 4 is a rectangular box-shaped body in plan view that houses the conductor 2 and the movable contacts 3 while insulating them from the surroundings. The panel electrode 5 is made of, for example, beryllium copper and serves as the lid of the case 4.

[0043] The movable contact 3 is a cantilever-like part continuous from the conductor 2. Preferably, the movable contacts 3 are provided in a plurality of rows along one direction with their orientations aligned. In Fig. 1(a), the movable contacts 3, each extending in the left-right direction in the drawing view, are provided in a plurality of rows in the up-down direction in the drawing view. In Fig. 1(a), a staggered arrangement is adopted in which the positions of the movable contacts 3 in the extending direction of the rows are shifted between different rows, but alternatively, the positions of the movable contacts 3 in the extending direction of the rows may be the same in all rows.

[0044] More specifically, the movable contact 3 has a cantilever-like shape and includes a base 3a that is continuous with the conductor 2 and thus conducts with the conductor 2, and a thin plate-like movable part 3b that extends from the base 3a. That is, as shown by the arrow AR1, the movable part 3b of the movable contact 3 can be displaced with the base 3a as the fixed end.

[0045] In addition, the movable contact 3 is provided with a contact portion 3c made of a material containing a magnetic material (e.g., iron) so as to cover the tip of the movable portion 3b. Examples of the material of the contact portion 3c include iron-containing solder. The portion of the movable contact 3 other than the contact portion 3c may be made of the same material as the conductor 2, and preferably beryllium copper.

[0046] In the array switch 1 having the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. 1(b), when a magnetic field B in the direction from the conductor 2 toward the panel electrode 5 acts locally from the outside due to the approach of the energized coil C or the like, only the movable contact 3 located within the action range of the magnetic field B receives the magnetic force generated by the action of the magnetic field B. The contact portion 3c including the magnetic material is attracted by the magnetic force and displaced toward the panel electrode 5 to contact the panel electrode 5. When the energization of the coil C is released or the like and the magnetic field B disappears and the magnetic force is no longer received, the contact state between the contact portion 3c and the panel electrode 5 is released.

[0047] That is, only when the magnetic field B is acting, a part of the movable contacts 3 located within the action range of the magnetic field B receive the magnetic force and contact the panel electrode 5, and the panel electrode 5 and the conductor 2 are electrically connected by these movable contacts 3 to be in an ON state. When the action of the magnetic field B disappears, the contact state is released and the connection state between the panel electrode 5 and the conductor 2 is also released to be in an OFF state. Therefore, the array switch 1 functions as a switch capable of switching the ON / OFF state of conduction between the wiring connected to the panel electrode 5 side and the wiring connected to the conductor 2 side by switching the contact / non-contact state between the movable contact 3 and the panel electrode 5 according to the presence or absence of the action of the magnetic field B. In other words, it means that the ON / OFF state of conduction can be switched in a non-contact state with respect to the array switch 1. Hereinafter, the movable contact 3 that is in contact with the panel electrode 5 due to the action of the magnetic field B is particularly referred to as an effective contact 3E. The fact that only the movable contacts 3 within the action range of the magnetic field B become the effective contacts 3E means that the number of movable contacts 3 and the number of effective contacts 3E responsible for conduction do not necessarily match.

[0048] In addition, in FIG. 1 and subsequent figures, for simplicity of illustration, the movable part 3b is linear at the effective contact point 3E. However, depending on the material of the movable contact 3 (i.e., the material of the conductor 2), the movable contact 3 may be flexible, and thus the effective contact point 3E may be in a state of contacting the panel electrode 5 while having a curved shape.

[0049] Conventionally known switches have a single contact point or at most only a few contact points for switching the ON / OFF state of conduction. Therefore, the contact resistance in the ON state is large, and a sufficient current cannot flow. In contrast, in the case of the array switch 1, by appropriately determining the size, shape, and arrangement mode (number, density, etc.) of the movable contact 3 and the action range of the magnetic field B, it is possible to ensure a large number of effective contact points 3E. As a result, the contact resistance in the ON state can be made smaller than that of conventionally known switches, and for example, a large current of about several tens of amperes can flow, so that a large amount of power can be supplied.

[0050] In addition, in the array switch 1, since the movable contact 3 that becomes the effective contact point 3E can be changed by changing the action position of the magnetic field B, the array switch 1 also becomes a switch whose conduction position can be changed according to the position where the magnetic field B acts.

[0051] Moreover, such a mode of changing the conduction position according to the position where the magnetic field B acts can be performed across a plurality of array switches 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the action position of the magnetic field B and the position of the effective contact point 3E when three array switches 1 (1a to 1c) are arranged in a row as an example.

[0052] In FIG. 2, it shows the state when the coil C sequentially moves as indicated by the arrows AR2 to AR4 while applying the magnetic field B over the three array switches 1a to 1c arranged in a row in the left-right direction in the drawing view. Note that these array switches 1a to 1c may be electrically connected in series or in parallel.

[0053] In FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), as the coil C moves from the array switch 1a located at the right end in the drawing view to the array switch 1b located at the center in the drawing view, the action range of the magnetic field B moves, and thus the position of the effective contact 3E changes from the array switch 1a to the array switch 1b.

[0054] Furthermore, in FIG. 2(c), the coil C has reached the adjacent part between the array switch 1b located at the center in the drawing view and the array switch 1c located at the left end in the drawing view, and the action range of the magnetic field B also spans both of them. In such a case, the movable contacts 3 of both the array switch 1b and the array switch 1c can become the effective contact 3E.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, this means that when the array switches 1 arranged in a row are regarded as a single long switch, by continuously changing the action range of the magnetic field B along such a long switch and switching the effective contact 3E, the conduction position can be continuously changed while maintaining the ON state.

[0056] Alternatively, by performing the action and release of the magnetic field B at an arbitrary position on such a long switch at an arbitrary timing, it is also possible to switch the ON / OFF state of conduction at an arbitrary position at an arbitrary timing.

[0057] In the present embodiment, in the power supply system for a moving body described later, the features of these array switches 1 are utilized.

[0058] <Method for forming movable contact> FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for forming the movable contact 3 provided in the array switch 1. In a preferred embodiment, the movable contact 3 is generally formed by forming a movable part 3b by punching with a press and forming a contact part 3c at the tip of such a movable part 3b. In such a case, except for the contact part 3c, the movable contact 3 is formed of the same material (for example, beryllium copper) as the conductor 2.

[0059] First, as shown in Fig. 3(a), in the flat conductor 2, the planned position 3z for forming the movable contact 3 is determined.

[0060] Next, as shown in Fig. 3(b), a press blade 11 having a shape corresponding to the planar shape of the movable part 3b is brought into contact with the planned position 3z for forming the movable contact 3 in the conductor 2 as indicated by the arrow AR5. Subsequently, as indicated by the arrow AR6 in Fig. 3(c), it is punched by rotating starting from the position of the base 3a. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3(d), a cantilever-shaped movable part 3b with the base 3a as the fixed end is formed.

[0061] Subsequently, as indicated by the arrow AR7 in Fig. 3(e), each movable part 3b is pressed by a predetermined jig 12, so that, as shown in Fig. 3(f), the tip of the movable part 3b is immersed in a solder solution 13 containing magnetic body (for example, iron) powder. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3(g), a contact part 3c is formed by the solder containing the magnetic body powder attached to the tip of the movable part 3b.

[0062] Note that instead of punching with the press blade 11, the movable part 3b may be formed by etching the contour of the portion that will become the movable part 3b at the planned position 3z.

[0063] <Power supply system> Next, the power supply system 100 for the moving body in the present embodiment including the array switch 1 described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the state of power supply to a vehicle 200 as an aspect of the moving body to be powered in the power supply system 100. The vehicle 200 is a moving body driven by using electric power as a main power source, such as an electric vehicle. In addition, components of the power supply system 100 other than the vehicle 200 are also referred to as fixed parts. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the state of a road 1000 provided with the fixed part of the power supply system 100. In FIG. 5, an example is illustrated in which the road 1000 is a paved road composed of a roadway 1001 and a sidewalk / bicycle lane 1002, and the two are partitioned by a vehicle guard 1003. Further, in FIG. 5, a case where the roadway 1001 has a single lane is assumed, but an aspect in which a plurality of lanes are provided may also be possible.

[0064] As schematically shown in FIG. 4, the power supply system 100 mainly includes, in addition to the array switch 1 and the vehicle 200, as fixed parts, a DC power supply device 10 such as a switching power supply that can supply power to a load connected between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and a road surface electrode 21 made of a sintered body containing a metal powder, a graphite powder, etc. having a high friction coefficient with a tire that bears conduction between the power supply system 100 and the vehicle 200 and being rich in wear resistance.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the array switch 1 and the road surface electrode 21 are provided on the road surface (roadway surface) 1001a of the roadway 1001 of the road 1000. The array switch 1 is buried in the road 1000 in a manner where the panel electrode 5 is located near the road surface 1001a and within a range where the ON / OFF state of conduction can be switched according to the presence or absence of the action of the magnetic field B from the road surface 1001a side as described above. The road surface electrode 21 is buried in the road 1000 in a manner where its upper surface is flush with the road surface 1001a.

[0066] Note that the array switch 1 (particularly the case 4 and the panel electrode 5) and the road surface electrode 21 used in the power supply system 100 are provided with a strength capable of withstanding the load directly or indirectly received from the vehicle 200 traveling on the roadway 1001.

[0067] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in the roadway 1001, a plurality of array switches 1 are arranged in two rows along the extending direction of the roadway 1001 in FIG. 5. A row formed by one array switch 1(1p) and a row formed by the other array switch 1(1n) are spaced apart from each other.

[0068] Each of the array switches 1p forming one row faces one of the array switches 1n forming the other row. The pairs of array switches 1p and 1n facing each other are individually connected to the DC power supply device 10 by power supply lines 6(6p, 6n). A set of these pairs of array switches 1p and 1n and the DC power supply device 10 to which they are connected is also referred to as a unit power supply section. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the conductor 2 of the array switch 1p is connected to the positive electrode side of the DC power supply device 10 by the power supply line 6p, and the conductor 2 of the array switch 1n is connected to the negative electrode side of the DC power supply device 10 by the power supply line 6n. However, in FIGS. 4 and 5, for the sake of simplicity of illustration, only one unit power supply section is shown with the DC power supply device 10.

[0069] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the DC power supply device 10 is buried in the road interior 1000b on the side of the sidewalk / bicycle path 1002 and operates by obtaining power from the underground power transmission line 1004. However, these are not essential aspects.

[0070] Also, the road surface electrodes 21(21p, 21n) are arranged in two rows along the extending direction of the roadway 1001, similar to the array switches 1, in a manner corresponding to each of the rows of the array switches 1p and the rows of the array switches 1n. The rows of the road surface electrodes 21p and 21n are provided outside the rows of the array switches 1, that is, further spaced apart from the rows of the array switches 1p and 1n. The distance between the rows of the road surface electrodes 21p and 21n is generally set to be approximately the same as the average tread of a general vehicle 200 (the distance between the centers of the tire 201 contact surfaces in the vehicle width direction).

[0071] Each of the individual road surface electrodes 21 is connected to the panel electrode 5 of the corresponding array switch by a cable 7 buried in the road interior 1000b.

[0072] On the other hand, as a configuration related to power supply from the power supply system 100, the vehicle 200 mainly includes a pair of tires 201, an axle 202, a power receiving unit 203, a pair of coils 204 (204p, 204n), a magnetic field generating unit 205, and a control unit 206.

[0073] Although not shown in the figure, the vehicle 200 further includes body parts such as a body, a bumper, and a window, a drive part such as a motor and a transmission, a passenger part such as a seat, a driving control part such as a steering wheel, an accelerator, and a brake, a lighting part such as a light and a blinker, a detection part for monitoring the driving situation such as a camera and various sensors, and a general component similar to those provided in a conventionally known electric vehicle, such as a speedometer and other instrument parts. Alternatively, it may be a mode in which driving by an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine is also used.

[0074] Each of the pair of tires 201 mainly includes a tread part 201a made of conductive rubber and a wheel 201b in which the tread part 201a is fitted on the outer periphery and is connected to the axle 202. The wheel 201b is made of conductive metal. An end of the axle 202 made of conductive metal is connected to the center part of the wheel 201b of each tire 201. Note that the motor may be built in the wheel 201b.

[0075] However, in FIG. 4, for the sake of illustration, only one tire 201p of the pair of tires 201 attached to one axle 202 is shown, and only the configuration corresponding to the relevant tire 201p is mainly shown for the components on the fixed part side of the power supply system 100.

[0076] In the present embodiment, in addition to the tire 201 and the axle 202 being parts responsible for the running of the vehicle 200 by the driving force transmitted from the motor, they also function as a power supply path on the vehicle 200 side.

[0077] When the vehicle 200 has four or more wheels, there are provided two or more axles 202, and tires 201 are attached to both ends of each axle 202. However, in order to receive power supply, in a pair of tires 201 attached to at least one axle 202, it is sufficient that the tread portion 201a is made of conductive rubber. For example, in the case of four wheels, either the front wheels or the rear wheels may be used for power supply, or both may be used. Alternatively, the vehicle 200 may have three wheels.

[0078] The power receiving part 203 is a part that is provided so as to be able to extract the current flowing through the axle 202 and receives power supply from the power supply system 100. Examples of the power receiving part 203 include a storage battery and loads such as various electrical components.

[0079] A pair of coils 204 (204p, 204n) is provided to act on the race switch 1 with a magnetic field B, similar to the coil C shown in FIG. 1(b). Each of the pair of coils 204 can generate a magnetic field B by energization from the magnetic field generation part 205. In FIG. 4, only one of the coils 204 (204p) is shown. Also, in FIG. 5, for simplicity of illustration, the illustration of the vehicle 200 is omitted except for the pair of coils 204 (204p, 204n).

[0080] The interval between the pair of coils 204 (204p, 204n) is made to be approximately the same as the interval between the two rows formed by the race switch 1.

[0081] Also, when each of the coils 204p, 204n generates a magnetic field B above the race switch 1 embedded in the road 1000, the contact portions 3c of the plurality of movable contacts 3 provided on the race switch 1 are attracted by magnetic force and displaced, and are provided at a height position where they can come into contact with the panel electrode 5.

[0082] The control unit 206 controls the operations of each part of the vehicle 200. In particular, when receiving power supply from the power supply system 100, it controls the operations of the power receiving unit 203 and the magnetic field generation unit 205.

[0083] When the vehicle 200 having the above configuration receives power supply from the fixed part of the power supply system 100 provided on the road 1000, each of the pair of tires 201 is positioned on and brought into contact with the respective road surface electrodes 21p, 21n facing each other by a driving operation by the driver or by autonomous driving. As described above, since the distance between the rows of the road surface electrodes 21p, 21n is approximately the same as the average tread of the vehicle 200, as shown in FIG. 4, when the tire 201 (201p) provided at one end of the axle 202 in the vehicle 200 comes into contact with the road surface electrode 21p, the tire 201 provided at the other end of the axle 202 also comes into contact with the road surface electrode 21n.

[0084] Specifically, although the specific tread of the vehicle 200 varies depending on the vehicle type, as described above, by making the distance between the rows of the road surface electrodes 21p, 21n approximately the same as the average tread of a general vehicle 200 and suitably setting the width W of the road surface electrode 21, it is possible to realize a state in which each of the pair of tires 201 is in contact with the road surface electrodes 21p, 21n simultaneously regardless of the vehicle type of the vehicle 200.

[0085] Hereinafter, the road surface electrodes 21p, 21n with which each of the pair of tires 201 is in contact are also referred to as active electrodes 21pa, 21na, respectively.

[0086] Note that the length L of the road surface electrode 21 may be approximately the same as the diameter of the tire 201. At least, it may be sized such that the front wheels and the rear wheels do not come into contact with the same road surface electrodes 21p, 21n simultaneously. In that case, the tires 201 of both the front wheels and the rear wheels of the four wheels will come into contact with different active electrodes 21pa, 21na.

[0087] Also, as described above, since the distance between the pair of coils 204 (204p, 204n) is approximately the same as the distance between the two columns formed by the array switch 1, when each of the pair of tires 201 is in contact with each of the active electrodes 21pa, 21na, the coils 204p, 204n are respectively located above the panel electrode 5 connected to those active electrodes 21pa, 21na by the cable 7. That is, the coils 204p, 204n are respectively located above the array switches 1p, 1n provided in the panel electrode 5.

[0088] Therefore, in a situation where such an arrangement relationship is realized, similar to the case shown in Fig. 1(b), a magnetic field B acts on the array switches 1p, 1n from the respective coils 204p, 204n. As a result, in each of the array switches 1p, 1n, the movable contact 3 whose contact part 3c is located within the action range of the magnetic field B is attracted and comes into contact with the panel electrode 5, becoming the effective contact 3E. That is, the array switches 1p, 1n are in the ON state.

[0089] At this time, the conductors 2 of the array switches 1p, 1n in the ON state are connected to the DC power supply device 10 by the power supply lines 6p, 6n, and the road surface electrodes 21p, 21n connected to the panel electrodes 5 of those array switches 1p, 1n by the cable 7 are in contact with the tires 201 of the vehicle 200. In addition, the tire 201 composed of a tread part 201a made of conductive rubber and a wheel 201b made of conductive metal is electrically connected to an axle 202 also made of conductive metal.

[0090] As a result, in a state where each of the pair of tires 201 is in contact with each of the active electrodes 21pa, 21na, the following closed circuit is formed.

[0091] DC power supply device 10 (positive electrode side) → power supply line 6p → array switch 1p (conductor 2 → effective contact 3E → panel electrode 5) → cable 7 → road surface electrode 21p (active electrode 21pa) → tread portion 201a → wheel 201b → axle 202 (power receiving portion 203) → wheel 201b → tread portion 201a → road surface electrode 21n (active electrode 21na) → cable 7 → array switch 1n (panel electrode 5 → effective contact 3E → conductor 2) → power supply line 6n → DC power supply device 10 (negative electrode side).

[0092] And in such a closed circuit, as shown in order by arrows AR8 to AR11 in FIG. 4, a current flows from the array switch 1p connected to the DC power supply device 10 toward the axle 202.

[0093] This means that, with each of the pair of tires 201 in contact with the road surface electrodes 21p and 21n (active electrodes 21pa and 21na), by applying a magnetic field B from each of the coils 204p and 204n to turn on the array switches 1p and 1n connected to the active electrodes 21pa and 21na, direct power supply from the DC power supply device 10 to the vehicle 200 is realized.

[0094] Moreover, such direct power supply can also be realized while the vehicle 200 is running. For example, when the vehicle 200 runs in the direction indicated by the arrow AR12 in FIG. 5, if each of the pair of tires 201 passes over the rows formed by the road surface electrodes 21p and 21n, although the sets of road surface electrodes 21p and 21n that become the active electrodes 21pa and 21na are switched sequentially, the coils 204p and 204n also move accordingly. Along with this, as shown in FIG. 2, the movable contacts 3 that become the effective contacts 3E are switched sequentially. That is, along with the switching of the active electrodes 21pa and 21na, the sets of array switches 1p and 1n that are in the ON state are switched sequentially. As described above, since the DC power supply device 10 is connected for each set of array switches 1p and 1n facing each other, while each set of array switches 1p and 1n is in the ON state, power is supplied from the DC power supply device 10 connected to the set of array switches 1p and 1n to the vehicle 200. Also, when the positive and negative of the array switches 1p and 1n are fixedly determined in this way, power is not supplied to the vehicle 200 running on the side opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow AR12, that is, the vehicle 200 running in reverse, which also leads to preventing reverse running.

[0095] As a result, as long as each of the pair of tires 201 runs so as to pass over the rows formed by the road surface electrodes 21p and 21n, the vehicle 200 will continuously receive power supply. Hereinafter, such a running mode of the vehicle 200 in which each of the pair of tires 201 passes over the rows formed by the road surface electrodes 21p and 21n is also referred to as power supply running. Incidentally, when such power supply running is continuously realized under the control of the control unit 206, the vehicle 200 can be made substantially battery-free without the need to mount a driving battery.

[0096] In order to be able to quickly switch the ON / OFF state corresponding to the moving speed of the vehicle 200, it is desirable that the mass of each movable contact 3 of the array switch 1 is about 10 mg to 50 mg, and the contact distance remains at a maximum of 1 mm.

[0097] Further, the control unit 206 can perform highly accurate driving control by performing driving control of the vehicle 200 such that the contact resistance between the tire 201 and the road surface electrode 21 and / or the contact resistance between the panel electrode 5 and the movable contact 3 of the array switch 1 is minimized, or such that the power supply current is maximized.

[0098] However, in actual driving, it is not always necessary to continuously perform power supply driving. It may be a mode in which power supply driving is temporarily or intermittently performed when power supply is required. Alternatively, there may be a case where power supply driving is unavoidably interrupted temporarily, such as when avoiding an obstacle on the road lane 1001.

[0099] Also, the fixed part of the power supply system 100 may be provided at a location where the vehicle 200 stops for a predetermined time, such as a parking lot. Since power supply is possible in a parked state, there is no problem of occupying a dedicated charging space, and simultaneous charging of several hundred vehicles is also possible, so the spread of charging points will progress.

[0100] Note that when supplying power to the vehicle 200, the energized portions exposed to the outside on the road surface 1001a are only the active electrodes 21pa and 21na in contact with the tire 201. Also, the vehicle 200 always exists on the active electrodes 21pa and 21na. Therefore, basically, electric leakage and electric shock caused by a person coming into contact with the active electrodes 21pa and 21na do not occur.

[0101] On the other hand, since the non-active road surface electrodes 21 not in contact with the tire 201 are not energized in the first place, electric leakage and electric shock caused by a person coming into contact with the non-active road surface electrodes 21 do not occur either.

[0102] Further, when it rains or when puddles form on the road surface 1001a, a current can flow through the road surface 1001a. However, the resistance to such a current is sufficiently greater than the resistance when power is supplied to the vehicle 200. Also, when the vehicle 200 itself moves, current does not continuously flow through the same pair of road surface electrodes 21p and 21n for a long time. Therefore, rain or puddles do not affect the power supply to the vehicle 200.

[0103] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using an array switch that includes a large number of movable contacts continuous with a conductor and switches the contact / non-contact between the movable contacts and the panel electrodes depending on the presence or absence of the action of a magnetic field, enabling switching between the ON / OFF states of conduction, a simple configuration compared to the conventionally studied methods allows for safe direct power supply to a moving moving body.

[0104] Also, in the array switch according to the present embodiment, by securing a large number of effective contacts that are movable contacts located within the action range of the magnetic field, the contact resistance in the ON state can be made smaller compared to conventionally known switches, and a larger amount of power can be supplied. As a result, electrification of large moving bodies such as freight trucks and construction machinery becomes possible.

[0105] <Additional Configuration and Future Development of the Power Supply System> In the example shown in FIG. 5, the DC power supply device 10 is connected to the optical fiber information communication network 1005 via the communication line CL1. In such a case, it is possible to remotely control the DC power supply device 10 from a control device (computer) provided in a remote management facility (not shown). For example, based on the energization state of the array switch 1 in the management facility, the position information of the vehicle 200 can be acquired, and only the DC power supply device 10 at the location where the vehicle 200 will travel in the immediate vicinity can be made power supply capable, or when an accident or disaster occurs, it is possible to stop the power supply from the DC power supply device 10 in the vicinity of the occurrence location. In addition, when the energization state of each movable contact 3 of the array switch 1 is detected, the position of the vehicle 200 can be specified in units of several millimeters.

[0106] In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 5, a high-frequency road surface sensor controller 1006 connected to the optical fiber information communication network 1005 via a communication line CL2 is connected to each of a pair of road surface electrodes 21 (21p, 21n) via signal lines CL3p and CL3n, and DC cut capacitors 1007 (1007p, 1007n) are provided in the middle of the signal lines CL3p and CL3n, respectively.

[0107] Furthermore, a wireless transmission / reception device 1008 for enabling wireless communication between the vehicle 200 and the outside is also connected to the optical fiber information communication network 1005. Examples of the wireless transmission / reception device 1008 include a high-speed Wi-Fi transmission / reception device and a next-generation mobile phone transmission / reception device.

[0108] Also, the non-active road surface electrodes 21 not in contact with the tire 201 can be regarded as simple flat electrodes. Therefore, by providing the high-frequency road surface sensor controller 1006 between the road surface electrodes 21p and 21n in each unit power supply section and applying a weak high frequency or the like when the road surface electrodes 21p and 21n are non-active to measure the inter-electrode impedance, it becomes possible to detect states such as wetness and the presence or absence of an object between those non-active road surface electrodes 21p and 21n from the change in the measured value.

[0109] Such detection information not only contributes to the safe operation of the vehicle 200 by being provided from the wireless transmission / reception device 1008 to the vehicle 200, but may also be provided to a remote management facility as part of road damage information and weather information through the above-described optical fiber information communication network 1005.

[0110] Note that, due to some reason, the non-active road surface electrodes 21p and 21n may be in an energized state. However, by providing the DC cut capacitor 1007, it is possible to prevent a failure of the high-frequency road surface sensor controller 1006 caused by a DC voltage generated between the electrodes in the energized state.

[0111] Embedding the array switch 1 into an existing road is more expensive than general road maintenance costs. Also, maintaining the underground power transmission line 1004 and the optical fiber information communication network 1005 incurs a large amount of cost. However, for example, by simultaneously maintaining the poleless project considering disaster prevention and landscape, the wireless transceiver device 1008 whose future development is expected, the charging station 1009 for drones etc. provided in the vehicle guard 1003 in Fig. 5, etc., the maintenance cost can be reduced.

[0112] Also, conventional roads were maintained by transporting asphalt etc. to the site, but when newly constructing a road 1000 equipped with the power supply system 100 according to this embodiment, units at predetermined distances incorporating the components of the road 1000 as shown in Fig. 5 such as the array switch 1, the DC power supply device 10, and the road surface electrode 21 are manufactured in a factory in advance, and it is desirable to maintain them by connecting those units at the site with one touch. In such a case, the construction period can be significantly shortened and the cost can be reduced. At that time, if a wireless base of next-generation communication technology, a charging system during drone transportation, etc. are also introduced, it is also possible to grow as an intelligent road system and an infrastructure export industry overseas.

[0113] <Modification Example of the First Embodiment> In the above-described embodiment, the panel electrode 5 and the road surface electrode 21 are separate bodies, but the panel electrode 5 may also serve as the road surface electrode 21. However, in this case, it is necessary to give magnetism to the tire 201 itself or install a coil inside the tire 201. Also, when the tire 201 has magnetism, since metals may be attracted by the magnetic force, the tire 201 may puncture, so measures such as periodically cutting the magnetic field are required to prevent the adhesion of metals.

[0114] <Second Embodiment> <Magnet-Type Array Switch> FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of an array switch 301 used in a power supply system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] The array switch 301 generally includes a plurality of positive electrode side conductors 302p and a plurality of negative electrode side conductors 302n each having a long and thin plate shape extending in the left - right direction in the drawing view. The plurality of positive electrode side conductors 302p and the plurality of negative electrode side conductors 302n are alternately arranged along one direction (the up - down direction in the drawing view) without contacting each other. The positive electrode side conductor 302p and the negative electrode side conductor 302n are made of the same metal plate as the conductor 2 provided in the array switch 1.

[0116] One end side (the right - hand end side in the drawing view) of the positive electrode side conductor 302p is connected to the positive electrode 10p of a DC power supply device 10 (not shown in FIG. 6), and the other end side (the left - hand end side in the drawing view) of the negative electrode side conductor 302n is connected to the negative electrode 10n of the DC power supply device 10.

[0117] Furthermore, a positive electrode side movable contact 303p is provided on the positive electrode side conductor 302p, and a negative electrode side movable contact 303n is provided on the negative electrode side conductor 302n. Both the positive electrode side movable contact 303p and the negative electrode side movable contact 303n include a base portion 303a which is a connection and conduction portion with the positive electrode side conductor 302p or the negative electrode side conductor 302n, and a thin - plate - shaped movable portion 303b extending from the base portion 303a. Both the positive electrode side movable contact 303p and the negative electrode side movable contact 303n are provided such that the movable portion 303b can rotate with the base portion 303a as a rotation axis. A contact magnet 303cp is provided at the tip of the movable portion 303b of the positive electrode side movable contact 303p, and a contact magnet 303cn is provided at the tip of the movable portion 303b of the negative electrode side movable contact 303n.

[0118] The materials of the positive electrode side movable contact 303p and the negative electrode side movable contact 303n may be the same as those of the positive electrode side conductor 302p and the negative electrode side conductor 302n, or may be different conductors.

[0119] In the array switch 301 shown in FIG. 6, further, on each positive electrode side conductor 302p, positive electrode side movable contacts 303p are provided in a row along the longitudinal direction of the positive electrode side conductor 302p, and on each negative electrode side conductor 302n, negative electrode side movable contacts 303n are provided in a row along the longitudinal direction of the negative electrode side conductor 302n. The directions from the base portions 303a toward the movable portions 303b of the positive electrode side movable contacts 303p and the negative electrode side movable contacts 303n are opposite to each other. However, the mode in which the positive electrode side movable contacts 303p and the negative electrode side movable contacts 303n are provided in a row on the positive electrode side conductor 302p and the negative electrode side conductor 302n is not essential, and an arrangement according to the shapes and sizes of the positive electrode side conductor 302p and the negative electrode side conductor 302n may be made.

[0120] The positive electrode side conductor 302p having the positive electrode side movable contact 303p and the negative electrode side conductor 302n having the negative electrode side movable contact 303n are housed in a case 304. The case 304 is a rectangular parallelepiped box in a plan view made of the same material as the case 4 of the array switch 1. The upper part of the case 304 is covered with a panel electrode 305 made of the same material as the panel electrode 5 of the array switch 1. The panel electrode 305 is a flat plate-shaped electrode that also serves as a lid of the case 304.

[0121] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the positive electrode side movable contact 303p, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the negative electrode side movable contact 303n.

[0122] FIG. 7(a) shows the positive electrode side movable contact 303p when the array switch 301 is in the OFF state, and FIG. 8(a) shows the negative electrode side movable contact 303n when the array switch 301 is in the OFF state. In such an OFF state, the positive electrode side movable contact 303p and the negative electrode side movable contact 303n are separated from the panel electrode 305. More specifically, the positive electrode side movable contact 303p maintains a posture along the positive electrode side conductor 302p, and the negative electrode side movable contact 303n maintains a posture bent with respect to the negative electrode side conductor 302n.

[0123] However, as shown by the arrows AR13 and AR14, both the positive electrode side movable contact 303p and the negative electrode side movable contact 303n are each provided so as to be rotatable about its respective base portion 302a only on the side facing the panel electrode 305 from the OFF state posture. Such rotation is realized by the action of a magnetic force (magnetic field) from above the panel electrode 305. Note that due to the restraint by the base portion 302a, rotation to the opposite side is prevented from occurring.

[0124] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the contact magnet 303cp provided at the tip of the movable portion 303b of the positive electrode side movable contact 303p is provided such that the S pole faces the panel electrode 305 side and the N pole faces the opposite side. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7(b), when the N pole of the magnet MGn approaches the positive electrode side movable contact 303p via the panel electrode 305, the contact magnet 303cp is attracted by the magnetic force generated between the magnet MGn and the contact magnet 303cp, causing the movable portion 302b to rotate, and thus coming into contact with the panel electrode 305. Thereby, the positive electrode side conductor 302p and the panel electrode 305 are electrically connected via the positive electrode side movable contact 303p.

[0125] Conversely, when the S pole of the magnet MGs approaches the positive electrode side movable contact 303p, since the magnet MGs and the contact magnet 303cp repel each other, the positive electrode side movable contact 303p restrained by the base portion 302a remains in the OFF state as shown in FIG. 7(c), that is, remains separated from the panel electrode 305.

[0126] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the contact magnet 303cn provided at the tip of the movable portion 303b of the negative electrode side movable contact 303n is provided such that the N pole faces the panel electrode 305 side and the S pole faces the opposite side. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8(b), when the S pole of the magnet MGs approaches the negative electrode side movable contact 303n via the panel electrode 305, the contact magnet 303cn is attracted by the magnetic force generated between the magnet MGs and the contact magnet 303cn, causing the movable portion 302b to rotate, and thus coming into contact with the panel electrode 305. Thereby, the negative electrode side conductor 302n and the panel electrode 305 are electrically connected via the negative electrode side movable contact 303n.

[0127] Conversely, when the N pole of the magnet MGn approaches the negative electrode side movable contact 303n, since the magnet MGn and the contact magnet 303cn repel each other, the negative electrode side movable contact 303n restrained by the base 302a remains in the OFF state as shown in FIG. 8(c), that is, it remains separated from the panel electrode 305.

[0128] All the positive electrode side movable contacts 303p and all the negative electrode side movable contacts 303n provided in the array switch 301 operate in the same manner. That is, when the N pole of the magnet approaches, the positive electrode side movable contact 303p contacts the panel electrode 305, and the negative electrode side movable contact 303n remains separated from the panel electrode 305. Also, when the S pole of the magnet approaches, the negative electrode side movable contact 303n contacts the panel electrode 305, and the positive electrode side movable contact 303p remains separated from the panel electrode 305.

[0129] In other words, the array switch 301 is configured such that when the N pole of the magnet approaches, a first ON state is realized in which the wiring on the positive electrode side conductor 302p side connected to the positive electrode 10p of the DC power supply device 10 and the wiring connected to the panel electrode 305 side are electrically connected, and when the S pole of the magnet approaches, a second ON state is realized in which the wiring on the negative electrode side conductor 302n side connected to the negative electrode 10n of the DC power supply device 10 and the wiring on the panel electrode 305 side are electrically connected, and when the magnet does not approach, it is in the OFF state.

[0130] <Power supply system> Next, the power supply system 300 for the moving body in the present embodiment including the above-described array switch 301 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a planar arrangement of the array switch 301 in the power supply system 300. FIG. 9 further schematically shows a moving body 400 that can move on the floor surface formed by the array switch 301, which is the object to be powered in the power supply system 300. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of the components provided in the power supply system 300 including such a moving body 400.

[0131] The power supply system 300 mainly includes a plurality of array switches 301 and a DC power supply device 10 in addition to the moving body 400.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of array switches 301 are two-dimensionally arranged in a plane with the panel electrodes 305 facing upward. In FIG. 9, a state where eight array switches 301 are arranged in the vertical direction and seven array switches 301 are arranged in the horizontal direction is shown, but this is merely an example, and there is no particular limitation on the number of array switches 301 arranged in the power supply system 300. Also, in FIG. 9, for the sake of convenience, the coordinate position of the array switch 301 in the vertical direction is set as Ri (i is a natural number from 1 to 8), and the coordinate position of the array switch 301 in the horizontal direction is set as Lj (j is a natural number from 1 to 7). Hereinafter, the position (address) of each array switch 301 will be denoted as RiLj.

[0133] Preferably, between the panel electrodes 305 of the individual array switches 301 are separated by an insulator of about 1 mm. Thereby, the individual operations of the individual array switches 301 are ensured.

[0134] Such a power supply system 300 is assumed to be used, for example, on the floor surface of a facility where an electric moving body (such as a robot) moves on the floor surface, such as a factory. Therefore, also in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the panel electrodes 305 of the array switches 301 form the floor surface. Note that instead of the mode in which the panel electrode 305 directly forms the floor surface, an array switch 301 may be arranged in a plane such that some floor material forms the floor surface and the panel electrode 305 is located in the vicinity of the lower side of such floor material. However, hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the panel electrode 305 forms the floor surface, including the case where the floor material exists.

[0135] In any case, the array switch 301 (especially the case 304 and the panel electrode 305) used in the power supply system 300 is provided with a strength capable of withstanding the load received directly or indirectly from the moving body 400.

[0136] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, in the power supply system 300, the positive electrode side conductors 302p of the plurality of array switches 301 are connected in parallel with the positive electrode 10p of the DC power supply device 10, and the negative electrode side conductors 302n of each of them are connected in parallel with the negative electrode 10n of the DC power supply device 10.

[0137] On the other hand, the moving body 400 mainly includes positive electrode side wheels 401p and negative electrode side wheels 401n equipped with conductive tires or the like, and a conduction part 402 responsible for conduction between the positive electrode side wheels 401p and the negative electrode side wheels 401n.

[0138] Although not shown in the figure, the moving body 400 further includes a power receiving part and a control part similar to the power receiving part 203 and the control part 206 in the first embodiment. The power receiving part includes various operating parts according to the operating purpose of the moving body 400 (for example, transportation, assembly, inspection, etc.).

[0139] The positive electrode side wheels 401p and the negative electrode side wheels 401n are capable of forward and backward movements independently on the floor surface formed by the panel electrodes 305 under the control of a control part (not shown). Also, the positive electrode side wheels 401p and the negative electrode side wheels 401n are each electrically connected to the contacted panel electrodes 305.

[0140] Thereby, the moving body 400 can freely move and rotate (change direction) on the floor surface formed by the panel electrodes 305, and as the moving body 400 moves and rotates, the panel electrodes 305 that are electrically connected to the positive electrode side wheels 401p and the negative electrode side wheels 401n are switched.

[0141] Furthermore, on the positive electrode side wheel 401p, a magnet MGn with its N pole facing the power supply system 300 is provided as a magnetic field generation source, and on the negative electrode side wheel 401n, a magnet MGs with its S pole facing the power supply system 300 is provided as a magnetic field generation source. As a result, in the array switch 301 where the panel electrode 305 is in contact with and conducting to the positive electrode side wheel 401p, simultaneously, the first ON state is realized by the approach of the N pole of the magnet MGn. Also, in the array switch 301 where the panel electrode 305 is in contact with and conducting to the negative electrode side wheel 401n, simultaneously, the second ON state is realized by the approach of the S pole of the magnet MGs. Note that instead of the magnets MGn and MGs, a coil that provides a similar magnetic field may be provided.

[0142] By having the configuration as described above, in the power supply system 300 according to the present embodiment, as the moving body 400 moves, the array switch 301 that becomes the first ON state and in which the panel electrode 305 conducts to the positive electrode side wheel 401p, and the array switch 301 that becomes the second ON state and in which the panel electrode 305 conducts to the negative electrode side wheel 401n freely switch.

[0143] In other words, even if the moving body 400 moves arbitrarily, the positive electrode side wheel 401p and the negative electrode side wheel 401n always come into contact with and conduct to the panel electrode 305 of any one of the plurality of array switches 301 having the connection relationship as shown in FIG. 10, and in the array switch 301 including the panel electrode 305 with which each has come into contact, the first ON state and the second ON state are always realized.

[0144] Moreover, since the positive electrode side conductors 302p of the respective array switches 301 are connected in parallel with the positive electrode 10p of the DC power supply device 10, and the negative electrode side conductors 302n are connected in parallel with the negative electrode 10n of the DC power supply device 10, no matter which array switch 301 comes into contact with the positive electrode side wheel 401p and is set to the first ON state, and no matter which different array switch 301 comes into contact with the negative electrode side wheel 401n and is set to the second ON state, the former array switch 301 is connected to the positive electrode 10p of the DC power supply device 10, and the latter array switch 301 is connected to the negative electrode 10n of the DC power supply device 10.

[0145] For example, in the case shown in FIG. 9, in the array switch 301p with the address R7L3, the first ON state is realized, and the panel electrode 305 is electrically connected to the positive electrode side wheel 401p. In the array switch 301n with the address R3L4, the second ON state is realized, and the panel electrode 305 is electrically connected to the negative electrode side wheel 401n.

[0146] In such a case, generally, the following closed circuit is formed in the power supply system 300.

[0147] DC power supply device 10 (positive electrode 10p) → array switch 301p (positive electrode side conductor 302p → positive electrode side movable contact 303p → panel electrode 305) → positive electrode side wheel 401p → conduction part 402 (power receiving part) → negative electrode side wheel 401n → array switch 301n (panel electrode 305 → negative electrode side movable contact 303n → negative electrode side conductor 302n) → DC power supply device 10 (negative electrode 10n).

[0148] Even when the positions of the positive electrode side wheel 401p and the negative electrode side wheel 401n are different, only the array switches 301 used are different, and a similar closed circuit is formed.

[0149] This means that power supply from the DC power supply device 10 to the moving body 400 is realized. Moreover, such power supply can be performed continuously or continuously even when the moving body 400 is moving.

[0150] For example, when the power supply system 300 according to the present embodiment is introduced onto the factory floor and the configuration of the moving body 400 is adopted for a robot or the like moving in such a factory, power can be supplied continuously or at any timing to the robot or the like at any location within the factory. Even when it is necessary to change the movement route, it is possible to flexibly respond, and there is no time loss for charging.

[0151] Also, even when changing the production line due to changes in the product or the like, there is no need to consider the installation of the power supply location for the robot, and it is possible to flexibly and easily respond.

[0152] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, if a sensing function using a high-frequency path sensor controller is added, it becomes possible to detect wetness, the presence or absence of an object, etc. between the panel electrodes, and it becomes possible to detect abnormalities and failures at an early stage.

[0153] As described above, also in the present embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, by using an array switch having a large number of movable contacts connected to a conductor and switching the contact / non-contact between the movable contact and the panel electrode depending on the presence or absence of the action of a magnetic field, it is possible to directly supply power to a moving moving body with a simpler structure compared to the conventionally studied methods.

[0154] Also, according to the present embodiment, a large number of array switches having a configuration in which a movable contact attracted to the N pole and a movable contact attracted to the S pole are independently provided and each is connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of a DC power supply device are two-dimensionally arranged, and by forming a floor surface composed of the panel electrodes of these array switches, it is possible to continuously or continuously supply power to a moving body moving arbitrarily on such a floor surface.

[0155] When such an aspect is adopted in a factory where a robot or the like moves, power can be supplied to the robot or the like at any location within the factory, there is no time loss for charging, and it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the movement route and changes in the production line.

Claims

1. A flat conductor, A plurality of movable contacts that are electrically connected to the conductor at the base and arranged along the plane formed by the conductor, A box body that houses the conductor and the plurality of movable contacts, A panel electrode that forms the lid of the box body, Comprising: Each of the plurality of movable contacts is provided with a contact portion containing a magnetic material, Each of the contact portions of the plurality of movable contacts can be displaced by receiving a magnetic force from the outside and thereby can come into contact with the panel electrode, Among the plurality of movable contacts, when a movable contact in which the contact portion is in contact with the panel electrode is defined as an effective contact, When a plurality of the effective contacts come into contact with the panel electrode, the wiring connected to the conductor side and the wiring connected to the panel electrode side are electrically connected in an ON state, and when none of the plurality of movable contacts is in contact with the panel electrode, the wiring connected to the conductor side and the wiring connected to the panel electrode side are not electrically connected in an OFF state, and these states can be switched by the presence or absence of the magnetic force, An array switch characterized by the above.

2. The array switch according to claim 1, The plurality of effective contacts are switched according to a change in the position where the magnetic force is received, An array switch characterized by the above.

3. The array switch according to claim 1 or claim 2, The plurality of movable contacts are continuous from the conductor and have a movable portion provided with the contact portion at the tip, An array switch characterized by the above.

4. The array switch according to claim 3, The conductor and the plurality of movable contacts excluding the contact portion are made of beryllium copper, An array switch characterized by the above.

5. The array switch according to claim 1 or claim 2, The conductor includes a first conductor and a second conductor that are not in contact with each other, The plurality of movable contacts include a plurality of first movable contacts provided on the first conductor and a plurality of second movable contacts provided on the second conductor, A first contact portion that is the contact portion provided on each of the plurality of first movable contacts and a second contact portion that is the contact portion provided on each of the plurality of second movable contacts are magnets with opposite magnetic poles facing the panel electrode side, When, among the plurality of first movable contacts, a movable contact in which the first contact portion is in contact with the panel electrode is defined as a first effective contact, and among the plurality of second movable contacts, a movable contact in which the second contact portion is in contact with the panel electrode is defined as a second effective contact, a first ON state in which a wiring connected to the first conductor side and a wiring connected to the panel electrode side are electrically connected when the plurality of first effective contacts come into contact with the panel electrode; a second ON state in which a wiring connected to the second conductor side and a wiring connected to the panel electrode side are electrically connected when the plurality of second effective contacts come into contact with the panel electrode; the OFF state, can be switched according to the presence, absence, and polarity of the magnetic force, characterizing an array switch.

6. A power supply system for a moving body, comprising: a DC power supply device capable of supplying power to a load connected between a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a pair of array switches, each of which is the array switch according to claim 2, provided such that the panel electrode forms the moving surface of the moving body or is located in the vicinity of the moving surface; one or more unit power supply parts including the same, in each of the unit power supply parts, one of the pair of array switches is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply device, and the other of the pair of array switches is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply device, wherein the moving body has a pair of conductive wheels, a pair of magnetic field generation sources that are provided corresponding to the pair of wheels, and when each of the pair of corresponding wheels is in a conductive state with the panel electrodes of the pair of array switches provided in any of the one or more unit power supply parts, a magnetic field is applied to each of the pair of array switches; a power receiving part; a power supply path for the power receiving part; and has in the one or more unit power supply parts, when each of the pair of array switches receives the magnetic force generated by the action of the magnetic field from each of the pair of magnetic field generation sources and becomes the ON state, power is supplied from the DC power supply device to the power receiving part. characterizing a power supply system for a moving body.

7. The power supply system for a moving body according to claim 6, wherein the one or more unit power supply parts are a plurality of unit power supply parts, One of each pair of the array switches of each of the plurality of unit power supply units and the other of each pair of the array switches are arranged in a line along the moving direction of the moving body, thereby forming a first array switch row and a second array switch row. As the moving body moves along the moving direction, the positions where each of the pair of magnetic field generation sources acts the magnetic field move along the first array switch row and the second array switch row, so that the pair of array switches that are turned on are sequentially switched, and power is supplied to the moving moving body. A power supply system for a moving body, characterized in that.

8. A power supply system for a moving body according to claim 6, In each of the pair of array switches, the panel electrode is provided below the moving surface. A pair of road surface electrodes that are electrically connected to each of the panel electrodes and exposed on the moving surface. Further comprising When each of the pair of wheels of the moving body contacts each of the pair of road surface electrodes, each of the pair of wheels is electrically connected to the panel electrode of each of the pair of array switches. A power supply system for a moving body, characterized in that.

9. A power supply system for a moving body according to claim 8, Each of the one or more unit power supply units further includes a high-frequency application means capable of applying a high-frequency current between the pair of road surface electrodes. Based on the impedance between the pair of road surface electrodes when the high-frequency application means applies the high-frequency current to the pair of road surface electrodes that are not in contact with the pair of wheels, the state between the pair of road surface electrodes is detected. A power supply system for a moving body, characterized in that.

10. A power supply system for a moving body according to claim 9, Each of the one or more unit power supply units further includes a DC cut capacitor between the high-frequency application means and each of the pair of road surface electrodes. A power supply system for a moving body, characterized in that.

11. A power supply system for a moving body, A DC power supply device capable of supplying power to a load connected between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, A plurality of array switches, each of which is the array switch according to claim 5, provided two-dimensionally so that the panel electrode forms the floor surface on which the moving body moves or is located in the vicinity of the floor surface. Comprising Each of the first conductors of the plurality of array switches is connected in parallel to the positive electrode of the DC power supply device, Each of the second conductors of the plurality of array switches is connected in parallel to the negative electrode of the DC power supply device, The moving body is, A first wheel and a second wheel each having conductivity, Provided corresponding to the first wheel, when the first wheel is in contact with the panel electrode of the first array switch which is any one of the plurality of array switches and is in a conductive state with the panel electrode, a first magnetic field source that acts on the first array switch with the first magnetic field to generate a first magnetic force which is the magnetic force, Provided corresponding to the second wheel, when the second wheel is in contact with the panel electrode of the second array switch which is any one of the plurality of array switches and is in a conductive state with the panel electrode, a second magnetic field source that acts on the second array switch with the second magnetic field to generate a second magnetic force which is the magnetic force, A power receiving part, A power supply path to the power receiving part, And has, The polarities of the magnetic fields generated by the first magnetic field source and the second magnetic field source are opposite to each other, When the first wheel contacts the panel electrode of the first array switch and the first array switch receives the first magnetic force to enter the ON state, at the same time, the second wheel contacts the panel electrode of the second array switch and the second array switch receives the second magnetic force to enter the ON state, power is supplied from the DC power supply device to the power receiving part, A power supply system for a moving body, characterized by this.

12. A power supply method for a moving body, A pair of array switches, each of which is the array switch described in claim 2, are provided such that the panel electrode forms the moving surface of the moving body or is located in the vicinity of the moving surface, One of the pair of array switches and the other of the pair of array switches are connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of a DC power supply device capable of supplying power to a load connected between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, On the moving body, A pair of wheels having conductivity, ​ Provided corresponding to each of the pair of wheels, when each of the corresponding pair of wheels is in conduction with the panel electrodes of each of the pair of race switches provided in any one of the one or more unit power feeding parts, a pair of magnetic field generation sources that apply the magnetic field to each of the pair of race switches, A power receiving part, A power feeding path to the power receiving part, Are provided, By generating the magnetic force by applying the magnetic field to each of the pair of magnetic field generation sources, each of the pair of race switches is set to the ON state, and power is fed from the DC power feeding device to the power receiving part. A method for feeding power to a moving body, characterized by the above.

13. A method for feeding power to a moving body according to claim 12, By arranging one pair of the race switches and the other pair of the race switches along the moving direction of the moving body respectively, a first race switch row and a second race switch row are formed, By moving the moving body along the moving direction, the positions where each of the pair of magnetic field generation sources applies the magnetic field are moved along the first race switch row and the second race switch row, and by sequentially switching each of the pair of race switches that becomes the ON state, power is fed to the moving moving body. A method for feeding power to a moving body, characterized by the above.

14. A method for feeding power to a moving body according to claim 12, While providing the panel electrodes of each of the pair of race switches below the moving surface, a pair of road surface electrodes electrically connected to each of the panel electrodes are provided so as to be exposed on the moving surface, By bringing each of the pair of wheels of the moving body into contact with each of the pair of road surface electrodes, each of the pair of wheels is brought into conduction with the panel electrodes of each of the pair of race switches, and power is fed from the DC power feeding device to the power receiving part. A method for feeding power to a moving body, characterized by the above.

15. A method for feeding power to a moving body, A plurality of race switches, each of which is the race switch according to claim 5, are two-dimensionally provided such that the panel electrodes form the floor surface on which the moving body moves or are located in the vicinity of the floor surface, Connect in parallel to each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the DC power supply device capable of supplying power to a load connected between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, each of the first conductors of the plurality of race switches and each of the second conductors of the plurality of race switches, To the moving body, A first wheel and a second wheel each having conductivity, Provided corresponding to the first wheel, when the first wheel is in contact with the panel electrode of the first race switch which is any one of the plurality of race switches and is in a conductive state with the panel electrode, a first magnetic field source that acts on the first race switch with the first magnetic field to generate a first magnetic force which is the magnetic force, Provided corresponding to the second wheel, when the second wheel is in contact with the panel electrode of the second race switch which is any one of the plurality of race switches and is in a conductive state with the panel electrode, a second magnetic field source that acts on the second race switch with the second magnetic field to generate a second magnetic force which is the magnetic force, A power receiving part, A power supply path to the power receiving part, Are provided, and The polarities of the magnetic fields generated by the first magnetic field source and the second magnetic field source are made opposite, By bringing the first wheel into contact with the panel electrode of the first race switch to generate the first magnetic force to turn on the first race switch, and at the same time bringing the second wheel into contact with the panel electrode of the second race switch to generate the second magnetic force to turn on the second race switch, power is supplied from the DC power supply device to the power receiving part, A power supply method for a moving body, characterized by the above.

Images