Non-contact power supply facility

Abstract

To construct a non-contact power supply facility having a plurality of power supply lines that is configured by a simpler system than a conventional system while reducing an interference power generated between adjacent power supply lines.SOLUTION: A non-contact power feeding facility including a plurality of power supply lines includes a coupling unit 5 that is disposed between an adjacent first power supply line 3p and a second power supply line 3s and holds the first power supply line 3p and the second power supply line 3s in a first section 31 and a second section 32 in which the first power supply line 3p and the second power supply line 3s are disposed in parallel. The first supply line 3p and the second supply line 3s are arranged in the coupling unit 5 such that the direction of a current Is flowing through the first section 31 of the second supply line 3s with respect to the direction of the current Ip flowing through the first section 31 of the first supply line 3p and the direction of the current Is flowing through the second section 32 of the second supply line 3s with respect to the direction of the current Ip flowing through the second section 32 of the first supply line 3p are opposite to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a contactless power supply facility. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-67747 discloses a power supply system (contactless power supply system) in which a plurality of induction lines (47) acting as power supply lines through which AC current flows are arranged along the path of travel of a moving object (V) to supply power to the moving object (V) in a contactless manner (reference numerals in parentheses in the Background Art section refer to those in the referenced document). A power supply device (inverter (M)) is connected to the plurality of induction lines (47) to supply power to each of the induction lines (47). A moving object (V) equipped with a power receiving device (pickup coil (5)) travels by connecting between the plurality of induction lines (47) and receiving power contactlessly from each of the induction lines (47). In order for the moving object (V) to travel smoothly, it is preferable for power to be supplied stably even in the transfer sections of the induction lines (47). Furthermore, if there is a phase difference between the phases of the currents flowing through adjacent induction lines (47) in a transfer section, power (interference power) may be transmitted between the induction lines (47), causing one of the lines to drop or rise in voltage. If the voltage drops, it may not be possible to properly supply power to the moving object (V), and if the voltage rises, it may exceed the rated voltage of the power supply device (inverter (M)), causing an abnormality. For this reason, it is important that the AC currents of adjacent induction lines (V) are synchronized, and this power supply equipment is equipped with a synchronization system.

[0003] In this power supply facility, an optical transmission device (51) is connected to each power supply device (inverter (M)). A clock pulse signal specifying electrical characteristics such as the frequency of the AC current supplied from a specific inverter (M) to an induction line (47) is output from the optical transmission device (51) connected to that inverter (M). This clock pulse signal is transmitted in parallel to the other inverters (M) via the optical transmission devices (51) connected to the other inverters (M). Based on the transmitted clock pulse signal, the other inverters (M) output AC currents synchronized with the AC current output by the specific inverter (M) that output the clock pulse signal to the induction line (47) connected to the respective inverters (M). This synchronizes the AC currents flowing through the induction lines (47), allowing the mobile object (V) to receive stable power while transferring between the induction lines (47) and enabling the mobile object (V) to travel smoothly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-67747 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a synchronization system such as the one described above is installed, a synchronization control circuit is required to achieve synchronization. Large-scale facilities with many induction lines naturally require many synchronization control circuits, which increases the circuit size and installation space. Furthermore, clock pulse signals for synchronization are transmitted via optical transmission equipment or wired local area network (LAN) equipment, as in the above example. However, the total length of optical cables and LAN cables increases, increasing cable costs and the installation space required. Therefore, it is preferable to configure power supply equipment with cost in mind. As mentioned above, issues in transfer sections include power supply to mobile units and interference power. Regarding power supply to mobile units, it is possible to address this issue by installing multiple power receiving circuits on the mobile unit, one at the front and one at the rear of the mobile unit's direction of travel, or by equipping the mobile unit with batteries or capacitors that can absorb temporary voltage drops. However, interference power is difficult to avoid when there is a phase difference in the current.

[0006] In view of the above background, it is desirable to reduce the interference power occurring between adjacent power feeders and to configure a contactless power feeding facility having a plurality of power feeders as a system that is simpler than conventional systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above, a contactless power supply facility includes a plurality of power feeders arranged in a line along a moving path of a moving body having a power receiving device, and a power supply device connected to each of the plurality of power feeders and supplying AC current to the connected power feeders, and supplies power to the power receiving device in a contactless manner, and further includes a connection unit that is arranged between a first power feeder that is one of the plurality of power feeders and a second power feeder that is the power feeder adjacent to the first power feeder along the moving path and holds the first power feeder and the second power feeder. The connection unit holds the first power feeder and the second power feeder in a first section and a second section of the power feeder in which the first power feeder and the second power feeder are arranged in parallel, and the first power feeder and the second power feeder are arranged in the connection unit such that the direction of the current flowing in the first section of the second power feeder relative to the direction of the current flowing in the first section of the first power feeder is opposite to the direction of the current flowing in the second section of the first power feeder, and the direction of the current flowing in the second section of the second power feeder relative to the direction of the current flowing in the second section of the first power feeder.

[0008] According to this configuration, even when the phases of the AC currents flowing through the first and second power feeders are out of phase with each other, the induced electromotive force generated between the first and second power feeders arranged in parallel in the connection unit can minimize interference power. This reduces the possibility of abnormalities occurring in the power supply devices connected to each power feeder. Therefore, this configuration eliminates the need to synchronize the phases of the AC currents flowing through the first and second power feeders, making it possible to configure a wireless power transfer system without a synchronization system. In other words, this configuration reduces interference power generated between adjacent power feeders and enables a wireless power transfer system having multiple power feeders to be configured using a simpler system than conventional systems. This facilitates simplification and cost reduction of the wireless power transfer system.

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

[0010] [Figure 1] Plan view of an article transport facility equipped with a non-contact power supply facility [Figure 2] Front view of goods transport vehicle [Figure 3] Schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of a wireless power supply facility [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a first power feed line and a second power feed line in a typical connection unit; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing electromagnetic coupling between the first and second feed lines in the arrangement of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] Vector diagram of interference voltage when synchronized [Figure 7] Vector diagram of interference voltage for each 90-degree phase difference of current [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of an arrangement of a first power feed line and a second power feed line in a connection unit; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing electromagnetic coupling between the first and second feed lines in the arrangement of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the arrangement of the first power feed line and the second power feed line; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the arrangement of the first power feed line and the second power feed line; [Figure 12] Top view of the second section in the second and third examples [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the arrangement of the first and second power feed lines; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the arrangement of the first and second power feed lines; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sixth example of the arrangement of the first and second power feed lines; [Figure 16] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a seventh example of the arrangement of the first and second power feed lines; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of wiring of power supply lines in a connection unit; [Figure 18] Vector diagram showing an example of the fundamental output voltage and mutual induction voltage depending on the method of adjusting the power supply circuit impedance by the power supply device [Figure 19]A diagram showing an example of transforming a transformer-type coupling circuit into a modified T-type circuit via a T-type circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a contactless power supply system will be described using, as an example, power supply equipment that supplies power to a moving body that transports goods in an article transport facility. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , an article transport vehicle 30 that transports goods by moving along a travel path 10, which is a rail 20 suspended from the ceiling of a building, will be described as an example of the moving body. The article transport vehicle as a moving body is not limited to a ceiling transport vehicle that travels along the ceiling, but may also be other article transport vehicles, such as a floor transport vehicle or a stacker crane, that transport goods by moving along a rail installed on the floor as a travel path 10. Furthermore, when these article transport vehicles are configured with multiple parts, such as a running section and a main body, it is acceptable to consider only a part of the article transport vehicle, such as the running section, as the moving body, rather than the entire article transport vehicle. For example, if the article transport vehicle is a ceiling transport vehicle as in this embodiment, the running section 12, which will be described later, may be considered to correspond to the moving body. Furthermore, in the case of a stacker crane, the running cart on which the crane unit is mounted and supported may be considered to correspond to the moving body.

[0012] 1 and 2, an article transport facility 200 according to this embodiment includes a travel rail 20 arranged along a travel path 10, which is the travel path of the article transport vehicle 30, and the article transport vehicle 30 that travels along the travel path 10 while being guided by the travel rail 20. In this embodiment, the articles to be transported by the article transport vehicle 30 are, for example, FOUPs (Front Opening Unified Pods) that store semiconductor substrates, glass substrates that are used as display materials, etc. The article transport facility 200 also includes a storage facility (not shown) that stores semiconductor substrates, and an article processing unit P that performs various processes to form circuits, etc. on the semiconductor substrates.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the article transport vehicle 30 includes a traveling section 12 that travels along the travel path 10 while being guided by a pair of traveling rails 20 suspended from the ceiling along the travel path 10; a main body 13 that is positioned below the traveling rails 20 and suspended from the traveling section 12; and a power receiving device 4 that receives driving power in a non-contact manner from a power feeder 3 disposed along the travel path 10. In this embodiment, the pair of power feeders 3 are arranged along the pair of traveling rails 20 to form a closed circuit as shown in FIG. 3 . Although not shown and detailed description is omitted, the main body 13 includes an article support section that is attached to the main body 13 so as to be movable up and down and supports an article in a suspended state. As described above, the article transport vehicle 30 corresponds to a moving body, but in a narrower sense, only the traveling section 12 corresponds to the moving body.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the running unit 12 is provided with a pair of running wheels 15 that are driven to rotate by an electric drive motor 14. The running wheels 15 roll on running surfaces formed by the upper surfaces of the running rails 20. The running unit 12 also has a pair of guide wheels 16 that freely rotate around an axis (around a vertical axis) along the vertical direction Z, in contact with the inner surfaces of the pair of running rails 20. The running unit 12 is also configured with a driving motor 14 for running and its drive circuit, etc., and causes the article transport vehicle 30 to travel along the running rails 20. The main body 13 is provided with an actuator that raises and lowers the article support unit, an actuator that drives the gripper that grips the article, etc., and their drive circuits, etc. The drive motor 14, actuator, drive circuit, etc. correspond to electrical loads in the article transport vehicle 30.

[0015] The article transport facility 200 is equipped with an equipment controller (not shown), which issues transport commands to each article transport vehicle 30 to transport articles. Based on the transport commands, the article transport vehicles 30 travel autonomously, and, for example, deliver articles between the article processing facility P and the article transport vehicles 30, and transport articles between the above-mentioned storage facility (not shown) and the article processing facility P.

[0016] Electric power for the drive motor 14, various actuators, and the drive circuits that drive them is supplied contactlessly from the power supply line 3 to the power receiving device 4. As described above, the power supply line 3 that supplies drive power to the article transport vehicle 30 via the power receiving device 4 is arranged along the movement path 10. In this embodiment, the power supply line 3 is arranged on both sides of the power receiving device 4 in the path width direction H (here, the direction perpendicular to both the path direction L and the up-down direction Z) that is perpendicular to the path direction L, which is the direction along the movement path 10.

[0017] The power receiving device 4 includes a pair of pickup coils 40 (see FIG. 2) arranged on the article transport vehicle 30 so as to face the power feeder 3, and a power receiving circuit formed on a wiring board inside the article transport vehicle 30. As will be described later, the power supply device 2 passes a high-frequency current through the power feeder 3, which is an induction line, to generate a magnetic field around the power feeder 3. The pickup coil 40 generates an induced electromotive force due to the AC current flowing through the power feeder 3. A power receiving circuit is electrically connected to the pickup coil 40, and an electrical load is connected to the power receiving circuit.

[0018] Although not shown in the drawings or described in detail, the power receiving circuit includes, for example, a part of a resonant circuit configured together with the pickup coil 40, a rectifier circuit, and a power conditioning circuit such as a chopper circuit or a regulator circuit. The rectifier circuit is connected to the pickup coil 40 (connected to the resonant circuit) and rectifies the AC current and AC voltage induced in the pickup coil 40 into DC current and DC voltage. In addition, at least one of the output from the rectifier circuit and the output from the power conditioning circuit is provided with a smoothing capacitor for smoothing pulsating components.

[0019] The contactless power supply equipment 100 of this embodiment uses wireless power supply technology to supply driving power to an electrical load of an article transport vehicle 30. As shown in FIG. 3 , the contactless power supply equipment 100 includes a power feeder 3 and a power supply device 2 connected to the power feeder 3 and supplying AC current to the power feeder 3. Although not shown and detailed description is omitted, the power supply device 2 is connected to a power source such as a commercial power supply and includes a power conversion circuit such as a converter and an inverter, and a power adjustment circuit. The power supply device 2 adjusts its output according to the electrical load (including the power consumed by the article transport vehicle 30 and the power consumed (loss) in the power transmission line) to which power is supplied via the power feeder 3, and supplies the power to the power feeder 3. Power of a constant voltage is stably supplied to the power feeder 3 within the adjustment capability of the power supply device 2. The power supply device 2 passes a high-frequency current through the power feeder 3, which is an induction wire, to generate a magnetic field around the power feeder 3. The article transport facility 200 of this embodiment is a relatively large facility, as illustrated in FIG. 1 . Therefore, in order to prevent a decrease in power transmission efficiency and the entire facility from shutting down in the event of a malfunction, multiple power supply systems 1, each including a power supply line 3 and a power supply device 2, are provided, rather than just one, as shown in Figure 3. Each power supply system 1 supplies power to multiple article transport vehicles 30.

[0020] The article transport vehicle 30 travels within the article transport facility 200, receiving a continuous supply of power while switching between multiple power supply systems 1. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , a connection unit 5 is provided in the transfer section of the power supply system 1, i.e., the power feeder 3. The connection unit 5 holds the power feeders 3 so as to maintain a constant distance between the power feeders 3 of adjacent power supply systems 1. In addition, the power feeders 3 form a closed circuit together with the power supply device 2 in one power supply system 1. Therefore, in one power supply system 1, the power feeders 3 are arranged so that a pair of power feeders 3, consisting of an outgoing power feeder 3 and a returning power feeder 3, are located on both sides of the path width direction H of the travel path 10. This pair of power feeders 3 must cross the travel path 10 along the path width direction H to form a closed circuit. As shown in FIG. 4 , the connection unit 5 holds the power feeders 3 while arranging them along the path width direction H so as not to interfere with the movement of the article transport vehicle 30.

[0021] That is, the connection unit 5 holds the first power feeder 3p and the second power feeder 3s so that a pair of power feeders 3 (referred to as the first power feeder 3p) forming a closed circuit in one power supply system 1 is adjacent to the power feeder 3 (referred to as the second power feeder 3s) of the adjacent power supply system 1 while crossing between the pair of traveling rails 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the connection unit 5 includes a first unit section 5p that holds the first power feeder 3p and a second unit section 5s that holds the second power feeder 3s. The first unit section 5p and the second unit section 5s are provided adjacent to each other so that the power feeder 3 is not interrupted when the article transport vehicle 30 changes power supply systems 1.

[0022] For the article transport vehicle 30 to travel smoothly, it is preferable that power be supplied stably even in the transfer section of the power supply system 1, i.e., the power supply line 3. For example, by adjusting the phases of the AC currents of the multiple power supply systems 1 to match, the article transport vehicle 30 can travel autonomously within the article transport facility 200 while receiving a continuous supply of power from the multiple power supply systems 1. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4, it is desirable that the phases of the current flowing through the first power supply line 3p (first current Ip) and the current flowing through the second power supply line 3s (second current Is) match. In other words, it is desirable that the first current Ip and the second current Is be synchronized.

[0023] The equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the electromagnetic coupling between the first feeder 3p and the second feeder 3s in the connection unit 5 when the first current Ip and the second current Is are synchronized. As shown in FIG. 4, the first current Ip and the second current Is in the feeder 3 along the moving path 10 are synchronized so that they flow in the same direction and are in phase with each other. Therefore, the first current Ip and the second current Is are in opposite phase with each other in the connection unit 5. The voltage (first induced voltage Vp) on the side of the first feeder 3p generated by the electromagnetic coupling in this state is expressed by the following equation (1), where "M" is the mutual inductance between the first feeder 3p and the second feeder 3s in the connection unit 5. Note that, as will be explained later with reference to FIG. 19, equation (1) is formulated based on a modified T-type circuit (lower part of FIG. 19) that is a modified T-type circuit (middle part of FIG. 19) that represents a general equivalent circuit (upper part of FIG. 19) corresponding to the equivalent circuit in FIG. 5. As will be described later with reference to Figure 19, "V1" corresponds to the voltage due to the self-inductance of the first feeder 3p in the connecting unit 5 (self-induced voltage), and "V2" corresponds to the voltage due to the above-mentioned mutual inductance "M" in the connecting unit 5 (mutually induced voltage).

[0024]

number

[0025] As shown in the vector diagram of Figure 6, the self-induction voltage V1 is 90 degrees ahead of the phase of the first current Ip, and the mutual induction voltage V2 is 90 degrees ahead of the phase of the second current Is. When the first current Ip and the second current Is are synchronized, the first current Ip and the second current Is flow in opposite directions in the connecting unit 5 and are 180 degrees out of phase. Therefore, the self-induction voltage V1 and the mutual induction voltage V2 are also 180 degrees out of phase, and as shown in Figure 6, the vector of the self-induction voltage V1 and the vector of the mutual induction voltage V2 are opposite in direction and cancel each other out.

[0026] In the vector diagram of Figure 6, "Vinv" indicates the output voltage (basic output voltage) of the power supply device 2 that supplies power to the first power feed line 3p. Because the self-induction voltage V1 and the mutual induction voltage V2 cancel each other out, these induced voltages do not affect the basic output voltage Vinv. Similarly, although not shown, they do not affect (interfere with) the basic output voltage of the power supply device 2 that supplies power to the second power feed line 3s.

[0027] Here, we consider the influence of the first induced voltage Vp, particularly the mutual induced voltage V2, on the fundamental output voltage, including cases where the first current Ip and the second current Is are not synchronized. Figure 7 shows a vector diagram for cases where the phase of the second current Is differs by 90 degrees from the phase (synchronization phase) of the second current Is when the first current Ip and the second current Is are synchronized. To consider the influence of the mutual induced voltage V2 on the fundamental output voltage, the self-induction voltage V1 is included in the fundamental output voltage Vinv of the power supply device 2. In other words, the fundamental output voltage Vinv in Figure 7 is equivalent to the resultant vector of the fundamental output voltage Vinv and the self-induction voltage V1 in Figure 6. In this case, the mutual induced voltage V2 based on the mutual inductance "M" can be considered an interference voltage that affects the fundamental output voltage Vinv (power supply device 2 on the first feeder 3p). "Vinv2" in Figure 7 indicates the output voltage after the interference voltage has been compensated for by the power supply device 2 (compensated output voltage).

[0028] In FIG. 7, "Is:±0" indicates a vector diagram of a state in which the phase difference between the synchronous phase and the second current Is is zero, i.e., a state in which the first current Ip and the second current Is are synchronized, i.e., a vector diagram of the same state as described above with reference to FIG. 6. When the first current Ip and the second current Is are synchronized, the mutual induction voltage V2 lags behind the first current Ip by 90 degrees. Therefore, the mutual induction voltage V2 acts as a capacitive load on the fundamental output voltage Vinv (of the power supply 2 on the first feeder 3p). Therefore, the power supply 2 compensates for the interference voltage by taking this capacitive load into account so that the output voltage becomes a compensated output voltage Vinv2 that is higher than the fundamental output voltage Vinv. For example, the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation control of the power regulation circuit of the power supply 2 is adjusted to be larger.

[0029] In FIG. 7, "Is: ±180°" indicates a vector diagram in which the phase difference between the synchronous phase and the second current Is is 180 degrees. In this case, the first current Ip and the second current Is flow in the same direction, and the mutual induction voltage V2 also leads the first current Ip by 90 degrees in phase. Therefore, the mutual induction voltage V2 acts as an inductive load on the fundamental output voltage Vinv (of the power supply 2 on the first feeder 3p). Therefore, the power supply 2 takes this inductive load into account and compensates for the interference voltage so that the output voltage becomes a compensated output voltage Vinv2 that is lower than the fundamental output voltage Vinv. For example, the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation control of the power adjustment circuit of the power supply 2 is adjusted to be smaller.

[0030] In FIG. 7, "Is: +90°" indicates a vector diagram in which the second current Is is 90 degrees ahead of the synchronous phase. In this case, the phase of the first current Ip leads the phase of the second current Is by 90 degrees, and the mutual induction voltage V2 is in the same phase as the first current Ip. Therefore, the mutual induction voltage V2 acts as an actual load (resistive load) on the fundamental output voltage Vinv (of the power supply 2 on the first feeder 3p). Therefore, the power supply 2 compensates for the interference voltage, taking this resistive load into account, so that the output voltage becomes a compensated output voltage Vinv2 that is higher than the fundamental output voltage Vinv. For example, the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation control of the power regulation circuit of the power supply 2 is adjusted to be larger.

[0031] In FIG. 7, "Is: -90°" indicates a vector diagram in which the second current Is lags behind the synchronous phase by 90 degrees. In this case, the phase of the first current Ip lags behind the phase of the second current Is by 90 degrees, resulting in a mutual induction voltage V2 that is 180 degrees out of phase with the first current Ip. Therefore, the mutual induction voltage V2 acts as a negative real load (regenerative load) on the fundamental output voltage Vinv (power supply device 2 on the first power supply line 3p). If the power consumption of the electrical load supplied with power from the first power supply line 3p is low, the interference voltage may not be compensated if the imaginary axis is crossed, as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the compensated output voltage Vinv2 becomes a negative voltage and is regenerated to the power supply device 2 on the first power supply line 3p. This regenerated power may cause an abnormality, such as an overvoltage, in the power supply device 2.

[0032] Here, we consider the first feeder 3p as the feeder 3 (prime feeder) to be analyzed, and examine the impact of the second feeder 3s, which acts as a secondary feeder, on the prime feeder. However, as shown in Figure 3, multiple feeder systems 1 are often adjacent to one power supply system 1. For this reason, multiple second feeders 3s may affect the first feeder 3p. For example, if a second current Is that is 90 degrees out of phase with respect to the synchronous phase flows through many of the multiple second feeders 3s, the total amount of power regenerated in the power supply devices 2 connected to the first feeder 3p will increase, increasing the possibility of causing an abnormality in the power supply devices 2.

[0033] Therefore, it is desirable that the first current Ip and the second current Is are synchronized. For example, it is known to provide a synchronization signal transmission device and a signal transmission line for transmitting the synchronization signal, and supply a synchronization signal to each power supply device 2, thereby synchronizing the phases of the AC currents supplied to each power supply device 2 through each power supply line 3. Each power supply device 2 can output an AC current based on the synchronization signal so that the phase of the AC current matches the phase of the AC current output from the other power supply devices 2. However, providing such a transmission device and signal transmission line tends to increase the material costs of the equipment and the installation labor. Furthermore, since a large number of signal transmission devices are required, the maintenance costs of these devices are likely to be high.

[0034] The contactless power supply equipment 100 of this embodiment is configured as a simpler system than conventional systems, reducing the interference power generated between adjacent power supply lines 3 without synchronizing the AC currents between the multiple power supply systems 1. Specifically, the way the power supply lines 3 are held in the connection unit 5 reduces the interference power itself generated in the connection unit 5, thereby realizing a simple system.

[0035] Fig. 8 shows a first example of the arrangement of the first power feed line 3p and the second power feed line 3s in the connecting unit 5. As the positional relationship of the connecting unit 5 to the first power feed line 3p and the second power feed line 3s is clear as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 4, in consideration of visibility, it is not shown in principle in the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 8 and subsequent figures. The equivalent circuit diagram in Fig. 9 shows the electromagnetic coupling between the first power feed line 3p and the second power feed line 3s in the arrangement of Fig. 8.

[0036] 8, the contactless power supply equipment 100 includes a connection unit 5 that is disposed between a first power supply line 3p, which is one of a plurality of power supply lines 3, and a second power supply line 3s, which is a power supply line 3 adjacent to the first power supply line 3p, along the movement path 10, and that holds the first power supply line 3p and the second power supply line 3s. The connection unit 5 holds the first power supply line 3p and the second power supply line 3s in a first section 31 and a second section 32 of the power supply line 3, in which the first power supply line 3p and the second power supply line 3s are arranged in parallel. In this embodiment, in the connection unit 5, each of the first power supply line 3p and the second power supply line 3s has two first sections 31 and one second section 32. Both the first power supply line 3p and the second power supply line 3s are held in a state in which the first section 31, the second section 32, and the first section 31 are arranged in series in the order of the first section 31, the second section 32, and the first section 31.

[0037] The first feeder 3p and the second feeder 3s are arranged in the connection unit 5 so that the direction of the second current Is flowing through the first section 31 of the second feeder 3s is opposite to the direction of the first current Ip flowing through the first section 31 of the first feeder 3p, and the direction of the second current Is flowing through the second section 32 of the second feeder 3s is opposite to the direction of the first current Ip flowing through the second section 32 of the first feeder 3p. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the first current Ip and the second current Is flow in opposite directions in the first section 31, and the first current Ip and the second current Is flow in the same direction in the second section 32.

[0038] 9, the mutual inductance between the first feeder 3p and the second feeder 3s in the first section 31 is defined as a first mutual inductance M1, and the mutual inductance between the first feeder 3p and the second feeder 3s in the second section 32 is defined as a second mutual inductance M2. The first induced voltage Vp shown in equation (1) can be expressed by the following equation (2).

[0039]

number

[0040] Here, if the difference between "M1" and "M2" is small, the value of the second term in the second line of equation (2) becomes small. When the first mutual inductance M1 and the second mutual inductance M2 are equal, the second term becomes zero, and equation (2) can be expressed as the following equation (3).

[0041]

number

[0042] That is, the second current Is flowing through the second power supply line 3s does not affect the first induced voltage Vp regardless of its phase relative to the first current Ip, and therefore does not affect the power supply device 2 that supplies power to the first power supply line 3p. Therefore, without synchronizing the first current Ip and the second current Is, it is possible to reduce the interference power generated between the adjacent first power supply line 3p and second power supply line 3s, and to configure the contactless power supply equipment 100 using a system simpler than conventional systems.

[0043] As is clear from equations (2) and (3), it is preferable that the first feeder 3p and the second feeder 3s are arranged in the connecting unit 5 so that the first mutual inductance M1, which is the mutual inductance between the first section 31 of the first feeder 3p and the first section 31 of the second feeder 3s, and the second mutual inductance M2, which is the mutual inductance between the second section 32 of the first feeder 3p and the second section 32 of the second feeder 3s, are equal. However, even if "M1 = M2" is not satisfied, if the difference between the first mutual inductance M1 and the second mutual inductance M2 is small, the value of the second term in the second line of equation (2) becomes small, and the influence of the second current Is can be reduced. Naturally, if the difference between the first mutual inductance M1 and the second mutual inductance M2 is small enough to be within the error range, the influence of the second current Is also small enough to be negligible.

[0044] FIG. 10 shows a second example of the arrangement of the first power feed line 3p and the second power feed line 3s, and FIG. 11 shows a third example. FIG. 12 is a top view of the second section 32 in the second and third examples. Here, as shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 11, etc., the portion of each of the first power feed line 3p and the second power feed line 3s arranged along the movement path 10 outside the connection unit 5 is referred to as the power feed section 33 of the power feed line 3. Common to both the first power feed line 3p and the second power feed line 3s, the power feed section 33 is directly connected to the first connection portion 35 of the first section 31. That is, the first connection portion 35 is the end of the first section 31 on the power feed section 33 side. The second section 32 is connected to the second connection portion 36 of the first section 31. The second connection portion 36 is located at a different position from the first connection portion 35 and is the end of the first section 31 opposite the power feed section 33. The second section 32 is connected to the second connection portion 36 of the first section 31 and is connected to the power supply section 33 via the first section 31. That is, the first power feed line 3p and the second power feed line 3s are both connected in series in the order of the power supply section 33, the first section 31, and the second section 32. In this embodiment, the power feed lines 3 are arranged on both sides in the path width direction H, and the power supply sections 33 are also arranged on both sides in the path width direction H. The first section 31 is connected to the power supply sections 33 on both sides in the path width direction H. That is, the power feed lines 3 are connected in series in the order of one power supply section 33, one first section 31, the second section 32, the other first section 31, and the other power supply section 33.

[0045] In order to continuously supply power to the article transport vehicle 30 while switching between the multiple power supply systems 1, adjacent power supply lines 3 are arranged in a row along the movement path 10. Therefore, the power supply section 33 of the first power supply line 3p and the power supply section 33 of the second power supply line 3s are arranged in a row along the movement path 10. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , in the second and third examples, the arrangement relationship between the first power supply line 3p and the second power supply line 3s in the connection unit 5 is set so that the distance between the second connection portion 36 of the first power supply line 3p and the second connection portion 36 of the second power supply line 3s (second distance D2) is greater than the distance between the first connection portion 35 of the first power supply line 3p and the first connection portion 35 of the second power supply line 3s (first distance D1).

[0046] The first section 31 is between the first connection section 35 and the second connection section 36, and the second distance D2 from the second connection section 36 is larger than the first distance D1 from the first connection section 35. Therefore, the average value of the separation distance between the first section 31 of the first power feed line 3p and the first section 31 of the second power feed line 3s is larger than when the separation distance is substantially constant at the first distance D1, as in the first example arrangement illustrated in FIG. 8. Therefore, the first mutual inductance M1 in the first section 31 is smaller than in the arrangement such as the first example. As described above, it is preferable that the first mutual inductance M1 and the second mutual inductance M2 are equal, and therefore, when the first mutual inductance M1 is reduced, the second mutual inductance M2 can also be reduced. As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the second section 32 of the first power supply line 3p and the second section 32 of the second power supply line 3s are arranged closer to each other than the first section 31, but the wiring length can be shortened by reducing the second mutual inductance M2.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in the above equation (3), even if the influence of the second current Is can be reduced to almost zero, the first induced voltage Vp due to the first current Ip remains. Since the first induced voltage Vp is also an unnecessary voltage, it is preferable that its value be as small as possible. The first induced voltage Vp can also be reduced by reducing the first mutual inductance M1. Since a reduction in the first mutual inductance M1 also reduces the second mutual inductance M2, as described above, "M1 + M2" in equation (3) becomes even larger, making it easier to reduce the first induced voltage Vp.

[0048] It is preferable that the first connection parts 35 connected to the power supply section 33 are close to each other so that power supply can be continued smoothly when the article transport vehicle 30 switches between power supply systems 1. However, by mounting multiple (at least two) power receiving devices 4 spaced apart at the front and rear of the article transport vehicle 30 and enabling at least one of the front and rear power receiving devices 4 to receive power from the power supply line 3, the first distance D1 can be extended to the distance between the front and rear power receiving devices 4. Furthermore, by mounting a battery or capacitor on the article transport vehicle 30 to store electricity, it is possible to ensure sufficient power to continue operation even if the power supply is temporarily interrupted when switching between power supply systems 1. The first distance D1 can be further extended depending on the storage capacity. Increasing the first distance D1 in this way can further reduce the first mutual inductance M1.

[0049] In the first example, the plane on which the first section 31 of the feeder line 3 is arranged is parallel to the plane on which the second section 32 of the feeder line is arranged. Therefore, the magnetic flux generated by current flowing through the pair of feeder lines, which bundles the first feeder line 3p and the second feeder line 3s, is oriented in the same direction in the first section 31 and the second section 32. This makes it easier for the magnetic flux generated in the first section 31 and the magnetic flux generated in the second section 32 to interfere with each other, leading to errors between the design values ​​and the actual values ​​of the first mutual inductance M1 and the second mutual inductance M2. If the error becomes large, the effect of suppressing interference voltage may also be reduced. As in the fourth example shown in FIG. 13 and the fifth example shown in FIG. 14, the feeder line 3 is arranged so that the plane on which the first section 31 of the feeder line 3 is arranged is perpendicular to the plane on which the second section 32 of the feeder line is arranged, thereby making the magnetic flux directions different and reducing magnetic flux interference.

[0050] That is, in the first to fifth examples, the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the first power feed line 3p and the second power feed line 3s are arranged in a plane. Here, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the surface on which the first section 31 of the first power feed line 3p is arranged is referred to as a first surface 61, the surface on which the first section 31 of the second power feed line 3s is arranged is referred to as a second surface 62, the surface on which the second section 32 of the first power feed line 3p is arranged is referred to as a third surface 63, and the surface on which the second section 32 of the second power feed line 3s is arranged is referred to as a fourth surface 64. In the first to fifth examples, the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 are arranged parallel to each other, and the third surface 63 and the fourth surface 64 are arranged parallel to each other. In the fourth and fifth examples, the third surface 63 and the fourth surface 64 are arranged perpendicular to the first surface 61 and the second surface 62. In addition, two surfaces are parallel when the angle between one surface and the other surface is within 20 degrees, and two surfaces are perpendicular when the angle between one surface and the other surface is within 20 degrees of a right angle (the acute angle is 70 degrees or more).

[0051] 15 and 16, the connecting unit 5 may include a magnetic core 8 that forms a magnetic path surrounding the power feeder pair that bundles the second section 32 of the first power feeder 3p and the second section 32 of the second power feeder 3s. By including the magnetic core 8, the second mutual inductance M2 in the second section 32 can be increased compared to when only the power feeder 3 is provided. Therefore, the lengths of the second sections 32 of the first power feeder 3p and the second power feeder 3s can be shortened while ensuring the required magnitude of second mutual inductance M2. This makes it easier to reduce the size of the connecting unit 5 even if the interference power reduction effect is the same.

[0052] The first current Ip and the second current Is are often designed to be basically synchronized, even if they are not completely synchronized. In other words, the contactless power supply equipment 100 is often started up so that they are synchronized at the beginning of operation, while allowing for deviation from synchronization. If it is considered that the first current Ip and the second current Is are nearly synchronized, the first section 31 can be said to be an anti-phase section in which the direction of the first current Ip and the direction of the second current Is are nearly opposite to each other. On the other hand, the second section 32 can be said to be an in-phase section in which the direction of the first current Ip and the direction of the second current Is are nearly the same.

[0053] FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a configuration example of a connection unit 5 that takes into account the advantages of the first to seventh examples described above. The connection unit 5 differs from the conventional connection unit 5 (see FIG. 4) in that the first unit portion 5p and the second unit portion 5s are spaced apart. This ensures a second distance D2 between the second connection portion 36 of the first power feed line 3p and the second connection portion 36 of the second power feed line 3s, as described above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. Although the reference numerals of the surfaces are not shown in FIG. 17, the surface on which the first section 31 of the power feed line 3 is disposed (first surface 61, second surface 62) is perpendicular to the surface on which the second section 32 is disposed (third surface 63, fourth surface 64). Therefore, interference between the magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the first section 31 and the magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the second section 32 is unlikely to occur.

[0054] The connecting unit 5 can also hold the magnetic core 8 in a portion that holds the second section 32 of the first power feeder 3p and the second section 32 of the second power feeder 3s. Specifically, it is preferable that the magnetic core 8 is housed inside the bridge portion 5b that connects the first unit portion 5p and the second unit portion 5s, and the second section 32 of the first power feeder 3p and the second section 32 of the second power feeder 3s pass radially inside the magnetic core 8 and are held by the connecting unit 5. In this way, by appropriately disposing and holding the power feeder 3 while also utilizing the structure of a conventional connecting unit 5, it is possible to construct a contactless power supply facility 100 without having to synchronize the currents flowing through the power feeder 3. For example, the connecting unit 5 of this embodiment can be relatively easily applied to an existing contactless power supply facility 100.

[0055] As described above with reference to various embodiments, according to the present embodiment, even without a synchronization circuit device such as a circuit for synchronizing the first current Ip and the second current Is or an associated cable, interference power can be reduced regardless of the phase difference between the first current Ip and the second current Is, and stable power supply can be achieved from the power supply device 2 of each power supply system 1. In other words, the contactless power supply equipment 100 can be constructed on a small scale without including a synchronization circuit device.

[0056] Furthermore, since the mutual inductance can basically be predicted according to the routing length of the power feeder 3 in the connection unit 5, the first mutual inductance M1 and the second mutual inductance M2 can be set to similar values ​​without the need for complex calculations, etc. Since the second mutual inductance M2 is known, the length of the second section 32 can also be easily set from the design stage.

[0057] Furthermore, as in the second and third examples, by making the second distance D2 longer than the first distance D1, the value of the first mutual inductance M1 can be reduced, and accordingly the second mutual inductance M2 can also be reduced. This allows the length of the second section 32 to be shortened. Furthermore, by reducing the first mutual inductance M1, the value of the first induced voltage Vp, which is an unnecessary voltage, can also be reduced. By reducing the first induced voltage Vp, the electrical load on the power supply device 2 can be reduced, making it easier to lengthen the power supply distance over which the power supply device 2 can supply power. In other words, it is easier to lengthen the extension distance of the power supply line 3 in one power supply system 1.

[0058] In addition, as in the second, third, fourth, and fifth examples, the surfaces on which the first section 31 of the power feeder 3 is arranged (first surface 61, second surface 62) and the surfaces on which the second section 32 is arranged (third surface 63, fourth surface 64) are arranged orthogonally (the angle between the surfaces is approximately within 20 degrees), which reduces interference between the magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the first section 31 and the magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the second section 32, making it easier to achieve an interference power suppression effect. Furthermore, as in the sixth and seventh examples, by providing a magnetic core 8, the second section 32 can be further miniaturized. The configuration example illustrated in FIG. 17 can be said to be a suitable embodiment of the connection unit 5 that has all of these advantages.

[0059] Incidentally, in the above description, the vector diagram of Fig. 7 is illustrated on the assumption that the power supply device 2 shown in Fig. 3 performs capacitive adjustment to pass current through the power supply line 3. However, adjustment methods include inductive adjustment and resistive adjustment in addition to capacitive adjustment. Therefore, vector diagrams for other adjustment methods corresponding to the vector diagram described above with reference to Fig. 7 will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 18.

[0060] The power feeder 3 in one power supply system 1 forms a closed circuit with a sufficiently long electrical transmission line, and is a distributed constant circuit. The impedance of the power feeder 3 is determined by the resistance, inductance, and capacitance that are considered to be distributed on the circuit. The power feeder circuit impedance, which is the impedance of the power supply circuit including the power feeder 3 and the power supply device 2, is often further affected by the mutual inductance caused by coupling between the power feeder 3 and the pickup coil 40 provided in the power receiving device 4 of the goods transport vehicle 30, and the mutual inductance caused by coupling with the power feeder 3 of an adjacent power supply system 1 at the connection unit 5.

[0061] Each power supply device 2 is preferably configured to be able to supply power appropriately (electrically efficiently) to the power receiving device 4 of the article transport vehicle 30 via the power feed line 3 connected to that power supply device 2. The power receiving device 4 is equipped with a resonant circuit configured to resonate with the frequency of the high-frequency current flowing through the power feed line 3. If the impedance of the power supply circuit including the power feed line 3 (power supply circuit impedance) deviates from the impedance (specified impedance) that achieves efficient power supply, the power supply efficiency will decrease and loss will increase. For this reason, it is preferable that the power supply circuit impedance in the power supply circuit of each power supply system 1 is appropriately adjusted.

[0062] Impedance includes capacitance, inductance, and resistance, so the impedance of the power feed circuit can be adjusted by adjusting one or more of these constants. For example, the power supply device 2 may be configured with a capacitor array, and the impedance of the power feed circuit can be adjusted by varying the capacitance value. Figure 7 shows a vector diagram when the impedance of the power feed circuit is adjusted to be capacitive. However, the impedance of the power feed path may also be adjusted to be inductive or resistive.

[0063] FIG. 18 illustrates the vector diagram for the case of “Is: −90°” in FIG. 7 (where the second current Is lags behind the synchronous phase by 90 degrees) when adjusted to capacitive (left), when adjusted to inductive (center), and when adjusted to resistive (right). The compensated output voltage Vinv2, which is the resultant vector of the fundamental output voltage Vinv and the mutual induction voltage V2, is self-evident and is therefore omitted from FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 18, whether adjusted to inductive or resistive, the interference voltage may exceed the imaginary axis, as in the case of capacitive adjustment, when the electrical load supplied with power from the first feeder line 3p consumes little power. In this case, the power regenerated in the power supply unit 2 on the first feeder line 3p may cause an abnormality, such as an overvoltage, in the power supply unit 2. That is, the problems caused by interference voltages occur regardless of the specifications of the power supply device 2, whether the adjustment method in the power supply device 2 is capacitive, inductive, resistive, etc. Therefore, the application of the excellent power supply line 3 layout technology in the connection unit 5 as described above is not limited by the specifications of the power supply device 2.

[0064] Here, we will provide some additional information about the above equation (1). As mentioned above, equation (1) is formulated to correspond to a modified T-type circuit (the lower part of Figure 19). Therefore, the modified T-type circuit will be explained with reference to Figure 19. The equivalent circuit shown in the upper part of Figure 19 is a general equivalent circuit of a transformer corresponding to the equivalent circuit shown in Figure 5. As in Figure 5, "M" is the mutual inductance of the two feeders 3 in the connecting unit 5, and "L" is the self-inductance, which is the sum of the leakage inductance of the feeders 3 and the mutual inductance M. This equivalent circuit can be expressed as a T-type circuit as shown in the middle part of Figure 19. This T-type circuit includes leakage inductance (the inductance shown in the arm part of the "T" in the T-type circuit), and the inter-terminal voltage "Vp" is expressed by the following equation (4). As mentioned above with reference to equation (1), "V1" corresponds to the voltage due to the self-inductance "L" (self-induced voltage), and "V2" corresponds to the voltage due to the mutual inductance M (mutually induced voltage).

[0065]

number

[0066] However, the inductance of the power supply line 3 connected to the power supply device 2 is much larger than the leakage inductance of the connection unit 5. Therefore, when considering the electromagnetic coupling in the connection unit 5 as in this embodiment, the leakage inductance can be considered to be included in the inductance of the power supply line 3 itself, and the T-circuit can be transformed into a modified T-circuit having only the mutual inductance M as shown in the lower part of Fig. 19. As a result, equation (4) can be expressed using only the mutual inductance M as in the following equation (5):

[0067]

number

[0068] The equivalent circuit shown in Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the electromagnetic coupling in the coupling unit 5 between the first feeder 3p and the second feeder 3s when the first current Ip and the second current Is are synchronized. That is, in the equivalent circuit shown in Fig. 5, the first current Ip and the second current Is are in opposite phase to each other. Therefore, in equation (5), the second current Is becomes "-Is," and the sign of the second term in equation (5) is reversed, resulting in the above equation (1).

[0069] The contactless power supply equipment described above will be briefly summarized below.

[0070] In view of the above, a contactless power supply facility includes a plurality of power feeders arranged in a line along a moving path of a moving body having a power receiving device, and a power supply device connected to each of the plurality of power feeders and supplying AC current to the connected power feeders, and supplies power to the power receiving device in a contactless manner, and further includes a connection unit that is arranged between a first power feeder that is one of the plurality of power feeders and a second power feeder that is the power feeder adjacent to the first power feeder along the moving path and holds the first power feeder and the second power feeder. The connection unit holds the first power feeder and the second power feeder in a first section and a second section of the power feeder in which the first power feeder and the second power feeder are arranged in parallel, and the first power feeder and the second power feeder are arranged in the connection unit such that the direction of the current flowing in the first section of the second power feeder relative to the direction of the current flowing in the first section of the first power feeder is opposite to the direction of the current flowing in the second section of the first power feeder, and the direction of the current flowing in the second section of the second power feeder relative to the direction of the current flowing in the second section of the first power feeder.

[0071] According to this configuration, even when the phases of the AC currents flowing through the first and second power feeders are out of phase with each other, the induced electromotive force generated between the first and second power feeders arranged in parallel in the connection unit can minimize interference power. This reduces the possibility of abnormalities occurring in the power supply devices connected to each power feeder. Therefore, this configuration eliminates the need to synchronize the phases of the AC currents flowing through the first and second power feeders, making it possible to configure a wireless power transfer system without a synchronization system. In other words, this configuration reduces interference power generated between adjacent power feeders and enables a wireless power transfer system having multiple power feeders to be configured using a simpler system than conventional systems. This facilitates simplification and cost reduction of the wireless power transfer system.

[0072] Furthermore, it is preferable that the contactless power supply equipment is arranged in the connecting unit such that a first mutual inductance, which is the mutual inductance between the first section of the first power supply line and the first section of the second power supply line, is equivalent to a second mutual inductance, which is the mutual inductance between the second section of the first power supply line and the second section of the second power supply line.

[0073] According to this configuration, it is possible to significantly reduce the interference power caused by the induced electromotive force generated between the first feeder line and the second feeder line arranged in parallel in the connecting unit.

[0074] Furthermore, it is preferable that the contactless power supply equipment has a power supply section of each of the first power supply line and the second power supply line, the section of which is arranged outside the connection unit along the movement path, and the power supply section is directly connected to a first connection part of the first section, and the second section is connected to a second connection part of the first section that is different from the first connection part, and is connected to the power supply section via the first section, the power supply section of the first power supply line and the power supply section of the second power supply line are arranged to be aligned in a row along the movement path, and the arrangement relationship of the first power supply line and the second power supply line in the connection unit is set so that the distance between the second connection part of the first power supply line and the second connection part of the second power supply line is greater than the distance between the first connection part of the first power supply line and the first connection part of the second power supply line.

[0075] According to this configuration, the first and second power feeders are arranged so that the distance between the first connection portions is shorter than the distance between the second connection portions, thereby minimizing the gap between adjacent power feeders at so-called power feeder line transfer sections, thereby enabling appropriate power supply to the mobile object. Furthermore, the first and second power feeders are arranged so that the distance between the second connection portions is longer than the distance between the first connection portions, thereby minimizing the induced electromotive force generated between the first and second power feeders. This makes it easier to shorten the second section and minimize the induced electromotive force generated in the first and second sections. Because interference power is easily minimized, it is easier to lengthen the effective distance of the power feeder to which power can be supplied from the power supply device.

[0076] Furthermore, it is preferable that the contactless power supply equipment is configured such that the first section and the second section of the first power supply line and the second power supply line are respectively arranged in a plane, a first surface on which the first section of the first power supply line is arranged and a second surface on which the first section of the second power supply line is arranged are arranged parallel to each other, a third surface on which the second section of the first power supply line is arranged and a fourth surface on which the second section of the second power supply line is arranged are arranged parallel to each other, and the third surface and the fourth surface are arranged perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface.

[0077] According to this configuration, it is easy to reduce the induced electromotive force generated between the first power feed line and the second power feed line, and it is easy to enhance the effect of reducing the interference power.

[0078] Furthermore, it is preferable that the contactless power supply equipment has a power supply section of the power supply line, where the section of the first power supply line and the second power supply line that is arranged outside the connecting unit along the movement path is the power supply section of the power supply line, the power supply section is directly connected to a first connection part of the first section, and the second section is connected to a second connection part of the first section that is different from the first connection part, and is connected to the power supply section via the first section, and includes a magnetic core that forms a magnetic path surrounding the second section of the first power supply line and the second section of the second power supply line.

[0079] According to this configuration, the magnetic cores make it easy to shorten the lengths of the second sections of the first and second power feed lines, which makes it easy to make the connecting unit smaller while maintaining the same effect of reducing interference power. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 2: Power supply 3:Power line 3p: 1st feeder line 3s: 2nd feeder line 4: Power receiving device 5: Connecting unit 8: Magnetic core 10: Travel route 12: Running unit (moving body) 30: Goods transport vehicle (mobile) 31: First section 32: Second section 33: Power supply section 35: First connection part 36: Second connection part 61: 1st page 62: 2nd side 63:Side 3 64:Side 4 100: Non-contact power supply equipment D1: First distance (the distance between the first connection of the first power supply line and the first connection of the second power supply line) D2: Second distance (the distance between the second connection of the first power supply line and the second connection of the second power supply line) Ip: First current (current flowing through the first power supply line) Is: Second current (current flowing through the second feeder) M1: First mutual inductance M2: Second mutual inductance

Claims

1. A wireless power supply facility comprising: a plurality of power supply lines arranged in a row along a moving path of a moving body having a power receiving device; and a power supply device connected to each of the plurality of power supply lines and supplying AC current to the connected power supply lines; and the wireless power supply facility supplies power to the power receiving device in a wireless manner, a connection unit that is disposed between a first power feed line that is one of the plurality of power feed lines and a second power feed line that is the power feed line adjacent to the first power feed line along the movement path, and that holds the first power feed line and the second power feed line; the connection unit holds the first power feed line and the second power feed line in a first section and a second section of the power feed line in which the first power feed line and the second power feed line are arranged in parallel, The first power supply line and the second power supply line are a direction of current flowing through the first section of the second power supply line relative to a direction of current flowing through the first section of the first power supply line; a direction of current flowing through the second section of the second power supply line relative to a direction of current flowing through the second section of the first power supply line; and the contactless power supply equipment is arranged on the connection unit so that the

2. The first power supply line and the second power supply line are 2. The wireless power supply equipment according to claim 1, wherein the wireless power supply equipment is arranged in the connecting unit so that a first mutual inductance, which is a mutual inductance between the first section of the first power supply line and the first section of the second power supply line, and a second mutual inductance, which is a mutual inductance between the second section of the first power supply line and the second section of the second power supply line, are equal to each other.

3. a portion of each of the first power supply line and the second power supply line that is arranged outside the connection unit and along the movement path is defined as a power supply section of the power supply line, the power supply section is directly connected to the first connection part of the first section; the second section is connected to a second connection portion of the first section that is different from the first connection portion, and is connected to the power supply section via the first section; the power supply section of the first power supply line and the power supply section of the second power supply line are arranged in a line along the movement path, 3. The contactless power supply equipment according to claim 1, wherein an arrangement relationship between the first power supply line and the second power supply line in the connection unit is set so that a distance between the second connection portion of the first power supply line and the second connection portion of the second power supply line is greater than a distance between the first connection portion of the first power supply line and the first connection portion of the second power supply line.

4. the first section and the second section of the first power feed line and the second power feed line are respectively arranged in a plane; a first surface on which the first section of the first power supply line is arranged and a second surface on which the first section of the second power supply line is arranged are arranged parallel to each other; a third surface on which the second section of the first power supply line is disposed and a fourth surface on which the second section of the second power supply line is disposed are arranged parallel to each other; The contactless power supply equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the third surface and the fourth surface are disposed orthogonal to the first surface and the second surface.

5. a portion of each of the first power supply line and the second power supply line that is arranged outside the connection unit and along the movement path is defined as a power supply section of the power supply line, the power supply section is directly connected to the first connection part of the first section; the second section is connected to a second connection portion of the first section that is different from the first connection portion, and is connected to the power supply section via the first section; The contactless power supply equipment according to claim 1 , further comprising a magnetic core that forms a magnetic path surrounding the second section of the first power supply line and the second section of the second power supply line.

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