Power supply equipment

Abstract

To provide power supply equipment that can keep power consumption low. [Solution] The power supply equipment 100 comprises a power supply line 3 arranged along the movement path P of multiple mobile bodies and supplying power to the multiple mobile bodies, a power supply device 4 connected to the power supply line 3 and supplying power to the power supply line 3, and a control system 5 that controls the power supply device 4. The control system 5 comprises a mobile body number information acquisition unit 51 that acquires mobile body number information indicating the number of mobile bodies in the power supply area A, which is the area in the movement path P where the power supply line 3 is arranged, and a control execution unit 52 that performs variable power supply control, which reduces the power supplied from the power supply device 4 to the power supply line 3 in accordance with the decrease in the number of mobile bodies in the power supply area A, and increases the power supplied from the power supply device 4 to the power supply line 3 in accordance with the increase in the number of mobile bodies in the power supply area A, based on the mobile body number information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply facility including a power supply line arranged along the movement paths of a plurality of moving bodies and supplying power to the plurality of moving bodies, and a power supply device connected to the power supply line and supplying power to the power supply line.

Background Art

[0002] An example of such a power supply facility is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in Patent Document 1 are cited in parentheses.

[0003] In the power supply facility of Patent Document 1, a plurality of power supply lines (47) are arranged along the movement path (B) of a plurality of moving bodies (V). And a power supply device (M) is connected to each of the plurality of power supply lines (47). Thus, each of the plurality of moving bodies (V) can move along the movement path (B) by the power supplied from the adjacent power supply line (47).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [[ID=2​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In light of the above, the characteristic configuration of the power supply equipment is: A power supply line is arranged along the movement path of multiple mobile bodies and supplies power to the multiple said mobile bodies, A power supply device connected to the aforementioned power supply line and supplying power to the aforementioned power supply line, A power supply system comprising a control system for controlling the aforementioned power supply device, The control system is A unit for acquiring the number of moving objects obtains information indicating the number of moving objects in the power supply area, with the area in the aforementioned movement path where the power supply lines are arranged being defined as the power supply area. The system includes a control execution unit that performs variable power supply control, which, based on the information on the number of moving objects, reduces the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line in accordance with a decrease in the number of moving objects in the power supply area, and increases the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line in accordance with an increase in the number of moving objects in the power supply area.

[0008] This feature configuration allows for variable power supply control, enabling appropriate adjustment of the power supplied from the power supply device to the power lines when the number of mobile objects located in the power supply area increases or decreases. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the power supplied from the power supply device to the power lines is set based on the maximum number of mobile objects that may be located in the power supply area, for example, power consumption in the power supply equipment can be kept lower. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Plan view of an article transporting system equipped with a power supply system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Front view of the mobile body according to the embodiment [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power supply equipment according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example of control processing by a control system. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the first and second thresholds. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of control processing by a mobile control system. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of the first and second limits for each number of power supply units in operation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] In the following description, the power supply equipment 100 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the power supply equipment 100 is provided in the goods transport equipment 200.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the article transport equipment 200 comprises a plurality of mobile bodies 1 that move along a travel path P. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of mobile bodies 1 is a transport vehicle that transports articles. The articles are, for example, FOUPs (Front Opening Unified Pods) that house semiconductor substrates, or glass substrates that are used as materials for displays.

[0012] In this embodiment, the travel path P comprises a main path Pa formed in a ring, a plurality of secondary paths Pb formed in a ring, each passing through a plurality of stations S, and a plurality of connecting paths Pc that connect the main path Pa and the plurality of secondary paths Pb.

[0013] Station S is configured such that a mobile unit 1 stops at a location corresponding to Station S, and goods are exchanged between the mobile unit 1 and Station S. The objects of goods exchange at Station S include, for example, the load port of a processing device that processes goods, the in / out port of a storage device that stores goods, and storage shelves for temporarily storing goods.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the article conveying facility 200 further includes a pair of traveling rails 2 suspended from the ceiling. The pair of traveling rails 2 are arranged along the movement path P. The pair of traveling rails 2 are arranged at a constant interval from each other in the path width direction H, which is the direction orthogonal to the movement path P, in the vertical direction view along the vertical direction Z, which is the vertical direction. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of moving bodies 1 is a ceiling transfer vehicle guided by the pair of traveling rails 2 and traveling along the movement path P.

[0015] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of moving bodies 1 includes a traveling unit 11 and a transfer unit 12.

[0016] The traveling unit 11 includes a plurality of traveling wheels 111 and a traveling motor 112. The plurality of traveling wheels 111 are configured to roll on the traveling surface formed on the upper surface of the pair of traveling rails 2. The traveling motor 112 is a motor that rotationally drives at least some of the plurality of traveling wheels 111.

[0017] In this embodiment, the traveling unit 11 further includes a plurality of guide wheels 113. The plurality of guide wheels 113 are rotatably supported around an axis along the vertical direction Z. The plurality of guide wheels 113 are arranged separately in the path width direction H so as to contact a pair of inner surfaces of the pair of traveling rails 2 facing each other in the path width direction H.

[0018] The transfer unit 12 is configured to transfer articles to and from the station S. Although detailed description is omitted, the transfer unit 12 includes, for example, a holding unit that holds an article, a lifting unit that moves the holding unit up and down with respect to the traveling unit 11, a horizontal movement unit that moves the holding unit horizontally with respect to the traveling unit 11, and a turning unit that rotates the holding unit around a rotation axis along the vertical direction Z with respect to the traveling unit 11. Note that the transfer unit 12 only needs to include a configuration necessary for transferring articles to and from the station S, and is not limited to the above configuration.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply equipment 100 includes a power supply line 3, a power supply device 4, and a control system 5. In the present embodiment, the power supply equipment 100 further includes a movement control system 6.

[0020] The power supply line 3 is arranged along the movement path P of the plurality of moving bodies 1. The power supply line 3 is configured to supply power to the plurality of moving bodies 1. In the present embodiment, a plurality of power supply lines 3 are arranged along the movement path P.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the moving body 1 further includes a power receiving device 13. The power receiving device 13 is a device that receives power from the power supply line 3 in a non-contact manner. In the present embodiment, the power supply line 3 is supported by each of the pair of running rails 2 so as to be located on both sides in the path width direction H with respect to the power receiving device 13.

[0022] The power receiving device 13 includes a pickup coil 131. Alternating current power is induced in the pickup coil 131 by the magnetic field generated around the power supply line 3 to which an alternating current is supplied. This alternating current power is converted into direct current by the power receiving circuit of the power receiving device 13 including a rectifier circuit, a smoothing capacitor, etc., and is supplied to the traveling motor 112 of the moving body 1, various actuators, etc.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply device 4 is a device that is connected to the power supply line 3 and supplies power to the power supply line 3. In the present embodiment, a plurality of power supply devices 4 are respectively connected to the plurality of power supply lines 3. To add an explanation, in the present embodiment, the same number of power supply devices 4 as the power supply lines 3 are arranged so that one power supply device 4 is connected to one power supply line 3.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the power supply device 4 includes N (N is an integer of 2 or more) power supply units 41. Each of the N power supply units 4 is configured to supply power to the power supply line 3. In this example, four power supply units 41 are arranged for one power supply device 4 (N = 4).

[0025] The control system 5 is configured to control the power supply devices 4. In this embodiment, multiple control systems 5 control multiple power supply devices 4, one for each device. To elaborate, in this embodiment, the same number of control systems 5 as there are power supply devices 4 are arranged so that one control system 5 controls each power supply device 4.

[0026] The control system 5 includes a mobile number information acquisition unit 51. The mobile number information acquisition unit 51 is configured to acquire mobile number information, which is the number of mobile bodies X in the power supply area A. In this embodiment, the mobile number information acquisition unit 51 acquires mobile number information, which is the number of mobile bodies X, from the mobile body control system 6. Here, the power supply area A is the area where the power supply lines 3 are arranged along the movement path P. In this embodiment, multiple power supply areas A are set up, each corresponding to a multiple power supply line 3.

[0027] The mobile body control system 6 is configured to control multiple mobile bodies 1. In this embodiment, the mobile body control system 6 stores the number of mobile bodies X in each of the multiple power supply lines 3.

[0028] The control system 5 includes a control execution unit 52. The control execution unit 52 is configured to perform variable power supply control. Variable power supply control is a control that, based on the number of moving bodies X, reduces the power supplied from the power supply device 4 to the power supply line 3 in accordance with a decrease in the number of moving bodies 1 in the power supply area A, and increases the power supplied from the power supply device 4 to the power supply line 3 in accordance with an increase in the number of moving bodies 1 in the power supply area A. Note that the number of moving bodies 1 in the power supply area A increases or decreases as multiple moving bodies 1 enter and exit the power supply area A. In this embodiment, since multiple moving bodies 1 move across multiple power supply areas A, the number of moving bodies 1 in each power supply area A increases or decreases.

[0029] In this embodiment, the control execution unit 52 increases or decreases the power supplied from the power supply device 4 to the power supply line 3 by increasing or decreasing the number of operating units Na in variable power supply control. Here, the number of operating units Na is the number of power supply devices 41 that are currently supplying power to the power supply line 3 out of the N power supply devices 41.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control execution units 52 of the multiple control systems 5 perform variable power supply control independently of each other.

[0031] The control process performed by the control execution unit 52 of the control system 5 will be described below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process performed by the control execution unit 52.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the control execution unit 52 first determines whether a predetermined set time T has elapsed since the activation of the mobile control system 6 (Step #1). If the set time T has not elapsed since the activation of the mobile control system 6 (Step #1: No), the control execution unit 52 terminates the control process. The set time T is set to a time that allows the mobile control system 6 to appropriately determine the number of mobile objects X.

[0033] On the other hand, if a set time T has elapsed since the activation of the mobile control system 6 (Step #1: Yes), the control execution unit 52 obtains mobile number information indicating the number of mobile units X from the mobile control system 6 (Step #2).

[0034] Next, the control execution unit 52 determines whether the increase or decrease in the number of moving objects 1 per unit time in the power supply area A (hereinafter referred to as "target power supply area A") where the power supply line 3 connected to the power supply device 4 that is the target of control by the control execution unit 52 is located is equal to or greater than a specified fluctuation threshold TH (step #3). If the increase or decrease in the number of moving objects 1 per unit time in the target power supply area A is equal to or greater than the fluctuation threshold TH (step #3: Yes), the control execution unit 52 terminates the control process.

[0035] On the other hand, if the number of increasing or decreasing moving objects 1 per unit time in the target power supply area A is less than the fluctuation threshold TH (Step #3: No), the control execution unit 52 performs variable power supply control (see Steps #4 to #7 described later).

[0036] Thus, in this example, the control execution unit 52 does not perform variable power supply control until a set time T has elapsed from the start of the mobile body control system 6. Furthermore, the control execution unit 52 of the multiple control systems 5 does not perform variable power supply control in power supply area A where the increase or decrease in the number of mobile bodies 1 per unit time is greater than or equal to the fluctuation threshold TH. It is also possible to identify in advance, through simulation or the like, power supply area A where the increase or decrease in the number of mobile bodies 1 per unit time is greater than or equal to the fluctuation threshold TH, and configure the system so that variable power supply control is not performed in that power supply area A.

[0037] Next, the control execution unit 52 determines whether the number of moving objects X in the target power supply area A has fallen below the specified first threshold TH1 (step #4). If the number of moving objects X in the target power supply area A has fallen below the first threshold TH1 (step #4: Yes), the control execution unit 52 reduces the number of operating units Na (step #5), and then terminates the control process.

[0038] On the other hand, if the number of moving objects X in the target power supply area A is greater than the first threshold TH1 (Step #4: No), the control execution unit 52 determines whether the number of moving objects X in the target power supply area A has become equal to or greater than the specified second threshold TH2 (Step #6).

[0039] If the number of moving units X in the target power supply area A becomes equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2 (Step #6: Yes), the control execution unit 52 increases the number of operating units Na (Step #7), and then terminates the control process. On the other hand, if the number of moving units X in the target power supply area A is less than the second threshold TH2 (Step #6: Yes), the control execution unit 52 terminates the control process.

[0040] Thus, in this example, the control execution unit 52, in variable power supply control, reduces the power supplied from the power supply device 4 to the power supply line 3 when the number of mobile bodies 1 in the power supply area A falls below the first threshold TH1, and increases the power supplied from the power supply device 4 to the power supply line 3 when the number of mobile bodies 1 in the power supply area A falls above the second threshold TH2. Here, the first threshold TH1 is a value smaller than the second threshold TH2.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 5, the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 are set to "18" and "20" respectively when the control execution unit 52 increases or decreases the number of operating units Na between 3 and 4 units. In other words, when the current number of operating units Na is 4 units, the control execution unit 52 decreases the number of operating units Na to 3 units when the number of moving units X in the target power supply area A falls below the first threshold TH1 of "18". Also, when the current number of operating units Na is 3 units, the control execution unit 52 increases the number of operating units Na to 4 units when the number of moving units X in the target power supply area A exceeds the second threshold TH2 of "20".

[0042] In this example, the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2, which are used when the control execution unit 52 increases or decreases the number of operating units Na between 2 and 3, are set to "5" and "8", respectively. In other words, when the current number of operating units Na is 3, and the number of moving objects X in the target power supply area A falls below the first threshold TH1 of "5", the control execution unit 52 decreases the number of operating units Na to 2. Also, when the current number of operating units Na is 2, and the number of moving objects X in the target power supply area A becomes "8" or greater than the second threshold TH2 of "8", the control execution unit 52 increases the number of operating units Na to 3.

[0043] Furthermore, in this example, the control execution unit 52 does not increase or decrease the number of operating units Na between 1 and 2. Moreover, the control execution unit 52 does not increase or decrease the number of operating units Na between 0 and 1. In other words, in this example, the first threshold TH1 is not set when the current number of operating units Na is 2 or 1. And the second threshold TH2 is not set when the current number of operating units Na is 1 or 0.

[0044] The control process by the mobile object control system 6 will be described below with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process by the mobile object control system 6.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the mobile control system 6 first determines whether the number of operating units Na has decreased (step #11). If the number of operating units Na has not decreased (step #11: No), the mobile control system 6 terminates the control process.

[0046] On the other hand, if the number of operating units Na decreases (Step #11: Yes), the mobile unit control system 6 determines whether the decrease in the number of operating units Na is due to the execution of variable power supply control (Step #12). If the decrease in the number of operating units Na is due to the execution of variable power supply control (Step #12: Yes), the mobile unit control system 6 terminates the control process.

[0047] On the other hand, if the decrease in the number of operating units Na is not due to the execution of variable power supply control, the mobile unit control system 6 determines that some of the power supply units 41 among the N units have entered a power supply failure state, meaning they are unable to supply power to the power supply line 3, and executes mobile unit number limit control (step #13). Mobile unit number limit control is a control that limits the number of mobile units 1 that can enter the power supply area A. In this example, in the mobile unit number limit control, the mobile unit control system 6 limits the number of mobile units 1 that can enter the power supply area A where the power supply line 3 connected to the power supply unit 41 that has entered a power supply failure state is located, out of the multiple power supply areas A.

[0048] Thus, in this example, the mobile control system 6 executes a mobile number limit control to restrict the number of mobile bodies 1 that can enter the power supply area A if the number of operating units Na decreases due to some of the power supply units 41 among the N units becoming unable to supply power to the power supply line 3. However, the mobile control system 6 does not execute the mobile number limit control if the number of operating units Na decreases due to the execution of variable power supply control.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 7, a first limit number LM1 and a second limit number LM2 are set for each operating number Na. The first limit number LM1 is the maximum number of mobile units 1 that can enter the power supply area A. The second limit number LM2 is a smaller value than the first limit number LM1. The second limit number LM2 is set to expel a specific mobile unit 1 (for example, a mobile unit 1 that is not performing any work and is on standby) from the power supply area A when the number of mobile units 1 located in the power supply area A approaches the first limit number LM1.

[0050] In this example, if the number of operating units Na has not decreased and Na is 4 units, the first limit LM1 is set to "35". "35" is the maximum number of mobile units 1 that can be located in power supply area A. Therefore, even when the number of operating units Na is 4 units, that is, when the number of operating units Na has not decreased, the number of mobile units 1 that can enter power supply area A is limited to "35" or less. Also, when the number of operating units Na is 4 units, the second limit LM2 is set to "30".

[0051] In this example, if one power supply unit 41 is in a power-out state and the number of operating units Na is 3, the first limit LM1 and the second limit LM2 are set to "20" and "16", respectively. If two power supply units 41 are in a power-out state and the number of operating units Na is 2, the first limit LM1 and the second limit LM2 are set to "10" and "8", respectively.

[0052] Furthermore, in this example, if the three power supply units 41 are unable to supply power and the number of operating units Na is 1, then both the first limit LM1 and the second limit LM2 are set to "0". In other words, in this case, entry of the mobile unit 1 into the power supply area A is prohibited, and all mobile units 1 are discharged from the power supply area A.

[0053] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, the mobile body 1 was described as an overhead transport vehicle that is guided by a running rail 2 suspended from the ceiling and travels along a travel path P. However, the configuration is not limited to such an example, and for example, the mobile body 1 may be a tracked transport vehicle that travels along rails provided on the floor.

[0054] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the power receiving device 13 of the mobile body 1 receives power from the power supply line 3 in a non-contact manner was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the power receiving device 13 of the mobile body 1 may be configured to receive power while in contact with the power supply line 3.

[0055] (3) In the above embodiment, the power supply device 4 is provided with N power supply devices 41 (where N is an integer of 2 or more), and the control execution unit 52 increases or decreases the power supplied from the power supply device 4 to the power supply line 3 by increasing or decreasing the number of operating power supply devices 41 Na in variable power supply control. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration with only one power supply device 41 is also possible. In this configuration, it is preferable that the control execution unit 52 increases or decreases the power supplied by the power supply device 41 to the power supply line 3 in variable power supply control.

[0056] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the power supply equipment 100 is equipped with a plurality of control systems 5 and a mobile control system 6 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the plurality of control systems 5 and the mobile control system 6 may be configured as an integrated control system.

[0057] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the mobile number information acquisition unit 51 acquires mobile number information indicating the number of mobile numbers X from the mobile control system 6 as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the mobile number information acquisition unit 51 may also use cameras, sensors, etc. to acquire mobile number information indicating the number of mobile numbers X.

[0058] (6) In the above embodiment, the mobile control system 6 was described as having a configuration in which it determines that some of the N power supply units 41 have become unable to supply power when the decrease in the number of operating units Na is not due to the execution of variable power supply control, and then executes mobile number limit control. However, the system is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the control system 5 may monitor the status of the power supply units 41, and the mobile control system 6 may obtain the status of the power supply units 41 from the control system 5 to determine that some of the N power supply units 41 have become unable to supply power.

[0059] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the mobile body 1 is equipped with a power receiving device 13 that receives power from the power supply line 3 in a non-contact manner, and moves using the power received by the power receiving device 13. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the mobile body 1 may further be equipped with a power storage device that stores the power received by the power receiving device 13, and move using the power of the power storage device. In this configuration, mobile bodies 1 with a high charge level in the power storage device may be excluded from the number of mobile bodies X, and variable power supply control may be performed.

[0060] (8) The configurations disclosed in each of the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0061] [Summary of this embodiment] The following section will provide an overview of the power supply equipment described above.

[0062] The power supply equipment is, A power supply line is arranged along the movement path of multiple mobile bodies and supplies power to the multiple said mobile bodies, A power supply device connected to the aforementioned power supply line and supplying power to the aforementioned power supply line, A power supply system comprising a control system for controlling the aforementioned power supply device, The control system is A unit for acquiring the number of moving objects obtains information indicating the number of moving objects in the power supply area, with the area in the aforementioned movement path where the power supply lines are arranged being defined as the power supply area. The system includes a control execution unit that performs variable power supply control, which, based on the information on the number of moving objects, reduces the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line in accordance with a decrease in the number of moving objects in the power supply area, and increases the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line in accordance with an increase in the number of moving objects in the power supply area.

[0063] With this configuration, variable power supply control allows for appropriate adjustment of the power supplied from the power supply device to the power lines when the number of mobile objects located in the power supply area increases or decreases. Therefore, compared to a configuration where, for example, the power supplied from the power supply device to the power lines is set based on the maximum number of mobile objects that may be located in the power supply area, the power consumption of the power supply equipment can be kept low.

[0064] Here, the control execution unit, in the variable power supply control, reduces the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line when the number of the moving objects in the power supply area falls below a specified first threshold, and increases the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line when the number of the moving objects in the power supply area exceeds a specified second threshold. Preferably, the first threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value.

[0065] This configuration avoids frequent fluctuations in the power supplied from the power supply device to the power lines.

[0066] Furthermore, the power supply device comprises N power supply units (where N is an integer of 2 or more). Of the N power supply units, the number of power supply units currently supplying power to the power supply line is defined as the number of operational units. In the variable power supply control, the control execution unit preferably increases or decreases the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line by increasing or decreasing the number of operating units.

[0067] This configuration makes it easier to simplify the processing of the control system for variable power supply control.

[0068] In the above configuration, the power supply equipment further comprises a mobile body control system for controlling a plurality of the mobile bodies, The aforementioned mobile body control system is If the number of operating units decreases due to some of the N power supply units being unable to supply power to the power supply line, then a mobile unit limit control is executed to limit the number of mobile units that can enter the power supply area. If the number of operating units decreases as a result of the execution of the variable power supply control, it is preferable not to execute the mobile unit limit control.

[0069] With this configuration, if some power supply units become unable to supply power to the power lines, the number of mobile units that can enter the power supply area can be limited by mobile unit number limiting control, thereby reducing the possibility of an increase in the number of mobile units located in the power supply area and resulting in a power shortage for the mobile units. On the other hand, if the number of mobile units located in the power supply area increases while variable power supply control is being performed, the number of operating power supply units can be increased to ensure that all mobile units located in the power supply area are properly supplied with power.

[0070] Furthermore, the power supply equipment comprises a plurality of power supply lines arranged along the travel path, a plurality of power supply devices connected to each of the plurality of power supply lines, and a plurality of control systems for controlling each of the plurality of power supply devices. Multiple power supply areas are set corresponding to each of the multiple power supply lines. The control execution units of the multiple control systems perform the variable power supply control independently of each other, and it is preferable that the variable power supply control is not performed in the power supply area among the multiple power supply areas where the increase or decrease in the number of moving bodies per unit time is greater than or equal to a predetermined fluctuation threshold.

[0071] This configuration allows for the appropriate supply of power according to the number of mobile objects located in each power supply area. Furthermore, this configuration reduces the possibility that power supply may not keep up with a rapid increase in the number of mobile devices located in the power supply area, potentially leading to a shortage of power supplied to the mobile devices.

[0072] Furthermore, the power supply equipment further comprises a mobile body control system for controlling a plurality of the mobile bodies, The unit for acquiring the number of moving objects is configured to acquire the number of moving objects from the mobile object control system. Preferably, the control execution unit does not perform the variable power supply control until a predetermined set time has elapsed from the start of the mobile control system.

[0073] Until a set time has elapsed since the mobile object control system was started, the system's ability to accurately determine the number of mobile objects may be inaccurate. This configuration reduces the possibility that the mobile objects may not receive adequate power due to variable power supply control based on such inaccurate information. [Industrial applicability]

[0074] The technology relating to this disclosure can be used in a power supply system comprising a power supply line arranged along the movement path of multiple mobile bodies and supplying power to the multiple mobile bodies, and a power supply device connected to the power supply line and supplying power to the power supply line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 100: Power supply equipment 1: Mobile 3:Power line 4:Power supply device 41: Power supply 5: Control System 51: Mobile object number information acquisition unit 52: Control Execution Unit 6: Mobile Control System A: Power supply area P: Travel route

Claims

1. A power supply line is arranged along the movement path of multiple mobile bodies and supplies power to the multiple said mobile bodies, A power supply device connected to the aforementioned power supply line and supplying power to the aforementioned power supply line, A power supply system comprising a control system for controlling the aforementioned power supply device, The control system is A unit for acquiring the number of moving objects obtains information indicating the number of moving objects in the power supply area, with the area in the aforementioned movement path where the power supply lines are arranged being defined as the power supply area. A power supply system comprising: a control execution unit that performs variable power supply control, which, based on the information of the number of moving objects, reduces the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line in accordance with a decrease in the number of moving objects in the power supply area, and increases the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line in accordance with an increase in the number of moving objects in the power supply area.

2. The control execution unit, in the variable power supply control, reduces the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line when the number of the moving objects in the power supply area falls below a specified first threshold, and increases the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line when the number of the moving objects in the power supply area rises above a specified second threshold. The power supply equipment according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value.

3. The aforementioned power supply device comprises N power supply units (where N is an integer of 2 or more), Of the N power supply units, the number of power supply units currently supplying power to the power supply line is defined as the number of operational units. The power supply equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control execution unit increases or decreases the power supplied from the power supply device to the power supply line by increasing or decreasing the number of operating units in the variable power supply control.

4. The system further comprises a mobile body control system for controlling multiple such mobile bodies, The aforementioned mobile body control system is If the number of operating units decreases due to some of the N power supply units being unable to supply power to the power line, then a control is implemented to limit the number of mobile units that can enter the power supply area. The power supply equipment according to claim 3, wherein the number of operating units decreases as a result of the execution of the variable power supply control, and the number of moving units limiting control is not executed.

5. The system comprises a plurality of power supply lines arranged along the aforementioned movement path, a plurality of power supply devices connected to each of the plurality of power supply lines, and a plurality of control systems for controlling each of the plurality of power supply devices. Multiple power supply areas are set corresponding to each of the multiple power supply lines. The power supply equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control execution units of the multiple control systems independently execute the variable power supply control, and in the power supply area among the multiple power supply areas, the variable power supply control is not executed in the power supply area where the increase or decrease in the number of moving bodies per unit time is greater than or equal to a predetermined fluctuation threshold.

6. The system further comprises a mobile body control system for controlling multiple such mobile bodies, The unit for acquiring the number of moving objects is configured to acquire the number of moving objects from the mobile object control system. The power supply equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control execution unit does not perform the variable power supply control until a predetermined set time has elapsed from the start of the mobile control system.

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