power supply

Abstract

To provide a power supply device capable of receiving power from a feeder line arranged along a movement route of a movable body to supply the power to an electrical load of the movable body, and capable of appropriately supplying power to the electrical load from an external power supply if the power cannot be received from the feeder line.SOLUTION: A power supply device 1 mounted on a movable body 30 comprises: a pickup coil 40 for generating induced electromotive force by an AC current flowing through a feeder line arranged along a movement route of the movable body 30; a power reception circuit 4 for converting AC power into DC power; a capacitor 5 connected to an output side of the power reception circuit 4; a circuit protector CP1 provided between the power reception circuit 4 / the capacitor 5 and an electrical load LD; and an external power supply connector 7 provided so as to allow a DC external power supply 6 to be connected to a first node N1 between the circuit protector CP1 and the electrical load LD.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device that is mounted on a moving body and receives a supply of power in a non-contact manner from a power supply line arranged along the moving path of the moving body to supply power to an electrical load on the moving body. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 6586939 discloses an overhead transport vehicle (5), which is an example of such a moving body (reference numerals in parentheses in the Background Art section refer to the reference documents). This overhead transport vehicle (5) transports items along a moving path formed by rails suspended from the ceiling of a building. During maintenance, such as servicing or repairs, the overhead transport vehicle (5) is lowered to the ground using a maintenance lifter (2). At this time, the overhead transport vehicle (5) moves away from the rails (4) along which it moves. Because the power supply lines are arranged along the rails (4), when the overhead transport vehicle (5) moves away from its moving path for maintenance, it also moves away from the power supply lines, making it impossible to receive power from the power supply lines. In other words, in many cases, moving bodies that receive power contactlessly from power supply lines arranged along their moving path are moved away from their moving path during maintenance, making it difficult to receive power via the power supply lines.

[0003] JP 2022-3858 A discloses an example of a power receiving unit (4) that receives power from a power supply line in a non-contact manner. The power receiving unit (4) includes a pickup coil (40) that receives power by electromagnetic induction from a power supply line (11) that transmits AC power, and a full-wave rectifier circuit (43) that rectifies the AC induced in the pickup coil (40). An output capacitor (8) is provided between the power receiving unit (4) and the electrical load for purposes such as smoothing pulsating components remaining in the DC rectified by the full-wave rectifier circuit (43) and suppressing fluctuations caused by load fluctuations when an electrical load such as a motor (14) is operated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6586939 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-3858 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] During maintenance of a mobile body as described above, if power cannot be supplied via a power supply line, the mobile body is supplied with power, for example, from an external power source. When connecting an external power source to the mobile body, if there is a large amount of residual charge in the output capacitor of the mobile body, a large current may suddenly flow through the connector or other contact point. For this reason, it is preferable to discharge the residual charge in the output capacitor before connecting the external power source. However, performing such a discharge process every time maintenance is performed reduces the efficiency of the maintenance work.

[0006] In view of the above background, it is desirable to provide a power supply device that can receive power from a power supply line arranged along the movement path of a mobile body and supply power to an electrical load of the mobile body, and that can appropriately supply power to the electrical load from an external power source when power cannot be received from the power supply line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, a power supply device is mounted on a mobile body, receives a supply of power contactlessly from a power supply line arranged along a movement path of the mobile body, and supplies the power to an electrical load on the mobile body, and includes: a pickup coil that generates an induced electromotive force by an AC current flowing through the power supply line; a power receiving circuit that converts the AC power received by the pickup coil into DC power; a capacitor connected between the positive and negative poles of the output side of the power receiving circuit; a circuit protector provided between the power receiving circuit and the capacitor and the electrical load; and an external power supply connector provided so that an external DC power supply can be connected to a first node between the circuit protector and the electrical load.

[0008] According to this configuration, since the external power connector is located on the side of the electrical load with the circuit protector sandwiched between the capacitor, even if an external power source is connected to the external power connector without discharging any residual charge in the capacitor, it is possible to prevent a large current from flowing from the capacitor to the external power source, for example, after the circuit protector has cut off the electrical connection between the power receiving circuit and the electrical load. When connecting an external power source to a mobile body for maintenance, repair, etc., the safety of the work of connecting the external power source to the mobile body can be maintained without performing a discharge process to discharge any residual charge in the capacitor, thereby improving work efficiency. Thus, according to this configuration, it is possible to provide a power supply device that receives power from a power supply line arranged along the path of the mobile body to supply power to an electrical load on the mobile body, and that can appropriately supply power to the electrical load from an external power source when power cannot be received from the power supply line.

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

[0010] [Figure 1] A plan view showing an example of an article transport facility. [Figure 2] A front view showing an example of an article transport vehicle. [Figure 3] 1 is a circuit block diagram illustrating an example of a power receiving circuit. [Figure 4] A side view showing an example of a maintenance lifter [Figure 5] A block diagram showing an example of a power supply device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a power supply device according to a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power supply device mounted on a mobile object and configured to supply power to an electrical load of the mobile object by receiving power in a contactless manner from a power supply line arranged along the mobile object's travel path will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a ceiling-mounted transport vehicle 30 that transports goods by moving along a rail 20 suspended from the ceiling of a building as a travel path 10 is described as an example of the mobile object. The mobile object is not limited to such a ceiling-mounted transport vehicle, but may also be other types of transport vehicles, such as a floor-mounted transport vehicle or a stacker crane, that transport goods by moving along a rail installed on the floor. Furthermore, the mobile object may also be a transport vehicle that transports goods by running on rails arranged horizontally in front of a multi-tiered item storage shelf at each tier. Naturally, the mobile object is not limited to an item transport vehicle, and may be any type that includes a power supply device that receives power in a contactless manner from a power supply line arranged along the mobile object's travel path and supplies power to an electrical load of the mobile object.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an example of an article transport facility 100 in which an overhead transport vehicle 30 is used. The article transport facility 100 includes the overhead transport vehicle 30 and rails 20 arranged along a travel path 10, which is the travel path of the overhead transport vehicle 30. The overhead transport vehicle 30 travels along the travel path 10 while being guided by the rails 20. Articles to be transported by the overhead transport vehicle 30 include, for example, FOUPs (Front Opening Unified Pods) that store semiconductor substrates and glass substrates that are used as display materials. The article transport facility 100 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, the ceiling transport vehicle 30 includes a traveling section 12 that travels along the travel path 10 while being guided by a pair of rails 20 that are arranged and suspended from the ceiling along the travel path 10, a main body 13 that is positioned below the rails 20 and suspended from the traveling section 12, and a power receiving device that includes a power receiving circuit 4 that receives driving power in a non-contact manner from a power supply line 3 that is arranged along the travel path 10. Although a detailed description will be omitted, the main body 13 is provided with an article support section that includes a gripping section that grips an article with a gripping section, supports the article in a suspended state, and is configured to be freely raised and lowered relative to the main body 13. The ceiling transport vehicle 30, for example, grips and lifts an article placed on an article placement table of an article processing unit P with the gripping section, travels while the article is suspended, and transports the article, and places the article on an article placement table of another article processing unit P.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the traveling unit 12 is provided with a pair of traveling wheels 15 that are driven to rotate by an electric drive motor 14. The traveling wheels 15 roll on traveling surfaces formed by the upper surfaces of the rails 20. The traveling unit 12 is also provided with a pair of guide wheels 16 that freely rotate around an axis (around a vertical axis) along the vertical direction V, in contact with the inner surfaces of the pair of rails 20. The traveling unit 12 is also configured with a traveling drive motor 14 and its drive circuit, etc., and causes the overhead transport vehicle 30 to travel along the 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. (none of which are shown). The drive motor 14, actuator, drive circuit, etc. are electrical loads in the overhead transport vehicle 30. The drive circuit, etc. are controlled by a control device 31 (see FIG. 5).

[0015] Power for these drive motors 14, various actuators, and the drive circuits that drive them is supplied contactlessly from a power feeder 3 to a power receiving circuit 4 (see FIG. 3). As described above, the power feeder 3, which supplies drive power to the overhead transport vehicle 30 via the power receiving circuit 4, is arranged along the travel path 10. The article transport facility 100 is equipped with a contactless power feeding facility that uses wireless power feeding technology known as HID (High Efficiency Inductive Power Distribution Technology), and supplies drive power to the electrical load of the overhead transport vehicle 30. The contactless power feeding facility includes the power feeder 3 and a power supply device (not shown) that is connected to the power feeder 3 and supplies AC current to the power feeder 3.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 3, the power receiving circuit 4 includes a pickup coil 40 (see Fig. 2) arranged on the overhead transport vehicle 30 so as to face the power feeder 3, and a power supply circuit such as a rectifier circuit 43 formed on a wiring board inside the overhead transport vehicle 30. As described above, the power feeding device 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. As shown in Fig. 3, the power receiving circuit 4 is electrically connected to the pickup coil 40, and an electrical load LD, whose power consumption varies, is electrically connected to the power receiving circuit 4.

[0017] The power receiving circuit 4 includes a part of a resonant circuit 42 configured together with the pickup coil 40, and a rectifier circuit 43. While detailed configurations are omitted, the power receiving circuit 4 may further include a voltage adjustment circuit 45, such as a regulation circuit for stabilizing the rectified DC voltage at a constant specified voltage, a boost circuit for increasing the voltage, or a step-down circuit for decreasing the voltage. In one embodiment, the voltage adjustment circuit 45 may be configured, for example, by a chopper circuit. The resonant circuit 42 is configured as a parallel circuit of the pickup coil 40 and a resonant capacitor 41, and the resonant capacitor 41 is mounted on a wiring board. While a parallel resonant circuit is illustrated here as the resonant circuit, the resonant circuit may also be configured by a series resonant circuit.

[0018] The rectifier circuit 43 is connected in parallel to the resonant circuit 42 (resonant capacitor 41). The rectifier circuit 43 is connected to the pickup coil 40 (connected to the resonant circuit 42) and rectifies the AC current and AC voltage induced in the pickup coil 40 into a DC current and DC voltage. In this embodiment, the rectifier circuit 43 is a full-wave rectifier circuit. Because this is easily understood by those skilled in the art, the rectifier circuit 43 may be a half-wave rectifier circuit, although illustrations and detailed description are omitted. Alternatively, the power receiving circuit 4 may not include a resonant circuit and the AC induced in the pickup coil 40 may be rectified by the rectifier circuit 43.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3 , a capacitor 5 is connected between the positive and negative terminals of the output side of the power receiving circuit 4. The capacitor 5 is provided to suppress fluctuations in the DC voltage output from the power receiving circuit 4 due to fluctuations in the DC voltage generated by the power receiving circuit 4 and load fluctuations in the electrical load LD. Because the overhead transport vehicle 30 travels on rails 20, the distance between the pickup coil 40 mounted on the overhead transport vehicle 30 and the power feeder 3 disposed along the rails 20 fluctuates. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the travel path 10 includes not only straight paths but also curved paths. The distance between the power feeder 3 and the pickup coil 40 may differ whether the overhead transport vehicle 30 travels on a curved path or a straight path. The voltage induced in the pickup coil 40 also varies depending on the distance between the power feeder 3 and the pickup coil 40. Therefore, the DC voltage generated by the power receiving circuit 4 may also fluctuate. In such cases, the capacitor 5 functions to suppress fluctuations in the DC voltage generated by the power receiving circuit 4 and maintain a constant voltage.

[0020] As described above, the power consumption of the electric load LD fluctuates. In particular, if the power consumption temporarily increases and the current flowing through the electric load LD increases, the DC voltage output from the power receiving circuit 4 may decrease. In such a case, the charge stored in the capacitor 5 compensates for the current temporarily consumed by the electric load LD, thereby suppressing the decrease in the DC voltage. In other words, the capacitor 5 also functions to suppress fluctuations in the DC voltage output from the power receiving circuit 4 and maintain a constant voltage when the power consumption of the electric load LD fluctuates.

[0021] Incidentally, the overhead transport vehicle 30 may require periodic maintenance or maintenance such as repair of malfunctions. When maintenance is performed, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the overhead transport vehicle 30 is lowered to the ground using a maintenance lifter 8, which is a maintenance lifter equipped with a lifting mechanism 83 that can raise and lower the overhead transport vehicle 30. The maintenance lifter 8 is a lifting device for removing the overhead transport vehicle 30 as a moving body from the movement path 10, and is provided at a specific location on the movement path 10. The overhead transport vehicle 30 to be maintained moves to the specific location, is removed from the movement path 10 by the maintenance lifter 8 provided at the specific location, and is lowered to the ground.

[0022] At this time, the overhead transport vehicle 30 separates from the rails 20, which are its travel path, and is lowered to the ground with its running wheels 15 placed on and supported by the lifting rails 22, which are supported by the maintenance lifter 8 and move up and down. The overhead transport vehicle 30 lowered to the ground can be moved to any work location by being moved to a maintenance cart 9, which is movable on the floor while supporting the overhead transport vehicle 30. The running wheels 15 of the overhead transport vehicle 30 lowered to the ground roll on the lifting rails 22, the transfer rails 24 attached to the support columns 81 of the maintenance lifter 8, and the cart rails 26 attached to the maintenance cart 9, in that order, thereby moving the overhead transport vehicle 30 from the maintenance lifter 8 to the maintenance cart 9. The maintenance cart 9 can be moved manually by an operator with the overhead transport vehicle 30 placed on and supported by it. Naturally, the maintenance cart 9 may be moved using not only human power but also assistance from a motor.

[0023] Here, since the power feed line 3 is arranged along the rail 20, when the overhead transport vehicle 30 moves away from the rail 20 for maintenance, it also moves away from the power feed line 3, and is unable to receive power from the power feed line 3. In other words, the overhead transport vehicle 30 receives power in a contactless manner from the power feed line 3 arranged along the travel path 10, but during maintenance, the overhead transport vehicle 30 is moved away from the rail 20, which is the travel path 10, making it difficult for it to receive power via the power feed line 3.

[0024] Incidentally, in the case of a floor transport vehicle or stacker crane that travels on rails installed on the floor, if it is moved to a position off the travel path 10, it will no longer be able to receive power from the power feeder 3 installed along the rail. Similarly, an article transport vehicle that travels on rails installed horizontally on each level of a multi-level article storage shelf will no longer be able to receive power from the power feeder 3 installed along the rail if it is removed from the rail. Since there are various types of maintenance equipment for removing each article transport vehicle from the travel path, detailed explanations of each will be omitted here. However, regardless of the form of the mobile object, if it is moved away from the travel path 10 during maintenance, it will similarly be difficult to receive power via the power feeder 3.

[0025] Therefore, during such maintenance, if power cannot be supplied via the power feed line 3, power is supplied to the overhead transport vehicle 30 from an external power source 6 as shown in Fig. 5. For this reason, the power supply device 1 of the overhead transport vehicle 30, including the above-mentioned power receiving circuit 4, is configured to be connectable to the external power source 6 as shown in Fig. 5. That is, the power supply device 1 is configured to include a pickup coil 40 that generates an induced electromotive force by the AC current flowing through the power feed line 3, a power receiving circuit 4 that converts the AC power received by the pickup coil 40 into DC power, a capacitor 5 connected between the positive and negative poles of the output side of the power receiving circuit 4, a circuit protector CP1 provided between the power receiving circuit 4 and the capacitor 5 and an electrical load LD, and an external power supply connector 7 provided to be connectable to a first node N1 between the circuit protector CP1 and the electrical load LD to the DC external power source 6.

[0026] The external power source 6 is configured to include a power supply circuit 60 that is connected to, for example, a commercial power source and generates a voltage that is the same as the voltage generated by the power receiving circuit 4 of the ceiling transport vehicle 30, and an output connector 67 that is connected to the external power supply connector 7. By connecting the output connector 67 to the external power supply connector 7, it becomes possible to supply power from the external power source 6 to the ceiling transport vehicle 30. The external power source 6 is connected to the external power supply connector 7, for example, when the ceiling transport vehicle 30 is detached from the maintenance lifter 8.

[0027] Fig. 6 illustrates a power supply device 1 as a comparative example. This power supply device 1 also includes a pickup coil 40, a power receiving circuit 4, a capacitor 5, a circuit protector CP1, and an external power connector 7. However, unlike the power supply device 1 of the present embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the external power connector 7 is provided so that a DC external power supply 6 can be connected to a second node N2 between the power receiving circuit 4 and the circuit protector CP1, i.e., the positive electrode side of the capacitor 5, rather than to a first node N1 between the circuit protector CP1 and the electrical load LD.

[0028] When connecting a DC external power supply 6 to the positive electrode of the capacitor 5, as in the power supply device 1 of the comparative example, if there is a large amount of residual charge in the capacitor 5, there is a risk that a large current will flow from the capacitor 5 to the external power supply 6 when the external power supply 6 is connected to the external power supply connector 7. For this reason, it is preferable to perform a discharge process to discharge the capacitor 5 before connecting the external power supply 6. Furthermore, because the amount of residual charge cannot be confirmed visually, it is not preferable to omit the discharge process even if the remaining charge in the capacitor 5 is small. For example, confirmation work such as at least measuring the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor 5 is necessary.

[0029] In contrast, the power supply device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a circuit protector CP1 between the positive electrode of the capacitor 5 and the external power connector 7. Therefore, for example, if the circuit protector CP1 is manually opened by an operator, the electrical connection between the capacitor 5 and the external power supply 6 can be cut off in advance. Therefore, regardless of the remaining charge in the capacitor 5, the external power supply 6 can be connected to the external power supply connector 7 without considering the magnitude of the current flowing from the capacitor 5. Furthermore, even if the circuit protector CP1 is not opened, if the remaining charge in the capacitor 5 is large and a large current flows from the capacitor 5, the circuit protector CP1 performs a protective operation, thereby preventing a current that could cause a malfunction of the external power supply 6 from flowing into the external power supply 6.

[0030] In other words, compared to the power supply device 1 of the comparative example, when connecting an external power source to a moving body for maintenance, repair, etc., the power supply device 1 of this embodiment can maintain the safety of the work of connecting the external power source 6 to the ceiling transport vehicle 30 without performing a discharge process to discharge the remaining charge in the capacitor 5, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0031] It should be noted that, since there is a possibility that a current not large enough to cause the circuit protector CP1 to perform protective operation may flow into the external power supply 6, it is preferable that the external power supply 6 be able to withstand an inrush current large enough to cause the circuit protector CP1 to begin protective operation.

[0032] Alternatively, or in addition, when the external power supply 6 is connected to the external power supply connector 7, it is preferable that a second circuit protector CP2 different from the above-mentioned circuit protector CP1 be provided on a path electrically connecting the first node N1 and an internal circuit (e.g., power supply circuit 60) of the external power supply 6. The circuit protector CP1 is provided between the power receiving circuit 4 and the electrical load LD in the ceiling transport vehicle 30. In other words, the value of the threshold current at which the circuit protector CP1 performs a protective operation is set based on the electrical specifications of the power receiving circuit 4 or the electrical load LD in order to protect these. For this reason, even if the external power supply 6 is receiving an overcurrent, if the current is tolerable for the power receiving circuit 4 or the electrical load LD, the circuit protector CP1 may not interrupt the electrical connection.

[0033] By disposing the second circuit protector CP2 on the path electrically connecting the first node N1 and the power supply circuit 60 of the external power supply 6, it is possible to provide a protection circuit that can set a threshold current value according to the specifications of the external power supply 6 and perform appropriate protection operation for protecting the external power supply 6. Even if an overcurrent flows from the capacitor 5 when the external power supply 6 is connected to the external power supply connector 7, it is possible to prevent the overcurrent from reaching the internal circuit of the external power supply 6. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety of the work when connecting the external power supply 6 to the ceiling transport vehicle 30.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5 , the second circuit protector CP2 may be provided on the side of the external power supply 6, or on the side of the ceiling transport vehicle 30. That is, the external power supply 6 may further include a second circuit protector CP2 different from the circuit protector CP1 between the first node N1 and the internal circuit of the external power supply 6, or the ceiling transport vehicle 30 as a moving body may further include a second circuit protector CP2 different from the circuit protector CP1 between the first node N1 and the internal circuit of the external power supply 6. When the external power supply 6 includes the second circuit protector CP2, it is preferable that the second circuit protector CP2 be disposed between the output connector 67 and the power supply circuit 60, which is an internal circuit. When the ceiling transport vehicle 30 includes the second circuit protector CP2, it is preferable that the second circuit protector CP2 be disposed between the first node N1 and the external power supply connector 7. In either case, the power supply device 1 can be said to be provided with a second circuit protector CP2, which is different from the circuit protector CP1, between the first node N1 and the internal circuit of the external power supply 6.

[0035] Note that if the second circuit protector CP2 is provided on the overhead transport vehicle 30, all of the overhead transport vehicles 30 will be equipped with the second circuit protector CP2. Generally, in an article transport facility 100, the number of external power sources 6, which are used only during maintenance, is smaller than the number of overhead transport vehicles 30. Therefore, providing the second circuit protector CP2 on the side of the external power sources 6 reduces costs. Furthermore, if the second circuit protector CP2 is provided on the side of the overhead transport vehicle 30, manually disconnecting the electrical connection requires removing a cover or the like from the overhead transport vehicle 30. However, if the second circuit protector CP2 is provided on the side of the external power source 6, workers can easily operate the second circuit protector CP2 during maintenance, which is preferable.

[0036] As described above, even if the second circuit protector CP2 is not provided, it is possible to prevent a large current from flowing from the capacitor 5 to the external power supply 6 even if the external power supply 6 is connected to the external power supply connector 7 without discharging the residual charge in the capacitor 5. Therefore, it goes without saying that the configuration may not include the second circuit protector CP2.

[0037] 5, it is preferable that electromagnetic switches (first electromagnetic switch MC1, second electromagnetic switch MC2) that are controlled by the control device 31 of the overhead transport vehicle 30 and can cut off the electrical connection between the first node N1 and the electrical load LD are connected between the first node N1 and the electrical load LD. Power is also supplied to the control device 31 via the power receiving circuit 4, but it is preferable that the overhead transport vehicle 30 be equipped with a backup power supply (a power storage device including a secondary battery or a primary battery such as a dry cell battery) that can supply power to the control device 31 for a certain period of time even if the power supply to the overhead transport vehicle 30 is cut off. The rated operating voltage of such a control device 31 is generally about 3.3 to 5 volts. Furthermore, since the power consumption is not large, a small-capacity backup power supply is sufficient.

[0038] When it is desired to cut off the power supply to the electric load LD, the electromagnetic switch is controlled to be in an open state. By providing the electromagnetic switch between the first node N1 and the electric load LD, the power supply to the electric load LD can be cut off by controlling the electromagnetic switch, whether the overhead transport vehicle 30 receives power from the power feed line 3 or the external power source 6. In other words, even when the external power source 6 is connected to the overhead transport vehicle 30, the overhead transport vehicle 30 can be operated in the same state as in normal operation.

[0039] In this embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which the first electromagnetic switch MC1 and the second electromagnetic switch MC2 are connected in series to provide redundancy so that the electrical connection between the first node N1 and the electrical load LD can be interrupted even if one of the electromagnetic switches experiences a so-called on-failure and is in a constantly connected state, making it impossible to open the circuit. However, when an electromagnetic switch capable of interrupting the electrical connection between the first node N1 and the electrical load LD is provided, it is not necessary to arrange two electromagnetic switches in series, and a configuration having only one electromagnetic switch is also possible. Naturally, a configuration in which three or more electromagnetic switches are arranged in series is not precluded.

[0040] Naturally, the power supply device 1 may not be provided with such an electromagnetic switch.

[0041] [Overview of the embodiment] The power supply device described above will now be briefly outlined.

[0042] In one aspect, a power supply device is mounted on a moving object, receives power contactlessly from a power supply line arranged along the moving path of the moving object, and supplies power to an electrical load of the moving object. The power supply device includes: a pickup coil that generates an induced electromotive force by an AC current flowing through the power supply line; a receiving circuit that converts the AC power received by the pickup coil into DC power; a capacitor connected between the positive and negative poles of the output side of the receiving circuit; a circuit protector provided between the receiving circuit and the capacitor and the electrical load; and an external power supply connector that is provided to be able to connect an external DC power supply to a first node between the circuit protector and the electrical load.

[0043] According to this configuration, since the external power connector is located on the side of the electrical load with the circuit protector sandwiched between the capacitor, even if an external power source is connected to the external power connector without discharging any residual charge in the capacitor, it is possible to prevent a large current from flowing from the capacitor to the external power source, for example, after the circuit protector has cut off the electrical connection between the power receiving circuit and the electrical load. When connecting an external power source to a mobile body for maintenance, repair, etc., the safety of the work of connecting the external power source to the mobile body can be maintained without performing a discharge process to discharge any residual charge in the capacitor, thereby improving work efficiency. Thus, according to this configuration, it is possible to provide a power supply device that receives power from a power supply line arranged along the path of the mobile body to supply power to an electrical load on the mobile body, and that can appropriately supply power to the electrical load from an external power source when power cannot be received from the power supply line.

[0044] It is also preferable to further provide a second circuit protector, different from the circuit protector, between the first node and an internal circuit of the external power supply.

[0045] With this configuration, even if an overcurrent flows from the capacitor when the external power supply is connected to the external power supply connector, the overcurrent can be prevented from reaching the internal circuitry of the external power supply, thereby improving the safety of the work when connecting the external power supply to a mobile object.

[0046] It is also preferable that an electromagnetic switch controlled by a control device of the moving body and capable of interrupting the electrical connection between the first node and the electrical load is connected between the first node and the electrical load.

[0047] When it is desired to cut off the power supply to the electrical load, the electromagnetic switch is controlled to be in an open state. By providing the electromagnetic switch between the first node and the electrical load, the power supply to the electrical load can be cut off by controlling the electromagnetic switch whether the mobile object receives power from a power supply line or from an external power source. In other words, with this configuration, even when the mobile object is connected to an external power source, the mobile object can operate in the same state as under normal circumstances.

[0048] Furthermore, it is preferable that the travel path is formed by rails suspended from the ceiling of a building, the moving body is a ceiling transport vehicle that moves along the rails to transport goods, a lifting device is provided at a specific location on the travel path for removing the moving body from the travel path, and the external power supply is connected to the external power supply connector when the moving body is removed from the lifting device.

[0049] This power supply device is also useful when the moving body is an overhead transport vehicle. With this configuration, even if the overhead transport vehicle is removed from the rails equipped with power supply lines for maintenance, repair, etc., it is still possible to supply power to the overhead transport vehicle to perform various operations. This makes it easier to improve the efficiency of maintenance, repair, and other work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1: Power supply 3:Power line 4: Receiving circuit 5: Capacitor 6: External power supply 7: External power connector 8: Maintenance lifter (lifting device) 10: Travel route 20: Rail 30: Ceiling transport vehicle (mobile body) 31: Control device 40: Pickup coil 60: Power supply circuit (internal circuit of external power supply) CP1: Circuit protector CP2: Second Circuit Protector LD: Electrical load MC1: First electromagnetic switch (electromagnetic switch) MC2: Second electromagnetic switch (electromagnetic switch) N1: First node

Claims

1. A power supply device that is mounted on a moving body, receives a supply of electric power in a non-contact manner from a power supply line arranged along a moving path of the moving body, and supplies the electric power to an electrical load of the moving body, a pickup coil that generates an induced electromotive force by the AC current flowing through the power supply line; a power receiving circuit that converts the AC power received by the pickup coil into DC power; a capacitor connected between the positive and negative electrodes of the output side of the power receiving circuit; a circuit protector provided between the power receiving circuit and the capacitor and the electrical load; an external power supply connector provided to be able to connect an external DC power supply to a first node between the circuit protector and the electrical load.

2. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a second circuit protector different from said circuit protector between said first node and an internal circuit of said external power supply.

3. 3. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein an electromagnetic switch is connected between the first node and the electrical load, the electromagnetic switch being controlled by a control device of the moving body and capable of interrupting an electrical connection between the first node and the electrical load.

4. the travel path is formed by a rail suspended from the ceiling of a building; the moving body is an overhead transport vehicle that moves along the rail to transport an article, an elevator device for removing the moving body from the moving path is provided at a specific location on the moving path; The power supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the external power supply is connected to the external power supply connector when the moving body is detached from the lifting device.

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