Power supply equipment

Abstract

To provide a power supply facility in which the speed of identifying a point where a problem in a power supply line or in the vicinity thereof has occurred can be easily increased.SOLUTION: A power supply facility includes a power supply line 2 that is arranged along a movement path of a mobile body and that supplies power to the mobile body in a noncontact manner, and a thermosensitive unit 3 that is arranged with the power supply line 2 along the movement path. The power supply line 2 includes a conductor line bundle 22 formed of conductor lines 21 through which AC current flows, and an insulation coating 23 surrounding the conductor line bundle 22. The thermosensitive unit 3 includes a first thermosensitive line 31 being incorporated inside the insulation coating 23 of the power supply line 2 and extending with the conductor line bundle 22 along the extension direction of the power supply line 2, and a second thermosensitive line 32 being disposed so as to adjoin the power supply line 2 and extending with the power supply line 2 along the extension line of the power supply line 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply facility that includes a power supply line that is arranged along the movement path of a moving body and that supplies power to the moving body in a non-contact manner, and a heat-sensitive unit that is arranged along the movement path together with the power supply line. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-201006 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology relating to such a power supply facility. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The power supply equipment (contactless power supply equipment) of Patent Document 1 includes a power supply line (inductive line 14) arranged along the travel path of a moving body (transport vehicle body V), and a heat-sensitive wire (15) arranged along the travel path together with the power supply line. The power supply line supplies power to the moving body without contact. When the ambient temperature of the heat-sensitive wire (15) reaches a certain temperature, the insulator (18) inside the heat-sensitive wire (15) softens, causing a pair of twisted conductors (17) to come into contact and short-circuit. When the heat-sensitive wire (15) shorts out, the power supply to the power supply line is stopped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-201006 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the power supply equipment described in Patent Document 1, a possible cause of a short circuit in the heat-sensitive wire is abnormal heat generation in or around the power supply line. Here, examples of causes of abnormal heat generation in the power supply line include an overcurrent caused by an overload on the power supply device or a temperature rise in the power supply line due to a short circuit. In this case, there is a high possibility that some kind of problem has occurred in the power supply equipment. Another example of causes of abnormal heat generation around the power supply line is a temperature rise caused by the influence of a magnetic field generated around the power supply line. This can occur, for example, if a worker accidentally leaves a metal tool near the power supply line. In any case, when abnormal heat generation in or around the power supply line is detected, it is preferable to quickly identify the location of the problem and take appropriate measures. However, in the above-mentioned power supply equipment, the heat-sensitive wire is arranged along the extension direction of the power supply line so as to contact the outer periphery of the power supply line. With such a heat-sensitive wire arrangement, if abnormal heat generation is detected by the heat-sensitive wire, it is difficult to determine whether the abnormal heat generation is due to a rise in temperature in the power supply line or in the area around the power supply line, and as a result, it can take time to identify the location of the problem.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a power supply facility that can easily and quickly identify the location of a problem occurring on or around the power supply line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A power supply facility according to the present disclosure includes a power supply line arranged along a moving path of a moving body to supply power to the moving body in a non-contact manner, and a heat-sensitive unit arranged along the moving path together with the power supply line, the power supply line includes a conductor wire bundle formed by bundling a plurality of conductor wires through which an AC current flows, and an insulating coating covering the conductor wire bundle, The heat-sensing unit includes a first heat-sensing wire that is built inside the insulating coating of the power supply line and extends along the extension direction of the power supply line together with the conductor wire bundle, and a second heat-sensing wire that is arranged adjacent to the power supply line and extends along the extension direction of the power supply line together with the power supply line. 、 a first detection unit that detects abnormal heat generation by the first heat-sensitive wire, a second detection unit that detects abnormal heat generation by the second heat-sensitive wire, and a control unit that controls an AC power source that supplies power to the power supply line, The control unit outputs an alarm when either the first detection unit or the second detection unit detects abnormal heat generation, and stops power supply to the power feed line from the AC power source when both the first detection unit and the second detection unit detect abnormal heat generation. .

[0008] According to this configuration, if abnormal heat generation is detected by the first heat-sensitive wire but not by the second heat-sensitive wire, it can be assumed that there is a high possibility that a problem has occurred inside the power supply line, and if abnormal heat generation is detected by the second heat-sensitive wire but not by the first heat-sensitive wire, it can be assumed that there is a high possibility that a problem has occurred outside the power supply line. Furthermore, if abnormal heat generation is detected by both the first and second heat-sensitive wires, it can be assumed that there is a high possibility that a relatively serious problem has occurred in the power supply line or its surroundings. In this manner, with this configuration, by referring to the detection results from both the first and second heat-sensitive wires, it is easy to quickly identify the location of a problem in the power supply line or its surroundings. Furthermore, with this configuration, an alarm can be output before a serious problem occurs in the power supply line or its surroundings, making it possible to take some kind of action before a serious problem actually occurs. On the other hand, if both the first and second detectors detect abnormal heat generation, it is highly likely that a serious problem has occurred in the power feeder or its surroundings, so the AC power supply stops supplying power to the power feeder, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the power feeder or its surroundings. Furthermore, if either the first detection unit or the second detection unit detects abnormal heat generation, an alarm can be output and the power supply to the power feeder can be continued without being stopped, which makes it easier to reduce the impact on the operating efficiency of the entire facility compared to a configuration in which the power supply to the power feeder is stopped when at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects abnormal heat generation.

[0009] Another power supply facility according to the present disclosure is a power supply facility including: a power supply line arranged along a movement path of a moving body and supplying power to the moving body in a non-contact manner; and a heat-sensitive unit arranged along the movement path together with the power supply line, the power supply line includes a conductor wire bundle formed by bundling a plurality of conductor wires through which an AC current flows, and an insulating coating covering the conductor wire bundle, the heat-sensing unit includes a first heat-sensing wire that is built inside the insulating coating of the power feeder line and extends along the extension direction of the power feeder line together with the conductor wire bundle, and a second heat-sensing wire that is arranged adjacent to the power feeder line and extends along the extension direction of the power feeder line together with the power feeder line, The plurality of power supply lines are electrically connected to each other via a terminal block, and a target heat-sensitive ray, which is at least one of the first heat-sensitive ray and the second heat-sensitive ray, is provided with a terminal block corresponding part arranged to contact the terminal block, The terminal block corresponding part is detachably connected to a part of the target heat-sensitive wire along the insulating coating of the power supply line via a connector. .

[0010] Further features and advantages of the power supply installation will become apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which are given with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Overall plan view of an article transport facility equipped with a power supply facility [Figure 2] Front view of a moving object [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a support member, a power supply line, and a heat-sensing unit; [Figure 4] A schematic plan view of the terminal block and its corresponding part [Figure 5]Control Block Diagram [Figure 6] Control Flow Diagram [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a support member, a power supply line, and a heat-sensitive unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a support member, a power supply line, and a heat-sensitive unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a terminal block and a terminal block corresponding portion according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power supply facility will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a form in which power is supplied to an article transport vehicle in an article transport facility. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a mobile object 5, which is an article transport vehicle in an article transport facility 200, travels on a travel rail 52 arranged along a travel path 51, which is a travel route. As shown in Figure 1, the power supply facility 1 includes a power supply line 2 arranged along the travel path 51 of the mobile object 5 to supply power to the mobile object 5 in a contactless manner, and a heat-sensitive unit 3 arranged together with the power supply line 2 along the travel path 51.

[0013] 2, for example, the moving body 5 includes a traveling section 59 that travels along a moving path 51 while being guided by a pair of traveling rails 52 that are suspended from the ceiling, a transport vehicle main body 53 that is positioned below the traveling rails 52 and suspended from the traveling section 59, and a power receiving device 40 that receives driving power in a non-contact manner from a power supply line 2 that is laid along the moving path 51. The transport vehicle main body 53 includes an article support section (not shown) that is provided on the transport vehicle main body 53 so as to be able to rise and fall and that supports an article in a suspended state. Articles to be transported by the moving body 5 include, for example, FOUPs (Front Opening Unified Pods) that store semiconductor substrates, glass substrates that are used as materials for displays, etc.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 2, the traveling unit 59 is provided with a pair of traveling wheels 55 that are rotationally driven by an electric drive motor 54. The traveling wheels 55 roll on traveling surfaces formed by the upper surfaces of the traveling rails 52. The traveling unit 59 is also provided with a pair of guide wheels 56 that freely rotate around an axis along the vertical direction (around the vertical axis) and abut against the inner surfaces of the pair of traveling rails 52. The traveling unit 59 is also configured with a driving motor 54 for traveling and a drive circuit therefor, and causes the movable body 5 to travel along the traveling rails 52. The transport vehicle main body 53 is provided with an actuator that raises and lowers the article support unit, an actuator that drives the gripping unit that grips the article, and a drive circuit therefor.

[0015] Electric power for these drive motors 54, various actuators, and drive circuits that drive them is supplied to the power receiving device 40 in a contactless manner from the power supply line 2. In this embodiment, the power supply line 2 that supplies drive power to the moving body 5 via the power receiving device 40 is arranged on both sides of the power receiving device 40 in a path width direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the "path width direction") that is along a horizontal plane and perpendicular to the direction along the movement path 51.

[0016] In this embodiment, the power receiving device 40 supplies driving power to the mobile object 5 using a wireless power supply technology known as HID (High Efficiency Inductive Power Distribution Technology). Specifically, a high-frequency current is passed through the power supply line 2, which is an induction line, to generate a magnetic field around the power supply line 2. The power receiving device 40 is configured to include a pickup coil 40a and a magnetic core, and the pickup coil 40a is induced by electromagnetic induction from the magnetic field. The induced AC power is converted to DC by a power receiving circuit (not shown) including a rectifier circuit such as a full-wave rectifier circuit and a smoothing capacitor, and is then supplied to the actuator and driving circuit.

[0017] In this specification, an article transport vehicle, a so-called overhead transport vehicle, has been exemplified as the moving body 5, but it goes without saying that the moving body 5 may also be an article transport vehicle that travels on the ground, or may be a shuttle rack, a traveling carriage of a stacker crane, or the like. The moving body 5 may be in any form as long as it operates by receiving power from a power supply line 2 arranged along the moving path 51. Of course, the moving body 5 is not limited to an article transport vehicle.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, the power feeder 2 includes a conductor wire bundle 22 formed by bundling together a plurality of conductor wires 21 through which an AC current flows, and an insulating coating 23 that covers the conductor wire bundle 22. In this embodiment, these plurality of conductor wires 21 are induction wires that supply power in a non-contact manner. Therefore, current flows in the same direction through all of the conductor wires 21 that make up the conductor wire bundle 22 within the insulating coating 23. Here, each of the plurality of conductor wires 21 includes a conductor wire body 21a (core wire) and a conductor wire coating 21b that is made of an insulator and covers the conductor wire body 21a. The arrangement of these conductor wires 21 inside the power feeder 2 will be described later.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the heat-sensitive unit 3 is built inside the insulating coating 23 of the power feeder 2 and includes a first heat-sensitive wire 31 that extends along the direction of extension of the power feeder 2 together with the conductor wire bundle 22, and a second heat-sensitive wire 32 that is positioned adjacent to the power feeder 2 and extends along the direction of extension of the power feeder 2 together with the power feeder 2. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the first heat-sensitive wire 31 is disposed over the entire area of ​​the power feeder 2 in the power feeding equipment 1. The second heat-sensitive wire 32 is disposed over the entire area of ​​the power feeder 2 in the power feeding equipment 1. In the example of FIG. 1 , in the power feeding equipment 1, multiple power feeders 2 are connected via a terminal block 10, which will be described later. The first heat-sensitive wire 31 and the second heat-sensitive wire 32 are disposed along the multiple connected power feeders 2.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3 , in this example, the first heat-sensitive wire 31 and the second heat-sensitive wire 32 have the same structure. The first heat-sensitive wire 31 includes a pair of conductors 33 covered with a heat-sensitive wire insulator 33b that softens at a predetermined temperature. Each conductor 33 is configured as a coated conductor wire, with a core 33a made of a conductor covered with a heat-sensitive wire insulator 33b. Two conductors 33 are twisted together to form a twisted pair, which is then further coated with a heat-sensitive wire coating material 35, thereby forming the first heat-sensitive wire 31 including the pair of conductors 33. The pair of conductors 33 are configured so that when the heat-sensitive wire insulator 33b softens, the cores 33a made of conductors come into contact with each other and short-circuit. Even if the heat-sensitive wire insulator 33b softens, the first heat-sensitive wire 31 including the pair of conductors 33 is covered with the heat-sensitive wire coating material 35, preventing the core 33a from being exposed to the outside. The second heat-sensitive wire 32 has the same configuration as the first heat-sensitive wire 31, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first heat-sensitive wire 31 is disposed in the center of the power feeder 2, surrounded by the conductor wire bundle 22. Specifically, the first heat-sensitive wire 31 is disposed in the center of the power feeder 2, surrounded by a plurality of conductor wires 21. The insulating coating 23 of the power feeder 2 is disposed so as to cover both the conductor wire bundle 22, which is composed of a plurality of conductor wires 21, and the first heat-sensitive wire 31. In the illustrated example, six conductor wires 21 are grouped together as one conductor wire bundle 22 and disposed inside the power feeder 2. The first heat-sensitive wire 31 is disposed so as to be surrounded by the six conductor wires 21. As shown in FIG. 2 , the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is disposed so as to be in contact with the insulating coating 23 of the power feeder 2. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is disposed on the opposite side of the power feeder 2 from the power receiving device 40 in the path width direction. The heat-sensitive wire coating material 35 of the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is in contact with the insulating coating 23 of the power feeder wire 2. In the example of Fig. 1, the second heat-sensitive wires 32 are arranged on both outer sides in the path width direction of a pair of power feeders 2 arranged on both sides in the path width direction relative to the power receiving device 40. The second heat-sensitive wires 32 are also arranged so that their vertical positions are lower than the center of the power feeder wires 2.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the power supply equipment 1 further includes a support member 4 disposed along a travel path 51 and supporting the power supply line 2 and the second heat-sensitive wire 32. A plurality of support members 4 are disposed along each of a pair of traveling rails 52, supporting the power supply line 2 and the second heat-sensitive wire 32 from below. As described above, the power supply line 2 includes the first heat-sensitive wire 31 built therein. Therefore, it can be said that the support member 4 supports the first heat-sensitive wire 31 and the second heat-sensitive wire 32 (i.e., the heat-sensitive unit 3) from below. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the support member 4 is supported by the traveling rail 52 in an orientation along the path width direction. The support member 4 is also disposed between the power receiving device 40 and the traveling rail 52. A pair of such support members 4 is provided corresponding to the pair of traveling rails 52. A plurality of pairs of support members 4 are provided at regular intervals along the travel path 51 of the moving body 5.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the support member 4 includes a first holding portion 41 that holds the power feeder 2 and a second holding portion 42 that holds the second heat-sensitive wire 32. The first holding portion 41 and the second holding portion 42 are provided at the end (tip) of the support member 4 on the inner side in the path width direction (the side where the power receiving device 40 is arranged). In this embodiment, the power feeder 2 is arranged in the first holding portion 41 with the second heat-sensitive wire 32 arranged in the second holding portion 42, so that the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is held by the second holding portion 42 to prevent it from falling off. In this example, the first holding portion 41 is provided on the inner side (tip side) of the second holding portion 42 in the path width direction. The first holding portion 41 and the second holding portion 42 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0024] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the first holding portion 41 is formed in a groove-like shape into which the power supply line 2 fits. In the illustrated example, a portion of the tip of the support member 4 penetrates in a direction along the movement path 51 and is notched so as to open inward and upward in the path width direction, thereby forming the groove-like first holding portion 41. The power supply line 2 is pushed through the opening of the first holding portion 41 to fit into the groove-like portion of the first holding portion 41. The second holding portion 42 is also groove-like and accommodates the second heat-sensitive wire 32, and is formed to open on an inner surface 41 a of the first holding portion 41. In the illustrated example, a portion of the second holding portion 42 in the support member 4 adjacent to the outer side in the path width direction relative to the first holding portion 41 penetrates in a direction along the movement path 51 and is notched so as to open on the inner surface 41 a of the first holding portion 41, thereby forming the groove-like second holding portion 42. The second heat-sensitive wire 32 is then pushed into the groove-shaped portion of the first holding portion 41 through the opening on the inner surface 41a of the first holding portion 41, and fits into the groove-shaped portion of the second holding portion 42. By attaching the second heat-sensitive wire 32 to the second holding portion 42 and then attaching the power feeder 2 to the first holding portion 41, the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is surrounded by the support member 4 (the portion constituting the second holding portion 42) and the power feeder 2 held by the first holding portion 41. This prevents the second heat-sensitive wire 32 from slipping out of the second holding portion 42. In the illustrated example, the shapes of the first holding portion 41 and the second holding portion 42 are formed to fit the outer shapes of the power feeder 2 and the second heat-sensitive wire 32, respectively. The cross-sectional shapes of the grooves constituting the first holding portion 41 and the second holding portion 42 may be broken lines rather than curved as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0025] In addition, when the scale of the article conveying facility 200 is large, the scale of the power supply facility 1 will naturally also be large. For example, it is possible that multiple power feeders 2 are connected to each other and used. It is also possible that the power feeders 2 are connected to wiring in a control panel or the like. In such a case, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the multiple power feeders 2 are electrically connected to each other via a terminal block 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply facility 1 includes a terminal block corresponding part 91 arranged so that the target heat-sensitive wire 9, which is at least one of the first heat-sensitive wire 31 and the second heat-sensitive wire 32, contacts the terminal block 10. In this example, the first heat-sensitive wire 31 includes the terminal block corresponding part 91. That is, in this example, the target heat-sensitive wire 9 is the first heat-sensitive wire 31. Here, the terminal block corresponding part 91 is detachably connected via a connector 92 to a portion of the target heat-sensitive wire 9 that is along the insulating coating 23 of the power feeder 2. In this example, the terminal block corresponding part 91 is detachably connected via a connector 92 to the part of the first heat-sensitive wire 31 that is embedded inside the insulating coating 23 of the power supply line 2.

[0026] In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, the terminal block counterpart 91 of the first heat-sensitive wire 31 is formed independently so as to correspond to one terminal block 10. The terminal block counterpart 91 electrically connects, via a connector 92, the first heat-sensitive wires 31 built into the plurality of power feed lines 2 electrically connected via the terminal block 10. The terminal block counterpart 91 has the same structure as the first heat-sensitive wire 31. The example in FIG. 4 schematically shows the arrangement of the terminal block counterpart 91 in the terminal block 10. In this example, a plurality of terminal block counterparts 91 (two in this example) are arranged along the metal portion of the terminal block 10 and its periphery. In the illustrated example, two power feed lines 2 are arranged on either side of the terminal block 10. Each terminal block counterpart 91 connects the first heat-sensitive wires 31 (the first heat-sensitive wires 31 built into the power feed lines 2) facing each other across the terminal block 10. Specifically, an end of the first heat-sensitive wire 31 that has been peeled off and exposed from the power feeder 2 is connected to one end of the terminal block counterpart 91 via a connector 92. Then, an end of the first heat-sensitive wire 31 that has been peeled off and exposed from another power feeder 2 (here, the opposing power feeder 2) that is connected to the power feeder 2 via the terminal block 10 is connected to the other end of the terminal block counterpart 91 via the connector 92. The two terminal block counterparts 91 are separated in the path width direction and arranged along the metal part of the terminal block 10 and its periphery. By providing the terminal block counterparts 91 in this way, it becomes possible to detect abnormal heat generation occurring in the terminal block 10 or its periphery.

[0027] When arranging the terminal block corresponding part 91 on the terminal block 10, the terminal block corresponding part 91 may be fastened to the terminal block 10 using a cable tie or the like. In such a case, the terminal block corresponding part 91 of the first heat-sensitive wire 31 is supported by the terminal block 10, and the remaining part (here, the part embedded inside the insulating coating 23 of the power supply line 2) is supported by the support member 4 via the power supply line 2. FIG. 4 also shows the arrangement of the second heat-sensitive wire 32 (indicated by the dashed dotted line in FIG. 4). The second heat-sensitive wire 32 is arranged along the movement path 51 while being supported by the support member 4, regardless of the terminal block 10.

[0028] 1 and 5, the power supply equipment 1 includes a first detection unit 6 that detects abnormal heat generation by the first heat-sensitive wire 31, a second detection unit 7 that detects abnormal heat generation by the second heat-sensitive wire 32, and a control unit 8 that controls an AC power source 13 that supplies power to the power supply line 2. The power supply equipment 1 also includes a notification unit 14.

[0029] The first detection unit 6 can detect an abnormality (temperature rise) in the power feeder 2 by detecting a short circuit in the first heat sensitive wire 31 while the first heat sensitive wire 31 is energized. The second detection unit 7 can detect an abnormality (temperature rise) in the power feeder 2 and the surrounding area of ​​the power feeder 2 by detecting a short circuit in the second heat sensitive wire 32 while the second heat sensitive wire 32 is energized. Although not shown, the power supply equipment 1 has a power source for supplying power to the first heat sensitive wire 31 and the second heat sensitive wire 32. This power source may be a single power source corresponding to both the first heat sensitive wire 31 and the second heat sensitive wire 32. Alternatively, multiple power sources corresponding to the first heat sensitive wire 31 and the second heat sensitive wire 32 may be provided.

[0030] The control unit 8 executes abnormality control on the AC power supply 13 and the alarm unit 14 based on the detection results by the first detection unit 6 and the second detection unit 7. The control unit 8 may be provided in a control device (not shown) included in the article conveying facility 200 that controls the travel of the mobile object 5, or may be a control device included in the power supply facility 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 outputs an alarm when either the first detection unit 6 or the second detection unit 7 detects abnormal heat generation, and stops the power supply from the AC power supply 13 to the power feeder 2 when both the first detection unit 6 and the second detection unit 7 detect abnormal heat generation. That is, the control unit 8 can execute, as abnormality control, alarm control for controlling the alarm unit 14 to output an alarm, and stop control for controlling the AC power supply 13 to stop the power supply to the power feeder 2.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6 , when the control unit 8 determines that the first detection unit 6 has detected a short circuit in the first heat-sensitive wire 31 (S01: Yes), it determines whether the second detection unit 7 has detected a short circuit in the second heat-sensitive wire 32 (S02). If the control unit 8 determines that the second detection unit 7 has detected a short circuit in the second heat-sensitive wire 32 (S02: Yes), it executes stop control. This also stops the movement of the moving object 5. Furthermore, if the control unit 8 determines that the second detection unit 7 has not detected a short circuit in the second heat-sensitive wire 32 (S02: No), it executes alarm control (S05). For example, this alarm control may display an alarm on a terminal carried by a worker working on the item transport equipment 200 or on a display of a control computer installed in the item transport equipment 200, or may output a buzzer or sound as a warning sound. Furthermore, the alarm may be emitted as a light, or a combination of a display, sound, light, etc. may be used to notify the user.

[0032] If the control unit 8 determines that the first detection unit 6 has not detected a short circuit in the first heat sensitive wire 31 (S01: No), it determines whether the second detection unit 7 has detected a short circuit in the second heat sensitive wire 32 (S04), and if the second detection unit 7 has detected a short circuit in the second heat sensitive wire 32 (S04: Yes), it executes warning control. Note that, unlike the example shown in Fig. 6, it may determine whether the second detection unit 7 has detected a short circuit in the second heat sensitive wire 32 before determining whether the first detection unit 6 has detected a short circuit in the first heat sensitive wire 31, or these two determinations may be made in parallel.

[0033] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the power supply equipment will be described.

[0034] (1) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat-sensitive unit 3 (first heat-sensitive wire 31, second heat-sensitive wire 32) is disposed over the entire area of ​​the power supply line 2, but this is not limiting. For example, the heat-sensitive unit 3 may be disposed in a partial area of ​​the power supply line 2. Furthermore, when multiple power supply lines 2 are electrically connected by a terminal block 10, the heat-sensitive unit 3 may be disposed over the entire area of ​​the multiple connected power supply lines 2, or may be disposed only in a specified area including the terminal block 10. In this way, the range in which the heat-sensitive unit 3 is disposed can be changed as appropriate.

[0035] (2) In the above embodiment, the first heat-sensitive wire 31 is disposed at the center of the power feeder 2 surrounded by the conductor wire bundle 22, and the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is disposed so as to contact the insulating sheath 23 of the power feeder 2. However, this is not limiting. The position of the first heat-sensitive wire 31 on the power feeder 2 can be changed as appropriate. Such an example is shown in FIG. 7. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first heat-sensitive wire 31 is disposed so as to contact the insulating sheath 23 of the power feeder 2 from the inside of the power feeder 2. In the illustrated example, the first heat-sensitive wire 31 is disposed between the conductor wire bundle 22 and the insulating sheath 23. In such a case, it is preferable to dispose the first heat-sensitive wire 31 as far away from the second heat-sensitive wire 32 as possible. The position of the second heat-sensitive wire 32 can also be changed as appropriate. Such an example is shown in Figure 8. In the example of Figure 8, the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is arranged so as to be spaced apart from the insulating coating 23 of the power supply line 2 without contacting it. The shape of the groove in the second holding portion 42 of the support member 4 can also be changed depending on the position of the second heat-sensitive wire 32.

[0036] (3) In the above embodiment, the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is arranged in the second holding portion 42, and the power supply line 2 is arranged in the first holding portion 41, so that the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is held by the second holding portion 42 so as not to fall off. However, this is not limiting. For example, the support member on which the first holding portion 41 that holds the power supply line 2 is provided and the support member on which the second holding portion 42 that holds the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is provided may each be separate members.

[0037] (4) In the above embodiment, the first holding portion 41 is formed in a groove shape into which the power supply line 2 is fitted, and the second holding portion 42 is formed in a groove shape into which the second heat-sensitive wire 32 is housed. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and it is preferable that the shapes of the first holding portion 41 and the second holding portion 42 can be changed as appropriate.

[0038] (5) In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 outputs an alarm when either the first detection unit 6 or the second detection unit 7 detects abnormal heat generation, and stops the power supply from the AC power supply 13 to the power feeder 2 when both the first detection unit 6 and the second detection unit 7 detect abnormal heat generation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 8 may be controlled to stop the power supply from the AC power supply 13 to the power feeder 2 when either the first detection unit 6 or the second detection unit 7 detects abnormal heat generation. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 8 may be configured to stop the power supply from the AC power supply 13 to the power feeder 2 when at least the first detection unit 6 of the first detection unit 6 and the second detection unit 7 detects abnormal heat generation, and to output an alarm when only the second detection unit 7 of the first detection unit 6 and the second detection unit 7 detects abnormal heat generation.

[0039] (6) In the above embodiment, the power supply equipment 1 has been described as having a configuration in which the target heat-sensitive ray 9, which is the first heat-sensitive ray 31, is provided with a terminal block corresponding part 91 arranged to contact the terminal block 10. However, this is not limited to this. The second heat-sensitive ray 32 may be the target heat-sensitive ray 9 and the second heat-sensitive ray 32 may be provided with a terminal block corresponding part 91. One such example is shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the terminal block corresponding part 91 of the second heat-sensitive ray 32 is independently formed to correspond to one terminal block 10. The terminal block corresponding part 91 is detachably connected via a connector 92 to a portion of the second heat-sensitive ray 32 that is arranged along the insulating coating 23 outside the insulating coating 23 of the power supply line 2. This terminal block corresponding part 91 has the same structure as the second heat-sensitive ray 32. In this example, multiple (here, two) terminal block counterparts 91 are arranged along the metal portion of the terminal block 10 and its periphery. In the illustrated example, two second thermosensitive wires 32 are arranged on either side of the terminal block 10. Each terminal block counterpart 91 connects the second thermosensitive wires 32 (the second thermosensitive wires 32 arranged along the power feeder 2) that face each other across the terminal block 10. The terminal block 10 is connected to these second thermosensitive wires 32 via a connector 92. Note that the first thermosensitive wires 31 built into the power feeder 2 that face each other across the terminal block 10 are electrically connected by another first thermosensitive wire 31 for connection, for example, via a connector or the like. In FIG. 9, the state in which the first thermosensitive wires 31 that face each other across the terminal block 10 are electrically connected is schematically shown in a position that does not overlap the terminal block counterpart 91 on the drawing (dash line in FIG. 9).

[0040] (7) Note that the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments (including combinations of embodiments described as other embodiments) as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Summary of the above embodiment] The following provides an overview of the power supply facility described above.

[0042] A power supply facility according to the present disclosure includes a power supply line arranged along a moving path of a moving body to supply power to the moving body in a non-contact manner, and a heat-sensitive unit arranged along the moving path together with the power supply line, the power supply line includes a conductor wire bundle formed by bundling a plurality of conductor wires through which an AC current flows, and an insulating coating covering the conductor wire bundle, The heat-sensing unit includes a first heat-sensing wire that is built inside the insulating coating of the power supply line and extends along the extension direction of the power supply line together with the conductor wire bundle, and a second heat-sensing wire that is positioned adjacent to the power supply line and extends along the extension direction of the power supply line together with the power supply line.

[0043] According to this configuration, if abnormal heat generation is detected by the first heat-sensitive wire but not by the second heat-sensitive wire, it can be assumed that there is a high possibility that a problem has occurred inside the power supply line, and if abnormal heat generation is detected by the second heat-sensitive wire but not by the first heat-sensitive wire, it can be assumed that there is a high possibility that a problem has occurred outside the power supply line. Furthermore, if abnormal heat generation is detected by both the first and second heat-sensitive wires, it can be assumed that there is a high possibility that a relatively serious problem has occurred in the power supply line or its surroundings. In this manner, with this configuration, by referring to the detection results from both the first and second heat-sensitive wires, it is easy to quickly identify the location of a problem in the power supply line or its surroundings.

[0044] wherein the first heat-sensitive wire is disposed at the center of the power supply line surrounded by the conductor wire bundle, The second heat-sensitive wire is preferably disposed so as to be in contact with the insulating coating of the power supply wire.

[0045] According to this configuration, abnormal heat generation inside the power supply line can be properly detected by the first heat-sensitive wire, and abnormal heat generation on the surface of the power supply line can be properly detected by the second heat-sensitive wire. Therefore, it is easy to appropriately detect the occurrence of problems inside and around the power supply line.

[0046] The device further includes a support member that is disposed along the movement path and supports the power supply line and the second heat-sensitive wire, the support member includes a first holding portion that holds the power supply line and a second holding portion that holds the second heat-sensitive wire, It is preferable that the second heat-sensitive wire is placed in the second holding section, and then the power supply line is placed in the first holding section, so that the second heat-sensitive wire is held in the second holding section so that it does not fall off.

[0047] According to this configuration, the second heat-sensitive wire is placed in the second holding portion of the support member, and then the power supply wire is placed in the first holding portion, thereby completing the holding of the second heat-sensitive wire. Therefore, the installation work of the power supply wire and the second heat-sensitive wire can be easily simplified.

[0048] The first holding portion is formed in a recessed groove shape into which the power supply line is fitted, It is preferable that the second holding portion has a recessed groove shape in which the second heat-sensitive wire is housed, and is formed so as to open to an inner surface of the first holding portion.

[0049] According to this configuration, the second heat-sensitive wire is accommodated in the second holding portion of the support member, and then the power feeder wire is fitted into the first holding portion, thereby completing both the power feeder wire and the second heat-sensitive wire being held in the support member. This further simplifies the installation of the power feeder wire and the second heat-sensitive wire.

[0050] The device also includes a first detection unit that detects abnormal heat generation by the first heat-sensitive wire, a second detection unit that detects abnormal heat generation by the second heat-sensitive wire, and a control unit that controls an AC power source that supplies power to the power supply line, It is preferable that the control unit outputs an alarm when abnormal heat generation is detected by either the first detection unit or the second detection unit, and stops the supply of power from the AC power source to the power supply line when abnormal heat generation is detected by both the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

[0051] According to this configuration, an alarm can be output before a serious problem occurs in the power supply line or its surroundings, and therefore, some kind of countermeasure can be taken before a serious problem actually occurs. On the other hand, if both the first and second detectors detect abnormal heat generation, it is highly likely that a serious problem has occurred in the power feeder or its surroundings, so the AC power supply stops supplying power to the power feeder, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the power feeder or its surroundings. Furthermore, if either the first detection unit or the second detection unit detects abnormal heat generation, an alarm can be output and the power supply to the power feeder can be continued without being stopped, which makes it easier to reduce the impact on the operating efficiency of the entire facility compared to a configuration in which the power supply to the power feeder is stopped when at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects abnormal heat generation.

[0052] The power supply lines are electrically connected to one another via a terminal block, and a target heat-sensitive ray, which is at least one of the first heat-sensitive ray and the second heat-sensitive ray, is provided with a terminal block corresponding part arranged to contact the terminal block, It is preferable that the terminal block corresponding portion be detachably connected via a connector to a portion of the target heat-sensitive wire that is along the insulating coating of the power supply line.

[0053] In general, the terminal block portion is more likely to generate abnormal heat than other portions of the power supply line. Furthermore, typical heat-sensitive wires often need to be replaced after detecting abnormal heat generation. With this configuration, even if abnormal heat is generated in the terminal block, only the affected portion of the heat-sensitive wire can be easily replaced, which reduces the labor and cost of the replacement work compared to replacing the heat-sensitive wire over the entire area where the power supply line is located.

[0054] The power supply facility according to the present disclosure may have at least one of the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1: Power supply equipment 2:Power line 3: Thermal unit 4: Support member 5: Moving object 6: First detection unit 7: Second detection unit 8: Control section 9: Target heat-sensitive wire 10:Terminal block 13: AC power supply 21: Conductor wire 22: Conductor wire bundle 23: Insulation coating 31: 1st heat sensitive wire 32:Second heat sensitive wire 41: 1st holding part 41a: Inner surface 42:Second holding part 51: Travel route 91: Terminal block compatible part 92: Connector

Claims

1. A power supply facility including: a power supply line arranged along a moving path of a moving object to supply power to the moving object in a non-contact manner; and a heat-sensitive unit arranged along the moving path together with the power supply line, the power supply line includes a conductor wire bundle formed by bundling a plurality of conductor wires through which an AC current flows, and an insulating coating covering the conductor wire bundle, the heat-sensing unit includes a first heat-sensing wire that is built inside the insulating coating of the power feeder line and extends along the extension direction of the power feeder line together with the conductor wire bundle, and a second heat-sensing wire that is arranged adjacent to the power feeder line and extends along the extension direction of the power feeder line together with the power feeder line, a first detector that detects abnormal heat generation by the first heat-sensitive wire, a second detector that detects abnormal heat generation by the second heat-sensitive wire, and a controller that controls an AC power source that supplies power to the power supply line, The control unit outputs an alarm when abnormal heat generation is detected by either the first detection unit or the second detection unit, and stops the supply of power from the AC power source to the power supply line when abnormal heat generation is detected by both the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

2. A power supply facility including: a power supply line arranged along a moving path of a moving object to supply power to the moving object in a non-contact manner; and a heat-sensitive unit arranged along the moving path together with the power supply line, the power supply line includes a conductor wire bundle formed by bundling a plurality of conductor wires through which an AC current flows, and an insulating coating covering the conductor wire bundle, the heat-sensing unit includes a first heat-sensing wire that is built inside the insulating coating of the power feeder line and extends along the extension direction of the power feeder line together with the conductor wire bundle, and a second heat-sensing wire that is arranged adjacent to the power feeder line and extends along the extension direction of the power feeder line together with the power feeder line, The plurality of power supply lines are electrically connected to each other via a terminal block, and a target heat-sensitive ray, which is at least one of the first heat-sensitive ray and the second heat-sensitive ray, is provided with a terminal block corresponding part arranged to contact the terminal block, The terminal block corresponding portion is detachably connected via a connector to a portion of the target heat-sensitive wire that is along the insulating coating of the power supply line.

3. the first heat-sensitive wire is disposed at the center of the power supply line surrounded by the conductor wire bundle; The power supply equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the second heat-sensitive wire is arranged so as to be in contact with the insulating coating of the power supply line.

4. a support member disposed along the movement path and supporting the power supply line and the second heat-sensitive wire; the support member includes a first holding portion that holds the power supply line and a second holding portion that holds the second heat-sensitive wire, The power supply equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second heat-sensitive wire is arranged in the second holding section, and the power supply line is arranged in the first holding section, so that the second heat-sensitive wire is held in the second holding section so as not to fall off.

5. the first holding portion is formed in a recessed groove shape into which the power supply line is fitted, The power supply equipment according to claim 4 , wherein the second holding portion is a recessed groove that accommodates the second heat-sensitive wire and is formed so as to open to an inner surface of the first holding portion.

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