Power supply device

Abstract

To provide a power feeding device which is highly flexible with regard to a work place and an installation location.SOLUTION: Provided is a power feeding device B comprising a power feeding unit C that is capable of feeding electricity to a power storage device (battery) 76 that is mounted to a self-propelled mobile body A, a placement unit 11 that is located near the power feeding unit C and on which the mobile body A can be placed, and a footboard 91 that can be accommodated in the placement unit 11. The footboard 91 includes a first footboard 92 that can be accommodated in the placement unit 11 and a second footboard 93 that can be accommodated to the first footboard 92. The footboard 91 includes a stopper 94 that engages with an engaging part provided to the placement unit 11 so as to be disabled from being extracted from the placement unit 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a power supply device.

Background Art

[0002] A work vehicle that works within an area wire and is charged by returning to a charging station is described in Patent Document 1. According to Patent Document 1, a charging station is arranged in an area surrounded by an area wire, and the work vehicle works within the area wire. Then, each time it is necessary, the work vehicle returns to the charging station for charging. In addition, a power carrier vehicle is described in Patent Document 2, in which a stepping board is provided in a storage section for mounting a self-propelled work vehicle, and a stepping board entry / exit device for taking in and out this stepping board is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, when there are a plurality of workplaces, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of work vehicles and a plurality of charging stations according to the number of workplaces, and a large amount of funds is required to procure them respectively. Also, even if a charging station is arranged at each of the plurality of workplaces and work is done with one work vehicle, still, funds for installing the charging station are required. It would be most convenient if one work vehicle and one charging station could work at multiple locations. Furthermore, in the above case, it is necessary to move the work vehicle to change the work location, and in this case, it is necessary to prepare a transport vehicle such as the one described in Patent Document 2 and load the vehicle onto the loading platform by driving it under its own power. However, it is not easy to install the ramp loading / unloading device presented in Patent Document 2 on an existing transport vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This invention is Power supply capable of supplying power to a power storage device installed on a self-propelled mobile vehicle. Installed in the direction of movement of the moving object. Power supply unit and A mounting section is provided near the power supply section on which the movable body can be placed, A footboard that can be stored in the aforementioned mounting section, Equipped with 、 The power supply unit includes a support column that protrudes upward, and a first arm that is rotatable on the support column. A second arm is provided with a rotatable power supply terminal member on the support column, The device comprises a biasing body that biases the second arm toward the first arm, The power supply unit is configured such that a moving body, moving on the mounting surface, rotates its first arm toward the support column, causing the second arm to rotate upward, bringing the power supply side terminal member into contact with the moving terminal side terminal member of the moving body, thus achieving a power supply position. A power supply device characterized by, It relates to.

[0006] This invention further, The aforementioned stepping board includes a first stepping board that can be stored in the aforementioned storage compartment, A second step board that can be stored in the first step board, A power supply device characterized by being equipped with, It relates to.

[0007] This invention further, The aforementioned stepping board is equipped with a stopper that prevents it from being pulled out of the aforementioned mounting section by engaging with a locking part provided in the aforementioned mounting section, A power supply device characterized by being equipped with, It relates to.

[0008] This invention further The leading edge of the footboard that touches the ground is provided with a movable inclined plate portion whose angle can be changed relative to the footboard, A power supply device characterized by being equipped with, It relates to.

[0009] This invention further relates to a power supply device characterized in that the first walking plate and the second walking plate include a regulating portion for regulating the protrusion of the second walking plate by the first walking plate, and relates to

[0010] This invention A power supply device characterized by having a protruding piece on the side of the second arm, which is the side of the power supply section of the power supply device, and having an inclined portion on the protruding piece that slopes downward from the tip on the moving body side to the support column side, extending to the lower part of the protruding piece. , and relates to

Effects of the Invention

[0015] An object of this invention is to provide a power supply device with high flexibility in workplaces and installation locations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a plan view of a power supply device according to an embodiment of this invention. The first walking plate and the second walking plate are in a stored state. [Figure 2] It is a side view of a single power supply device according to an embodiment of this invention. The second arm shows a retracted posture. The first walking plate and the second walking plate are in a stored state with respect to the mounting portion. [Figure 3] It is a front view of a power supply device according to an embodiment of this invention. The second arm shows a retracted posture. The first walking plate and the second walking plate are in a stored state with respect to the mounting portion. [Figure 4] It is a partially enlarged plan view of a power supply device according to an embodiment of this invention. It is a partial cross-sectional view in which the first walking plate and the second walking plate are in a deployed state with respect to the mounting portion. [Figure 5] It is a partially enlarged side view of a power supply device according to an embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional view in which the first walking plate and the second walking plate are in a deployed state with respect to the mounting portion. [Figure 6] It is a partially enlarged side view of a power supply device according to an embodiment of this invention. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing an example of use of a power supply device according to an embodiment of this invention. [Figure 8]This is a side view showing an example of use of a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a mobile body and a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The diagram shows a magnified side view of the main part of the mobile body in a state where it has entered the mounting section of the power supply device and is moving on the mounting section toward the power supply unit. The electrode cover of the mobile body is in a closed state. The second arm is in a retracted position or in a retracted state. The projection of the protruding piece is located between the operating section and the main frame. The mobile body is moving toward the power supply unit. The diagram shows the state in which the projection, which is the tip of the protruding piece, enters between the main frame and the operating section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] A mobile body A and a power supply device B according to an embodiment of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The general configuration of power supply device B will be explained below. The power supply device B consists of a mounting section 11 into which the mobile body A can enter, a power supply section C that performs power supply work to the mobile body A, and a support column section 21 provided on the other end of the mounting section 11. The power supply unit C comprises a first arm 31 rotatably supported by a support column 21, a second arm 41 also rotatably supported by the support column 21 and equipped with a power supply side terminal member 42, a biasing body 35 that provides a force to rotate the second arm 41 toward the first arm 31, and a restricting part 33 that restricts the first arm 31 from approaching the second arm 41. 34 is a mounting position adjustment section. The mounting position adjustment section 34 is a part that allows adjustment of the mounting position of the restricting section 33 relative to the first arm 31, and by changing the position of the restricting section 33, the distance at which the first arm 31 approaches the second arm 41 can be restricted.

[0018] The mounting section 11 is provided on the power supply device B. The mounting section 11 can be driven onto by the mobile body A. One end of the mounting section 11 can accommodate a footboard 91 having an access path 12 through which the mobile body A enters toward the power supply terminal member 42. The mobile unit A enters the power supply unit C from the access path 12 of the mounting unit 11 and climbs onto the mounting unit 11. Eventually, the power receiving unit D of the mobile unit A comes into contact with the power supply unit C, and power is supplied. The power receiving unit D includes a movable body-side terminal member 85 that contacts the power supply-side terminal member 42 of the power supply unit C in the power supply device B.

[0019] The mounting section 11 is provided as a platform-shaped mounting base in a U-shape or U-shape when viewed from above. The power supply section C is positioned in the center of the U-shaped or U-shaped recess of the mounting section 11. A footboard 91 having an access path 12 can be stored in the mounting section 11 at the open end. The mobile body A can ride onto the mounting section 11 from the access path 12. The access path 12 onto which the traveling section 71 rides is provided in two locations on one end of the mounting section 11. The mounting section 11, which is U-shaped or U-shaped, is provided with an open section E that is open below the powered mobile body A. The open section E, which is surrounded by the mounting section 11, is open downwards to the mobile body A in all places except where the traveling section 71 makes contact. The open section E reduces the grounding area when installing the power supply device B. Reducing the grounding area improves the chances of stably grounding the power supply device B when installing it on the installation surface. In this embodiment, the open section E ensures that there are no obstructions between the installation surface on which the power supply device B is installed and below the mobile body A.

[0020] Even if there is an obstacle or the like protruding upward toward the mobile body A between the mounting surface which constitutes the mounting section 11, the mounting surface can be installed on the mounting surface so as to straddle and avoid this obstacle, thereby reducing the impact on the condition of the mounting surface. Furthermore, the height of this obstacle may be such that it reaches the vicinity of the lower part of the main frame 75, which is a height that the mobile body that has climbed onto the mounting section 11 can straddle. The open section E is not necessarily free from obstructions between the mounting surface and below the moving body. If there are no parts of the open section E that directly contact the mounting surface between the mounting sections 11, the open section E may have connecting members that connect the left and right mounting sections 11 in the direction of travel of the moving body A, even though they do not make contact with the mounting surface. In this case, it is useful because equipment and components that can extend the function of the power supply device B can be attached to the connecting members while avoiding obstacles.

[0021] When the mobile body A is powered, the longitudinal distance of the mounting section 11 relative to the mobile body A is set to be longer than the wheelbase of the mobile body A's running section 71, which is the distance between the front and rear axles. In this embodiment, the longitudinal distance of the mounting section 11 relative to the mobile body A is set to be longer than the longitudinal ground contact length of the running section 71. Therefore, the entire running section 71 can be positioned on the mounting section 11 when powered, and the mobile body A can be stably positioned on the power supply device B.

[0022] By positioning the travel section 71 of the mobile body A on the mounting section 11, the mobile body A can be moved together with the power supply device B. For example, by lifting the power supply device B with a crane or similar device, or by lifting the power supply device B from below with a lifting device or similar device, it is possible to move the power supply device B and the mobile body A together without separately supporting the mobile body A.

[0023] When the mobile body A moves from the access path 12 toward the power supply unit C, the mobile body A is moved in such a way that it faces the power supply unit C, while aligning the position and orientation of the power receiving unit D of the mobile body A with the position and orientation of the power supply unit C. In other words, the mobile body A is moved backward toward the mounting unit 11 toward the second arm 41, while aligning the position of the power receiving unit D, which is located in the left-right center of the lower part of the main frame 75 relative to the direction of travel, with the position of the second arm 41, and then it is necessary to move properly on the mounting unit 11 toward the second arm 41, which is the power supply unit C.

[0024] An adjuster 17 is provided at the lower part of the mounting section 11 so as to be able to contact the mounting surface and to adjust the mounting height. The adjuster 17 can be extended and retracted vertically from the lower surface of the mounting section 11. The adjuster 17 prevents the power supply device B from tilting or swaying even if the area below the mounting section 11 is uneven or has bumps, allowing the mobile body A to easily enter the mounting section 11.

[0025] In this invention, the power supply device B allows power to be supplied when the mobile body A moves backward and enters the access path 12 of the mounting platform of the power supply device B, and approaches a power supply position where power can be supplied, causing the power supply side terminal member 42 to come into contact with the mobile body side terminal member 85 provided on the mobile body A. More specifically, as the self-propelled mobile body A approaches the support column 21, the power supply device B becomes upright as the second arm 41, which has a power supply terminal member 42, rises up, and contacts the mobile body-side terminal member 85 provided on the mobile body A, thereby supplying power to the mobile body A via the power supply terminal member 42. In this embodiment, the power supply is assumed to be DC.

[0026] The mobile body-side terminal member 85 is positioned at the lower part of the main body frame 75, which is at one end of the mobile body A, at the rear. The mobile body-side terminal member 85 is a flat conductive member, and is positioned so that its surface faces downward. The mobile body-side terminal member 85 also has a pair of positive and negative electrodes, which are positioned side by side on the left and right sides at the left and right center of the main body frame 75 in the direction of travel. Power can be supplied when the positive and negative electrodes of the mobile body-side terminal member 85 come into contact with the positive and negative electrodes of the power supply-side terminal member 42, respectively.

[0027] The first arm 31 is mounted on the power supply device B so as to be pushed by the moving body A as the moving body A moves, it can swing in the direction of movement of the moving body A. The first arm 31 is a long, elongated member that is angled upward so as to be closer to the moving body A. One end of the arm is pivoted on a pivot axis 32, and the other end, the upper part, is rotatably supported on the lower part of the support column 21 so as to swing back and forth. The pivot axis of the first arm 31 is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the moving body A. The first arm 31 is pushed by the moving body A as the moving body A moves, and is therefore able to swing in the direction of the movement of the moving body A.

[0028] The second arm 41 is a long, elongated member, with one end supported by the support column 21 and the other end provided to be vertically movable. In this embodiment, one end of the second arm 41 is provided on a pivot axis 32 that is coaxial with one end of the first arm 31, but this is not necessarily the only option. For example, the pivot axis 32 at one end of the second arm 41 may be provided at a different position and parallel to the pivot axis at one end of the first arm 31. The second arm 41 is made of an insulator, so that the electricity flowing through the power supply terminal member 42, which is a conductive member provided at the other end of the second arm 41, is not transmitted through the second arm 41 to other members of the power supply device B (for example, the first arm 31 or the support column 21). In this embodiment, the second arm 41 is made of a plastic resin, but there are no limitations on the material that makes up the second arm 41; it is sufficient if it is made of an insulator that can achieve the purpose of insulation.

[0029] Two second arms 41 are provided in pairs, and they are arranged parallel to each other. The other end of each second arm 41 rotates up and down around the pivot axis 32, from a stowed position with its long length facing almost horizontal to a power supply position with its long length raised from horizontal. The two second arms 41 rotate independently around the pivot axis 32, and the first arm 31 and the second arm 41 also rotate independently of each other. The second arm 41 is pivotable in conjunction with the first arm 31 and has a power supply side terminal member 42 that moves closer to and can contact the mobile body side terminal member 85 provided on the mobile body A side when the first arm 31 is pushed by the mobile body A.

[0030] The biasing body 35 is provided on the first arm 31. The biasing body 35 applies a force to the second arm 41 in a direction that brings it closer to the first arm 31. The biasing body 35 is provided so as to span across the intermediate portion of the first arm 31 and the intermediate portion of the second arm 41. In this embodiment, the biasing body 35 uses an elastic tension coil spring, and a biasing force is constantly acting so that the other ends of the first arm 31 and the second arm 41 are close to each other. The biasing body 35 is provided on each of the two second arms 41.

[0031] In this embodiment, the restricting portion 33 is a pentagonal single member provided on the side of the intermediate portion of the first arm 31. One side of the restricting portion 33 contacts the second arm 41, thereby restricting rotation in the direction that brings the first arm 31 and the second arm 41 closer to each other. The restricting portion 33 is provided to prevent excessive proximity between the first arm 31 and the second arm 41 by the biasing body 35. The first arm 31 and the second arm 41 are provided with a restricting section 33 so that their clamping angle does not fall below a predetermined level, and the distance between their other ends does not fall below a predetermined distance. This prevents excessive downward tilting of the first arm 31 when the second arm 41 is in a retracted position parallel to the mounting section 11. The restricting section 33 is provided so that its mounting position relative to the first arm 31 can be shifted by the mounting position adjustment section 34, allowing the clamping angle of the first arm 31 and the second arm 41 to be adjusted as appropriate. The mounting position adjustment section 34 allows the first arm 31 to be positioned correctly, and the contact position between the first arm 31 and the movable body A can be adjusted correctly.

[0032] The restricting section 33 is provided so that the clamping angle between the first arm 31 and the second arm 41 can be adjusted. This allows the contact position of the first arm 31 of the mobile body A, which moves up and down due to wear of the running section 71 of the mobile body A (wear of the tracks shown in the embodiment, or wear of tires, etc., in embodiments not shown), to be appropriately adjusted to the correct position. In other words, since the mobile body A can push the same position on the first arm 31, the timing of the second arm 41 rising can be made the same regardless of the height of the mobile body A.

[0033] The support column 21 is the pivot point side of the first arm 31 and is fixed to the mounting section 11 provided on the power supply device B, which is a mounting base. The support column 21 is provided so as to protrude upward firmly enough that it will not deform even if pushed or collided with by the moving body A. The support column 21 restricts the swinging of the first arm 31 in the direction pushed by the movement of the movable body A, and also forcibly stops the movement of the movable body A via the first arm 31. The upper end of the first arm 31, which is rotatable relative to the support column 21, comes into contact with the first arm 31 at the tip of the mobile body A, the side portion 77, after the mobile body A enters from the access path 12 and gradually approaches the first arm 31. Furthermore, as the mobile body A is advanced toward the support column 21, the first arm 31 is pushed toward the support column 21 by the side portion 77 of the mobile body A, causing it to swing toward the support column 21. When the first arm 31 swings toward the support column 21, the first arm 31 comes into contact with the support column 21, restricting further swinging. Then, the mobile body A is restricted from moving any further by the support column 21 via the first arm 31.

[0034] 22 is a switch. Switch 22 is installed on the upper part of the support column 21 of the power supply device B. Switch 22 is operated by the mobile body A pushing it towards the support column 21 via the first arm 31. Whether or not switch 22 is operated is one of the conditions for determining whether or not to supply power to the battery 76, which is a power storage device mounted on the mobile body A, via the power supply side terminal member 42 and the mobile body side terminal member 85. The switch 22 is provided so as to be operable by the swinging of the first arm 31, and the power supply unit C starts supplying power to the battery 76 on the condition that the operation is completed and contact is made between the movable body side terminal member 85 and the power supply side terminal member 42.

[0035] The power supply terminal member 42 will now be described. The power supply terminal member 42 contacts the mobile body-side terminal member 85, which is exposed downwards from the mobile body A, and supplies power to the mobile body A. A power supply terminal member 42 is positioned at the tip of the other end of each of the two second arms 41. One of the power supply terminal members 42 is the positive electrode, and the other is the negative electrode. In addition, a pair of mobile body-side terminal members 85, which are the receiving terminal members on the mobile body A side, are also provided, with one of the mobile body-side terminal members 85 being the positive electrode and the other being the negative electrode. Since the second arms 41 to which the power supply terminal members 42 are attached are made of an insulator, the electricity applied to the power supply terminal members 42 will not leak to other components.

[0036] By bringing the positive electrode of the power supply terminal member 42 into contact with the positive electrode of the mobile body terminal member 85, and further bringing the negative electrode of the power supply terminal member 42 into contact with the negative electrode of the mobile body terminal member 85, and by applying a DC voltage from the power supply device B, power can be supplied to and charged the battery 76, which is an energy storage device installed on the mobile body A.

[0037] The contact surface 43 of the power supply side terminal member 42 with the movable body side terminal member 85 is provided as a flat surface, and the power supply side terminal member 42 is provided with a terminal pivot portion 44 that allows the contact surface 43 to tilt and swing in the front-rear direction relative to the second arm 41. The axial direction of the terminal pivot portion 44 is provided parallel to the pivot axis 32 of the first arm 31 and the second arm 41. When the second arm 41 is in the stowed position, the contact surface 43 is positioned to tilt upward and slightly toward the other end of the second arm 41. The power supply terminal member 42 is provided with a regulating pin 46 that protrudes toward the second arm 41 and is positioned in a hole (not shown) provided on the other end of the second arm 41. The regulating pin 46 is provided to be movable within the hole (not shown) and restricts the rotation of the power supply terminal member 42 around the terminal pivot point 44 so that it rotates within a range until the regulating pin 46 contacts the edge of the hole (not shown). The terminal pivot point 44 is provided with the power supply side terminal member 42 so as to be able to swing relative to the second arm 41.

[0038] A protruding piece 61 is provided on the side of the second arm 41, which is located to the side of the power supply section C of the power supply device B. The protruding piece 61 is a member that has a beak-shaped projection 63 in a side view at its tip, which is directed forward from the support column 21 side of the power supply device B towards the mobile body A, and is fixed to the mounting section 11, which is a mounting base. The protruding piece 61 is fixed to the power supply device B and protrudes toward the mobile body A side from the power supply side terminal member 42. In this embodiment, the protruding piece 61 is formed from a plate-like member and is located to the left of the moving body A in the forward direction, adjacent to the second arm 41.

[0039] 64 is an inclined portion. The inclined portion 64 is provided on the protruding piece 61, inclined downwards and toward the support column 21 from the tip on the movable body A side that extends to the lower part of the protruding piece 61. The upper part of the inclined portion 64, in a side view, is positioned to protrude further toward the movable body A than the power supply terminal member 42, and extends to the lower part of the projection 63. The upper part of the projection 63 extends from the upper end of the protruding piece 61 toward the support column 21 from the entry path 12 of the movable body A. It is designed in an arc shape, gradually sloping downwards as it moves in that direction.

[0040] An inclined portion 64 is provided so as it slopes downward in an arc shape from the pointed tip of the projection 63 toward the column portion 21 from the entrance passage 12 of the movable body A. In this embodiment, the inclined portion 64 is arc-shaped. Therefore, the movement of the member sliding on the inclined portion 64 is smooth. The inclined section 64 is provided such that the angle of inclination gradually becomes vertical as it moves from the access path 12 of the movable body A toward the support column 21 and toward the lower end. The inclined section 64 located below the protruding piece 61 is provided to be nearly vertical. In this embodiment, the inclined section 64 is provided in an arc shape, but it may also be constructed by combining multiple straight sections.

[0041] The positional relationship between the protruding piece 61 and the second arm 41 will be explained. The projection 63 and inclined portion 64 of the protruding piece 61 are positioned in a direction from one end to the other end of the second arm 41, and are further extended toward the other end. In other words, in a side view, the inclined portion 64 is positioned to protrude toward the mobile body A side than the power supply terminal member 42. This allows the electrode cover 81, which will be placed on the mobile body A described later, to start rotating from a closed state toward an exposed state before the second arm 41 moves from a stowed state to a power supply state. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the protruding piece 61 and the second arm 41 prevents the second arm 41 and the electrode cover 81 from interfering with each other while the power supply terminal member 42 of the second arm 41 is moving toward the mobile body terminal member 85 provided on the mobile body A side.

[0042] The positional relationship between the protruding piece 61 and the movable body A will be explained. The protruding piece 61 is positioned such that its widthwise position relative to the direction of travel of the mobile body A coincides with the operating section 82, which will be described later, provided on the electrode cover 81 of the mobile body A. Furthermore, the upper end of the protruding piece 61 is positioned lower than the lower surface of the main frame 75 of the mobile body A. With this configuration, when the mobile body A enters the mounting section 11, which is the mounting platform, the protruding piece 61 does not interfere with the main frame 75, and the projection 63 can reach the operating section 82. Furthermore, as the mobile body A enters, the operating section 82 is pressed against the inclined portion 64 at the bottom of the projection 63, causing the operating section 82 to move downward. In other words, the contact between the protruding piece 61 and the operating section 82 allows the electrode cover 81 to rotate from a closed state to an exposed state.

[0043] The positional relationship between the protruding piece 61 and the mobile body A during power supply will be explained. The lower part of the inclined portion 64 formed from the projection 63 of the protruding piece 61 is positioned forward of the mobile body-side terminal member 85 in the forward direction of the mobile body A, when the electrode cover 81 is fully exposed and the mobile body A is in a state where it can be powered. In other words, in a side view, the front end of the mobile body-side terminal member 85 when the mobile body A is powered is positioned so that it does not overlap with the lower part of the inclined portion 64 in the front-rear direction of the mobile body A. This allows the operating unit 82 to be moved significantly downward and forward of the mobile body A, thereby opening the electrode cover 81 widely.

[0044] The segmented structure of the protruding piece 61 will now be described. The protruding piece 61 may be divided and fixed to the power supply device B. In this embodiment, the protruding piece 61 is divided into a protruding piece body 611 having a projection 63 for operating the operating unit 82, and a mounting portion 62 for fixing the protruding piece body 611 to the power supply device B. The mounting portion 62 and the protruding piece body 611 are fixed to each other by fastening members consisting of bolts and nuts. The mounting portion of the protruding piece 61 has an elongated hole 65, and by adjusting the fastening position of the fastening member within the elongated hole 65, the height position of the upper end of the protruding piece 61 can be adjusted. As a result, even if the relative height of the main frame 75 with respect to the power supply device B changes due to wear of the running section 71 (crawler in this embodiment) of the mobile body A, the vertical position of the protruding piece 61 can be adjusted so that the protruding piece 61 does not interfere with the main frame 75, and the operation of the operating section 82 on the inclined section 64 can be reliably performed.

[0045] 51 is a protective cover. The protective cover 51 is provided on the mounting portion 11 so as to cover the periphery of the other end of the second arm 41, and is provided so as to be able to extend and retract toward the movable body side terminal member 85, and has a notch 511 through which the second arm 41 can pass. The protective cover 51 covers the other end of the second arm 41 and the upper part of the power supply terminal member 42 when the second arm 41 is in the retracted position. The protective cover 51 has a notch 511 at the top that allows the other end of the second arm 41 and the power supply terminal member 42 to pass through as the second arm 41 rotates between the retracted position and the power supply position. Furthermore, a shielding cover 52 is provided to cover the notch 511. The shielding cover 52 is made of a flexible and non-conductive material. In this embodiment, a rubber-like plate is used.

[0046] The shielding cover 52 has a slit 52 that runs along the longitudinal direction of the second arm 41 in its retracted position. The slit 521 is normally closed, and when the second arm 41 rotates, the other end of the second arm 41 and the power supply terminal member 42 push the shielding cover 52 aside, opening it and allowing the other end of the second arm 41 and the power supply terminal member 42 to extend and retract from the protective cover 51. The slit 521 of the shielding cover 52 is formed by arranging the shielding covers 52 so that they overlap each other. By covering the upper part of the second arm 41 in its retracted position with the shielding cover 52 and the slit 521, foreign matter can be prevented from adhering to the power supply terminal member 42. The gap can be tightly closed by the slit 521 formed by overlapping the shielding covers 52, so that foreign matter cannot easily pass through the slit 521 and enter below the shielding cover 52.

[0047] 91 is a stepping board. The stepping board 91 is provided so as to be retractable into the mounting section 11. The mounting section 11 is formed in a U-shape that opens downwards when viewed in cross-section from the front, and the footrest 91 is positioned to fit within this U-shape. The footrest 91 is provided so as to be able to move in and out of the U-shape of the mounting section 11 in the direction of the access path 12, and is retractable relative to the mounting section 11. The tip of the footrest 91 has an access path 12 for the mobile body A to move toward the mounting section 11. In other words, the access path 12 can also be said to be retractable relative to the mounting section 11. The mobile body A can enter from the access path 12, travel along the footrest 91, and then be positioned on the mounting section 11. In this embodiment of the invention, the stepping board 91 consists of a first stepping board 92 that is housed in the mounting section 11 and a second stepping board 93 that is housed in the first stepping board 92.

[0048] Regarding the mounting of the footboard 91, there are no limitations on the power supply method of the power supply device B (contact power supply, non-contact power supply) or the position of the power supply unit C. In the embodiment, the mounting unit 11 is divided into two parts, left and right of the power supply unit C, but it may be just one unit. In the embodiment, the footboard 91 is housed in the power supply device B (charging station) that can supply power (charge). The first stepping board 92 is constructed in the shape of a long rectangular pipe and is designed to be housed within the mounting section 11 so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the mounting section 11. The second stepping board 93 consists of a long member with a U-shaped cross-section, with the open side facing downwards.

[0049] The footrest 91 can be switched between a stored state, where it is housed in the mounting section 11, and an extended state, where it is pulled out from the mounting section 11. The footrest 91 connects the mounting section 11 and the work area J where the mobile unit A performs its work, allowing the mobile unit A to move between the mounting section 11 and the work area J. As shown in the figure, the first stepping board 92 can be in a stored state in which its longitudinal direction is stored within the mounting section 11, and in an extended state in which it is pulled out so as to further extend its longitudinal direction within the mounting section 11. Therefore, when not in use, the first stepping board 92 can be compactly stored within the mounting section 11. The first stepping board 92 does not have to be pipe-shaped as in the embodiment. A long member with a U-shaped cross-section that is open at the bottom may also be used.

[0050] The second stepping board 93 is a long, U-shaped member with an open bottom, and is designed to be housed within the first stepping board 92. It is also designed to be able to move in and out of the first stepping board 92. The second step plate 93 can be in a stored state in which its longitudinal direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the first step plate 92, and in an extended state in which it is pulled out to further extend the longitudinal direction of the first step plate 92. Since the second step plate 93 can be extended and retracted in the longitudinal direction of the first step plate 92, it can be compactly stored inside the first step plate 92 when not in use. Furthermore, by placing the first step plate 92 with the second step plate 93 stored inside into the mounting section 11, the second step plate 93 can also be stored inside the mounting section 11. In this embodiment, the first step plate 92 is pipe-shaped, so by covering the second step plate 93 with the inner wall of the pipe, the first step plate 92 and the second step plate 93 become more firmly integrated when deployed.

[0051] 94 is a stopper. A stopper 94 is provided on the power supply section C side of the lower part of the first step plate 92. The stopper 94 is provided so as to protrude downward from the lower part of the end opposite to the access path 12 when the first step plate 92 is stored in the mounting section 11, and so as to traverse the left and right sides. In this embodiment, the stopper 94 is a rectangular bar-shaped member with a rectangular cross-section that traverses the lower part of the first step plate 92. The stopper 94 is provided on the step plate 91 and engages with a locking portion 97 provided on the mounting portion 11, thereby preventing it from being pulled out from the mounting portion 11. When the step plate 91 is fully pulled out from the mounting portion 11, it comes into contact with the locking portion 97, preventing the step plate 91 from completely coming out of the mounting portion 11.

[0052] 97 is the locking part. The locking portion 97 is a round bar-shaped member that spans the lower open portion near the access path 12 of the mounting portion 11, supporting the first step plate 92 from below and preventing the first step plate 92 in its extended state from coming out of the mounting portion 11 beyond the stopper 94. The locking portion 97 guides the lower part of the first step plate 92 when it is moved from the deployed state to the retracted state, and has the effect of smoothly storing it in the mounting portion 11. In addition, the locking portion 97 prevents the step plate 91 from falling downward when it is in the retracted state. When the first step plate 92 is moved from the retracted state to the deployed state, the locking portion 97 lifts the first step plate 92 off the ground surface on which the power supply device B is installed, thus assisting in easily pulling out the first step plate 92 from the mounting portion 11.

[0053] In its extended state, the first step plate 92 is prevented from being pulled out further from the mounting section 11 by the stopper 94 engaging with the locking portion 97. In the side view shown in Figure 5, the locking portion 97, which has a circular cross-section, is in contact with the bottom surface of the first step plate 92 and one surface of the stopper 94 at a total of two points, so the angle of the first step plate 92 can be changed vertically around the locking portion 97. In addition, the locking portion 97 prevents the first step plate 92 from being pulled out further from the mounting section 11 while also preventing it from falling from the mounting section 11. Therefore, even if the work surface of the work area J where the mobile body A works, to which the tip of the step plate 91 touches the ground, is uneven due to bumps or other irregularities, the step plate 91 can be firmly placed on the ground by rotating while maintaining its locking state with respect to the mounting section 11.

[0054] An engagement hole 962a is provided on the side of the first step plate 92 on the side facing the power supply section C, and an engagement hole 962b is provided on the side of the first step plate 92 on the side facing the access path 12. Similarly, an engagement hole 962c is provided on the side of the second step plate 93 on the side facing the power supply section C. When the first step plate 92 and the second step plate 93 are stored in the mounting section 11, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a locking pin 98 can be inserted into the engagement holes 962a and 962c, along with the mounting section 11 side engagement hole 962d provided on the side facing the power supply section C of the mounting section 11. The first step plate 92 and the second step plate 93 in their stored state can be fixed integrally with the mounting section 11. In the stored state, the engagement holes 962a, 962c, and 962d coincide.

[0055] 96 is a ramp restricting section. The ramp restricting section 96 is provided on the first ramp 92 and the second ramp 93. The ramp restricting section 96 restricts the second ramp 93 from protruding beyond a predetermined length from the first ramp 92. The ramp control section 96 includes a control member 961 and an engagement hole 962b provided at the tip of the first ramp 92 on the access road 12 side, and a control receiving member 963 and an engagement hole 962c provided at the tip of the second ramp 93 on the side opposite to the side in contact with the ground.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the restricting member 961 is a member that protrudes upward from the center of the lower surface of the entrance-side end of the first step plate 92. When the first step plate 92 is formed in a U-shape in cross-section, the restricting member 961 has a shape in which the center of a member that crosses the lower part of the entrance-side of the first step plate 92 from left to right is partially curved upward or protrudes upward. The engagement hole 962a of the first step plate 92 is provided on the power supply unit C side and therefore does not coincide with the other engagement holes 962c and 962d when it is deployed. The engagement hole 962b is provided on the entrance-side 12 side of the first step plate 92 and coincides with the engagement hole 962c provided on the power supply unit C side of the second step plate 93 when the second step plate 93 is deployed relative to the first step plate 92. The engagement hole 962b, along with the engagement hole 962c, allows the locking pin 98 to be inserted, thereby maintaining the extended state of the second step plate 93 relative to the first step plate 92. When the step plate 91 is stored in the mounting section 11, the engagement hole 962b does not coincide with the other engagement holes 962c and 962d.

[0057] The restricting member 963 is a member that crosses the lower part of the second step plate 93 on the power supply section C side from left to right, and in this embodiment, a plate-shaped member is crossed. The engagement hole 962c of the second step plate 93 is provided so as to penetrate from the restricting member 963 towards the power supply section C side.

[0058] The ramp plate restricting section 96 prevents the second ramp plate 93 from moving away from the first ramp plate 92 toward the entrance passage 12 when the second ramp plate 93 slides out of the entrance passage 12 toward the entrance passage 12 toward the entrance passage 12 toward the entrance passage 12 toward the entrance passage 12 toward the entrance passage 12 toward the entrance passage 12 toward the entrance passage 12 toward the entrance passage 12 toward the entrance passage 93. When the restricting member 961 contacts the restricting receiving member 963, the engagement hole 962b of the first step plate 92 and the engagement hole 962c of the second step plate 93 align. At this time, by inserting the locking pin 98, the second step plate 93 is fixed integrally with the first step plate 92. When the second step plate 93 is extended relative to the first step plate 92, the second step plate 93 is prevented from protruding from the first step plate 92 toward the access path 12 by the restricting member 961 and the restricting receiving member 963, and the insertion of the locking pin 98 into the engagement holes 962b and 962c prevents the second step plate 93 from retracting toward the first step plate 92 and prevents an angle difference from occurring between the first step plate 92 and the second step plate 93. In this embodiment, the engagement hole 962b of the first step plate 92 is positioned approximately the length of the restricting member 963 from the tip side where the restricting member 961 is located. This positional relationship allows for a greater distance for the second step plate 93 to be inserted into the first step plate 92 in the deployed state, so that even if a load is applied to the step plate restricting section 96 by the moving body A moving on the step plate 91, excessive stress is not placed on the locking pin 98. Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment, since the first step plate 92 is provided in a pipe shape, the load applied to the locking pin 98 in the deployed state can be distributed and received by the lower surface of the first step plate 92 as well.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, when the first step plate 92 is stored in the mounting section 11, the engagement hole 962c of the second step plate 93 aligns with the engagement hole 962a of the first step plate 92 and the engagement hole 962d of the mounting section 11, and when the locking pin 98 is inserted, the first step plate 92 and the second step plate 93 are integrally fixed to the mounting section 11.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, the ground contact portion of the stepping board 91 has an inclined slope 13, allowing a mobile body A moving around the work area J to easily get onto the stepping board 91 from the work area J. The slope 13 may include a movable inclined plate section 95 that rotates up and down, as shown in Figure 6. The movable inclined plate section 95 is provided at the tip of the footboard 91 (second footboard 92) on the side that touches the ground, so as to be able to change its angle relative to the footboard 91 (second footboard 92). Since the movable inclined plate section 95 can rotate up and down using an axis that intersects the longitudinal direction of the stepping board 91 as a pivot point, even if the surface on which the stepping board 91 makes contact is uneven ground with bumps and dips, the movable inclined plate section 95 can rotate up and down, allowing its tip to be positioned along the work area J. This configuration makes it easier to step onto the stepping board 91. The mobile body A can easily move from the work area J onto the stepping board 91.

[0061] The stepping board 91, through the rotation of the movable inclined plate section 95 and the rotation of the locking section 97 of the mounting section 11, can securely span the mounting surface 12 and the work surface of the work area J, even when the presence or absence of unevenness in the work area J and the height difference between the work area J and the ground surface on which the power supply device B is installed differ from place to place.

[0062] Let's describe mobile object A. In this embodiment, mobile unit A is a self-propelled lawnmower. The present invention can be applied to mobile unit A regardless of whether it is operated manually, including by remote control, or autonomously driven by autonomous control. Mobile unit A is capable of moving forward and backward, and turning left and right in conjunction with forward and backward movement. Mobile unit A has a main frame 75 and running sections 71 at the left and right ends of the main frame 75 in the direction of travel.

[0063] In this embodiment, the running section 71 consists of a crawler device equipped with tracks, and the mobile body A moves forward and backward and turns due to the speed difference between the left and right tracks. The running section 71 moves the mobile body A by driving the drive wheels 72 with an electric motor, causing the tracks to rotate. The moving body approaches the power supply unit C in reverse. The running unit 71 does not have to be the crawler device shown in the figure; it may also be a running unit 71 having multiple wheels (preferably four wheels).

[0064] In the case of a crawler device, it may have at least a drive wheel 72 and an idler wheel 73, and may also have one or more idler wheels 74. In embodiments of this invention, any of the drive wheel 72, idler wheel 73, and idler wheel 74 that is located on the reverse side relative to the direction of travel that forms the ground contact length of the crawler device may be called a rear wheel, and any that is located on the forward side relative to the direction of travel may be called a front wheel. In this embodiment, the idler wheel 74 located at the rear is sometimes referred to as the rear wheel, and the idler wheel 73 located at the front is sometimes referred to as the front wheel. In this embodiment, motors (not shown) are installed on the drive wheels 72 located at the rear of each side, and they are rotated by power from the battery 76.

[0065] The battery 76 is installed on the main frame 75. The battery 76 is an energy storage device that serves as a power source for the electric motor. The electric motor rotates by consuming the power from the battery 76. A mobile body-side terminal member 85 is provided at the bottom of the main frame 75 at the rear end of the mobile body A, and power can be supplied to the battery 76 when it makes contact with the power supply-side terminal member 42 provided on the power supply device B. With this configuration, the battery 76 can be charged without removing the battery 76, which is an energy storage device, from the mobile body A.

[0066] The electrode cover 81 is provided on the movable body A so as to surround the movable body-side terminal member 85 on the sides and below. The electrode cover 81 is a container-shaped box member and is provided so as to be rotatable with a pivot point 83 located on the front side, which is the other end of the movable body A. The electrode cover 81 can be repositioned between a closed state, which covers the area around the mobile body-side terminal member 85 to prevent foreign matter from entering, and an exposed state, which exposes the mobile body-side terminal member 85 and allows connection with the power supply-side terminal member 42. The electrode cover 81 is equipped with an operating part 82 that, when operated by a protruding piece 61, changes the position of the cover from a closed state to an exposed state.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, the electrode cover 81 rotates to freely change its position between a closed state that covers the area around the mobile body-side terminal member 85 to prevent foreign matter from entering, and an exposed state that exposes the mobile body-side terminal member 85, allowing connection with the power supply-side terminal member 42. Of the rear side surfaces, which are opposite to the pivot point 83 of the electrode cover 81 in the closed state, the inner surface gradually moves upward toward the moving body A as it transitions to the exposed state. Furthermore, when the electrode cover 81 reaches the end of its rotational direction toward the exposed state, the inner surface inclins upward and backward toward the moving body A. In other words, even if there is foreign matter inside the electrode cover 81, by transitioning the electrode cover 81 to the exposed state, the foreign matter can fall downward along the inner surface due to its own weight.

[0068] By changing the electrode cover 81 from a closed state to an exposed state, its inner surface is tilted, allowing foreign objects to fall out due to gravity. However, when the electrode cover 81 is exposed, the operating part 82 is located in front of the movable body terminal member 85. In other words, the electrode cover 81 rotates until the operating part 82 is located in front of the pivot point 83 of the electrode cover 81. This positional relationship ensures that the inner surface of the electrode cover 81 is tilted.

[0069] 84 is an elastic body. The elastic body 84 constantly applies force to the electrode cover 81 in the closed position. The elastic body 84 is located near the pivot point 83 of the electrode cover 81. In this embodiment, the elastic body 84 is a coil spring, and a coil spring is incorporated into the hinge portion which is the pivot point 83. The elastic body 84 constantly applies force to the electrode cover 81 so that the rotatable electrode cover 81 rotates to the closed position.

[0070] The electrode cover 81 is provided with an operating section 82 at one end, which is on the rear side in the direction of travel of the mobile body A. The operating section 82 is a pin-shaped member that protrudes from either the left or right side of the electrode cover 81 in the direction of travel. In this embodiment, the operating section 82 is provided so as to protrude from the rear and left side of the electrode cover 81 toward the left side in the direction of travel. The electrode cover 81 can be rotated between a closed state and an exposed state by operating the operating section 82. In the exposed state, the operating section 82 is positioned in a position that does not overlap in the vertical direction with respect to the mobile body-side terminal member 85 of the mobile body A in the power supply state when viewed from the side. In other words, in the exposed state, the operating section 82 is located on the other end side, which is in front of the mobile body A, relative to the mobile body-side terminal member 85.

[0071] In the closed state, the operating section 82 is positioned with a gap between it and the lower surface of the main frame 75. A protruding piece 61, which is a component for operating the operating section 82, is inserted into this gap to expose the electrode cover 81 from its closed state. The rear side of the electrode cover 81, which is the side where the operating section 82 is located, is exposed. It is designed to be angled downwards to facilitate the discharge of foreign matter.

[0072] The operation and effects of the embodiment of this invention will be explained in accordance with actual work. The entry of the mobile body A onto the mounting section 11, which is the mounting platform, will be explained.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9, when the mobile body A enters the power supply device B and moves on the mounting section 11 toward the power supply section C, the second arm 41 remains in the retracted position or in the retracted state, and the projection 63 of the protruding piece 61 is positioned between the operating section 82 and the main frame 75. In Figure 9, the electrode cover 81 of mobile body A is in the closed state. Mobile body A moves toward the power supply unit C.

[0074] As the mobile body A moves further toward the power supply unit C on the mounting portion 11 of the power supply device B from the state shown in Figure 9, the inclined portion 64 of the protruding piece 61 pushes down the electrode cover 81 of the mobile body A, causing the mobile body A to contact the first arm 31, and the electrode cover 81 of the mobile body A rotates toward the exposed side by the operation portion 82 being operated by the protruding piece 61 between the operation portion 82 and the main frame 75. The second arm 41 is in the retracted position or in the retracted state. If the mobile body A continues to move backward while its tip, the side portion 77, remains in contact with the upper part of the first arm 31, the first arm 31 will rotate towards the support column 21 on the pivot axis. Furthermore, as the movable body A is moved toward the support column 21, the operating part 82 slides along the inclined portion 64 of the protruding piece 61 and is pushed down, causing the electrode cover 81 to rotate from a closed state to an exposed state.

[0075] Furthermore, as the mobile body A moves on the mounting section 11 toward the power supply section C of the power supply device B, the inclined portion 64 of the protruding piece 61 further pushes down the electrode cover 81 of the mobile body A, and the mobile body A pushes the first arm 31 backward, causing the second arm 41 to lift up and pass through the protective cover 51 (slit 521 of the shielding cover 52). The electrode cover 81 of the mobile body A is in the process of rotating toward the exposed side due to the protruding piece 61. The first arm 31 is pushed toward the support column 21 by the side portion 77 which is the tip of the mobile body A, and the second arm 41 is in the process of rotating toward the power supply position in conjunction with the first arm 31.

[0076] In response to the rotation of the first arm 31, the second arm 41 begins to rise from its stowed position via the biasing body 35, and the second arm 41 gradually rises in conjunction with the swinging of the first arm 31. When the operating unit 82 approaches the lower end of the inclined section 64, the second arm 41 moves in conjunction with the first arm 31, which is swung toward the support column 21 by the moving body A, to stand upright and transition to the power supply position. At this time, the electrode cover 81 is operated by the lower end of the inclined section 64 so that the operating unit 82 is directed toward the forward direction of the moving body A, and therefore the electrode cover 81 does not interfere with the movement of the second arm 41.

[0077] Furthermore, as the mobile body A moves along the power supply device B toward the power supply section C, the operating section 82 slides along the inclined section 64, further pushing down the electrode cover 81 of the mobile body A in a direction that exposes it. The mobile body A pushes the first arm 31 toward the rear, toward the support section 21, causing the second arm 41 to lift up. The power supply side terminal member 42 comes into contact with the mobile body side terminal member 85 (power receiving section D), and the device assumes a power supply position. The electrode cover 81 of the mobile body A rotates toward the exposed side by the protruding piece 61, and becomes exposed. The first arm 31 is pushed by the side section 77, which is the tip of the mobile body A, and swings further toward the support section, and the power supply side terminal member 42 takes on a power supply position in contact with the mobile body side terminal member 85. As the second arm 41 rises, the other end of the second arm 41 and the power supply terminal member 42 push aside the slit 511 of the protective cover 51 and are positioned above the protective cover 51. Also, as the mobile body A moves backward, the mobile body-side terminal member 85 is positioned above the power supply terminal member 42 and eventually comes into contact with it.

[0078] Let's explain the power supply posture. Furthermore, the mobile body A moves backward and moves over the power supply device B. Then, with the power supply side terminal member 42 and the mobile body side terminal member 85 in contact, the mobile body A is moved further backward (towards the support column 21), causing the side portion 77, which is the tip of the mobile body A, to swing the first arm 31 and operate the switch 22. The electrode cover 81 is exposed and rotates further toward the exposed side by the protruding piece 61, causing the first arm 31 to swing when pushed by the side portion 77, which is the tip of the movable body A, to press the switch 22, and the biasing body 35 to extend. The second arm 41, which is in the power supply position due to the biasing body 35, can swing independently of the first arm 31 relative to the second arm even when its swing is fixed. By rotating the first arm 31 toward the support column 21, the second arm 41 is rotated upward, causing the power supply side terminal member 42 of the second arm 41 to contact the mobile body side terminal member 85, and the second arm 41 to assume the power supply position.

[0079] When the movable body A is moved toward the support column 21, the operating part 82 is pressed by the lower end of the inclined part 64, causing the electrode cover 81 to rotate to its end in the rotational direction and become exposed. At the same time, the power supply side terminal member 42 of the second arm 41 comes into contact with the movable body side terminal member 85, resulting in a power supply position where power can be supplied. As the electrode cover 81 rotates to its end in the rotational direction, the inner surface on the rear side of the electrode cover 81 becomes inclined, allowing the electrode cover 81 to be turned upside down. If there are foreign objects inside the electrode cover 81, they can fall down along the inner surface. Therefore, the inside of the electrode cover 81 is cleaned each time power is supplied, and it can be kept clean at all times.

[0080] The power supply terminal member 42 is configured to rotate around the terminal pivot point 44 while receiving rotational force from a terminal biasing body (not shown), thereby enabling the contact surface 43 to make surface contact with the mobile body terminal member 85. In other words, even if the vertical positional relationship or front-to-back relative angle of the mobile body terminal member 85 with respect to the second arm 41 shifts due to wear of the running section 71 of the mobile body A (wear of the tracks as shown in the embodiment, or wear of tires, etc., as in the embodiment not shown), the power supply terminal member 42 rotates around the terminal pivot point 44, ensuring that the contact surface 43 has a sufficient contact area with the mobile body terminal member 85. This contact can then be reliably achieved by the terminal biasing body (not shown).

[0081] Furthermore, since each of the pair of second arms 41 is independently rotatable and each second arm 41 is subjected to an upward force by the biasing body 35, even if the mobile body A itself is tilted forward, backward, left, or right relative to the power supply device B, the pair of power supply-side terminal members 42 and the pair of mobile body-side terminal members 85 can reliably contact each other.

[0082] Even if the power supply terminal member 42 comes into contact with the mobile body terminal member 85, power is not supplied yet. To start power supply, the mobile body A must further swing the first arm 31 toward the support column 21. When the mobile body A is moved further backward toward the support column, the first arm 31 rotates toward the support column 21. Meanwhile, the second arm 41 does not rotate because the power supply terminal member 42 and the mobile body terminal member 85 are in contact, and the biasing member 35 provided between the first arm 31 and the second arm 41 extends. The restricting member 33, which moves with the first arm 31, also moves away from the second arm 41.

[0083] This section explains the procedure for starting power supply. When the first arm 31 rotates and makes contact with the support column 21, the first arm 31 operates the switch 22. When the control unit (not shown) of the power supply device B detects that the switch 22 has been operated and that the power supply side terminal member 42 has made contact with the mobile body side terminal member 85 (more precisely, the positive electrodes of the power supply side terminal member 42 and the mobile body side terminal member 85 make contact with each other, and the negative electrodes of the power supply side terminal member 42 and the mobile body side terminal member 85 make contact with each other), it performs a continuity check process between the power supply side terminal member 42 and the mobile body side terminal member 85. If it determines that there are no abnormalities that would cause problems during power supply, power is supplied to the battery 76, which is the power storage device on the mobile body A side. The power supply device B supplies DC power to the mobile body A via a converter (not shown) that converts AC power to DC power, and a control unit (not shown) that monitors and controls AC power and DC power.

[0084] I will now explain the process from the end of power supply to the stowed position. To move the mobile body A from the power supply unit B, the mobile body A is moved forward from the power supply unit C towards the access path 12. To put the second arm 41 into the retracted position, the reverse procedure of the process leading to the start of power supply is followed. When the mobile body A is moved forward, the force with which the mobile body A presses the first arm 31 toward the support column 21 is lost, and the first arm 31 is released from contact with the support column 21. In other words, the operation of the switch 22 by the first arm 31 is released, and at this point, the control unit terminates the power supply operation.

[0085] As the mobile body A moves forward, the first arm 31 rotates toward the second arm 41 so that it falls due to its own weight. As the first arm 31 falls, it is pulled toward the biasing body 35 and approaches the second arm 41 until it is restricted by the restricting part 33. As the mobile body A moves forward, the first arm 31 loses its support from below and rotates downward along with the second arm 41 due to its own weight.

[0086] The second arm 41 passes through the slit 511 of the protective cover 51 on its way to the retracted position, and the power supply terminal member 42 is positioned below the protective cover 51 and the shielding cover 52 in the retracted position. Since the protective cover 51 and shielding cover 52 cover the top of the power supply terminal member 42, even if foreign matter falls from the moving body A moving on the mounting section 11, the foreign matter will not easily adhere to the power supply terminal member 42. In addition, since the slits 521 are arranged to overlap, the slits 521 will not open and unintentionally form a gap, so foreign matter will not enter through this gap and fall onto the power supply terminal member 42.

[0087] Furthermore, since the contact surface 43 of the power supply terminal member 42 is positioned to be inclined upward and slightly horizontally, foreign matter on the contact surface 43 falls along the inclination. Therefore, the power supply terminal member 42 can be kept clean even after power is supplied, so there is no need to remove foreign matter when using it again, and power supply work can be performed with reduced power supply failure due to the influence of foreign matter.

[0088] The transition of the electrode cover 81 from the exposed state to the closed state will be explained. To move the mobile unit A away from the power supply unit B, move the mobile unit A forward. To change the electrode cover 81 from the exposed state to the closed state, follow the reverse procedure of the process described above for changing it from the closed state to the exposed state.

[0089] Since an elastic body 84 is provided at the pivot point 83 of the electrode cover 81, even if the downward pressure from the inclined portion 64 is removed, the electrode cover 81 automatically rotates from the exposed state to the closed state. As the mobile body A moves forward, the operating portion 82 moves upward while sliding along the inclined portion 64 and the projection 63. When the support from the inclined portion 64 and the projection 63 to the operating portion 82 is removed, the electrode cover 81 becomes completely closed. In the closed state, the electrode cover 81 protects the mobile body-side terminal member 85 from foreign matter such as dust, debris, and obstacles, and ensures reliable power supply.

[0090] An example of a scenario in which the power supply device B of the present invention is actually used with the ramp 91 will be explained, assuming that it is loaded onto the cargo bed of a freight car F, according to Figures 7 and 8. A mobile unit A is further loaded onto the power supply unit B, and with one power supply unit B and one mobile unit A, the freight car F can move to multiple work locations J. Near the boundary G of the work locations J, there are terrain areas (unsuitable for travel) such as depressions and protrusions that are not suitable for travel by the mobile unit A, and the freight car F is described as being positioned outside this boundary G. H is an obstacle that is a raised object, and I is an obstacle that is a depression, and both are unsuitable for travel. K is outside the work location or work area. In this embodiment, it is described as being impossible for the mobile unit A to travel directly between the area outside the work location K and the work location J by itself due to the unsuitable for travel that exists near the boundary G. Furthermore, power supply device B is capable of obtaining power from an external source (commercial power supply or portable generator), and mobile device A connected to power supply device B can receive power.

[0091] The power supply device B, positioned near the boundary G of the outside work area K, which is outside the work area J, deploys the stored ramp 91 when it encounters terrain unsuitable for the mobile body A's movement, such as depressions or protrusions. At this time, as shown in Figure 7, the cargo bed of the freight car F on which the power supply device B is installed is located above the work surface of work area J, so the deployed ramp 91 straddles the unsuitable terrain, and the ramp 13 makes contact with the ground. Therefore, even if there are obstacles H and I that hinder the movement of the mobile body A before it reaches the work area from the power supply device B, it can avoid these obstacles H and I and continue moving.

[0092] When the stepping board 91 is extended, the stopper 94 is locked to the locking part 97, so the stepping board 91 cannot come off the mounting part 11. Also, since it is rotatable around the locking part 97, the stepping board 91 can be rotated up and down so that the tip of the stepping board 91 can be placed on the work surface of the work area J. Since the ramp 91 is rotatable at the locking portion 97, even if there is a difference in height between the cargo bed of the freight car F and the work area J, the ramp 13 can be easily brought to the work area J and grounded by rotating it at the locking portion 97.

[0093] The first stepping board 92 and the second stepping board 93 of the unfolded stepping board 91 are fixed by the stepping board restricting section 96, so their relative positions do not change (they do not contract or become angled relative to each other). Because they are integrated by the stepping board restricting section 96, the load-bearing capacity of the stepping board 91 can be ensured even when the stepping board 91 is composed of multiple stepping boards 91.

[0094] Once the footing board 91 is placed on the work surface of the work area J, the mobile body A is disconnected from the power supply unit C and moved on the mounting unit 11 toward the footing board 91. If the mobile body A was receiving power from the power supply unit C, disconnecting the connection will terminate the power supply.

[0095] The mobile body A moves toward the footboard 91, and then the mobile body A moves along the footboard 91. At this time, since the footboard 91 (first footboard 92) is locked to the locking part 97 by the stopper 94, the footboard 91 will not detach from the mounting part 11. Therefore, the mobile body A can move stably from the mounting part 11 onto the work surface of the work area J. Also, since it is integrally fixed by the footboard regulating part 96, even if there are multiple footboards 91, they will not separate from each other and can move stably along the footboard 91.

[0096] The mobile unit A, moving on the ramp 91, can reach the work site without directly traveling over unsuitable terrain. When moving from the second step 93 to the work area, a ramp 13 is provided, so the difference in height between the second step 93 and the work area can be minimized as much as possible. Therefore, the mobile unit A can easily move from the step 91 to the work area. If a movable inclined plate portion 95 is provided at the tip of the stepping board 91 (second stepping board 93), even if there are small irregularities on the work surface to which the stepping board 91 makes contact, these can be further reduced.

[0097] In this way, the mobile unit A can reach the work area from the power supply device B. Since the power supply device B of the present invention does not need to be installed directly on the work surface of the work area J, the mobile unit A can reach the work area J even if it cannot directly reach the work area J from outside the work area K. Furthermore, with conventional technology, it was necessary to install the power supply device B within the work area J, making it impossible to work in the area where the power supply device B was installed. In contrast, with the power supply device B of the present invention, the power supply device B can be installed outside the work area K, so all work can be performed within the work area J. If mobile unit A requires power while working at work site J, it can receive power from power supply device B, which is stationary outside the work site K.

[0098] Once work at work area J is completed, the mobile unit A within work area J is returned to the power supply device B outside work area K via the ramp 91. Then, the ramp 91 is retracted and fixed to the mounting section 11 with the locking pin 98, securing it within the mounting section 11. The power supply device B, loaded on the cargo bed of the freight car F, can then be moved to another work area along with the mobile unit A. Therefore, one mobile unit A and one power supply device B can be used to perform work at multiple work areas. Furthermore, even if the freight car F does not have a dedicated ramp 91, the power supply device B of the present invention can still bring the mobile unit A to the work area.

[0099] As an example, the explanation was given assuming that the height of the mounting surface (height of the cargo bed) is higher than the work area, but as shown in Figure 8, the above-mentioned effects remain the same even if the height of the mounting surface is lower than or the same as the work area J. Also, although the example shows the power supply device B installed on a freight car F, the power supply device B may also be installed directly on the ground K outside the work area. Furthermore, the present invention may also be applied when there are no unsuitable areas for travel near the boundary G, and the mobile body A can directly travel between K outside the work area and the work area J. By making the ramp 91 restorable in the mounting section 11 and deployable from this mounting section 11, the power supply device B can be moved to another location together with the ramp 91, improving usability and flexibility. The ramp 91 does not limit the installation location of the power supply device B, thus expanding flexibility in installation location. In addition, since the mobile body A's access from the mounting section 11 to the work area J is improved, the work area is not limited, and flexibility in the work area is also improved. By storing the ramp 91 and fixing it to the mounting section 11, it does not protrude from the power supply unit B and can be moved compactly as an integrated unit with the power supply unit B. Therefore, when moving the power supply unit B to another work location or when the freight car F is changed, it is not necessary to prepare a new ramp, improving usability.

[0100] The stepping board 91 is composed of a first stepping board 92 and a second stepping board 93, but it may also be composed of only the first stepping board 92. In this case, the structure of the stepping board 91 is further simplified, making the entire power supply device B easier to handle. Furthermore, stepping boards 91 may be added to connect the third stepping board, the fourth stepping board, and the first stepping board 91. In this case, the power supply device B can be easily reached from the work area J, even if there is a difference in elevation or it is far away from the work area. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 11 Mounting section 76. Energy storage device (battery) 91 Walking board 92 First Step Board 93 Second Walking Board 94 Stopper A Mobile Unit B Power supply device C Power supply section

Claims

1. A power supply unit located in the direction of travel of a mobile body, which is capable of supplying power to a power storage device attached to a self-propelled mobile body, A mounting section is provided near the power supply section on which the movable body can be placed, A footboard that can be stored in the aforementioned mounting section, Equipped with, The power supply unit includes a support column that protrudes upward, and a first arm that is rotatable on the support column. A second arm is provided with a rotatable power supply terminal member on the support column, The device comprises a biasing body that biases the second arm toward the first arm, The power supply unit is configured such that a moving body, moving on the mounting surface, rotates its first arm toward the support column, causing the second arm to rotate upward, bringing the power supply side terminal member into contact with the moving terminal side terminal member of the moving body, thus achieving a power supply position. A power supply device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned stepping board includes a first stepping board that can be stored in the aforementioned storage compartment, A second step board that can be stored in the first step board, The power supply device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising:

3. The aforementioned stepping board is equipped with a stopper that prevents it from being pulled out of the aforementioned mounting section by engaging with a locking part provided in the aforementioned mounting section, The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising:

4. The leading edge of the footboard that touches the ground is provided with a movable inclined plate portion whose angle can be changed relative to the footboard, The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising:

5. The first step plate and the second step plate are provided with a restricting portion in which the second step plate restricts the protrusion of the first step plate, The power supply device according to claim 2, characterized by comprising:

6. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a protruding piece is provided on the side of the second arm which is on the side of the power supply section of the power supply device, and an inclined portion is provided on the protruding piece which is inclined from the tip on the moving body side that extends to the lower part of the protruding piece toward the support column side and toward downward.

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