Vehicle power receiving device

Abstract

To achieve a power reception device for a vehicle in which a vertical dimension of the power reception device for a vehicle in a non-power-receiving state is easy to be suppressed to small.SOLUTION: A dimension L1 of a support arm 52 in a width direction X is formed to be larger than a dimension of the support arm 52 in a thickness direction Y. A connection mechanism 43 is configured to cause the support arm 52 to laterally roll around a lateral rolling axial center A3 such that a power reception body 45 is suspended by a support arm 52 and the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is along a horizontal direction, in a contact posture, and the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is along a vertical direction Z, in a storage posture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power receiving device for a vehicle that receives power supply from a power supply body installed on a road surface.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a power receiving device for a vehicle that receives power supply from power supply equipment provided with a power supply body installed on a road surface. In the specification of US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0111799 (Patent Document 1), there is disclosed a power receiving device for a vehicle including a power receiving body (14a to 14c) that contacts a power supply body (30a to 30b) installed on a road surface (11) to receive power supply.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the power receiving device for a vehicle mounted on a vehicle is arranged so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the vehicle body. In a non-power receiving state where the power receiving device for a vehicle does not receive power, if the power receiving device for a vehicle protrudes downward from the lower surface of the vehicle body, there is a high possibility that the power receiving device for a vehicle will contact the unevenness or obstacles on the road surface and be damaged. And as the vertical dimension of the power receiving device for a vehicle in the non-power receiving state increases, the amount of protrusion of the power receiving device for a vehicle downward tends to increase, and as the amount of protrusion of the power receiving device for a vehicle downward increases, the possibility that the power receiving device for a vehicle will contact the unevenness or obstacles on the road surface increases. Therefore, it is desirable to keep the vertical dimension of the power receiving device for a vehicle in the non-power receiving state small.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to realize a power receiving device for a vehicle that can easily keep the vertical dimension of the power receiving device for a vehicle in the non-power receiving state small. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle power receiving device according to this disclosure is a vehicle power receiving device that is mounted on a vehicle and receives power from a power supply facility that has a power supply body installed on the road surface of the road so as to extend along the road, while the vehicle is in motion, and comprises a base member attached to the vehicle, a power receiving body that contacts the power supply body to receive power, a coupling mechanism that connects the base member and the power receiving body, and a drive mechanism that changes the orientation of the coupling mechanism between a contact orientation in which the power receiving body is in contact with the power supply body and a storage orientation in which the power receiving body is separated from the power supply body, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a support arm that supports the power receiving body and a coupling member that connects the base member and the support arm, and the support arm is a pivot axis The support arm is connected to the connecting member so as to be able to swing around it, and the direction in which the support arm extends is the longitudinal direction, the direction along the pivot axis is the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction is the width direction, and the support arm is formed such that the dimension in the width direction is larger than the dimension in the thickness direction, and the connecting mechanism is configured to rotate the support arm around a rotation axis that is in a direction intersecting the pivot axis when viewed from above, such that in the contact position the power receiving body is suspended by the support arm and the thickness direction of the support arm is in a position along the horizontal direction, and in the storage position the thickness direction of the support arm is in a position along the vertical direction.

[0007] With this configuration, in the contact position of the coupling mechanism, the thickness direction of the support arm is aligned with the horizontal direction. This allows the vertical load acting on the power receiving body suspended by the support arm from the power supply body or the road surface to act in the width direction of the support arm. Therefore, it is easier to ensure the strength of the support arm while reducing its weight. Furthermore, because the support arm can be tilted, in the stowed position of the coupling mechanism, the thickness direction of the support arm is aligned with the vertical direction. This makes it easier to keep the vertical area of ​​the support arm in the stowed position small. In other words, it is easier to keep the vertical dimensions of the vehicle's power receiving device small when it is not receiving power. As a result, even if the coupling mechanism is located on the underside of the vehicle, for example, it is easier to ensure a wide gap between the road surface and the underside of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Top view of a vehicle power receiving device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Side view of the vehicle power receiving device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a side view showing the coupling mechanism in the contact position. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows a side view of the connecting mechanism in its retracted position. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a side view showing the coupling mechanism in its stowed position. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling mechanism in a contact position. [Figure 7] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the connecting mechanism in its retracted position. [Figure 8] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism in an overturned state. [Figure 9] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling mechanism in its stowed position. [Figure 10] Figure 3 shows a side view of the transmission mechanism in the contact position of the coupling mechanism. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of the transmission mechanism in the contact position of the coupling mechanism shown in Figure 3. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of the transmission mechanism in the retracted position of the coupling mechanism shown in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes an embodiment of the goods transport equipment with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a top view of the vehicle power receiving device 10 (hereinafter referred to as the power receiving device 10). Figure 2 is a side view of the power receiving device 10. The power receiving device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 11, and the power receiving device 10 receives power from the power supply equipment 30 while the vehicle 11 is in motion. Here, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 11 is defined as the "vehicle longitudinal direction VX," and the direction perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction VX in a vertical view is defined as the "vehicle width direction VY."

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the power supply equipment 30 includes a power supply body 32 installed on the road surface 20a of the road 20 so as to extend along the road 20. Here, with respect to the shape of the member, "extending along a certain direction" is not limited to a shape in which the extending direction of the member is parallel to the reference direction, with that direction as the reference direction. The extending direction of the entire member or a part of it may be in a direction that intersects the reference direction, and the concept is used to include a shape in which the extending direction of the member as a whole is within a predetermined range (for example, 45 degrees or less) with respect to the reference direction. In the illustrated example, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle VX and the direction in which the power supply body 32 extends along the road 20 are the same direction.

[0012] In this embodiment, the power supply equipment 30 includes a power source 34 and a power line 36. The power supply body 32 is connected to, for example, a distant power source 34 by the power line 36 to receive power, and supplies power to the power receiving device 10 by contacting the power receiving body 45 provided in the power receiving device 10. In the illustrated example, a plate-shaped power supply body 32 and an insulator 38 that insulates the power supply body 32 from the road 20 are installed in a groove 24 that extends along the vehicle longitudinal direction VX dug in the road surface 20a. In addition, the contact surface 32a, which is the upper surface of the power supply body 32 that contacts the power receiving body 45, and the road surface 20a are at the same height.

[0013] In this embodiment, in order to acquire the positional relationship in the vehicle width direction VY between the vehicle 11 and the power feeding body 32, a power feeding body detection device 18 for detecting the power feeding body 32 is provided on the vehicle 11. The power feeding body detection device 18 may be an imaging device that images an imaging range E1 including the road surface 20a, or may be a dedicated sensor for detecting the power feeding body 32. When the power feeding body detection device 18 is an imaging device, the power feeding body 32 is detected from an imaging image including the road surface 20a, for example, by image recognition. In the illustrated example, the power feeding body detection device 18 is a front camera that images an imaging range E1 including the road surface 20a in front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction VX, but it may also be a rear camera that images an imaging range including the road surface 20a behind the vehicle in the longitudinal direction VX. The vehicle 11 on which the power receiving device 10 is mounted is not particularly limited, but for example, it is an electric vehicle having a rotating electric machine as a traveling drive source. The rotating electric machine is supplied with electric power from the power receiving device 10 and rotates the wheels 16.

[0014] In this embodiment, the vehicle 11 includes a power receiving terminal not shown. The electric power supplied to the power receiving device 10 is supplied to electronic devices (such as a traveling drive source, a storage battery, a control device of the vehicle 11, etc.) provided in the vehicle 11 via the power receiving terminal. Further, in this embodiment, a mounting portion 41 is fixed to the vehicle body 14 of the vehicle 11. Examples of the vehicle body 14 include a monocoque body, a ladder frame body, and the like.

[0015] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the power receiving body 45 contacts the power feeding body 32. The lower part or the whole of the power receiving body 45 is made of, for example, a carbon-based material such as graphite, a metal-based material such as copper, a mixture thereof, or the like. The electric power supplied from the power feeding body 32 to the power receiving body 45 is sent to the above-mentioned power receiving terminal by an electric wire or the like not shown.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the power receiving device 10 includes a base member 42 attached to the vehicle 11. The base member 42 is attached to the lower surface of the vehicle 11. In the present embodiment, the base member 42 is attached to the vehicle 11 via an attachment portion 41. The attachment portion 41 is a member extending in the vehicle width direction VY. The base member 42 is a member extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction VX. Note that the base member 42 may be attached to the vehicle 11 without passing through the attachment portion 41.

[0017] The power receiving device 10 includes a power receiving body 45 that contacts the power feeding body 32 to receive power. The power receiving device 10 also includes a connecting mechanism 43 that connects the base member 42 and the power receiving body 45. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where the connecting mechanism 43 is in the contact posture P1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state where the connecting mechanism 43 is in the contracted posture P3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state where the connecting mechanism 43 is in the stored posture P2. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a state where the connecting mechanism 43 is overturned. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 5.

[0018] The connecting mechanism 43 is changed in posture by a drive mechanism 60 described later to the contact posture P1 in which the power receiving body 45 contacts the power feeding body 32 and the stored posture P2 in which the power receiving body 45 is separated from the power feeding body 32. The connecting mechanism 43 includes a connecting member 51 that connects the base member 42 and the support arm 52. The connecting member 51 is connected to the base member 42 so as to be swingable around the overturning axis A3.

[0019] The coupling mechanism 43 includes a support arm 52 that supports the power receiving body 45. The coupling mechanism 43 is configured such that the power receiving body 45 is suspended by the support arm 52 in the contact position P1. In this embodiment, the support arm 52 is a strip-shaped plate with a rectangular cross-section, but it may be a member with an elliptical cross-section or other flattened shape. The support arm 52 may also be a hollow member, or a member made by overlapping multiple strip-shaped members with gaps in between. Here, the direction in which the support arm 52 extends is defined as the "longitudinal direction D", the direction along the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) described later is defined as the "thickness direction Y", and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction D and the thickness direction Y is defined as the "width direction X".

[0020] In this embodiment, the support arm 52 is connected to the connecting member 51 so as to be able to swing around the pivot axis (A1a, A1b). As shown in Figure 3, in the contact position P1, the longitudinal direction D of the support arm 52 is inclined downwards Z2 and toward the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction VX as it moves from the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) toward the side of the power receiving body 45. Also, in the contact position P1, the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) is arranged along the vehicle width direction VY. Also, in the contact position P1, the thickness direction Y is in the direction along the vehicle width direction VY. In the example shown in Figure 3, in the contact position P1, the thickness direction Y is parallel to the vehicle width direction VY. Also, in the stowed position P2, the thickness direction Y is in the direction along the vertical direction Z. In the example shown in Figure 5, in the contact position P1, the thickness direction Y is parallel to the vertical direction Z.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the support arm 52 comprises multiple arm members. In this embodiment, the multiple arm members constitute a link mechanism. In the illustrated example, the support arm 52 comprises a first arm member 53 and a second arm member 54. Here, the pivot axis of the first arm member 53 is denoted as the first pivot axis A1a, and the pivot axis of the second arm member 54 is denoted as the second pivot axis A1b. The first pivot axis A1a and the second pivot axis A1b are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, the first arm member 53 and the second arm member 54 are spaced apart in the width direction X and arranged parallel to each other.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first arm member 53, the second arm member 54, and the support member 57 that supports the power receiver 45 constitute a parallel link mechanism. The tip portion 53a of the first arm member 53, away from the first pivot axis A1a, is pivotably connected to the support member 57 that supports the power receiver 45 around a third pivot axis A2a, which is parallel to the first pivot axis A1a and the second pivot axis A1b. The tip portion 54a of the second arm member 54, away from the second pivot axis A1b, is pivotably connected to the support member 57 that supports the power receiver 45 around a fourth pivot axis A2b, which is parallel to the first pivot axis A1a and the second pivot axis A1b.

[0023] A parallel link mechanism is, for example, a four-bar link mechanism in which opposing links are of equal length. In the illustrated example, the connecting member 51, the support member 57, the first arm member 53, and the second arm member 54 constitute the parallel link mechanism. Furthermore, the distance between the first pivot axis A1a and the second pivot axis A1b is equal to the distance between the third pivot axis A2a and the fourth pivot axis A2b.

[0024] The coupling mechanism 43 is configured to rotate the support arm 52 around a lateral rotation axis A3 that is aligned with the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) of the contact position P1 when viewed from above, such that in the contact position P1 the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned with the horizontal direction, and in the storage position P2 the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned with the vertical direction Z. Note that the thickness direction Y in the contact position P1 is not limited to a direction parallel to the horizontal direction, but may also be inclined with respect to that parallel direction. Similarly, the thickness direction Y in the storage position P2 is not limited to a direction parallel to the vertical direction Z, but may also be inclined with respect to that parallel direction.

[0025] In this embodiment, the axial direction of the rollover axis A3 is along the vehicle's longitudinal direction VX, but it may also be along the vehicle's width direction VY. Also, in this embodiment, the axial direction of the rollover axis A3 is horizontal, but it may be inclined with respect to the horizontal. Also, in this embodiment, the axial direction of the rollover axis A3 is perpendicular to the oscillation axes (A1a, A1b) when viewed in the vertical direction, but it does not have to be perpendicular as long as it intersects with the oscillation axes (A1a, A1b). Furthermore, the rollover of the support arm 52 may be the rollover of the connecting member 51 relative to the base member 42, or it may be the bending and oscillating of the support arm 52 around the rollover axis A3.

[0026] The support arm 52 is formed such that its width dimension L1 is larger than its thickness dimension L2. In this embodiment, the width dimension L1 of the support arm 52 is the width dimension L1 of the entire support arm 52 connected to one support member 57 or one power receiver 45 that supports the power receiver 45. The thickness dimension L2 of the support arm 52 is the thickness dimension Y of the entire support arm 52 connected to one support member 57 or one power receiver 45 that supports the power receiver 45. Furthermore, for example, if a member that rolls integrally with the first arm member 53 or the second arm member 54 around the rolling axis A3 is attached to the first arm member 53 or the second arm member 54, the width dimension L1 of the entire support arm 52 including the member is the width dimension L2 of the above.

[0027] Here, the support arm 52 comprises multiple arm members, and the dimension L1 in the width direction X of the support arm 52 or the dimension L2 in the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 may differ between the contact position P1 and the retracted position P2. In this embodiment, at least in the retracted position P2, the dimension L1 in the width direction X of the support arm 52 is formed to be larger than the dimension L2 in the thickness direction Y. Also, in this embodiment, the dimension L1 in the width direction X of the support arm 52 is formed to be larger than the dimension L3 in the thickness direction Y of the connecting member 51. Furthermore, at least in the retracted position P2, the dimension L1 in the width direction X of the support arm 52 is formed to be larger than the dimension L3 in the thickness direction Y of the connecting member 51.

[0028] The power receiving device 10 includes a drive mechanism 60 that changes the orientation of the coupling mechanism 43 between a contact orientation P1 in which the power receiving body 45 is in contact with the power supply body 32, and a storage orientation P2 in which the power receiving body 45 is separated from the power supply body 32. The drive mechanism 60 is configured to perform a rolling motion that swings the coupling member 51 and the support arm 52 around the rolling axis A3 such that in the contact orientation P1 the power receiving body 45 is suspended by the support arm 52 and the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) of the support arm 52 is aligned horizontally, and in the storage orientation P2 the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) of the support arm 52 is aligned vertically Z, thereby achieving a rolling motion.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the drive mechanism 60 changes the orientation of the coupling mechanism 43 from the stowed orientation P2 to the contact orientation P1, it first swings the coupling member 51 around the lateral axis A3 so that the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned with the horizontal direction, and then swings the support arm 52 around the swing axes (A1a, A1b) to lower the power receiving body 45.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the drive mechanism 60 changes the orientation of the coupling mechanism 43 from a contact orientation P1 to a retracted orientation P2, it first swings the support arm 52 around the pivot axis A1 to raise the power receiving body 45, and then swings the coupling mechanism 43 around the lateral axis A3 so that the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned with the vertical direction Z. Figures 4 and 7 show the state in which the coupling mechanism 43 is in the retracted orientation P3, that is, after the support arm 52 has been swung around the pivot axis A1 to raise the power receiving body 45, and the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned with the horizontal direction.

[0031] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 60 is configured to allow the support arm 52 to swing around the swing axis (A1a, A1b) relative to the connecting member 51 in the contact position P1, while restricting the swing of the connecting member 51 around the lateral axis A3 relative to the base member 42 in both the contact position P1 and the storage position P2.

[0032] The drive mechanism 60 includes a drive unit 65 (see Figure 2) and a transmission mechanism 70 that transmits the driving force of the drive unit 65 to the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52. The transmission mechanism 70 performs a downward operation by swinging the support arm 52 around the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) using the driving force of the drive unit 65, thereby lowering the power receiving unit 45. The transmission mechanism 70 also performs an upward operation by swinging the support arm 52 around the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) using the driving force of the drive unit 65, thereby raising the power receiving unit 45. Examples of the drive unit 65 include a rotating electric machine, a pneumatic pump, a hydraulic pump, a solenoid actuator, and the like.

[0033] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 70 performs a rollover motion by using the driving force of the drive unit 65 to swing the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52 around the rollover axis A3 so that the vehicle changes from a second posture Pb2 to a first posture Pb1. The transmission mechanism 70 also performs a rollover motion by using the driving force of the drive unit 65 to swing the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52 around the rollover axis A3 so that the vehicle changes from a first posture Pb1 to a second posture Pb2.

[0034] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 70 is configured to sequentially perform the following actions using the driving force of the drive device 65: an unlocking operation that releases the restriction on the swinging of the connecting member 51 around the lateral axis A3 from the stowed position P2; a lateral movement that, after the completion of the unlocking operation, swings the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52 around the lateral axis A3 from the second position Pb2 to the first position Pb1; a locking operation that, after the completion of the lateral movement, restricts the swinging of the connecting member 51 around the lateral axis A3; and a descent operation that, after the completion of the locking operation, swings the support arm 52 around the swing axes (A1a, A1b) to lower the power receiving unit 45.

[0035] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 70 is configured to sequentially perform the following actions: an upward operation in which the support arm 52 is swung around the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) from the contact position P1 by the driving force of the drive device 65 to raise the power receiving body 45; an unlocking operation in which, after the completion of the upward operation, the restriction on the swing of the connecting member 51 around the lateral axis A3 is released; a lateral operation in which, after the completion of the unlocking operation, the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52 are swung around the lateral axis A3 from the first position Pb1 to the second position Pb2; and a locking operation in which, after the completion of the lateral operation, the swing of the connecting member 51 around the lateral axis A3 is restricted.

[0036] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 70 includes a transmission member 75 that operates in a specific transmission direction B by the driving force of the drive unit 65. In the example shown in Figure 3, the transmission mechanism 70 includes a pulley 76. Examples of transmission members 75 include wires, cables, chains, gears, etc.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the transmission mechanism 70 is arranged to pass inside a cylindrical member 79 fixed to the base member 42 or the connecting member 51. The transmission member 75 has one end fixed to the vehicle body 14, the mounting part 41, or the base member 42, and the other end is pulled by the drive device 65, causing the support arm 52 to swing around the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) and the power receiving body 45 to rise. The connecting mechanism 43 also includes a first elastic member 55 (see Figure 3) that biases the support arm 52 relative to the connecting member 51. The first elastic member 55 biases the support arm 52 relative to the connecting member 51 in the direction that the power receiving body 45 descends and contacts the power supply body 32. Examples of the first elastic member 55 include a coil spring, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, etc.

[0038] Figure 10 is a side view of the cam mechanism 80 when the connecting mechanism 43 is in contact position P1. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cam mechanism 80 when the connecting mechanism 43 is in contact position P1. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cam mechanism 80 when the connecting mechanism 43 is in retracted position P2. The transmission mechanism 70 includes a cam mechanism 80 that converts the operation of the transmission member 75 into the operation of the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52. Examples of the cam mechanism 80 include three-dimensional cam mechanisms such as cylindrical cams and planar cam mechanisms such as plate cams.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cam mechanism 80 includes a first cam member 85 and a second cam member 86. The first cam member 85 is connected to the connecting member 51 so as not to swing around the roll axis A3. The first cam member 85 is also connected to the connecting member 51 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the roll axis A3. The first cam member 85 is also connected to the second cam member 86 so as to be swingable around the roll axis A3. The second cam member 86 is fixed to the base member 42. In the example shown in Figure 12, a groove 88a extending in the axial direction of the roll axis A3 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first cam member 85, and a projection 88b that fits into the groove 88a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 51. As a result, the first cam member 85 is connected to the connecting member 51 so as not to swing around the roll axis A3 and so as to be movable in the axial direction of the roll axis A3.

[0040] In this embodiment, the cam mechanism 80 includes a second elastic member 87 that stores the driving force of the drive unit 65. The second elastic member 87 biases the first cam member 85 relative to the second cam member 86. Examples of the second elastic member 87 include a coil spring, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, etc. Figures 11 and 12 show an exploded view of the first cam member 85.

[0041] The transmission member 75 is configured to operate the cam mechanism 80 by moving in the first transmission direction B1, which is one side of the transmission direction B, within a predetermined first operating region. Furthermore, the transmission member 75 is configured to lower the current receiver 45 by moving in the first transmission direction B1 within a second operating region, which is further along the first transmission direction B1 than the first operating region, causing the support arm 52 to swing around the pivot axis (A1a, A1b).

[0042] The transmission member 75 is configured to operate the cam mechanism 80 by moving in the second transmission direction B2, which is the other side of the transmission direction B, within a predetermined first operating region. Furthermore, the transmission member 75 is configured to raise the current receiver 45 by moving in the second transmission direction B2, which is further to the first transmission direction B1 than the first operating region, by swinging the support arm 52 around the pivot axis (A1a, A1b).

[0043] In this embodiment, the cam mechanism 80 is operated by the cam contact portion 75a, which is fixed to the transmission member 75, engaging with the first cam member 85. The first operating region is the region in which the cam contact portion 75a is engaged with the first cam member 85. The second operating region is the region in which the cam contact portion 75a is not engaged with the first cam member 85.

[0044] Here, one side of the cam movement direction in the cam mechanism 80 is designated as the first cam movement direction C1, and the other side of the cam movement direction is designated as the second cam movement direction C2. Examples of cam movement directions include rotational movement of a cylindrical cam, rotational movement of a plate-shaped cam, and linear movement of a plate-shaped cam. In the illustrated example, the cam movement direction is the rotational direction of the first cam member 85 around the lateral axis A3 with respect to the second cam member 86.

[0045] The cam mechanism 80 is configured to move in the first direction C1 of the cam operation direction in response to the movement of the transmission member 75 in the first direction B1 of the transmission direction in the first operating region. Furthermore, the cam mechanism 80 is configured to move in the second direction C2 of the cam operation direction in response to the movement of the transmission member 75 in the second direction B2 of the transmission direction in the first operating region.

[0046] The cam mechanism 80 comprises a first cam region 81, a second cam region 82, and a third cam region 83, each having a different cam profile. The second cam region 82 is located a region C1 further to the first side in the cam operating direction than the first cam region 81. The third cam region 83 is located a region C1 further to the first side in the cam operating direction than the second cam region 82.

[0047] The first cam region 81 is configured to restrict the oscillation of the connecting member 51 around the lateral axis A3, thereby maintaining the connecting member 51 in the second position Pb2. The second cam region 82 is configured to cause the connecting member 51 to oscillate around the lateral axis A3 from the second position Pb2 to the first position Pb1 in response to the movement of the cam mechanism 80 in the cam operating direction to the first side C1. Furthermore, the second cam region 82 is configured to cause the connecting member 51 to oscillate around the lateral axis A3 from the first position Pb1 to the second position Pb2 in response to the movement of the cam mechanism 80 in the cam operating direction to the second side C2. The third cam region 83 is configured to restrict the oscillation of the connecting member 51 around the lateral axis A3, thereby maintaining the connecting member 51 in the first position Pb1.

[0048] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, the power receiving device 10 is equipped with multiple power receiving units 45 (three in the illustrated example). The power receiving device 10 is also equipped with multiple coupling mechanisms 43 (three in the illustrated example). In this embodiment, the multiple power receiving units 45 are arranged separately in the vehicle's longitudinal direction VX. Alternatively, the multiple power receiving units 45 may be arranged separately in the vehicle's longitudinal direction VX and the vehicle's width direction VY.

[0049] The drive mechanism 60 is configured to change the orientation of multiple coupling mechanisms 43 between a contact orientation P1 and a retracted orientation P2 using a single drive unit 65. In this embodiment, the drive unit 65 and the transmission member 75 are provided in common for multiple coupling mechanisms 43, and the cam mechanism 80 is provided corresponding to each of the multiple coupling mechanisms 43. Preferably, one drive unit 65 is one drive source.

[0050] The power receiving device 10 includes a moving mechanism 90 that moves the coupling mechanism 43 and the power receiving body 45 relative to the vehicle 11 in the vehicle width direction VY. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 90 moves the base member 42 relative to the mounting portion 41 in the vehicle width direction VY. The moving mechanism 90 may also move the coupling mechanism 43 and the power receiving body 45 in the vehicle width direction VY and the vehicle longitudinal direction VX, that is, diagonally with respect to the vehicle width direction VY. Examples of the moving mechanism 90 include mechanisms using worm gears, belts, etc.

[0051] In this embodiment, when the coupling mechanism 43 is in the retracted position P2, the entire coupling mechanism 43 and the power receiving unit 45 are positioned within a range that overlaps with the vehicle body 14 in the vehicle width direction VY when viewed from above. Also, when the coupling mechanism 43 is in the retracted position P2, the entire coupling mechanism 43 and the power receiving unit 45 are positioned within a range that overlaps with the vehicle body 14 in the vehicle longitudinal direction VX when viewed from above. Note that when the coupling mechanism 43 is in the retracted position P2, the lower end of the coupling mechanism 43 may be configured to be located above Z1 above the lower end of the vehicle body 14. Also, when the coupling mechanism 43 is in the retracted position P2, the lower end of the power receiving unit 45 may be configured to be located above Z1 above the lower end of the vehicle body 14. When the coupling mechanism 43 is in the retracted position P2, the coupling mechanism 43 and the power receiving unit 45 are configured to be located, for example, between the battery of the vehicle 11 and the road surface 20a.

[0052] As described above, in the power receiving device 10 of this embodiment, the support arm 52 is formed such that the dimension L1 in the width direction X is larger than the dimension L2 in the thickness direction Y, and the connecting mechanism 43 is configured to rotate the support arm 52 around a lateral rotation axis A3 that is aligned with the direction intersecting the oscillation axes (first oscillation axis A1a, second oscillation axis A1b) in a vertical view in the contact position P1, so that in the contact position P1 the power receiving body 45 is suspended by the support arm 52 and the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned with the horizontal direction, and in the storage position P2 the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned with the vertical direction Z.

[0053] According to the power receiving device 10 described above, in the contact position P1 of the coupling mechanism 43, the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned with the horizontal direction. Therefore, the vertical load Z acting on the power receiving body 45 suspended by the support arm 52 from the power supply body 32 and the road surface 20a can be directed to act in the width direction X of the support arm 52. Thus, it is easier to ensure the strength of the support arm 52 while reducing its weight. Furthermore, with this configuration, when the support arm 52 is rolled over, in the stowed position P2 of the coupling mechanism 43, the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned with the vertical direction Z. Therefore, it is easier to keep the arrangement area of ​​the support arm 52 in the vertical direction Z small in the stowed position P2. In other words, it is easier to keep the vertical dimension Z of the power receiving device 10 small when it is not receiving power. As a result, even if the coupling mechanism 43 is located on the underside of the vehicle 11, for example, it is easier to secure a wide gap between the road surface 20a and the underside of the vehicle 11.

[0054] In the power receiving device 10 of this embodiment, the connecting member 51 is connected to the base member 42 so as to be able to swing around the lateral axis A3, and when the drive mechanism 60 changes the orientation of the connecting mechanism 43 from the stowed position P2 to the contact position P1, it swings the connecting member 51 around the lateral axis A3 to position the support arm 52 so that the thickness direction Y is aligned with the horizontal direction, and then swings the support arm 52 around the swing axes (first swing axis A1a, second swing axis A1b) to lower the power receiving body 45.

[0055] The above-described power receiving device 10 allows for a relatively simple implementation of a configuration that enables the support arm 52 to be overturned. Furthermore, after the support arm 52 is overturned by swinging the connecting member 51 around the overturning axis A3, the power receiving unit 45 is lowered by swinging the support arm 52 around the swinging axes ((first swinging axis A1a, second swinging axis A1b)), so that the power receiving unit 45 does not come into contact with the road surface 20a or the power supply unit 32 during overturning. Thus, the overturning of the support arm 52 and the lowering of the power receiving unit 45 can be performed appropriately.

[0056] In the power receiving device 10 of this embodiment, in the contact position P1, the pivot axes (first pivot axis A1a, second pivot axis A1b) are arranged along the vehicle width direction VY, and the longitudinal direction D of the support arm 52 is inclined downwards Z2 and toward the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction VX as it moves from the pivot axes (first pivot axis A1a, second pivot axis A1b) toward the power receiving body 45.

[0057] According to the power receiving device 10 described above, even if the vertical distance Z between the base member 42 and the power supply body 32 fluctuates while the vehicle 11 is in motion, the power receiving body 45 can be appropriately moved up and down to follow the change.

[0058] In the power receiving device 10 of this embodiment, the first pivot axis A1a and the second pivot axis A1b are arranged parallel to each other, and the first arm member 53 and the second arm member 54 are arranged parallel to each other with a space between them in the width direction X. The tip portion 53a of the first arm member 53 that is away from the first pivot axis A1a, and the tip portion 54a of the second arm member 54 that is away from the second pivot axis A1b are each pivotably connected to the power receiving body 45 or the support member 57 that supports the power receiving body 45 around axes (third pivot axis A2a, fourth pivot axis A2b) parallel to the first pivot axis A1a and the second pivot axis A1b, so that the first arm member 53, the second arm member 54, and the power receiving body 45 or the support member 57 constitute a parallel link mechanism.

[0059] According to the above-described power receiving device 10, the power receiving body 45 can be stably supported in the contact position P1, and even if the distance between the base member 42 and the power supply body 32 in the vertical direction Z fluctuates and the power receiving body 45 moves up and down, it is easy to maintain the position of the power receiving body 45 relative to the power supply body 32.

[0060] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the power receiving device 10 will be described.

[0061] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the unlocking operation, rolling operation, locking operation, and lowering operation are performed in order by the operation of the drive device 65. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the locking operation may be performed in the middle of the lowering operation. Also, for example, the rolling operation and the lowering operation may be performed alternately in multiple steps.

[0062] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the lifting operation, unlocking operation, rolling operation, and locking operation are performed in order by the operation of the drive device 65. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the unlocking operation may be performed before or during the lifting operation. Also, for example, the rolling operation and the lifting operation may be performed alternately in multiple steps.

[0063] (3) In the above embodiment, the drive mechanism 60 is provided with a drive device 65 and a transmission mechanism 70, and the transmission mechanism 70 is provided with a transmission member 75 and a cam mechanism 80, thereby performing oscillation restriction, rollover operation, locking operation, unlocking operation, lifting operation, lowering operation, etc. as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, for example, the transmission mechanism 70 may be provided with a worm gear instead of a cam mechanism 80, and oscillation restriction may be performed by its self-locking function. Alternatively, for example, the transmission mechanism 70 may be provided with a gear mechanism, and oscillation restriction may be performed by locking the gear with a lock pin or the like. Alternatively, for example, the transmission mechanism 70 may be configured to transmit driving force using hydraulics or air pressure. Similarly, rollover operation, locking operation, unlocking operation, lifting operation, lowering operation, etc. may be performed by the drive device 65 and transmission mechanism 70 in the above configuration.

[0064] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which a single drive device 65 swings a plurality of support arms 52 around the pivot axes (A1a, A1b), and swings a plurality of connecting members 51 and a plurality of support arms 52 around the lateral axis A3. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, a configuration in which a plurality of drive devices 65 swings a plurality of support arms 52 around the pivot axes (A1a, A1b). Alternatively, for example, a configuration in which a plurality of drive devices 65 swings a plurality of connecting members 51 and a plurality of support arms 52 around the lateral axis A3. Furthermore, the drive device 65 that swings the support arms 52 around the pivot axes (A1a, A1b) and the drive device 65 that swings a plurality of connecting members 51 and a plurality of support arms 52 around the lateral axis A3 may be different drive devices 65.

[0065] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the connecting member 51 is connected to the base member 42 so as to be able to swing around the lateral axis A3 was described as an example. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the connecting member 51 may be integrally configured with the base member 42, or even if it is a separate member, it may be integrally fixed with the base member 42.

[0066] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which, in the contact position P1, the pivot axes (A1a, A1b) are arranged along the vehicle width direction VY, and the longitudinal direction D of the support arm 52 is inclined downward Z2 and toward the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction VX as it moves from the pivot axes (A1a, A1b) toward the power receiving body 45. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, and for example, in the contact position P1, the pivot axes (A1a, A1b) are arranged along the vehicle longitudinal direction VX, and the longitudinal direction D of the support arm 52 is inclined downward Z2 and toward the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction VX as it moves from the pivot axes (A1a, A1b) toward the power receiving body 45. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction D of the support arm 52 does not necessarily have to be inclined downwards Z2 and towards the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction VX as it moves from the pivot axis (A1a, A1b) toward the power receiving body 45.

[0067] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the support arm 52 comprises a first arm member 53 and a second arm member 54 was described as an example. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the support arm 52 may be a single longitudinal member. Also, for example, the first pivot axis A1a and the second pivot axis A1b may be the same axis. Also, for example, the third pivot axis A2a and the fourth pivot axis A2b may be the same axis.

[0068] (8) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the tip 53a of the first arm member 53 and the tip 54a of the second arm member 54 are each pivotably connected to the support member 57. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, for example, the tip 53a of the first arm member 53 and the tip 54a of the second arm member 54 may each be pivotably connected to the power receiving body 45 around axes (third pivot axis A2a and fourth pivot axis A2b) parallel to the first pivot axis A1a and the second pivot axis A1b, so that the first arm member 53, the second arm member 54 and the power receiving body 45 constitute a parallel link mechanism.

[0069] (9) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the thickness direction Y is aligned with the vehicle width direction VY in the contact position P1 and aligned with the vertical direction Z in the stowed position P2 was described as an example. However, the example is not limited to such an example, and for example, a configuration in which the thickness direction Y is aligned with the vehicle longitudinal direction VX in the contact position P1 and aligned with the vertical direction Z in the stowed position P2 may also be used.

[0070] (10) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the receiving body 45 rises when the other end of the transmission member 75 is pulled by the drive device 65, and the receiving body 45 lowers when the first elastic member 55 lowers. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, and for example, a configuration may be described in which the receiving body 45 lowers when the other end of the transmission member 75 is pulled by the drive device 65, and the receiving body 45 rises when the first elastic member 55 lowers. Alternatively, for example, a configuration may be described in which an upward movement is performed when one end of the transmission member 75 is pulled by the drive device 65, and a downward movement is performed when the other end of the transmission member 75 is pulled by another drive device 65.

[0071] (11) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as they do not cause any inconsistencies. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10: Power receiving device (vehicle power receiving device) 11: Vehicles 20: Road 20a: Road surface 30: Power supply equipment 32: Power feeder 42: Base component 43:Connection mechanism 45: Receiver 51: Connecting member 52: Support arm 53: First arm member 53a:Tip 54: Second arm member 54a: Tip 51: Connecting member 57: Support member 60: Drive mechanism A1: Oscillating axis A1a: First pivot axis (pivot axis) A1b: Second pivot axis (pivot axis) A2a: Third pivot axis (parallel axis) A2b: Fourth pivot axis (parallel axis) A3: Axle center of rollover D: Longitudinal direction L1: Dimension in the width direction L2: Dimension in the thickness direction P1: Contact posture P2: Stored position

Claims

1. A vehicle power receiving device that receives power while the vehicle is in motion from a power supply facility equipped with a power supply body mounted on the vehicle and installed on the road surface of the road so as to extend along the road, A base member to be attached to the aforementioned vehicle, A power receiving body that contacts the power supply body to receive power, A connecting mechanism that connects the base member and the current receiver, The coupling mechanism includes a drive mechanism that changes the orientation of the coupling mechanism between a contact orientation in which the power receiving body is in contact with the power supply body and a storage orientation in which the power receiving body is separated from the power supply body, Equipped with, The aforementioned coupling mechanism is A support arm that supports the power receiving body, A connecting member that connects the base member and the support arm, Equipped with, The support arm is connected to the connecting member so as to be able to swing around the pivot axis, The direction in which the support arm extends is defined as the longitudinal direction, the direction along the pivot axis is defined as the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction is defined as the width direction. The support arm is formed such that its width dimension is larger than its thickness dimension. The coupling mechanism is configured to rotate the support arm around a rotation axis that is aligned with a direction intersecting the pivot axis in a vertical view in the contact position, such that in the contact position the power receiving body is suspended by the support arm and the thickness direction of the support arm is aligned with the horizontal direction, and in the storage position the thickness direction of the support arm is aligned with the vertical direction.

2. The connecting member is connected to the base member so as to be able to swing around the lateral axis, The vehicle power receiving device according to claim 1, wherein when the drive mechanism changes the orientation of the coupling mechanism from the stored orientation to the contact orientation, the coupling member is swung around the lateral axis to position the support arm so that the thickness direction of the support arm is aligned with the horizontal direction, and then the support arm is swung around the oscillating axis to lower the power receiving body.

3. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle is defined as the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction when viewed from above is defined as the vehicle's width direction. The vehicle power receiving device according to claim 1, wherein, in the contact position, the pivot axis is arranged along the vehicle width direction, and the longitudinal direction of the support arm is inclined downward and towards the rear in the vehicle front-rear direction as it moves from the pivot axis toward the power receiving body.

4. The support arm comprises a first arm member and a second arm member, The pivot axis of the first arm member is defined as the first pivot axis, and the pivot axis of the second arm member is defined as the second pivot axis. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are arranged parallel to each other. The first arm member and the second arm member are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the width direction. A vehicle power receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tip of the first arm member away from the first pivot axis and the tip of the second arm member away from the second pivot axis are each pivotably connected to the power receiving body or a support member supporting the power receiving body around axes parallel to the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, so that the first arm member, the second arm member and the power receiving body or the support member constitute a parallel link mechanism.

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