Automotive power receiving device

Abstract

In an automotive power receiving device (10), the dimension (L1) of a support arm (52) in the width direction (X) is larger than the dimension of the support arm (52) in the thickness direction (Y), and a coupling mechanism (43) is configured such that in a contact orientation, a power receiving element (45) is suspended by the support arm (52) and the thickness direction (Y) of the support arm (52) assumes an orientation aligned with the horizontal direction, while in a retracted orientation, the support arm (52) is rotated about a horizontal axis (A3) such that the thickness direction (Y) of the support arm (52) assumes an orientation aligned with the vertical direction (Z).

Description

Vehicle power receiving device

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

[0002] A vehicle power receiving device is known that receives power from a power supply facility that includes a power supply element installed on a road surface. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0111799 (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle power receiving device that includes power receivers (14a-14c) that contact power supply elements (30a-30b) installed on a road surface (11) to receive power.

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0111799

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a vehicle power receiving device mounted on a vehicle is arranged to protrude downward from the underside of the vehicle body. If the vehicle power receiving device protrudes downward from the underside of the vehicle body in a non-power-receiving state, the vehicle power receiving device is more likely to come into contact with unevenness in the road surface or an obstacle and be damaged. As the vertical dimension of the vehicle power receiving device in the non-power-receiving state increases, the amount of downward protrusion of the vehicle power receiving device tends to increase. As the downward protrusion of the vehicle power receiving device increases, the possibility of the vehicle power receiving device coming into contact with unevenness in the road surface or an obstacle increases. Therefore, it is desirable to keep the vertical dimension of the vehicle power receiving device small in the non-power-receiving state.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a vehicle power receiving device that can easily reduce the vertical dimension of the vehicle power receiving device when not receiving power.

[0006] A vehicle power receiving device according to the present disclosure is a vehicle power receiving device that is mounted on a vehicle and receives power while the vehicle is traveling from a power feeding facility that includes a power feeding body that is installed on a road surface so as to extend along the road, and includes: a base member that is attached to the vehicle; a power receiving body that receives power by contacting the power feeding body; a coupling mechanism that couples the base member and the power receiving body; and a drive mechanism that changes the position of the coupling mechanism between a contact position in which the power receiving body is in contact with the power feeding body and a retracted position in which the power receiving body is separated from the power feeding body, and the coupling mechanism includes a support arm that supports the power receiving body and a coupling member that couples the base member and the support arm, and the support arm has an oscillation axis The support arm is connected to the connecting member so as to be able to swing freely around the connecting member, and the direction in which the support arm extends is defined as the longitudinal direction, the direction along the swing 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, with the support arm being formed so that its dimension in the width direction is larger than its dimension in the thickness direction, and the connecting mechanism is configured to roll the support arm around a roll axis that runs in a direction that intersects the swing axis when viewed in the vertical direction, so that in the contact position, the power receiving body is suspended by the support arm and the thickness direction of the support arm runs in the horizontal direction, and in the stored position, the thickness direction of the support arm runs in the vertical direction.

[0007] According to this configuration, when the coupling mechanism is in the contact position, the thickness direction of the support arm is horizontal. This allows the vertical load acting on the power receiver suspended by the support arm from the power feeder or the road surface to act in the width direction of the support arm. This facilitates ensuring the strength of the support arm while reducing its weight. Furthermore, when the coupling mechanism is in the stowed position, the thickness direction of the support arm is vertical. This facilitates keeping the vertical placement area of ​​the support arm in the stowed position small. In other words, it facilitates keeping the vertical dimension of the vehicle power receiving device small when not receiving power. This facilitates ensuring a wide gap between the road surface and the underside of the vehicle, even when the coupling mechanism is located on the underside of the vehicle.

[0008] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling mechanism of FIG. 2 in a contact position; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling mechanism of FIG. 2 in a contracted position; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling mechanism of FIG. 2 in a rolled-over position; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling mechanism of FIG. 2 in a stored position;

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an article transport facility will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a top view of a vehicle power receiving device 10 (hereinafter referred to as power receiving device 10). Fig. 2 is a side view of power receiving device 10. Power receiving device 10 is mounted on a vehicle 11, and receives a supply of power from a power supply facility 30 while the vehicle 11 is traveling. Here, the fore-and-aft direction of vehicle 11 is referred to as a "vehicle fore-and-aft direction VX," and the direction perpendicular to vehicle fore-and-aft direction VX when viewed in the up-and-down direction (vertical direction) is referred to as a "vehicle width direction VY."

[0011] 1 and 2 , the power supply equipment 30 includes a power supply element 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 a component, the expression "extending along a certain direction" does not necessarily mean that the extension direction of the component is parallel to the reference direction, but may also mean that the extension direction of the entire component or a part of the component intersects the reference direction, and may also include a shape in which the extension direction of the entire component is within a predetermined range (e.g., 45 degrees or less) with respect to the reference direction. In the illustrated example, the vehicle fore-and-aft direction VX and the extension direction of the power supply element 32 along the road 20 are the same direction.

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

[0013] In this embodiment, the vehicle 11 is provided with a power supply detector 18 for detecting the power supply 32 in order to obtain the positional relationship between the vehicle 11 and the power supply 32 in the vehicle width direction VY. The power supply detector 18 may be a photographing device that photographs the imaging range E1 including the road surface 20a, or a dedicated sensor for detecting the power supply 32. When the power supply detector 18 is a photographing device, the power supply 32 is detected from the photographed image including the road surface 20a, for example, by image recognition. In the illustrated example, the power supply detector 18 is a front camera that photographs the imaging range E1 including the road surface 20a in front of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction VX. However, the power supply detector 18 may also be a rear camera that photographs the imaging range including the road surface 20a behind the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction VX. The vehicle 11 on which the power receiving device 10 is mounted is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an electric vehicle using a rotating electric machine as a driving source. The rotating electric machine receives power from the power receiving device 10 to rotate the wheels 16.

[0014] In this embodiment, the vehicle 11 is provided with a power receiving terminal (not shown). Electric power supplied to the power receiving device 10 is supplied to electronic devices (e.g., a driving source, a storage battery, a control device of the vehicle 11, etc.) provided in the vehicle 11 via the power receiving terminal. In this embodiment, a mounting portion 41 is fixed to a body 14 of the vehicle 11. Examples of the body 14 include a monocoque body and a ladder frame body.

[0015] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the power receiver 45 contacts the power feeder 32. The lower portion or the entire power receiver 45 is made of, for example, a carbon-based material such as graphite, a metal-based material such as copper, a mixture thereof, etc. Power supplied from the power feeder 32 to the power receiver 45 is sent to the power receiving terminal via an electric wire or the like (not shown).

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , the power receiving device 10 includes a base member 42 that is attached to the vehicle 11. The base member 42 is attached to the underside of the vehicle 11. In this embodiment, the base member 42 is attached to the vehicle 11 via an attachment portion 41. The attachment portion 41 is a member that extends in the vehicle width direction VY. The base member 42 is a member that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction VX. Note that the base member 42 may be attached to the vehicle 11 without the attachment portion 41.

[0017] The power receiving device 10 includes a power receiving body 45 that receives power by contacting the power supply body 32. The power receiving device 10 also includes a coupling mechanism 43 that couples the base member 42 and the power receiving body 45. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the coupling mechanism 43 in a contact position P1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the coupling mechanism 43 in a contracted position P3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the coupling mechanism 43 in a stored position P2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling mechanism 43 in a rolled-over state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 5.

[0018] The position of the connecting mechanism 43 is changed by a drive mechanism 60, which will be described later, between a contact position P1 in which the power receiver 45 is in contact with the power feeder 32 and a storage position P2 in which the power receiver 45 is separated from the power feeder 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 about the roll axis A3.

[0019] The connecting mechanism 43 includes a support arm 52 that supports the power receiving body 45. The connecting mechanism 43 is configured so that the power receiving body 45 is suspended by the support arm 52 when in the contact position P1. In this embodiment, the support arm 52 is a band-shaped member with a rectangular cross section, but it may be a member with another flat shape, such as an elliptical cross section. The support arm 52 may also be a hollow member or a member formed by stacking multiple band-shaped members with a gap between them. Here, the direction in which the support arm 52 extends is defined as the "longitudinal direction D," the direction along the oscillation axes (A1a, A1b) described below 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 swingable around a swing axis (A1a, A1b). As shown in FIG. 3 , in the contact position P1, 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 swing axis (A1a, A1b) toward the power receiver 45. In addition, in the contact position P1, the swing axis (A1a, A1b) is disposed along the vehicle width direction VY. In addition, in the contact position P1, the thickness direction Y is a direction along the vehicle width direction VY. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , in the contact position P1, the thickness direction Y is parallel to the vehicle width direction VY. In addition, in the storage position P2, the thickness direction Y is a direction along the up-down direction Z. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , in the contact position P1, the thickness direction Y is parallel to the up-down direction Z.

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

[0022] In this embodiment, the first arm member 53, the second arm member 54, and a support member 57 that supports the power receiver 45 constitute a parallel link mechanism. A tip end 53a of the first arm member 53 that is remote from the first oscillation axis A1a is connected to the support member 57 that supports the power receiver 45 so as to be swingable about a third oscillation axis A2a that is parallel to the first oscillation axis A1a and the second oscillation axis A1b. A tip end 54a of the second arm member 54 that is remote from the second oscillation axis A1b is connected to the support member 57 that supports the power receiver 45 so as to be swingable about a fourth oscillation axis A2b that is parallel to the first oscillation axis A1a and the second oscillation axis A1b.

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

[0024] The connecting mechanism 43 is configured to roll the support arm 52 about a roll axis A3 that runs along a direction intersecting the swing axis (A1a, A1b) of the contact position P1 when viewed in the up-down direction, so that the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned along the horizontal direction in the contact position P1 and aligned along the up-down direction Z in the storage position P2. Note that the thickness direction Y in the contact position P1 is not limited to being parallel to the horizontal direction and may be inclined relative to this parallel direction. Also, the thickness direction Y in the storage position P2 is not limited to being parallel to the up-down direction Z and may be inclined relative to this parallel direction.

[0025] In this embodiment, the axial direction of the rollover axis A3 is along the vehicle longitudinal direction VX, but it may also be along the vehicle width direction VY. In this embodiment, the axial direction of the rollover axis A3 is horizontal, but it may also be inclined relative to the horizontal. In this embodiment, the axial direction of the rollover axis A3 is perpendicular to the swing axes (A1a, A1b) when viewed in the up-down direction, but it does not have to be perpendicular to the swing axes (A1a, A1b) as long as it intersects with them. The rollover of the support arm 52 may be a rollover of the connecting member 51 relative to the base member 42, or it may be a bending and swinging of the support arm 52 around the rollover axis A3.

[0026] The support arm 52 is formed so that a dimension L1 in the width direction X is larger than a dimension L2 in the thickness direction Y. In this embodiment, the dimension L1 in the width direction X of the support arm 52 is the dimension in the width direction X of the entire support arm 52 connected to one support member 57 or one power receiver 45 that supports the power receiver 45. The dimension L2 in the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is the dimension in the thickness direction Y of the entire support arm 52 connected to one support member 57 or one power receiver 45 that supports the power receiver 45. For example, if a member that rolls around the roll axis A3 integrally with the first arm member 53 or the second arm member 54 is attached to the first arm member 53 or the second arm member 54, the dimension in the width direction X of the entire support arm 52 including that member is the dimension L1 in the width direction X, and the dimension in the thickness direction Y of the entire support arm 52 including that member is the dimension L2 in the thickness direction Y.

[0027] Here, the support arm 52 may include a plurality of arm members, and the dimension L1 of the support arm 52 in the width direction X or the dimension L2 of the support arm 52 in the thickness direction Y may differ between the contact position P1 and the storage position P2. In this embodiment, the dimension L1 of the support arm 52 in the width direction X is larger than the dimension L2 in the thickness direction Y, at least in the storage position P2. Also, in this embodiment, the dimension L1 of the support arm 52 in the width direction X is larger than the dimension L3 of the connecting member 51 in the thickness direction Y. Also, the dimension L1 of the support arm 52 in the width direction X is larger than the dimension L3 of the connecting member 51 in the thickness direction Y, at least in the storage position P2.

[0028] The power receiving device 10 includes a drive mechanism 60 that changes the position of the connecting mechanism 43 between a contact position P1 in which the power receiving body 45 is in contact with the power supply body 32 and a storage position P2 in which the power receiving body 45 is separated from the power supply body 32. The drive mechanism 60 is configured to be capable of a rolling operation that swings the connecting member 51 and the support arms 52 about a rolling axis A3 so that in the contact position P1, the power receiving body 45 is suspended by the support arms 52 and the swing axes (A1a, A1b) of the support arms 52 are in a first position Pb1 along the horizontal direction, and in the storage position P2, the swing axes (A1a, A1b) of the support arms 52 are in a second position Pb2 along the vertical direction Z.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the drive mechanism 60 changes the position of the connecting mechanism 43 from the storage position P2 to the contact position P1, it swings the connecting member 51 around the roll axis A3 to position the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 along the horizontal direction, and then swings the support arm 52 around the swing axis (A1a, A1b) to lower the power receiving body 45.

[0030] In this embodiment, when changing the position of the connecting mechanism 43 from the contact position P1 to the storage position P2, the drive mechanism 60 swings the support arm 52 about the swing axis (A1a, A1b) to raise the power receiving body 45, and then swings the connecting mechanism 43 about the roll axis A3 to bring the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 into a position along the up-down direction Z. Figures 4 and 7 show the state in which the connecting mechanism 43 is in the retracted position P3, that is, the state in which the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is in a position along the horizontal direction after the support arm 52 has been swung about the swing axis (A1a, A1b) to raise the power receiving body 45.

[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 being capable of swing regulation that restricts the swing of the connecting member 51 around the roll 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 device 65 (see FIG. 2 ) and a transmission mechanism 70 that transmits the drive force of the drive device 65 to the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52. The transmission mechanism 70 performs a lowering operation to swing the support arm 52 about the swing axis (A1a, A1b) using the drive force of the drive device 65, thereby lowering the power receiving body 45. The transmission mechanism 70 also performs a raising operation to swing the support arm 52 about the swing axis (A1a, A1b) using the drive force of the drive device 65, thereby raising the power receiving body 45. Examples of the drive device 65 include a rotating electric machine, a pneumatic pump, a hydraulic pump, and a solenoid actuator.

[0033] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 70 performs a rollover operation by swinging the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52 about the rollover axis A3 from the second position Pb2 to the first position Pb1 using the driving force of the drive unit 65. The transmission mechanism 70 also performs a rollover operation by swinging the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52 about the rollover axis A3 from the first position Pb1 to the second position Pb2 using the driving force of the drive unit 65.

[0034] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 70 is configured to sequentially execute the following operations using the driving force of the drive unit 65: an unlocking operation that releases the restriction on the swinging of the connecting member 51 around the roll axis A3 from the storage position P2; a rolling operation that, after the unlocking operation is completed, swings the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52 around the roll axis A3 from the second position Pb2 to the first position Pb1; a locking operation that, after the rollover operation is completed, restricts the swinging of the connecting member 51 around the roll axis A3; and a lowering operation that, after the locking operation is completed, swings the support arm 52 around the swing axis (A1a, A1b) to lower the power receiving body 45.

[0035] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 70 is configured to sequentially execute the following operations: a lifting operation in which the support arm 52 is swung around the swing axis (A1a, A1b) from the contact position P1 by the driving force of the drive unit 65 to lift the power receiving body 45; an unlocking operation in which, after the lifting operation is completed, the restriction on the swinging of the connecting member 51 around the rollover axis A3 is released; a rolling operation in which, after the unlocking operation is completed, the connecting member 51 and the support arm 52 are swung around the rollover axis A3 from the first position Pb1 to the second position Pb2; and a locking operation in which, after the rollover operation is completed, the swinging of the connecting member 51 around the rollover axis A3 is restricted.

[0036] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 70 includes a transmission member 75 that moves in a specific transmission direction B by the driving force of the drive device 65. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the transmission mechanism 70 includes a pulley 76. Examples of the transmission member 75 include a wire, a cable, a chain, and a gear.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the transmission mechanism 70 is disposed so as to pass through the inside of a cylindrical member 79 fixed to the base member 42 or the connecting member 51. One end of the transmission member 75 is fixed to the vehicle body 14, the mounting portion 41, or the base member 42, and the other end is pulled by the drive device 65, causing the support arm 52 to swing about the swing axis (A1a, A1b) and lifting the power receiver 45. The connecting mechanism 43 also includes a first elastic member 55 (see FIG. 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 a direction that causes the power receiver 45 to descend and contact the power feeder 32. Examples of the first elastic member 55 include a coil spring, a torsion coil spring, and a leaf spring.

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

[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 rollover axis A3. The first cam member 85 is connected to the connecting member 51 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the rollover axis A3. The first cam member 85 is connected to the second cam member 86 so as to be movable around the rollover axis A3. The second cam member 86 is fixed to the base member 42. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , a groove 88a extending in the axial direction of the rollover axis A3 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first cam member 85, and a protrusion 88b that fits into the groove 88a is formed on the outer peripheral 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 rollover axis A3 but to be movable in the axial direction of the rollover 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 against the second cam member 86. Examples of the second elastic member 87 include a coil spring, a torsion coil spring, and a leaf spring. 11 and 12 show development views of the first cam member 85.

[0041] The transmission member 75 is configured to operate the cam mechanism 80 by moving in a predetermined first operating region toward a first side B1 in the transmission direction B. The transmission member 75 is also configured to swing the support arm 52 around the swing axis (A1a, A1b) and lower the power receiving body 45 by moving in a second operating region toward the first side B1 in the transmission direction B, which is closer to the first side B1 in the transmission direction than the first operating region.

[0042] The transmission member 75 is configured to operate the cam mechanism 80 by moving in a predetermined first operating region toward a second side B2 in the transmission direction, which is the other side of the transmission direction B. The transmission member 75 is also configured to swing the support arm 52 around the swing axis (A1a, A1b) and lift the power receiving body 45 by moving in a second operating region toward the second side B2 in the transmission direction, which is closer to the first side B1 in the transmission direction than the first operating region.

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

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

[0045] The cam mechanism 80 is configured to operate to the first side C1 in the cam operating direction in response to the operation of the transmission member 75 to the first side B1 in the power transmission direction in the first operating region. The cam mechanism 80 is also configured to operate to the second side C2 in the cam operating direction in response to the operation of the transmission member 75 to the second side B2 in the power transmission direction in the first operating region.

[0046] The cam mechanism 80 includes 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 on the first side C1 in the cam operation direction relative to the first cam region 81. The third cam region 83 is located on the first side C1 in the cam operation direction relative to the second cam region 82.

[0047] The first cam region 81 is configured to restrict the swinging of the connecting member 51 about the rollover axis A3 to maintain the connecting member 51 in the second position Pb2. The second cam region 82 is configured to swing the connecting member 51 about the rollover axis A3 from the second position Pb2 to the first position Pb1 in response to the movement of the cam mechanism 80 toward the first side C1 in the cam operating direction. The second cam region 82 is configured to swing the connecting member 51 about the rollover axis A3 from the first position Pb1 to the second position Pb2 in response to the movement of the cam mechanism 80 toward the second side C2 in the cam operating direction. The third cam region 83 is configured to restrict the swinging of the connecting member 51 about the rollover axis A3 to maintain the connecting member 51 in the first position Pb1.

[0048] 1 and 2 , the power receiving device 10 includes a plurality of power receivers 45 (three in the illustrated example). The power receiving device 10 also includes a plurality of coupling mechanisms 43 (three in the illustrated example). In this embodiment, the plurality of power receivers 45 are arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction VX. Note that the plurality of power receivers 45 may also be arranged in both the vehicle longitudinal direction VX and the vehicle width direction VY.

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

[0050] The power receiving device 10 includes a movement mechanism 90 that moves the connecting mechanism 43 and the power receiver 45 in the vehicle width direction VY relative to the vehicle 11. In this embodiment, the movement mechanism 90 moves the base member 42 in the vehicle width direction VY relative to the mounting portion 41. Note that the movement mechanism 90 may move the connecting mechanism 43 and the power receiver 45 in the vehicle width direction VY and the vehicle fore-and-aft direction VX, i.e., obliquely relative to the vehicle width direction VY. Examples of the movement mechanism 90 include a mechanism using a worm gear, a belt, etc.

[0051] In this embodiment, when the coupling mechanism 43 is in the storage position P2, the entire coupling mechanism 43 and the power receiver 45 are disposed within a range overlapping with the vehicle body 14 in the vehicle width direction VY as viewed in the up-down direction. Furthermore, when the coupling mechanism 43 is in the storage position P2, the entire coupling mechanism 43 and the power receiver 45 are disposed within a range overlapping with the vehicle body 14 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction VX as viewed in the up-down direction. Note that when the coupling mechanism 43 is in the storage position P2, the lower end of the coupling mechanism 43 may be configured to be located on the upper side Z1 than the lower end of the vehicle body 14. Furthermore, when the coupling mechanism 43 is in the storage position P2, the lower end of the power receiver 45 may be configured to be located on the upper side Z1 than the lower end of the vehicle body 14. When the coupling mechanism 43 is in the storage position P2, the coupling mechanism 43 and the power receiver 45 are configured to be located, for example, between the storage 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 so 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 roll the support arm 52 around the roll axis A3 that runs along a direction intersecting the swing axis (first swing axis A1a, second swing axis A1b) when viewed in the vertical direction 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 runs horizontally, and in the storage position P2 the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 runs along the vertical direction Z.

[0053] According to the power receiving device 10 described above, when the coupling mechanism 43 is in the contact position P1, the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned horizontally. This allows the load acting in the vertical direction Z from the power supply 32 or the road surface 20a on the power receiver 45 suspended by the support arm 52 to act in the width direction X of the support arm 52. This facilitates ensuring the strength of the support arm 52 while reducing its weight. Furthermore, with this configuration, when the coupling mechanism 43 is in the storage position P2, the thickness direction Y of the support arm 52 is aligned vertically Z, which facilitates reducing the placement area of ​​the support arm 52 in the storage position P2. In other words, the vertical dimension of the power receiving device 10 in the non-power receiving state is easily reduced. This facilitates ensuring a wide gap between the road surface 20a and the underside of the vehicle 11, even when the coupling mechanism 43 is disposed on 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 freely around the roll axis A3, and when the drive mechanism 60 changes the position of the connecting mechanism 43 from the storage position P2 to the contact position P1, the drive mechanism 60 swings the connecting member 51 around the roll axis A3 to position the support arm 52 so that the thickness direction Y is aligned horizontally, and then swings the support arm 52 around the swing axis (first swing axis A1a, second swing axis A1b) to lower the power receiving body 45.

[0055] The above-described power receiving device 10 provides a relatively simple configuration for overturning the support arm 52. Furthermore, after the connecting member 51 is swung about the lateral roll axis A3 to overturn the support arm 52, the support arm 52 is swung about the swing axes (first swing axis A1a, second swing axis A1b) to lower the power receiver 45, which prevents the power receiver 45 from coming into contact with the road surface 20a or the power feeder 32 during the overturn. This allows the support arm 52 to be overturned and the power receiver 45 to be lowered appropriately.

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

[0057] According to the above-mentioned power receiving device 10, even if the distance between the base member 42 and the power supply body 32 in the vertical direction Z changes while the vehicle 11 is traveling, the power receiving body 45 can be moved up and down appropriately to follow this.

[0058] In the power receiving device 10 of this embodiment, the first oscillation axis A1a and the second oscillation axis A1b are arranged parallel to each other, the first arm member 53 and the second arm member 54 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the width direction X, and the tip end 53a of the first arm member 53 away from the first oscillation axis A1a and the tip end 54a of the second arm member 54 away from the second oscillation axis A1b are each connected to the power receiving body 45 or a support member 57 that supports the power receiving body 45 so as to be able to swing freely around axes (third oscillation axis A2a, fourth oscillation axis A2b) parallel to the first oscillation axis A1a and the second oscillation axis A1b, and the first arm member 53, the second arm member 54, and the power receiving body 45 or the support member 57 form a parallel link mechanism.

[0059] According to the above-mentioned 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, the position of the power receiving body 45 relative to the power supply body 32 can be easily maintained.

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

[0061] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the unlocking operation, the rolling operation, the locking operation, and the lowering operation are sequentially performed by the operation of the drive device 65. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the locking operation may be performed during the lowering operation. Furthermore, for example, the rolling operation and the lowering operation may be performed alternately in multiple steps.

[0062] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the lifting operation, unlocking operation, rolling over operation, and locking operation are sequentially performed by the operation of the drive device 65. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the unlocking operation may be performed before or during the lifting operation. Furthermore, for example, the rolling over operation and the lifting operation may be performed alternately multiple times.

[0063] (3) In the above embodiment, the drive mechanism 60 includes the drive device 65 and the transmission mechanism 70, and the transmission mechanism 70 includes the transmission member 75 and the cam mechanism 80, thereby performing the swing restriction, the rollover operation, the locking operation, the unlocking operation, the raising operation, the lowering operation, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the transmission mechanism 70 may include a worm gear instead of the cam mechanism 80, and the swing restriction may be performed by its self-locking function. Also, for example, the transmission mechanism 70 may include a gear mechanism, and the swing restriction may be performed by locking the gear with a lock pin or the like. Also, for example, the transmission mechanism 70 may be configured to transmit driving force using hydraulic pressure or air pressure. Similarly, the swing restriction, the locking operation, the unlocking operation, the raising operation, the lowering operation, and the like may be performed by the drive device 65 and the transmission mechanism 70 configured as described above.

[0064] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which one drive device 65 swings the multiple support arms 52 around the swing axes (A1a, A1b) and swings the multiple connecting members 51 and the multiple support arms 52 around the rollover axis A3. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, a configuration in which multiple drive devices 65 swing the multiple support arms 52 around the swing axes (A1a, A1b) may be used. Also, for example, a configuration in which multiple drive devices 65 swing the multiple connecting members 51 and the multiple support arms 52 around the rollover axis A3 may be used. Furthermore, the drive device 65 that swings the support arm 52 around the swing axes (A1a, A1b) and the drive device 65 that swings the multiple connecting members 51 and the multiple support arms 52 around the rollover axis A3 may be different drive devices 65.

[0065] (5) In the above embodiment, the connecting member 51 is connected to the base member 42 so as to be able to swing freely around the rollover axis A3. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the connecting member 51 may be configured integrally with the base member 42, or may be a separate member that is fixed integrally with the base member 42.

[0066] (6) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which, in the contact position P1, the swing axes (A1a, A1b) are disposed 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 swing axes (A1a, A1b) toward the power receiver 45. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, in the contact position P1, the swing axes (A1a, A1b) may be disposed along the vehicle longitudinal direction VX, and the longitudinal direction D of the support arm 52 may be inclined downward Z2 and toward the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction VX as it moves from the swing axes (A1a, A1b) toward the power receiver 45. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction D of the support arm 52 does not have to be inclined downward Z2 and rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction VX as it moves from the swing axis (A1a, A1b) toward the power receiver 45 side.

[0067] (7) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the support arm 52 includes the first arm member 53 and the second arm member 54. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the support arm 52 may be a single elongated member. Furthermore, for example, the first oscillation axis A1a and the second oscillation axis A1b may be the same axis. Furthermore, for example, the third oscillation axis A2a and the fourth oscillation axis A2b may be the same axis.

[0068] (8) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the tip end 53 a of the first arm member 53 and the tip end 54 a of the second arm member 54 are each swingably connected to the support member 57. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the tip end 53 a of the first arm member 53 and the tip end 54 a of the second arm member 54 may each be swingably connected to the power receiver 45 around axes (third swing axis A2 a and fourth swing axis A2 b) parallel to the first swing axis A1 a and the second swing axis A1 b, and the first arm member 53, the second arm member 54, and the power receiver 45 may form a parallel link mechanism.

[0069] (9) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the thickness direction Y is a direction along the vehicle width direction VY in the contact position P1 and a direction along the up-down direction Z in the storage position P2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the thickness direction Y may be a direction along the vehicle front-rear direction VX in the contact position P1 and a direction along the up-down direction Z in the storage position P2.

[0070] (10) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the other end of the transmission member 75 is pulled by the drive device 65 to raise the power receiving body 45, and the power receiving body 45 is lowered by the first elastic member 55. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the power receiving body 45 may be lowered by the other end of the transmission member 75 being pulled by the drive device 65, and the power receiving body 45 may be raised by the first elastic member 55. Furthermore, for example, the power receiving body 45 may be raised by the drive device 65 pulling one end of the transmission member 75, and lowered by the other end of the transmission member 75 being pulled by another drive device 65.

[0071] (11) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] Summary of the Present Embodiment The above-described vehicle power receiving device (10) will now be briefly summarized.

[0073] In one aspect, a vehicle power receiving device (10) is mounted on a vehicle (11) and receives power from a power supply facility (30) having a power supply body (32) installed on a road surface (20a) of the road (20) so as to extend along the road (20), while the vehicle (11) is traveling. The vehicle power receiving device (10) includes a base member (42) attached to the vehicle (11), a power receiving body (45) that receives power by contacting the power supply body (32), and a power receiving device (45) that receives power by contacting the base member (42) and the power receiving body (45). and a drive mechanism (60) for changing the position of the connection mechanism (43) between a contact position (P1) in which the power receiving body (45) is in contact with the power supply body (32) and a storage position (P2) in which the power receiving body (45) is separated from the power supply body (32). The connection mechanism (43) includes a support arm (52) for supporting the power receiving body (45) and a connection member (51) for connecting the base member (42) and the support arm (52). The support arm (52) is a swingable member. The support arm (52) is connected to a connecting member (51) so as to be swingable around an axis (A1a, A1b). The direction in which the support arm (52) extends is defined as a longitudinal direction (D), the direction along the swing axis (A1a, A1b) is defined as a thickness direction (Y), and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction (D) and the thickness direction (Y) is defined as a width direction (X). The support arm (52) is formed so that its dimension (L1) in the width direction (X) is larger than its dimension (L2) in the thickness direction (Y). The connecting mechanism (43) has a contact posture (P1 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 horizontally, and in the storage position (P2), the thickness direction (Y) of the support arm (52) is aligned vertically (Z). In this manner, in the contact position (P1), the support arm (52) is configured to be rolled over around a roll axis (A3) aligned in a direction intersecting the swing axis (A1a, A1b) when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0074] According to this configuration, when the connecting mechanism (43) is in the contact position (P1), the thickness direction (Y) of the support arm (52) is aligned horizontally. This allows the load acting in the vertical direction (Z) on the power receiver (45) suspended by the support arm (52) from the power feeder (32) or the road surface (20a) to act in the width direction (X) of the support arm (52). This facilitates weight reduction and ensures the strength of the support arm (52). Furthermore, according to this configuration, when the connecting mechanism (43) is in the storage position (P2), the support arm (52) is turned over, so that the thickness direction (Y) of the support arm (52) is aligned vertically (Z). This facilitates reducing the vertical (Z) dimension of the power receiving device (10) in the non-power receiving state. This makes it easy to ensure a wide gap between the road surface (20a) and the underside of the vehicle (11), even if the connecting mechanism (43) is arranged on the underside of the vehicle (11).

[0075] In one aspect, the connecting member (51) is connected to the base member (42) so as to be swingable around the rollover axis (A3), and when the drive mechanism (60) changes the position of the connecting mechanism (43) from the storage position (P2) to the contact position (P1), the drive mechanism (60) swings the connecting member (51) around the rollover 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).

[0076] According to this configuration, a configuration capable of rolling over the support arm (52) can be realized relatively simply. Furthermore, after the connecting member (51) is swung around the rollover axis (A3) to roll over the support arm (52), the support arm (52) is swung around the swing axes (first swing axis A1a, second swing axis A1b) to lower the power receiver (45). This prevents the power receiver (45) from coming into contact with the road surface (20a) or the power feeder (32) during the rollover. Therefore, the support arm (52) can be rolled over and the power receiver (45) can be lowered appropriately.

[0077] In one aspect, 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) when viewed in the vertical direction is defined as the vehicle width direction (VY). In the contact posture (P1), the swing axes (first swing axis A1a, second swing axis 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 of the vehicle longitudinal direction (VX) as it moves from the swing axes (first swing axis A1a, second swing axis A1b) toward the power receiver (45).

[0078] According to this configuration, even if the vertical (Z) distance between the base member (42) and the power supply body (32) fluctuates while the vehicle (11) is traveling, the power receiving body (45) can be moved up and down appropriately to follow this.

[0079] In one aspect, the support arm (52) comprises a first arm member (53) and a second arm member (54), the swing axis of the first arm member (53) being a first swing axis (A1a), the swing axis of the second arm member (54) being a second swing axis (A1b), the first swing axis (A1a) and the second swing axis (A1b) being arranged parallel to each other, the first arm member (53) and the second arm member (54) being arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the width direction (X), and the first swing axis (A1a) of the first arm member (53) The tip (53a) of the second arm member (54) away from the first swing axis (A1a) and the tip (54a) of the second arm member (54) away from the second swing axis (A1b) are connected to the current receiving body (45) or a support member (57) supporting the current receiving body (45) so as to be able to swing freely around axes (third swing axis A2a, fourth swing axis A2b) parallel to the first swing axis (A1a) and the second swing axis (A1b), and the first arm member (53), the second arm member (54), and the current receiving body (45) or the support member (57) form a parallel link mechanism.

[0080] According to this configuration, the power receiver (45) can be stably supported in the contact position (P1), and even if the distance in the vertical direction (Z) between the base member (42) and the power feeder (32) fluctuates and the power receiver (45) moves up and down, the position of the power receiver (45) relative to the power feeder (32) can be easily maintained.

[0081] The vehicle power receiving device (10) according to the present disclosure may have at least one of the above-described effects.

[0082] 10: power receiving device (vehicle power receiving device), 11: vehicle, 20: road, 20a: road surface, 30: power feeding equipment, 32: power feeding body, 42: base member, 43: connecting mechanism, 45: power receiving body, 51: connecting member, 52: support arm, 53: first arm member, 53a: tip portion, 54: second arm member, 54a: tip portion, 51: connecting member, 57: support member, 60: drive mechanism, A1a: first swing axis (swing axis), A1b: second swing axis (swing axis), A2a: third swing axis (parallel axis), A2b: fourth swing axis (parallel axis), A3: roll axis, D: longitudinal direction, L1: width dimension, L2: thickness dimension, P1: contact position, P2: storage position

Claims

1. A vehicle power receiving device that is mounted on a vehicle and receives power while the vehicle is traveling from a power supply facility having a power supply body installed on a road surface so as to extend along the road, comprising: a base member attached to the vehicle; a power receiver that receives power by contacting the power supply body; a connecting mechanism that connects the base member and the power receiver; and a drive mechanism that changes the position of the connecting mechanism between a contact position in which the power receiver is in contact with the power supply body and a stored position in which the power receiver is separated from the power supply body, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises: a support arm that supports the power receiver; and a connecting member that connects the base member and the support arm, wherein the support arm is connected to the connecting member so as to be freely swingable around a swing axis, and the direction in which the support arm extends is defined as a longitudinal direction, the direction along the swing axis is defined as a thickness direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction is defined as a width direction, the support arm is formed so that the width dimension is greater than the thickness dimension, and the connecting mechanism is configured to roll the support arm around a roll axis that runs along a direction intersecting the swing axis when viewed in the vertical direction in the contact position, so that in the contact position, the power receiver is suspended by the support arm and the thickness direction of the support arm is aligned along the horizontal direction, and in the stored position, the thickness direction of the support arm is aligned along the vertical direction.

2. The vehicle power receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is connected to the base member so as to be freely swingable about the roll axis, and when the drive mechanism changes the position of the connecting mechanism from the stored position to the contact position, the drive mechanism swings the connecting member about the roll axis to bring the thickness direction of the support arm into a position along the horizontal direction, and then swings the support arm about the swing axis to lower the power receiving body.

3. A vehicle power receiving device as described in claim 1, wherein the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle is defined as the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vehicle fore-and-aft direction when viewed in the up-and-down direction is defined as the vehicle width direction, and in the contact posture, the oscillating axis is arranged along the vehicle width direction, and the longitudinal direction of the support arm is inclined downward and toward the rear in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction as it moves from the oscillating axis toward the power receiver.

4. The vehicle power receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support arm comprises a first arm member and a second arm member, the swing axis of the first arm member being a first swing axis and the swing axis of the second arm member being a second swing axis, the first swing axis and the second swing axis being arranged parallel to each other, the first arm member and the second arm member being arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the width direction, and a tip end of the first arm member remote from the first swing axis and a tip end of the second arm member remote from the second swing axis are each connected to the power receiving body or a support member supporting the power receiving body so as to be freely swingable around axes parallel to the first swing axis and the second swing axis, and the first arm member, the second arm member and the power receiving body or the support member form a parallel link mechanism.

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