JP7521921B2 - Contactless power supply system for carts - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a non-contact power supply system for a cart, and more specifically, to a non-contact power supply system for a cart that enables non-contact power supply to electronic devices mounted on the cart.

In recent years, hospitals and nursing homes have adopted a non-contact power supply system for carts that enables non-contact power supply to electronic devices mounted on nurse carts, in response to the increased use of electronic devices due to the introduction of electronic medical records. Inventions related to the non-contact power supply system for carts are disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 21, is a fixture system 100 including a fixed fixture 102 that has a projection 101 projecting out to the side and that is placed on the floor, and a movable fixture 104 that has a recess 103 into which the projection 101 can be inserted and that can move on the floor, and is characterized by having a power supply unit 105 provided on the projection 101, a power receiving unit 106 provided in the recess 103 and arranged opposite the power supply unit 105 when the projection 101 is inserted into the recess 103, and a power supply device 107 that supplies power contactlessly from the power supply unit 105 to the power receiving unit 106.

According to the above-mentioned fixture system 100, when the extension 101 of the fixed fixture 102 is inserted into the recess 103 of the mobile fixture 104, the power supply section 105 of the extension 101 and the power receiving section 106 of the recess 103 are arranged opposite each other, making it possible to supply power without contact. This eliminates the need to insert a power cord into an outlet at each mobile fixture 104, and keeps the floor clear by avoiding the need to place multiple power cords on the floor.

The invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, is a hands-free type current-carrying device 200 that is provided on a part of a support 202 of a nurse cart 201 and is composed of a socket terminal 204 that is mainly formed with one current-carrying connector 203 that has a function of supplying power to electronic devices mounted on the cart 201, and a plug terminal 206 that has another current-carrying connector 205 that is electrically connected to the current-carrying connector 203 formed on the socket terminal 204 and is mechanically connected to the socket terminal 204. The plug terminal 206 is provided on a base 211Z that is composed of a predetermined structure, etc.

The hands-free type current-carrying device 200 is also configured to include a plug terminal 206 having a predetermined plug-in piece 207, a substrate having a predetermined rigidity, and a power transmission unit 208 that is provided on the substrate and forms a non-contact power transmission mechanism, and a socket terminal 204 having a receptacle 209 into which the plug-in piece 207 is inserted, and a power receiving unit 210 that is provided on the surface on which the receptacle 209 is formed and that forms a non-contact power transmission mechanism and is provided so as to face the power transmission unit 208 formed on the plug terminal 206 side.

A guide member 216 is formed around the plug terminal 206. The guide member 216 is made up of an under guide portion 214 that is formed to support the socket terminal 204 mainly from below when the plug terminal 206 is connected to the socket terminal 204, and a side guide portion 215 that is provided on the side of the plug terminal 206 and is formed to hold both side portions of the socket terminal 204.

JP 2012-19906 A JP 2019-29354 A

However, in the fixture system 100 disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the extension (top) 101 of the fixed fixture (table) 102 is inserted into the recess 103 of the mobile fixture (cart) 104, the power supply unit 105 formed on the underside of the extension (top) 101 and the power receiving unit 106 formed on the upper surface of the recess 103 are arranged opposite each other, enabling contactless power supply. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange the power receiving unit 106 of the mobile fixture (cart) 104 near the extension (top) 101 of the fixed fixture (table) 102, which raises the center of gravity of the mobile fixture (cart) 104, resulting in a problem of poor center of gravity balance when the mobile fixture (cart) 104 is moved.

In this regard, the hands-free type current application device 200 disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a socket terminal 204 having a power receiving unit 210 forming a non-contact type power transmission mechanism, which is provided on a part of the support column 202 of the nurse cart 201. This has the advantage that the center of gravity of the nurse cart 201 is relatively low, and the center of gravity balance of the nurse cart 201 can be stabilized when moving.

However, in the hands-free type current supply device 200, a guide member 216 is formed around the plug terminal 206 (power supply device), which consists of an under guide portion 214 formed to support the socket terminal 204 mainly from below when the socket terminal 204 (power receiving device) is connected, and a side guide portion 215 provided on the side of the plug terminal 206 and formed to hold both side portions of the socket terminal 204. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the peripheral portion of the plug terminal 206 (power supply device) attached to the base 211 (indoor structure including a table, etc.) increases, which causes a problem of poor appearance as an indoor structure, and there has been a demand for improving the appearance of the indoor structure to which the power supply device is attached.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a non-contact power supply system for carts that allows a cart with a power receiving device to supply power non-contact to an indoor structure with a power supply device, and is effective in improving the appearance of the indoor structure to which the power supply device is attached.

In order to achieve the above object, a contactless power supply system for a cart according to the present invention has the following configuration.
(1) A wireless power supply system for a cart, comprising: a power supply device attached to an indoor structure; and a power receiving device attached to a leg of a cart that carries electronic devices and moves indoors, in a position that can face the power supply device, the system performing wireless power supply by electromagnetic induction with the power supply device and the power receiving device disposed opposite each other,
The indoor structure includes a storage section that opens toward the room and a lid body having a flat surface that closes the storage section,
The power supply device is mounted in the storage section such that a front end portion thereof facing the power receiving device serves as all or part of the lid body.

In the present invention, the indoor structure includes a storage section that opens toward the room and a lid with a flat surface that closes the storage section, and the power supply device is attached to the storage section in such a manner that the front end portion that faces the power receiving device also serves as all or part of the lid portion. This allows the front end portion of the power supply device to be made identical in appearance to the lid portion that closes the storage section while all or part of the power supply device is hidden within the storage section. As a result, the front end portion of the power supply device blends into the lid portion that closes the storage section of the indoor structure and becomes less noticeable, thereby improving the appearance of the indoor structure to which the power supply device is attached. Note that the indoor structure includes furniture (e.g., tables, cabinets, etc.) that is placed or fixed on the floor surface of a room, wall panels and partition panels that constitute the walls of a room, and floor panels and steps that constitute the floor surface.

Therefore, according to the present invention, a cart having a power receiving device can supply power to an indoor structure having a power supply device in a non-contact manner, and a non-contact power supply system for a cart can be provided that is effective in improving the appearance of the indoor structure to which the power supply device is attached.

(2) A wireless power supply system for a cart according to (1),
The front end of the power supply device is covered by a cover body made of the same or similar material as an adjacent cover body, and both covers are arranged on the same plane.

In the present invention, the front end of the power supply device is covered by a cover made of the same or similar material as the adjacent cover, and both covers are arranged on the same plane, so that the front end of the power supply device can be made to look even more similar to the cover. As a result, the front end of the power supply device is difficult to distinguish from the cover that closes the storage section of the indoor structure, and becomes even less noticeable, which further improves the appearance of the indoor structure to which the power supply device is attached.

(3) In the wireless power supply system for a cart according to (1) or (2),
a positioning means for positioning the cart at a lower end of the indoor structure so that the power supply device and the power receiving device can supply power in a non-contact manner;
The positioning means has a first holding mechanism for holding the cart in a position where non-contact power supply is possible.

In the present invention, the lower end of the indoor structure is provided with a positioning means for positioning the cart at a position where the power supply device and the power receiving device can supply power contactlessly, so the positioning means can be formed at a position separated from the power supply device. This allows a highly rigid positioning means to be provided on the indoor structure while improving the appearance of the indoor structure to which the power supply device is attached. The highly rigid positioning means can withstand the impact load of the cart and bring the power supply device and the power receiving device closer together, allowing efficient contactless power supply.

The positioning means also has a first holding mechanism that holds the cart in a position where non-contact power supply is possible, so that after the cart is set in a position where the power supply device and the power receiving device can supply power non-contact, the first holding mechanism can hold the cart in that position until charging is completed by the non-contact power supply system for a cart. As a result, the non-contact power supply system for a cart can supply power non-contactly more efficiently and can improve operational convenience.

(4) In the wireless power supply system for a cart according to any one of (1) to (3),
The power supply device and the power receiving device each have a second holding mechanism for holding a front end portion of the power supply device and a front end portion of the power receiving device in a position where power can be supplied contactlessly.

In the present invention, the power supply device and the power receiving device have a second holding mechanism that holds the front end of the power supply device and the front end of the power receiving device in a position where non-contact power supply is possible. Therefore, after the cart is set in a position where the power supply device and the power receiving device can supply power non-contact, the second holding mechanism can keep the distance between the power supply device and the power receiving device constant until charging is completed by the non-contact power supply system for the cart. As a result, the non-contact power supply system for the cart can supply power non-contactly more efficiently and improve operational convenience.

(5) In the wireless power supply system for a cart according to any one of (1) to (4),
the power supply device includes a gap detection unit that detects a gap between the power supply device and the power receiving device;
The gap detection means outputs a signal to start contactless power supply when the power supply device and the power receiving device approach each other at a predetermined distance in the opposing position.

In the present invention, the power supply device is provided with a gap detection means for detecting a gap at the opposing position with the power receiving device, and the gap detection means outputs a signal to start non-contact power supply when the power supply device and the power receiving device approach each other by a predetermined distance at the opposing position, so that non-contact power supply can be stopped when the power supply device and the power receiving device are separated by more than the predetermined distance at the opposing position. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently supply power non-contactly between the power supply device and the power receiving device without wasting power.

(6) In the wireless power supply system for a cart according to any one of (1) to (5),
the power supply device includes a power supply protective case having a power supply case front end portion covering a power supply coil portion in a flat plate shape, the power supply coil portion having an upper end portion and a lower end portion abutting against a rear surface of the power supply case front end portion and a power supply core portion formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section with a coil wire wound around the vertical intermediate portion;
The power receiving device includes a power receiving protective case having a power receiving case front end portion that covers a power receiving coil portion in a flat plate shape, and the power receiving coil portion has an upper end portion and a lower end portion that abut against a rear surface of the power receiving case front end portion, and a power receiving core portion formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section with a coil wire wound around the middle portion in the vertical direction;
The present invention is characterized in that the upper end of the power supply core part faces the upper end of the power receiving core part, and the lower end of the power supply core part faces the lower end of the power receiving core part, and non-contact power supply by electromagnetic induction is performed between the power supply coil part and the power receiving coil part.

In the present invention, the power supply device includes a power supply protective case having a power supply case front end that covers the power supply coil section in a flat plate shape, and the power supply coil section has a power supply core section whose upper and lower ends abut against the back surface of the power supply case front end and whose cross section is formed in a substantially U-shape with a coil wire wound around the middle part in the vertical direction; and the power receiving device includes a power receiving protective case having a power receiving case front end that covers the power receiving coil section in a flat plate shape, and the power receiving coil section has a power receiving core section whose upper and lower ends abut against the back surface of the power receiving case front end and whose cross section is formed in a substantially U-shape with a coil wire wound around the middle part in the vertical direction; and the upper end of the power supply core section faces the upper end of the power receiving core section, and the lower end of the power supply core section faces the lower end of the power receiving core section, and contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction is performed between the power supply coil section and the power receiving coil section, so that the power supply coil section and the power receiving coil section can be thinned and arranged opposite each other. This makes it easier to store the power supply device in the storage compartment of the indoor structure, further improving the appearance of the indoor structure to which the power supply device is attached. Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of the power receiving device from the legs of the cart is reduced, improving the appearance of the power receiving device on the cart.

(7) In the wireless power supply system for a cart according to any one of (1) to (5),
the power supply device includes a power supply protective case having a power supply case front end portion covering a power supply coil portion in a flat plate shape, and the power supply case front end portion has a power supply stopper portion formed in a position spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the power supply coil portion;
the power receiving device includes a power receiving protective case having a power receiving case front end portion that covers a power receiving coil portion in a flat plate shape, and the power receiving case front end portion has a power receiving stopper portion formed substantially parallel to the power receiving coil portion at a position spaced apart from the power receiving coil portion;
When the power supply stopper portion and the power receiving stopper portion are in contact with each other, a predetermined gap is formed between the front end portion of the power supply case and the front end portion of the power receiving case, which enables contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction between the power supply coil portion and the power receiving coil portion.

In the present invention, the power supply device is provided with a power supply protective case having a power supply case front end portion that covers the power supply coil portion in a flat plate shape, and the power supply case front end portion has a power supply stopper portion formed approximately parallel to the power supply coil portion at a position spaced apart from the power supply coil portion, and the power receiving device is provided with a power receiving protective case having a power receiving case front end portion that covers the power receiving coil portion in a flat plate shape, and the power receiving case front end portion has a power receiving stopper portion formed approximately parallel to the power receiving coil portion at a position spaced apart from the power receiving coil portion, and When the stopper portion for power supply and the stopper portion for power reception are in contact with each other, a predetermined gap is formed between the front end of the power supply case and the front end of the power reception case, allowing non-contact power supply by electromagnetic induction between the power supply coil portion and the power reception coil portion. Therefore, in a non-contact power supply state in which the power supply coil portion and the power reception coil portion are arranged opposite each other, the front end of the power supply case and the front end of the power reception case are spaced apart substantially parallel by a predetermined gap, and the stopper portion for power supply and the stopper portion for power reception can be brought into contact with each other substantially parallel. Therefore, when the cart is moved to the non-contact power supply state, the stopper portion for power supply and the stopper portion for power reception are brought into contact with each other substantially parallel to prevent a collision between the front end of the power supply case and the front end of the power reception case, and the risk of damage to the power supply coil portion or the power reception coil portion can be avoided in advance. As a result, a cart having a considerable weight and equipped with electronic devices can be easily set to the non-contact power supply state with peace of mind.

In addition, the entire front end side of the power supply protective case and the power receiving protective case can be formed into a substantially flat surface, allowing the thickness of each case to be made thin. This allows the power supply device and the power receiving device to be easily made thin. As a result, the appearance of the indoor structure in which the power supply device is installed can be further improved, and at the same time, the amount of protrusion of the power receiving device relative to the legs of the cart can be reduced, improving the appearance of the cart relative to the power receiving device.

(8) In the wireless power supply system for a cart described in (7),
At least one of the power supply stopper portion or the power receiving stopper portion is characterized by having a rubber-based cushioning member that flexes while maintaining a space between the front end portion of the power supply case and the front end portion of the power receiving case when the power supply stopper portion and the power receiving stopper portion abut against each other.

In the present invention, at least one of the power supply stopper portion or the power receiving stopper portion is provided with a rubber-based cushioning member that flexes while maintaining the front end of the power supply case and the front end of the power receiving case apart when the power supply stopper portion and the power receiving stopper portion come into contact with each other. This allows the impact load when the power supply stopper portion and the power receiving stopper portion come into contact to be easily alleviated by the flexing of the rubber-based cushioning member while ensuring the thinness of the power supply device and the power receiving device.

(9) In the wireless power supply system for a cart described in (8),
The front end of the power supply case or the front end of the power receiving case is characterized in that a second rubber-based cushioning member formed in a band shape and having the same or higher rubber hardness as the rubber-based cushioning member is provided at a position spaced apart from the rubber-based cushioning member.

For example, if the floor surface is uneven or inclined, when the cart is moved to a non-contact power supply state in which the power supply coil section and the power receiving coil section are arranged opposite each other, the front end of the power supply case and the front end of the power receiving case may collide before the power supply stopper section and the power receiving stopper section come into contact substantially parallel to each other. At that time, there is a risk that damage may occur to the power supply protective case and the power receiving protective case, or that damage may occur to the coil wires or connecting wiring of the power supply coil section and the power receiving coil section.

In the present invention, a second rubber-based cushioning member formed in a band shape with the same or higher rubber hardness than the rubber-based cushioning member is provided at a position separated from the rubber-based cushioning member at the front end of the power supply case or the front end of the power receiving case. Even if the floor surface is uneven or inclined, the rubber-based cushioning member and the second rubber-based cushioning member can prevent the power supply protective case and the power receiving protective case from directly contacting each other. Therefore, damage to the power supply protective case and the power receiving protective case, and damage to the coil wires of the power supply coil section and the power receiving coil section or their connecting wiring can be avoided. Note that if the rubber hardness of the second rubber-based cushioning member is higher than that of the rubber-based cushioning member, a certain gap can be secured between the front end of the power supply case and the front end of the power receiving case even if the band width of the second rubber-based cushioning member is narrowed.

(10) In the wireless power supply system for a cart according to any one of (7) to (9),
The power supply device is characterized in that a permanent magnet plate formed with approximately the same outer diameter as the power supply coil section is laminated on the rear end surface of the power supply coil section, and the power receiving device is characterized in that a permanent magnet plate formed with approximately the same outer diameter as the power receiving coil section is laminated on the rear end surface of the power receiving coil section.

In the present invention, the power supply device has a permanent magnet plate formed with approximately the same outer diameter as the power supply coil section laminated on the rear end surface of the power supply coil section, and the power receiving device has a permanent magnet plate formed with approximately the same outer diameter as the power receiving coil section laminated on the rear end surface of the power receiving coil section, so that each permanent magnet plate can increase the directivity of the magnetic field lines in the coil axis direction of the power supply coil section and the power receiving coil section, and increase the magnetic field strength. Therefore, while improving the power supply efficiency during non-contact power supply between the power supply coil section and the power receiving coil section, it becomes easier to make the power supply device and the power receiving device even thinner, which can contribute to improving the appearance of indoor structures and carts.

(11) In the wireless power supply system for a cart according to any one of (1) to (10),
The power supply device is mounted to the storage section via a plurality of spring members so as to be movable in a horizontal direction.

In the present invention, the power supply device is attached to the storage section via multiple spring members so that it can move horizontally. Therefore, even if the floor surface is uneven or inclined and the cart tilts, the installation angle of the power supply device attached to the storage section of the indoor structure can be changed to follow the tilt of the power receiving device attached to the cart. Therefore, even if the floor surface is uneven or inclined, the power supply device and the power receiving device can be easily set to a non-contact power supply state in which they are arranged parallel to each other. Also, when the inertial force of the cart acts on the power supply device, the spring members expand and contract, reducing the impact load on the power supply device and the power receiving device.

(12) In the wireless power supply system for a cart according to any one of (1) to (11),
The power supply device and the power receiving device each have a hard resin case formed to be approximately the same size.

In the present invention, the power supply device and the power receiving device have hard resin cases formed to be approximately the same size, so it is easy to make each case lighter and thinner, which enhances the sense of unity in design and is effective in improving the appearance of the indoor structure and the cart. In addition, the hard resin cases can be produced using a common resin molding die, which also contributes to improved productivity and cost reduction.

The present invention provides a contactless power supply system for carts that allows a cart with a power receiving device to supply power contactlessly to an indoor structure with a power supply device, and is effective in improving the appearance of the indoor structure to which the power supply device is attached.

1 is a schematic side view of a contactless power supply system for a cart according to a first example of the present embodiment in a contactless power supply state. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the fixed table (indoor structure) shown in FIG. 1 . 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a front view taken along the arrow C shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 3 is a bottom view taken along the arrow B shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the cart shown in FIG. 1 . 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a front view taken along the arrow E shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the contactless power supply system for a cart shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a contactless power supply system for a cart according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a contactless power supply state. FIG. 11 is an exploded assembly view of the power supply device shown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of the power receiving device shown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a non-contact power supply system for a cart according to a third example of the present embodiment in a non-contact power supply state. FIG. 14 is a front view taken along the arrow F shown in FIG. 13 . This is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG shown in Figure 14. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a detailed view of part I shown in FIG. 16 . FIG. 16 is a front view of the power supply device (power receiving device) shown in FIG. 15 . 19 is a cross-sectional view of the power receiving device shown in FIG. 18 taken along the line JJ. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the power supply device shown in FIG. 18 taken along the line JJ. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the fixture system disclosed in Patent Document 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a hands-free type current applying device disclosed in Patent Document 2. 23 is a schematic perspective view of a plug terminal and a socket terminal constituting the hands-free type energizing device shown in FIG. 22.

Next, the contactless power supply system for a cart according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the structure of the contactless power supply system for a cart according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described, and then the configuration of the control circuit of the contactless power supply system for a cart and its operation method will be described. Next, the structures of the contactless power supply system for a cart according to a second and third embodiment of the present invention will be described with a focus on the differences from the structure of the first embodiment. Note that the configuration of the control circuit of the contactless power supply system for a cart according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention and its operation method are basically the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted in principle. In addition, modified examples of the indoor structure of the contactless power supply system for a cart according to the present embodiment will be briefly described.

<Structure of the non-contact power supply system for cart according to the first embodiment>
First, the structure of the contactless power supply system for a cart of the first example according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of the contactless power supply system for a cart of the first example according to the embodiment of the present invention in a contactless power supply state. Fig. 2 shows a schematic front view of the fixed table (indoor structure) shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows a front view taken along line C in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows a bottom view taken along line B in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 shows a schematic rear view of the cart shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 shows a front view taken along line E in Fig. 7.

As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the contactless power supply system for a cart 10 of the first example of this embodiment includes a power supply device 2 attached to an indoor structure 1, and a power receiving device 4 attached to the leg 32 of a cart 3 that carries electronic devices and moves indoors in a position where it can face the power supply device 2, and is a contactless power supply system for a cart that performs contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction with the power supply device 2 and the power receiving device 4 arranged opposite each other, and the indoor structure 1 includes a storage section 13 that opens toward the interior of the room, and a lid body 135 with a flat surface that closes the storage section 13, and the power supply device 2 is attached within the storage section 13 in a manner such that the front end portion 221 facing the power receiving device 4 serves as all or part of the lid body 135. Note that indoor structures 1 include furniture (e.g., tables, cabinets, etc.) that are placed or fixed on the floor of a room, wall panels and partition panels that make up the walls of a room, and floor panels and steps that make up the floor, but here we will use the example of a fixed table that is placed on the floor of a room.

Specifically, the contactless power supply system 10 for a cart in the first embodiment includes a fixed table (corresponding to the "indoor structure" in claim 1, the same below) 1 having a table top 11, a plurality of table legs 12 (a pair of left and right legs) that are placed on a floor surface FL and support the table top 11, and a power supply device 2 attached to a connecting section (corresponding to the "storage section" in claim 1, the same below) 13 that connects the vertical middle sections 121 of the table legs 12, and a portable electronic device (e.g., a personal computer: not shown) mounted thereon. The cart 3 includes a cart base 31 that can be mounted on a cart, cart legs (corresponding to the "legs" in claim 1, the same applies below) 32 that have multiple casters 321 connected to the bottom end of the cart base 31 and run on the floor surface FL, and a power receiving device 4 that is attached to the cart legs 32 in a position that can face the power supply device 2. The contactless power supply system for a cart performs contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction with the power supply coil section 21 of the power supply device 2 and the power receiving coil section 41 of the power receiving device 4 positioned opposite each other.

Note that the term "cart" refers to a transport device that is movable on a floor surface, and is not limited to a nurse cart used in a hospital or the like. A pair of flat decorative panels (corresponding to the "lid" in claim 1, the same applies below) 135 that close the front and rear ends that open in the front-rear direction are fixed to the connecting section (storage section) 13. The decorative panel (lid) 135 is formed as a rectangular plate that is long in the left-right direction. The front end 221 of the power supply device 2 is attached to the connecting section 13 in a state where it protrudes outward (toward the room side) from the decorative panel 135 through a plurality (three) of through holes formed at a predetermined distance in both the front and rear decorative panels 135. Here, each of the three power supply devices 2 is attached to the storage section 13 in a manner that the front end 221 facing the power receiving device 4 also serves as part of the decorative panel 135. The amount of protrusion d2 of the front end 221 of the power supply device 2 relative to the decorative panel 135 is determined in relation to the amount of protrusion d1 of the power receiving device 4 attached to the cart leg 32, but from the perspective of appearance, it is preferable that it is small.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the fixed table 1 may be, for example, a meeting table installed in a nurse's station in a hospital or the like. In this case, the cart 3 may be, for example, a nurse cart used when moving around each patient room in a hospital or the like. If the fixed table 1 is a long table, a circular table, or an oval table, multiple power supply devices 2 may be installed on the connecting part 13 with sufficient spacing between adjacent carts 3 so as not to interfere with each other. The power cable 213 of the power supply device 2 is wired to the outside via the connecting part 13 and the table leg 12.

The connecting part 13 is installed at a lower position than the cart base 31 of the cart 3 that performs contactless power supply so as not to interfere with the cart base 31. A stopper member 311 for mounting electronic devices, etc. is formed along the outer edge of the upper end side of the horizontal cart base 31. A handle part 312 to be gripped when moving the cart 3 and an output terminal 413 of the power receiving device 4 are attached to the lower end side of the cart base 31.

The lower end 122 of the indoor structure 1 is preferably provided with a positioning means 14 for positioning the cart 3 at a position where the power supply device 2 and the power receiving device 4 can supply power contactlessly. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the lower connecting portion 15 connecting the lower ends 122 of the table legs 12 is formed with a guide portion (positioning means) 14 that abuts against the mounting ring portion 321R of the caster 321 fastened to the cart leg 32 to guide and position the cart 3 at a position for contactless power supply.

The guide section 14 has a number of triangular guide sections 141 protruding toward the front end of the table, and an arc-shaped guide section 142 with a curved central section protruding between the triangular guide sections 141. The cart 3 is positioned at a position for non-contact power supply when the mounting ring section 321R of the caster 321 abuts against an intersection section 143 where the triangular guide sections 141 and the arc-shaped guide sections 142 intersect. The guide section (positioning means) 14 may have a first holding mechanism HK1 that holds the cart 3 in a position where non-contact power supply is possible. The structure of the first holding mechanism HK1 will be described in detail in the third embodiment.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 6, the cart leg 32 includes a caster support 322 to which four casters 321 are fastened, a square tubular leg 324 standing near the center of the caster support 322, and a movable leg 325 mounted in the square tubular leg 324 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The cart base 31 is connected to the upper end of the movable leg 325. The height of the cart base 31 can be changed by the vertical movement of the movable leg 325. For example, when there is a risk that an electronic device mounted on the cart base 31 may interfere with the table top 11, the cart base 31 can be raised above the table top 11 to perform non-contact power supply. The power receiving device 4 is fixed to the front end surface of the square tubular leg 324. The power receiving device 4 is formed as a roughly rectangular parallelepiped whose short sides are roughly equal to the left-right dimensions of the cart legs 32 (rectangular tubular legs 324) and whose long sides are long in the vertical direction. In addition, multiple (two) storage cases 323 are attached at an appropriate height to the rear end surface of the rectangular tubular legs 324.

As shown in Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, the power supply device 2 is provided with a power supply protective case 22 having a power supply case front end portion (corresponding to the "front end portion of the power supply device" in claim 1, the same applies below) 221 that covers the front end surface 211 of the power supply coil portion 21 in a flat plate shape. The power supply case front end portion 221 has a power supply stopper portion 23 formed approximately parallel to the power supply coil portion 21 at a position spaced apart from the power supply coil portion 21. The power supply stopper portion 23 is formed with a predetermined thickness t1 and is fixed to a power supply stopper attachment portion 224 formed as a recess approximately parallel to the power supply case front end portion 221 at a predetermined step depth.

The power supply coil section 21 is composed of a coil wire wound around a circular flat iron core formed flat in the front-rear direction. The power supply coil section 21 is arranged on the upper end side of the power supply protective case 22, and the power supply stopper section 23 is arranged on the lower end side of the power supply protective case 22. The power receiving device 4 is also provided with a power receiving protective case 42 having a power receiving case front end section 421 that covers the front end surface 411 of the power receiving coil section 41 in a flat plate shape. The power receiving case front end section 421 has a power receiving stopper section 43 formed approximately parallel to the power receiving coil section 41 at a position separated from the power receiving coil section 41. The power receiving stopper section 43 is formed with a predetermined thickness t4 and is fixed to a power receiving stopper attachment section 424 formed in a recess approximately parallel to the power receiving case front end section 421 at the same depth as the step depth of the power supply protective case 22.

The power receiving coil section 41 is composed of a coil wire wound around an annular flat iron core formed flat in the front-rear direction. The power receiving coil section 41 is disposed on the upper end side of the power receiving protective case 42, and the power receiving stopper section 43 is disposed on the lower end side of the power receiving protective case 42. When the power supply stopper section 23 and the power receiving stopper section 43 are in contact with each other, a predetermined gap d3 is formed between the power supply case front end section 221 and the power receiving case front end section 421, allowing contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction.

In this first embodiment, the thickness of either the power supply stopper portion 23 or the power receiving stopper portion 43 is formed to be thicker than the step depth, and the thickness of the other is formed to be approximately the same as the step depth. Here, the thickness of the other does not need to be formed to be exactly the same as the step depth, and it does not matter if there is a slight increase or decrease in the step depth. This is because when the power supply stopper portion 23 and the power receiving stopper portion 43 are abutted to perform contactless power supply, it is sufficient that a predetermined gap is formed between the power supply case front end portion 221 and the power receiving case front end portion 421 that allows contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction.

In addition, it is preferable that one of the power supply stopper portion 23 and the power receiving stopper portion 43, which is formed thicker than the specified step depth, is made of a rubber-based cushioning material, and the other, which is formed to a thickness approximately the same as the specified step depth, is made of an iron-based metal material. This is because the rubber-based cushioning material is used to reduce the impact force when the power supply stopper portion 23 and the power receiving stopper portion 43 are brought into contact with each other to perform contactless power supply.

In addition, at least one of the power supply stopper portion 23 or the power receiving stopper portion 43 is equipped with a rubber-based cushioning member 23G that flexes while maintaining the power supply case front end portion 221 and the power receiving case front end portion 421 apart when the power supply stopper portion 23 and the power receiving stopper portion 43 come into contact.

In this first embodiment, the power supply stopper portion 23 includes a rubber-based cushioning member 23G formed in a rectangular plate shape, and its thickness t1 is greater than the step depth. The power reception stopper portion 43 includes an iron-based metal member 43T formed in a rectangular plate shape, and its thickness t4 is approximately the same as the step depth.

The rubber-based cushioning member 23G is preferably made of, for example, silicone rubber with a rubber hardness of about 40A in a durometer hardness test. The iron-based metal member 43T is preferably made as small as possible to reduce the weight of the cart 3, and here it is formed to a size that abuts on about the upper half of the area of the rubber-based cushioning member 23G.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the power supply device 2 and the power receiving device 4 have a second holding mechanism HK2 that holds the front end portion 221 of the power supply device 2 and the front end portion 421 of the power receiving device 4 in a position where non-contact power supply is possible. Specifically, the power supply stopper portion 23 has a permanent magnet body 24 that is provided at a position separated from the power supply coil portion 21 and extends in the direction of the coil axis CJ of the power supply coil portion 21, and the power receiving stopper portion 43 has an iron-based metal member 43T that is attracted to the permanent magnet body 24. The permanent magnet body 24 and the iron-based metal member 43T constitute the second holding mechanism HK2.

In this first embodiment, the power supply stopper section 23 is provided with a columnar or cylindrical permanent magnet body 24 that penetrates the rubber cushioning member 23G in the coil axis CJ direction of the power supply coil section 21 at a position separated from the power supply coil section 21 and is attracted to the iron-based metal member 43T. The permanent magnet body 24 is fastened to a base 27 described below. It is preferable that the permanent magnet body 24 is formed to have a minimum necessary volume or outer diameter to be able to perform the function of maintaining the contact state between the power supply stopper section 23 and the power receiving stopper section 43 (the state of non-contact power supply between the power supply coil section 21 and the power receiving coil section 41) by being attracted to the iron-based metal member 43T.

The reason for this is that if the volume or outer diameter of the permanent magnet body 24 is too large, the magnetic field lines formed by the permanent magnet body 24 will be more likely to intersect with the magnetic field lines formed by the power supply coil section 21, which may reduce the power supply efficiency during non-contact power supply between the power supply coil section 21 and the power receiving coil section 41 and may make it easier for noise to occur. In addition, this is to improve the operability of the cart 3 by avoiding an excessively large operating load when pulling the cart 3 apart after non-contact power supply between the power supply coil section 21 and the power receiving coil section 41 has ended.

In addition, a second rubber-based cushioning member 25 formed in a band shape with the same or higher rubber hardness as the rubber-based cushioning member 23G is provided at the front end portion 221 of the power supply case or the front end portion 421 of the power receiving case adjacent to the front end corner portion 222 located at the position furthest from the rubber-based cushioning member 23G.

In this first embodiment, the second rubber-based cushioning member 25, which has a higher rubber hardness than the rubber-based cushioning member 23G and is formed in a band shape with a thickness t3 substantially the same as the protrusion amount t2 of the rubber-based cushioning member 23G from the front end portion 221 of the power supply case, is provided adjacent to the front end corner portion 222 located at the position furthest from the rubber-based cushioning member 23G, and a chamfered portion 223 is formed in the front end corner portion 222.

In addition, at the front corner 422 of the front end 421 of the power receiving case, at a position opposite the chamfered portion 223 of the front end 221 of the power supply case, another chamfered portion 423 is formed, which is inclined in the opposite direction to the chamfered portion 223. At the front end 221 of the power supply case, a recessed seat 2211 for mounting the second rubber-based cushioning member 25 is formed with a small depth, and at the front end 421 of the power receiving case, an identical recessed seat 4211 is formed at a position opposite the recessed seat 2211. For example, the second rubber-based cushioning member 25 is preferably made of silicone rubber having a rubber hardness of about 60A in a durometer hardness test.

The power supply protective case 22 and the power receiving protective case 42 have hard resin cases 22J, 42J formed to the same size. The hard resin cases 22J, 42J are preferably made of a material that is effective for increasing strength and reducing weight, such as an ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin case or a PA (Polyamide) resin case.

The power supply device 2 also includes a base 27 to which the outer edge 225 of the power supply protective case 22 is connected, and the power supply coil section 21 is connected to the front end surface of the base 27 by stacking a permanent magnet plate 26 formed to have approximately the same outer diameter as the power supply coil section 21 on the rear end surface 212 of the power supply coil section 21. The power receiving device 4 also includes a base 45 to which the outer edge 425 of the power receiving protective case 42 is connected, and the power receiving coil section 41 is connected to the front end surface of the base 45 by stacking a permanent magnet plate 44 formed to have approximately the same outer diameter as the power receiving coil section 41 on the rear end surface 412 of the power receiving coil section 41.

Each of the permanent magnet plates 26, 44 has the function of increasing the directivity of the magnetic lines of force in the direction of the coil axis CJ of the power supply coil section 21 and the power receiving coil section 41, and strengthening the magnetic field strength. For example, it is preferable to use a ferrite core for the permanent magnet plates 26, 44, which has the effect of blocking high-frequency currents that cause noise radiation.

In addition, the connecting portion 13 of the table leg 12 is provided with a decorative plate (lid) 135 arranged vertically with an insertion hole through which the rear side of the outer edge portion 225 of the power supply protective case 22 is inserted, an upper shelf plate 136 connected to the upper end of the decorative plate 135 and arranged approximately parallel to the table plate 11, a lower shelf plate 137 connected to the lower end of the decorative plate 135 and arranged approximately parallel to the table plate 11, a main frame member 131 whose both ends are fastened to the table leg 12 and extended in the left-right direction, an auxiliary frame member 132 fastened to the main frame member 131 and extended in the up-down direction, a base plate 133 fastened to the front end of the auxiliary frame member 132, and a base auxiliary plate 134 fastened to the upper rear end surface and the lower rear end surface of the base plate 133. The decorative plate 135 is arranged symmetrically in the front-rear direction with respect to the center of the table plate 11. The main frame member 131, the auxiliary frame member 132, the base plate 133, and the base auxiliary plate 134 are arranged in a hollow space surrounded by the decorative plate 135, the upper shelf plate 136, and the lower shelf plate 137.

In addition, it is preferable that the power supply device 2 is mounted on the storage section 13 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction) via a plurality of spring members 28. Specifically, the power supply device 2 is mounted on the connection section 13 of the table leg 12 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction via a plurality of spring members 28. The spring members 28 are fitted to the outer periphery of the support shaft portion 281 fastened to the rear end surface of the base 27 near the four corners of the top, bottom, left and right. The support shaft portion 281 is inserted into through holes formed in the base plate 133 and the base auxiliary plate 134, and a retaining member 282 that abuts against the base auxiliary plate 134 is engaged with the tip of the support shaft portion 281. The spring members 28 are mounted as compression springs between the rear end surface of the base 27 and the base plate 133. In addition, the base 45 of the power receiving device 4 and the base 27 of the power supply device 2 are made of common metal boxes 45K and 27K, and the control circuits 214K and 414K are housed in the spaces 45KS and 27KS surrounded by the outer edges 451 and 271 of the metal boxes 45K and 27K.

<Control circuit configuration and operation method>
Next, the configuration of a control circuit in the contactless power supply system for a cart of this embodiment and its operation method will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows a control block diagram of the contactless power supply system for a cart shown in Fig. 1.

One embodiment of the configuration of the control circuit of the non-contact power supply system for a cart 10 is shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the control circuit 214K of the power supply device 2 includes a power supply coil section 21, a frequency conversion section 31H connected to the power supply coil section 21, an A/D conversion section 32H connected to the frequency conversion section 31H, and a power supply section 33 connected to the A/D conversion section 32H. The control circuit 414K of the power receiving device 4 includes a power receiving coil section 41, an A/D conversion section 51 connected to the power receiving coil section 41, a power receiving control section 52 and an output control section 54 connected to the A/D conversion section 51, and a display section 53 connected to the output control section 54.

Here, a commercial frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz) AC voltage of 100 V is supplied to the power supply unit 33. In order to obtain a high-frequency AC voltage that enables electromagnetic induction, the power supply unit 33 steps down the AC 100 V to an AC voltage that is easy to A/D convert. The A/D conversion unit 32H converts the stepped-down AC voltage into a DC voltage that can be frequency converted. The frequency conversion unit 31H converts the DC voltage into an AC voltage with a frequency (e.g., tens of kHz to hundreds of kHz) that enables contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction. As a result, the power supply coil unit 21 generates a high-frequency (tens of kHz to hundreds of kHz) AC magnetic field.

Next, contactless power supply is performed by electromagnetic induction with the power supply coil unit 21 and the power receiving coil unit 41 arranged opposite each other. The high-frequency (several tens of kHz to several hundred kHz) AC magnetic field generated by the power supply coil unit 21 is propagated by electromagnetic induction to the power receiving coil unit 41 arranged opposite the power supply coil unit 21. As a result, a high-frequency (several tens of kHz to several hundred kHz) AC voltage is generated in the power receiving coil unit 41.

The A/D converter 51 converts the high-frequency AC voltage into a DC voltage that can be converted to a commercial frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz). The output controller 54 converts the DC voltage into an AC voltage of 100 V AC with a commercial frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz) for use in electronic devices such as personal computers, and outputs the converted voltage. If the power receiving device 4 has a built-in battery or is connected to an external battery, the power receiving controller 52 issues control instructions to the A/D converter 51 in response to the charging status of the battery. The display 53 displays, based on a signal from the output controller 54, a lamp or the like to indicate that non-contact power supply by electromagnetic induction is being performed normally with the power supply coil 21 and the power receiving coil 41 facing each other.

<Structure of the non-contact power supply system for cart according to the second embodiment>
Next, the structure of the contactless power supply system for a cart according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 10 to Fig. 12. Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the contactless power supply system for a cart according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a contactless power supply state. Fig. 11 shows an exploded assembly view of the power supply device shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 shows an external perspective view of the power receiving device shown in Fig. 10.

As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 10 to Fig. 12, the contactless power supply system for cart 10B of the second embodiment according to this embodiment includes a power supply device 2B attached to an indoor structure 1, and a power receiving device 4B attached to the leg 32 of a cart 3 that is mounted with electronic devices and moves indoors at a position that can face the power supply device 2B. The contactless power supply system for cart performs contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction in a state where the power supply device 2B and the power receiving device 4B are arranged opposite each other. The indoor structure 1 includes a storage section 13 that opens toward the interior of the room and a lid body 135 with a flat surface that closes the storage section 13. The power supply device 2 is attached in the storage section 13 in such a manner that the front end 221 facing the power receiving device 4 also serves as all or part of the lid body 135. The indoor structure 1 will be described using an example of a fixed table placed on the floor. In the second embodiment, components that are common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and in principle their explanation will be omitted, with the focus being on the differences from the first embodiment.

Specifically, the contactless power supply system for a cart 10B of the second embodiment includes a fixed table 1 having a table top 11, a plurality of table legs 12 (a pair of left and right legs) that are placed on a floor surface FL and support the table top 11, a power supply device 2B attached to a connecting portion 13 that connects the vertical middle portions 121 of the table legs 12, a cart 3 having a cart base 31 formed so that an electronic device (e.g., a personal computer: not shown) can be mounted on it, cart legs 32 that are connected to the lower end of the cart base 31 and have a plurality of casters 321 that run on the floor surface FL, and a power receiving device 4B attached to the cart legs 32 at a position that can face the power supply device 2B, and is a contactless power supply system for a cart that performs contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction with the power supply coil portion 21 of the power supply device 2B and the power receiving coil portion 41 of the power receiving device 4B arranged opposite each other. Note that "cart" refers to a piece of furniture that can be moved on the floor, and is not limited to nurse carts used in hospitals, etc.

In the second embodiment, as shown in Figs. 10 to 12, the power supply device 2B is provided with a power supply protective case 22B having a power supply case front end portion (corresponding to the "front end portion of the power supply device" in claim 1, the same applies below) 221B that covers the front end surface 211 of the power supply coil portion 21 in a flat plate shape. The power supply case front end portion 221B has a power supply stopper portion 23B formed approximately parallel to the power supply coil portion 21 on the same plane at a position separated from the power supply coil portion 21.

The power supply protective case 22B also has a U-shaped outer edge 225B connected to the upper end 221B1 and the left and right ends 221B2, 221B3 of the power supply case front end 221B. The power supply case front end 221B may be formed, for example, of decorative plywood (the same material as the decorative board 135) coated with melamine resin. The U-shaped outer edge 225B may also be formed, for example, of a wood fiber molded board. The outer edge 271 of the base 27 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer edge 225B. The bottom plate 29B, against which the outer edge 271 of the base 27 abuts, is fixed to the rear end surface of the outer edge 225B. At the lower end of the bottom plate 29B, a horizontal wall 291B that stands vertically forward and a vertical wall 292B that stands vertically downward from the front end of the horizontal wall 291 are formed. The vertical wall portion 292B is formed substantially parallel to the power supply case front end portion 221B on the same plane, and also serves as the power supply stopper portion 23B.

The power receiving device 4B also includes a power receiving protective case 42B having a power receiving case front end 421B that covers the front end surface 411 of the power receiving coil section 41 in a flat plate shape. The power receiving case front end 421B has a power receiving stopper section 43B formed approximately parallel to the power receiving coil section 41 at a position spaced apart from the power receiving coil section 41. The power receiving stopper section 43B is formed with a predetermined thickness, and is fixed to a power receiving stopper attachment section 424 that is formed as a recess approximately parallel to the power receiving case front end 421B. The power receiving stopper attachment section 424B may be formed approximately parallel to the power receiving case front end 421B on the same plane.

The power receiving stopper 43B is provided with a rubber-based cushioning member 43BG formed in a rectangular plate shape, and its thickness t5 is formed to be greater than the step depth. In this case, the forward protrusion of the rubber-based cushioning member 43BG from the power receiving case front end 421B corresponds to a predetermined gap d3 that allows contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction and is formed between the power supply case front end 221B and the power receiving case front end 421B when the power supply stopper 23B and the power receiving stopper 43B are in contact with each other. The predetermined gap d3 is preferably about 1/3 to 1/2 of the thickness t5 of the rubber-based cushioning member 43BG, and more specifically, the predetermined gap d3 is preferably about 2 to 4 mm. The rubber-based cushioning member 43BG is preferably made of, for example, silicone rubber with a rubber hardness of about 40A in a durometer hardness test.

The power supply stopper 23B is provided with a permanent magnet 24B extending in the direction of the coil axis CJ of the power supply coil 21 at a position separated from the power supply coil 21, and the power receiving stopper 43B is provided with an iron-based metal member 43BT that is attracted to the permanent magnet 24B. The permanent magnet 24B and the iron-based metal member 43BT constitute the second holding mechanism HK2 described above. The permanent magnet 24B is disposed at the upper end of the power supply stopper 23B and is fastened to the side wall 291B that stands vertically forward at the lower end of the bottom plate 29B. The permanent magnet 24B is formed into a rectangular plate and is disposed between the restricting plates 293B fixed to the left and right of the side wall 291B, standing vertically forward. The front end of the permanent magnet 24B may be slightly protruded forward from the front end 221B of the power supply case.

The power receiving stopper portion 43B is provided with an iron-based metal member 43BT formed in a rectangular plate shape adjacent to the upper end of the rubber-based cushioning member 43BG. The thickness t6 of the iron-based metal member 43BT is thinner than the thickness t5 of the rubber-based cushioning member 43BG.

The second rubber-based cushioning member 46B, which is formed in a band shape and has the same or higher rubber hardness as the rubber-based cushioning member 43BG, is installed adjacent to the front corner portion 422B at the position furthest from the rubber-based cushioning member 43BG at the front end portion 421B of the power receiving case. The thickness t7 of the second rubber-based cushioning member 46B is approximately the same as the protrusion amount (corresponding to the predetermined gap d3) of the rubber-based cushioning member 43BG from the front end portion 421B of the power receiving case. The second rubber-based cushioning member 46B is preferably made of, for example, silicone rubber with a rubber hardness of about 60A or less in a durometer hardness test.

The power receiving protective case 42B is preferably made of a material that is effective for increasing strength and reducing weight, such as an ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin case or a PA (Polyamide) resin case.

The power supply device 2B is attached to the connecting portion 13 of the table leg 12 via a plurality of spring members 28 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction). Specifically, the spring members 28 are fitted to the outer periphery of the support shaft portion 281 fastened to the rear end surface of the base 27 near the four corners of the top, bottom, left and right. The support shaft portion 281 is inserted through a through hole 294B formed in the bottom plate 29B and a through hole 138 formed in the base plate 133 and the base auxiliary plate 134 constituting the connecting portion 13, and a slip-out prevention member 282 that abuts against the base auxiliary plate 134 is engaged with the tip of the support shaft portion 281. The spring members 28 are attached as compression springs between the rear end surface of the base 27 and the base plate 133. Here, the power supply device 2B is attached to the connecting portion 13 so that the power supply case front end portion 221B is positioned approximately on the same plane as the decorative plate 135 on the front end surface side of the connecting portion 13.

<Structure of the non-contact power supply system for cart according to the third embodiment>
Next, the structure of the contactless power supply system for a cart of the third embodiment according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 20. Fig. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of the contactless power supply system for a cart of the third embodiment according to this embodiment in a contactless power supply state. Fig. 14 shows a front view of the F arrow shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of G-G shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of H-H shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 17 shows a detailed view of the I part shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 18 shows a front view of the power supply device (power receiving device) shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of J-J in the power receiving device shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of J-J in the power supply device shown in Fig. 18. As shown in Fig. 15, the front views of the power supply device and the power receiving device are the same.

As shown in Figs. 13 to 20, the contactless power supply system 10C for a cart of the third embodiment according to this embodiment includes a power supply device 2C attached to an indoor structure 1, and a power receiving device 4C attached to the leg 32 of a cart 3 that is mounted with an electronic device and moves indoors at a position that can face the power supply device 2. The contactless power supply system for a cart performs contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction in a state where the power supply device 2C and the power receiving device 4C are arranged opposite each other. The indoor structure 1 includes a storage section 13C that opens in the horizontal direction and a lid 135C that closes the storage section 13C. The power supply device 2C is attached in the storage section 13C with the front end 221C facing the power receiving device 4C arranged on the same plane as the lid 135. The indoor structure 1 will be described using an example of a fixed table placed on the floor. Also, items common to the configuration of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and in principle, their description will be omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

Specifically, the contactless power supply system for a cart 10C of the third embodiment includes a fixed table 1 having a table top 11, a plurality of table legs 12 (a pair of left and right legs) that are placed on a floor surface FL and support the table top 11, a power supply device 2C attached to a connecting section (corresponding to the "storage section" in claim 1, the same below) 13 that connects vertical middle sections 121 of the table legs 12, a cart 3 having a cart base 31 formed to be able to mount an electronic device (e.g., a personal computer: not shown), cart legs 32 that are connected to the lower end of the cart base 31 and have a plurality of casters 321 that run on the floor surface FL, and a power receiving device 4C attached to the cart legs 32 at a position that can face the power supply device 2C, and is a contactless power supply system for a cart that performs contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction with a power supply coil section 21C of the power supply device 2C and a power receiving coil section 41C of the power receiving device 4C arranged opposite each other. Note that a "cart" refers to a transport device that is movable on a floor surface, and is not limited to nurse carts used in hospitals, etc.

In addition, a plurality of flat decorative plates (lids) 135 that close the front and rear ends that open in the front-rear direction are fixed to the connecting section (storage section) 13. The plurality of decorative plates 135 are formed as rectangular plates with different left and right lengths, and are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. The power supply device 2C is attached to the connecting section 13C with the front end 221C arranged on the same plane as the decorative plate 135 with respect to both the front and rear decorative plates 135. Furthermore, the front end 221C of the power supply device 2C is covered by a decorative plate 135C1 made of the same or similar material as the adjacent decorative plates 135 (135C2, 135C3), and both decorative plates 135 (135C1, 135C2, 135C3) are arranged on the same plane. Therefore, the front end 221C of the power supply device 2C can be made to look the same as the decorative plate 135. The decorative plate 135C1 covering the front end 221C of the power supply device 2C may be colored the same color as the adjacent decorative plates 135 (135C2, 135C3) or may be colored a different color.

The lower end 122 of the indoor structure 1 is provided with a positioning means 14 for positioning the cart 3 at a position where the power supply device 2C and the power receiving device 4C can supply power contactlessly. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 14 and 16, the lower connecting portion 15 connecting the lower ends 122 of the table legs 12 is provided with a guide portion (positioning means) 14 that abuts against the mounting ring portion 321R of the caster 321 fastened to the cart leg 32 to guide and position the cart 3 at the position for contactless power supply. The guide portion 14 is provided with a plurality of triangular guide portions 141 protruding toward the front end side and the rear end side of the table with respect to the straight portion 142 extending in the longitudinal direction of the lower connecting portion 15. The cart 3 is positioned at the position for contactless power supply when the mounting ring portion 321R of the caster 321 abuts against the intersection portion 143 where the triangular guide portion 141 and the straight portion 142 intersect.

16 and 17, the guide section (positioning means) 14 preferably has a first holding mechanism HK1 that holds the cart 3 in a position where non-contact power supply is possible. The first holding mechanism HK1 is formed of an elastic member such as a leaf spring, and a locking portion HK11 formed at the tip abuts against the mounting ring portion 321R of the caster 321 to restrict the movement of the cart 3. Specifically, the first holding mechanism HK1 has a base end fixed in a groove 141M formed in the inclined surface of the triangular guide section 141, and a tip end protruding from the inclined surface of the triangular guide section 141 via a curved portion that bends in a U-shape from the base end, and the tip end has a locking portion HK11 formed in a mountain shape. When the cart 3 is set in the contactless power supply position, the locking portion HK11 pressed against the mounting ring portion 321R of the caster 321 deforms its curved portion and hides inside the recessed groove 141M. When the mounting ring portion 321R abuts against the intersection portion 143, the locking portion HK11 protrudes outward from the inclined surface of the triangular guide portion 141 and abuts against the mounting ring portion 321R again, thereby restricting the return of the cart 3.

As shown in Fig. 15, 18 to 20, the power supply device 2C includes a power supply protective case 22C having a power supply case front end 221C that covers the power supply coil section 21C in a flat plate shape, and the power supply coil section 21C has a power supply core section 21CC formed with a substantially U-shaped cross section in which the upper end 211C and the lower end 212C abut against the back surface of the power supply case front end 221C and the coil wire 214C is wound around the vertical intermediate section 213C. The power supply case front end 221C is formed on a flat surface. The power supply core section 21CC is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front and has a flat U-shaped cross section when viewed from the side. The coil axis CJ of the power supply coil section 21C bends along the roughly U-shaped cross section of the power supply core section 21CC, and intersects with the power supply case front end 221C in a direction perpendicular to the surface at the upper end 211C and the lower end 212C.

The power receiving device 4C also includes a power receiving protective case 42C having a power receiving case front end 421C that covers the power receiving coil section 41C in a flat plate shape, and the power receiving coil section 41C has a power receiving core section 41CC formed with an approximately U-shaped cross section with the upper end 411C and the lower end 412C abutting against the back surface of the power receiving case front end 421C and a coil wire 414C wound around the middle section 413C in the vertical direction. The power receiving case front end 421C is formed on a flat surface. The power receiving core section 41CC is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is formed with a flat U-shaped cross section when viewed from the side. The coil axis CJ of the power receiving coil section 41C is bent along the approximately U-shaped cross section of the power receiving core section 41CC, and intersects with the power receiving case front end 421C in a direction perpendicular to the surface at the upper end 411C and the lower end 412C.

The upper end 211C of the power supply core 21CC faces the upper end 411C of the power receiving core 41CC, and the lower end 212C of the power supply core 21CC faces the lower end 412C of the power receiving core 41CC, and non-contact power supply is performed between the power supply coil 21C and the power receiving coil 41C by electromagnetic induction. Therefore, the magnetic field lines caused by electromagnetic induction form a loop between the power supply core 21CC and the power receiving core 41CC, which makes it difficult for leakage to the outside to occur and allows for more efficient power supply. In addition, the power supply core 21CC and the power receiving core 41CC are formed with a flat U-shaped cross section in a side view, which contributes to making the power supply device 2C and the power receiving device 4C thinner.

In addition, it is preferable that the power supply device 2C and the power receiving device 4C have a second holding mechanism HK2 that holds the front end 221C of the power supply device 2C and the front end 421C of the power receiving device 4C in a position where non-contact power supply is possible. Specifically, the power supply device 2C has an iron-based metal member 23TC on the back surface of the power supply protective case 22C at a lower position away from the power supply coil unit 21C, and the power receiving device 4C has a permanent magnet body 43C at a position corresponding to the iron-based metal member 23TC on the back surface of the power receiving protective case 42C. The permanent magnet body 43C and the iron-based metal member 23TC constitute the second holding mechanism HK2. As described in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the magnetic force of the permanent magnet body 43C is formed to the minimum necessary size to maintain the state of non-contact power supply between the power supply coil unit 21C and the power receiving coil unit 41C by being attracted to the iron-based metal member 23TC.

In addition, the power supply device 2C is provided with a gap detection means 24C that detects the gap at the opposing position with the power receiving device 4C, and the gap detection means 24C preferably outputs a signal to start non-contact power supply when the power supply device 2C and the power receiving device 4C approach each other at a predetermined distance. Specifically, as the gap detection means 24C, a magnetic detection element 24JC is provided on the back surface of the power supply protective case 22C. The magnetic detection element 24JC is attached to the iron-based metal member 23TC, detects the magnetic field emitted from the permanent magnet body 43C of the power receiving device 4C, and outputs a signal indicating whether or not non-contact power supply is possible to the control circuit 214K of the power supply device 2C. In other words, when the power supply device 2C and the power receiving device 4C approach each other at a predetermined distance (for example, about 10 to 15 mm) at which efficient non-contact power supply is possible, non-contact power supply is started, and when they are separated from each other by more than the predetermined distance, non-contact power supply is stopped. The gap detection means 24C may also be provided in the first and second embodiments.

The power supply protective case 22C and the power receiving protective case 42C have hard resin cases 22JC, 42JC formed to the same size. The hard resin cases 22JC, 42JC are preferably made of a material that is effective for increasing strength and reducing weight, such as an ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin case or a PA (Polyamide) resin case.

The power supply device 2C also includes a base 27C to which the outer edge 225C of the power supply protective case 22C is connected, and a control circuit 214K is disposed near the base 27C. An electromagnetic shielding member 215C is attached between the control circuit 214K and the power supply coil section 21C. The power receiving device 4C also includes a base 45C to which the outer edge 425C of the power receiving protective case 42C is connected, and a control circuit 414K is disposed near the base 45C. An electromagnetic shielding member 415C is attached between the control circuit 414K and the power receiving coil section 41C.

The connecting portion 13 of the table leg 12 is provided with an upper shelf 136 connected to the upper end of the decorative plate 135 and disposed approximately parallel to the table plate 11, a lower shelf 137 connected to the lower end of the decorative plate 135 and disposed approximately parallel to the table plate 11, a main frame member 131 whose both ends are fastened to the table leg 12 and extended in the left-right direction, and an auxiliary frame member 132 fastened to the main frame member 131 and extended in the up-down direction. The main frame member 131 and the auxiliary frame member 132 are disposed in a hollow portion surrounded by the decorative plate 135, the upper shelf 136, and the lower shelf 137. The lower shelf 137 has a recessed portion recessed inward at the position of the decorative plate (lid) 135C1 covering the front end 221C of the power supply device 2C.

The decorative plate (lid) 135C1 covering the front end 221C of the power supply device 2C is adjacent to the upper shelf 136 and the lower shelf 137 and is formed in a stacked box shape so as to surround the outer edge 225C of the power supply protective case 22C. A lower shelf 137a of the same material as the lower shelf 137, which is separated from the lower shelf 137, is joined to the lower end of the decorative plate (lid) 135C1 formed in a stacked box shape. The front end surface of the separated lower shelf 137a is formed on the same plane as the front end surface of the adjacent lower shelf 137.

In addition, it is preferable that the power supply device 2C is attached to the connecting portion 13 via a plurality of spring members 28 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the power supply device 2 is attached to the connecting portion 13 of the table leg 12 via a plurality of spring members 28 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction). The spring members 28 are fitted to the outer periphery of four support shafts 281 fastened to the base plate 133 connected to the rear end surface of the base 27C. The spring members 28 are attached as compression springs between the base plate 133 and the auxiliary frame member 132. In addition, the base 45C of the power receiving device 4C is fixed to the front end surface of the square tube leg 324 of the cart leg 32. The power receiving device 4C is formed into an approximately rectangular parallelepiped whose short sides are approximately equal to the left-right width dimension of the cart leg 32 (square tube leg 324) and whose long sides are long in the vertical direction.

<Modifications of the indoor structure>
Next, a modified example of the indoor structure 1 in the contactless power supply system for a cart according to this embodiment will be briefly described.

Needless to say, the present invention can be modified in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the third embodiment of this embodiment, the indoor structure 1 is a long fixed table 1 placed on the floor of a room, and the storage section 13 is a connecting section 13 that connects the vertical middle sections 121 of the table legs 12, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the indoor structure 1 may be furniture such as a cabinet with a storage shelf. In this case, part of the storage shelf can be used as the storage section 13 that stores the power supply device 2C. Furthermore, the indoor structure 1 may be a wall surface of a room having a recess, and the storage section 13 may be a storage shelf that is installed in the recess of the wall.

The indoor structure 1 may be, for example, a partition member formed to be movable on the floor surface of the room, and the storage section 13 may be a socket terminal section attached to the vertical wall section of the partition member and opening toward the room. The power supply device 2C is attached inside the socket terminal section in such a manner that the front end section 221C facing the power receiving device 4C also serves as all or part of the cover (lid body) covering the front end of the socket terminal section. In this case, the front end section 221C of the power supply device 2C may be covered with a decorative plate 135 made of the same or similar material as the decorative plate of the partition member. Note that a guide plate may be provided on the side wall surface of the partition member as a positioning means 14 that regulates the casters 321 of the cart 3. The partition member may be fixed to the wall surface of the room, or two partition members may be abutted back to back to supply power to two carts 3 simultaneously without contact.

The indoor structure 1 may be, for example, a wall panel or partition panel that constitutes the wall surface of a room, and the storage section 13 may be an outlet terminal section that is attached to the wall panel or partition panel and opens toward the room. The power supply device 2C is attached inside the outlet terminal section in such a manner that the front end section 221C facing the power receiving device 4C also serves as all or part of the cover (lid body) that covers the front end of the outlet terminal section. In this case, the front end section 221C of the power supply device 2C may be covered with a decorative panel 135. The wall panel or partition panel may be provided with a guide plate as a positioning means 14 that regulates the casters 321 and the cart base 31 of the cart 3. The wall panel or partition panel and the floor surface may be provided with a guide line for positioning the cart 3 by tape, paint, or the like.

The indoor structure 1 may be, for example, a floorboard or a step stool that constitutes the floor surface of the room, and the storage section 13 may be an outlet terminal section that is attached to the floorboard or step stool and opens toward the room. The power supply device 2C is attached inside the outlet terminal section in such a manner that the front end 221C facing the power receiving device 4C is covered by a cover (lid body) that covers the upper end of the outlet terminal section. In this case, the power receiving device 4C is attached to the lower end of the leg of the cart 3 facing downward. The outlet terminal section may be raised and lowered, or may be fixed at a predetermined height. If the outlet terminal is provided in a position close to the wall surface, a guide plate may be provided on the wall surface as a positioning means 14 that regulates the casters 321 of the cart 3. If the outlet terminal is provided in a position away from the wall surface, a position detector that detects the position of the cart 3 may be provided on the ceiling and used as the positioning means 14 that regulates the cart 3.

<Action and effect>
As described in detail above, according to the contactless power supply system for a cart 10, 10B, 10C of this embodiment, the indoor structure 1 is provided with a storage section 13 that opens toward the interior of the room, and a lid body 135 having a flat surface that closes the storage section 13, and the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C are attached within the storage section 13 in a manner such that the front end portions 221, 221B, 221C that face the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C also serve as all or part of the lid body 135. Therefore, while all or part of the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C are hidden within the storage section 13, the front end portions 221, 221B, 221C of the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C can be made to look the same as the lid body 135 that closes the storage section 13. As a result, the front end portions 221, 221B, 221C of the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C blend into the lid body 135 that closes the storage section 13 of the indoor structure 1 and become inconspicuous, thereby improving the appearance of the indoor structure 1 to which the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C are attached.

According to this embodiment, a cart 3 having power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C can supply power contactlessly to an indoor structure 1 having power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C, and it is possible to provide contactless power supply systems 10, 10B, 10C for carts that are effective in improving the appearance of the indoor structure 1 to which the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C are attached.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the front end 221C of the power supply device 2C is covered by the cover 135 (135C1) made of the same or similar material as the adjacent cover 135 (135C2, 135C3), and both cover bodies 135 (135C1, 135C2, 135C3) are arranged on the same plane, so that the front end 221C of the power supply device 2C can be made to look even more similar to the cover 135. As a result, the front end 221C of the power supply device 2C is difficult to distinguish from the cover 135 that closes the storage section 13 of the indoor structure 1, and becomes even less noticeable, which further improves the appearance of the indoor structure 1 to which the power supply device 2C is attached.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the lower end 122 of the indoor structure 1 is provided with a positioning means 14 for positioning the cart 3 at a position where the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C can supply power contactlessly, so the positioning means 14 can be formed at a position separated from the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C. Therefore, a highly rigid positioning means 14 can be provided on the indoor structure 1 without affecting the appearance of the indoor structure 1 to which the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C are attached. The highly rigid positioning means 14 can withstand the impact load of the cart 3 and position the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C at an even closer distance to each other, allowing efficient contactless power supply.

The positioning means 14 also has a first holding mechanism HK1 that holds the cart 3 in a position where non-contact power supply is possible, so that after the cart 3 is set in a position where the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C can supply power non-contact, the first holding mechanism HK1 can hold the cart 3 in that position until charging is complete in the non-contact power supply system for cart 10, 10B, 10C. As a result, the non-contact power supply system for cart 10, 10B, 10C can supply power non-contactly more efficiently and improve operational convenience.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C have a second holding mechanism HK2 that holds the front end portions 221, 221B, 221C of the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C and the front end portions 421, 421B, 421C of the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C in a position where non-contact power can be supplied. After the cart 3 is set in a position where the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C can supply power non-contact, the second holding mechanism HK2 can hold the distance between the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C until charging of the non-contact power supply system for cart 10, 10B, 10C is completed. As a result, the non-contact power supply system for cart 10, 10B, 10C can supply power non-contactly more efficiently and improve operational convenience.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C or the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C are provided with gap detection means 24C that detects the gap between the two at their opposing positions, and the gap detection means 24C outputs a signal to start non-contact power supply when the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C approach each other at a predetermined distance in their opposing positions. Therefore, when the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C are separated from each other by more than a predetermined distance in their opposing positions, the non-contact power supply can be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently supply power non-contact between the power supply devices 2, 2B, 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, 4C without wasting power.

According to the present embodiment, the power supply device 2C includes a power supply protective case 22C having a power supply case front end 221C that covers the power supply coil section 21C in a flat plate shape, and the power supply coil section 21C has a power supply core section 21CC formed with a substantially U-shaped cross section in which the upper end 211C and the lower end 212C are in contact with the rear surface of the power supply case front end 221C and the coil wire 214C is wound around the middle section 213C in the vertical direction. The power receiving device 4C includes a power receiving protective case 42C having a power receiving case front end 421C that covers the power receiving coil section 41C in a flat plate shape, and the power receiving coil section 41C has an upper end 411C and a lower end 412C that are in contact with the rear surface of the power supply case front end 221C. The power receiving core 41CC has a substantially U-shaped cross section with a lower end 412C abutting against the back surface of the power receiving case front end 421C, and a coil wire 414C wound around a vertical middle portion 413C, and the upper end 211C of the power supply core 21CC faces the upper end 411C of the power receiving core 41CC, and the lower end 212C of the power supply core 21CC faces the lower end 412C of the power receiving core 41CC, and non-contact power supply by electromagnetic induction is performed between the power supply coil 21C and the power receiving coil 41C, so that the power supply coil 21C and the power receiving coil 41C can be made thin and arranged opposite each other. This makes it easier to store the power supply device 2C in the storage portion 13 of the indoor structure 1, and further improves the appearance of the indoor structure 1 to which the power supply device 2C is attached. Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of the power receiving device 4C from the legs 32 of the cart 3 can be reduced, improving the appearance of the power receiving device 4C of the cart 3.

According to this embodiment, the power supply device 2, 2B is provided with a power supply protective case 22, 22B having a power supply case front end 221, 221B that covers the power supply coil section 21 in a flat plate shape, and the power supply case front end 221, 221B has a power supply stopper section 23, 23B formed approximately parallel to the power supply coil section 21 at a position spaced apart from the power supply coil section 21, and the power receiving device 4, 4B is provided with a power receiving protective case 42, 42B having a power receiving case front end 421, 421B that covers the power receiving coil section 41 in a flat plate shape, and the power receiving case front end 421, 421B has a power receiving stopper section 43, 43B formed approximately parallel to the power receiving coil section 41 at a position spaced apart from the power receiving coil section 41, and In addition, when the power supply stopper portions 23, 23B and the power receiving stopper portions 43, 43B are in contact with each other, a predetermined gap d3 is formed between the power supply case front end portions 221, 221B and the power receiving case front end portions 421, 421B, which enables contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction between the power supply coil portion 21 and the power receiving coil portion 41. Therefore, in a contactless power supply state in which the power supply coil portion 21 and the power receiving coil portion 41 are arranged opposite each other, the power supply stopper portions 23, 23B and the power receiving stopper portions 43, 43B can be in contact with each other approximately parallel with the power supply case front end portions 221, 221B and the power receiving case front end portions 421, 421B spaced apart approximately parallel by the predetermined gap d3. Therefore, when moving the cart 3 to the non-contact power supply state, the power supply stopper parts 23, 23B and the power receiving stopper parts 43, 43B are brought into contact with each other in a generally parallel manner, thereby preventing a collision between the power supply case front end parts 221, 221B and the power receiving case front end parts 421, 421B, and preventing damage to the power supply coil part 21 or the power receiving coil part 41. As a result, the cart 3, which is loaded with electronic devices and has a considerable weight, can be easily set to the non-contact power supply state with peace of mind.

In addition, the entire front end side of the power supply protective case 22, 22B and the power receiving protective case 42, 42B can be formed into a substantially flat surface, allowing the thickness of each case to be made thin. Therefore, the power supply devices 2, 2B and the power receiving devices 4, 4B can each be easily made thin. As a result, the appearance of the indoor structure 1 equipped with the power supply devices 2, 2B can be further improved. Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of the power receiving devices 4, 4B from the legs 32 of the cart 3 can be reduced, improving the appearance of the power receiving devices 4, 4B of the cart 3.

In addition, according to this embodiment, at least one of the power supply stopper parts 23, 23B or the power receiving stopper parts 43, 43B includes a rubber-based cushioning member 23G, 43BG that flexes while maintaining the power supply case front end part 221, 221B and the power receiving case front end part 421, 421B apart when the power supply stopper part 23, 23B and the power receiving stopper part 43, 43B come into contact with each other. This allows the rubber-based cushioning member 23G, 43BG to flex and easily alleviate the impact load when the power supply stopper part 23, 23B and the power receiving stopper part 43, 43B come into contact with each other while ensuring the thinness of the power supply device 2, 2B and the power receiving device 4, 4B.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the front end 221, 221B of the power supply case or the front end 421, 421B of the power receiving case has a second rubber-based cushioning member 25, 46B formed in a band shape having the same or higher rubber hardness as the rubber-based cushioning member 23G, 43BG and is provided adjacent to the front corner portion 222, 422B at the position furthest from the rubber-based cushioning member 23G, 43BG. Therefore, even if the floor surface FL is uneven or inclined, direct contact between the front end 221, 221B of the power supply case and the front end 421, 421B of the power receiving case can be avoided by both the rubber-based cushioning member 23G, 43BG and the second rubber-based cushioning member 25, 46B. Therefore, damage to the power supply protective case 22, 22B and the power receiving protective case 42, 42B, and damage to the coil wires or the connecting wiring of the power supply coil section 21 and the power receiving coil section 41 can be avoided. If the rubber hardness of the second rubber-based cushioning member 25, 46B is higher than that of the rubber-based cushioning member 23G, 43BG, even if the band width of the second rubber-based cushioning member 25, 46B is narrowed, a certain gap (d3) can be secured between the power supply case front end 221, 221B and the power receiving case front end 421, 421B.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the power supply device 2, 2B has a permanent magnet plate 26 formed with approximately the same outer diameter as the power supply coil unit 21 laminated on the rear end surface of the power supply coil unit 21, and the power receiving device 4, 4B has a permanent magnet plate 44 formed with approximately the same outer diameter as the power receiving coil unit 41 laminated on the rear end surface of the power receiving coil unit 41. Therefore, the permanent magnet plates 26, 44 can increase the directivity of the magnetic field lines in the coil axis direction of the power supply coil unit 21 and the power receiving coil unit 41, and increase the magnetic field strength. Therefore, while improving the power supply efficiency during non-contact power supply between the power supply coil unit 21 and the power receiving coil unit 41, it is easy to further thin the power supply device 2, 2B and the power receiving device 4, 4B, which can contribute to improving the appearance of the indoor structure 1 and the cart 3.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the power supply devices 2, 2B, and 2C are attached to the storage section 13 via a plurality of spring members 28 so that they can move in the forward and backward directions. Therefore, even if the floor surface is uneven or inclined and the attitude of the cart 3 tilts, the installation angle of the power supply devices 2, 2B, and 2C attached to the storage section 13 of the indoor structure 1 can be changed in accordance with the tilt of the power receiving devices 4, 4B, and 4C attached to the cart 3. Therefore, even if the floor surface is uneven or inclined, the power supply devices 2, 2B, and 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, and 4C can be easily set to a non-contact power supply state in which they are arranged parallel to each other, even when the inertial force of the cart 3 acts on the power supply devices 2, 2B, and 2C, the spring members 28 expand and contract, thereby reducing the impact load on the power supply devices 2, 2B, and 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4B, and 4C.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the power supply devices 2, 2C and the power receiving devices 4, 4C have hard resin cases 22J, 22JC, 42J, 42JC formed to be approximately the same size, so that it is easy to make the cases lighter and thinner, which enhances the sense of unity in design and is effective in improving the appearance of the indoor structure 1 and the cart 3. In addition, the hard resin cases 22J, 22JC, 42J, 42JC can be produced using a common resin molding die, which contributes to improved productivity and cost reduction.

The present invention can be used as a non-contact power supply system for carts that enables non-contact power supply to electronic devices mounted on the cart.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Indoor structure, fixed table 2, 2B, 2C Power supply device 3 Cart 4, 4B, 4C Power receiving device 10, 10B, 10C Contactless power supply system for cart 13 Storage section, connecting section 14 Positioning means, guide section 21, 21C Power supply coil section 21CC Power supply core section 22, 22B, 22C Power supply protective case 22J, 22JC Hard resin case 23, 23B Power supply stopper section 23G, 43BG Rubber-based cushioning member 24C Gap detection means 25, 46B Rubber-based cushioning member 26, 44 Permanent magnet plate 28 Spring member 32 Legs, cart legs 41, 41C Power receiving coil section 41CC Power receiving core section 42, 42B, 42C Power receiving protective case 42J, 42JC Hard resin case 43, 43B Power receiving stopper portion 122 Lower end portion 135, 135C1 Lid body, decorative plate 135C2, 135C3 Lid body, decorative plate 211C, 411C Upper end portion 212, 412 Rear end surface 212C, 412C Lower end portion 213C, 413C Middle portion 214C, 414C Coil wire 221, 221B, 221C Front end portion, power supply case front end portion 421, 421B, 421C Front end portion, power receiving case front end portion HK1, HK2 Holding mechanism d3 Gap

Claims (11)

A contactless power supply system for a cart, comprising: a power supply device attached to an indoor structure; and a power receiving device attached to a leg of a cart that is mounted with an electronic device and moves indoors, in a position that can face the power supply device, the system performing contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction with the power supply device and the power receiving device disposed opposite each other,
The indoor structure includes a storage section that opens toward the room and a lid body having a flat surface that closes the storage section,
the power supply device is mounted in the storage section in such a manner that a front end portion facing the power receiving device serves as all or a part of the lid;
the power supply device includes a power supply protective case having a power supply case front end portion covering a power supply coil portion in a flat plate shape, and the power supply case front end portion has a power supply stopper portion formed in a position spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the power supply coil portion;
the power receiving device includes a power receiving protective case having a power receiving case front end portion that covers a power receiving coil portion in a flat plate shape, and the power receiving case front end portion has a power receiving stopper portion formed substantially parallel to the power receiving coil portion at a position spaced apart from the power receiving coil portion;
A contactless power supply system for a cart, characterized in that when the power supply stopper portion and the power receiving stopper portion are in contact with each other, a predetermined gap is formed between the front end of the power supply case and the front end of the power receiving case, which enables contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction between the power supply coil portion and the power receiving coil portion. The non-contact power supply system for a cart according to claim 1,
A contactless power supply system for a cart, characterized in that the front end of the power supply device doubles as part of the lid body, is covered by a lid body made of the same or similar material as an adjacent lid body, and both lid bodies are arranged on the same plane. The contactless power supply system for a cart according to claim 1 or 2,
a positioning means for positioning the cart at a lower end of the indoor structure so that the power supply device and the power receiving device can supply power in a non-contact manner;
The positioning means has a first holding mechanism for holding the cart in a position where power can be supplied contactlessly. The contactless power supply system for a cart according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The power supplying device and the power receiving device have a second holding mechanism that holds the front end of the power supplying device and the front end of the power receiving device in a position where power can be supplied contactlessly. The contactless power supply system for a cart according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
the power supply device includes a gap detection unit that detects a gap between the power supply device and the power receiving device;
The non-contact power supply system for a cart, wherein the gap detection means outputs a signal to start non-contact power supply when the power supply device and the power receiving device are in an opposing position and approach each other within a predetermined distance. The contactless power supply system for a cart according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
the power supply coil section has an upper end and a lower end that abut against a rear surface of the front end of the power supply case, and a power supply core section formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section with a coil wire wound around the vertical intermediate section;
the power receiving coil portion has an upper end and a lower end abutting against a rear surface of the front end of the power receiving case, and has a power receiving core portion formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section with a coil wire wound around the middle portion in the up-down direction;
a lower end of the power supply core section and a lower end of the power receiving core section facing each other; and a non-contact power supply system for a cart, characterized in that an upper end of the power supply core section faces an upper end of the power receiving core section, and a lower end of the power supply core section faces a lower end of the power receiving core section, and non-contact power supply is performed by electromagnetic induction between the power supply coil section and the power receiving coil section. The non-contact power supply system for a cart according to claim 1,
A contactless power supply system for a cart, characterized in that at least one of the power supply stopper portion or the power receiving stopper portion is provided with a rubber-based cushioning member that bends while maintaining a space between the front end of the power supply case and the front end of the power receiving case when the power supply stopper portion and the power receiving stopper portion abut against each other. The contactless power supply system for a cart according to claim 7,
A contactless power supply system for a cart, characterized in that a second rubber-based cushioning member formed in a band shape and having the same or higher rubber hardness as the rubber-based cushioning member is provided at a position spaced apart from the rubber-based cushioning member at the front end of the power supply case or the front end of the power receiving case. The contactless power supply system for a cart according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
a power supply coil unit having a first end surface and a second end surface formed with a magnet plate ... A contactless power supply system for a cart, comprising: a power supply device attached to an indoor structure; and a power receiving device attached to a leg of a cart that is mounted with an electronic device and moves indoors, in a position that can face the power supply device, the system performing contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction with the power supply device and the power receiving device disposed opposite each other,
The indoor structure includes a storage section that opens toward the room and a lid body having a flat surface that closes the storage section,
the power supply device is mounted in the storage section in such a manner that a front end portion facing the power receiving device serves as all or a part of the lid;
a positioning means for positioning the cart at a lower end of the indoor structure so that the power supply device and the power receiving device can supply power in a non-contact manner;
the positioning means has a first holding mechanism for holding the cart in a position where non-contact power supply is possible;
the first holding mechanism is formed of an elastic member such as a leaf spring, and includes a base end portion fixed in a groove formed in an inclined surface of a triangular guide portion provided in the positioning means, and a tip end portion protruding from the inclined surface of the triangular guide portion via a curved portion bent in a U-shape from the base end portion,
A non-contact power supply system for a cart, characterized in that when the cart is set in a position for non-contact power supply, the locking portion formed at the tip is pressed against the mounting ring portion of the caster fastened to the cart leg, and the curved portion deforms and hides within the groove, then protrudes outward from the inclined surface of the triangular guide portion and abuts against the mounting ring portion again, thereby preventing the cart from returning. A contactless power supply system for a cart, comprising: a power supply device attached to an indoor structure; and a power receiving device attached to a leg of a cart that is mounted with an electronic device and moves indoors, in a position that can face the power supply device, the system performing contactless power supply by electromagnetic induction with the power supply device and the power receiving device disposed opposite each other,
The indoor structure includes a storage section that opens toward the room and a lid body having a flat surface that closes the storage section,
the power supply device is mounted in the storage section in such a manner that a front end portion facing the power receiving device serves as all or a part of the lid;
the power supply device includes a gap detection unit that detects a gap between the power supply device and the power receiving device;
the gap detection means outputs a signal to start non-contact power supply when the power supply device and the power receiving device approach each other at a predetermined distance in an opposing position;
a magnetic detection element is provided on the back surface of the power supply protective case at a position separated from the power supply coil unit of the power supply device, and the magnetic detection element detects magnetic lines of force emitted from a permanent magnet body provided on the back surface of the power reception protective case at a position corresponding to the magnetic detection element and separated from the power receiving coil unit of the power receiving device, and outputs a signal indicating whether or not contactless power supply is possible to a control circuit of the power supply device ;
A contactless power supply system for a cart, characterized in that the magnetic detection element is attached to a magnetic iron-based metal member provided on the back surface of the power supply protective case, and the permanent magnet body is arranged in a position corresponding to the iron-based metal member on the back surface of the power receiving protective case of the power receiving device .

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