Magnetic levitation transport system with non-contact inductive power supply and battery charging

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to magnetic levitation transport systems, and more particularly to a magnetic levitation transport system having vehicles lifted by a magnetic force generating device which attracts magnetic members extending along a running track, and propelled by a linear motor to transport loads.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a front view of a magnetic levitation transport system according to the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of the magnetic levitation transport system;

#FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a layout of a guide rail in the magnetic levitation transport system;

#Magnetic levitation transport systems according to the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

#Like reference numerals are used to identify like parts in FIGS. 21 through 23 showing the prior art, which will not be described again.

#Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a guide rail B has induction line units X extending along inner walls of predetermined blocks thereof. As shown in enlargement in FIG. 4, each induction line unit X includes an elongate plate-like bracket 14 formed of aluminum which is a magnetic field shielding material. The bracket 14 extends along the guide rail B, and supports pairs of upper and lower horizontal hangers 14a arranged at predetermined intervals along the guide rail B. Each hanger 14a supports a plastic duct 14b attached to a distal end thereof and extending along the guide rail B. The duct 14b contains an induction line L connected to a power source assembly P disposed outside the guide rail B as shown in FIG. 2. The induction line L is a strand wire (hereinafter called a litz wire) formed of thin insulated wires, and covered with an insulator such as a plastic material. The above-mentioned predetermined blocks are straight portions of the guide rail B, for example.