Current collector, estimation system, estimation method, program, and current collector system

Abstract

The present invention provides a current collector, estimation system, estimation method, program, and current collector system that can improve convenience. [Solution] The current collector 10 includes a current collector 31 that is movable while in contact with the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1, a holder 32 that holds the current collector 31, a distance sensor 71 fixed to the holder 32 that measures the distance D1 to the conductor A11, and a notification unit that notifies the measurement result of the distance sensor 71.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to current collectors, estimation systems, estimation methods, programs, and current collection systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a current collector, an estimation system, an estimation method, a program, and a current collection system that transmit electric power from a trolley wire to a mobile device. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a current collector that collects current to a mobile device from a trolley wire having a conductor provided in a guide groove. The current collector includes an attachment member and a current collecting element. The attachment member is attached to the mobile device. The current collecting element moves along the guide groove and comes into sliding contact with the conductor. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-252495 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In a current collector as described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to remove the current collector from the trolley wire to check whether the current collecting element needs to be replaced, so there has been a problem that convenience is low.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a current collector, an estimation system, an estimation method, a program, and a current collection system that can improve convenience. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] A current collector according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a current collector that is movable in contact with a conductor of a trolley wire, a holder for holding the current collector, a distance sensor fixed to the holder for measuring the distance to the conductor, and a notification unit for notifying the measurement result of the distance sensor.

[0007] An estimation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a current collector, a distance sensor for measuring the distance traveled by the current collector, and an estimation unit for estimating the lifespan of the current collector based on the measurement result of the distance sensor and the measurement result of the distance sensor.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the estimation method involves estimating the lifespan of a current collector based on the measurement results of a distance sensor, which measures the distance to the conductor, and a distance sensor, which measures the distance the current collector moves, both of which are fixed to a holder that holds a current collector that is movable while in contact with the conductor of the trolley wire.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the estimation method.

[0010] A current collection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the current collector and the trolley wire. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, there is an advantage in that convenience can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an estimation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of current collection units in a current collection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the multiple trolley wires of the same current collector. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a top view of the same current collector. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a top view of a main part of the current collector described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a graph for explaining the operation of the estimation system described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining an estimation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a top view of a main part of a current collector according to Modification 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an estimation system according to Modification 3. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications, and various modifications other than these embodiments and modifications can be made according to design and the like as long as they do not depart from the technical idea of the present disclosure. Each drawing described in the following embodiments and modifications is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in the drawing does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

[0014] (1) Overview Hereinafter, an overview of a current collector 10 and a current collection system 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0015] The current collector 10 is attached to a mobile device (not shown). The mobile device is, for example, a self-propelled carriage or a hoist. The mobile device moves by electric power supplied from a trolley line A1 (see FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5) via the current collector 10.

[0016] The current collector 10 includes: a current collection element 31 movable while in contact with a conductor A11 of the trolley line A1; a holder 32 that holds the current collection element 31; a distance sensor 71 fixed to the holder 32 and configured to measure a distance D1 (see FIG. 5) to the conductor A11; and a notification unit 20 (see FIG. 1) configured to notify a measurement result of the distance sensor 71.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the current collection system 100 comprises a current collector 10 and a trolley wire A1.

[0018] Here, the distance D1 to the conductor A11 (see FIG. 5) measured by the distance sensor 71 decreases as the current collector wears. Therefore, when the measurement result of the distance sensor 71 is notified from the notification unit 20, a user of the current collector 10 can check the wear amount of the current collector 31 while the current collector 31 remains in contact with the conductor A11, and can check whether replacement of the current collector 31 is necessary. This improves convenience.

[0019] (2) Configuration Next, configurations of the current collection system 100, the current collector 10, and the estimation system 1000 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0020] (2-1) Current Collection System The current collection system 100 is a system for supplying electric power to a mobile device.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the current collection system 100 comprises the current collector 10 and a plurality (e.g., four) of trolley wires A1. The current collector 10 includes a plurality (e.g., four) of current collection units 1 and a data processing device 2. That is, the current collection system 100 includes four trolley wires A1, four current collection units 1, and the data processing device 2. In FIG. 1, only one current collection unit 1 and only one trolley wire A1 are illustrated.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the four trolley wires A1 are aligned along one direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the four current collection units 1 are aligned along one direction so as to correspond to the positions of the four trolley wires A1.

[0023] Each of the four current collection units 1 is attached to a corresponding one of the four trolley wires A1. Further, each of the four current collection units 1 is configured to be movable relative to a corresponding one of the four trolley wires A1.

[0024] In this embodiment, the direction in which the four trolley wires A1 are aligned and the direction in which the four current collectors 1 are aligned are defined as the vertical direction. Furthermore, the direction in which each of the four current collectors 1 is attached to each of the four trolley wires A1 is defined as the front-to-back direction, and the direction in which the four current collectors 1 move is defined as the left-to-right direction. However, these definitions are not intended to define the direction of use of the current collection system 100. Also, the arrows indicating "vertical direction," "left-to-right direction," and "front-to-back direction" in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual functions.

[0025] In this embodiment, the four current collectors 1 have the same structure. Also, the four trolley wires A1 have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, we will describe one of the four current collectors 1 and one trolley wire A1 corresponding to one of the multiple trolley wires A1. In the following description, one current collector 1 will simply be referred to as current collector 1, and one trolley wire A1 will simply be referred to as trolley wire A1.

[0026] (2-1-1) Trolley wire As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the trolley wire A1 has a conductor A11 and a covering member A12 that covers a part of the conductor A11.

[0027] Conductor A11 functions as a power supply unit that supplies power to mobile equipment via the current collector 1. Conductor A11 is a long, plate-like structure extending in the left-right direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of conductor A11 is aligned with the left-right direction. Conductor A11 is formed of, for example, a metallic material (e.g., copper).

[0028] The covering member A12 is a long member that extends along the left-right direction. The covering member A12 is a long member with a roughly U-shaped cross-section and an open rear end. The covering member A12 covers a portion of the conductor A11 so that the conductor A11 is exposed at the rear.

[0029] The covering member A12 is formed of, for example, an insulating material (e.g., an electrically insulating synthetic resin). The covering member A12 is a so-called insulating sheath.

[0030] (2-1-2) Current collection section The current collector 1 transmits power from the trolley wire A1 to the mobile equipment.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the current collection unit 1 comprises a plurality (e.g., two) of current collection units 3, a plurality (e.g., two) of connecting members 4 connected to each of the plurality of current collection units 3, a plurality (e.g., two) of support members 5 supporting each of the plurality of connecting members 4, and a fixing member 6 fixed to the mobile device. The current collection unit 1 also comprises a plurality (e.g., two) of sensor units 7 fixed to each of the plurality of current collection units 3. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the current collection unit 1 further comprises a state sensor 8 that detects a physical quantity indicating the state of the current collector 31, which will be described later.

[0032] (2-1-2-1) Current collection unit The two current collection units 3 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 4. The two current collection units 3 are symmetrical to each other. Therefore, in the following, we will describe the right-hand current collection unit 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as current collection unit 3), and omit the description of the left-hand current collection unit 3.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the current collection unit 3 includes a current collector 31, a holder 32, and a cable C1.

[0034] The current collector 31 is a component that contacts the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1. The current collector 31 is a plate-shaped component with its thickness in the vertical direction, its length in the horizontal direction, and its width in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the current collector 31 extends in the horizontal direction.

[0035] The electron collector 31 is a conductor. The electron collector 31 is formed from, for example, a metallic material.

[0036] Each current collector 31 has a contact surface 311 that contacts the conductor A11. The contact surface 311 is the front end surface of the current collector 31. The current collector 1 moves along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the trolley wire A1 together with the moving equipment, with the contact surface 311 in contact with the conductor A11.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the holder 32 has a holding portion 33, a connector portion 34, and a connecting portion 35.

[0038] The holding portion 33 is a member that holds the current collector 31. The holding portion 33 is a plate-shaped member with the vertical direction as the thickness direction, the horizontal direction as the longitudinal direction, and the front-to-back direction as the short direction. In other words, the holding portion 33 extends in the left-to-right direction. As a result, the holding portion 33 can stably hold the current collector 31 which extends in the left-to-right direction.

[0039] The holding portion 33 has electrical insulating properties. The holding portion 33 is formed from, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0040] The holding portion 33 holds the electron collector 31 so as to cover the rear end of the electron collector 31. Therefore, the contact surface 311, which is the front end surface of the electron collector 31, is exposed to the outside of the holding portion 33.

[0041] The connector portion 34 is provided on the right side of the rear end of the holding portion 33. A cable C1, which is electrically connected to the mobile device, is connected to the connector portion 34. The connector portion 34 has an outer casing 341 and terminals (not shown) housed inside the outer casing 341. The outer casing 341 is electrically insulating. The outer casing 341 is formed from, for example, synthetic resin. The outer casing 341 protrudes rearward from the holding portion 33. The terminals of the connector portion 34 are electrically connected to a current collector 31 held in a holder 32 having the connector portion 34. The cable C1 connected to the connector portion 34 is electrically connected to the terminals of the connector portion 34 and electrically connected to the current collector 31 via the terminals. As a result, power is supplied from the current collector 31 to the mobile device via the cable C1.

[0042] The connecting portion 35 is provided in the center of the rear end of the holding portion 33. The connecting portion 35 has a cylindrical base portion 351 with its axis oriented in the front-rear direction, and a connecting piece 352 provided at the front end of the base portion 351. The connecting piece 352 supports the holding portion 33 so that it can rotate around its axis in the vertical direction. More specifically, the connecting piece 352 supports the holding portion 33 so that it can rotate around its axis in the vertical direction by inserting a shaft member through through holes provided in the connecting piece 352 and the holding portion 33, respectively.

[0043] (2-1-2-2) Connecting Members Each of the two connecting members 4 corresponds one-to-one with one of the two holders 32. Each of the two connecting members 4 connects the corresponding holder 32 of the two holders 32 to the fixing member 6. The two connecting members 4 are symmetrical to each other. Therefore, the following description will focus on the right-hand connecting member 4 (hereinafter simply referred to as connecting member 4), and the description of the left-hand connecting member 4 will be omitted.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connecting member 4 includes connecting arms 41 and 42, a first mounting portion 43, a second mounting portion (not shown), and a biasing member 44.

[0045] The first mounting portion 43 is a cylindrical member. The base portion 351 of the connecting portion 35 is inserted into the first mounting portion 43. As a result, the first mounting portion 43 supports the connecting portion 35 so that it can rotate around the front-rear axis.

[0046] The connecting arms 41 and 42 are arranged parallel to each other along the front-to-back direction.

[0047] The right ends of the connecting arms 41 and 42 are connected to the first mounting portion 43. More specifically, the right ends of the connecting arms 41 and 42 are connected to the first mounting portion 43 so that the connecting arms 41 and 42 can rotate with respect to the first mounting portion 43 as an axis in the vertical direction.

[0048] Furthermore, the left ends of the connecting arms 41 and 42 are connected to the second mounting section. More specifically, the left ends of the connecting arms 41 and 42 are connected to the second mounting section so that the connecting arms 41 and 42 can rotate around the second mounting section as an axis in the vertical direction.

[0049] The second mounting portion is rotatably connected to the fixing member 6, which will be described later, with respect to the front-to-back axis.

[0050] The biasing member 44 is a member that applies a forward force to the first mounting portion 43. In this embodiment, the biasing member 44 is a tension spring. Because the biasing member 44 applies a forward force to the first mounting portion 43, the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 is pressed against the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1 via the first mounting portion 43. In other words, the current collector 31 is able to move while in contact with the conductor A11 because a pressing force is applied to the conductor A11 by the biasing member 44.

[0051] (2-1-2-3) Support Member Each of the two support members 5 corresponds one-to-one with one of the two connecting members 4. Each of the two support members 5 clamps the left end of the connecting arm 41, 42 on the corresponding connecting member 4. The two support members 5 are symmetrical to each other. Therefore, the following description will focus on the right-hand support member 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as support member 5), and the description of the left-hand support member 5 will be omitted.

[0052] The support member 5 has a pair of support pieces 51 arranged opposite each other along the vertical direction, and a connecting piece 52 connecting the pair of support pieces 51. The pair of support pieces 51 clamp the left ends of the connecting arms 41 and 42 in the vertical direction. This prevents the pair of connecting arms 41 and 42 from being displaced in the vertical direction. This prevents uneven wear of the current collector 31.

[0053] (2-1-2-4) Fixing member The fixing member 6 is fixed to the mobile device. As shown in Figure 4, the fixing member 6 has a main body 61, a plate 62, two fixing shafts 63, and two nuts 64. A part of the mobile device is inserted into the gap S1 formed between the main body 61 and the plate 62. Each of the two fixing shafts 63 protrudes from the rear end surface of the main body 61 and passes through through holes (not shown) provided in the plate 62. By fastening the nuts 64 to each of the two fixing shafts 63, the part of the mobile device inserted into the gap S1 is sandwiched between the main body 61 and the plate 62. In this way, the fixing member 6, i.e., the current collector 1, is fixed to the mobile device.

[0054] (2-1-2-5) Sensor Unit The two sensor units 7 are fixed to the two current collection units 3, respectively. The two sensor units 7 are symmetrical to each other. Therefore, the following description will focus on the right-hand sensor unit 7 (hereinafter simply referred to as sensor unit 7), which is fixed to the right-hand current collection unit 3, and the description of the left-hand sensor unit 7 will be omitted.

[0055] The sensor unit 7 includes a distance sensor 71 (see Figure 2) and a sensor holder 72 that holds the distance sensor 71.

[0056] The distance sensor 71 is a sensor that measures the distance D1 between the reference plane 711 (see Figure 5) and the object to be measured. The distance sensor 71 is, for example, a laser distance sensor. The distance sensor 71 is connected to the data processing device 2, which will be described later, for example by a wire. Alternatively, the distance sensor 71 may be connected to the data processing device 2 wirelessly. The data including the measurement result from the distance sensor 71 is transmitted to the data processing device 2. The data including the measurement result from the distance sensor 71 is, for example, analog data.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, the sensor holder 72 has a sensor holding portion 721 and a fixing portion 722. The sensor holding portion 721 and the fixing portion 722 are, for example, formed integrally.

[0058] The sensor holding unit 721 holds the distance sensor 71.

[0059] The fixing part 722 is fixed to the current collection unit 3. The fixing part 722 is fixed, for example, to the outer casing 341 of the connector part 34. In other words, the fixing part 722 fixes the distance sensor 71, which is held by the sensor holding part 721, to the current collection unit 3. More specifically, the fixing part 722 fixes the distance sensor 71 to the current collection unit 3 such that the reference surface 711 and the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1 face each other in the front-rear direction. This allows the distance sensor 71 to measure the distance D1 between the reference surface 711 and the conductor A11.

[0060] (2-1-2-6) State Sensor The state sensor 8 detects a physical quantity that indicates the state of the current collector 31. In this embodiment, the state sensor 8 is mounted inside the current collector 1.

[0061] The state sensor 8 includes at least one of the following: a temperature sensor 81 for measuring the temperature of the current collector 31, a pressure sensor 82 for measuring the pressure applied to the current collector 31, and an electrical characteristics sensor 83 for measuring the electrical characteristics of the current collector 31. Here, the electrical characteristics of the current collector 31 measured by the electrical characteristics sensor 83 include the current flowing from the trolley wire A1 to the cable C1 via the current collector 31, and the potential difference between the current collector 31 and ground.

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the current collector 1 includes a temperature sensor 81, a pressure sensor 82, and an electrical characteristic sensor 83 as state sensors 8. The temperature sensor 81, pressure sensor 82, and electrical characteristic sensor 83 are connected to the data processing device 2, which will be described later, for example by wire. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 81, pressure sensor 82, and electrical characteristic sensor 83 may be connected to the data processing device 2 wirelessly. Data including the measurement results of the temperature sensor 81, pressure sensor 82, and electrical characteristic sensor 83 is transmitted to the data processing device 2. The data including the measurement results of the temperature sensor 81, pressure sensor 82, and electrical characteristic sensor 83 is, for example, analog data.

[0063] (2-1-3) Data Processing Device The data processing device 2 is a device that processes data including the measurement results of the distance sensor 71, the temperature sensor 81, the pressure sensor 82, the electrical characteristics sensor 83, and the travel distance sensor 9, which will be described later. The data processing device 2 is composed of, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a personal computer, etc. The data processing device 2 may also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0064] The data processing device 2 is mounted, for example, on a mobile device. Alternatively, the data processing device 2 may be mounted on the current collector 1.

[0065] The data processing device 2 acquires data including the measurement results of the distance sensor 71, the temperature sensor 81, the pressure sensor 82, the electrical characteristics sensor 83, and the travel distance sensor 9 (described later) at predetermined intervals, and converts the analog data into digital data. Hereinafter, the data including the measurement results of the distance sensor 71, the temperature sensor 81, the pressure sensor 82, the electrical characteristics sensor 83, and the travel distance sensor 9 converted into digital data may be referred to as measurement result data.

[0066] The data processing device 2 transmits the measurement result data to the cloud server 200 via an external network NT1 (see Figure 1), such as a wireless router and the internet. In other words, the data processing device 2 functions as a notification unit 20 that notifies the cloud server 200 of the measurement result data. If the data processing device 2 has a display unit, the data processing device 2 may display the measurement result data on the display unit.

[0067] (2-2) Estimation System As shown in Figure 1, the estimation system 1000 includes a current collector 10, a distance sensor 9, a cloud server 200, and an information terminal 300.

[0068] (2-2-1) Distance Sensor The distance sensor 9 includes, for example, a plurality of limit switches provided at predetermined intervals on the trolley wire A1. Each limit switch is connected to the data processing device 2, for example, wirelessly. Each limit switch transmits an ON signal to the data processing device 2 when, for example, a dog provided on the current collector 1 contacts each limit switch as the current collector 1 moves. The cloud server 200, described later, derives the cumulative distance W1 of the current collector 1 based on the ON signals (measurement results of the distance sensor 9) transmitted from each limit switch. Specifically, the cloud server 200 derives the cumulative distance W1 of the current collector 1 (see Figure 6) based on the number of times each limit switch has been turned ON and the order in which they were turned ON. In other words, the distance sensor 9 indirectly measures the cumulative distance W1 of the current collector 1. The distance sensor 9 may also be provided on the current collector 1 to directly measure the cumulative distance W1 of the current collector 1.

[0069] (2-2-2) Cloud Server Cloud server 200 is a server that connects to the external network NT1 and provides services.

[0070] The cloud server 200 is connected to the data processing device 2 via the external network NT1 and a wireless router, enabling communication. The memory of the cloud server 200 stores the measurement result data received from the data processing device 2 in chronological order.

[0071] The cloud server 200 has an estimation unit 201 and a status output unit 202. In other words, the estimation unit 201 and the status output unit 202 are implemented by cloud computing. This eliminates the need for server operation and management compared to when the estimation unit 201 and the status output unit 202 are implemented by an on-premises server, thereby reducing costs. Note that the estimation unit 201 and the status output unit 202 merely represent functions implemented by the cloud server 200 and do not necessarily represent an actual physical configuration.

[0072] (2-2-2-1) Estimation part The estimation unit 201 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 31 based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 9 included in the measurement result data. The estimation unit 201 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 31 at predetermined time intervals (first time intervals), for example. The estimation unit 201 may also estimate the lifespan of the current collector 31 when instructed by the user via the information terminal 300, which will be described later.

[0073] The functions of the estimation unit 201 will be described in detail below.

[0074] First, let's explain the lifespan of the current collector 31. As described above, the current collector 1 moves along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the trolley wire A1 together with the moving equipment, with the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 in contact with the conductor A11. As a result, the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 wears down in the front-rear direction as the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector 1 increases. When the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 has worn down by a predetermined length L1 from its new state, it is necessary to replace the current collector 31 or the current collector unit 3 with a new one. In other words, the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector 1 until the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 has worn down by a predetermined length L1 from its new state is the lifespan of the current collector 31.

[0075] Here, as the current collector 31 wears down, the distance D1 between the reference surface 711 and the conductor A11, as measured by the distance sensor 71, decreases. In other words, the amount G1 by which the distance D1 decreases from its new state can be said to be the amount of wear on the current collector 31. When the amount G1 by which the distance D1 decreases reaches a predetermined length L1, it is necessary to replace the current collector 31 or the current collection unit 3 with a new one.

[0076] The estimation unit 201 derives the decrease in distance D1 G1 from the measurement result of the distance sensor 71. The estimation unit 201 also derives the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector unit 1 from the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 9.

[0077] The estimation unit 201 derives the decrease in distance D1 G1 and the cumulative distance traveled by the current collector 1 W1 at predetermined time intervals (second time intervals) while the current collector 1 is operating. Here, the second time interval is shorter than the first time interval in which the estimation unit 201 estimates the lifetime of the current collector 31.

[0078] The estimation unit 201 links the derived decrease amount G1 and the cumulative distance traveled W1 together and stores them as a set of derived data in the memory of the cloud server 200.

[0079] The estimation unit 201 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 31 based on multiple sets of accumulated derived data. The operation of the estimation unit 201 to estimate the lifespan of the current collector 31 will now be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a graph with cumulative travel distance W1 on the horizontal axis and decrease amount G1 on the vertical axis. The multiple sets of accumulated derived data are reset when the current collector 31 or the current collector unit 3 is replaced with a new one. That is, when the current collector 31 is in a new condition, i.e., when the decrease amount G1 is 0, the cumulative travel distance W1 is 0.

[0080] The estimation unit 201 linearly approximates multiple sets of derived data (decrease amount G1 and cumulative distance traveled W1) and derives an approximate formula G1 = α × W1 (see dashed line B1 in Figure 6), which shows the relationship between the cumulative distance traveled W1 and the decrease amount G1. Here, α is a proportionality constant that represents the decrease amount G1 per unit distance. Then, from G1 = α × W1, the estimation unit 201 estimates the lifetime of the electron collector 31 (estimated lifetime Ls1), which is the cumulative distance traveled W1 when the decrease amount G1 reaches a predetermined length L1. The estimation unit 201 also estimates the remaining lifetime of the electron collector 31 (estimated remaining lifetime Ls2) by subtracting the latest cumulative distance traveled W1, which is the distance traveled W10 at the time of lifetime estimation, from the estimated lifetime Ls1.

[0081] The estimation unit 201 outputs life data, including information on the estimated lifespan Ls1 and the estimated remaining lifespan Ls2, to the information terminal 300 (described later) via the external network NT1.

[0082] (2-2-2-2) Status Output Section The status output unit 202 outputs status data to the information terminal 300, arranged in chronological order, including the decrease in the current collector 31 G1, the measurement results of the temperature sensor 81, the measurement results of the pressure sensor 82, and the power obtained from the measurement results of the electrical characteristics sensor 83 (the current flowing from the trolley wire A1 to the cable C1 via the current collector 31, and the potential difference between the current collector 31 and ground), up to the point when the estimation unit 201 derived the estimated lifespan Ls1 and the estimated remaining lifespan Ls2. The status output unit 202 may also calculate the amount of energy obtained by integrating the power over time, or it may calculate the time integral of the current flowing from the trolley wire A1 to the cable C1 via the current collector 31.

[0083] (2-2-2) Information terminal As shown in Figure 1, the information terminal 300 is connected to the cloud server 200 via the external network NT1, enabling communication.

[0084] The information terminal 300 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet device, or a wearable device such as a smartwatch.

[0085] The information terminal 300 includes a display unit 301 for displaying information. The display unit 301 includes, for example, a thin display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The content displayed on the display unit 301 is controlled by a control unit (not shown) of the information terminal 300. The control unit may be implemented by, for example, a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories.

[0086] The display unit 301 displays the lifespan data received from the estimation unit 201. This allows the user to determine whether the current collector 31 or the current collector unit 3 needs to be replaced based on the estimated lifespan Ls1 and estimated remaining lifespan Ls2 of the current collector 31. This also allows the user to understand the approximate timing for replacing the current collector 31 or the current collector unit 3.

[0087] Furthermore, the display unit 301 displays the status data received from the status output unit 202. This allows the user to check the decrease amount G1 of the current collector 31 and determine whether the current collector 31 needs to be replaced. In addition, if the estimated lifetime Ls1 and estimated remaining lifetime Ls2 are abnormally short, the user can estimate the cause based on the status data.

[0088] (3) Estimation method Next, we will explain the estimation method for estimating the lifespan of the current collector 31 provided in the current collector 10, that is, the estimation method used in the estimation system 1000, using Figure 7.

[0089] The estimation method described above includes a first acquisition step ST1, a second acquisition step ST2, and an estimation step ST3, as shown in Figure 7.

[0090] In the first acquisition step ST1, the estimation unit 201 receives and acquires the measurement result of the distance sensor 71 transmitted from the data processing device 2 via the external network NT1 (see Figure 1). Then, in the second acquisition step ST2, the estimation unit 201 receives and acquires the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 9 transmitted from the data processing device 2 via the external network NT1.

[0091] Subsequently, in estimation step ST3, the estimation unit 201 estimates the lifetime of the current collector 31 based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 acquired in the first acquisition step ST1 and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 9 acquired in the second acquisition step ST2.

[0092] Note that the flowchart in Figure 7 is merely one example of the estimation method described above, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, or any of the processes may be omitted as appropriate. For example, the order of the first acquisition step ST1 and the second acquisition step ST2 may be reversed.

[0093] (4) Variations The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. The following lists some modifications of the above embodiments. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate. In addition, in the following, components that are common or substantially common with the basic configuration of the estimation system 1000 of the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their illustration and description are omitted as appropriate.

[0094] (4-1) Experimental variation 1 The estimation unit 201 may estimate the lifetime of the current collector 31 based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71, the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 9, and the measurement results of the state sensor 8. This will be explained in detail below.

[0095] First, the user runs the estimation system 1000 on a test basis to determine the reference proportionality coefficient α1, which is the decrease in current collector 31 per unit distance G1, under conditions (reference conditions) where the temperature of the current collector 31, the pressure applied to the current collector 31, and the electrical characteristics of the current collector 31 (e.g., power) are all within reference ranges. In this case, the reference proportionality coefficient α1 is determined based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 9. The reference conditions are maintained by the user periodically checking the temperature of the current collector 31, the pressure applied to the current collector 31, and the electrical characteristics of the current collector 31, and adjusting the current collector unit 1. The reference proportionality coefficient α1 is stored in the memory of the cloud server 200.

[0096] Furthermore, the user determines the dependence of the proportionality constant α on the temperature T of the electron collector 31. Specifically, the user determines how many times the proportionality constant α becomes compared to the reference proportionality constant α1 depending on the temperature T of the electron collector 31. In other words, the user determines the coefficient β(T) that depends on the temperature T in the equation α = β(T) × α1. Note that the coefficient β(T) may be determined based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 9 while the temperature of the electron collector 31 is changed outside the reference range, or it may be determined by simulation.

[0097] Similarly, the user determines the dependence of the proportionality constant α on the pressure P applied to the electron collector 31. Specifically, the user determines how many times the proportionality constant α becomes of the reference proportionality constant α1 depending on the pressure P applied to the electron collector 31. In other words, the user determines the coefficient γ(P) that depends on the pressure P in the equation α = γ(P) × α1. Note that the coefficient γ(P) may be determined based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 and the movement distance sensor 9 while the pressure applied to the electron collector 31 is changed outside the reference range, or it may be determined by simulation.

[0098] Similarly, the user determines how many times the proportionality constant α is compared to the reference proportionality constant α1, depending on the power E of the current collector 31. That is, they determine the coefficient δ(E) in the equation α = δ(E) × α1, which depends on the power E. Note that the coefficient δ(E) may be determined based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 and the movement distance sensor 9 while the power E is varied outside the reference range, or it may be determined by simulation.

[0099] The user stores the coefficients β(T), γ(P), and δ(E) in the memory of the cloud server 200. Specifically, the user stores table data showing the relationship between coefficient β(T) and temperature T, table data showing the relationship between coefficient γ(P) and pressure P, and table data showing the relationship between coefficient δ(E) and power E in the memory of the cloud server 200.

[0100] After the test operation is complete, when the user operates the estimation system 1000 again, the estimation unit 201 calculates the proportionality constant α based on the reference proportionality constant α1, coefficients β(T), γ(P), δ(E), temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 81, pressure P measured by the pressure sensor 82, and power E measured by the electrical characteristic sensor 83. Here, the proportionality constant α is calculated by α = β(T) × γ(P) × δ(E) × α1. The estimation unit 201 then estimates the estimated lifetime Ls1 of the current collector 31, which is the cumulative travel distance W1 when the decrease amount G1 reaches a predetermined length L1, from the approximation formula G1 = α × W1. The estimation unit 201 also estimates the estimated remaining lifetime Ls2 of the current collector 31 by subtracting the travel distance W10, which is the latest cumulative travel distance W1 at the time of lifetime estimation, from the estimated lifetime Ls1.

[0101] With the above configuration, the estimation unit 201 can estimate the lifetime of the current collector 31 with greater accuracy.

[0102] (4-2) Modification 2 In the above embodiment, one sensor unit 7 was fixed to one current collection unit 3, but as shown in Figure 8, two sensor units 7 may be fixed to one current collection unit 3. The two sensor units 7 are fixed to both ends of the holding portion 33 of the holder 32 in the left-right direction. Note that the two sensor units 7 do not need to be the same sensor unit as long as they have similar functions, and sensor units with suitable shapes and dimensions should be selected depending on the installation location.

[0103] By comparing the measurement results of the distance sensors 71 on each of the two sensor units 7, uneven wear of the current collector 31 in the left-right direction can be detected. Note that three or more sensor units 7 may be fixed to a single current collector unit 3.

[0104] (4-3) Modification 3 As shown in Figure 9, the current collector 10 may further include a notification device 11 connected to the data processing device 2.

[0105] The data processing device 2 may output an analog signal to the notification device 11 when the distance D1 between the reference surface 711 and the conductor A11 reaches a predetermined distance based on the measurement result of the distance sensor 71. Here, the predetermined distance is the distance D1 when the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 is worn by a predetermined length L1 from its new state.

[0106] The notification device 11 operates using an analog signal output from the data processing device 2. The notification device 11 is, for example, a lamp or a speaker. If the notification device 11 is a lamp, the lamp lights up in response to the analog signal output from the data processing device 2. If the notification device 11 is a speaker, the speaker outputs sound in response to the analog signal output from the data processing device 2. This allows the user to recognize that the current collector 31 or the current collector unit 3 needs to be replaced.

[0107] (4-4) Other variations Functions similar to the estimation system 1000 may be embodied in an estimation method, a (computer) program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which the program is stored. In the estimation method according to the above embodiment, the lifetime of the current collector 31 is estimated based on the measurement result of a distance sensor 71, which is fixed to a holder 32 that holds a current collector 31 that is movable while in contact with the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1, and measures the distance D1 to the conductor A11, and the measurement result of a travel distance sensor 9, which measures the travel distance W1 of the current collector 31. Furthermore, the (computer) program according to the above embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the estimation method described above.

[0108] The estimated system 1000 in this disclosure includes a computer system in the data processing device 2 (notification unit 20), etc. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The function of the notification unit 20 in this disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunication line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs referred to here are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs, which are programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or logic devices that can reconfigure the junction relationships inside the LSI or reconfigure the circuit compartments inside the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0109] (5) Summary As described above, the current collector (10) according to the first embodiment includes a current collector (31) that is movable in contact with a conductor (A11) of the trolley wire (A1), a holder (32) that holds the current collector (31), a distance sensor (71) fixed to the holder (32) that measures the distance (D1) to the conductor (A11), and a notification unit (20) that notifies the measurement result of the distance sensor (71).

[0110] According to this embodiment, the user can check the amount of wear on the current collector (31) while the current collector (31) is in contact with the conductor (A11), and can determine whether or not the current collector (31) needs to be replaced. This improves convenience.

[0111] The current collector (10) of the second embodiment includes two distance sensors (71) in the first embodiment. The current collector (31) and holder (32) extend in one direction. The two distance sensors (71) are fixed to each end of the holder (32) in one direction.

[0112] According to this embodiment, uneven wear of the current collector (31) in one direction can be detected.

[0113] The estimation system (1000) of the third embodiment comprises a current collector (10) of the first or second embodiment, a travel distance sensor (9) for measuring the travel distance of the current collector (31), and an estimation unit (201) for estimating the lifespan of the current collector (31) based on the measurement result of the distance sensor (71) and the measurement result of the travel distance sensor (9).

[0114] According to this embodiment, the user can determine whether or not to replace the current collector (31) based on the lifespan of the current collector (31) estimated by the estimation unit (201). In addition, the user can grasp the approximate timing for replacing the current collector (31) based on the lifespan of the current collector (31) estimated by the estimation unit (201).

[0115] The estimation system (1000) of the fourth embodiment further comprises a state sensor (8) attached to the current collector (10) and detecting a physical quantity indicating the state of the current collector (31). The estimation unit (201) estimates the lifetime of the current collector (31) based on the measurement results of the distance sensor (71), the measurement results of the travel distance sensor (9), and the measurement results of the state sensor (8).

[0116] According to this embodiment, the estimation unit (201) can estimate the lifetime of the current collector (31) with greater accuracy.

[0117] The estimation system (1000) of the fifth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, includes at least one of a temperature sensor (81) for measuring the temperature of the current collector (31), a pressure sensor (82) for measuring the pressure applied to the current collector (31), and an electrical characteristic sensor (83) for measuring the electrical characteristics of the current collector (31).

[0118] According to this embodiment, the estimation unit (201) can estimate the lifetime of the current collector (31) with greater accuracy.

[0119] In the sixth embodiment of the estimation system (1000), the estimation unit (201) is implemented by cloud computing in any of the third to fifth embodiments.

[0120] According to this embodiment, compared to the case where the estimation unit (201) is implemented by an on-premises server, server operation and management are unnecessary, and costs can be reduced.

[0121] In the seventh embodiment of the estimation method, the lifetime of the current collector (31) is estimated based on the measurement results of a distance sensor (71) that measures the distance (D1) to the conductor (A11) and the measurement results of a travel distance sensor (9) that measures the travel distance (W1) of the current collector (31), which is fixed to a holder (32) that holds a current collector (31) that is movable while in contact with the conductor (A1) of the trolley wire (A1).

[0122] According to this embodiment, the user can check the amount of wear on the current collector (31) while the current collector (31) is in contact with the conductor (A11), and can determine whether or not the current collector (31) needs to be replaced. This improves convenience.

[0123] The program of the eighth embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the estimation method of the seventh embodiment.

[0124] According to this embodiment, the user can check the amount of wear on the current collector (31) while the current collector (31) is in contact with the conductor (A11), and can determine whether or not the current collector (31) needs to be replaced. This improves convenience.

[0125] The current collection system (100) of the ninth embodiment comprises a current collector (10) of the first or second embodiment and a trolley wire (A1).

[0126] According to this embodiment, the user can check the amount of wear on the current collector (31) while the current collector (31) is in contact with the conductor (A11), and can determine whether or not the current collector (31) needs to be replaced. This improves convenience. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 8. State Sensor 9. Distance Sensor 10 Current collector 20 Notification Department 31 Electronic collector 32 holder 71 Distance Computing 81 Temperature sensor 82 Pressure Sensor 83 Electrical Characteristics Sensor 100 Current collection system 201 Estimation Department 1000 Estimation Systems A1 Trolley Line A11 Conductor D1 Distance W1 Travel distance

Claims

1. A current collector that can move while in contact with the conductor of the trolley wire, The holder that holds the current collector, A distance sensor fixed to the holder and measuring the distance to the conductor, The system includes a notification unit that notifies the measurement result of the distance sensor, Current collector.

2. Equipped with two of the aforementioned distance sensors, The current collector and the holder extend in one direction. The two distance sensors are fixed to both ends of the holder in the one direction, The current collector according to claim 1.

3. A current collector according to claim 1 or 2, A distance sensor for measuring the distance traveled by the current collector, The system includes an estimation unit that estimates the lifetime of the current collector based on the measurement results of the distance sensor and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor. Estimation system.

4. The current collector is further equipped with a state sensor that detects a physical quantity indicating the state of the current collector, The estimation unit estimates the lifetime of the current collector based on the measurement results of the distance sensor, the measurement results of the travel distance sensor, and the measurement results of the state sensor. The estimation system according to claim 3.

5. The state sensor includes at least one of the following: a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the current collector, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure applied to the current collector, and an electrical characteristic sensor for measuring the electrical characteristics of the current collector. The estimation system according to claim 4.

6. The estimation unit is realized by cloud computing. The estimation system according to claim 3.

7. A holder is fixed to the trolley wire, which holds a movable current collector in contact with the conductor, and the lifespan of the current collector is estimated based on the measurement result of a distance sensor that measures the distance to the conductor and the measurement result of a movement distance sensor that measures the distance the current collector moves. Estimation method.

8. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the estimation method described in claim 7.

9. A current collector according to claim 1 or 2, The trolley wire and the following are included: Current collection system.

Images