Tension equalizer for overhead lines

Abstract

Provided is a tension balancer that reduces hysteresis in a travel-tension characteristic. The tension balancer has a first unit and a second unit that are cylindrical, a first coil spring, a plurality of first sliding plates, and a plurality of first stoppers. The second unit is inserted into the first unit, with the first coil spring disposed therebetween. The plurality of first sliding plates are disposed between the first coil spring and the first unit. The plurality of first stoppers are configured to restrict rotation of the plurality of first sliding plates by interfering with the plurality of first sliding plates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tension balancer that can be used for overhead power lines. Background Technology

[0002] Tension balancers are installed on overhead lines such as railways to maintain appropriate tension on the overhead lines even when they expand or contract due to temperature changes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tension balancer whose basic structure includes multiple cylindrical components arranged coaxially and a helical spring arranged between the cylindrical components.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-296795 Summary of the Invention

[0004] (The problem that the invention aims to solve) One objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a tension balancer with a novel structure. Alternatively, one objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a tension balancer that reduces hysteresis in the stroke-tension characteristics.

[0005] (The measures taken to solve the problem) One embodiment of the present invention is a tension balancer. The tension balancer includes a first unit, a second unit, a first helical spring, a plurality of first sliding plates, and a plurality of first stops. The first unit includes a first cylindrical member having a first end and a second end, an annular first front spring washer located at the first end and surrounded by the first cylindrical member, and an annular first front spring washer contacting the second end of the first front spring washer and spaced apart from the first cylindrical member. The second unit includes a second cylindrical member having a first end protruding from the first cylindrical member and a second end located within the first cylindrical member and inserted into the first cylindrical member, and an annular first rear washer surrounding the second cylindrical member and located within the first cylindrical member. The first helical spring is located between the first unit and the second unit, surrounding the second cylindrical member, and sandwiched between the first front spring washer and the first rear washer. The plurality of first sliding plates are located between the first helical spring and the first cylindrical member, with a portion of each plate sandwiched between the first front spring washer and the first cylindrical member. The plurality of first stops are configured to be sandwiched between adjacent first sliding plates and restrict the rotation of the plurality of first sliding plates.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is a tension balancer. The tension balancer includes a first unit, a second unit, a first helical spring, a first sliding plate, and a first stop. The first unit includes a first cylindrical member having a first end and a second end, an annular first front washer located at the first end and surrounded by the first cylindrical member, and an annular first front spring washer contacting the second end of the first front washer and spaced apart from the first cylindrical member. The second unit includes a second cylindrical member having a first end protruding from the first cylindrical member and a second end located within the first cylindrical member and inserted into the first cylindrical member, and an annular first rear washer surrounding the second cylindrical member and located within the first cylindrical member. The first helical spring is located between the first unit and the second unit, surrounding the second cylindrical member and clamping the first front spring washer and the first rear washer. The first sliding plate is located between the first helical spring and the first cylindrical member, with a portion of each clamped between the first front spring washer and the first cylindrical member. The first stop is configured to clamp the edges of the opposing first sliding plates in a coiled cylindrical state, restricting the rotation of the first sliding plates.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a tension balancer. The tension balancer includes a first unit, a second unit, a first helical spring, a first sliding tube, and a first stop. The first unit includes a first cylindrical member having a first end and a second end, an annular first front washer located at the first end and surrounded by the first cylindrical member, and an annular first front spring washer contacting the second end of the first front washer and spaced apart from the first cylindrical member. The second unit includes a second cylindrical member having a first end protruding from the first cylindrical member and a second end located within the first cylindrical member and inserted into the first cylindrical member, and an annular first rear washer surrounding the second cylindrical member and located within the first cylindrical member. The first helical spring is located between the first unit and the second unit, surrounding the second cylindrical member and clamped between the first front spring washer and the first rear washer. The first sliding tube has a slit located between the first helical spring and the first cylindrical member, a portion of which is clamped between the first front spring washer and the first cylindrical member. The first stop is disposed within the slit of the first sliding tube and configured to restrict rotation of the first sliding tube. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4This is a schematic side view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 6A This is a schematic perspective view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6B This is a schematic side view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6C This is a schematic front view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7A This is a schematic side view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7B This is a schematic front view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 7C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7D This is a schematic front view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9A A schematic perspective view of a sliding plate arranged in a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 9B A schematic perspective view of a sliding plate arranged in a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of a sliding plate arranged in a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 11A A schematic perspective view of a sliding tube arranged in a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11B A schematic perspective view of a sliding tube arranged in a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 12AThis is a schematic perspective view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 12C This is a schematic front view of a tension balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] (Explanation of the labels in the attached diagram) 10, 12: Tension balancers; 100: First unit; 102: First cylindrical component; 102a: Cutout; 104: First hook; 106: Cover; 108: Reinforcing component; 110: First front washer; 112: First front spring washer; 112a: Cutout; 112b: Protrusion; 114: U-shaped bar; 116: collar; 120: first sliding plate; 120a: clearance; 120b: Through hole; 120c: Cut; 120d: Cut; 120e: Through hole; 122: Second sliding plate; 124: Third sliding plate; 130: First stop; 130-1: First stop; 130-2: First stop; 132: Second stop; 132-1: Second stop; 132-2: Second stop; 136: Bolt; 140: First coil spring; 142: Second helical spring; 144: Third helical spring; 200: Second unit; 202: Second cylindrical component; 210: Second front washer; 212: Second front spring washer; 214: First rear washer; 216: First rear spring washer; 218: Flange; 300: Third unit; 302: Third cylindrical component; 304: Second hook; 310: Third front washer; 312: Third front spring washer; 314: Second rear washer; 316: Second rear spring washer; 402: Fourth cylindrical component; 404: Third hook component; 414: Third rear washer; 416: Third rear spring washer Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the invention disclosed in this application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit and is not limited to the description of the embodiments illustrated below.

[0031] To make the description clearer, the accompanying drawings sometimes schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of various parts compared to the actual figures, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the invention. Furthermore, in this document and in the accompanying drawings, elements having the same function as those described with respect to the accompanying drawings can be labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions can be omitted.

[0032] In this specification and accompanying drawings, the same symbols are used when multiple identical or similar structures are represented as a whole, and hyphens and numbers are added after the symbols when they are represented individually. When multiple parts of a structure are marked to distinguish them separately, the same symbol is used, along with hyphens and letters.

[0033] In this specification and claims, the expression "a structure is exposed from another structure" refers to a situation where a portion of a structure is not covered by another structure, and also includes situations where the portion not covered by another structure is covered by other structures. This expression also includes situations where a structure is not in contact with another structure.

[0034] <First Implementation Method> In this embodiment, a tension balancer 10, which is one embodiment of the present invention, will be described. The tension balancer 10 can be used to stretch an overhead line with appropriate tension.

[0035] 1. Overall Structure Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a tension balancer 10 is shown. The tension balancer 10 comprises multiple cylindrical units arranged coaxially and having different outer diameters. The number of units is not limited, typically 2 to 4, but more than 5 are also possible. In the tension balancer 10, a portion of the units with smaller outer diameters is inserted into units with larger outer diameters. More specifically, the tension balancer 10 has units from the 1st (a) to the nth (n is a natural number greater than 2), and with the outer diameter decreasing sequentially from the 1st (a) to the nth unit, the (k+1)th unit is configured in the kth unit (k is a variable chosen from natural numbers greater than 1 (n-1)). The (k+1)th unit can reversibly slide inside the kth unit in the direction of the central axis of each unit. Figure 1 A two-stage tension balancer 10 having three units (first unit 100, second unit 200, and third unit 300) is shown. Hereinafter, the two-stage tension balancer will be mainly used in the description of this embodiment.

[0036] A support-side mounting component (hereinafter referred to as the first hook) 104 is directly or indirectly installed at one end (the second end) of the first unit 100, which has the largest outer diameter. Using this first hook 104, the tension balancer 10 can be connected to a fixed structure such as a support. On the other hand, an overhead line-side mounting component (hereinafter referred to as the second hook) 304, which connects to the overhead line, is directly or indirectly installed at one end of the unit with the smallest outer diameter (here, the third unit 300). As described below, helical springs are arranged in a compressed state between adjacent units. By means of the elastic force of the helical springs, a force is generated that pulls the adjacent inner unit inward from the outer unit. Using this force, the overhead line can be stretched with appropriate tension.

[0037] In the following text, the length direction of the tension balancer 10 is described as the x-direction, and the directions perpendicular to the x-direction and orthogonal to each other are described as the y-direction and z-direction. The x-direction is the direction parallel to the central axis of the tension balancer 10 and each unit, and is the direction of sliding of the 2nd (ii) to nth units. Along the direction Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the dashed line AA′ extending in the x-direction is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, a schematic diagram of the cross-section along the dotted-dash line BB′, which is orthogonal to the dotted-dash line AA′, is shown below. Figure 3 As shown. For easier observation, in Figure 3 The helical springs (first helical spring 140 and second helical spring 142) described later are not shown in the figure.

[0038] 2. Unit 1 like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first unit 100 has a first cylindrical component 102. A cover 106 forming a bottom surface can be provided on the second end side of the first cylindrical component 102 for accommodating the first hook 104. The first hook 104 is directly welded to the cover 106. The first cylindrical component 102 may have an opening for suspending the first cylindrical component 102 during the assembly of the tension balancer 10 or an opening for draining water that has seeped into it. A detachment prevention unit is also provided on the second end side to prevent the second unit 200 and the third unit 300 from detaching. The structure of the detachment prevention unit is not limited, and... Figure 1 In the example shown, a U-shaped bar 114 is provided as a detachment prevention unit. The U-shaped bar 114 extends through the first cylindrical member 102 in a direction perpendicular to the z-direction, and a collar 116 provided at its end prevents the U-shaped bar 114 from detaching. Under the restoring force of the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142, the cover 106 moves towards the second end side, but its movement is restricted by the U-shaped bar 114.

[0039] At the opposite end (first end) of the first cylindrical member 102, an annular first front washer 110 is provided. The first front washer 110 may be configured to surround and block a portion of the first end of the first cylindrical member 102. The opening of the first front washer 110 serves as an opening for the second unit 200 to slide within the first unit 100, allowing a portion to protrude from the first unit 100. Although not shown, the first front washer 110 may not surround the first cylindrical member 102 and may have an outer diameter that is the same as or substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first cylindrical member 102. Furthermore, the first front washer 110 may be integrally formed with the first cylindrical member 102.

[0040] An annular first front spring washer 112 surrounding the second unit 200 is also provided on the first end side of the first cylindrical component 102. The first front spring washer 112 is disposed on the second end side relative to the first front spring washer 110 and contacts the first front washer 110.

[0041] Here, the outer diameter of the first front spring washer 112 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first front washer 110 and smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical member 102. Therefore, a gap exists between the first front spring washer 112 and the first cylindrical member 102, and they do not contact each other. The gap between the first front spring washer 112 and the first cylindrical member 102 is set such that the first sliding plate 120, described later, can be inserted between them. Specifically, although it also depends on the wire diameter of the first helical spring 140, for example, the outer diameter of the first front spring washer 112 and the inner diameter of the first cylindrical member 102 are set to be 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, or 1 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0042] On the other hand, the inner diameter of the first front washer 110 is larger than the inner diameter of the first front spring washer 112. Therefore, the first front spring washer 112 is in contact with the outer surface of the second cylindrical component 202, which will be described later.

[0043] The first cylindrical component 102, the first front washer 110, and the first front spring washer 112 are respectively made of metal materials such as iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. Preferably, these components are made of stainless steel, which has high strength and low corrosivity. Coatings for reducing friction with the first helical spring 140 and the second cylindrical component 202 can be formed on the surfaces of the second end side of the first front spring washer 112 and the second cylindrical component 202 side, respectively. Similarly, coatings can also be provided on the surfaces of the second end side of the first front washer 110 and the second cylindrical component 202 side. For example, diamond-like carbon (DLC) films, hard chromium-plated films, titanium nitride films, films of fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or films of engineering plastics can be used. On the other hand, the surface of the first end side of the first front washer 110 and the outer surface of the first cylindrical component 102 can be galvanized or aluminized.

[0044] 3. Unit Two The second unit 200 is inserted wholly or partially into the interior of the first unit 100. The second unit 200 may also have a structure similar to the first unit 100. Specifically, the second unit 200 includes a second cylindrical member 202 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical member 102, and an annular second front washer 210 is provided at the end (first end) protruding from the first cylindrical member 102. The second front washer 210 may be configured to surround and block a portion of the first end of the second cylindrical member 202. The opening of the second front washer 210 serves as an opening for the third unit 300 to slide within the second unit 200, allowing a portion to protrude from the second unit 200. Although not shown, similar to the first unit 100, the second front washer 210 does not surround the second cylindrical member 202 and may have an outer diameter that is the same as or substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second cylindrical member 202. The second front washer 210 may be integrally formed with the second cylindrical member 202.

[0045] On the first end side of the second cylindrical component 202, an annular second front spring washer 212 surrounding the third unit 300 is also provided. The second front spring washer 212 is disposed on the second end side relative to the second front washer 210 and contacts the second front washer 210.

[0046] Similar to the first unit 100, the outer diameter of the second front spring washer 212 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second front washer 210 and smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical member 202. Therefore, a gap exists between the second front spring washer 212 and the second cylindrical member 202, and they do not contact each other. The gap between the second front spring washer 212 and the second cylindrical member 202 is also set such that the second sliding plate 122, described later, can be inserted between them. Specifically, the outer diameter of the second front spring washer 212 and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical member 202 are set to be 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, or 1 mm or more and 2 mm or less. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second front washer 210 is larger than the inner diameter of the second front spring washer 212. Therefore, the second front spring washer 212 contacts the outer surface of the third cylindrical member 302, described later. The difference between the inner diameters of the second front washer 210 and the second front spring washer 212 also depends on the wire diameter of the second coil spring 142. However, for example, the second front washer 210 and the second front spring washer 212 can be configured in the range of 1 mm or more and 5 mm or 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0047] The second unit 200 also has an annular first rear washer 214 for supporting one end of the first helical spring 140 on a second end side opposite to the first end of the second cylindrical member 202. The first rear washer 214 is arranged to surround the second cylindrical member 202. The first rear washer 214 is configured to have a gap with the inner surface of the first cylindrical member 102. In an optional structure, the second unit 200 may further include a first rear spring washer 216, which contacts the first rear washer 214 and is located on the first end side relative to the first rear washer 214. The first rear spring washer 216 is also arranged to surround the second cylindrical member 202. The outer diameter of the first rear spring washer 216 is larger than the outer diameter of the first rear washer 214. Therefore, the first rear spring washer 216 contacts the inner surface of the first cylindrical member 102. The first rear washer 214 may also be integrally formed with the second cylindrical member 202.

[0048] Similar to the first unit 100, the second cylindrical component 202, the second front washer 210, the second front spring washer 212, the first rear washer 214, and the first rear spring washer 216 are made of metal materials such as iron, aluminum, and stainless steel, with stainless steel being the most preferred. A coating for reducing friction with the first helical spring 140, the second helical spring 142, the first cylindrical component 102, and the third cylindrical component 302 may also be formed on the surfaces of the first rear spring washer 216 at its first end and on the surface of the first cylindrical component 102, as well as on the surfaces of the second front spring washer 212 at its second end and on the surface of the third cylindrical component 302. Additionally, a coating for reducing friction may also be formed on the outer surface of the second cylindrical component 202. Furthermore, the surfaces of the first rear washer 214 at its first end and on the surface of the first cylindrical component 102, and the surfaces of the second front washer 210 at its second end and on the surface of the third cylindrical component 302 may be galvanized or aluminized.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the bottom surface of the second end side of the second cylindrical component 202 has an opening (the dashed ellipse in the figure). An annular flange 218 for supporting the second sliding plate 122, described later, can also be provided in this opening. The flange 218 can be a component independent of the second cylindrical component 202, or it can be integrated with the second cylindrical component 202 or the first rear washer 214.

[0050] 4. Unit 3 The third unit 300 shown here, which is fixed with a second hook 304 for connection to an overhead line, is the component with the smallest outer diameter among the multiple units. The third unit 300 has a third cylindrical component 302, which is a tubular or cylindrical component, a portion of which is inserted inside the second unit 200. At the end of the third cylindrical component 302 that protrudes from the second cylindrical component 202 (the first end), the second hook 304 is fixed by welding or bolts. Additionally, an opening is provided on the bottom surface of the third cylindrical component 302 at the second end opposite the first end.

[0051] Similar to the second unit 200, the third unit 300 also has an annular second rear washer 314 for supporting one end of the second helical spring 142 on the second end side of the third cylindrical member 302. The second rear washer 314 is arranged to surround the third cylindrical member 302. The second rear washer 314 can be integrally formed with the third cylindrical member 302. The second rear washer 314 is arranged to have a gap with the inner surface of the second cylindrical member 202. In an optional structure, the third unit 300 may further include a second rear spring washer 316 that contacts the second rear washer 314 and is located on the first end side relative to the second rear washer 314. The second rear spring washer 316 is also arranged to surround the third cylindrical member 302. The outer diameter of the second rear spring washer 316 is larger than the outer diameter of the second rear washer 314.

[0052] Similar to the first unit 100 and the second unit 200, the third cylindrical component 302, the second rear washer 314, and the second rear spring washer 316 are made of metals such as iron, aluminum, and stainless steel, preferably stainless steel. The aforementioned coating can be applied to the surface of the second rear spring washer 316 at its first end and on the surface of the second cylindrical component 202 to reduce friction with the second helical spring 142 and the second cylindrical component 202. Furthermore, the outer surface of the third cylindrical component 302, and the surface of the second rear washer 314 at its first end or on the surface of the second cylindrical component 202, can be galvanized or aluminized.

[0053] 5. Coil spring A first helical spring 140 and a second helical spring 142 are respectively disposed between the first unit 100 and the second unit 200, and between the second unit 200 and the third unit 300. The first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142 are configured to surround the second cylindrical component 202 and the third cylindrical component 302, respectively. Therefore, in a direction perpendicular to the central axis (x-direction), the first helical spring 140 is sandwiched between the first cylindrical component 102 and the second cylindrical component 202, and the second helical spring 142 is sandwiched between the second cylindrical component 202 and the third cylindrical component 302. On the other hand, in the x-direction, the first helical spring 140 is sandwiched between the first front spring washer 112 and the first rear washer 214, and the second helical spring 142 is sandwiched between the second front spring washer 212 and the second rear washer 314. When the first rear spring washer 216 is configured, the first helical spring 140 is sandwiched between the first front spring washer 110 and the first rear spring washer 214 in the x-direction via the first front spring washer 112 and the first rear spring washer 216. Similarly, when the second rear spring washer 316 is configured, the second helical spring 142 is sandwiched between the second front spring washer 210 and the second rear spring washer 314 in the x-direction via the second front spring washer 212 and the second rear spring washer 316.

[0054] 6. Sliding plate In the tension balancer 10, multiple first sliding plates 120-1 and 120-2 are arranged between the first unit 100 and the second unit 200, and multiple second sliding plates 122-1 and 122-2 are arranged between the second unit 200 and the third unit 300. The first sliding plates 120 and 122 are both quadrilateral metal plates containing metals such as iron, aluminum, and copper, or alloys selected from these metals, such as stainless steel. They are configured within the tension balancer 10 to be bent around a central axis (see reference). Figure 3 That is, when the plurality of first sliding plates 120 and the plurality of second sliding plates 122 are disposed within the tension balancer 10, they are bent in such a way that they form an arc-shaped cross section in the yz plane.

[0055] The first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122 each have a thickness such that their ends can be inserted into the gap between the first front spring washer 112 and the first cylindrical component 102, and the gap between the second front spring washer 212 and the second cylindrical component 202. Specifically, the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122 each have a thickness of 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less, 0.5 mm or more and 2 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or more and 1 mm or less. There is no limitation on the number of each of the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122. Figure 3As shown, two first sliding plates 120 and two sliding plates 122 can also be configured respectively. Alternatively, three or more first sliding plates 120 and two sliding plates 122 can be configured respectively. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the number of first sliding plates 120 and second sliding plates 122 can be different from each other.

[0056] from Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is understood that each first sliding plate 120 is disposed between the first helical spring 140 and the first cylindrical component 102, contacting the first helical spring 140 and the first cylindrical component 102, and covering a portion of the first helical spring 140. Preferably, the plurality of first sliding plates 120 are arranged such that substantially the entire first helical spring 140 is surrounded by the plurality of first sliding plates 120. Similarly, each second sliding plate 122 is also disposed between the second helical spring 142 and the second cylindrical component 202, contacting the second helical spring 142 and the second cylindrical component 202, and covering a portion of the second helical spring 142. Preferably, the plurality of second sliding plates 122 are arranged such that substantially the entire second helical spring 142 is surrounded by the plurality of second sliding plates 122.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, each of the plurality of first sliding plates 120 is configured such that a portion including one side is sandwiched between a first front spring washer 112 and a first cylindrical member 102, with the opposite side supported by a cover 106. Similarly, a portion including one side of each of the plurality of second sliding plates 122 is sandwiched between a second front spring washer 212 and a second cylindrical member 202. When a flange 218 is provided, the opposite side is supported by the flange 218.

[0058] On the surfaces of the plurality of first sliding plates 120 and the plurality of second sliding plates 122 that respectively contact the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142, a coating for reducing friction with the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142 may be formed. The coating used herein may be selected from the coatings described above.

[0059] 7. Rotation prevention unit Both the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142 are arranged in a compressed state within the tension balancer 10. Therefore, the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142 have restoring forces in the direction of returning to their natural length. That is, the restoring force operates in a manner extending in the x-direction. Therefore, when the tension balancer 10 is not under any load, the tension balancer 10 contracts in the x-direction by separating the first front spring washer 112 and the first rear spring washer 216 from each other, and separating the second front spring washer 212 and the second rear spring washer 316 from each other. On the other hand, when the first hook 104 is fixed to a support column or the like, and the second hook 304 is connected to the overhead line, the weight and contraction force of the overhead line are applied to the tension balancer 10 through the second hook 304, and the third unit 300 and the second unit 200 are drawn outwards. However, because the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142 have restoring forces, the tension pulling inwards towards the tension balancer 10 can always be applied to the overhead line. Therefore, it is possible to keep the overhead line stretched with appropriate tension at all times.

[0060] Thus, inside the tension balancer 10, the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142 extend and retract due to the tension received from the overhead line. During extension and retraction, the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142 are twisted, thereby applying a force about a central axis to the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122. When such rotation occurs, the first sliding plates 120 or the second sliding plates 122 interfere with each other, sometimes causing breakage. Alternatively, the first sliding plates 120 may overlap each other or the second sliding plates 122 may overlap each other, resulting in a misalignment of the central axes of the first cylindrical component 102, the second cylindrical component 202, and the third cylindrical component 302, generating significant friction during the extension and retraction of the tension balancer 10.

[0061] Therefore, a rotation prevention unit is provided on the tension balancer 10 to limit the rotation of the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122. This will be used... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The schematic side view shown and Figures 6A to 6C The schematic perspective view, side view, and front view shown are used to describe the rotation prevention unit. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic side view of the tension balancer 10 when viewed from the second end side where the first hook 104 is set. Here, for ease of observation, not only the first hook 104, the reinforcing member 108, and the cover 106 are omitted, but also the first helical spring 140, the second helical spring 142, etc. are omitted.

[0062] like Figure 4As shown, a plurality of first stops 130 are provided as rotation prevention units for the first sliding plate 120. More specifically, the first stops 130 are arranged between two adjacent first sliding plates 120. The plurality of first stops 130 are respectively sandwiched between two adjacent first sliding plates 120 on a circumference that is part of the arc formed by the end faces of the first sliding plates 120 in the yz plane. In other words, the plurality of first sliding plates 120 and the plurality of first stops 130 alternate on this circumference. The plurality of first stops 130 are preferably arranged to be equidistant from each other in the yz plane. For example, in the case of providing two first stops 130-1 and 130-2, as Figure 4 As shown, the preferred configuration is point-symmetric with respect to the central axis Ac.

[0063] Similarly, as a rotation prevention unit for the second sliding plate 122, a plurality of second stops 132 are provided. More specifically, the second stops 132 are disposed between two adjacent second sliding plates 122. Each of the plurality of second stops 132 is sandwiched between two adjacent second sliding plates 122 on a circumference that is part of an arc formed by the end faces of the second sliding plates 122 in the yz plane. In other words, the plurality of second sliding plates 122 and the plurality of second stops 132 alternate on this circumference. The plurality of second stops 132 are preferably also configured to be equidistant from each other in the yz plane. For example, when two second stops 132-1 and 132-2 are provided, as Figure 4 As shown, they are preferably arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the central axis Ac.

[0064] As described above, the number of the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122 is not limited. For example, in the case where four first sliding plates 120 and four second sliding plates 122 are respectively provided, such as Figure 5 As shown, on the aforementioned circumference, four first sliding plates 120-1 to 120-4 and four first stoppers 130 alternate, and four second sliding plates 122-1 to 122-4 and four second stoppers 132 alternate.

[0065] Reference Figures 6A to 6CThe detailed structure of the first stop 130 will be described below. As shown in these figures, a cutout 112a is provided on the outer periphery of the first front spring washer 112, and the first stop 130 is disposed within the cutout 112a. More specifically, the first stop 130 is a protrusion protruding from the cutout 112a in a direction from the center of the first front spring washer 112 toward the outer periphery (hereinafter referred to as the radial direction). The first stop 130 may be integrally formed with the first front spring washer 112, or it may be fixed to the first front spring washer 112 as a separate component by welding or bolting. The height h of the first stop 130 (the length from the first front spring washer 112 in the radial direction) is greater than the depth d of the cutout 112a (the length in the radial direction) (see reference). Figure 6B The first stop 130 is configured to contact the first cylindrical component 102 (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 5 The outer surface of the first stop 130 (the surface opposite to the surface that contacts the first front spring washer 112) can be located on the same plane as the outer peripheral surface of the first front spring washer 110 (see reference). Figure 6A , Figure 6B ).

[0066] like Figure 6A and Figure 6C As shown, a portion of the first stop 130 may overlap with the first front washer 110 in a direction perpendicular to the x-direction (e.g., the y-direction). That is, the cutout overlapping the cutout 112a in the x-direction is provided on the outer periphery of the first front washer 110, and the first stop 130 is provided in such a way that it is partially disposed within the cutout of the first front washer 110. In this case, the first stop 130 may be integrally formed with the first front washer 110, or it may be fixed to the first front washer 110 as a separate component by welding or bolting.

[0067] By setting the first stop 130, even if the first sliding plate 120 rotates around the central axis (see reference). Figure 6B The arrow in the diagram can also collide with the first stop 130, thus limiting rotation. As a result, interference between the first sliding plates 120 can be prevented, thereby preventing damage and overlap caused by it.

[0068] The configuration of the rotation prevention unit is not limited to the above-described configuration; any configuration can be used as long as it can restrict the rotation of the first sliding plate 120. For example, ... Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown in the schematic side and front views, the first front spring washer 112 does not have a notch 112a for the first stop 130 (see reference). Figures 6A to 6CAlternatively, the protrusion 112b protruding from the outer periphery of the first front spring washer 112 in the radial direction can be used as a rotation prevention unit, i.e., as the first stop 130.

[0069] Or, such as Figure 7D A schematic front view and a schematic diagram of the cross-section along its dashed line CC′. Figure 7C As shown, the bolt 136, which passes through the first cylindrical component 102 and overlaps with the first front spring washer 112 in a direction orthogonal to the x-direction (e.g., the y-direction), can also be used as the first stop 130. In this case, a notch 112a can also be provided in the first front spring washer 112 (see reference). Figures 6A to 6C The bolt 136 is positioned such that its front end is located within the cutout 112a. When using the bolt 136, it is preferable to provide a cutout 102a in a portion of the first cylindrical member 102, thereby constructing the first cylindrical member 102 such that the head of the bolt 136 is received within the cutout 102a. Although not shown, when the bolt 136 penetrating the second cylindrical member 202 is used as the second stop 132, interference with the first helical spring 140 can be prevented by providing a cutout in the second cylindrical member 202 to receive the head of the bolt 136.

[0070] The second stop 132 has the same configuration as the first stop 130, so the description is omitted.

[0071] As described above, by providing the first stop 130 and the second stop 132, the rotation of the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122 can be restricted, and interference between them can be prevented. This extends the lifespan of the tension balancer 10 and increases its reliability.

[0072] Furthermore, since a coating is formed on the surfaces of the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122 that contact the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142 respectively, the friction between the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142 is small. Therefore, the hysteresis in the stroke-tension characteristic is reduced, and the stroke length can be increased within the required tension range.

[0073] Furthermore, even without using the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122, applying a coating to the inner surfaces of the first cylindrical component 102 and the second cylindrical component 202 can reduce friction with the first coil spring 140 and the second coil spring 142, thereby increasing the stroke length. However, uniformly forming such a coating on the inner surfaces of cylindrical components is not always easy and increases manufacturing costs. In contrast, since the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122 are manufactured and configured by processing flat metal plates, the coating can be formed when the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122 are in a flat state. Therefore, the coating can be formed on the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122 at low cost. This helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the tension balancer 10.

[0074] <Second Implementation Method> In the first embodiment, a two-section tension balancer 10, specifically a tension balancer 10 with a second hook 304 for fixing the overhead line in the third unit, was mainly described. However, the concept of the present invention can also be applied to tension balancers with more sections. In this embodiment, a three-section tension balancer 12 is described as one embodiment of the present invention. Descriptions of structures that are the same as or similar to those described in the first embodiment are sometimes omitted.

[0075] A schematic cross-sectional view of the tension balancer 12 is shown below. Figure 8 As shown. Figure 8 It corresponds to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the third unit 300 has the same function as the second unit 200 in the first embodiment, and a third front washer 310 and a third front spring washer 312 are provided at one end (first end) of the third cylindrical component 302. The structures of the third front washer 310 and the third front spring washer 312 are the same as those of the second front washer 210 and the second front spring washer 212 in the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0076] The tension balancer 12 also includes a fourth unit partially inserted into the third cylindrical member 302. This fourth unit has a structure similar to the third unit in the first embodiment. Specifically, the fourth unit has a fourth cylindrical member 402 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the third cylindrical member 302, and an overhead line side mounting member (third hook) 404 is directly or indirectly mounted on the end (first end) exposed from the third cylindrical member 302. A third rear washer 414 is provided on the second end opposite the first end of the fourth cylindrical member 402, and a third rear spring washer 416 is provided on the first end of the third rear washer 414. The fourth cylindrical member 402, the third rear washer 414, and the third rear spring washer 416 have the same configuration as the third cylindrical member 302, the second rear washer 314, and the second rear spring washer 316 in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described further.

[0077] In the tension balancer 12, in addition to the first helical spring 140 and the second helical spring 142, a third helical spring 144 is disposed between the third cylindrical member 302 and the fourth cylindrical member 402. Furthermore, a third sliding plate 124 is disposed between the third helical spring 144 and the third cylindrical member 302. The configurations of the third helical spring 144 and the third sliding plate 124 are the same as those of the second helical spring 142 and the second sliding plate 122, respectively, and therefore descriptions are omitted.

[0078] Although detailed descriptions are omitted, a rotation prevention unit is also provided in the tension balancer 12 to limit the rotation of the third sliding plate 124. Furthermore, a coating can be provided on the surface of the third sliding plate 124 that contacts the third helical spring 144. Therefore, the friction between the third helical spring 144 and the third sliding plate 124 is reduced, thereby decreasing hysteresis in the stroke-tension characteristics and allowing for a longer stroke within the required tension range. Additionally, the rotation prevention unit prevents contact between the third sliding plates 124, preventing breakage and overlap. This also helps extend the lifespan of the tension balancer and improve its reliability.

[0079] <Third Implementation Method> In this embodiment, variations of the first sliding plate 120 or the second sliding plate 122 will be described. For structures that are the same as or similar to those described in the first and second embodiments, descriptions are sometimes omitted.

[0080] In the tension balancer 10 described in the first embodiment, a plurality of first sliding plates 120 and a plurality of second sliding plates 122 are arranged. On the other hand, in the tension balancer of this embodiment, at least one of the first sliding plate 120 and the second sliding plate 122 is a single unit. Hereinafter, the method of using a single first sliding plate 120 will be described.

[0081] like Figure 9A As shown, when using a single first sliding plate 120, the originally flat first sliding plate 120 is bent, and in the bent state, a gap 120a is formed between the opposing edges. The first sliding plate 120 is positioned between the first cylindrical component 102 and the first helical spring 140, and the first stop 130 is positioned on the gap 120a.

[0082] Or, such as Figure 9B As shown, one or more through holes 120b may be provided in the first sliding plate 120 together with or in place of the gap 120a. The first sliding plate 120 is positioned between the first cylindrical component 102 and the first helical spring 140, such that the first stop 130 is positioned in the through hole 120b. Figure 9B In the example shown, the through hole 120b is positioned near the gap 120a, but the position of the through hole 120b is not limited. For example, it can be positioned symmetrically with respect to the central axis, or it can be positioned at the intersection of multiple straight lines extending radially from the central axis. In this case, preferably, the angles between any two adjacent straight lines are the same or substantially the same.

[0083] Or, such as Figure 10 As shown, one or more notches 120c can be provided in conjunction with or instead of gap 120a in the first sliding plate 120. The first sliding plate 120 is positioned between the first cylindrical component 102 and the first helical spring 140, with the first stop 130 positioned in the notch 120c. The arrangement of the notches 120c can be the same as the arrangement of the through hole 120b.

[0084] Or, such as Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the first sliding plate 120 may be a tube (sliding tube) providing a closed circular cross-section in the yz plane. In this case, the first sliding plate 120 is provided with one or more cutouts 120d or through holes 120e for configuring the first stop 130. The arrangement of the cutouts 120d and through holes 120e may be the same as the arrangement of the through holes 120b.

[0085] As a rotation prevention unit to limit the rotation of the first sliding plate 120 with cutouts 120c or 120d, the first stop 130 described in the first embodiment can be used. Specifically, as Figures 12A to 12CAs shown in the schematic perspective, cross-sectional view, and front view, for example, a cutout 112a is provided on the outer periphery of the first front spring washer 112, and a protrusion protruding radially from the cutout 112a is configured as a first stop 130. A first sliding plate 120 is disposed between the first cylindrical member 102 and the first helical spring 140, such that the cutout 120c or 120d overlaps with the first stop 130 in the radial direction (i.e., the direction orthogonal to the x-direction). Thus, the rotation of the first sliding plate 120 about its central axis is restricted.

[0086] The second sliding plate 122 can also adopt the same structure as the first sliding plate 120, so it will not be described.

[0087] As described above, in a tension balancer according to one embodiment of the present invention, one or more sliding plates with a coating formed on their surfaces are provided between adjacent units. Therefore, not only can a tension balancer be provided at low cost, but friction between the helical spring and the cylindrical component is also reduced during tension balancer extension and contraction. As a result, hysteresis in the stroke-tension characteristics is reduced, and the stroke length can be increased within the required tension range. Furthermore, since a rotation prevention unit that restricts the rotation of the sliding plates is installed, breakage and overlap of the sliding plates can be prevented, enabling the provision of a tension balancer with a long service life and high reliability.

[0088] The above-described embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately combined and implemented as long as they do not contradict each other. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appropriately add, delete, or modify the constituent elements based on the embodiments, and such modifications, as long as they capture the essence of the present invention, are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0089] Furthermore, it should be understood that any other effects that differ from those of each of the above embodiments, if such other effects are obvious from the description in this specification or can be readily predicted by those skilled in the art, are of course effects brought about by the present invention.

Claims

1. A tension balancer, comprising: The first unit includes a first cylindrical component having a first end and a second end, an annular first front washer located on the first end side and surrounded by the first cylindrical component, and an annular first front spring washer that contacts the surface of the first front washer near the second end side and is spaced apart from the first cylindrical component. The second unit includes a second cylindrical component and an annular first rear gasket. The second cylindrical component has a first end protruding from the first cylindrical component and a second end located inside the first cylindrical component and inserted into the first cylindrical component. The first rear gasket surrounds the second cylindrical component and is located inside the first cylindrical component. A first helical spring is located between the first unit and the second unit, surrounds the second cylindrical component, and is sandwiched between the first front spring washer and the first rear washer; A plurality of first sliding plates are located between the first helical spring and the first cylindrical component, with a portion of each plate sandwiched between the first front spring washer and the first cylindrical component; and A plurality of first stops are clamped between adjacent first sliding plates and restrict the rotation of the plurality of first sliding plates.

2. The tension balancer according to claim 1, wherein, The first front spring washer has multiple cutouts on its outer periphery. The plurality of first stoppers are respectively located within the plurality of cutouts of the corresponding first front spring washers.

3. The tension balancer according to claim 2, wherein, The height of each of the plurality of first stoppers is greater than the depth of the cut in the corresponding first front spring washer.

4. The tension balancer according to claim 2, wherein, The first front washer has a plurality of cuts that overlap with the plurality of cuts of the first front spring washer in a direction parallel to the central axis of the first cylindrical component. The plurality of first stoppers are respectively partially located within the corresponding cutouts of the first front washer.

5. The tension balancer according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first stop members are protrusions that extend from the outer periphery of the first front spring washer toward the radial direction of the first front spring washer.

6. The tension balancer according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first stops are bolts that pass through the first cylindrical component.

7. The tension balancer according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a hook, which is installed on the second end side of the first cylindrical component of the first unit.

8. The tension balancer according to claim 1, wherein, include: The third unit has a third cylindrical component inserted into the second cylindrical component and an annular second rear washer surrounding the third cylindrical component and located within the second cylindrical component; A second helical spring is located between the second unit and the third unit and surrounds the third cylindrical component; Multiple second sliding plates are located between the second helical spring and the second cylindrical component; as well as A plurality of second stops are clamped between adjacent second sliding plates to restrict the rotation of the plurality of second sliding plates. The second unit further includes: A second annular front washer is located on the first end side of the second cylindrical component and is surrounded by the second cylindrical component; as well as A second annular front spring washer, which is closer to the second end side relative to the second front washer, is in contact with the second front washer, and is separated from the second cylindrical component. A portion of each of the plurality of second sliding plates is respectively sandwiched between the second front spring washer and the second cylindrical component. The second helical spring is sandwiched between the second front spring washer and the second rear washer.

9. The tension balancer according to claim 8, wherein, The second front spring washer has multiple cutouts on its outer periphery. The plurality of second stoppers are respectively located within the plurality of cutouts of the corresponding second front spring washers.

10. The tension balancer according to claim 9, wherein, The height of the plurality of second stops is greater than the depth of the plurality of cuts in the corresponding second front spring washers.

11. The tension balancer according to claim 9, wherein, The second front washer has multiple cuts that overlap with the multiple cuts of the second front spring washer in a direction parallel to the central axis of the second cylindrical component. The plurality of second stops are respectively partially located within the corresponding plurality of cutouts of the second front washer.

12. The tension balancer according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of second stop members are protrusions that extend from the outer periphery of the second front spring washer toward the radial direction of the second front spring washer.

13. The tension balancer according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of second stops are bolts that pass through the second cylindrical component.

14. The tension balancer according to claim 8, wherein, The third unit also includes a hook that is mounted on the third cylindrical component and protrudes from the second cylindrical component.

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