Power supply device, connection member, and mounting method

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to simplify the work of installing a slip feeder. The power supply device comprises a slip feed line (2) and a connecting member. The slip feeder (2) comprises an electric wire (20). The connecting member is a member for arranging the slip feed line (2) along the track (3). The connection member includes a terminal portion (71) and a main body (70). The terminal portion (71) is electrically connected to the electric wire (20). The main body (70) holds the terminal part (71). The terminal portion (71) includes a pair of arm portions and an opening and closing space (OP1) provided between the pair of arm portions. The pair of arm parts clamp the electric wire (20) inserted into the opening and closing space (OP1) from the front of the opening and closing space (OP1) in a state of changing the opening gap of the opening and closing space (OP1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a power supply device, a connecting member, and an installation method. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a power supply device including a trolley wire, a connecting member used in such a power supply device, and an installation method for such a power supply device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an insulating sliding wheel, which includes a tensioning device, a first connecting block and a second connecting block. The tensioning device holds a first end of a first insulating sliding feeder (sliding feeder) and a second end of a second insulating sliding feeder (sliding feeder). The first connecting block holds a third end of the first insulating sliding feeder opposite to the first end. The second connecting block holds a fourth end of the second insulating sliding feeder opposite to the second end.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-041553 Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply device, a connecting member and an installation method, all of which help to simplify the installation work of the sliding feeder.

[0007] A power supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure supplies power to a mobile device. The mobile device can move along a track. The power supply device includes a sliding feeder and a connecting member. The sliding feeder includes an electric wire. The electric wire serves as a path for supplying power to the mobile device when electrically connected to the mobile device. The connecting member is a member for arranging the sliding feeder along the track. The connecting member includes a terminal portion and a main body. The terminal portion is electrically connected to the electric wire. The main body holds the terminal portion. The terminal portion includes a pair of arms and an opening and closing space. The opening and closing space is provided between the pair of arms and has an opening gap that changes with an external force applied between the pair of arms. In a state where the opening gap of the opening and closing space is changed, the pair of arms clamp the electric wire inserted into the opening and closing space from the front.

[0008] A connection member according to another aspect of the present disclosure is designed to be used in the above-mentioned power supply device.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the installation method is a method for installing a power supply device configured to supply power to a mobile device. The mobile device can move along a track. The power supply device includes a sliding feeder and a connecting member. The sliding feeder includes an electric wire. The electric wire serves as a path for supplying power to the mobile device when electrically connected to the mobile device. The connecting member is a member for arranging the sliding feeder along the track. The connecting member includes a terminal portion and a main body. The terminal portion is electrically connected to the electric wire. The main body holds the terminal portion. The terminal portion includes a pair of arms and an opening and closing space. The opening and closing space is arranged between the pair of arms and has an opening gap that changes with an external force applied between the pair of arms. The installation method includes a first step and a second step. The first step includes installing the main body of the connecting member onto the track. The second step includes inserting the electric wire into the opening and closing space from the front of the opening and closing space after the first step has been performed, so that the pair of arms clamp the electric wire in a state of changing the opening gap of the opening and closing space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state before a sliding feeder is installed on a power supply device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating a state where a sliding feeder has been installed on the power supply device;

[0012] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a front view illustrating a state before a sliding feeder is installed on the power supply device;

[0013] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a front view illustrating a state where a sliding feeder has been installed on the power supply device;

[0014] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the sliding feeder of the power supply device;

[0015] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along the plane VI-VI shown;

[0016] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along the plane VII-VII shown;

[0017] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 It is along Figure 3A sectional perspective view of the power supply device taken along the plane VIII-VIII shown and a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction;

[0018] [ Fig. 9 ] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of the power supply device taken along the plane IX-IX shown and a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction;

[0019] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of a part of the power supply device and the current collector;

[0020] [ Fig.11 ] Fig.11 is an exploded perspective view of another part of the power supply device;

[0021] [ Fig.12 ] Fig.12 is a three-dimensional diagram of a hanger of a power supply device;

[0022] [ Fig.13 ] Fig.13 is an exploded perspective view of a connector of a power supply device;

[0023] [ Fig.14 ] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of a connector of a power supply device;

[0024] [ Fig.15 ] Fig.15 is an exploded perspective view of another connector of the power supply device;

[0025] [ Fig.16 ] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of a hanger of a power supply device according to a first variation;

[0026] [ Fig.17 ] Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding feeder of a power supply device according to a second variation;

[0027] [ Fig.18 ] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding feeder of a power supply device according to a third modified example;

[0028] [ Fig.19 ] Fig.19 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding feeder of a power supply device according to a fourth variation;

[0029] [ Fig. 20 ] Fig. 20 A is a side view of the terminal portion illustrating a state in which the opening and closing space of the terminal portion is closed; Fig. 20B is a side view of the terminal portion showing a state in which the opening and closing space of the terminal portion is opened. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] (Implementation Method)

[0031] A power supply device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely exemplary embodiments of various embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. On the contrary, the exemplary embodiments can be easily modified in various ways according to design choices or any other factors without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings to be referred to in the following description of the embodiments are all schematic diagrams. Therefore, the ratios of the sizes (including thickness) of the various constituent elements shown in the figures do not always reflect their actual dimensional ratios.

[0032] (summary)

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, according to the exemplary embodiment, the power supply device 1 supplies power to the mobile device 9 (refer to Fig.10 ) supplies power. The mobile device 9 can move along the track 3. The power supply device 1 includes a sliding feeder 2 and a connecting member. The sliding feeder 2 includes an electric wire 20. The electric wire 20 serves as a path for supplying power to the mobile device 9 when electrically connected to the mobile device 9. The connecting member is a member for arranging the sliding feeder 2 along the track 3. The following description will focus on the second connector 7 (refer to Figure 6 and Fig.15 ). The connecting member (second connector 7) includes a terminal portion 71 and a main body 70. The terminal portion 71 is electrically connected to the electric wire 20. The main body 70 holds the terminal portion 71. The terminal portion 71 includes: a pair of arm portions 711, 712; and an opening and closing space OP1 provided between the pair of arm portions 711, 712. The opening and closing space OP1 has an opening gap that changes with an external force applied between the pair of arm portions 711, 712. The pair of arm portions 711, 712 clamps the electric wire 20 inserted into the opening and closing space OP1 from the front while changing the opening gap of the opening and closing space OP1 (refer to Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig.13 and Fig.15 ).

[0034] This configuration allows an operator to, for example, sandwich the electric wire 20 between the pair of arm portions 711, 712 of the terminal portion 71 and electrically connect the electric wire 20 to the terminal portion 71 by inserting the electric wire 20 of the sliding feeder 2 into the opening and closing space OP1 from the front of the opening and closing space OP1. This can simplify the work of installing the sliding feeder 2.

[0035] The power supply device 1 according to the present embodiment can be assembled by the following installation method. The installation method according to the present embodiment is a method for installing the power supply device 1 for supplying power to the mobile device 9. The mobile device 9 can move along the track 3. The power supply device 1 includes a sliding feeder 2 and a connecting member. The sliding feeder 2 includes an electric wire 20. The electric wire 20 serves as a path for supplying power to the mobile device 9 when electrically connected to the mobile device 9. The connecting member is a member for arranging the sliding feeder 2 along the track 3. The following description will focus on the second joint 7 (refer to Figure 6 and Fig.15 ). The connecting member (second joint 7) includes a terminal portion 71 and a main body 70. The terminal portion 71 is electrically connected to the electric wire 20. The main body 70 holds the terminal portion 71. The terminal portion 71 includes: a pair of arm portions 711, 712; and an opening and closing space OP1 arranged between the pair of arm portions 711, 712. The opening and closing space OP1 has an opening gap that changes with the external force applied between the pair of arm portions 711, 712. The installation method includes a first step and a second step. The first step includes installing the main body 70 of the connecting member onto the track 3. After performing the first step, the second step includes inserting the electric wire 20 into the opening and closing space OP1 from the front of the opening and closing space OP1 while changing the opening gap of the opening and closing space OP1, so that the pair of arm portions 711, 712 clamp the electric wire 20.

[0036] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the power supply device 1 according to this embodiment supplies power to the mobile device 9. The mobile device 9 can move along the track 3. The power supply device 1 includes a sliding feeder 2 and a plurality of support members S1. Figure 5 As shown, the sliding feeder 2 includes an electric wire 20 and a covering member 21. The electric wire 20 serves as a path for supplying power to the mobile device 9 when electrically connected to the mobile device 9. The covering member 21 has electrical insulation. The covering member 21 partially covers the electric wire 20. A plurality of supports S1 are arranged along the rail 3 to support the sliding feeder 2 thereon. The covering member 21 covers at least the rear surface of the electric wire 20 and protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the electric wire 20. The interval I1 (thickness) measured from the rear surface of the electric wire 20 to the rear end of the covering member 21 is longer than the width (W1 or W2) of the electric wire 20.

[0037] According to this configuration, the interval I1 is longer than the width W1 or W2. That is, the sliding feeder line 2 is relatively long in the front-rear direction. This reduces the possibility of the sliding feeder line 2 being bent.

[0038] For example, during the operation of mounting the sliding feeder 2 on the support S1, a force may be applied to the sliding feeder 2, thereby possibly causing the sliding feeder 2 to bend. In addition, when the moving device 9 applies pressure to the electric wire 20 via the collector 90 (described later), the sliding feeder 2 may also bend. Therefore, forming the sliding feeder 2 in such a shape that is relatively long in the front-to-back direction as described above can reduce the possibility of the sliding feeder 2 being bent.

[0039] It should be noted that the directional terms "up and down", "front and back", and "left and right" used herein merely indicate the relative positional relationship between the various constituent elements of the power supply device 1, and should not be understood as limiting the direction in which the power supply device 1 is recommended to be used. For example, the power supply device 1 can be used in such a direction that "front" used herein becomes up, down, back, left, or right.

[0040] It should also be noted that Figure 3 The arrows indicating up and down, front and back, and left and right in the other drawings are shown here only for convenience of explanation, and are all insubstantial arrows.

[0041] (detail)

[0042] (1) Overall structure

[0043] The power supply device 1 provides power to the mobile device 9 (see Fig.10 ) supplies power. Examples of the mobile device 9 include a self-propelled cart and a crane. The mobile device 9 is mounted on the track 3 (refer to Figure 3 ) is supplied with electric power. The moving device 9 moves along the track 3 using the electric power thus supplied as a power source.

[0044] The power supply device 1 and the mobile device 9 can be used, for example, at a distribution center or a factory. The mobile device 9 can be used, for example, as a carrier for carrying articles.

[0045] like Fig.10 As shown, the mobile device 9 according to the present embodiment includes a current collector 90. A plurality of current collecting elements 97 of the current collector 90 are in contact with the electric wire 20. In addition, the electric wire 20 is connected to the power supply 20 via a cable C1 (see Figure 8 ) is electrically connected to an external power source. Therefore, power is supplied to the mobile device 9 from the external power source via the wire 20 and the collector 90.

[0046] Figure 4 1 is an overall diagram of the power supply device 1. Figure 4 As shown, the power supply device 1 is used with a plurality of (for example, two) rails 3. The power supply device 1 comprises a plurality of (for example, eight) sliding contact feeders 2 and a plurality of (for example, nine) support members S1.

[0047] The nine supports S1 are composed of two first end members 4, three hangers 5, a first joint 6, a second joint 7 and two second end members 8. In the following description, if it is not necessary to distinguish the two first end members 4 from the two second end members 8, the two first end members 4 and the two second end members 8 will be collectively referred to as "end members E1" hereinafter. That is, the first end member 4 and the second end member 8 are respective examples of the end member E1. Each end member E1 supports the right end or the left end of the electric wire 20. In the following description, if it is not necessary to distinguish the first joint 6 from the second joint 7, the first joint 6 and the second joint 7 will be collectively referred to as "joint J1" hereinafter. That is, the first joint 6 and the second joint 7 are respective examples of the joint J1. Each joint J1 electrically connects two electric wires 20 together. The first end member 4 and the first joint 6 and the second joint 7 are respective examples of the connecting member. Each connecting member is responsible for at least one of the relay connection between the cable C1 and the electric wire 20 or the relay connection between the electric wires 20 themselves. A plurality of connecting members are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0048] In addition, in the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish eight trolley feeders 2 from each other, the eight trolley feeders 2 will be designated by reference numerals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H, respectively, in the following description. In addition, in the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish two rails 3 from each other, the two rails 3 will be designated by reference numerals 3A and 3B, respectively, in the following description.

[0049] (2) Sliding feeder

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, each trolley feeder 2 includes an electric wire 20 and a coating member 21. The electric wire 20 is made of a conductive material such as copper, and the coating member 21 is made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0051] The longitudinal axis of the electric wire 20 is aligned with the left-right direction. The covering member 21 partially covers the electric wire 20. For example, at a point in time when the sliding feeder 2 is manufactured at a factory, the covering member 21 is set to completely cover the electric wire 20 from the left end of the electric wire 20 to the right end of the electric wire 20. Then, at the installation site of the power supply device 1, the operator peels off a portion of the covering member 21 (for example, both ends) using a tool such as a cable cutter. Therefore, in the power supply device 1 installed at the installation site, the covering member 21 is set only for a partial section between the two ends of the electric wire 20 (that is, between the left and right ends) in the left-right direction. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the portion of the electric wire 20 including the right end portion is not covered with a covering member but is exposed along the entire circumference. This exposed portion of the electric wire 20 is electrically connected to a connecting member (such as Figure 8 The terminal portion 41 of the first end member 4) is shown.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, the sliding feeder 2A and the sliding feeder 2B are arranged one on top of the other in the up-down direction. In addition, the longitudinal axes of the sliding feeders 2A and 2B are aligned with the same direction (i.e., the left-right direction). That is, the sliding feeders 2A and 2B are arranged side by side with each other. The sliding feeders 2A and 2B are connected together via a covering member 21. In other words, the covering member 21 of the sliding feeder 2A is connected to the covering member 21 of the sliding feeder 2B. In the present embodiment, the two covering members 21 are connected to each other via a connecting portion 22. The connecting portion 22 is formed integrally with the two covering members 21. Therefore, the two covering members 21 are formed integrally with each other.

[0053] In the same manner, as with the pair of sliding feeder lines 2A, 2B, another pair of sliding feeder lines 2C, 2D (refer to Figure 4 ) are also arranged one on top of the other in the vertical direction and are connected together via the covering member 21. Similarly, another pair of sliding feeders 2E and 2F are also arranged one on top of the other in the vertical direction and are connected together via the covering member 21. Similarly, another pair of sliding feeders 2G and 2H are also arranged one on top of the other in the vertical direction and are connected together via the covering member 21.

[0054] The sliding feeders 2A, 2C, 2E and 2G are arranged from left to right in this order. The sliding feeders 2B, 2D, 2F and 2H are also arranged from left to right in this order.

[0055] Current collector 90 (refer to Fig.10 ) includes four ( Fig.10 (Only two are shown in the figure) collector elements 97. Each collector element 97 is in contact with the wire 20 of any one of the trolley feeders 2, depending on the position of the collector 90. Two of the four collector elements 97 are in contact with the wires 20 of one or two of the four trolley feeders 2A, 2C, 2E, 2G, depending on the position of the collector 90. The other two collector elements 97 are in contact with the wires 20 of one or two of the four trolley feeders 2B, 2D, 2F, 2H, depending on the position of the collector 90. For example, shifting the collector 90 to the right causes the state in which the four collector elements 97 are in contact with the corresponding wires 20 of the trolley feeders 2A, 2B to be transformed into the state in which the four collector elements 97 are in contact with the corresponding wires 20 of the trolley feeders 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D. Shifting the collector 90 further to the right causes the state in which the four collector elements 97 are in contact with the corresponding wires 20 of the trolley feeders 2C, 2D.

[0056] Between the plurality of sliding feeder lines 2, the wires 20 have the same shape. Figure 5 As shown, each electric wire 20 has a contact portion 201 and a protruding portion 202 .

[0057] The contact portion 201 is formed into a plate shape with a thickness aligned with the front-rear direction. The longitudinal axis of the contact portion 201 is aligned with the left-right direction. The contact portion 201 has a front surface 2010. In a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction, the middle portion of the front surface 2010 is recessed toward the rear. The front surface 2010 is exposed to the external space. More specifically, in any section between the two ends in the left-right direction of the contact portion 201, the front surface 2010 is exposed and not covered by the covering member 21.

[0058] The width W2 of the protruding portion 202 measured in the up-down direction is smaller than the width W1 of the contact portion 201 measured in the up-down direction. The width W1 of the contact portion 201 measured in the up-down direction is the maximum width of the electric wire 20 measured in the up-down direction.

[0059] The protrusion 202 protrudes from the rear surface of the contact portion 201 and is formed along the longitudinal axis of the electric wire 20. More specifically, in a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction, the protrusion 202 protrudes from the middle of the rear surface of the contact portion 201. The protrusion 202 is a portion to be sandwiched between a pair of arm portions of the terminal portion along the longitudinal axis of the electric wire 20. Fig.11 ) of the terminal portion 41, the protrusion 202 is sandwiched between the pair of arm portions 411, 412 of the terminal portion 41. In other words, the pair of arm portions 411, 412 sandwich the protrusion 202 inserted into the opening and closing space OP1 between the pair of arm portions 411, 412. Compared with the case where the electric wire 20 is completely sandwiched between the pair of arm portions 411, 412, this configuration can reduce the opening width between the pair of arm portions 411, 412. For the operator, this makes it easier to perform work such as installing the electric wire 20.

[0060] In the following description, first, the structure of the covering member 21 used for the sliding feeder 2A among the plurality of sliding feeders 2 will be described. The covering member 21 includes a covering member body 211, a plurality of (for example, Figure 5 two) rear ribs 212 and a plurality of (for example, Figure 5 There are two front ribs 213.

[0061] The covering member body 211 covers at least the rear surface of the electric wire 20. The covering member body 211 is formed to conform to the shape of the electric wire 20. More specifically, the covering member body 211 is a portion of the covering member 21 whose thickness measured from the surface of the electric wire 20 is equal to or less than a threshold value. Meanwhile, the other portion of the covering member 21 whose thickness measured from the surface of the electric wire 20 is greater than the threshold value corresponds to the rear rib 212 or the front rib 213 in the present embodiment.

[0062] The covering member body 211 according to the present embodiment includes a front portion 2111 and a rear portion 2112. The front portion 2111 completely covers the contact portion 201, but only covers a portion of the front surface 2010 of the contact portion 201. In a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction, the front portion 2111 is a C-shape with an open front side. The rear portion 2112 completely covers the protruding portion 202. In a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction, the rear portion 2112 is a U-shape with an open front side.

[0063] The covering member 21 has a window 2011 that exposes the front surface of the electric wire 20 (more specifically, the front surface 2010 of the contact portion 201). The window 2011 is an opening. The covering member body 211 of the covering member 21 is provided with the window 2011.

[0064] Two rear ribs 212 protrude rearward from the covering member body 211. More specifically, the two rear ribs 212 protrude from a rear portion 2112 of the covering member body 211. The rear ribs 212 extend along the longitudinal axis of the electric wire 20 (ie, extend in the left-right direction).

[0065] One of the two rear ribs 212 protrudes from the upper end of the rear portion 2112. The other of the two rear ribs 212 protrudes from the lower end of the rear portion 2112. The respective protruding heights of the two rear ribs 212 are equal to each other. As used herein, if two values ​​are "equal to each other", the phrase does not necessarily mean that the two values ​​are completely equal to each other, but may also refer to a case where the two values ​​are different from each other within a range that can be actually tolerated.

[0066] The two front ribs 213 protrude forward from the covering member body 211. More specifically, the two front ribs 213 protrude from the front portion 2111 of the covering member body 211.

[0067] The two front ribs 213 not only protrude forward from the edge portion of the covering member body 211 that forms the window 2011, but also extend along the longitudinal axis of the electric wire 20 (i.e., extend in the left-right direction). More specifically, one front rib 213T (hereinafter referred to as the "first front rib") of the two front ribs 213 protrudes forward from the upper side of the window 2011. The other front rib 213U (hereinafter referred to as the "second front rib") of the two front ribs 213 protrudes forward from the lower side of the window 2011. The pair of front ribs 213 arranged above and below the window 2011 in this way prevents the operator from, for example, moving his fingers toward the electric wire 20. This reduces the possibility that the operator's fingers, for example, come into contact with the electric wire 20. In addition, this also extends the insulation distance between the two electric wires 20 compared to the case where the front rib 213U is not provided.

[0068] Furthermore, the protruding height of the front rib 213U is greater than the protruding height of the front rib 213T. It can be seen that setting the protruding height of the front rib 213U to a relatively large value makes the insulation distance between the two electric wires 20 relatively long.

[0069] The sliding feeders 2C, 2E, and 2G have the same shape as the sliding feeder 2A. On the other hand, the sliding feeders 2B, 2D, 2F, and 2H have shapes different from the sliding feeder 2A in terms of the shapes of the two front ribs 213. More specifically, the sliding feeder 2B is symmetrical with the sliding feeder 2A in the up-down direction. The sliding feeders 2B, 2D, 2F, and 2H have the same shape.

[0070] One front rib 213V of the two front ribs 213 of the sliding feeder 2B protrudes forward from above the window 2011. The other front rib 213W of the two front ribs 213 protrudes forward from below the window 2011. The protruding height of the front rib 213V is greater than the protruding height of the front rib 213W.

[0071] In the following description, the covering member 21 of the sliding feeder 2A will be referred to as the "first covering member" hereinafter, and the covering member 21 of the sliding feeder 2B will be referred to as the "second covering member" hereinafter. The first covering member is arranged above the second covering member. Each of the first covering member and the second covering member includes two front ribs 213 facing each other. The two front ribs 213 not only protrude forward from the edge portion of the window 2011 formed by the covering member 21, but also extend along the longitudinal axis of the electric wire 20 (that is, extend in the left and right direction). As for the two front ribs 213T, 213U of the first covering member, the front rib 213U provided as the inner rib used by the first and second covering members has a greater protruding height than the front rib 213T provided as the outer rib used by the first and second covering members. As for the two front ribs 213V, 213W of the second covering member, the front rib 213V provided as the inner rib used by the first and second covering members has a greater protruding height than the front rib 213W provided as the outer rib used by the first and second covering members.

[0072] As described above, the thickness measured from the rear surface of the electric wire 20 to the rear end of the coating member 21 is greater than the width of the electric wire 20. More specifically, the thickness measured from the rear surface of the electric wire 20 to the rear end of the coating member 21 is the interval I1 measured from the rear surface of the electric wire 20 to the rear end of the coating member 21. In this case, the width of the electric wire 20 compared to the interval I1 refers to the width of a predetermined portion of the electric wire 20 measured in the up-down direction.

[0073] As used herein, the width of the wire 20 compared to the interval I1 may be the maximum width W1 among the widths of the respective portions of the wire 20. More specifically, the width of the wire 20 compared to the interval I1 may be the maximum width W1 of the wire 20 measured in the up-down direction.

[0074] Alternatively, the width of the electric wire 20 compared to the interval I1 may also be the width W2 of the protrusion 202. More specifically, the width of the electric wire 20 compared to the interval I1 may also be the width W2 of the protrusion 202 measured in the up-down direction.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the interval I1 is longer than either of the widths W1 and W2. In addition, the protruding height P1 of the rear rib 212 measured in the front-rear direction from the covering member body 211 is longer than either of the widths W1 and W2.

[0076] (3) Track

[0077] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the track 3A is arranged on the left side of the track 3B. The longitudinal axis of each of these tracks 3 is aligned with the left-right direction.

[0078] These rails 3A, 3B have the same structure except that their lengths measured in the left-right direction are different. Figure 2 The construction for track 3A is described.

[0079] The track 3 is along the moving device 9 (refer to Fig.10 ) of the running route arrangement. For example, the track 3 is fixed to the frame of a building as a distribution center or a factory. The track 3 can be made of materials such as aluminum.

[0080] When viewed in the left-right direction, the rail 3 is in a C-shape with an open front side. The rail 3 has a bottom wall 31 , a first side wall 32 , and a second side wall 33 .

[0081] The thickness of the bottom wall 31 is aligned with the front-rear direction. The plurality of supports S1 are fixed to the bottom wall 31. More specifically, for example, the plurality of supports S1 are fixed to the bottom wall 31 with screws.

[0082] The first side wall 32 protrudes forward from the upper end of the bottom wall 31. The front end of the first side wall 32 is bent downward.

[0083] The second side wall 33 protrudes forward from the lower end of the bottom wall 31. The front end of the second side wall 33 is bent upward.

[0084] (4) Support parts

[0085] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, multiple (for example, Figure 3 The seven support members S1 are fixed to the rail 3A so as to be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. More specifically, the seven support members S1 fixed to the rail 3A are, from left to right, the second end member 8, the hanger 5, the second joint 7, the hanger 5, the first joint 6, the hanger 5, and the first end member 4.

[0086] Multiple (for example, Figure 3 The two support members S1 are fixed to the rail 3B. More specifically, the two support members S1 fixed to the rail 3B are the second end member 8 and the first end member 4 from left to right.

[0087] The plurality of supports S1 support the plurality of trolley feeders 2. More specifically, the seven supports S1 fixed to the track 3A support the trolley feeders 2A-2F. The two supports S1 fixed to the track 3B support the trolley feeders 2G, 2H.

[0088] Next, each configuration for the plurality of supports S1 will be described.

[0089] (5) End member

[0090] Figure 8 It is a diagram including a cross-sectional perspective view of the first end member 4 . Fig.11 An exploded perspective view of the first end member 4 and a perspective view of the second end member 8 are shown.

[0091] The first end member 4 and the second end member 8 mounted on the track 3B support the trolley feeders 2G and 2H. Meanwhile, the first end member 4 and the second end member 8 mounted on the track 3A support the other trolley feeders 2.

[0092] In the following description, reference will be made to Figure 8 and Fig.11 The first end member 4 and the second end member 8 to be mounted on the rail 3B are explained. It is to be noted that the second end member 8 to be mounted on the rail 3A has the same shape as the second end member 8 to be mounted on the rail 3B. The first end member 4 to be mounted on the rail 3A has the same shape as the first end member 4 to be mounted on the rail 3B.

[0093] First, the first end member 4 will be described. The first end member 4 includes a main body 40, a plurality of (for example, Fig.11 The embodiment of the present invention comprises a terminal portion 41 (two in the figure), an insulating cover 42 and a fastening member 43. The fastening member 43 may be, for example, a screw or a bolt.

[0094] The main body 40 may be formed of a material such as synthetic resin, etc. The main body 40 has electrical insulation properties. For example, the main body 40 may be fixed to the rail 3 using bolts 44 and nuts 45 .

[0095] The main body 40 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and has an inner space. The main body 40 includes a bottom wall 400 , a first side wall 401 , a second side wall 402 , a third side wall 403 , a first partition wall 404 , and a second partition wall 405 .

[0096] The bottom wall 400 is rectangular. The thickness of the bottom wall 400 is aligned with the front-to-back direction. The main body 40 also includes a plurality of sheets (e.g., Figure 8 The plurality of positioning pieces 406 protrude forward from the bottom wall 400. The plurality of positioning pieces 406 position the terminal portion 41. That is, the terminal portion 41 is positioned to contact the front surface of the plurality of positioning pieces 406. In the present embodiment, the first end member 4 includes two terminal portions 41, one of the two terminal portions 41 is positioned by the two positioning pieces 406 and the other of the two terminal portions 41 is positioned by the other two positioning pieces 406.

[0097] The first side wall 401 protrudes forward from the upper end of the bottom wall 400. The main body 40 further includes a hook portion 4010. The hook portion 4010 protrudes from the first side wall 401. The hook portion 4010 is used to hook a corresponding sliding feeder 2 thereon (refer to Fig. 9 ). More specifically, the hook portion 4010 is used to hook the covering member 21 of the sliding feeder 2 thereon. This allows the hook portion 4010 to restrict the forward movement of the sliding feeder 2.

[0098] The second side wall 402 protrudes forward from the lower end of the bottom wall 400. The main body 40 further includes a hook portion 4020. The hook portion 4020 protrudes from the second side wall 402. The hook portion 4020 is used to hook a corresponding one of the sliding feeder lines 2 thereon. More specifically, the hook portion 4020 is used to hook the covering member 21 of the sliding feeder line 2 thereon. This allows the hook portion 4020 to limit the forward movement of the sliding feeder line 2.

[0099] The third side wall 403 protrudes forward from the right end of the bottom wall 400. The third side wall 403 has two guide grooves 4030 for guiding the current collecting element 97 of the current collector 90.

[0100] The first partition wall 404 protrudes forward from a portion of the bottom wall 400 between the first side wall 401 and the second side wall 402. The thickness of the first partition wall 404 is aligned with the vertical direction. The first partition wall 404 separates a space where one of the two cables C1 and the sliding feeder 2G are arranged from a space where the other of the two cables C1 and the sliding feeder 2H are arranged. The first partition wall 404 has a boss 407.

[0101] The insulating cover 42 may be formed of a material such as a synthetic resin. The insulating cover 42 has electrical insulation. The insulating cover 42 is in the shape of a rectangular plate. The thickness of the insulating cover 42 is aligned with the front-rear direction. The two wires 20 are arranged in front of the insulating cover 42. The two cables C1 are arranged behind the insulating cover 42. That is, the insulating cover 42 is interposed between the two cables C1 and the two wires 20.

[0102] The insulating cover 42 is interposed between the first side wall 401 and the second side wall 402. The insulating cover 42 is fitted onto the first partition wall 404. The insulating cover 42 also has a hole 420. The fastening member 43 is inserted into the boss 407 through the hole 420. This allows the insulating cover 42 to be fastened to the body 40.

[0103] The second partition wall 405 protrudes forward from a portion of the bottom wall 400 between the first side wall 401 and the second side wall 402. The second partition wall 405 is adjacent to the first partition wall 404. The thickness of the second partition wall 405 is aligned with the up-down direction. The second partition wall 405 separates a space for arranging one of the two terminal portions 41 from a space for arranging the other terminal portion 41.

[0104] The main body 40 also includes a plurality of (for example, Figure 8 The plurality of restriction walls 408 protrude from the second partition wall 405 in the up-down direction. When the sliding feeder 2 is mounted on the terminal portion 41, the plurality of restriction walls 408 face the sliding feeder 2 in the up-down direction. This allows the plurality of restriction walls 408 to restrict the movement of the sliding feeder 2 in the direction in which the pair of arm portions 411, 412 clamp the electric wire 20 (i.e., in the upward or downward direction). More specifically, the movable range of the sliding feeder 2G is limited to the range between the first side wall 401 and the four restriction walls 408 protruding upward from the second partition wall 405. The movable range of the sliding feeder 2H is limited to the range between the second side wall 402 and the four restriction walls 408 protruding downward from the second partition wall 405.

[0105] In addition, if Fig. 9 As shown, the main body 40 also includes two anti-dropping sheets 409. The two anti-dropping sheets 409 are connected from the third side wall 403 (refer to Fig.11 ) protrudes to the left. Two anti-dropping sheets 409 are arranged one-to-one with the two terminal parts 41. Each anti-dropping sheet 409 is inserted into a corresponding one of the two terminal parts 41. Therefore, the forward movement of the terminal part 41 is restricted.

[0106] like Fig.11 As shown, each terminal portion 41 includes a pair of arm portions 411, 412, a connecting portion 413, and a power supply terminal 414. The terminal portion 41 may be formed of a material such as a metal plate.

[0107] The connecting portion 413 is in the shape of a rectangular plate. The thickness of the connecting portion 413 is aligned with the front-back direction. The connecting portion 413 connects the rear ends of the pair of arm portions 411 and 412 together. The arm portion 411 protrudes forward from the upper end of the connecting portion 413. The arm portion 412 protrudes forward from the lower end of the connecting portion 413. The pair of arm portions 411 and 412 are arranged one on top of the other in the upper-lower direction.

[0108] The terminal portion 41 has an opening and closing space OP1 between the pair of arm portions 411 and 412 on the front surface of the terminal portion 41. The opening and closing space OP1 can be opened and closed in the up and down directions. That is, in the terminal portion 41, the gap between the pair of arm portions 411 and 412 is variable. The connecting portion 413 is located behind the opening and closing space OP1.

[0109] The terminal portion 41 has an elastic characteristic. More specifically, the assembly consisting of a pair of arm portions 411, 412 and a connecting portion 413 has an elastic characteristic. When no external force is applied to the pair of arm portions 411, 412, the opening and closing space OP1 is closed due to the elastic characteristics of the terminal portion 41. As used herein, the expression "the opening and closing space OP1 is closed" refers to a state in which the opening gap of the opening and closing space OP1 is relatively narrow. As used herein, the expression "the opening and closing space OP1 is open" refers to a state in which the opening gap of the opening and closing space OP1 is relatively wide. When the opening and closing space OP1 is closed, the respective ends of the pair of arm portions 411, 412 do not need to contact each other. That is, when the opening and closing space OP1 is closed, the respective ends of the pair of arm portions 411, 412 can face each other with a gap between them.

[0110] In a state where the protrusion 202 of the electric wire 20 is inserted into the opening and closing space OP1, the pair of arm portions 411, 412 are elastically deformed in such a direction that the opening and closing space OP1 is opened. The force that causes the pair of arm portions 411, 412 to complete elastic recovery causes the protrusion 202 to be sandwiched between the pair of arm portions 411, 412. At this time, the contact portion 201 of the electric wire 20 is located in front of the pair of arm portions 411, 412 without being sandwiched by the pair of arm portions 411, 412. Each terminal portion 41 of the first end member 4 contacts (i.e., sandwiches) the right end portion or the left end portion of the electric wire 20.

[0111] For details on how each terminal portion 41 clamps the protrusion 202 between the corresponding pair of arm portions 411 and 412, refer to Figure 7 .although Figure 7 The diagram shows how each terminal portion 71 of the second connector 7 clamps the protrusion 202 between a pair of arm portions 711, 712, but each terminal portion 41 also clamps the protrusion 202 in the same manner. Fig. 20 A shows the open gap WO1 in a state where the open-close space OP1 between the pair of arm portions 411 , 412 of the terminal portion 41 is closed. Fig. 20B shows the open gap WO2 in the state where the opening and closing space OP1 between the pair of arm portions 411 and 412 of the terminal portion 41 is open. The open gap WO2 is wider than the open gap WO1. In the state where the opening and closing space OP1 is open, the protrusion 202 is inserted into the opening and closing space OP1. Thereafter, when the opening and closing space OP1 is closed, the protrusion 202 is sandwiched between the pair of arm portions 411 and 412.

[0112] The power supply terminals 414 protrude in the left-right direction from the coupling portion 413. For example, a corresponding one of the cables C1 is attached and electrically connected to each of the power supply terminals 414 with a rivet R1.

[0113] Next, we will refer to Fig.11 The second end member 8 is described. The second end member 8 includes a main body 80. The main body 80 may be formed of a material such as a synthetic resin. The main body 80 has electrical insulation. For example, the main body 80 may be fixed to the rail 3 with bolts and nuts.

[0114] The main body 80 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and has an internal space for arranging two sliding feeder lines 2 .

[0115] The body 80 has a bottom wall 800 , a first side wall 801 , a second side wall 802 , a third side wall 803 , and a partition wall 804 .

[0116] The bottom wall 800 is rectangular, and the thickness of the bottom wall 800 is aligned with the front-rear direction.

[0117] The first side wall 801 protrudes forward from the upper end of the bottom wall 800. The second side wall 802 protrudes forward from the lower end of the bottom wall 800. The third side wall 803 protrudes forward from the left end of the bottom wall 800. The third side wall 803 has two guide grooves 8030 for guiding the current collecting element 97 of the current collector 90. That is, Figure 4 As shown, the first end member 4 arranged at the right end of the track 3A and the second end member 8 arranged at the left end of the track 3B face each other. At this time, the collector element 97 moves from the position where the collector element 97 contacts the electric wire 20 installed on the track 3A to the position where the collector element 97 contacts the electric wire 20 installed on the track 3B in a state passing through the guide grooves 8030, 4030. Alternatively, the collector element 97 moves from the position where the collector element 97 contacts the electric wire 20 installed on the track 3B to the position where the collector element 97 contacts the electric wire 20 installed on the track 3A in a state passing through the guide grooves 8030, 4030. Therefore, providing the guide grooves 8030, 4030 allows the collector element 97 to move smoothly.

[0118] The partition wall 804 protrudes forward from a portion of the bottom wall 800 between the first side wall 801 and the second side wall 802. The thickness of the partition wall 804 is aligned with the up-down direction. The partition wall 804 separates the space where the trolley feeder 2G is arranged from the space where the trolley feeder 2H is arranged.

[0119] (6) Hanger

[0120] Next, we will refer to Fig.12 The hanger 5 will be described. It should be noted that the plurality of hangers 5 have the same shape.

[0121] The hanger 5 may be formed of a material such as synthetic resin, etc. The hanger 5 has electrical insulation.

[0122] The hanger 5 includes a bottom wall 50, a first side wall 51, a second side wall 52, a plurality of (for example, Fig.12 four) hooks 53 and multiple pieces (e.g., Fig.12 There are two pieces of attachment pieces 54.

[0123] The bottom wall 50 is rectangular, and the thickness of the bottom wall 50 is aligned with the front-rear direction.

[0124] The first side wall 51 protrudes forward from the upper end of the bottom wall 50. The second side wall 52 protrudes forward from the lower end of the bottom wall 50. The two sliding feeders 2 pass through the space between the first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52 and are supported in the space by the hanger 5. The two sliding feeders 2 are arranged one on top of the other in the vertical direction (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0125] Two hooks 53 protrude from the first side wall 51 . Another two hooks 53 protrude from the second side wall 52 .

[0126] Each pair of hooks 53 is used to hook a corresponding one of the sliding feeder lines 2. More specifically, each pair of hooks 53 is used to hook the covering member 21 of the sliding feeder line 2. This allows a pair of hooks 53 to limit the forward movement of the sliding feeder line 2.

[0127] Two attachment pieces 54 protrude from the bottom wall 50. Each attachment piece 54 has a through hole 540. Each attachment piece 54 penetrates in the front-rear direction at the through hole 54. For example, the hanger 5 is fixed to the rail 3 by passing a bolt through the through hole 540 and a hole provided to penetrate the rail 3 and passing the bolt through a nut on the rear surface of the rail 3.

[0128] (7) First joint

[0129] Next, we will refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14The first connector 6 is described. The first connector 6 electrically connects the wires 20 of the two sliding feeders 2 arranged side by side in the left-right direction. More specifically, Figure 4 and Fig.14 As shown, the first joint 6 electrically connects the wire 20 of the sliding feeder 2D and the wire 20 of the sliding feeder 2F. Figure 4 As shown, the first joint 6 also electrically connects the wire 20 of the trolley feeder 2C and the wire 20 of the trolley feeder 2E.

[0130] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the first connector 6 includes a main body 60 and two terminal portions 61. The main body 60 is composed of a first main body 60a and a second main body 60b arranged on the right side of the first main body 60a.

[0131] The first body 60a and the second body 60b may be formed of a material such as synthetic resin, etc. The first body 60a and the second body 60b have electrical insulation, and are fixed to the rail 3 using bolts and nuts, for example.

[0132] The sliding contact feeders 2C and 2D are inserted into the first body 60a, and the sliding contact feeders 2E and 2F are inserted into the second body 60b.

[0133] The shape of the second body 60b is symmetrical to that of the first body 60a in the left-right direction. Therefore, the following description will focus on the configuration of the first body 60a.

[0134] The first body 60 a is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and has an inner space. The first body 60 a includes a bottom wall 600 , a first side wall 601 , a second side wall 602 , a third side wall 603 , a partition wall 604 and an attachment sheet 605 .

[0135] The bottom wall 600 is rectangular. The thickness of the bottom wall 600 is aligned with the front-to-back direction. The first body 60a also includes a plurality of sheets (e.g., Fig.14 The plurality of positioning pieces 606 protrude forward from the bottom wall 600. The plurality of positioning pieces 606 positions the terminal portion 61. That is, the terminal portion 61 is positioned to contact the front surface of the plurality of positioning pieces 606. In the present embodiment, the first connector 6 includes two terminal portions 61, one of which is positioned by the two positioning pieces 606 of the first body 60a and the two positioning pieces 606 of the second body 60b. The other of the two terminal portions 61 is positioned by the other two positioning pieces 606 of the first body 60a and the other two positioning pieces 606 of the second body 60b.

[0136] The first side wall 601 protrudes forward from the upper end of the bottom wall 600. The second side wall 602 protrudes forward from the lower end of the bottom wall 600. The third side wall 603 protrudes forward from the left end of the bottom wall 600.

[0137] The first body 60a further includes a hook portion 6010. The hook portion 6010 protrudes from the first side wall 601. The hook portion 6010 is used to hook a corresponding one of the sliding feeder lines 2 thereon. More specifically, the hook portion 6010 is used to hook the covering member 21 of the sliding feeder line 2 thereon. This allows the hook portion 6010 to limit the forward movement of the sliding feeder line 2.

[0138] The second body 60b further includes a hook portion 6020. The hook portion 6020 protrudes from the second side wall 602. The hook portion 6020 is used to hook a corresponding one of the sliding feeder lines 2 thereon. More specifically, the hook portion 6020 is used to hook the covering member 21 of the sliding feeder line 2 thereon. This allows the hook portion 6020 to limit the forward movement of the sliding feeder line 2.

[0139] The partition wall 604 protrudes forward from a portion of the bottom wall 600 between the first side wall 601 and the second side wall 602. The thickness of the partition wall 604 is aligned with the up-down direction. The partition wall 604 separates a space for arranging one of the two trolley feeders 2 from a space for arranging the other trolley feeder.

[0140] The first body 60a also includes a plurality of (for example, Fig.13 The plurality of limiting walls 608 protrude from the partition wall 604 in the up-down direction. When the sliding feeder 2 is mounted on the terminal portion 61, the plurality of limiting walls 608 face the sliding feeder 2 in the up-down direction. This allows the plurality of limiting walls 608 to limit the movement of the sliding feeder 2 in the direction in which each pair of arm portions 611, 612 clamps a corresponding one of the wires 20 (i.e., in the upward or downward direction). More specifically, the movable range of the sliding feeder 2C is limited to the range between the first side wall 601 and the three limiting walls 608 protruding upward from the partition wall 604. The movable range of the sliding feeder 2D is limited to the range between the second side wall 602 and the three limiting walls 608 protruding downward from the partition wall 604.

[0141] The attachment piece 605 protrudes from the bottom wall 600. The attachment piece 605 has a through hole 6050. The attachment piece 605 penetrates in the front-rear direction at the through hole 6050. For example, by passing a bolt through the through hole 6050 and a hole provided to penetrate the rail 3 and passing the bolt through a nut on the rear surface of the rail 3, the first body 60a is fixed to the rail 3.

[0142] In addition, the first body 60a further includes two inner walls 607 and two sheets ( Fig.14Only one anti-drop sheet 609 is shown in the figure. One of the two inner walls 607 is arranged above the partition wall 604, and the other inner wall 607 is arranged below the partition wall 604. A corresponding anti-drop sheet 609 protrudes to the right from each inner wall 607. The two anti-drop sheets 609 are arranged one-to-one for the two terminal parts 61. Each anti-drop sheet 609 is inserted into the corresponding terminal part 61. This limits the forward movement of the terminal part 61.

[0143] like Fig.13 As shown, each terminal portion 61 includes two pairs of arm portions 611, 612 and a connecting portion 613. The terminal portion 61 may be formed of a material such as a metal plate.

[0144] The connecting portion 613 is in a rectangular plate shape. The thickness of the connecting portion 613 is aligned with the front-rear direction. A pair of arm portions 611 and 612 are provided on the left side of the middle of the connecting portion 613. Another pair of arm portions 611 and 612 are provided on the right side of the middle of the connecting portion 613.

[0145] The connecting portion 613 connects the rear ends of the two pairs of arm portions 611 and 612. In the middle left region of the connecting portion 613, the arm portion 611 protrudes forward from the upper end of the connecting portion 613, and the arm portion 612 protrudes forward from the lower end of the connecting portion 613. On the other hand, in the middle right region of the connecting portion 613, the arm portion 611 protrudes forward from the upper end of the connecting portion 613, and the arm portion 612 protrudes forward from the lower end of the connecting portion 613.

[0146] Each terminal portion 61 has an open and closed space OP1 between each pair of arm portions 611, 612 on the front surface of the terminal portion 61. The connecting portion 613 is located behind the open and closed space OP1.

[0147] The terminal portion 61 has elastic characteristics. When no external force is applied to the pair of arm portions 611, 612, the opening and closing space OP1 is closed due to the elastic characteristics of the terminal portion 61. As used herein, the expression "the opening and closing space OP1 is closed" refers to a state in which the opening gap of the opening and closing space OP1 is relatively narrow as described above.

[0148] In a state where the protrusion 202 of each electric wire 20 is inserted into the opening and closing space OP1 between the corresponding pair of arm portions 611, 612, the pair of arm portions 611, 612 are elastically deformed in such a direction that the opening and closing space OP1 is opened. The force that causes the pair of arm portions 611, 612 to elastically recover clamps the protrusion 202 between the pair of arm portions 611, 612. At this time, the contact portion 201 of the electric wire 20 is located in front of the pair of arm portions 611, 612 and is not clamped by the pair of arm portions 611, 612.

[0149] For details on how each terminal portion 61 clamps the protrusion 202 between the corresponding pair of arm portions 611 and 612, refer to Figure 7 .although Figure 7 The figure shows how each terminal portion 71 of the second connector 7 sandwiches the protrusion 202 between a pair of arm portions 711 , 712 , but each terminal portion 61 also sandwiches the protrusion 202 in the same manner.

[0150] As described above, each terminal portion 61 includes two pairs of arms. Any pair of arms in the two pairs of arms of the terminal portion 61 is composed of a first type arm 611 and a second type arm 612. Hereinafter, one pair of arms in the two pairs of arms of each terminal portion 61 will be referred to as "a pair of first arms 611, 612", and the other pair of arms of the terminal portion 61 will be referred to as "a pair of second arms 611, 612". The pair of first arms 611, 612 is electrically connected to the pair of second arms 611, 612. The pair of first arms 611, 612 clamps the wires 20 of the first trolley feeder among the plurality of trolley feeders 2. The pair of second arms 611, 612 clamps the wires 20 of the second trolley feeder among the plurality of trolley feeders 2. This allows the first joint 6 to electrically connect the wires 20 of the first trolley feeder and the wires 20 of the second trolley feeder to each other.

[0151] like Fig.14 As shown, each terminal portion 61 also includes a protrusion 614. The protrusion 614 protrudes from the connecting portion 613. More specifically, the protrusion 614 protrudes from the rear surface of the connecting portion 613. The protrusion 614 is inserted into a gap between a positioning piece 606 of the first body 60a and a positioning piece 606 of the second body 60b. This allows the terminal portion 61 to be positioned. In addition, the protrusion 614 is provided to strengthen the terminal portion 61, thereby reducing the possibility of the terminal portion 61 being bent due to the force of inserting and pulling out a corresponding one of the cables C1 from the terminal portion 61. The terminal portion 61 is mounted between an inner wall 607 of the first body 60a and a corresponding one of the inner walls 607 of the second body 60b.

[0152] (8) Second connector

[0153] Next, we will refer to Fig.15 The configuration for the second joint 7 is described. The description of the same constituent elements as those of the first joint 6 will be omitted herein.

[0154] The second connector 7 has the capability of electrically connecting the electric wire 20 to the cable C1. In addition, the second connector 7 and the first connector 6 also have the capability of electrically connecting the electric wires 20 of the two sliding feeders 2 arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0155] More specifically, if Figure 4As shown, the second joint 7 electrically connects the wire 20 of the trolley feeder 2A with the wire 20 of the trolley feeder 2C. In addition, the second joint 7 also electrically connects the wire 20 of the trolley feeder 2B with the wire 20 of the trolley feeder 2D.

[0156] like Fig.15 As shown, the second connector 7 includes a main body 70, two terminal portions 71, an insulating cover 72 and a fastening member 73. The fastening member 73 may be, for example, a screw or a bolt.

[0157] The main body 70 may be formed of a material such as synthetic resin, etc. The main body 70 has electrical insulation properties, and is fixed to the rail 3 using, for example, bolts 74 and nuts 75.

[0158] The main body 70 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The main body 70 has an internal space. The main body 70 includes a bottom wall 700, a first side wall 701, a second side wall 702, a plurality of sheets (e.g., Fig.15 (two sheets in the figure) attachment sheet 703, a first partition wall 704, a second partition wall 705, a plurality of positioning sheets 706, a plurality of (for example, Fig.15 12) limiting walls 708, multiple pieces (e.g., Fig.15 Two anti-drop sheets 709, multiple (for example, Fig.15 two) hooks 7010 and a plurality of (eg, Fig.15 There are two hooks 7020 in the middle.

[0159] The bottom wall 700, the first side wall 701, the second side wall 702, the plurality of attachment sheets 703, the second partition wall 705, the plurality of positioning sheets 706, the plurality of limiting walls 708, the plurality of anti-drop sheets 709, the plurality of hooks 7010 and the plurality of hooks 7020 of the main body 70 of the second joint 7 respectively have the same configuration as the bottom wall 600, the first side wall 601, the second side wall 602, the plurality of attachment sheets 605, the partition wall 604, the plurality of positioning sheets 606, the plurality of limiting walls 608, the plurality of anti-drop sheets 609, the plurality of hooks 6010 and the plurality of hooks 6020 of the first joint 6. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted herein.

[0160] The first partition wall 704 protrudes forward from a portion of the bottom wall 700 between the first side wall 701 and the second side wall 702. The thickness of the first partition wall 704 is aligned with the vertical direction. The first partition wall 704 separates a space for arranging one of the two cables C1 and the sliding feeder 2A from a space for arranging the other cable and the sliding feeder 2B. The first partition wall 704 has a boss 707.

[0161] The insulating cover 72 is fitted onto the first partition wall 704. The insulating cover 72 also has a hole 720. The fastening member 73 is inserted into the boss 707 through the hole 720. This allows the insulating cover 72 to be fastened to the body 70. The insulating cover 72 has the same configuration as the insulating cover 42 of the first end member 4, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

[0162] The two electric wires 20 are arranged in front of the insulating cover 72. The two cables C1 are arranged behind the insulating cover 72.

[0163] like Fig.15 As shown, each terminal portion 71 includes two pairs of arm portions 711 and 712, a connecting portion 713 and a power supply terminal 714. The terminal portion 71 can be formed, for example, by a material such as a metal plate. The two pairs of arm portions 711, 712 and the connecting portion 713 of each terminal portion 71 have the same structure as the two pairs of arm portions 611, 612 and the connecting portion 613 of each terminal portion 61 of the first connector 6, respectively, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted herein.

[0164] The power supply terminal 714 protrudes in the left-right direction from the coupling portion 713. For example, a corresponding one of the cables C1 is attached to and electrically connected to the power supply terminal 714 using a rivet R1.

[0165] (9) Mobile devices

[0166] like Fig.10 As shown, the mobile device 9 includes a device body and a power collector 90. The device body includes an electric device such as a motor, etc. The device body is supplied with power from the electric wire 20 via the power collector 90.

[0167] The current collector 90 includes a base block 91, a rotating seat 92, a swing arm 93, a rotating joint 94, a collecting arm 95, a plurality of (e.g., Fig.10 (two in the figure) current collecting element holder 96, a plurality of current collecting elements 97 and a cable 98.

[0168] The base block 91 is fixed to the device body. The rotating base 92 is connected to the base block 91.

[0169] A first end of the swing arm 93 is attached to the rotating seat 92, and a second end thereof is attached to the rotating joint 94. The swing arm 93 is pivotable relative to the rotating seat 92.

[0170] The collecting arm 95 is attached to the rotating joint 94. The collecting arm 95 is rotatable relative to the rotating joint 94. A plurality of current collecting element holders 96 are attached to the collecting arm 95. A plurality of current collecting elements 97 are mounted on the plurality of current collecting element holders 96. The plurality of current collecting elements 97 are electrically connected to the device body via cables 98.

[0171] The plurality of current collecting elements 97 are in contact with the electric wires 20 fixed to the rail 3, thereby electrically connecting the plurality of current collecting elements 97 to the electric wires 20. The plurality of current collecting elements 97 slide on the surface of the electric wires 20.

[0172] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Looking at the constituent elements on the track 3A, it can be seen that the current supplied from the external power source flows through the electric wire 20 via the cable C1 in both the first end member 4 and the second joint 7 or via the cable C1 in either the first end member 4 and the second joint 7. Looking at the constituent elements on the track 3B, it can be seen that the current supplied from the external power source flows through the electric wire 20 via the cable C1 in the first end member 4.

[0173] When the plurality of current collecting elements 97 are in contact with the electric wires 20 , current is supplied to the device body via the cables 98 .

[0174] It can be seen that at least one of the multiple connecting members (for example, the first end member 4 and the second joint 7) has a power supply terminal 414, 714 to which the cable C1 is electrically connected, and feeds power supplied from an external power source via the cable C1 to the mobile device 9 via the wire 20.

[0175] Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of connecting members is a first end member 4, and the first end member 41 has a terminal portion 41 connected to an end (right end or left end) of a corresponding one of the electric wires 20. The first end member 4 has a power supply terminal 414 to which a corresponding one of the cables C1 is electrically connected, and feeds power supplied from an external power source via the cable C1 to the mobile device 9 via the electric wire 20.

[0176] (10) Installation method

[0177] Next, an exemplary process of installing the power supply device 1 in a facility such as a distribution center or a factory will be described. Optionally, the processing steps to be described below may be appropriately performed in a different order, some processing steps may be appropriately omitted, and / or additional processing steps may be performed as needed.

[0178] First, the operator fixes a plurality of supports S1 to each of the plurality of rails 3. Specifically, as Figure 1 As shown, the operator fixes the plurality of supports S1 to the front surface of the bottom wall 31 of the rail 3 in such a manner that the plurality of supports S1 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The operator fixes each of the plurality of supports S1 to the rail 3 by passing bolts through the through holes provided to penetrate the supports S1 and the holes provided to penetrate the bottom wall 31, and passing the bolts through nuts on the rear surface of the rail 3.

[0179] Next, for example, the operator fixes the track 3 to the frame of the building. For example, the operator uses nuts and bolts to fix the track 3 to the frame.

[0180] Then, the operator connects the two cables C1 to the two power supply terminals 414 (refer to Fig.11 ). The operator also covers the two cables C1 with the insulating cover 42 and attaches the insulating cover 42 to the main body 40 using the fastening member 43. The operator also connects the two cables C1 to the two power supply terminals 714 of the second connector 7 (refer to Fig.15 ). The operator also covers the two cables C1 with the insulating cover 72 and attaches the insulating cover 72 to the main body 70 using the fastening member 73 .

[0181] Afterwards, the operator processes the covering member 21 of each sliding contact feeder line 2 as required. More specifically, the operator peels off a portion of the covering member 21 using a tool.

[0182] like Figure 8 As shown, for example, the operator strips off the covering member 21 at the end (first section) of each trolley feeder 2, thereby completely exposing the wires 20. As used herein, the first section refers to a section of the trolley feeder 2 including a portion to be clamped by a corresponding one of the terminal portions 41.

[0183] In addition, for example, Figure 8 As shown, the operator cuts off the plurality of rear ribs 212 of the covering member 21 in the second section adjacent to the first section of the electric wire 20. The second section is a section of the electric wire 20 including a portion designed to be inserted into the main body 40. The second section is also a section of the electric wire 20 including a portion facing the insulating cover 42. In the second section, the electric wire 20 is covered with the covering member 21, and therefore, the degree of electrical insulation between the electric wire 20, the fastening member 43, and the cable C1 is increased compared to a case where the electric wire 20 is completely exposed in the second section.

[0184] After a portion of the covering member 21 has been stripped off as needed, the operator moves the plurality of sliding feeders 2 to press the plurality of sliding feeders 2 against the plurality of supports S1 from the front of the plurality of supports S1. Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of trolley feeders 2 are inserted into the corresponding support member S1. Note that two trolley feeders 2 (eg, trolley feeders 2A, 2B) connected to each other in the up-down direction are inserted into the corresponding support member S1 at one time.

[0185] Furthermore, once each sliding feeder line 2 has been inserted into the second joint 7, Figure 7As shown, the protrusion 202 of the wire 20 is clamped by a corresponding terminal portion 71. Similarly, once each sliding feeder 2 has been inserted into the first end member 4, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the protrusion 202 of the electric wire 20 is clamped by a corresponding one of the terminal portions 41. Similarly, once each sliding feeder 2 has been inserted into the first connector 6, the protrusion 202 of the electric wire 20 is clamped by a corresponding one of the terminal portions 61. That is, the pair of arm portions 411, 412 (or 611, 612, or 711, 712) clamps the electric wire 20 that has been inserted into the opening and closing space OP1 from the front along the longitudinal axis of the electric wire 20. More specifically, when the longitudinal axis of the electric wire 20 is aligned with the left-right direction, the pair of arm portions 411, 412 (or 611, 612, or 711, 712) clamps the electric wire 20 that has been inserted into the opening and closing space OP1 from the front.

[0186] The installation is completed by having the operator insert each sliding feeder line 2 into a corresponding one of the supports S1. Figure 4 The power supply device 1 is shown completely assembled.

[0187] It can be seen that the first end member 4 of the plurality of supports S1 is a connection member having a terminal portion 41 to be electrically connected to the electric wire 20. Each terminal portion 41 of the first end member 4 includes a pair of arm portions 411, 412 to clamp the protrusion 202 of the corresponding one of the electric wires 20. Similarly, the first connector 6 of the plurality of supports S1 is a connection member having a terminal portion 61 to be electrically connected to the electric wire 20. Each terminal portion 61 of the first connector 6 includes a pair of arm portions 611, 612 to clamp the protrusion 202 of the corresponding one of the electric wires 20. Similarly, the second connector 7 of the plurality of supports S1 is a connection member having a terminal portion 71 to be electrically connected to the electric wire 20. Each terminal portion 71 of the second connector 7 includes a pair of arm portions 711, 712 to clamp the protrusion 202 of the corresponding one of the electric wires 20.

[0188] In addition, each covering member 21 exposes a corresponding one of the electric wires 20 in a partial section (first section) extending from the end (left end or right end) of the electric wire 20. The pair of arm portions 411, 412 of each terminal portion 41 clamps the electric wire 20 in the partial section. Similarly, the pair of arm portions 711, 712 of each terminal portion 71 clamps the electric wire 20 in the partial section. Similarly, the pair of arm portions 611, 612 of each terminal portion 61 clamps the electric wire 20 in the partial section.

[0189] Furthermore, the first end member 4 among the plurality of connection members includes: an insulating cover 42 having electrical insulation and arranged between the cable C1 and the electric wire 20; and a fastening member 43 for fastening the insulating cover 42 to the body 40. The partial section (first section) where the electric wire 20 is exposed is a section different from the section (second section) where the fastening member 43 is provided. This ensures electrical insulation between the fastening member 43 and the electric wire 20.

[0190] Likewise, the second connector 7 among the plurality of connection members includes an insulating cover 72 having electrical insulation and arranged between the cable C1 and the electric wire 20, and a fastening member 73 for fastening the insulating cover 72 to the body 70. The partial section (first section) where the electric wire 20 is exposed is a section different from the section (second section) where the fastening member 73 is provided.

[0191] (11) Advantages

[0192] As described above, the connection of the electric wire 20 to the terminal portion 41 (or 61 or 71) is established only by causing the operator to move the sliding feeder 2 from the front to the rear of the power supply device 1 to insert the sliding feeder 2 into the terminal portion 41 (or 61 or 71). This processing step does not require the use of a tool. In addition, this processing step requires the execution of an operation as simple as moving the sliding feeder 2 backward. That is, the sliding feeder 2 can be installed by performing a single simple operation. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can be easily installed even in a narrow place.

[0193] In addition, even if the sliding feeder 2 is not a member that is easily bent, the power supply device 1 according to the present embodiment is unlikely to cause inconvenience during installation. This allows the sliding feeder 2 to be made of a material that is not easily bent. In addition, this also allows the sliding feeder 2 to be formed into a shape that is not easily bent.

[0194] The covering member 21 of each sliding feeder 2 includes a plurality of rear ribs 212. In addition, the covering member 21 includes a plurality of front ribs 213. Therefore, the sliding feeder 2 is formed into a relatively long shape in the front-to-back direction. This reduces the possibility of the sliding feeder 2 being bent around an axis aligned with the up-down direction.

[0195] In addition, the electric wire 20 of each sliding feeder 2 includes a contact portion 201 having a length in the up-down direction and a protrusion 202 protruding rearward from the contact portion 201. Therefore, the electric wire 20 has a Y-shaped cross section. The electric wire 20 is formed into such a shape and the rear rib 212 and the front rib 213 are provided to the covering member 21, so that the section modulus of the sliding feeder 2 is relatively large, thereby making the sliding feeder 2 difficult to bend.

[0196] In addition, the sliding feeder 2 is not easily bent, thereby allowing the support members S1 to be installed at relatively long intervals. That is, the number of support members S1 provided for the power supply device 1 can be reduced.

[0197] Furthermore, if the mobile device 9 moves in a state where the current collecting element 97 pushes the electric wire 20 backward, the easily bendable sliding feeder 2 will be bent. In this case, the electric wire 20 will be detached from the current collecting element 97 so that the electric wire 20 is electrically disconnected from the current collecting element 97. In contrast, forming the sliding feeder 2 as a non-easily bendable member as described above reduces the possibility of the electric wire 20 being electrically disconnected from the current collecting element 97.

[0198] (First Modification)

[0199] Next, we will refer to Fig.16 A power supply device 1 according to a first modification is described. In the following description, any constituent element of this first modification having the same function as the counterpart of the above exemplary embodiment will be designated by the same reference numeral as the counterpart, and description thereof will be omitted herein.

[0200] The power supply device 1 according to the first modified example includes a Fig.12 ) of the hanger 5A. The hanger 5A includes not only each constituent element of the hanger 5, but also a plurality of (for example, Fig.16 The two insertion portions 55 protrude forward from the bottom wall 50. The two insertion portions 55 are provided one-to-one for two sliding feeders 2 to be inserted into the hanger 5A. Each insertion portion 55 is inserted into the gap between the two rear ribs 212 of a corresponding sliding feeder 2. This allows the sliding feeder 2 to be fixed more firmly, thereby reducing the possibility of the sliding feeder 2 being bent.

[0201] This configuration used for the insertion portion 55 is also applicable to at least one of the first end member 4, the second end member 8, the first joint 6, and the second joint 7. That is, at least one of the plurality of supports S1 may have an insertion portion 55 to be inserted into a gap between two adjacent rear ribs 212 of the plurality of rear ribs 212.

[0202] (Second Modification)

[0203] Next, we will refer to Fig.17 A power supply device 1 according to a second modification is described. In the following description, any constituent element of this second modification having the same function as the counterpart of the above exemplary embodiment will be designated by the same reference numeral as the counterpart, and description thereof will be omitted herein.

[0204] The power supply device 1 according to the second modification is different from the exemplary embodiment in the shape of the covering member 21. The covering member 21 includes a covering member body 211 and a plurality of (for example, Fig.17 There are two) front ribs 213.

[0205] The covering member body 211 further includes an extension portion 2113 extending rearward from the rear portion 2112. When measured in the up-down direction, the width of the extension portion 2113 is equal to the width of the rear portion 2112. That is, the extension portion 2113 is provided by extending the rear portion 2112 rearward.

[0206] Optionally, a cavity may exist inside the extension portion 2113 .

[0207] According to the second modification, the extension portion 2113 is provided so that each trolley feeder 2 is relatively long in the front-to-back direction, which reduces the possibility of the trolley feeder 2 being bent around an axis aligned with the up-down direction.

[0208] (Third Modification)

[0209] Next, we will refer to Fig.18 A power supply device 1 according to a third modification is described. In the following description, any constituent element of the third modification having the same function as the counterpart of the above exemplary embodiment will be designated by the same reference numeral as the counterpart, and description thereof will be omitted herein.

[0210] The power supply device 1 according to the third modification example is different from the exemplary embodiment in the shape of the electric wire 20 and the shape of the covering member 21 .

[0211] Each electric wire 20 is formed of a material having flexibility. In a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction, the electric wire 20 is rope-shaped. The electric wire 20 is formed to have a U-shaped cross section by making both ends of the rope face each other.

[0212] The covering member 21 includes a covering member body 211, a plurality of (for example, Fig.18 In addition, the two covering members 21 are connected to each other via the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23. The first connecting portion 22 has the same structure as the above-mentioned connecting portion 22.

[0213] The rear rib 212a protrudes rearward from the rear portion 2112 of the covering member body 211. The rear rib 212b is arranged to be spaced apart from the rear rib 212a in the up-down direction. The respective rear ribs 212b of the two sliding feeders 2 face each other in the up-down direction. Each rear rib 212b includes a first protruding piece 2121 and a second protruding piece 2122. The first protruding piece 2121 of one sliding feeder 2 protrudes from the rear portion 2112 toward the other sliding feeder 2. The second protruding piece 2122 protrudes rearward from the end of the first protruding piece 2121.

[0214] The second connection portion 23 connects the respective covering member bodies 211 of the two covering members 21. The second connection portion 23 is provided in front of the covering member body 211. The front rib 213b protrudes forward from the second connection portion 23.

[0215] According to the third modification, the rear ribs 212 and the front ribs 213 are provided so that each sliding feeder line 2 is relatively long in the front-rear direction, which reduces the possibility of the sliding feeder line 2 being bent around an axis aligned with the up-down direction.

[0216] Note that each sliding feeder 2 according to the third modification is different from the exemplary embodiment in terms of the respective configurations of the wire 20, the rear rib 212, and the front rib 213. Alternatively, the configuration of one or two members selected from the group consisting of the wire 20, the rear rib 212, and the front rib 213 may be the same as the configuration of the corresponding portion of the above exemplary embodiment.

[0217] (Fourth Modification)

[0218] Next, we will refer to Fig.19 A power supply device 1 according to a fourth modification is described. In the following description, any constituent element of this fourth modification having the same function as the counterpart of the above exemplary embodiment will be designated by the same reference numeral as the counterpart, and description thereof will be omitted herein.

[0219] Fig.19 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding feeder 2 in the first section extending from the end of the electric wire 20. In the above exemplary embodiment, the covering member 21 is completely removed from the first section. In contrast, according to the fourth modification, the covering member 21 is only partially removed from the first section.

[0220] As in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the covering member 21 further includes a front portion 2111 and a rear portion 2112. The rear portion 2112 extends from the rear of the front portion 2111.

[0221] In the first section, the portion adjacent to the rear portion 2112 and the front portion 2111 has been stripped (i.e., removed). The first section is a partial section extending from the end of the wire 20 and is a section where each wire 20 is sandwiched between a pair of arm portions 411, 412 of a corresponding terminal portion 41.

[0222] The rear portion 2112 exists in a section different from the first section. For example, the rear portion 2112 may exist in a second section adjacent to the first section. In addition, the rear portion 2112 may exist in each section except the first section, for example.

[0223] In the first section, a portion of each electric wire 20 is covered by the front portion 2111 so that the rear surface of the electric wire 20 is exposed. More specifically, as Fig.19 As shown, in the first section, the rear surface of the contact portion 201 of the electric wire 20 and the protrusion 202 are exposed. As used herein, the expression "exposing the rear surface of the electric wire 20" may refer to a case where at least the rear end of the protrusion 202 is exposed.

[0224] According to the fourth modification, in the first section, each electric wire 20 is partially covered with the front portion 2111 , and therefore, the insulation distance between the electric wire 20 and the surrounding constituent elements is extended compared to the case where the front portion 2111 is not provided.

[0225] Alternatively, in the first section, only the rear portion 2112 or only a portion of the rear portion 2112 may be removed from the front portion 2111 and the rear portion 2112 .

[0226] (Other Modifications of Exemplary Embodiments)

[0227] Next, other modifications of the exemplary embodiment will be listed one by one. Note that the modifications to be described below can be appropriately combined and adopted. Alternatively, the modifications to be described below can also be appropriately combined and adopted with any of the first to fourth modifications described above.

[0228] The power supply device 1 is not necessarily a contact power supply device for supplying power to the mobile device 9 in a state of contact with the mobile device 9. Alternatively, the power supply device 1 may be a non-contact power supply device for supplying power to the mobile device 9 without contact with the mobile device 9.

[0229] The work of connecting the electric wire 20 to the terminal parts 41, 61, 71 does not have to be performed manually but can also be performed mechanically. In addition, this work does not have to be performed at the facility where the power supply device 1 is installed but can also be performed at the factory where the power supply device 1 is manufactured.

[0230] The number of sliding contact feeders 2 provided for the power supply device 1 may be one or two or more.

[0231] The number of the provided tracks 3 may be one, two or more.

[0232] The rail 3 may be a component of the power supply device 1 .

[0233] The moving device 9 moves along the track 3. Optionally, the track 3 and the track to which the sliding feeder 2 is fixed can be two independent components.

[0234] The number of the supports S1 provided for the power supply device 1 may be two or three or more.

[0235] The number of each constituent element included in the power supply device 1 is not necessarily the number adopted for the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, but can also be appropriately changed. For example, the first end member 4 may include only one terminal portion 41 or three or more terminal portions 41, either of which is appropriate. In addition, the covering member 21 may have only one rear rib 212 or three or more rear ribs 212, either of which is appropriate. In addition, the covering member 21 may have only one front rib 213 or three or more front ribs 213, either of which is appropriate. In addition, the main body 60 of the first joint 6 and the main body 70 of the second joint 7 may be a single member. Alternatively, the main body 70 of the second joint 7 and the main body 60 of the first joint 6 may include a first body and a second body.

[0236] Each sliding feeder 2 does not necessarily have to be connected to the terminal portion 41 , 61 , 71 with its covering member stripped off in the first section including the end, but may also be connected to the terminal portion 41 , 61 , 71 with its covering member 21 stripped off at a location away from the end.

[0237] The covering member 21 of each sliding feeder 2 does not have to be partially stripped off at, for example, the installation site of the power supply device 1 to expose its electric wires 20. Alternatively, the covering member 21 can also be manufactured in such a shape that the electric wires 20 are exposed in advance in a partial section (first section) between both ends in the left-right direction of the electric wire.

[0238] Optionally, at least one of the plurality of supports S1 may also be arranged anywhere except the front surface of the track 3. For example, at least one support S1 may also be arranged on the first side wall 32 or the second side wall 33 of the track 3.

[0239] The configuration for some of the plurality of supports S1 disclosed in the above exemplary embodiment or any of the above modifications may also be appropriately applied to other supports S1. For example, the first end member 4 may have an attachment piece 54 (see Fig.12 ) The same structure. In addition, for example, each terminal portion 71 of the second connector 7 may have a convex portion 614 (see Fig.14 )Same structure.

[0240] The pair of arm portions 411, 412 of each terminal portion 41 is not necessarily configured to clamp only the protrusion 202 of a corresponding one electric wire 20. Alternatively, the pair of arm portions 411, 412 may completely clamp the electric wire 20. The same statement also applies to the other terminal portions 61, 71.

[0241] Each of the electric wires 20 may include the contact portion 201, but may not include the protrusion 202. Alternatively, for example, each of the electric wires 20 may have a circular cross-section.

[0242] Three or more sliding feeder lines 2 may be connected together at the covering member 21. Three or more sliding feeder lines 2 may be arranged one on top of another in the up-down direction.

[0243] In a partial section between both ends in the left-right direction of each electric wire 20 , the front rib 213 of the sheathing member 21 may be at least partially stripped.

[0244] It is not necessary to provide all the constituent members of the power supply device 1 at once. Alternatively, for example, the connecting members of the power supply device 1 (such as the first joint 6, the second joint 7 or the first end member 4) can be provided separately. Still alternatively, in addition, the sliding feeder 2 of the power supply device 1 can be provided separately.

[0245] (Summarize)

[0246] The above-described exemplary embodiments and their modifications are specific implementations of the following aspects of the present disclosure.

[0247] According to the first aspect, a power supply device (1) supplies power to a mobile device (9). The mobile device (9) can move along a track (3). The power supply device (1) includes a sliding feeder (2) and a connecting member. The sliding feeder (2) includes an electric wire (20). The electric wire (20) serves as a path for supplying power to the mobile device (9) when electrically connected to the mobile device (9). The connecting member is a member for arranging the sliding feeder (2) along the track (3). The connecting member includes a terminal portion (41; 61; 71) and a main body (40; 60; 70). The terminal portion (41; 61; 71) is electrically connected to the electric wire (20). The main body (40; 60; 70) holds the terminal portion (41; 61; 71). The terminal portion (41; 61; 71) includes a pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) and an opening and closing space (OP1). The opening and closing space (OP1) is provided between the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) and has an opening gap that changes with external force applied between the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712). The pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) clamps the electric wire (20) inserted into the opening and closing space (OP1) from the front of the opening and closing space (OP1) in a state where the opening gap of the opening and closing space (OP1) is changed.

[0248] This structure allows an operator to, for example, insert the electric wire (20) of the sliding feeder (2) into the opening and closing space (OP1) from the front of the opening and closing space (OP1) to clamp the electric wire (20) between the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) of the terminal portion (41; 61; 71) and electrically connect the electric wire (20) to the terminal portion (41; 61; 71). This can simplify the work of installing the sliding feeder (2).

[0249] In a power supply device (1) according to a second aspect that can be implemented in combination with the first aspect, the electric wire (20) includes a contact portion (201) and a protrusion (202). The contact portion (201) has a front surface (2010) exposed to an external space. The protrusion (202) protrudes from a rear surface of the contact portion (201). The pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) clamps the protrusion (202) inserted into the opening and closing space (OP1).

[0250] Compared with the case where the entire wire (20) is sandwiched between the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712), this configuration can reduce the opening width between the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712). This makes it easier for an operator to perform work such as installing the sliding feeder (2).

[0251] In the power supply device (1) according to the third aspect which can be implemented in combination with the first or second aspect, the sliding feeder (2) further includes a covering member (21). The covering member (21) has electrical insulation. The covering member (21) partially covers the electric wire (20). The covering member (21) exposes the electric wire (20) in a partial section extending from an end of the electric wire (20). The pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) clamps the electric wire (20) in the partial section.

[0252] This configuration can improve the electrical insulation of the electric wire (20).

[0253] According to a fourth aspect of the power supply device (1) that can be implemented in combination with the third aspect, the power supply device (1) comprises a plurality of sliding feeders (2), wherein the plurality of sliding feeders (2) comprises the sliding feeder (2). Two sliding feeders (2) of the plurality of sliding feeders (2) are arranged in parallel with each other. The two sliding feeders (2) are connected to each other via a covering member (21).

[0254] This configuration allows an operator to, for example, complete a task of electrically connecting two electric wires (20) to the terminal portions (41; 61; 71) at one time.

[0255] In the power supply device (1) according to the fifth aspect which can be implemented in combination with the third or fourth aspect, the connecting member further includes a power supply terminal (414; 714), and the cable (C1) is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (414; 714). The connecting member feeds the power supplied from the external power source via the cable (C1) to the mobile device (9) via the electric wire (20). The connecting member further includes an insulating cover (42; 72) and a fastening member (43; 73). The insulating cover (42; 72) is arranged between the cable (C1) and the electric wire (20). The insulating cover (42; 72) has electrical insulation. The fastening member (43; 73) fastens the insulating cover (42; 72) to the main body (40; 70). The partial section where the electric wire (20) is exposed is a section different from the section where the fastening member (43; 73) is provided.

[0256] This configuration ensures electrical insulation between the fastening member (43; 73) and the electric wire (20).

[0257] In the power supply device (1) according to the sixth aspect which can be implemented in combination with any one of the third to fifth aspects, the covering member (21) includes a front portion (2111) and a rear portion (2112). The rear portion (2112) exists in a section of the electric wire (20) different from the partial section. The rear portion (2112) extends from the rear of the front portion (2111). In the partial section, a part of the electric wire (20) is covered by the front portion (2111), and the rear surface of the electric wire (20) is exposed.

[0258] Compared with the case where the front portion (2111) is not provided to the partial section, this configuration can extend the insulation distance between the electric wire (20) and the surrounding constituent elements.

[0259] In the power supply device (1) according to the seventh aspect which can be implemented in combination with any one of the first to sixth aspects, the connecting member is an end member (4) including a terminal portion (41) to be connected to the end of the electric wire (20). The end member (4) also includes a power supply terminal (414) to which the cable (C1) is electrically connected. The end member (4) feeds power supplied from an external power source via the cable (C1) to the mobile device (9) via the electric wire (20).

[0260] This configuration allows the end member (4) to have the ability to receive power from an external power source.

[0261] According to the eighth aspect of the power supply device (1) which can be implemented in combination with any one of the first to seventh aspects, the power supply device (1) comprises a plurality of sliding feeders (2), the plurality of sliding feeders (2) comprising the sliding feeder (2). The terminal portion (61; 71) comprises two pairs of arms (611, 612; 711, 712), the two pairs of arms (611, 612; 711, 712) comprising: a pair of first arms (611, 612; 711, 712) as a pair of arms (611, 612; 711, 712); and a pair of second arms (611, 612; 711, 712) as another pair of arms (611, 612; 711, 712). The pair of first arms (611, 612; 711, 712) are electrically connected to the pair of second arms (611, 612; 711, 712). The pair of first arms (611, 612; 711, 712) clamps the wire (20) of a first sliding feeder (2) among a plurality of sliding feeders (2). The pair of second arms (611, 612; 711, 712) clamps the wire (20) of a second sliding feeder (2) among a plurality of sliding feeders (2).

[0262] This configuration allows two electric wires (20) to be electrically connected to each other via the terminal portions (61; 71), thereby enabling the power supply path to be extended.

[0263] In the power supply device (1) according to the ninth aspect which can be implemented in combination with any one of the first to eighth aspects, the main body (40; 60; 70) includes a limiting wall (408; 608; 708). The limiting wall (408; 608; 708) limits the movement of the sliding feeder (2) in the direction in which the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) clamp the electric wire (20).

[0264] This structure can reduce the possibility of the sliding feeder (2) causing position deviation.

[0265] In the power supply device (1) according to the tenth aspect which can be implemented in combination with any one of the first to ninth aspects, the main body (40; 60; 70) includes a hook portion (4010, 4020; 6010, 6020; 7010, 7020). The hook portion (4010, 4020; 6010, 6020; 7010, 7020) hooks the sliding feeder (2) thereon to restrict the sliding feeder (2) from moving forward.

[0266] This configuration reduces the possibility that the electric wire (20) sandwiched between the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) is separated from the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712).

[0267] In the power supply device (1) according to the eleventh aspect which can be implemented in combination with any one of the first to tenth aspects, the main body (40; 60; 70) includes a plurality of positioning pieces (406; 606; 706). The terminal portion (41; 61; 71) also includes a connecting portion (413; 613; 713) and a convex portion (614). The connecting portion (413; 613; 713) connects the respective rear end portions of the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712). The convex portion (614) protrudes from the connecting portion (413; 613; 713) and is inserted into the gap between the plurality of positioning pieces (406; 606; 706).

[0268] This configuration allows the terminal portion (41; 61; 71) to be positioned between a plurality of positioning pieces (406; 606; 706).

[0269] Note that the constituent elements according to the second to eleventh aspects are not essential constituent elements for the power supply device (1) but may be appropriately omitted.

[0270] The connecting member according to the twelfth aspect is designed to be used in the power supply device (1) according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

[0271] This structure can simplify the work of installing the electric wire (20).

[0272] The installation method according to the thirteenth aspect is a method for installing a power supply device (1) configured to supply power to a mobile device (9). The mobile device (9) can move along a track (3). The power supply device (1) includes a sliding feeder (2) and a connecting member. The sliding feeder (2) includes an electric wire (20). The electric wire (20) serves as a path for supplying power to the mobile device (9) when electrically connected to the mobile device (9). The connecting member is a member for arranging the sliding feeder (2) along the track (3). The connecting member includes a terminal portion (41; 61; 71) and a main body (40; 60; 70). The terminal portion (41; 61; 71) is electrically connected to the electric wire (20). The main body (40; 60; 70) holds the terminal portion (41; 61; 71). The terminal portion (41; 61; 71) includes a pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) and an opening and closing space (OP1). An opening and closing space (OP1) is provided between the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) and has an opening gap that changes with an external force applied between the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712). The installation method includes a first step and a second step. The first step includes installing a main body (40; 60; 70) of a connecting member onto a track (3). The second step includes inserting an electric wire (20) into the opening and closing space (OP1) from the front after the first step has been performed, so that the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) clamp the electric wire (20) in a state where the opening gap of the opening and closing space (OP1) is changed.

[0273] The method allows an operator to insert the electric wire (20) of the sliding feeder (2) into the opening and closing space (OP1) from the front of the opening and closing space (OP1) to clamp the electric wire (20) between the pair of arm portions (411, 412; 611, 611; 711, 712) of the terminal portion (41; 61; 71) and electrically connect the electric wire (20) to the terminal portion (41; 61; 71). This can simplify the work of installing the sliding feeder (2).

[0274] Reference numerals list

[0275] 1 Power supply device

[0276] 2 Sliding feeder

[0277] 3 tracks

[0278] 4 End member (first end member)

[0279] 9 Mobile devices

[0280] 20 Wire

[0281] 21 Cladding components

[0282] 40, 60, 70 body

[0283] 41, 61, 71 terminal parts

[0284] 42, 72 Insulation cover

[0285] 43, 73 Fastening components

[0286] 201 Contact Department

[0287] 202 Protrusion

[0288] 406, 606, 706 positioning piece

[0289] 408, 608, 708 Restriction Wall

[0290] 413, 613, 713 connection

[0291] 411, 412 Arm

[0292] 414, 714 power supply terminals

[0293] 611, 612 Arm

[0294] 711, 712 Arm

[0295] 614 convex part

[0296] 2010 Front Surface

[0297] 2111 Front

[0298] 2112 Rear

[0299] 4010, 4020, 6010, 6020, 7010, 7020 hook

[0300] C1 Cable

[0301] OP1 Opening and Closing Space

Claims

1. A power supply device, configured to supply power to a mobile device, wherein the mobile device can move along a track, the power supply device comprising: a sliding feeder including an electric wire configured to serve as a path for supplying electric power to the mobile device when electrically connected to the mobile device; and a connecting member configured to arrange the sliding feeder along the track, The connecting member comprises: a terminal portion configured to be electrically connected to the electric wire; and a main body which holds the terminal portion, The terminal portion includes: a pair of arms; and an opening and closing space provided between the pair of arm portions and having an opening gap that changes with an external force applied between the pair of arm portions, and The pair of arm portions is configured to clamp the electric wire inserted into the open-and-close space from the front of the open-and-close space in a state where an open gap of the open-and-close space is changed.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The wires include: a contact portion having a front surface exposed to an external space; and a protrusion protruding from a rear surface of the contact portion, and The pair of arm portions is configured to clamp the protrusion inserted into the opening and closing space.

3. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The sliding feeder further includes a covering member having electrical insulation and partially covering the electric wire. The covering member exposes the electric wire in a partial section extending from an end portion of the electric wire, and The pair of arms is configured to clamp the electric wire in the partial section.

4. The power supply device according to claim 3, comprising a plurality of sliding contact feeders, wherein the plurality of sliding contact feeders include the sliding contact feeder, wherein: Two of the plurality of sliding feeders are arranged in parallel with each other, and The two sliding feeders are connected to each other via the covering member.

5. The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein: The connecting member further includes a power supply terminal to which the cable is electrically connected, and is configured to feed power supplied from an external power source via the cable to the mobile device via the electric wire, The connecting member further comprises: an insulating cover having electrical insulation and arranged between the cable and the wire, and a fastening member configured to fasten the insulating cover to the main body, and The partial section where the electric wires are exposed is a section different from the section where the fastening member is provided.

6. The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein: The covering member comprises: front; and a rear portion which exists in a section of the electric wire different from the partial section and extends from the rear of the front portion, and In the partial section, a portion of the electric wire is covered by the front portion and a rear surface of the electric wire is exposed.

7. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting member is an end member including a terminal portion configured to be connected to an end portion of the electric wire, and The end member further includes a power supply terminal to which the cable is electrically connected, and is configured to feed power supplied from an external power source via the cable to the mobile device via the electric wire.

8. The power supply device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of sliding contact feeders, wherein the plurality of sliding contact feeders include the sliding contact feeder, wherein: The terminal portion includes two pairs of arm portions, the two pairs of arm portions including: a pair of first arm portions as one pair of arm portions; and a pair of second arm portions as another pair of arm portions, The pair of first arms are electrically connected to the pair of second arms, The pair of first arms is configured to clamp a wire of a first trolley feeder among the plurality of trolley feeders, and The pair of second arms is configured to clamp a wire of a second trolley feeder among the plurality of trolley feeders.

9. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The main body includes a restriction wall configured to restrict movement of the sliding feeder in a direction in which the pair of arms clamp the electric wire.

10. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The body includes a hook portion configured to hook the trolley feeder thereon to restrict forward movement of the trolley feeder.

11. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The main body includes a plurality of positioning sheets, and The terminal portion further includes: a connecting portion connecting respective rear end portions of the pair of arm portions; and A convex portion protrudes from the connecting portion and is configured to be inserted into the gaps between the plurality of positioning sheets. 12 . A connecting member used in the power supply device according to claim 1 .

13. A method for installing a power supply device, the power supply device being configured to supply power to a mobile device, the mobile device being movable along a track, The power supply device comprises: a sliding feeder including an electric wire configured to serve as a path for supplying electric power to the mobile device when electrically connected to the mobile device; and a connecting member configured to arrange the sliding feeder along the track, The connecting member comprises: a terminal portion configured to be electrically connected to the electric wire; and a main body which holds the terminal portion, The terminal portion includes: a pair of arms; and an opening and closing space provided between the pair of arm portions and having an opening gap that changes with an external force applied between the pair of arm portions, and The installation method comprises: A first step includes mounting the main body of the connecting member onto the track; and A second step includes inserting the electric wire into the open-and-close space from the front thereof after the first step has been performed so that the pair of arms clamp the electric wire in a state where the opening gap of the open-and-close space is changed.

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