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

Abstract

To provide a current collector that can improve convenience. [Solution] The current collector 10 comprises a current collector 1, a holder 2 for holding the current collector 1, an arm 3, a fixing member 5, a color identification sensor 61, and a notification unit. The current collector 1 is movable while in contact with the conductor of the trolley wire. The arm 3 presses the current collector 1 against the conductor. The fixing member 5 is connected to the arm 3. The color identification sensor 61 is fixed to the fixing member 5 and identifies the colors of parts 21 and 22 of the holder 2. The notification unit notifies the identification result of the color identification sensor 61. The parts 21 and 22 of the holder 2 have different colors depending on their distance from the current collector 1.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a current collector that collects current from a trolley wire, which has a conductor disposed in a guide groove, to a mobile device. The current collector includes a mounting member and a current collecting element. The mounting member is mounted to the mobile device. The current collecting element moves along the guide groove and makes sliding contact with the conductor. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

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

[0004] However, when the current collector disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is in an operating state in contact with the trolley wire, it is difficult to check whether the current collecting element needs to be replaced, resulting in low convenience.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a current collector, an estimation system, an estimation method, a program, and a current collection system that can improve convenience. Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A current collector according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a current collector, a holder, an arm, a fixing member, a color identification sensor, and a notification unit. The current collector is movable while in contact with a conductor of the trolley wire. The holder holds the current collector. The arm presses the current collector against the conductor. The fixing member is connected to the arm. The color identification sensor is fixed to the fixing member and identifies the color of a part of the holder. The notification unit notifies the identification result of the color identification sensor. The part of the holder has a different color depending on its distance from the current collector.

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

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the lifetime of a current collector is estimated based on the identification result of a color identification sensor and the measurement result of a distance sensor. The color identification sensor identifies a subset of colors on a holder that holds the current collector, which differ in color depending on the distance from the current collector. The current collector is movable while in contact with the conductor of the trolley wire. The distance sensor measures the distance the current collector moves.

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

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

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the current collector, estimation system, estimation method, program, and current collector system make it possible to improve convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the estimation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view of the current collector equipped with the estimation system described above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the trolley wires provided by the system described above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partial side view of the current collector shown above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a graph illustrating the estimation system described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the estimation method in the estimation system described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a top view of the current collector included in the estimation system according to Modified Example 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the estimation system related to Modification 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. The figures described in the embodiments and modifications below are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0014] (1) Overview The following describes the outline of the current collector 10 and current collector system 100 according to Embodiment 1 with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0015] The current collector 10 is attached to a mobile device (not shown). The mobile device is, for example, a self-propelled trolley or hoist. The mobile device is moved by power supplied from the trolley wire A1 (see Figures 3 to 5) via the current collector 10.

[0016] The current collector 10 includes: a current collecting element 1 movable while being in contact with a conductor A11 of a trolley wire A1; a holder 2 that holds the current collecting element 1; an arm 3 that presses the current collecting element 1 against the conductor A11; a fixing member 5 that supports the arm 3; a color identification sensor 61 fixed to the fixing member 5 for identifying a color of a part of the holder 2; and a notification unit 81 (see FIG. 1) that notifies an identification result of the color identification sensor 61. A color of the part of the holder 2 varies depending on a distance from the current collecting element 1.

[0017] A current collecting system 100 includes the current collector 10 and the trolley wire A1, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] Here, when the current collecting element 1 is worn, a distance between the holder 2 and the conductor A11 decreases, so a color measured by the color identification sensor 61 changes as the current collecting element 1 wears. Therefore, by the notification of the identification result of the color identification sensor 61 from the notification unit 81, a user of the current collector 10 can check a wear state of the current collecting element 1 while the current collecting element 1 remains in contact with the conductor A11, and can check whether replacement of the current collecting element 1 is necessary. This improves convenience.

[0019] (2) Configuration Hereinafter, configurations of the current collecting system 100, the current collector 10, and an estimation system 1000 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0020] (2.1) Current Collecting System The current collecting system 100 is a system for supplying electric power to a mobile device.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the current collecting system 100 includes the current collector 10 and one or more (for example, four) trolley wires A1. The current collector 10 includes one or more (for example, four) current collecting units B1 and a data processing device 81. That is, the current collecting system 100 includes four trolley wires A1, four current collecting units B1, and the data processing device 81. Note that only one trolley wire A1 is illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0022] The four trolley wires A1 are aligned in one direction, as shown in Figure 3. The four current collectors B1 are also aligned in one direction, corresponding to the positions of the four trolley wires A1. Note that in Figure 2, the four current collectors B1 are aligned perpendicular to the plane of the paper.

[0023] The four current collectors B1 are attached one-to-one to the four trolley wires A1. Furthermore, each of the four current collectors B1 is configured to be movable relative to each of the four trolley wires A1.

[0024] In this embodiment, the direction in which the four trolley wires A1 are aligned and the direction in which the four current collectors B1 are aligned are defined as the vertical direction. Furthermore, the direction in which each of the four current collectors B1 is attached to each of the four trolley wires A1 is defined as the front-to-back direction, and the direction in which the four current collectors B1 move is defined as the left-to-right direction. However, these definitions are not intended to define the direction of use of the current collection system 100. Also, the arrows indicating "vertical direction," "left-to-right direction," and "front-to-back direction" in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual functions.

[0025] In this embodiment, the four current collectors B1 have the same structure. Similarly, the four trolley wires A1 have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, we will describe one of the four current collectors B1 and one trolley wire A1 corresponding to one of the multiple trolley wires A1. In the following description, one current collector B1 will simply be referred to as current collector B1, and one trolley wire A1 will simply be referred to as trolley wire A1.

[0026] (2.2) Trolley wire As shown in Figure 3, the trolley wire A1 has a conductor A11 and a covering member A12 that covers a part of the conductor A11.

[0027] Conductor A11 functions as a power supply unit that supplies power to mobile equipment via the current collector B1. Conductor A11 is a long, plate-like structure extending in the left-right direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of conductor A11 is aligned with the left-right direction. Conductor A11 is formed of, for example, a metallic material (e.g., copper).

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

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

[0030] (2.3) Current collection section The current collector B1 transmits power from the trolley wire A1 to the mobile equipment.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the current collector B1 comprises a plurality (e.g., two) current collectors 1, a plurality (e.g., two) holders 2 for holding the plurality of current collectors 1, a plurality (e.g., two) arms 3 for pressing the plurality of current collectors 1 against the conductor A11, a plurality (e.g., two) support members 4 for supporting each of the arms 3, and a fixing member 5 for fixing to a mobile device. Furthermore, the upper and lower current collectors B1 of the plurality of current collectors B1 included in the current collector device 10 are equipped with a color identification sensor 61 fixed to the support member 4 via the fixing member 5, fixing part 71, and support part 72. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the current collector B1 further comprises state sensors 62 to 64 for detecting a physical quantity indicating the state of the current collector 1, which will be described later.

[0032] (2.4) Current collector and holder The two electron collectors 1 are aligned in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 2. The two electron collectors 1 are symmetrical to each other.

[0033] The current collector 1 is a component that contacts the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1. The current collector 1 is a plate-shaped component with its thickness in the vertical direction, its length in the horizontal direction, and its width in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the current collector 1 extends in the horizontal direction.

[0034] The electron collector 1 is a conductor. The electron collector 1 is formed from, for example, a metallic material.

[0035] The current collector 1 has a contact surface 11 that contacts the conductor A11. The current collector 1 moves along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the trolley wire A1 together with the moving equipment, with the contact surface 11 in contact with the conductor A11. The current collector 1 is also provided with a wear line 12. The wear line 12 is an indicator that the current collector 1 should be replaced when the wear of the current collector 1 reaches the wear line 12.

[0036] Holder 2 is an insulator. Holder 2 is formed from, for example, a resin material.

[0037] The holder 2 has a first region 21 and a second region 22. The first region 21 and the second region 22 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the holder 2. The first region 21 and the second region 22 are aligned in the front-to-back direction. The first region 21 and the second region 22 are different in color from each other. That is, the upper and lower surfaces of the holder 2 are different in color depending on the distance from the electron collector 1. The first region 21 and the second region 22 of the holder 2 correspond to a part of the holder 2 of this disclosure.

[0038] Furthermore, a cable C1, which is electrically connected to the current collector 1, is connected to the holder 2. In addition, the connecting portion 29 of the holder 2 is rotatable relative to the current collector 1.

[0039] (2.5) Arm Each of the two arms 3 corresponds one-to-one with one of the two holders 2. Each of the two arms 3 connects the corresponding holder 2 of the two holders 2 to the fixing member 5. The two arms 3 are symmetrical to each other.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the arm 3 has connecting portions 31 and 32, a first mounting portion 33, a second mounting portion (not shown), and a biasing member 34.

[0041] The first mounting portion 33 is a cylindrical member. The holder 2 is mounted on the first mounting portion 33 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the front-rear direction.

[0042] The connecting parts 31 and 32 are arranged parallel to each other along the front-to-back direction.

[0043] The first ends of the connecting portions 31 and 32 on the holder 2 side are connected to the first mounting portion 33. The connecting portions 31 and 32 are mounted to the first mounting portion 33 so as to be rotatable about the vertical axis.

[0044] The second ends of the connecting parts 31 and 32 on the fixing member 5 side are connected to the second mounting part. The connecting parts 31 and 32 are mounted to the second mounting part so as to be rotatable about an axis in the vertical direction.

[0045] The second mounting portion is rotatably connected to the fixing member 5 with respect to the front-to-back axis.

[0046] The biasing member 34 is a member that applies a forward force to the first mounting portion 33. As a result, the contact surface 11 of the current collector 1 is pressed against the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1. In other words, the arm presses the current collector 1 against the conductor A11.

[0047] (2.6) Support members and fixing members The two support members 4 correspond one-to-one with the two arms 3. The two support members 4 are symmetrical to each other.

[0048] The support member 4 has a pair of support pieces 41 arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction, and a connecting piece 42 connecting the pair of support pieces 41. The pair of support pieces 41 clamp the second ends of the connecting pieces 31 and 32 in the vertical direction. This reduces the vertical displacement of the pair of connecting pieces 31 and 32. This makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of uneven wear of the electron collector 1.

[0049] The fixing member 5 is fixed to the mobile device. As shown in Figure 2, the fixing member 5 has a main body 50, a plate 51, two fixing shafts 52, and two nuts 53. A part of the mobile device is inserted into the gap 54 formed between the main body 50 and the plate 51. By fastening the nuts 53 to each of the two fixing shafts 52, the part of the mobile device inserted into the gap 54 is sandwiched between the main body 50 and the plate 51. In this way, the fixing member 5 is fixed to the mobile device.

[0050] (2.7) Color recognition sensor As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the two color-identifying sensors 61 are fixed in positions opposite to the two holders 2 in the vertical direction. The two color-identifying sensors 61 correspond one-to-one to the two holders 2 in one current collector B1.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the color identification sensor 61 is a sensor that identifies a portion of the colors on the upper surface of the holder 2. A portion of the upper surface of the holder 2 is, for example, directly opposite the color identification sensor 61 in the vertical direction. The color identification sensor 61 is, for example, a CCD image sensor. The color identification sensor 61 outputs, for example, the average value of the colors on the portion of the holder 2 to the data processing device 81. The color identification sensor 61 may also be, for example, a combination of a color filter and a photodiode.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the color recognition sensor 61 is fixed to the fixing part 71 via the support part 72. The fixing part 71 is fixed to, for example, the fixing member 5. In other words, the color recognition sensor 61 is indirectly fixed to the support member 4.

[0053] (2.8) State Sensor The state sensors 62-64 detect a physical quantity that indicates the state of the electron collector 1. The state sensors 62-64 include a temperature sensor 62, a pressure sensor 63, and an electrical characteristic sensor 64.

[0054] The temperature sensor 62 measures the temperature of the current collector 1. The pressure sensor 63 measures the pressure exerted by the current collector 1 on the conductor A11. The electrical characteristics sensor 64 measures the electrical characteristics of the current collector 1. The electrical characteristics of the current collector 1 include the current flowing from the current collector 1 to the cable C1 and the potential difference between the current collector 1 and the reference potential. The reference potential may be the ground potential or the voltage of another current collector 1.

[0055] The data, including the measurement results from the state sensors 62-64, is transmitted to the data processing device 81.

[0056] (2.8) Data Processing Devices The data processing device 81 is a device that processes the identification results of the color identification sensor 61, the measurement results of the temperature sensor 62, the measurement results of the pressure sensor 63, the measurement results of the electrical characteristics sensor 64, and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 65, which will be described later. The data processing device 81 is composed of, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a personal computer, etc. The data processing device 81 may also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0057] The data processing device 81 is mounted, for example, on a mobile device. Alternatively, the data processing device 81 may be mounted on the current collector B1.

[0058] The data processing device 81 acquires data at predetermined intervals, including the identification results of the color identification sensor 61, the measurement results of the temperature sensor 62, the measurement results of the pressure sensor 63, the measurement results of the electrical characteristics sensor 64, and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 65, which will be described later. Hereinafter, the data including the identification results of the color identification sensor 61, the measurement results of the temperature sensor 62, the measurement results of the pressure sensor 63, the measurement results of the electrical characteristics sensor 64, and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 65 may be referred to as measurement result data.

[0059] The data processing device 81 transmits the measurement result data to the cloud server 90 via an external network, such as a wireless router and the internet. In other words, the data processing device 81 functions as a notification unit that notifies the cloud server 90 of the measurement result data. If the data processing device 81 has a display unit, the data processing device 81 may display the measurement result data on the display unit.

[0060] (2.9) Estimation System As shown in Figure 1, the estimation system 1000 includes a current collector 10, a travel distance sensor 65, a cloud server 90, and an information terminal T1.

[0061] (2.10) Distance Sensor The travel distance sensor 65 includes, for example, a plurality of limit switches provided at predetermined intervals on the trolley wire A1. The plurality of limit switches are connected to the data processing device 81. Each of the plurality of limit switches transmits an ON signal to the data processing device 81 when, for example, a dog provided on the current collector B1 contacts the limit switch as the current collector B1 moves. The cloud server 90 derives the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector B1 (see Figure 6) based on the ON signals (measurement results of the travel distance sensor 65) transmitted from the plurality of limit switches. Specifically, the cloud server 90 derives the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector B1 based on the number of times each of the plurality of limit switches has been turned ON and the order in which they were turned ON. In other words, the travel distance sensor 65 indirectly measures the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector B1. Note that the travel distance sensor 65 may also be provided on the current collector B1 to directly measure the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector B1.

[0062] (2.11) Cloud Server Cloud server 90 is a server that is connected to an external network and provides services.

[0063] The cloud server 90 is connected to the data processing device 81 via an external network, enabling communication. The memory of the cloud server 90 stores the measurement result data received from the data processing device 81 in chronological order.

[0064] The cloud server 90 has an estimation unit 91 and a status output unit 92. In other words, the estimation unit 91 and the status output unit 92 are implemented by cloud computing. This eliminates the need for server operation and management compared to when the estimation unit 91 and the status output unit 92 are implemented by an on-premises server, thereby reducing costs. Note that the estimation unit 91 and the status output unit 92 merely represent functions implemented by the cloud server 90 and do not necessarily represent an actual physical configuration.

[0065] (2.12) Estimation part The estimation unit 91 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 1 based on the identification result of the color identification sensor 61 and the measurement result of the distance traveled sensor 65 included in the measurement result data. The estimation unit 91 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 1 at predetermined time intervals (first time intervals), for example. The estimation unit 91 may also estimate the lifespan of the current collector 1 when instructed by the user via the information terminal T1, which will be described later.

[0066] The functions of the estimation unit 91 will be described in detail below.

[0067] First, let's explain the lifespan of the current collector 1. As described above, the current collector B1 moves along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the trolley wire A1 together with the moving equipment, with the contact surface 11 of the current collector 1 in contact with the conductor A11. As a result, the contact surface 11 of the current collector 1 wears down in the front-rear direction as the cumulative movement distance W1 of the current collector 1 increases. When the contact surface 11 of the current collector 1 touches the wear line 12, the current collector 1 needs to be replaced with a new one. In other words, the lifespan of the current collector 1 is the cumulative movement distance W1 of the current collector 1 until it wears down by the distance L1 (see Figure 5) between the position of the contact surface 11 when the current collector 1 is new and the wear line 12.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, the color identification sensor 61 identifies the color of the holder 2 in a region located at a distance D11 from the trolley wire A1. When the current collector 1 wears down, its vertical thickness decreases, thus reducing the distance D12 between the trolley wire A1 and the boundary line between the first region 21 and the second region 22. Therefore, when the amount of wear on the current collector 1 is small and the distance D12 is greater than the distance D11, the identification result by the color identification sensor 61 matches the color of the first region 21. In contrast, as the amount of wear on the current collector 1 increases, the difference between the distance D12 and the distance D11 decreases, and the identification result by the color identification sensor 61 becomes a mixture of the colors of the first region 21 and the second region 22. Furthermore, as the amount of wear on the current collector 1 increases further, the distance D12 becomes smaller than the distance D11, so the identification result by the color identification sensor 61 matches the color of the second region 22. In other words, the identification result by the color identification sensor 61 serves as an indicator corresponding to the amount of wear on the current collector 1.

[0069] The estimation unit 91 estimates the amount of wear on the current collector 1 from the identification result of the color identification sensor 61. The estimation unit 91 also derives the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector B1 from the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 65.

[0070] The estimation unit 91 estimates the amount of wear on the current collector 1 at predetermined time intervals (second time intervals) while the current collector B1 is operating, and derives the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector B1. Here, the second time interval is shorter than the first time interval in which the estimation unit 91 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 1.

[0071] The estimation unit 91 links the estimated wear amount of the current collector 1 and the cumulative travel distance W1 with each other and stores them as a set of derived data in the memory of the cloud server 90.

[0072] The estimation unit 91 estimates the lifetime of the current collector 1 based on multiple sets of accumulated derived data. The operation of the estimation unit 91 in estimating the lifetime of the current collector 1 will now be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a graph with the cumulative travel distance W1 on the horizontal axis and the wear amount G1 on the vertical axis. The multiple sets of accumulated derived data are reset when the current collector 1 is replaced with a new one. That is, when the current collector 1 is in a new condition, i.e., when the wear amount G1 is 0, the cumulative travel distance W1 is 0.

[0073] The estimation unit 91 linearly approximates multiple sets of derived data (wear amount G1 and cumulative travel distance W1) and derives an approximate formula G1 = α × W1 (see dashed line E1 in Figure 5), which shows the relationship between the cumulative travel distance W1 and the wear amount G1. Here, α is a proportionality constant that represents the wear amount G1 per unit distance. Then, the estimation unit 91 estimates the lifetime of the electron collector 1 (estimated lifetime Ls1), which is the cumulative travel distance W1 when the wear amount G1 reaches distance L1, from G1 = α × W1. The estimation unit 91 also estimates the remaining lifetime of the electron collector 1 (estimated remaining lifetime Ls2) by subtracting the travel distance W10, which is the latest cumulative travel distance W1 at the time of lifetime estimation, from the estimated lifetime Ls1.

[0074] The estimation unit 91 outputs lifetime data, including information on the estimated lifetime Ls1 and the estimated remaining lifetime Ls2, to the information terminal T1, which will be described later, via an external network.

[0075] (2.13) Status Output Section The status output unit 92 outputs status data to the information terminal T1 in chronological order, which includes the amount of wear G1 of the current collector 1, the measurement results of the temperature sensor 62, the measurement results of the pressure sensor 63, and the power obtained from the measurement results of the electrical characteristics sensor 64 (the current flowing from the trolley wire A1 to the cable C1 via the current collector 1, and the potential difference between the current collector 1 and ground), up to the point when the estimation unit 91 derived the estimated lifespan Ls1 and the estimated remaining lifespan Ls2. The status output unit 92 may also calculate the amount of energy obtained by integrating the power over time, or it may calculate the time integral of the current flowing from the trolley wire A1 to the cable C1 via the current collector 1.

[0076] (2.14) Information terminals As shown in Figure 1, the information terminal T1 is connected to the cloud server 90 via an external network, enabling communication.

[0077] Information terminal T1 is, for example, a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or wearable device such as a smartwatch.

[0078] The information terminal T1 includes a display unit T11 for displaying information. The display unit T11 includes a thin display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The content displayed on the display unit T11 is controlled by the control unit of the information terminal T1. The control unit can be implemented, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories.

[0079] The display unit T11 displays the lifetime data received from the estimation unit 91. This allows the user to determine whether or not to replace the current collector 1 based on its estimated lifetime Ls1 and estimated remaining lifetime Ls2. This also allows the user to understand the approximate timing for replacing the current collector 1.

[0080] Furthermore, the display unit T11 displays the status data received from the status output unit 92. This allows the user to check the wear amount G1 of the current collector 1 and determine whether the current collector 1 needs to be replaced. In addition, if the estimated lifespan Ls1 and estimated remaining lifespan Ls2 are abnormally short, the user can estimate the cause based on the status data.

[0081] (3) Estimation method Next, an estimation method for estimating the lifespan of the current collector 1 of the current collector 10, that is, the estimation method used in the estimation system 1000, will be explained using Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the estimation method used in the estimation system 1000 includes a first acquisition step ST1, a second acquisition step ST2, and an estimation step ST3.

[0082] In the first acquisition step ST1, the estimation unit 91 receives and acquires the identification result of the color identification sensor 61 transmitted from the data processing device 81.

[0083] Next, in the second acquisition step ST2, the estimation unit 91 receives and acquires the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 65 transmitted from the data processing device 81.

[0084] Next, in estimation step ST3, the estimation unit 91 estimates the lifetime of the current collector 1 based on the identification result of the color identification sensor 61 acquired in the first acquisition step ST1 and the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 65 acquired in the second acquisition step ST2.

[0085] Note that the flowchart in Figure 6 is merely one example of the estimation method described above, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, or any of the processes may be omitted as appropriate. For example, the order of the first acquisition step ST1 and the second acquisition step ST2 may be reversed.

[0086] (4) Effects The current collector 10 according to this embodiment comprises a current collector 1, a holder 2, an arm 3, a fixing member 5, a color identification sensor 61, and a notification unit (data processing unit 81). The current collector 1 is movable while in contact with the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1. The holder 2 holds the current collector 1. The arm 3 presses the current collector 1 against the conductor A11. The fixing member 5 is connected to the arm 3. The color identification sensor 61 is fixed to the fixing member 5 and identifies the color of a part of the holder 2 (first region 21 and second region 22). The data processing unit 81 notifies the identification result of the color identification sensor 61. The parts of the holder 2 (first region 21 and second region 22) have different colors depending on their distance from the current collector 1.

[0087] According to the current collector 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve convenience. In particular, with the current collector 10, it is possible to detect the degree of wear of the current collector 1 while the current collector 1 remains attached to the current collector 10.

[0088] The estimation system 1000 according to this embodiment includes a current collector 10, a travel distance sensor 65, and an estimation unit 91. The travel distance sensor 65 measures the travel distance of the current collector 1. The estimation unit 91 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 1 based on the identification result of the color identification sensor 61 and the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 65.

[0089] The estimation system 1000 according to this embodiment makes it possible to improve convenience. In particular, the estimation system 1000 makes it possible to predict the lifespan of the current collector 1 while the current collector 1 remains attached to the current collector 10.

[0090] Furthermore, in the estimation system 1000 according to this embodiment, the estimation unit 91 is implemented by cloud computing.

[0091] According to the above embodiment, compared to the case where the estimation unit 91 is implemented by an on-premises server, server operation and management become unnecessary, and costs can be reduced.

[0092] The estimation method according to this embodiment estimates the lifetime of the current collector 1 based on the identification result of the color identification sensor 61 and the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 65. The color identification sensor 61 identifies the color of a portion (first region 21, second region 22) of the holder 2 that holds the current collector 1, which has a different color depending on the distance from the current collector 1. The current collector 1 is movable while in contact with the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1. The travel distance sensor 65 measures the travel distance of the current collector 1.

[0093] The program according to the embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the estimation method according to the embodiment.

[0094] The estimation method and program according to the embodiment make it possible to improve convenience. In particular, the estimation method makes it possible to detect the degree of wear of the current collector 1 while the current collector 1 remains attached to the current collector 10.

[0095] The current collection system 100 according to this embodiment includes a current collector 10 and a trolley wire A1.

[0096] According to the current collection system 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve convenience. In particular, with the current collection system 100, it is possible to predict the lifespan of the current collector 1 while the current collector 1 remains attached to the current collector 10.

[0097] (5) Variant The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. The following lists some modifications of the above embodiments. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate. In addition, in the following, components that are common or substantially common with the basic configuration of the estimation system 1000 of the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their illustration and description are omitted as appropriate.

[0098] (5.1) Variation 1 (5.1.1) Configuration In the estimation system 1000 according to the modified example 1, the estimation unit 91 estimates the lifetime of the current collector 1 based on the identification result of the color identification sensor 61, the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 65, and the measurement results of the state sensors 62 to 64.

[0099] First, the user of the estimation system 1000 performs a test run of the estimation system 1000 to determine the reference proportionality coefficient α1, which is the proportionality coefficient α under conditions (hereinafter referred to as "reference conditions") where the temperature of the current collector 1, the pressure applied to the current collector 1, and the electrical characteristics of the current collector 1 are all within their respective reference ranges. The reference proportionality coefficient α1 is the amount of wear G1 of the current collector 1 per unit distance traveled. The reference proportionality coefficient α1 is determined based on the identification result of the color identification sensor 61 and the measurement result of the distance traveled sensor 65. The reference conditions are maintained by the user periodically checking the temperature of the current collector 1, the pressure applied to the current collector 1, and the electrical characteristics of the current collector 1, and adjusting the current collector B1. The reference proportionality coefficient α1 is stored in the memory of the cloud server 90.

[0100] Furthermore, the user determines the dependence of the proportionality constant α on the temperature of the electron collector 1. Specifically, the user determines how many times the proportionality constant α becomes compared to the reference proportionality constant α1 depending on the temperature of the electron collector 1. In other words, the user determines the temperature dependence of the ratio α / α1 of the coefficient α to the coefficient α1. Note that the ratio α / α1 may be an estimated value based on the results of accelerated testing, or a predicted value from simulation.

[0101] Similarly, the user determines the dependence of the proportionality constant α on the pressure applied to the electron collector 1. Specifically, the user determines how many times the proportionality constant α becomes compared to the reference proportionality constant α1 depending on the temperature of the electron collector 1. In other words, the user determines the pressure dependence of the ratio α / α1 of coefficient α to coefficient α1. Note that the ratio α / α1 may be an estimated value based on the results of accelerated testing, or a predicted value from simulation.

[0102] Similarly, the user determines the dependence of the proportionality constant α on the electrical characteristics of the current collector 1. Specifically, the user determines how many times the proportionality constant α becomes compared to the reference proportionality constant α1 depending on the temperature of the current collector 1. In other words, the user determines the electrical characteristic dependence of the ratio α / α1 of the coefficient α to the coefficient α1. Note that the ratio α / α1 may be an estimated value based on the results of accelerated testing or a predicted value from simulation. The electrical characteristics are one of the following: the current value flowing through the current collector 1, the voltage value applied to the current collector 1, or the power value consumed at the contact point between the current collector 1 and the trolley wire A1.

[0103] The user stores the values ​​of the ratio α / α1 for each temperature, pressure, and electrical characteristic of the current collector 1 in the memory of the cloud server 90. The memory of the cloud server 90 stores, for example, a table showing the relationship between the temperature of the current collector 1 and the ratio α / α1, a table showing the relationship between the pressure of the current collector and the ratio α / α1, and a table showing the relationship between the electrical characteristics of the current collector and the ratio α / α1.

[0104] After the test operation is complete, when the user operates the estimation system 1000 again, the estimation unit 91 determines the proportionality coefficient α using the reference proportionality coefficient α1 and the values ​​of the ratio α / α1 for each temperature, pressure, and electrical characteristic of the current collector 1. The estimation unit 91 then estimates the estimated lifetime Ls1 of the current collector 1, which is the cumulative distance traveled W1 when the wear amount G1 reaches a predetermined length L1, from the approximation formula G1 = α × W1. The estimation unit 91 also estimates the estimated remaining lifetime Ls2 of the current collector 1 by subtracting the latest cumulative distance traveled W10 at the time of lifetime estimation from the estimated lifetime Ls1.

[0105] With the above configuration, the estimation unit 91 can estimate the lifetime of the current collector 1 with greater accuracy.

[0106] (5.1.2) Effects The estimation system 1000 according to the modified embodiment 1 further comprises state sensors 62 to 64. The state sensors 62 to 64 are attached to the current collector 10 and detect a physical quantity indicating the state of the current collector 1. The estimation unit 91 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 1 based on the identification result of the color identification sensor 61, the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 65, and the measurement results of the state sensors 62 to 64.

[0107] With the above configuration, the estimation system 1000 can estimate the lifetime of the electron collector 1 with greater accuracy.

[0108] Furthermore, in the estimation system 1000 according to the modified embodiment 1, the state sensors 62 to 64 include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor 62 for measuring the temperature of the current collector 1, a pressure sensor 63 for measuring the pressure applied to the current collector 1, and an electrical characteristic sensor 64 for measuring the electrical characteristics of the current collector 1.

[0109] With the above configuration, the estimation system 1000 can estimate the lifetime of the electron collector 1 with greater accuracy based on physical quantities that affect the degree of wear of the electron collector 1.

[0110] (5.2) Variation 2 (5.2.1) Configuration In the estimation system 1000 according to the modified embodiment 2, two color identification sensors 61 are provided on one current collector 1. The holder 2 has different colors at both ends in the left-right direction, depending on the distance from the current collector 1. More specifically, each of the first region 21 and the second region 22 includes both ends of the holder 2 in the left-right direction. The two color identification sensors 61 are fixed to the fixing member 5 via a fixing part 73 and a support part 74. The two color identification sensors 61 correspond one-to-one with both ends of the holder 2 in the left-right direction. Note that the two color identification sensors 61 only need to include a color identification sensor 61 that identifies the color of the left end of the holder 2 and a color identification sensor 61 that identifies the color of the right end of the holder 2, and may be physically a single sensor. For example, the two color identification sensors 61 may include two optical fibers and two photodetectors. Also, the holder 2 only needs to have parts with different colors in the front-back direction at both the right and left ends.

[0111] In the estimation system 1000 according to the modified embodiment 2, uneven wear of the current collector 1 in the left-right direction can be detected. Note that three or more color identification sensors 61 may be fixed to a single current collector 1.

[0112] (5.2.2) Effects The current collector 10 according to the modified embodiment 2 includes two color-identifying sensors 61. The current collector 1 and the holder 2 extend in one direction. The holder 2 has different colors at both ends in one direction, depending on the distance from the current collector 1. The two color-identifying sensors 61 identify the colors at both ends of the holder 2 in one direction.

[0113] According to the current collector 10 in the above embodiment, it is also possible to detect uneven wear of the current collector 1.

[0114] (5.3) Modification 3 As shown in Figure 9, the current collector 10 according to the third modified embodiment further includes a notification device 82 connected to the data processing device 81.

[0115] The data processing device 81 notifies the notification device 82 if the color of the upper or lower surface of the holder 2 is a predetermined color, based on the identification result of the color identification sensor 61. The predetermined color is the color of the upper surface of the holder 2 that the color identification sensor 61 detects when the contact surface 11 of the current collector 1 reaches the wear line 12.

[0116] The notification device 82 operates in response to a signal output from the data processing device 81. The notification device 82 is, for example, a lamp or a speaker. If the notification device 82 is a lamp, it lights up in response to a signal output from the data processing device 81. If the notification device 82 is a speaker, it outputs sound in response to a signal output from the data processing device 81. This allows the user to recognize that the current collector 1 needs to be replaced.

[0117] (Other modifications according to the embodiment) (1) Functions similar to those of the estimation system 1000 may be embodied in an estimation method, a (computer) program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which the program is recorded. In the estimation method according to the above embodiment, the lifetime of the current collector 1 is estimated based on the identification result of a color identification sensor 61 that identifies the color of a portion (first region 21, second region 22) of a holder 2 that holds a current collector 1 that is movable in contact with the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1, which has different colors depending on the distance from the current collector 1, and the measurement result of a travel distance sensor 65 that measures the travel distance W1 of the current collector 1. Furthermore, the (computer) program according to the above embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the estimation method described above.

[0118] The estimated system 1000 in this disclosure includes a computer system in the data processing device 81 (notification unit 81), etc. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The function of the notification unit 81 in this disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunication line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs referred to here are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs, which are programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or logic devices that can reconfigure the junction relationships inside the LSI or reconfigure the circuit compartments inside the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0119] (2) The current collector 10 according to the embodiment and each modified example has four current collectors B1, but the number of current collectors B1 may be 3 or less or 5 or more. Similarly, the number of conductors A11 provided on the trolley wire A1 may be 3 or less or 5 or more.

[0120] (3) In the current collector 10 according to the embodiment and each modified example, the color identification sensor 61 identifies the color of the holder 2. However, the color identification sensor 61 only needs to be configured to detect the position of the holder 2 in the front-rear direction based on light, and may identify the intensity of reflected light of a specific wavelength. In addition, the color identification sensor 61 may utilize infrared or ultraviolet light.

[0121] (4) In the current collector 10 according to Embodiment and Modifications 1 and 3, the holder 2 has a first region 21 and a second region 22, but the holder 2 may have three or more regions of different colors arranged in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, each region does not need to be in contact with both ends of the holder 2 in the left-to-right direction, and may be, for example, a rectangular region. Also, in the current collector 10 according to Modification 2, the left end of the holder 2 and the right end of the holder 2 may be of different colors.

[0122] (Appearance) The current collector (10) according to the first embodiment comprises a current collector (1), a holder (2), an arm (3), a fixing member (5), a color identification sensor (61), and a notification unit (81). The current collector (1) is movable while in contact with the conductor (A11) of the trolley wire (A1). The holder (2) holds the current collector (1). The arm (3) presses the current collector (1) against the conductor (A11). The fixing member (5) is connected to the arm (3). The color identification sensor (61) is fixed to the fixing member (5) and identifies the color of a part (21,22) of the holder (2). The notification unit (81) notifies the identification result of the color identification sensor (61). The parts (21,22) of the holder (2) have different colors depending on their distance from the current collector (1).

[0123] The current collector (10) according to the above embodiment makes it possible to improve convenience. In particular, with the current collector (10), it is possible to detect the degree of wear of the current collector (1) while the current collector (1) remains attached to the current collector (10).

[0124] The current collector (10) according to the second embodiment includes two color-identifying sensors (61). The current collector (1) and the holder (2) extend in one direction. The holder (2) has different colors at both ends in one direction depending on the distance from the current collector (1). The two color-identifying sensors (61) identify the colors at both ends of the holder (2) in one direction.

[0125] According to the current collector (10) described above, it is also possible to detect uneven wear of the current collector (1).

[0126] The estimation system (1000) according to the third embodiment comprises a current collector (10) according to the first or second embodiment, a travel distance sensor (65), and an estimation unit (91). The travel distance sensor (65) measures the travel distance of the current collector (1). The estimation unit (91) estimates the lifespan of the current collector (1) based on the identification result of the color identification sensor (61) and the measurement result of the travel distance sensor (65).

[0127] The estimation system (1000) according to the above embodiment makes it possible to improve convenience. In particular, the estimation system (1000) makes it possible to predict the lifespan of the current collector (1) while the current collector (1) remains attached to the current collector (10).

[0128] The estimation system (1000) according to the fourth embodiment further comprises state sensors (62-64) in the third embodiment. The state sensors (62-64) are attached to the current collector (10) and detect a physical quantity indicating the state of the current collector (1). The estimation unit (91) estimates the lifetime of the current collector (1) based on the identification result of the color identification sensor (61), the measurement result of the distance traveled sensor (65), and the measurement result of the state sensors (62-64).

[0129] According to the estimation system (1000) in the above embodiment, the prediction accuracy of the lifetime of the electron collector (1) is further improved.

[0130] The estimation system (1000) according to the fifth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the state sensors (62-64) include at least one of a temperature sensor (62) for measuring the temperature of the current collector (1), a pressure sensor (63) for measuring the pressure applied to the current collector (1), and an electrical characteristic sensor (64) for measuring the electrical characteristics of the current collector (1).

[0131] According to the estimation system (1000) described above, the accuracy of predicting the lifetime of the electron collector (1) is further improved by making predictions based on physical quantities that affect the lifetime of the electron collector (1).

[0132] In the estimation system (1000) according to the sixth embodiment, the estimation unit (91) is implemented by cloud computing in any of the third to fifth embodiments.

[0133] According to the estimation system (1000) described above, compared to the case where the estimation unit (91) is implemented by an on-premises server, server operation and management are unnecessary, and costs can be reduced.

[0134] The estimation method according to the seventh embodiment estimates the lifetime of the current collector (1) based on the identification result of the color identification sensor (61) and the measurement result of the travel distance sensor (65) (ST3). The color identification sensor (61) identifies the color of parts (first region 21, second region 22) of the holder (2) that holds the current collector (1), which have different colors depending on the distance from the current collector (1). The current collector (1) is movable while in contact with the conductor (A11) of the trolley wire (A1). The travel distance sensor (65) measures the travel distance of the current collector (1).

[0135] The estimation method described above makes it possible to improve convenience. In particular, the estimation method makes it possible to predict the lifespan of the current collector (1) while the current collector (1) remains attached to the current collector (10).

[0136] The program according to the eighth aspect causes one or more processors to execute the estimation method according to the seventh aspect.

[0137] The program according to the above embodiment makes it possible to improve convenience. In particular, the program makes it possible to predict the lifespan of the current collector (1) while the current collector (1) remains attached to the current collector (10).

[0138] The current collection system (100) according to the ninth embodiment comprises a current collector (10) according to the first or second embodiment and a trolley wire (A1).

[0139] The current collection system (100) according to the above embodiment makes it possible to improve convenience. In particular, the current collection system (100) makes it possible to predict the lifespan of the current collector (1) while the current collector (1) remains attached to the current collector (10). [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 10 Current collector 1 Electronic collector 2 holders 21 First area (partial) 22 Second area (partial) 3 Arms 5 Fixing members 61 Color Recognition Sensor 81 Data Processing Unit (Notification Unit) 100 Current collection system A1 Trolley Line A11 Conductor 1000 Estimation Systems 65. Distance Sensor 91 Estimation part 62 Temperature Sensor (State Sensor) 63. Pressure Sensor (State Sensor) 64 Electrical characteristic sensor (state sensor) ST3 Estimation Step

Claims

1. A current collector that can move while in contact with the conductor of the trolley wire, The holder that holds the current collector, An arm that presses the current collector against the conductor, A fixing member connected to the aforementioned arm, A color identification sensor fixed to the aforementioned fixing member, which identifies the color of a part of the holder, The system includes a notification unit that notifies the identification result of the color identification sensor, The part of the holder has different colors depending on the distance from the current collector. Current collector.

2. Equipped with two of the aforementioned color identification sensors, The current collector and the holder extend in one direction. The holder has different colors at both ends in the aforementioned direction, depending on the distance from the current collector. The two color identification sensors identify the colors of both ends of the holder in the one direction. The current collector according to claim 1.

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

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

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

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

7. Based on the identification result of a color identification sensor that identifies a subset of colors that differ depending on the distance from the current collector, and the measurement result of a distance sensor that measures the movement distance of the current collector, the lifespan of the current collector is estimated. Estimation method.

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

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

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