Power supply device, connection member, and installation method

The power supply device simplifies the installation of trolley wires on rails by using a connecting member with adjustable arms to clamp the electric wire, addressing complexity and bending issues in existing systems.

JP7799832B2Active Publication Date: 2026-01-15PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024533606
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-07-15
Filing Date
2023-06-21
Publication Date
2026-01-15
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing power supply systems for mobile devices on rails are complex and cumbersome, requiring intricate installation of trolley wires and connections.

Method used

A power supply device with a trolley wire and connecting member featuring a terminal portion with adjustable arms that simplify the installation process by allowing the electric wire to be inserted and clamped between the arms, reducing the complexity of attaching the trolley wire to the rail.

Benefits of technology

Simplifies the installation of trolley wires by enabling easy insertion and clamping, thereby reducing the likelihood of bending and enhancing the efficiency of power supply to mobile devices on rails.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to simplify the work of installing a trolley wire. A power feeding device comprises a trolley wire (2) and a connection member. The trolley wire (2) includes an electric wire (20). The connection member is a member for placing the trolley wire (2) along a rail (3). The connection member includes a terminal portion (71) and a body (70). The terminal portion (71) is electrically connected to the electric wire (20). The body (70) holds the terminal portion (71). The terminal portion (71) includes a pair of arms and an open / close opening (OP1) provided between the pair of arms. As the electric wire (20) is inserted into the open / close opening (OP1) from the front thereof, the pair of arms change the opening interval of the open / close opening (OP1) and pinch the electric wire (20).
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a power supply device, a connection member, and an installation method, and more particularly to a power supply device having a contact wire, a connection member used in the power supply device, and an installation method for the power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] The insulated trolley described in Patent Document 1 includes a tightening device, a first connection block, and a second connection block. The tightening device holds a first end of a first insulated trolley wire (trolley wire) and a second end of a second insulated trolley wire (trolley wire). The first connection block holds a third end of the first insulated trolley wire opposite the first end. The second connection block holds a fourth end of the second insulated trolley wire opposite the second end. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-041553 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a power supply device, a connection member, and an installation method that can simplify the work of installing a trolley wire.

[0005] A power supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure supplies power to a mobile device. The mobile device is movable along a rail. The power supply device includes a trolley wire and a connecting member. The trolley wire has an electric wire. The electric wire is electrically connected to the mobile device to be used as a power supply path to the mobile device. The connecting member is a member for arranging the trolley wire along the rail. The connecting member has a terminal portion and a body. The terminal portion is electrically connected to the electric wire. The body holds the terminal portion. The terminal portion has a pair of arms and an opening / closing opening. The opening / closing opening is provided between the pair of arms and changes the opening spacing due to an external force applied between the pair of arms. The pair of arms clamp the electric wire inserted into the opening from the front of the opening / closing opening by changing the opening spacing of the opening.

[0006] A connection member according to an aspect of the present disclosure is used in the power supply device.

[0007] An installation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for installing a power supply device that supplies power to a mobile device. The mobile device is movable along a rail. The power supply device includes a trolley wire and a connecting member. The trolley wire has an electric wire. The electric wire is electrically connected to the mobile device to be used as a power supply path to the mobile device. The connecting member is a member for arranging the trolley wire along the rail. The connecting member has a terminal portion and a body. The terminal portion is electrically connected to the electric wire. The body holds the terminal portion. The terminal portion has a pair of arms and an opening / closing port. The opening / closing port is provided between the pair of arms and changes the opening spacing due to an external force applied between the pair of arms. The installation method includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, the body of the connecting member is attached to the rail. In the second step, after the first step, the electric wire is inserted into the opening from the front of the opening, and the opening interval of the opening is changed to sandwich the electric wire between the pair of arms. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state before a trolley wire is attached to a power supply device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the state of the power supply device after the trolley wire has been attached. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the state of the power supply device before the trolley wire is attached. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the state of the power supply device after the trolley wire has been attached. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the contact wire of the power supply device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the power supply device taken along a plane along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 3 and a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the power supply device taken along a plane along line IX-IX in FIG. 4 and a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the power supply device and a current collector device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of another part of the power supply device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a hanger of the power supply device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a joint of the power supply device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a joint of the power supply device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of another joint of the power supply device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a hanger of a power supply device according to the first modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a contact wire of a power supply device according to the second modification. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a contact wire of a power supply device according to the third modification. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a contact wire of a power supply device according to the fourth modification. [Figure 20] Fig. 20A is a side view showing the opening of the terminal portion in a closed state, and Fig. 20B is a side view showing the opening of the terminal portion in an open state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment) The power supply device 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, each figure described in the embodiment described below is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in the figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

[0010] (overview) As shown in FIG. 1, a power supply device 1 of this embodiment supplies power to a mobile device 9 (see FIG. 10). The mobile device 9 is movable along a rail 3. The power supply device 1 includes a trolley wire 2 and a connecting member. The trolley wire 2 has an electric wire 20. The electric wire 20 is electrically connected to the mobile device 9 to be used as a power supply path to the mobile device 9. The connecting member is a member for arranging the trolley wire 2 along the rail 3. Here, the description will focus on a second joint 7 (see FIGS. 6 and 15), which is an example of a connecting member. The connecting member (second joint 7) has a terminal portion 71 and a body 70. The terminal portion 71 is electrically connected to the electric wire 20. The body 70 holds the terminal portion 71. The terminal portion 71 has a pair of arms 711, 712 and an opening / closing opening OP1 provided between the pair of arms 711, 712. The opening OP1 changes the opening gap due to an external force applied between the pair of arms 711, 712. The pair of arms 711, 712 clamp the electric wire 20 inserted into the opening OP1 from the front of the opening OP1 by changing the opening gap of the opening OP1 (see FIGS. 2, 6, 7, 13, and 15).

[0011] According to the above configuration, a worker or the like can insert the electric wire 20 of the trolley wire 2 into the opening OP1 from the front, thereby sandwiching the electric wire 20 between the pair of arms 711, 712 of the terminal portion 71, and electrically connecting the electric wire 20 to the terminal portion 71. In this way, the work of installing the trolley wire 2 can be simplified.

[0012] The power supply device 1 of this embodiment can be assembled by the following construction method. The construction method of this embodiment is a construction method for the power supply device 1 that supplies power to the mobile device 9. The mobile device 9 is movable along the rail 3. The power supply device 1 includes a trolley wire 2 and a connecting member. The trolley wire 2 has an electric wire 20. The electric wire 20 is used as a power supply path to the mobile device 9 by being electrically connected to the mobile device 9. The connecting member is a member for arranging the trolley wire 2 along the rail 3. Here, the description will focus on the second joint 7 (see FIGS. 6 and 15 ), which is an example of a connecting member. The connecting member (second joint 7) has a terminal portion 71 and a body 70. The terminal portion 71 is electrically connected to the electric wire 20. The body 70 holds the terminal portion 71. The terminal portion 71 has a pair of arms 711, 712 and an opening OP1 provided between the pair of arms 711, 712. The opening gap of the opening OP1 is changed by an external force applied between the pair of arms 711, 712. The installation method has a first step and a second step. In the first step, the body 70 of the connection member is attached to the rail 3. In the second step, after the first step, the electric wire 20 is inserted into the opening OP1 from the front of the opening OP1, and the opening gap of the opening OP1 is changed to clamp the electric wire 20 between the pair of arms 711, 712.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , the power supply device 1 of this embodiment supplies power to a mobile device 9. The mobile device 9 is movable along a rail 3. The power supply device 1 includes a trolley wire 2 and a plurality of supporters S1. As shown in FIG. 5 , the trolley wire 2 includes an electric wire 20 and a covering member 21. The electric wire 20 is electrically connected to the mobile device 9 to be used as a power supply path to the mobile device 9. The covering member 21 has electrical insulation properties. The covering member 21 covers a portion of the electric wire 20. The plurality of supporters S1 are arranged along the rail 3 to support the trolley wire 2. 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. A distance I1 (thickness) in the front-rear direction from the rear surface of the electric wire 20 to the rear end of the covering member 21 is longer than the width (width W1 or W2) of the electric wire 20.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the interval I1 is longer than the width W1 or W2, that is, the trolley wire 2 is relatively long in the front-rear direction, which reduces the possibility that the trolley wire 2 will bend.

[0015] For example, when attaching the trolley wire 2 to the supporter S1, a force may be applied to the trolley wire 2, possibly causing the trolley wire 2 to bend. Also, the trolley wire 2 may be bent when the moving equipment 9 pushes the electric wire 20 via the current collector 90 described below. Therefore, by making the trolley wire 2 relatively long in the front-to-rear direction as described above, the possibility of the trolley wire 2 being bent can be reduced.

[0016] The terms up and down, front and back, left and right in this disclosure merely represent the relative positional relationships of the components of the power supply device 1, and are not intended to limit the direction in which the power supply device 1 is used. Therefore, for example, the power supply device 1 may be used in an orientation in which "front" in this disclosure corresponds to up, down, back, left, or right.

[0017] The arrows indicating up and down, front and back, left and right in Figure 3 and other figures are merely shown for the purpose of explanation and have no substance.

[0018] (detail) (1) Overall structure The power supply device 1 supplies power to a mobile device 9 (see FIG. 10). The mobile device 9 is, for example, a self-propelled cart or a hoist. The mobile device 9 receives power from an electric wire 20 installed on a rail 3 (see FIG. 3). The mobile device 9 moves along the rail 3 using the power thus obtained as a power source.

[0019] The power supply device 1 and the mobile device 9 are used, for example, in a logistics warehouse or a factory. The mobile device 9 is used, for example, as a transport device for transporting goods.

[0020] 10, the mobile device 9 of this embodiment includes a current collector 90, and a plurality of current collectors 97 of the current collector 90 are in contact with the electric wire 20. The electric wire 20 is electrically connected to an external power source via a power line C1 (see FIG. 8). As a result, power is supplied from the external power source to the mobile device 9 via the electric wire 20 and the current collector 90.

[0021] Fig. 4 is an overall view of the power supply device 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the power supply device 1 is used together with a plurality (two) of rails 3. The power supply device 1 includes a plurality (eight) of contact wires 2 and a plurality (nine) of supporters S1.

[0022] The nine supporters S1 include two first end members 4, three hangers 5, one first joint 6, one second joint 7, and two second end members 8. When the two first end members 4 and the two second end members 8 are not distinguished from each other, they are each referred to as an "end member E1." In other words, the first end member 4 and the second end member 8 are each an example of the end member E1. The end member E1 supports the right end or the left end of the electric wire 20. When the first joint 6 and the second joint 7 are not distinguished from each other, they are each referred to as a "joint J1." In other words, the first joint 6 and the second joint 7 are each an example of the joint J1. The joint J1 electrically connects the two electric wires 20. The first end member 4 and the first and second joints 6 and 7 are each an example of a connecting member. The connection members are members that serve as relays for at least one of the electrical connection between the power line C1 and the electric wires 20 and the electrical connection between the electric wires 20. The plurality of connection members are aligned in the left-right direction.

[0023] In the following description, the eight trolley wires 2 may be distinguished and referred to as trolley wires 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H. Furthermore, in the following description, the two rails 3 may be distinguished and referred to as rails 3A and 3B.

[0024] (2) Trolley wire As shown in Fig. 8, the trolley wire 2 includes an electric wire 20 and a covering member 21. The electric wire 20 is made of a conductive material such as copper. The covering member 21 is made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0025] The longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20 is aligned with the left-right direction. The covering member 21 covers a portion of the electric wire 20. For example, when the trolley wire 2 is manufactured in a factory, the covering member 21 is provided from the left end to the right end of the electric wire 20. Then, a worker or the like strips off a portion of the covering member 21, for example, both end portions, using a tool such as a cable cutter at the installation site of the power supply device 1. As a result, in the power supply device 1 installed at the installation site, the covering member 21 is provided only in a partial section between both ends of the electric wire 20 in the left-right direction (from the left end to the right end). In FIG. 8 , the covering member 21 is not provided in a portion including the right end of the electric wire 20, and the entire circumference is exposed. In this manner, the exposed portion of the electric wire 20 is electrically connected to a terminal portion 41 of a connection member (for example, the first terminal member 4 in FIG. 8 ).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the trolley wires 2A and 2B are aligned in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the longitudinal directions of the trolley wires 2A and 2B are aligned in the same direction (left-right direction). That is, the trolley wires 2A and 2B are aligned in parallel. The trolley wires 2A and 2B are connected to each other at the covering member 21. In other words, the covering member 21 of the trolley wire 2A is connected to the covering member 21 of the trolley wire 2B. In this embodiment, these two covering members 21 are connected via a connecting portion 22. The connecting portion 22 is configured integrally with the two covering members 21. As a result, the two covering members 21 are formed integrally.

[0027] Similarly to the relationship between trolley wires 2A and 2B, trolley wires 2C (see FIG. 4) and 2D are aligned vertically and connected to each other at the covering member 21. Similarly, trolley wires 2E and 2F are aligned vertically and connected to each other at the covering member 21. Similarly, trolley wires 2G and 2H are aligned vertically and connected to each other at the covering member 21.

[0028] From left to right, the contact wires are 2A, 2C, 2E, and 2G, in this order. From left to right, the contact wires are 2B, 2D, 2F, and 2H, in this order.

[0029] The current collector 90 (see FIG. 10 ) has four current collectors 97 (only two are shown in FIG. 10 ). Each current collector 97 is in contact with the electric wire 20 of one of the contact wires 2 depending on the position of the current collector 90. Two of the four current collectors 97 are in contact with the electric wire 20 of one or two of the contact wires 2A, 2C, 2E, and 2G depending on the position of the current collector 90. The remaining two current collectors 97 are in contact with the electric wire 20 of one or two of the contact wires 2B, 2D, 2F, and 2H depending on the position of the current collector 90. For example, when the current collector 90 moves to the right, a state in which the four current collectors 97 are in contact with the electric wires 20 of the contact wires 2A and 2B, respectively, changes to a state in which the four current collectors 97 are in contact with the electric wires 20 of the contact wires 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, respectively. As the current collector 90 moves further to the right, the four current collectors 97 move into contact with the electric wires 20 of the contact wires 2C and 2D, respectively.

[0030] The shape of the electric wire 20 is the same among the plurality of contact wires 2. As shown in FIG.

[0031] The contact portion 201 is formed in a plate shape with a thickness direction along the front-rear direction. The longitudinal direction of the contact portion 201 is along the left-right direction. The contact portion 201 has a front surface 2010. In a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction, the center portion of the front surface 2010 is recessed rearward. The front surface 2010 is exposed to the outside. More specifically, in any section between both ends of the contact portion 201 in the left-right direction, the front surface 2010 is exposed without being covered by the covering member 21.

[0032] The vertical width W2 of the protrusion 202 is smaller than the vertical width W1 of the contact portion 201. The vertical width W1 of the contact portion 201 is the maximum width of the wire 20 in the vertical direction.

[0033] The protrusion 202 protrudes from the rear surface of the contact portion 201 and is formed along the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20. More specifically, in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction, the protrusion 202 protrudes from the center of the rear surface of the contact portion 201. The protrusion 202 is a portion that is sandwiched between a pair of arms of the terminal portion along the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20. With respect to the terminal portion 41 of the first terminating member 4 (see FIG. 11 ), the protrusion 202 is sandwiched between the pair of arms 411, 412 of the terminal portion 41. In other words, the pair of arms 411, 412 sandwich the protrusion 202 inserted into the opening OP1 between the pair of arms 411, 412. With this configuration, the gap between the pair of arms 411, 412 can be made smaller than when the entire electric wire 20 is sandwiched between the pair of arms 411, 412. This makes it easier for workers to install the electric wire 20.

[0034] The following will first explain the configuration of the covering member 21 of the trolley wire 2A among the multiple trolley wires 2. The covering member 21 has a covering body 211, a plurality of (two in FIG. 5) rear ribs 212, and a plurality of (two in FIG. 5) front ribs 213.

[0035] The covering body 211 covers at least the rear surface of the electric wire 20. The covering body 211 is formed along the shape of the electric wire 20. More specifically, the covering body 211 is a portion of the covering member 21 where the thickness measured from the surface of the electric wire 20 is equal to or less than a threshold. In the present embodiment, the portion of the covering member 21 where the thickness measured from the surface of the electric wire 20 exceeds the threshold corresponds to the rear rib 212 or the front rib 213.

[0036] The covering body 211 of this embodiment includes a front portion 2111 and a rear portion 2112. The front portion 2111 covers the contact portion 201 except for a portion of the front surface 2010. In a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction, the front portion 2111 has a C-shape that is open at the front. The rear portion 2112 covers the entire protrusion 202. In a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction, the rear portion 2112 has a U-shape that is open at the front.

[0037] The covering member 21 has a window 2011 that exposes the front surface of the wire 20, more specifically, the front surface 2010 of the contact portion 201. The window 2011 is an opening. The window 2011 is provided in the covering body 211 of the covering member 21.

[0038] The two rear ribs 212 protrude rearward from the sheathing body 211. More specifically, the two rear ribs 212 protrude from rear sides 2112 of the sheathing body 211. The rear ribs 212 extend in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the wire 20.

[0039] One of the two rear ribs 212 protrudes from the upper end of the rear side portion 2112. The other of the two rear ribs 212 protrudes from the lower end of the rear side portion 2112. The protrusion amounts of the two rear ribs 212 are equal to each other. In this disclosure, "equal" is not limited to a completely equal state, but also includes cases where they are different within a range that does not cause practical problems.

[0040] The two front ribs 213 protrude forward from the covering body 211. More specifically, the two front ribs 213 protrude from the front side 2111 of the covering body 211.

[0041] The two front ribs 213 protrude forward from an edge of the covering body 211 that forms the window 2011 and extend in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the electric wires 20. The two front ribs 213 face each other. More specifically, one of the two front ribs 213, a front rib 213T (first front rib), protrudes forward from above the window 2011. The other of the two front ribs 213, a front rib 213U (second front rib), protrudes forward from below the window 2011. In this way, since the front ribs 213 are provided above and below the window 2011, the two front ribs 213 prevent the fingers of an operator or the like from moving toward the electric wires 20. This reduces the possibility that the fingers of an operator or the like will come into contact with the electric wires 20. Furthermore, the insulation distance between the two electric wires 20 is extended compared to when the front rib 213U is not provided.

[0042] Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of the front rib 213U is greater than the amount of protrusion of the front rib 213T. Since the amount of protrusion of the front rib 213U is relatively large, the insulation distance between the two electric wires 20 becomes relatively long.

[0043] The shapes of the trolley wires 2C, 2E, and 2G are the same as that of the trolley wire 2A. On the other hand, the shapes of the trolley wires 2B, 2D, 2F, and 2H are different from that of the trolley wire 2A in terms of the shapes of the two front ribs 213. More specifically, the trolley wire 2B is vertically symmetrical to the trolley wire 2A. The shapes of the trolley wires 2B, 2D, 2F, and 2H are the same as each other.

[0044] Of the two front ribs 213 of the trolley wire 2B, one front rib 213V protrudes forward from above the window 2011. The other front rib 213W protrudes forward from below the window 2011. The amount of protrusion of the front rib 213V is greater than the amount of protrusion of the front rib 213W.

[0045] Here, the covering member 21 for the trolley wire 2A is referred to as the first covering member. The covering member 21 for the trolley wire 2B is referred to as the second covering member. The first covering member is disposed above the second covering member. The first covering member and the second covering member each have two front ribs 213 facing each other. The two front ribs 213 protrude forward from the edge of the covering member 21 that forms the window 2011 and extend in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the electric wire 20. Of the two front ribs 213T, 213U of the first covering member, the front rib 213U located on the inside protrudes more than the front rib 213T located on the outside of the first and second covering members. Of the two front ribs 213V, 213W of the second covering member, the front rib 213V located on the inside protrudes more than the front rib 213W located on the outside of the first and second covering members.

[0046] As described above, the thickness from the rear surface of the electric wire 20 to the rear end of the covering member 21 is greater than the width of the electric wire 20. More specifically, the thickness from the rear surface of the electric wire 20 to the rear end of the covering member 21 is the distance I1 in the front-to-rear direction from the rear surface of the electric wire 20 to the rear end of the covering member 21. The width of the electric wire 20 compared with the distance I1 is the width of a predetermined point of the electric wire 20 in the up-down direction.

[0047] The width of the electric wire 20 compared with the interval I1 may be the largest width W1 among the widths of the respective regions of the electric wire 20. More specifically, the width of the electric wire 20 compared with the interval I1 may be the largest width W1 of the electric wire 20 in the vertical direction.

[0048] Alternatively, the width of the wire 20 compared with the interval I1 may be the width W2 of the protrusion 202. More specifically, the width of the wire 20 compared with the interval I1 may be the width W2 of the protrusion 202 in the up-down direction.

[0049] In this embodiment, the interval I1 is longer than both the widths W1 and W2. Also, the amount of protrusion P1 of the rear rib 212 from the covering body 211 in the front-rear direction is longer than both the widths W1 and W2.

[0050] (3) Rails 3 and 4, rail 3A is disposed to the left of rail 3B. The longitudinal direction of each rail 3 is aligned with the left-right direction.

[0051] Rails 3A and 3B have different lengths in the left-right direction, but otherwise have the same configuration. The configuration of rail 3A will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0052] The rails 3 are installed on a travel route of a mobile device 9 (see FIG. 10). The rails 3 are fixed to the frame of a building that constitutes a logistics warehouse or a factory, for example. The rails 3 are made of aluminum, for example.

[0053] When viewed from the left and right, the rail 3 has a C-shape that is open at the front. The rail 3 has a bottom wall 31, a first side wall 32, and a second side wall 33.

[0054] The thickness direction of the bottom wall 31 is along the front-rear direction. A plurality of supporters S1 are fixed to the bottom wall 31. More specifically, the plurality of supporters S1 are fixed to the bottom wall 31 by, for example, screwing.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] (4) Supporters 3 and 4, a plurality of (seven in FIG. 3) supports S1 are fixed to the rail 3A in a line in the left-right direction. More specifically, the seven supports S1 fixed to the rail 3A are, from left to right, a second end member 8, a hanger 5, a second joint 7, a hanger 5, a first joint 6, a hanger 5, and a first end member 4.

[0058] A plurality of supports S1 (two in FIG. 3) are fixed to the rail 3B. More specifically, the two supports S1 fixed to the rail 3B are, from the left, the second end member 8 and the first end member 4.

[0059] The multiple supports S1 support the multiple contact wires 2. More specifically, seven supports S1 fixed to rail 3A support contact wires 2A to 2F. Two supports S1 fixed to rail 3B support contact wires 2G and 2H.

[0060] The configuration of each of the plurality of supporters S1 will be described below.

[0061] (5) End member Figure 8 is a view including a cross-sectional perspective view of the first end member 4. Figure 11 shows an exploded perspective view of the first end member 4 and a perspective view of the second end member 8.

[0062] The first and second end members 4, 8 attached to the rail 3B support the contact wires 2G, 2H, while the first and second end members 4, 8 attached to the rail 3A support another contact wire 2.

[0063] The first and second end members 4, 8 attached to rail 3B will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 11. However, the shape of the second end member 8 attached to rail 3A is the same as the shape of the second end member 8 attached to rail 3B. The shape of the first end member 4 attached to rail 3A is the same as the shape of the first end member 4 attached to rail 3B.

[0064] First, we will explain the first end member 4. The first end member 4 has a body 40, a plurality of terminal portions 41 (two in FIG. 11), an insulating cover 42, and fastening members 43. The fastening members 43 are, for example, screws or bolts.

[0065] The body 40 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has electrical insulating properties. The body 40 is fixed to the rail 3 using, for example, bolts 44 and nuts 45.

[0066] The body 40 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The body 40 has an internal space. The body 40 has 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.

[0067] The bottom wall 400 has a rectangular shape. The thickness direction of the bottom wall 400 is along the front-rear direction. The body 40 further has a plurality of positioning pieces 406 (two in FIG. 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 so as to contact the front surfaces of the plurality of positioning pieces 406. In this embodiment, the first end member 4 has two terminal portions 41, one terminal portion 41 is positioned by two positioning pieces 406, and the other terminal portion 41 is positioned by another two positioning pieces 406.

[0068] The first side wall 401 protrudes forward from the upper end of the bottom wall 400. The body 40 further has a claw portion 4010. The claw portion 4010 protrudes from the first side wall 401. The claw portion 4010 hooks onto the trolley wire 2 (see FIG. 9). More specifically, the claw portion 4010 hooks onto the covering member 21 of the trolley wire 2. In this way, the claw portion 4010 restricts the forward movement of the trolley wire 2.

[0069] The second side wall 402 protrudes forward from the lower end of the bottom wall 400. The body 40 further has a claw portion 4020. The claw portion 4020 protrudes from the second side wall 402. The claw portion 4020 hooks onto the trolley wire 2. More specifically, the claw portion 4020 hooks onto the covering member 21 of the trolley wire 2. In this way, the claw portion 4020 restricts the forward movement of the trolley wire 2.

[0070] 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 collector 97 of the current collector 90.

[0071] The first partition wall 404 protrudes forward from a position on the bottom wall 400 between the first side wall 401 and the second side wall 402. The thickness direction of the first partition wall 404 is along the up-down direction. The first partition wall 404 separates a space in which one of the two power lines C1 and the trolley wire 2G are arranged from a space in which the other of the two power lines C1 and the trolley wire 2H are arranged. The first partition wall 404 has a boss portion 407.

[0072] The insulating cover 42 is formed, for example, from a synthetic resin material. The insulating cover 42 has electrical insulating properties. The insulating cover 42 is shaped like a rectangular plate. The thickness direction of the insulating cover 42 is along the front-to-rear direction. Two electric wires 20 are disposed in front of the insulating cover 42. Two power lines C1 are disposed behind the insulating cover 42. In other words, the insulating cover 42 is disposed between the two power lines C1 and the two electric wires 20.

[0073] The insulating cover 42 is disposed between the first side wall 401 and the second side wall 402. The insulating cover 42 fits into the first partition wall 404. The insulating cover 42 also has holes 420. The fastening members 43 are inserted into the boss portions 407 through the holes 420. This fastens the insulating cover 42 to the body 40.

[0074] The second partition wall 405 protrudes forward from a position on 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 direction of the second partition wall 405 is along the up-down direction. The second partition wall 405 separates a space in which one of the two terminal portions 41 is arranged from a space in which the other is arranged.

[0075] The body 40 further has a plurality of (eight in FIG. 8 ) regulating walls 408. The regulating walls 408 protrude in the vertical direction from the second partition wall 405. When the trolley wire 2 is attached to the terminal portion 41, the regulating walls 408 face the trolley wire 2 in the vertical direction. As a result, the regulating walls 408 regulate the movement of the trolley wire 2 in the direction (upward or downward) in which the pair of arms 411, 412 sandwich the electric wire 20. More specifically, the movable range of the trolley wire 2G is limited to the range between the first side wall 401 and the four regulating walls 408 protruding upward from the second partition wall 405. Furthermore, the movable range of the trolley wire 2H is limited to the range between the second side wall 402 and the four regulating walls 408 protruding downward from the second partition wall 405.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 9, the body 40 further has two retaining pieces 409. The two retaining pieces 409 protrude leftward from the third side wall 403 (see FIG. 11). The two retaining pieces 409 correspond one-to-one to the two terminal portions 41. Each retaining piece 409 is inserted into the corresponding terminal portion 41. This restricts forward movement of the terminal portion 41.

[0077] 11, the terminal portion 41 includes a pair of arms 411, 412, a connecting portion 413, and a power terminal 414. The terminal portion 41 is formed, for example, from a metal plate.

[0078] The connecting portion 413 is shaped like a rectangular plate. The thickness direction of the connecting portion 413 is along the front-rear direction. The connecting portion 413 connects the rear ends of the pair of arms 411, 412. The arm 411 protrudes forward from the upper end of the connecting portion 413. The arm 412 protrudes forward from the lower end of the connecting portion 413. The pair of arms 411, 412 are aligned in the up-down direction.

[0079] The terminal part 41 has an opening OP1 between a pair of arms 411, 412 on the front surface of the terminal part 41. The opening OP1 can be opened and closed in the vertical direction. That is, in the terminal part 41, the distance between the pair of arms 411, 412 can change. A connecting part 413 is located behind the opening OP1.

[0080] The terminal portion 41 has spring properties. More specifically, the configuration consisting of the pair of arms 411, 412 and the connecting portion 413 has spring properties. When no external force is applied to the pair of arms 411, 412, the opening OP1 is closed due to the spring properties of the terminal portion 41. In this disclosure, "opening OP1 is closed" refers to a state in which the opening distance of the opening OP1 is relatively small. In this disclosure, "opening OP1 is open" refers to a state in which the opening distance of the opening OP1 is relatively large. When the opening OP1 is closed, the tips of the pair of arms 411, 412 do not need to be in contact. In other words, when the opening OP1 is closed, the tips of the pair of arms 411, 412 may face each other with a gap between them.

[0081] As the protruding portion 202 of the electric wire 20 is inserted into the opening OP1, the pair of arms 411, 412 are elastically deformed in the direction in which the opening OP1 is opened. The force of the pair of arms 411, 412 as they elastically return to their original position causes the protruding portion 202 to be sandwiched between the pair of arms 411, 412. At this time, the contact portion 201 of the electric wire 20 is not sandwiched between the pair of arms 411, 412 but is positioned in front of the pair of arms 411, 412. The terminal portion 41 of the first terminating member 4 comes into contact with (is sandwiched between) the right end or the left end of the electric wire 20.

[0082] See FIG. 7 for how the terminal 41 sandwiches the protrusion 202 between the pair of arms 411, 412. FIG. 7 illustrates the terminal 71 of the second joint 7 sandwiching the protrusion 202 between the pair of arms 711, 712, but the terminal 41 also sandwiches the protrusion 202 in a similar manner. FIG. 20A also illustrates the opening distance WO1 when the opening OP1 between the pair of arms 411, 412 of the terminal 41 is closed. FIG. 20B illustrates the opening distance WO2 when the opening OP1 between the pair of arms 411, 412 of the terminal 41 is open. The opening distance WO2 is larger than the opening distance WO1. When the opening OP1 is open, the protrusion 202 is inserted into the opening OP1, and then the opening OP1 is closed, whereby the protrusion 202 is sandwiched between the pair of arms 411, 412.

[0083] The power terminal 414 protrudes in the left-right direction from the connecting portion 413. The power line C1 is attached to and electrically connected to the power terminal 414 using a rivet R1 or the like.

[0084] Next, the second end member 8 will be described with reference to Figure 11. The second end member 8 has a body 80. The body 80 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The body 80 has electrical insulation properties. The body 80 is fixed to the rail 3 using, for example, bolts and nuts.

[0085] The body 80 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The body 80 has a space inside. Two contact wires 2 are arranged in this space.

[0086] 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 .

[0087] The bottom wall 800 has a rectangular shape. The thickness direction of the bottom wall 800 is aligned with the front-rear direction.

[0088] 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 collector 97 of the current collector 90. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 , the first end member 4 arranged at the right end of the rail 3A faces the second end member 8 arranged at the left end of the rail 3B. At this time, the current collector 97 moves from a position in contact with the electric wire 20 installed on the rail 3A to a position in contact with the electric wire 20 installed on the rail 3B while passing through the guide grooves 8030, 4030. Alternatively, the current collector 97 moves from a position in contact with the electric wire 20 installed on the rail 3B to a position in contact with the electric wire 20 installed on the rail 3A while passing through the guide grooves 8030, 4030. In this way, the guide grooves 8030 and 4030 allow the current collector 97 to move smoothly.

[0089] The partition wall 804 protrudes forward from a position of the bottom wall 800 between the first side wall 801 and the second side wall 802. The thickness direction of the partition wall 804 is along the up-down direction. The partition wall 804 separates a space in which the trolley wire 2G is arranged from a space in which the trolley wire 2H is arranged.

[0090] (6) Hangers Next, the hanger 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The hangers 5 have the same shape.

[0091] The hanger 5 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has electrical insulation properties.

[0092] The hanger 5 has a bottom wall 50, a first side wall 51, a second side wall 52, a plurality of (four in FIG. 12) claw portions 53, and a plurality of (two in FIG. 12) mounting pieces 54.

[0093] The bottom wall 50 has a rectangular shape, and the thickness direction of the bottom wall 50 is aligned with the front-rear direction.

[0094] 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. Two trolley wires 2 are passed through the space between the first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52 and are supported by the hanger 5. These two trolley wires 2 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction (see FIG. 2).

[0095] Two claws 53 protrude from the first side wall 51. Another two claws 53 protrude from the second side wall 52.

[0096] The claw portion 53 hooks the trolley wire 2. More specifically, the claw portion 53 hooks the covering member 21 of the trolley wire 2. In this way, the claw portion 53 restricts the forward movement of the trolley wire 2.

[0097] Two mounting pieces 54 protrude from the bottom wall 50. Each mounting piece 54 has a through-hole 540. Each mounting piece 54 penetrates in the front-to-rear direction at the through-hole 540. The hanger 5 is fixed to the rail 3, for example, by passing a bolt through the through-hole 540 and a hole provided in the rail 3, and then passing the bolt through a nut on the rear surface of the rail 3.

[0098] (7) First joint Next, the first joint 6 will be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. The first joint 6 electrically connects the electric wires 20 of two trolley wires 2 arranged side by side in the left-right direction. More specifically, as shown in Figs. 4 and 14, the first joint 6 electrically connects the electric wires 20 of trolley wire 2D to the electric wires 20 of trolley wire 2F. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, the first joint 6 electrically connects the electric wires 20 of trolley wire 2C to the electric wires 20 of trolley wire 2E.

[0099] 13 and 14, the first joint 6 has a body 60 and two terminal portions 61. The body 60 includes a first body 60a and a second body 60b disposed to the right of the first body 60a.

[0100] The first body 60a and the second body 60b are made of, for example, synthetic resin. The first body 60a and the second body 60b are electrically insulating. The first body 60a and the second body 60b are fixed to the rail 3 using, for example, bolts and nuts.

[0101] The trolley wires 2C and 2D are inserted into the first body 60a, and the trolley wires 2E and 2F are inserted into the second body 60b.

[0102] The shape of the second body 60b is bilaterally symmetrical to the first body 60a, so the following description will focus on the configuration of the first body 60a.

[0103] The first body 60a has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has an internal space. The first body 60a has 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 piece 605.

[0104] The bottom wall 600 has a rectangular shape. The thickness direction of the bottom wall 600 is aligned with the front-rear direction. The first body 60a further has a plurality of positioning pieces 606 (two in FIG. 14 ). The positioning pieces 606 protrude forward from the bottom wall 600. The positioning pieces 606 position the terminal portion 61. That is, the terminal portion 61 is positioned so as to contact the front surfaces of the positioning pieces 606. In this embodiment, the first joint 6 has two terminal portions 61, and one terminal portion 61 is positioned by two positioning pieces 606 of the first body 60a and two positioning pieces 606 of the second body 60b. The other terminal portion 61 is positioned by two other positioning pieces 606 of the first body 60a and two other positioning pieces 606 of the second body 60b.

[0105] 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.

[0106] The first body 60a further has a claw portion 6010. The claw portion 6010 protrudes from the first side wall 601. The claw portion 6010 hooks the trolley wire 2. More specifically, the claw portion 6010 hooks the covering member 21 of the trolley wire 2. In this way, the claw portion 6010 restricts the forward movement of the trolley wire 2.

[0107] The second body 60b further has a claw portion 6020. The claw portion 6020 protrudes from the second side wall 602. The claw portion 6020 hooks the trolley wire 2. More specifically, the claw portion 6020 hooks the covering member 21 of the trolley wire 2. In this way, the claw portion 6020 restricts the forward movement of the trolley wire 2.

[0108] The partition wall 604 protrudes forward from a position on the bottom wall 600 between the first side wall 601 and the second side wall 602. The thickness direction of the partition wall 604 is along the up-down direction. The partition wall 604 separates a space in which one of the two trolley wires 2 is arranged from a space in which the other is arranged.

[0109] The first body 60a further has a plurality of (six in FIG. 13 ) regulating walls 608. The regulating walls 608 protrude in the vertical direction from the partition wall 604. When the trolley wire 2 is attached to the terminal portion 61, the regulating walls 608 face the trolley wire 2 in the vertical direction. As a result, the regulating walls 608 regulate the movement of the trolley wire 2 in the direction (upward or downward) in which the pair of arms 611, 612 sandwich the electric wire 20. More specifically, the movable range of the trolley wire 2C is limited to the range between the first side wall 601 and the three regulating walls 608 protruding upward from the partition wall 604. Furthermore, the movable range of the trolley wire 2D is limited to the range between the second side wall 602 and the three regulating walls 608 protruding downward from the partition wall 604.

[0110] The mounting piece 605 protrudes from the bottom wall 600. The mounting piece 605 has a through-hole 6050. The mounting piece 605 penetrates the through-hole 6050 in the front-rear direction. The first body 60a is fixed to the rail 3, for example, by passing a bolt through the through-hole 6050 and a hole provided in the rail 3, and then passing the bolt through a nut on the rear surface of the rail 3.

[0111] The first body 60a further has two inner walls 607 and two retaining pieces 609 (only one is shown in FIG. 14). One inner wall 607 is provided above and one below the partition wall 604. A retaining piece 609 protrudes to the right from each inner wall 607. The two retaining pieces 609 correspond one-to-one to the two terminal portions 61. Each retaining piece 609 is inserted into the corresponding terminal portion 61. This restricts forward movement of the terminal portion 61.

[0112] 13, the terminal portion 61 includes two pairs of arms 611 and 612 and a connecting portion 613. The terminal portion 61 is formed, for example, from a metal plate.

[0113] The shape of the connecting portion 613 is a rectangular plate. The thickness direction of the connecting portion 613 is along the front-to-rear direction. A pair of arms 611, 612 is provided to the left of the center of the connecting portion 613, and another pair of arms 611, 612 is provided to the right of the center of the connecting portion 613.

[0114] The connecting portion 613 connects the rear ends of the two pairs of arms 611, 612. In an area to the left of the center of the connecting portion 613, the arm 611 protrudes forward from the upper end of the connecting portion 613, and the arm 612 protrudes forward from the lower end of the connecting portion 613. In an area to the right of the center of the connecting portion 613, the arm 611 protrudes forward from the upper end of the connecting portion 613, and the arm 612 protrudes forward from the lower end of the connecting portion 613.

[0115] The terminal portion 61 has an opening OP1 between each pair of arms 611, 612 on the front surface of the terminal portion 61. A connecting portion 613 is located behind the opening OP1.

[0116] The terminal portion 61 has a spring property. When no external force is applied to the pair of arms 611, 612, the opening OP1 is closed due to the spring property of the terminal portion 61. As described above, in this disclosure, "opening OP1 is closed" refers to a state in which the opening distance of the opening OP1 is relatively small.

[0117] In the process of inserting the protruding portion 202 of the electric wire 20 into the opening OP1 between the pair of arms 611, 612, the pair of arms 611, 612 elastically deform in a direction to open the opening OP1. The force of the pair of arms 611, 612 as they elastically return to their original position causes the protruding portion 202 to be sandwiched between the pair of arms 611, 612. At this time, the contact portion 201 of the electric wire 20 is positioned in front of the pair of arms 611, 612 without being sandwiched between the pair of arms 611, 612.

[0118] 7 shows how the terminal 41 sandwiches the protrusion 202 between the pair of arms 411 and 412. While Fig. 7 illustrates the state in which the terminal 71 of the second joint 7 sandwiches the protrusion 202 between the pair of arms 711 and 712, the terminal 61 also sandwiches the protrusion 202 in a similar manner.

[0119] As described above, the terminal unit 61 has two pairs of arms. Of the two pairs of arms of the terminal unit 61, any pair of arms consists of a first type arm portion 611 and a second type arm portion 612. One of the two pairs of arms of the terminal unit 61 is referred to as a pair of first arms 611, 612, and the other is 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 sandwich the electric wire 20 of a first contact wire among the multiple contact wires 2, and the pair of second arms 611, 612 sandwich the electric wire 20 of a second contact wire among the multiple contact wires 2. As a result, the first joint 6 electrically connects the electric wire 20 of the first contact wire and the electric wire 20 of the second contact wire.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 14 , the terminal portion 61 further 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 between the positioning piece 606 of the first body 60a and the positioning piece 606 of the second body 60b. This positions the terminal portion 61. The provision of the protrusion 614 also reinforces the terminal portion 61, reducing the possibility of the terminal portion 61 being bent by the force applied when inserting or removing the power line C1 into or from the terminal portion 61. The terminal portion 61 is also disposed between the inner wall 607 of the first body 60a and the inner wall 607 of the second body 60b.

[0121] (8) Second joint Next, the configuration of the second joint 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Description of the same configuration as the first joint 6 will be omitted.

[0122] The second joint 7 has a function of electrically connecting the electric wire 20 to the power line C1. Furthermore, like the first joint 6, the second joint 7 has a function of electrically connecting the electric wires 20 of the two contact wires 2 arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0123] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the second joint 7 electrically connects the electric wire 20 of the trolley wire 2A to the electric wire 20 of the trolley wire 2C. Furthermore, the second joint 7 electrically connects the electric wire 20 of the trolley wire 2B to the electric wire 20 of the trolley wire 2D.

[0124] 15, the second joint 7 has a body 70, two terminal portions 71, an insulating cover 72, and a fastening member 73. The fastening member 73 is, for example, a screw or a bolt.

[0125] The body 70 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has electrical insulating properties. The body 70 is fixed to the rail 3 using, for example, bolts 74 and nuts 75.

[0126] The body 70 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The body 70 has an internal space. The body 70 has a bottom wall 700, a first side wall 701, a second side wall 702, a plurality of (two in FIG. 15 ) mounting pieces 703, a first partition wall 704, a second partition wall 705, a plurality of positioning pieces 706, a plurality of (twelve in FIG. 15 ) restricting walls 708, a plurality of (two in FIG. 15 ) retaining pieces 709, a plurality of (two in FIG. 15 ) claw portions 7010, and a plurality of (two in FIG. 15 ) claw portions 7020.

[0127] The bottom wall 700, first side wall 701, second side wall 702, multiple mounting pieces 703, second partition wall 705, multiple positioning pieces 706, multiple regulating walls 708, multiple anti-pullout pieces 709, multiple claw portions 7010, and multiple claw portions 7020 of the body 70 of the second joint 7 have the same configuration as the bottom wall 600, first side wall 601, second side wall 602, multiple mounting pieces 605, partition wall 604, multiple positioning pieces 606, multiple regulating walls 608, multiple anti-pullout pieces 609, multiple claw portions 6010, and multiple claw portions 6020 of the first joint 6, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] The first partition wall 704 protrudes forward from a position on the bottom wall 700 between the first side wall 701 and the second side wall 702. The thickness direction of the first partition wall 704 is along the up-down direction. The first partition wall 704 separates a space in which one of the two power lines C1 and the trolley wire 2A are arranged from a space in which the other of the two power lines C1 and the trolley wire 2B are arranged. The first partition wall 704 has a boss portion 707.

[0129] The insulating cover 72 fits into the first partition wall 704. The insulating cover 72 also has a hole 720. The fastening member 73 is inserted into the boss portion 707 through the hole 720, thereby fastening the insulating cover 72 to the body 70. The insulating cover 72 has a similar configuration to the insulating cover 42 of the first terminal member 4, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0130] Two electric wires 20 are arranged in front of the insulating cover 72. Two electric power lines C1 are arranged behind the insulating cover 72.

[0131] 15, terminal portion 71 includes two pairs of arms 711, 712, a connecting portion 713, and a power terminal 714. Terminal portion 71 is formed, for example, from a metal plate. The two pairs of arms 711, 712 and connecting portion 713 of terminal portion 71 have the same configuration as the two pairs of arms 611, 612 and connecting portion 613 of terminal portion 61 of first joint 6, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0132] The power terminal 714 protrudes in the left-right direction from the connecting portion 713. The power line C1 is attached to and electrically connected to the power terminal 714 using a rivet R1 or the like.

[0133] (9) Mobile equipment 10, the mobile device 9 includes a device main body and a current collector 90. The device main body has an electric device such as an electric motor. The device main body receives a supply of electric power from an electric wire 20 via the current collector 90.

[0134] The current collector 90 has a base block 91, a rotating seat 92, a swing arm 93, a rotating joint 94, a collecting arm 95, multiple current collector holders 96 (two in FIG. 10), multiple current collectors 97, and a cable 98.

[0135] The base block 91 is fixed to the main body of the device. The rotary seat 92 is connected to the base block 91.

[0136] A first end of the swing arm 93 is attached to the rotating seat 92, and a second end of the swing arm 93 is attached to the rotating joint 94. The swing arm 93 is rotatable relative to the rotating seat 92.

[0137] The collecting arm 95 is attached to a rotary joint 94. The collecting arm 95 is rotatable relative to the rotary joint 94. A plurality of current collector holders 96 are attached to the collecting arm 95. A plurality of current collectors 97 are attached to the plurality of current collector holders 96. The plurality of current collectors 97 are electrically connected to the device main body via cables 98.

[0138] The current collectors 97 come into contact with the electric wires 20 fixed to the rail 3. This electrically connects the current collectors 97 to the electric wires 20. The current collectors 97 slide on the surface of the electric wires 20.

[0139] 3 and 4. Focusing on the configuration on rail 3A, current flows from the external power source to the electric wire 20 via the power line C1 at either the first end member 4 and the second joint 7, or at either the first end member 4 or the second joint 7. Focusing on the configuration on rail 3B, current flows from the external power source to the electric wire 20 via the power line C1 at the first end member 4.

[0140] When the multiple current collectors 97 come into contact with the electric wires 20, electric current is supplied to the device body via the cable 98.

[0141] In this way, at least one of the multiple connection members (first terminal member 4 and second joint 7) has a power supply terminal 414, 714 to which the power line C1 is electrically connected, and supplies power supplied from an external power source via the power line C1 to the mobile device 9 via the electric wire 20.

[0142] At least one of the plurality of connection members is a first terminal member 4 having a terminal portion 41 that connects to an end (right end or left end) of the electric wire 20. The first terminal member 4 has a power supply terminal 414 to which the electric power line C1 is electrically connected, and supplies power supplied from an external power source via the electric power line C1 to the mobile device 9 via the electric wire 20.

[0143] (10) Construction method Next, an example of a procedure for installing the power supply device 1 in a facility such as a logistics warehouse or a factory will be described. Note that the order of the following steps may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, steps may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0144] First, the worker fixes multiple supports S1 to each of the multiple rails 3. That is, as shown in Fig. 1, the worker fixes the multiple supports S1 to the front surface of the bottom wall 31 of the rail 3 so that the multiple supports S1 are aligned in the left-right direction. For example, the worker passes a bolt through a through-hole provided in the support S1 and through a hole provided in the bottom wall 31, and then passes the bolt through a nut on the rear surface of the rail 3 to fix the supporter S1 to the rail 3.

[0145] Next, the worker fixes the rail 3 to, for example, the skeleton of a building. The worker fixes the rail 3 to the skeleton using, for example, bolts and nuts.

[0146] Next, the worker connects two power lines C1 to two power terminals 414 (see FIG. 11) of the first end member 4 of the multiple supporters S1. Furthermore, the worker covers the two power lines C1 with an insulating cover 42 and attaches the insulating cover 42 to the body 40 using fastening members 43. The worker also connects two power lines C1 to two power terminals 714 (see FIG. 15) of the second joint 7. Furthermore, the worker covers the two power lines C1 with an insulating cover 72 and attaches the insulating cover 72 to the body 70 using fastening members 73.

[0147] Next, the worker processes, as necessary, the covering member 21 of each of the plurality of contact wires 2. More specifically, the worker uses a tool to peel off a portion of the covering member 21.

[0148] 8, the worker strips off the covering member 21 from the tip portion (first section) of the trolley wire 2 to completely expose the electric wire 20. The first section is a section including the portion of the trolley wire 2 that is sandwiched between the terminal portions 41.

[0149] 8, the worker cuts the multiple rear ribs 212 of the covering member 21 in a second section adjacent to the first section of the electric wire 20. The second section is a section including a portion of the electric wire 20 that is inserted into the body 40. The second section is also a section including a portion of the electric wire 20 that faces the insulating cover 42. In the second section, the electric wire 20 is covered with the covering member 21, and therefore, the electrical insulation between the electric wire 20 and the fastening member 43 and the power line C1 is higher than when the electric wire 20 in the second section is completely exposed.

[0150] After removing a portion of the covering member 21 as necessary, the worker moves the multiple trolley wires 2 so as to press them against the multiple supporters S1 from the front of the multiple supporters S1. As a result, the multiple trolley wires 2 are inserted into each of the multiple supporters S1, as shown in Figure 2. Note that two trolley wires 2 connected in the vertical direction (for example, trolley wires 2A and 2B) are inserted into each of the multiple supporters S1 at the same time.

[0151] Furthermore, when the trolley wire 2 is inserted into the second joint 7, the protruding portion 202 of the electric wire 20 is clamped by the terminal portion 71 as shown in FIG. 7. When the trolley wire 2 is inserted into the first terminal member 4, the protruding portion 202 of the electric wire 20 is clamped by the terminal portion 41 as shown in FIG. 9. When the trolley wire 2 is inserted into the first joint 6, the protruding portion 202 of the electric wire 20 is clamped by the terminal portion 61. That is, the pair of arms 411, 412 (or 611, 612, or 711, 712) clamp the electric wire 20 inserted into the opening OP1 from the front of the opening OP1 along the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20. More specifically, the pair of arms 411, 412 (or 611, 612, or 711, 712) clamp the electric wire 20 inserted into the opening OP1 from the front of the opening OP1 with the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20 facing the left-right direction.

[0152] The installation is completed when the worker inserts the corresponding contact wires 2 into all the supporters S1. Fig. 4 shows the power supply device 1 in a state where the installation is completed.

[0153] As described above, among the plurality of supports S1, the first terminal member 4 is a connecting member having a terminal portion 41 electrically connected to the electric wire 20, and the terminal portion 41 of the first terminal member 4 includes a pair of arms 411, 412 that sandwich the protruding portion 202 of the electric wire 20. Similarly, among the plurality of supports S1, the first joint 6 is a connecting member having a terminal portion 61 electrically connected to the electric wire 20, and the terminal portion 61 of the first joint 6 includes a pair of arms 611, 612 that sandwich the protruding portion 202 of the electric wire 20. Similarly, among the plurality of supports S1, the second joint 7 is a connecting member having a terminal portion 71 electrically connected to the electric wire 20, and the terminal portion 71 of the second joint 7 includes a pair of arms 711, 712 that sandwich the protruding portion 202 of the electric wire 20.

[0154] The covering member 21 exposes the electric wire 20 in a partial section (first section) extending from an end (left end or right end) of the electric wire 20, and the pair of arms 411, 412 of the terminal portion 41 sandwich the electric wire 20 in the partial section. Similarly, the pair of arms 711, 712 of the terminal portion 71 sandwich the electric wire 20 in the partial section. Similarly, the pair of arms 611, 612 of the terminal portion 61 sandwich the electric wire 20 in the partial section.

[0155] Furthermore, the first terminal member 4 of the multiple connection members has an electrically insulating cover 42 that is disposed between the power line C1 and the electric wire 20, and a fastening member 43 that fastens 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.

[0156] Similarly, the second joint 7 among the multiple connection members has an electrically insulating cover 72 that is disposed between the power line C1 and the electric wire 20, and a fastening member 73 that fastens 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.

[0157] (11) Advantages As described above, the connection between the electric wire 20 and the terminal portion 41 (or 61 or 71) is completed simply by the worker moving the trolley wire 2 from the front to the rear and inserting it into the terminal portion 41 (or 61 or 71). No tools are required for this process, and the only operation required for the trolley wire 2 is the simple operation of moving the trolley wire 2 rearward. In other words, the installation of the trolley wire 2 is completed with a single touch. Therefore, installation is easy even when installing the power supply device 1 in a narrow space.

[0158] Furthermore, in the power supply device 1 of this embodiment, even if the trolley wire 2 is made of a material that is difficult to bend, it is unlikely to cause any problems during installation. Therefore, the trolley wire 2 can be manufactured from a material that is difficult to bend. Also, the trolley wire 2 can be formed into a shape that is difficult to bend.

[0159] The covering member 21 of the trolley wire 2 has a plurality of rear ribs 212. The covering member 21 also has a plurality of front ribs 213. This allows the trolley wire 2 to be formed in a relatively long shape in the front-to-rear direction. This reduces the possibility that the trolley wire 2 will bend around an axis along the up-down direction.

[0160] Moreover, the electric wire 20 of the trolley wire 2 has a contact portion 201 having a length in the vertical direction and a protruding portion 202 protruding rearward from the contact portion 201. As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the electric wire 20 is Y-shaped. Such a shape of the electric wire 20 and the fact that the covering member 21 has the rear rib 212 and the front rib 213 make the section modulus of the trolley wire 2 relatively large, and therefore the trolley wire 2 is less likely to bend.

[0161] Furthermore, since the trolley wire 2 is less likely to bend, the intervals at which the supporters S1 are installed can be made relatively long. In other words, the number of supporters S1 provided in the power supply device 1 can be reduced.

[0162] Furthermore, if the trolley wire 2 is easily bent, the mobile device 9 may travel while pushing the electric wire 20 backward with the current collector 97, which may cause the trolley wire 2 to bend. This may cause the electric wire 20 to separate from the current collector 97, resulting in the electrical connection between the current collector 97 and the electric wire 20 being released. In contrast, as described above, the trolley wire 2 is formed to be less likely to bend, so that the electrical connection between the current collector 97 and the electric wire 20 is less likely to be released.

[0163] (Variation 1) The power supply device 1 according to the first modification will be described below with reference to Fig. 16. The same components as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0164] The power supply device 1 of this first modified example includes a hanger 5A instead of the hanger 5 (see FIG. 12). In addition to all the components of the hanger 5, the hanger 5A has multiple (two in FIG. 16) insertion portions 55. The two insertion portions 55 protrude forward from the bottom wall 50. The two insertion portions 55 correspond one-to-one to the two trolley wires 2 inserted into the hanger 5A. Each insertion portion 55 is inserted between the two rear ribs 212 of the corresponding trolley wire 2. This allows the trolley wire 2 to be fixed more firmly and reduces the possibility of the trolley wire 2 being bent.

[0165] At least one of the first end member 4, the second end member 8, the first joint 6, and the second joint 7 may have a configuration similar to the insertion portion 55. In other words, at least one of the multiple supports S1 may have the insertion portion 55 that is inserted between two adjacent rear ribs 212 among the multiple rear ribs 212.

[0166] (Variation 2) The power supply device 1 according to the second modification will be described below with reference to Fig. 17. The same components as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0167] The power supply device 1 of the second modification differs from the embodiment in the shape of the covering member 21. The covering member 21 has a covering body 211 and a plurality of front ribs 213 (two in FIG. 17).

[0168] The covering body 211 further has an extension 2113 extending rearward from the rear side portion 2112. In the up-down direction, the width of the extension 2113 is equal to the width of the rear side portion 2112. In other words, the extension 2113 is provided by extending the rear side portion 2112 rearward.

[0169] The extension 2113 may have a cavity therein.

[0170] In the present modified example 2, the trolley wire 2 is relatively long in the front-rear direction due to the provision of the extension part 2113. Therefore, the possibility that the trolley wire 2 will bend around an axis along the up-down direction is reduced.

[0171] (Variation 3) The power supply device 1 according to the third modification will be described below with reference to Fig. 18. The same components as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0172] The power supply device 1 of the third modified example differs from the embodiment in the shape of the electric wire 20 and the shape of the covering member 21.

[0173] The electric wire 20 is made of a flexible material. In a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction, the electric wire 20 has a string-like shape. With both ends of the string facing each other, the electric wire 20 is formed so that the cross section has a U-shape.

[0174] The covering member 21 has a covering main body 211, a plurality of (two in FIG. 18) rear ribs 212a, 212b, and a front rib 213a. The two covering members 21 are connected via a first connecting portion 22 and a second connecting portion 23. The first connecting portion 22 has the same configuration as the connecting portion 22 described above.

[0175] The rear rib 212a protrudes rearward from the rear side portion 2112 of the covering body 211. The rear rib 212b is provided at a distance from the rear rib 212a in the up-down direction. The rear ribs 212b of the two trolley wires 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 protrudes from the rear side portion 2112 toward the other trolley wire 2. The second protruding piece 2122 protrudes rearward from the tip of the first protruding piece 2121.

[0176] The second connection portion 23 connects the respective covering bodies 211 of the two covering members 21. The second connection portion 23 is provided forward of the covering bodies 211. A front rib 213b protrudes forward from the second connection portion 23.

[0177] In this third modification, the trolley wire 2 is also relatively long in the front-to-rear direction due to the provision of the rear rib 212 and the front rib 213. This reduces the possibility that the trolley wire 2 will bend around an axis along the up-down direction.

[0178] The trolley wire 2 of the present modified example 3 differs from the embodiment in the configurations of the electric wire 20, the rear rib 212, and the front rib 213. However, the configurations of one or two of the electric wire 20, the rear rib 212, and the front rib 213 may be the same as those of the embodiment.

[0179] (Variation 4) The power supply device 1 according to the fourth modification will be described below with reference to Fig. 19. The same components as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] 19 is a cross-sectional view of the trolley wire 2 in the first section extending from the end of the electric wire 20. In the embodiment, the covering member 21 is completely removed in the first section. In contrast, in the present modification 4, only a part of the covering member 21 is removed in the first section.

[0181] Similar to the embodiment, the covering member 21 includes a front side portion 2111 and a rear side portion 2112. The rear side portion 2112 extends from behind the front side portion 2111.

[0182] In the first section, the rear side portion 2112 and a portion of the front side portion 2111 near the rear side portion 2112 are stripped (removed). The first section is a portion extending from the end of the electric wire 20, and is a section where the electric wire 20 is sandwiched between a pair of arms 411, 412 of the terminal portion 41.

[0183] The rear side portion 2112 is present in a section different from the first section. For example, the rear side portion 2112 is present in a second section adjacent to the first section. Also, for example, the rear side portion 2112 is present in all sections except the first section.

[0184] In the first section, a part of the electric wire 20 is covered by the front side portion 2111, and the rear surface of the electric wire 20 is exposed. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 19 , in the first section, the rear surface of the contact portion 201 of the electric wire 20 and the protruding portion 202 are exposed. Note that the rear surface of the electric wire 20 being exposed means that at least the rear end of the protruding portion 202 is exposed.

[0185] In the fourth modification, the wire 20 is partially covered by the front side portion 2111 in the first section, and therefore the insulation distance between the wire 20 and the surrounding structure can be extended compared to when the front side portion 2111 is not provided.

[0186] In the first section, of the front side portion 2111 and the rear side portion 2112, only the rear side portion 2112 or only a part of the rear side portion 2112 may be removed.

[0187] (Other Modifications of the Embodiments) Other variations of the embodiment are listed below. The following variations may be implemented in appropriate combination. The following variations may also be implemented in appropriate combination with the above-described variations 1 to 4.

[0188] The power supply device 1 is not limited to a contact type power supply device that supplies power to the mobile device 9 by contacting the mobile device 9, but may also be a non-contact type power supply device that supplies power to the mobile device 9 without contacting the mobile device 9.

[0189] The work of connecting the electric wire 20 to the terminal portions 41, 61, and 71 may be performed by machine instead of by hand. Furthermore, this work may be performed in a factory where the power supply device 1 is manufactured, rather than in a facility where the power supply device 1 is installed.

[0190] The number of trolley wires 2 included in the power supply device 1 may be one, or may be two or more.

[0191] The number of rails 3 may be one, or two or more.

[0192] The rail 3 may be a component of the power supply device 1 .

[0193] The moving device 9 moves along the rail 3. The rail 3 and the rail to which the trolley wire 2 is fixed may be separate members.

[0194] The number of supporters S1 included in the power supply device 1 may be two, or may be three or more.

[0195] The number of each component of the power supply device 1 is not limited to the number shown in the embodiment and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first end member 4 may have only one terminal portion 41, or may have three or more terminal portions 41. The covering member 21 may have only one rear rib 212, or may have three or more rear ribs 212. The covering member 21 may have only one front rib 213, or may have three or more front ribs 213. The body 60 of the first joint 6 may be formed from a single member, like the body 70 of the second joint 7. The body 70 of the second joint 7 may have a first body and a second body, like the body 60 of the first joint 6.

[0196] Instead of the covering member 21 being stripped off in the first section including the end and connected to the terminal portions 41, 61, 71, the covering member 21 of the trolley wire 2 may be stripped off at a location away from the end and connected to the terminal portions 41, 61, 71.

[0197] The covering member 21 of the contact wire 2 is not limited to being partially stripped off to expose the electric wire 20 at the installation site of the power supply device 1 or the like. The covering member 21 may be manufactured in a shape that exposes the electric wire 20 in advance in a partial section (first section) between both ends of the electric wire 20 in the left-right direction.

[0198] At least one of the multiple supports S1 may be disposed at a location other than the front surface of the rail 3. For example, at least one supporter S1 may be disposed on the first side wall 32 or the second side wall 33 of the rail 3.

[0199] The configurations disclosed in the embodiments or modifications regarding some of the supporters S1 among the multiple supporters S1 can also be applied to the other supporters S1 as appropriate. For example, the first end member 4 may have a configuration similar to the mounting piece 54 of the hanger 5 (see FIG. 12). Also, for example, the terminal portion 71 of the second joint 7 may have a configuration similar to the protrusion 614 of the terminal portion 61 of the first joint 6 (see FIG. 14).

[0200] The pair of arms 411, 412 of the terminal portion 41 is not limited to a configuration in which only the protrusion 202 of the electric wire 20 is sandwiched between them. The pair of arms 411, 412 may, for example, sandwich the entire electric wire 20 between them. The same applies to the other terminal portions 61, 71.

[0201] The electric wire 20 may have the contact portion 201 but may not have the protrusion 202. Furthermore, the electric wire 20 may have, for example, a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0202] Three or more trolley wires 2 may be connected to each other in the covering member 21. The three or more trolley wires 2 may be arranged in a line in the vertical direction.

[0203] At least a part of the front rib 213 of the covering member 21 may be stripped off in a section between both ends of the electric wire 20 in the left-right direction.

[0204] It is not essential that all components of the power supply device 1 be provided together. For example, the connection members of the power supply device 1 (the first and second joints 6 and 7 or the first terminal member 4) may be provided separately. Also, the contact wire 2 of the power supply device 1 may be provided separately.

[0205] (summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0206] A power supply device (1) according to a first aspect supplies power to a mobile device (9). The mobile device (9) is movable along a rail (3). The power supply device (1) includes a trolley wire (2) and a connecting member. The trolley wire (2) has an electric wire (20). The electric wire (20) is electrically connected to the mobile device (9) to be used as a power supply path to the mobile device (9). The connecting member is a member for arranging the trolley wire (2) along the rail (3). The connecting member includes terminal portions (41; 61; 71) and a body (40; 60; 70). The terminal portions (41; 61; 71) are electrically connected to the electric wire (20). The body (40; 60; 70) holds the terminal portions (41; 61; 71). The terminal portion (41; 61; 71) has a pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) and an opening (OP1). The opening (OP1) is provided between the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) and changes the opening distance due to an external force applied between the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712). The pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) clamps the electric wire (20) inserted into the opening (OP1) from the front of the opening (OP1) by changing the opening distance of the opening (OP1).

[0207] According to the above configuration, a worker or the like can insert the electric wire 20 of the trolley wire 2 into the opening OP1 from the front, thereby sandwiching the electric wire 20 between the pair of arms 411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712 of the terminal portion 41; 61; 71, and electrically connecting the electric wire 20 to the terminal portion 41; 61; 71. In this way, the work of installing the trolley wire 2 can be simplified.

[0208] In the power supply device (1) according to the second aspect, the electric wire (20) in the first aspect has a contact portion (201) and a protruding portion (202). The contact portion (201) has a front surface (2010) exposed to the outside. The protruding portion (202) protrudes from a rear surface of the contact portion (201). A pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) sandwich the protruding portion (202) inserted into the opening (OP1).

[0209] According to the above configuration, the gap between the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) can be made smaller than when the entire electric wire (20) is sandwiched between the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712). This makes it easier for workers to install the trolley wire (2).

[0210] In the power supply device (1) according to a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the trolley wire (2) further includes a covering member (21). The covering member (21) has electrical insulation properties. The covering member (21) covers a portion of the electric wire (20). The covering member (21) exposes the electric wire (20) in a section extending from an end of the electric wire (20). The pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) clamps the electric wire (20) in the section.

[0211] According to the above configuration, the electrical insulation of the wire (20) can be improved.

[0212] Furthermore, the power supply device (1) according to a fourth aspect is the third aspect, and includes a plurality of trolley wires (2) including the trolley wire (2). Two of the plurality of trolley wires (2) are arranged in parallel. The two trolley wires (2) are connected to each other by a covering member (21).

[0213] According to the above configuration, a worker or the like can collectively perform the work of electrically connecting the electric wires (20) to the terminal portions (41; 61; 71) for two electric wires (20).

[0214] In addition, in the power supply device (1) according to a fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, the connection member further includes a power terminal (414; 714) to which the power line (C1) is electrically connected. The connection member supplies power supplied from an external power source via the power line (C1) to the mobile device (9) via the electric wire (20). The connection member further includes an insulating cover (42; 72) and a fastening member (43; 73). The insulating cover (42; 72) is disposed between the power line (C1) and the electric wire (20). The insulating cover (42; 72) has electrical insulation properties. The fastening member (43; 73) fastens the insulating cover (42; 72) to the body (40; 70). The part of the section in which the electric wire (20) is exposed is a section different from the section in which the fastening member (43; 73) is provided.

[0215] According to the above configuration, electrical insulation between the fastening member (43; 73) and the electric wire (20) can be ensured.

[0216] In addition, in the power supply device (1) according to a sixth aspect, in any one of the third to fifth aspects, the covering member (21) includes a front side portion (2111) and a rear side portion (2112). The rear side portion (2112) is present in a section different from the partial section of the electric wire (20). The rear side portion (2112) extends from behind the front side portion (2111). In the partial section, a part of the electric wire (20) is covered by the front side portion (2111), and a rear surface of the electric wire (20) is exposed.

[0217] According to the above configuration, the insulation distance between the wires (20) and the surrounding structure can be extended compared to when the front side portion (2111) is not provided in the partial section.

[0218] In addition, in the power supply device (1) according to a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the connection member is a termination member (4) having a terminal portion (41) connected to an end of the electric wire (20). The termination member (4) further has a power supply terminal (414) to which a power line (C1) is electrically connected. The termination member (4) supplies power supplied from an external power source via the power line (C1) to the mobile device (9) via the electric wire (20).

[0219] According to the above configuration, the terminal member (4) can be provided with the function of receiving power from an external power source.

[0220] Furthermore, the power supply device (1) according to an eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, and includes a plurality of trolley wires (2) including the trolley wire (2). The terminal portion (61; 71) has two pairs of arms (611, 612; 711, 712). One pair of first arms (611, 612; 711, 712) of the two pairs of arms (611, 612; 711, 712) is electrically connected to the other pair of second arms (611, 612; 711, 712). The pair of first arms (611, 612; 711, 712) sandwiches the electric wire (20) of the first trolley wire among the plurality of trolley wires (2). The pair of second arms (611, 612; 711, 712) sandwich the electric wire (20) of the second contact wire among the plurality of contact wires (2).

[0221] According to the above configuration, the two electric wires (20) can be electrically connected via the terminal portions (61; 71), thereby extending the power supply path.

[0222] In addition, in the power supply device (1) according to a ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the body (40; 60; 70) has a restricting wall (408; 608; 708). The restricting wall (408; 608; 708) restricts movement of the trolley wire (2) in a direction in which the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) sandwich the electric wire (20).

[0223] According to the above configuration, the possibility of the trolley wire (2) being displaced is reduced.

[0224] In addition, in the power supply device (1) according to a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the body (40; 60; 70) has claw portions (4010, 4020; 6010, 6020; 7010, 7020). The claw portions (4010, 4020; 6010, 6020; 7010, 7020) hook the trolley wire (2) and restrict forward movement of the trolley wire (2).

[0225] According to the above configuration, the possibility that the electric wire (20) sandwiched between the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) will come off the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) is reduced.

[0226] In addition, in the power supply device (1) according to an eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the body (40; 60; 70) has a plurality of positioning pieces (406; 606; 706). The terminal portion (41; 61; 71) further includes a connecting portion (413; 613; 713) and a protrusion (614). The connecting portion (413; 613; 713) connects rear ends of the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712). The protrusion (614) protrudes from the connecting portion (413; 613; 713) and is inserted between the plurality of positioning pieces (406; 606; 706).

[0227] According to the above configuration, the terminal portion (41; 61; 71) can be positioned between the plurality of positioning pieces (406; 606; 706).

[0228] The configurations other than the first aspect are not essential for the power supply device (1) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0229] The connection member according to the twelfth aspect is used in the power supply device (1) according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

[0230] According to the above configuration, the installation work of the electric wire (20) can be simplified.

[0231] A construction method according to a thirteenth aspect is a construction method for a power supply device (1) that supplies power to a mobile device (9). The mobile device (9) is movable along a rail (3). The power supply device (1) includes a trolley wire (2) and a connecting member. The trolley wire (2) has an electric wire (20). The electric wire (20) is electrically connected to the mobile device (9) to be used as a power supply path to the mobile device (9). The connecting member is a member for arranging the trolley wire (2) along the rail (3). The connecting member includes terminal portions (41; 61; 71) and a body (40; 60; 70). The terminal portions (41; 61; 71) are electrically connected to the electric wire (20). The body (40; 60; 70) holds the terminal portions (41; 61; 71). The terminal portion (41; 61; 71) has a pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712) and an opening (OP1). The opening (OP1) is provided between the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712), and the opening spacing is changed by an external force applied between the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712). The installation method has a first step and a second step. In the first step, the body (40; 60; 70) of the connecting member is attached to the rail (3). In the second step, after the first step, the electric wire (20) is inserted into the opening (OP1) from the front of the opening (OP1), and the opening spacing of the opening (OP1) is changed to clamp the electric wire (20) with the pair of arms (411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712).

[0232] According to the above configuration, a worker or the like can insert the electric wire 20 of the trolley wire 2 into the opening OP1 from the front, thereby sandwiching the electric wire 20 between the pair of arms 411, 412; 611, 612; 711, 712 of the terminal portion 41; 61; 71, and electrically connecting the electric wire 20 to the terminal portion 41; 61; 71. In this way, the work of installing the trolley wire 2 can be simplified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0233] 1 Power supply device 2. Contact wires 3 Rail 4 End member (first end member) 9 Mobile equipment 20 Electric wire 21 Covering material 40, 60, 70 body 41, 61, 71 terminal section 42, 72 Insulation cover 43, 73 Fastening members 201 Contact part 202 Protrusion 406, 606, 706 Positioning piece 408, 608, 708 Regulatory Wall 413, 613, 713 connection part 411, 412 Arms 414, 714 Power terminal 611, 612 Arms 711, 712 Arms 614 Convex 2010 front 2111 Front side 2112 Rear side 4010, 4020, 6010, 6020, 7010, 7020 Claws C1 power line OP1 Opening and Closing Door

Claims

1. A power supply device that supplies power to a mobile device that can move along a rail, a contact wire having an electric wire electrically connected to the mobile device to be used as a power supply path for the mobile device; a connecting member for arranging the trolley wire along the rail, the connecting member has a terminal portion electrically connected to the electric wire and a body that holds the terminal portion, the terminal portion has a pair of arms and an opening / closing opening provided between the pair of arms, the opening interval of which is changed by an external force applied between the pair of arms; the pair of arms sandwich the electric wire inserted into the opening from the front of the opening while changing the opening interval of the opening; Power supply device.

2. The electric wire is a contact portion having a front surface exposed to the outside; a protrusion protruding from a rear surface of the contact portion, The pair of arms sandwich the protrusion inserted into the opening. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

3. The trolley wire further includes a covering member having electrical insulation properties and covering a portion of the electric wire, the covering member exposes the electric wire in a section extending from an end of the electric wire, The pair of arms sandwich the electric wire in the partial section. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

4. a plurality of contact wires including the contact wire; Two of the plurality of contact wires are arranged in parallel, The two contact wires are connected to each other at the covering member. The power supply device according to claim 3 .

5. the connecting member further includes a power supply terminal to which a power line is electrically connected, and supplies power supplied from an external power supply via the power line to the mobile device via the power line; The connecting member is an electrically insulating cover disposed between the power line and the electric wire; a fastening member for fastening the insulating cover to the body, The section where the electric wire is exposed is a section different from the section where the fastening member is provided. The power supply device according to claim 3 .

6. the covering member includes a front side portion and a rear side portion that is present in a section different from the partial section of the electric wire and extends from behind the front side portion, In the partial section, a part of the electric wire is covered by the front side portion, and a rear surface of the electric wire is exposed. The power supply device according to claim 3 .

7. the connecting member is a termination member having the terminal portion to be connected to an end of the electric wire, The termination member further includes a power supply terminal to which a power line is electrically connected, and supplies power supplied from an external power supply via the power line to the mobile device via the electric wire. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

8. a plurality of contact wires including the contact wire; The terminal portion has two pairs of the arms, a first arm of one pair of the two pairs of arms is electrically connected to a second arm of the other pair of the two pairs of arms; the pair of first arms sandwich the electric wire of a first contact wire among the plurality of contact wires, the pair of second arms sandwich the electric wire of a second contact wire among the plurality of contact wires; The power supply device according to claim 1 .

9. the body has a restricting wall that restricts movement of the trolley wire in a direction in which the pair of arms pinch the electric wire. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

10. The body has a claw portion that hooks the trolley wire and restricts forward movement of the trolley wire. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

11. The body has a plurality of positioning pieces, The terminal portion is a connecting portion connecting rear end portions of the pair of arms; a protrusion protruding from the connecting portion and inserted between the plurality of positioning pieces, The power supply device according to claim 1 .

12. Used in the power supply device according to claim 1, Connecting member.

13. A method for installing a power supply device that supplies power to a mobile device that can move along a rail, comprising: The power supply device is a contact wire having an electric wire electrically connected to the mobile device to be used as a power supply path for the mobile device; a connecting member for arranging the trolley wire along the rail, the connecting member has a terminal portion electrically connected to the electric wire and a body that holds the terminal portion, the terminal portion has a pair of arms and an opening / closing opening provided between the pair of arms, the opening interval of which is changed by an external force applied between the pair of arms; The construction method includes: a first step of attaching the body of the connecting member to the rail; and a second step, after the first step, of inserting the electric wire into the opening from the front of the opening and changing the opening interval of the opening to sandwich the electric wire between the pair of arms. Construction method.

Citation Information

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