Current collection device, estimation system, estimation method, program, and current collection system

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of providing a current collection device, an estimation system, an estimation method, a program, and a current collection system that make it possible to improve convenience.　A current collection device (10) comprises: a current collector (31) that can move in the state of being in contact with a conductor (A11) of a trolley wire (A1); a holder (32) that holds the current collector (31); a distance sensor (71) that is fixed to the holder (32) and measures the distance (D1) to the conductor (A11); and a reporting unit that reports the measurement result from the distance sensor (71).

Description

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

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a current collector that collects current to a mobile device from a trolley wire having a conductor provided in a guide groove. The current collector includes a mounting member and a current collector. The mounting member is attached to the mobile device. The current collector moves along the guide groove and makes sliding contact with the conductor.

[0003] In a current collector as described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to remove the current collector from the trolley wire to check whether the current collector needs to be replaced, which causes a problem of low convenience.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-252495

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

[0006] A current collector according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a current collector movable while in contact with a conductor included in a trolley wire; a holder that holds the current collector; a distance sensor fixed to the holder that measures a distance to the conductor; and a notification unit that notifies a measurement result of the distance sensor.

[0007] An estimation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: the aforementioned current collector; a movement distance sensor that measures a movement distance of the current collector; and an estimation unit that estimates a service life of the current collector based on a measurement result of the distance sensor and a measurement result of the movement distance sensor.

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

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

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

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an estimation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of current collection parts of a current collector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of trolley wires of the same current collector. Figure 4 is a top view of the same current collector. Figure 5 is a top view of the main part of the same current collector. Figure 6 is a graph for explaining the operation of the estimation system. Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining the estimation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a top view of the main part of a current collector of modification 2. Figure 9 is a block diagram of an estimation system of modification 3.

[0012] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. The figures described in the embodiments and modifications below are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0013] (1) Overview The overview of the current collector 10 and current collection system 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0014] The current collector 10 is attached to a mobile device (not shown). The mobile device is, for example, a self-propelled trolley or hoist. The mobile device is moved by the power supplied from the trolley wire A1 (see Figures 1, 3 to 5) via the current collector 10.

[0015] The current collector 10 includes a current collector 31 that is movable while in contact with the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1, a holder 32 that holds the current collector 31, a distance sensor 71 fixed to the holder 32 that measures the distance D1 to the conductor A11 (see Figure 5), and a notification unit 20 (see Figure 1) that notifies the measurement result of the distance sensor 71.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the current collection system 100 includes a current collector 10 and a trolley wire A1.

[0017] Here, the distance D1 to the conductor A11 measured by the distance sensor 71 (see Figure 5) decreases as the current collector 31 wears down. Therefore, by notifying the user of the current collector 10 of the measurement result from the distance sensor 71 via the notification unit 20, the user can check the amount of wear on the current collector 31 while the current collector 31 is still in contact with the conductor A11, and determine whether the current collector 31 needs to be replaced. This improves convenience.

[0018] (2) Configuration Next, the configuration of the current collection system 100, current collection device 10, and estimation system 1000 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0019] (2-1) Current collection system The current collection system 100 is a system for supplying power to mobile equipment.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the current collection system 100 comprises a current collector 10 and a plurality (for example, four) of trolley wires A1. The current collector 10 has a plurality (for example, four) of current collection units 1 and a data processing device 2. In other words, the current collection system 100 has four trolley wires A1, four current collection units 1, and a data processing device 2. Note that in Figure 1, only one current collection unit 1 and one trolley wire A1 are shown.

[0021] The four trolley wires A1 are aligned in one direction, as shown in Figure 3. The four current collectors 1 are also aligned in one direction, corresponding to the positions of the four trolley wires A1, as shown in Figure 2.

[0022] Each of the four current collectors 1 is attached to each of the four trolley wires A1. Furthermore, each of the four current collectors 1 is configured to be movable relative to each of the four trolley wires A1.

[0023] In this embodiment, the direction in which the four trolley wires A1 are aligned and the direction in which the four current collectors 1 are aligned are defined as the vertical direction. Furthermore, the direction in which each of the four current collectors 1 is attached to each of the four trolley wires A1 is defined as the front-to-back direction, and the direction in which the four current collectors 1 move is defined as the left-to-right direction. However, these definitions are not intended to define the direction of use of the current collection system 100. Also, the arrows in the drawings indicating "vertical direction," "left-to-right direction," and "front-to-back direction" are merely for illustrative purposes and do not represent actual functions.

[0024] In this embodiment, the four current collectors 1 have the same structure. Also, the four trolley wires A1 have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, we will describe one of the four current collectors 1 and one trolley wire A1 corresponding to one of the multiple trolley wires A1. In the following description, one current collector 1 will simply be referred to as current collector 1, and one trolley wire A1 will simply be referred to as trolley wire A1.

[0025] (2-1-1) Trolley wire As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the trolley wire A1 has a conductor A11 and a covering member A12 that covers a part of the conductor A11.

[0026] Conductor A11 functions as a power supply unit that supplies power to mobile equipment via the current collector 1. Conductor A11 is a long, plate-like structure extending in the left-right direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of conductor A11 is aligned with the left-right direction. Conductor A11 is formed of, for example, a metallic material (e.g., copper).

[0027] The covering member A12 is a long member that extends along the left-right direction. The covering member A12 is a long member with a roughly U-shaped cross-section and an open rear end. The covering member A12 covers a portion of the conductor A11 so that the conductor A11 is exposed at the rear.

[0028] The covering member A12 is formed of, for example, an insulating material (e.g., an electrically insulating synthetic resin). The covering member A12 is a so-called insulating sheath.

[0029] (2-1-2) Current collection section The current collection section 1 transmits power from the trolley wire A1 to the mobile equipment.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the current collection unit 1 comprises a plurality (for example, two) of current collection units 3, a plurality (for example, two) of connecting members 4 connected to each of the plurality of current collection units 3, a plurality (for example, two) of support members 5 supporting each of the plurality of connecting members 4, and a fixing member 6 fixed to a mobile device. The current collection unit 1 also comprises a plurality (for example, two) of sensor units 7 fixed to each of the plurality of current collection units 3. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the current collection unit 1 further comprises a state sensor 8 that detects a physical quantity indicating the state of the current collector 31, which will be described later.

[0031] (2-1-2-1) Current Collection Units The two current collection units 3 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 4. The shapes of the two current collection units 3 are symmetrical to each other. Therefore, in the following, we will describe the current collection unit 3 on the right (hereinafter simply referred to as current collection unit 3), and omit the description of the current collection unit 3 on the left.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the current collection unit 3 includes a current collector 31, a holder 32, and a cable C1.

[0033] The current collector 31 is a component that contacts the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1. The current collector 31 is a plate-shaped component with its thickness in the vertical direction, its length in the horizontal direction, and its width in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the current collector 31 extends in the horizontal direction.

[0034] The current collector 31 is a conductor. The current collector 31 is made of, for example, a metallic material.

[0035] Each current collector 31 has a contact surface 311 that contacts the conductor A11. The contact surface 311 is the front end surface of the current collector 31. The current collector 1 moves along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the trolley wire A1 together with the moving equipment, with the contact surface 311 in contact with the conductor A11.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the holder 32 has a holding portion 33, a connector portion 34, and a connecting portion 35.

[0037] The holding portion 33 is a member that holds the current collector 31. The holding portion 33 is a plate-shaped member with the vertical direction as the thickness direction, the horizontal direction as the longitudinal direction, and the front-to-back direction as the short direction. In other words, the holding portion 33 extends in the left-to-right direction. As a result, the holding portion 33 can stably hold the current collector 31 which extends in the left-to-right direction.

[0038] The holding portion 33 has electrical insulating properties. The holding portion 33 is formed from, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0039] The holding portion 33 holds the current collector 31 so as to cover the rear end of the current collector 31. Therefore, the contact surface 311, which is the front end surface of the current collector 31, is exposed to the outside of the holding portion 33.

[0040] The connector portion 34 is provided on the right side of the rear end of the holding portion 33. A cable C1, which is electrically connected to the mobile device, is connected to the connector portion 34. The connector portion 34 has an outer casing 341 and terminals (not shown) housed inside the outer casing 341. The outer casing 341 is electrically insulating. The outer casing 341 is formed from, for example, synthetic resin. The outer casing 341 protrudes rearward from the holding portion 33. The terminals of the connector portion 34 are electrically connected to a current collector 31, which is held in the holder 32 having the connector portion 34. The cable C1 connected to the connector portion 34 is electrically connected to the terminals of the connector portion 34 and electrically connected to the current collector 31 via the terminals. As a result, power is supplied from the current collector 31 to the mobile device via the cable C1.

[0041] The connecting portion 35 is provided in the center of the rear end of the holding portion 33. The connecting portion 35 has a cylindrical base portion 351 with its axis oriented in the front-rear direction, and a connecting piece 352 provided at the front end of the base portion 351. The connecting piece 352 supports the holding portion 33 so that it can rotate about the axis in the vertical direction. More specifically, the connecting piece 352 supports the holding portion 33 so that it can rotate about the axis in the vertical direction by inserting an axial member through through holes provided in the connecting piece 352 and the holding portion 33, respectively.

[0042] (2-1-2-2) Connecting members Each of the two connecting members 4 corresponds one-to-one with the two holders 32. Each of the two connecting members 4 connects the corresponding holder 32 among the two holders 32 to the fixing member 6. The shapes of the two connecting members 4 are bilaterally symmetrical to each other. Therefore, one connecting member 4 on the right side (hereinafter simply referred to as the connecting member 4) will be described below, and the description of the one connecting member 4 on the left side will be omitted.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connecting member 4 includes connecting arms 41 and 42, a first attachment portion 43, a second attachment portion (not shown), and a biasing member 44.

[0044] The first attachment portion 43 is a cylindrical member. A base portion 351 of the connecting portion 35 is inserted into the interior of the first attachment portion 43. Thereby, the first attachment portion 43 rotatably supports the connecting portion 35 about an axis in the front-rear direction.

[0045] The connecting arms 41 and 42 are arranged in parallel along the front-rear direction.

[0046] The right ends of the connecting arms 41 and 42 are connected to the first attachment portion 43. More specifically, the right ends of the connecting arms 41 and 42 and the first attachment portion 43 are connected such that the connecting arms 41 and 42 are rotatable relative to the first attachment portion 43 about an axis in the vertical direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the left ends of the connecting arms 41 and 42 are connected to the second attachment portion. More specifically, the left ends of the connecting arms 41 and 42 and the second attachment portion are connected such that the connecting arms 41 and 42 are rotatable relative to the second attachment portion about an axis in the vertical direction.

[0048] The second attachment portion is rotatably connected to a fixing member 6 described later about an axis in the front-rear direction.

[0049] The biasing member 44 is a member that applies a forward force to the first mounting portion 43. In this embodiment, the biasing member 44 is a tension spring. Because the biasing member 44 applies a forward force to the first mounting portion 43, the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 is pressed against the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1 via the first mounting portion 43. In other words, the current collector 31 is able to move while in contact with the conductor A11 because a pressing force is applied to the conductor A11 by the biasing member 44.

[0050] (2-1-2-3) Support Members Each of the two support members 5 corresponds one-to-one with the two connecting members 4. Each of the two support members 5 clamps the left end of the connecting arm 41, 42 on the corresponding connecting member 4. The two support members 5 are symmetrical to each other. Therefore, the following description will focus on the right-hand support member 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as support member 5), and the description of the left-hand support member 5 will be omitted.

[0051] The support member 5 has a pair of support pieces 51 arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction, and a connecting piece 52 connecting the pair of support pieces 51. The pair of support pieces 51 clamp the left ends of the connecting arms 41 and 42 in the vertical direction. This prevents the pair of connecting arms 41 and 42 from being displaced in the vertical direction. This prevents uneven wear of the current collector 31.

[0052] (2-1-2-4) Fixing Member The fixing member 6 is fixed to the mobile device. As shown in Figure 4, the fixing member 6 has a main body portion 61, a plate portion 62, two fixing shafts 63, and two nuts 64. A part of the mobile device is inserted into the gap S1 formed between the main body portion 61 and the plate portion 62. Each of the two fixing shafts 63 protrudes from the rear end surface of the main body portion 61 and passes through through holes (not shown) provided in the plate portion 62. By fastening the nuts 64 to each of the two fixing shafts 63, the part of the mobile device inserted into the gap S1 is sandwiched between the main body portion 61 and the plate portion 62. In this way, the fixing member 6, that is, the current collector 1, is fixed to the mobile device.

[0053] (2-1-2-5) Sensor Units The two sensor units 7 are fixed to the two current collection units 3, respectively. The shapes of the two sensor units 7 are symmetrical to each other. Therefore, the following description will focus on the right-hand sensor unit 7 (hereinafter simply referred to as sensor unit 7), which is fixed to the right-hand current collection unit 3, and the description of the left-hand sensor unit 7 will be omitted.

[0054] The sensor unit 7 includes a distance sensor 71 (see Figure 2) and a sensor holder 72 that holds the distance sensor 71.

[0055] The distance sensor 71 is a sensor that measures the distance D1 between the reference plane 711 (see Figure 5) and the object to be measured. The distance sensor 71 is, for example, a laser distance sensor. The distance sensor 71 is connected to the data processing device 2, which will be described later, for example by a wire. Alternatively, the distance sensor 71 may be connected to the data processing device 2 wirelessly. The data including the measurement result from the distance sensor 71 is transmitted to the data processing device 2. The data including the measurement result from the distance sensor 71 is, for example, analog data.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the sensor holder 72 has a sensor holding portion 721 and a fixing portion 722. The sensor holding portion 721 and the fixing portion 722 are, for example, formed integrally.

[0057] The sensor holder 721 holds the distance sensor 71.

[0058] The fixing part 722 is fixed to the current collection unit 3. The fixing part 722 is fixed, for example, to the outer casing 341 of the connector part 34. In other words, the fixing part 722 fixes the distance sensor 71, which is held by the sensor holding part 721, to the current collection unit 3. More specifically, the fixing part 722 fixes the distance sensor 71 to the current collection unit 3 such that the reference surface 711 and the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1 face each other in the front-rear direction. As a result, the distance sensor 71 is able to measure the distance D1 between the reference surface 711 and the conductor A11.

[0059] (2-1-2-6) State Sensor The state sensor 8 detects a physical quantity that indicates the state of the current collector 31. In this embodiment, the state sensor 8 is mounted inside the current collector 1.

[0060] The state sensor 8 includes at least one of the following: a temperature sensor 81 for measuring the temperature of the current collector 31, a pressure sensor 82 for measuring the pressure applied to the current collector 31, and an electrical characteristic sensor 83 for measuring the electrical characteristics of the current collector 31. Here, the electrical characteristics of the current collector 31 measured by the electrical characteristic sensor 83 include the current flowing from the trolley wire A1 to the cable C1 via the current collector 31, and the potential difference between the current collector 31 and ground.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the current collector 1 includes a temperature sensor 81, a pressure sensor 82, and an electrical characteristic sensor 83 as state sensors 8. The temperature sensor 81, pressure sensor 82, and electrical characteristic sensor 83 are connected to a data processing device 2, which will be described later, for example by a wire. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 81, pressure sensor 82, and electrical characteristic sensor 83 may be connected to the data processing device 2 wirelessly. Data including the measurement results of the temperature sensor 81, pressure sensor 82, and electrical characteristic sensor 83 is transmitted to the data processing device 2. The data including the measurement results of the temperature sensor 81, pressure sensor 82, and electrical characteristic sensor 83 is, for example, analog data.

[0062] (2-1-3) Data Processing Device The data processing device 2 is a device that processes data including the measurement results of the distance sensor 71, the temperature sensor 81, the pressure sensor 82, the electrical characteristics sensor 83, and the distance traveled sensor 9, which will be described later. The data processing device 2 is composed of, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a personal computer, etc. The data processing device 2 may also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0063] The data processing device 2 is mounted, for example, on a mobile device. Alternatively, the data processing device 2 may be mounted on the current collection unit 1.

[0064] The data processing device 2 acquires data including the measurement results of the distance sensor 71, the temperature sensor 81, the pressure sensor 82, the electrical characteristics sensor 83, and the travel distance sensor 9 (described later) at predetermined intervals, and converts the analog data into digital data. Hereinafter, the data including the measurement results of the distance sensor 71, the temperature sensor 81, the pressure sensor 82, the electrical characteristics sensor 83, and the travel distance sensor 9 converted into digital data may be referred to as measurement result data.

[0065] The data processing device 2 transmits the measurement result data to the cloud server 200 via an external network NT1 (see Figure 1), such as a wireless router and the internet. In other words, the data processing device 2 functions as a notification unit 20 that notifies the cloud server 200 of the measurement result data. If the data processing device 2 has a display unit, the data processing device 2 may display the measurement result data on the display unit.

[0066] (2-2) Estimation System The estimation system 1000, as shown in Figure 1, comprises a current collector 10, a travel distance sensor 9, a cloud server 200, and an information terminal 300.

[0067] (2-2-1) Distance Sensor The distance sensor 9 includes, for example, a plurality of limit switches provided at predetermined intervals on the trolley wire A1. Each limit switch is connected to the data processing device 2, for example, by wireless communication. Each limit switch transmits an ON signal to the data processing device 2 when, for example, a dog provided on the current collector 1 contacts each limit switch as the current collector 1 moves. The cloud server 200, described later, derives the cumulative distance W1 of the current collector 1 based on the ON signals (measurement results of the distance sensor 9) transmitted from each limit switch. Specifically, the cloud server 200 derives the cumulative distance W1 of the current collector 1 (see Figure 6) based on the number of times each limit switch has been turned ON and the order in which they were turned ON. In other words, the distance sensor 9 indirectly measures the cumulative distance W1 of the current collector 1. The distance sensor 9 may also be provided on the current collector 1 to directly measure the cumulative distance W1 of the current collector 1.

[0068] (2-2-2) Cloud Server The cloud server 200 is a server that is connected to the external network NT1 and provides services.

[0069] The cloud server 200 is connected to the data processing device 2 via the external network NT1 and a wireless router, enabling communication between them. The memory of the cloud server 200 stores the measurement result data received from the data processing device 2 in chronological order.

[0070] The cloud server 200 has an estimation unit 201 and a status output unit 202. In other words, the estimation unit 201 and the status output unit 202 are implemented by cloud computing. This eliminates the need for server operation and management compared to when the estimation unit 201 and the status output unit 202 are implemented by an on-premises server, thereby reducing costs. Note that the estimation unit 201 and the status output unit 202 merely represent functions implemented by the cloud server 200 and do not necessarily represent an actual physical configuration.

[0071] (2-2-2-1) Estimation Unit The estimation unit 201 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 31 based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 9 included in the measurement result data. The estimation unit 201 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 31 at predetermined time intervals (first time intervals), for example. The estimation unit 201 may also estimate the lifespan of the current collector 31 when instructed by the user via the information terminal 300 described later.

[0072] The functions of the estimation unit 201 will be described in detail below.

[0073] First, let's explain the lifespan of the current collector 31. As described above, the current collector 1 moves along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the trolley wire A1 together with the moving equipment, with the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 in contact with the conductor A11. As a result, the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 wears down in the front-rear direction as the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector 1 increases. When the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 has worn down by a predetermined length L1 from its new state, it is necessary to replace the current collector 31 or the current collector unit 3 with a new one. In other words, the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collector 1 until the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 has worn down by a predetermined length L1 from its new state is the lifespan of the current collector 31.

[0074] Here, as the current collector 31 wears down, the distance D1 between the reference surface 711 and the conductor A11, as measured by the distance sensor 71, decreases. In other words, the amount G1 by which the distance D1 decreases from its new state can be said to be the amount of wear on the current collector 31. When the amount G1 by which the distance D1 decreases reaches a predetermined length L1, it is necessary to replace the current collector 31 or the current collection unit 3 with a new one.

[0075] The estimation unit 201 derives the decrease amount G1 of distance D1 from the measurement result of the distance sensor 71. The estimation unit 201 also derives the cumulative travel distance W1 of the current collection unit 1 from the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 9.

[0076] The estimation unit 201 derives the decrease in distance D1 G1 and the cumulative distance traveled by the current collector 1 W1 at predetermined time intervals (second time intervals) while the current collector 1 is operating. Here, the second time interval is shorter than the first time interval in which the estimation unit 201 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 31.

[0077] The estimation unit 201 links the derived decrease amount G1 and the cumulative distance traveled W1 together and stores them as a set of derived data in the memory of the cloud server 200.

[0078] The estimation unit 201 estimates the lifespan of the current collector 31 based on multiple sets of accumulated derived data. The operation of the estimation unit 201 to estimate the lifespan of the current collector 31 will now be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a graph with cumulative travel distance W1 on the horizontal axis and decrease amount G1 on the vertical axis. The multiple sets of accumulated derived data are reset when the current collector 31 or the current collector unit 3 is replaced with a new one. That is, when the current collector 31 is in a new condition, i.e., when the decrease amount G1 is 0, the cumulative travel distance W1 is 0.

[0079] The estimation unit 201 linearly approximates multiple sets of derived data (decrease amount G1 and cumulative travel distance W1) and derives an approximate formula G1 = α × W1 (see dashed line B1 in Figure 6), which shows the relationship between the cumulative travel distance W1 and the decrease amount G1. Here, α is a proportionality constant that represents the decrease amount G1 per unit distance. The estimation unit 201 then estimates the lifetime of the current collector 31 (estimated lifetime Ls1), which is the cumulative travel distance W1 when the decrease amount G1 reaches a predetermined length L1, from G1 = α × W1. The estimation unit 201 also estimates the remaining lifetime of the current collector 31 (estimated remaining lifetime Ls2) by subtracting the travel distance W10, which is the latest cumulative travel distance W1 at the time of lifetime estimation, from the estimated lifetime Ls1.

[0080] The estimation unit 201 outputs life data, including information on the estimated lifespan Ls1 and the estimated remaining lifespan Ls2, to the information terminal 300, which will be described later, via the external network NT1.

[0081] (2-2-2-2) Status Output Unit The status output unit 202 outputs status data to the information terminal 300 in chronological order, which includes the decrease amount G1 of the current collector 31, the measurement result of the temperature sensor 81, the measurement result of the pressure sensor 82, and the power obtained from the measurement result of the electrical characteristics sensor 83 (current flowing from the trolley wire A1 to the cable C1 via the current collector 31, and the potential difference between the current collector 31 and ground), up to the point when the estimation unit 201 derived the estimated lifespan Ls1 and the estimated remaining lifespan Ls2. The status output unit 202 may also obtain the amount of energy obtained by integrating the power over time, or it may obtain the time integral value of the current flowing from the trolley wire A1 to the cable C1 via the current collector 31.

[0082] (2-2-3) Information terminal The information terminal 300 is connected to the cloud server 200 via the external network NT1, as shown in Figure 1, so that it can communicate with the information terminal.

[0083] The information terminal 300 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet device, or a wearable device such as a smartwatch.

[0084] The information terminal 300 includes a display unit 301 for displaying information. The display unit 301 includes, for example, a thin display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The content displayed on the display unit 301 is controlled by a control unit (not shown) of the information terminal 300. The control unit may be implemented by, for example, a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories.

[0085] The display unit 301 displays the lifespan data received from the estimation unit 201. This allows the user to determine whether the current collector 31 or the current collector unit 3 needs to be replaced based on the estimated lifespan Ls1 and estimated remaining lifespan Ls2 of the current collector 31. This also allows the user to understand the approximate timing for replacing the current collector 31 or the current collector unit 3.

[0086] Furthermore, the display unit 301 displays the status data received from the status output unit 202. This allows the user to check the decrease amount G1 of the current collector 31 and determine whether or not the current collector 31 needs to be replaced. In addition, if the estimated lifespan Ls1 and estimated remaining lifespan Ls2 are abnormally short, the user can estimate the cause based on the status data.

[0087] (3) Estimation Method Next, an estimation method for estimating the lifespan of the current collector 31 provided in the current collector 10, that is, an estimation method used in the estimation system 1000, will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0088] The estimation method described above includes a first acquisition step ST1, a second acquisition step ST2, and an estimation step ST3, as shown in Figure 7.

[0089] In the first acquisition step ST1, the estimation unit 201 receives and acquires the measurement result of the distance sensor 71 transmitted from the data processing device 2 via the external network NT1 (see Figure 1). Then, in the second acquisition step ST2, the estimation unit 201 receives and acquires the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 9 transmitted from the data processing device 2 via the external network NT1.

[0090] Subsequently, in estimation step ST3, the estimation unit 201 estimates the lifetime of the current collector 31 based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 acquired in the first acquisition step ST1 and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 9 acquired in the second acquisition step ST2.

[0091] Note that the flowchart in Figure 7 is merely one example of the estimation method described above, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, or any of the processes may be omitted as appropriate. For example, the order of the first acquisition step ST1 and the second acquisition step ST2 may be reversed.

[0092] (4) Modifications The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of the present disclosure are achieved. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate. In addition, in the following, components that are common to or substantially common to the basic configuration of the estimation system 1000 of the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their illustration and description are omitted as appropriate.

[0093] (4-1) Modification 1 The estimation unit 201 may estimate the lifetime of the current collector 31 based on the measurement result of the distance sensor 71, the measurement result of the travel distance sensor 9, and the measurement result of the state sensor 8. A specific explanation follows below.

[0094] First, the user runs the estimation system 1000 on a test basis to determine the reference proportionality coefficient α1, which is the decrease in current collector 31 per unit distance G1, under conditions (reference conditions) where the temperature of the current collector 31, the pressure applied to the current collector 31, and the electrical characteristics of the current collector 31 (e.g., power) are all within reference ranges. In this case, the reference proportionality coefficient α1 is determined based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 9. The reference conditions are maintained by the user periodically checking the temperature of the current collector 31, the pressure applied to the current collector 31, and the electrical characteristics of the current collector 31, and adjusting the current collector unit 1. The reference proportionality coefficient α1 is stored in the memory of the cloud server 200.

[0095] Furthermore, the user determines the dependence of the proportionality constant α on the temperature T of the current collector 31. Specifically, the user determines how many times the proportionality constant α becomes compared to the reference proportionality constant α1 depending on the temperature T of the current collector 31. In other words, the user determines the coefficient β(T) that depends on the temperature T in the equation α = β(T) × α1. Note that the coefficient β(T) may be determined based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 and the measurement results of the travel distance sensor 9 while the temperature of the current collector 31 is changed outside the reference range, or it may be determined by simulation.

[0096] Similarly, the user determines the dependence of the proportionality constant α on the pressure P applied to the current collector 31. Specifically, the user determines how many times the proportionality constant α becomes compared to the reference proportionality constant α1 due to the pressure P applied to the current collector 31. In other words, the user determines the coefficient γ(P) that depends on the pressure P in the equation α = γ(P) × α1. Note that the coefficient γ(P) may be determined based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 and the movement distance sensor 9 while the pressure applied to the current collector 31 is changed outside the reference range, or it may be determined by simulation.

[0097] Similarly, the user determines how many times the proportionality constant α is compared to the reference proportionality constant α1, depending on the power E of the current collector 31. That is, they determine the coefficient δ(E) in the equation α = δ(E) × α1, which depends on the power E. Note that the coefficient δ(E) may be determined based on the measurement results of the distance sensor 71 and the movement distance sensor 9 while the power E is varied outside the reference range, or it may be determined by simulation.

[0098] The user stores the coefficients β(T), γ(P), and δ(E) in the memory of the cloud server 200. Specifically, the user stores table data showing the relationship between coefficient β(T) and temperature T, table data showing the relationship between coefficient γ(P) and pressure P, and table data showing the relationship between coefficient δ(E) and power E in the memory of the cloud server 200.

[0099] After the test operation is complete, when the user operates the estimation system 1000 again, the estimation unit 201 determines the proportionality constant α based on the reference proportionality constant α1, coefficients β(T), γ(P), δ(E), temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 81, pressure P measured by the pressure sensor 82, and power E measured by the electrical characteristic sensor 83. Here, the proportionality constant α is calculated by α = β(T) × γ(P) × δ(E) × α1. The estimation unit 201 then estimates the estimated lifetime Ls1 of the current collector 31, which is the cumulative travel distance W1 when the decrease amount G1 reaches a predetermined length L1, from the approximation formula G1 = α × W1. The estimation unit 201 also estimates the estimated remaining lifetime Ls2 of the current collector 31 by subtracting the travel distance W10, which is the latest cumulative travel distance W1 at the time of lifetime estimation, from the estimated lifetime Ls1.

[0100] With the above configuration, the estimation unit 201 can estimate the lifetime of the current collector 31 with greater accuracy.

[0101] (4-2) Modification 2 In the above embodiment, one sensor unit 7 was fixed to one current collection unit 3, but as shown in Figure 8, two sensor units 7 may be fixed to one current collection unit 3. The two sensor units 7 are fixed to both ends in the left-right direction of the holding portion 33 of the holder 32. Note that the two sensor units 7 do not need to be the same sensor unit as long as they have similar functions, and sensor units of suitable shape and dimensions should be selected depending on the installation location.

[0102] By comparing the measurement results of the distance sensors 71 in each of the two sensor units 7, uneven wear of the current collector 31 in the left-right direction can be detected. Note that three or more sensor units 7 may be fixed to a single current collector unit 3.

[0103] (4-3) Modification 3 The current collector 10 may further include a notification device 11 connected to the data processing device 2, as shown in Figure 9.

[0104] The data processing device 2 may output an analog signal to the notification device 11 when the distance D1 between the reference surface 711 and the conductor A11 reaches a predetermined distance based on the measurement result of the distance sensor 71. Here, the predetermined distance is the distance D1 when the contact surface 311 of the current collector 31 has worn down by a predetermined length L1 from its new state.

[0105] The notification device 11 operates using an analog signal output from the data processing device 2. The notification device 11 is, for example, a lamp or a speaker. If the notification device 11 is a lamp, the lamp lights up in response to the analog signal output from the data processing device 2. If the notification device 11 is a speaker, the speaker outputs sound in response to the analog signal output from the data processing device 2. This allows the user to recognize that the current collector 31 or the current collector unit 3 needs to be replaced.

[0106] (4-4) Other Modified Estimation Systems 1000 may be implemented using estimation methods, (computer) programs, or non-temporary recording media on which the programs are recorded. In the estimation method according to the above embodiment, the lifespan of the current collector 31 is estimated based on the measurement result of a distance sensor 71, which is fixed to a holder 32 that holds a current collector 31 that is movable in contact with the conductor A11 of the trolley wire A1, and measures the distance D1 to the conductor A11, and the measurement result of a travel distance sensor 9, which measures the travel distance W1 of the current collector 31. The (computer) program according to the above embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the estimation method described above.

[0107] The estimation system 1000 in this disclosure includes a computer system in the data processing device 2 (notification unit 20), etc. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The function of the notification unit 20 in this disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs referred to here are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs, which are programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or logic devices that allow for the reconstruction of junction relationships or circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0108] (5) Summary As described above, the current collector (10) according to the first embodiment comprises a current collector (31) that is movable in contact with the conductor (A11) of the trolley wire (A1), a holder (32) that holds the current collector (31), a distance sensor (71) fixed to the holder (32) that measures the distance (D1) to the conductor (A11), and a notification unit (20) that notifies the measurement result of the distance sensor (71).

[0109] According to this embodiment, the user can check the amount of wear on the current collector (31) while the current collector (31) is in contact with the conductor (A11), and can determine whether or not the current collector (31) needs to be replaced. This improves convenience.

[0110] The current collector (10) of the second embodiment includes two distance sensors (71) in the first embodiment. The current collector (31) and holder (32) extend in one direction. The two distance sensors (71) are fixed to both ends of the holder (32) in one direction.

[0111] According to this embodiment, uneven wear of the current collector (31) in one direction can be detected.

[0112] The estimation system (1000) of the third embodiment comprises a current collector (10) of the first or second embodiment, a travel distance sensor (9) for measuring the travel distance of the current collector (31), and an estimation unit (201) for estimating the lifespan of the current collector (31) based on the measurement result of the distance sensor (71) and the measurement result of the travel distance sensor (9).

[0113] According to this embodiment, the user can determine whether or not to replace the current collector (31) based on the lifespan of the current collector (31) estimated by the estimation unit (201). In addition, the user can grasp the approximate timing for replacing the current collector (31) based on the lifespan of the current collector (31) estimated by the estimation unit (201).

[0114] The estimation system (1000) of the fourth embodiment further comprises a state sensor (8) attached to the current collector (10) for detecting a physical quantity indicating the state of the current collector (31). The estimation unit (201) estimates the lifespan of the current collector (31) based on the measurement results of the distance sensor (71), the measurement results of the travel distance sensor (9), and the measurement results of the state sensor (8).

[0115] According to this embodiment, the estimation unit (201) can estimate the lifetime of the current collector (31) with greater accuracy.

[0116] The estimation system (1000) of the fifth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, includes at least one of a temperature sensor (81) for measuring the temperature of the current collector (31), a pressure sensor (82) for measuring the pressure applied to the current collector (31), and an electrical characteristic sensor (83) for measuring the electrical characteristics of the current collector (31).

[0117] According to this embodiment, the estimation unit (201) can estimate the lifetime of the current collector (31) with greater accuracy.

[0118] In the sixth embodiment of the estimation system (1000), the estimation unit (201) is implemented by cloud computing in any of the third to fifth embodiments.

[0119] According to this embodiment, compared to the case where the estimation unit (201) is implemented by an on-premises server, server operation and management are unnecessary, and costs can be reduced.

[0120] In the seventh embodiment of the estimation method, the lifetime of the current collector (31) is estimated based on the measurement result of a distance sensor (71) that measures the distance (D1) to the conductor (A11) and the measurement result of a travel distance sensor (9) that measures the travel distance (W1) of the current collector (31), which is fixed to a holder (32) that holds a current collector (31) that is movable while in contact with the conductor (A1) of the trolley wire (A1).

[0121] According to this embodiment, the user can check the amount of wear on the current collector (31) while the current collector (31) is in contact with the conductor (A11), and can determine whether or not the current collector (31) needs to be replaced. This improves convenience.

[0122] The program of the eighth embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the estimation method of the seventh embodiment.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the user can check the amount of wear on the current collector (31) while the current collector (31) is in contact with the conductor (A11), and can determine whether or not the current collector (31) needs to be replaced. This improves convenience.

[0124] The current collection system (100) of the ninth embodiment comprises a current collector (10) of the first or second embodiment and a trolley wire (A1).

[0125] According to this embodiment, the user can check the amount of wear on the current collector (31) while the current collector (31) is in contact with the conductor (A11), and can determine whether or not the current collector (31) needs to be replaced. This improves convenience.

[0126] 8 State sensor 9 Distance sensor 10 Current collector 20 Notification unit 31 Current collector 32 Holder 71 Distance sensor 81 Temperature sensor 82 Pressure sensor 83 Electrical characteristics sensor 100 Current collection system 201 Estimation unit 1000 Estimation system A1 Trolley wire A11 Conductor D1 Distance W1 Distance

Claims

1. A current collector comprising: a current collector that is movable while in contact with a conductor of a trolley wire; a holder for holding the current collector; a distance sensor fixed to the holder for measuring the distance to the conductor; and a notification unit for notifying the measurement result of the distance sensor.

2. The current collector according to claim 1, comprising two distance sensors, wherein the current collector and the holder extend in one direction, and the two distance sensors are fixed to each end of the holder in the one direction.

3. An estimation system comprising: a current collector according to claim 1 or 2; a distance sensor for measuring the distance traveled by the current collector; and an estimation unit for estimating the lifespan of the current collector based on the measurement result of the distance sensor and the measurement result of the distance sensor.

4. The estimation system according to claim 3, further comprising a state sensor attached to the current collector for detecting a physical quantity indicating the state of the current collector, wherein the estimation unit estimates the lifespan of the current collector based on the measurement result of the distance sensor, the measurement result of the travel distance sensor, and the measurement result of the state sensor.

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

6. The estimation system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the estimation unit is implemented by cloud computing.

7. An estimation method for estimating the lifetime of a current collector, which is fixed to a holder that holds a current collector that is movable in contact with a conductor of a trolley wire, and which measures the distance to the conductor based on the measurement result of a distance sensor and the measurement result of a travel distance sensor that measures the travel distance of the current collector.

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

9. A current collection system comprising the current collector according to claim 1 or 2, and the trolley wire.

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