Description:Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a current collector and an arm. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a current collector for transmitting electric power from a trolley wire to a mover and an arm for use in such a current collector.

Background Art
[0002] JP 2010-252495 A discloses a current collector including a mounting member, a current collecting element, a coupling arm, a cable, and a supporting member. The mounting member is mounted onto a mover. The coupling arm has one end portion thereof coupled to the current collecting element and has the other end portion thereof coupled to the mounting member. The supporting member supports the end portions of the coupling arm. The supporting portion is provided with a cable anchor to which a middle portion of the cable is fixed.
[0003] In the current collector, positional shift of the cable, if any, would have the current collecting element pulled by the cable to make the current collecting element tilted, thus possibly causing significant loss in the stability of contact between the current collecting element and the trolley wire.

Summary of Invention
[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a current collector and an arm, each having the ability to reduce the chances of causing positional shift to the cable.
[0005] A current collector according to an aspect of the present disclosure transmits electric power from a trolley wire to a mover. The current collector includes an arm configured to support a current collecting element thereon. The current collecting element is in contact with the trolley wire. The arm has a first surface, a first rib, and a through hole. The first surface is configured to make contact with a cable for use to electrically connect the current collecting element to the mover. The first rib clamps the cable between the first surface and the first rib itself and thereby holds the cable thereon. The through hole lets the cable pass therethrough.
[0006] An arm according to another aspect of the present disclosure is used in the current collector described above.

Brief Description of Drawings
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a current collector according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the current collector;
FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the current collector;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the current collector;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the current collector;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the current collector;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of an arm of the current collector;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a cable is being fitted into the arm of the current collector;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the cable has been fitted into the arm of the current collector;
FIG. 10 is a sectional side elevation of the current collector;
FIG. 11 is a sectional side elevation of the arm of the current collector;
FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating how to perform the work of replacing a current collecting element of the current collector;
FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating how to perform the work of replacing a current collecting element of the current collector;
FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating how to perform the work of replacing a current collecting element of the current collector;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a current collector according to a first variation; and
FIG. 16 is a front cross-sectional view of the current collector shown in FIG. 15.

Description of Embodiments
[0008] (Embodiment)
A current collector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment to be described below is only an exemplary one of various embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Rather, the exemplary embodiment may be readily modified in various manners depending on a design choice or any other factor without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings to be referred to in the following description of embodiments are all schematic representations. Thus, the ratio of the dimensions (including thicknesses) of respective constituent elements illustrated on the drawings does not always reflect their actual dimensional ratio.
[0009] (Overview)
FIG. 1 illustrates a current collector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The current collector 1 is designed to be mounted onto a mover 9 (refer to FIG. 3). The mover 9 is a device configured to move using electric power. Examples of the mover 9 include a self-propelled trolley and a hoist. The mover 9 is supplied with the electric power from a trolley wire T1 (refer to FIG. 12) installed on a rail. The mover 9 moves along the rail using the electric power thus supplied as a motive power source.
[0010] The current collector 1 according to this embodiment transmits electric power from the trolley wire T1 to the mover 9. As shown in FIGS. 1–4, the current collector 1 includes an arm 6 for supporting the current collecting element 2. The current collecting element 2 is in contact with the trolley wire T1. The arm 6 has a first surface 64a, a first rib 61, and a through hole 641. The first surface 64a is arranged to make contact with a cable 8 for use to electrically connect the current collecting element 2 to the mover 9. The first rib 61 clamps the cable 8 between the first surface 64a and the first rib 61 itself and thereby holds the cable 8 thereon. The through hole 641 lets the cable 8 pass therethrough.
[0011] This configuration may reduce the chances of causing positional shift to the cable 8 by clamping the cable 8 between the first rib 61 and the first surface 64a and letting the cable 8 pass through the through hole 641. Consequently, this may reduce the chances of the cable 8 loosening or being pulled.
[0012] Also, the current collector 1 according to this embodiment transmits electric power from the trolley wire T1 to the mover 9. As shown in FIGS. 1–3, the current collector 1 includes an anchor F1 and the arm 6. The anchor F1 is mounted onto a base 7 fixed to the mover 9. The arm 6 includes a first mounting member 66 attached to the anchor F1 and a second mounting member 67 on which the current collecting element 2 is mounted. The current collecting element 2 is in contact with the trolley wire T1. The anchor F1 includes a first hook 41 and a second hook 42 which may be hooked on respectively corresponding parts of the base 7. The anchor F1 may be removed from the base 7 by unhooking the first hook 41 and the second hook 42 from the base 7.
[0013] This configuration allows the work on the current collector 1 to be performed after the anchor F1 and the arm 6 have been removed from the base 7 and put aside. The work may be, for example, replacing a constituent element (such as the current collecting element 2) of the current collector 1. This configuration allows the anchor F1 and the arm 6 to be moved to a suitable place for having the work done (such as a spacious place). This makes it easier to have the work done compared to doing the same work with the anchor F1 and the arm 6 left attached to the base 7.
[0014] (Details)
(1) Overall configuration
In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the X-axis direction will be defined to be a “rightward/leftward direction,” the Y-axis direction will be defined to be a “forward/backward direction,” and the Z-axis direction will be defined to be an “upward/downward direction.” In addition, the positive side of the X-axis will be defined to be the “left side,” the positive side of the Y-axis will be defined to be the “front side,” and the positive side of the Z-axis will be defined to be the “upside.” Note, however, that these directions are only examples and should not be construed as limiting the direction in which the current collector 1 is supposed to be used. For example, the current collector 1 may also be used to make the positive side of the Y-axis the upside. Also, the arrows indicating the respective directions on the drawings are just shown there for the purpose of description and are all insubstantial ones.
[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the current collector 1 includes two current collecting elements 2, two connector portions 3, two anchors F1, two compression springs S1, two arms 6, the base 7, and two cables 8. Note that the base 7 and the two cables 8 may be counted out of the constituent elements of the current collector 1. Each of the two anchors F1 includes a chassis 4 and a holder 5.
[0016] (2) Current collecting element
The two current collecting elements 2 have the same configuration. Thus, the following description will be focused on only one of the two current collecting elements 2.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, the current collecting element 2 includes a contact portion 21, a cover 22, an insert portion 23, and a shaft 24.
[0018] The contact portion 21 is an electrical conductor. The contact portion 21 may be made of a metallic material, for example. The contact portion 21 is a member to make contact with the trolley wire T1 (refer to FIG. 12). The longitudinal axis of the contact portion 21 is aligned with the X-axis direction.
[0019] The cover 22 has electrical insulation properties. The cover 22 may be made of a synthetic resin, for example. The cover 22 covers the contact portion 21 partially. One end (on the positive side of the Y-axis) of the contact portion 21 is exposed outside of the cover 22.
[0020] The insert portion 23 may be made of a synthetic resin, for example. The insert portion 23 includes a coupling portion 231, a columnar portion 232, and two protruding pieces 233.
[0021] The coupling portion 231 is coupled to the cover 22. More specifically, the coupling portion 231 is coupled to the cover 22 by passing the shaft 24 through respective through holes provided through the coupling portion 231 and the cover 22. The cover 22 is turnable, along with the contact portion 21, around the shaft 24 where the cover 22 is connected to the coupling portion 231. The shaft 24 may be a screw, for example.
[0022] The columnar portion 232 has a circular columnar shape. The longitudinal axis of the columnar portion 232 is aligned with the Y-axis direction. The columnar portion 232 protrudes from the coupling portion 231. The columnar portion 232 has a slit 2320 at the tip on the opposite side (on the negative side of the Y-axis) from the coupling portion 231. The slit 2320 is a recess which is depressed from the tip of the columnar portion 232 toward the coupling portion 231.
[0023] The two protruding pieces 233 protrude from the tip, opposite from the coupling portion 231, of the columnar portion 232 in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal axis of the columnar portion 232. The direction in which one of the two protruding pieces 233 protrudes (i.e., the leftward direction) is opposite from the direction in which the other protruding piece 233 protrudes (i.e., the rightward direction). The slit 2320 is provided between these two protruding pieces 233.
[0024] (3) Connector portions
Two connector portions 3 (first connector portions) are provided one to one for the two current collecting elements 2. Each connector portion 3 is formed integrally with the cover 22 of a corresponding one of the current collecting elements 2.
[0025] These two connector portions 3 have the same configuration. Thus, the following description will be focused on only one of the two connector portions 3.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the connector portion 3 includes a shell 31 and a terminal housed in the shell 31. The shell 31 has electrical insulation properties. The shell 31 may be made of a synthetic resin, for example. The shell 31 protrudes from the cover 22 of the current collecting element 2. More specifically, the shell 31 protrudes from the cover 22 in the negative direction of the Y-axis. The terminal is electrically connected to the contact portion 21 of the current collecting element 2.
[0027] The connector portion 3 is configured to be connectible to the cable 8.
[0028] (4) Cables
The two cables 8 are provided one to one for the two connector portions 3. Each cable 8 is connected to a corresponding one of the connector portions 3.
[0029] These two cables 8 have the same configuration. Thus, the following description will be focused on only one of the two cables 8.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the cable 8 includes a cable body 81 and a second connector portion 82. The cable body 81 includes a linear electrical conductor and an insulating coating 811 that covers the electrical conductor. The cable body 81 has flexibility. The second connector portion 82 is connected to one end of the cable body 81. The second connector portion 82 is configured to be connectible to the connector portion 3 (serving as a first connector portion). In addition, the second connector portion 82 is also configured to be readily disconnected from the connector portion 3. More specifically, the second connector portion 82 is connected to the connector portion 3 by pushing the second connector portion 82 into the connector portion 3. The second connector portion 82 may be disconnected from the connector portion 3 by pulling the second connector portion 82 out of the connector portion 3.
[0031] (5) Arms
The two arms 6 are provided one to one for the two current collecting elements 2. To each arm 6, a corresponding one of the current collecting elements 2 is fitted.
[0032] In addition, the two arms 6 are also provided one to one for the two cables 8. Each arm 6 holds a corresponding one of the cables 8.
[0033] These two arm 6 have the same configuration. Thus, the following description will be focused on only one of the two arms 6.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the arm 6 includes a first rib 61, a pair of second ribs 62, a third rib 63, an arm body 64, a wall portion 65, a first mounting member 66, a second mounting member 67, a second guide portion 68, and a second spring holding portion 69.
[0035] The longitudinal axis of the arm body 64 is aligned with the X-axis direction. The arm body 64 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.
[0036] The arm body 64 has a first surface 64a and a second surface 64b. The first surface 64a is a surface on the positive side of the Y-axis (i.e., a front surface). The first surface 64a is a surface to face the trolley wire T1 (refer to FIG. 12). The second surface 64b is a surface (rear surface) opposite from the first surface 64a. The second surface 64b is a surface to face the base 7.
[0037] The arm body 64 has a through hole 641 (first through hole) and a second through hole 642.
[0038] The through hole 641 is provided through the first surface 64a to penetrate through the arm body 64 in the Y-axis direction.
[0039] The second through hole 642 is also provided through the first surface 64a to penetrate through the arm body 64 in the Y-axis direction (refer to FIG. 7). The second through hole 642 is provided on the positive side of the X-axis with respect to the through hole 641.
[0040] The arm body 64 further has a third through hole 643. The third through hole 643 penetrates through the arm body 64 in the Z-axis direction. The first mounting member 66 is passed through the third through hole 643.
[0041] The wall portion 65 protrudes from the first surface 64a along a normal to the first surface 64a. That is to say, the wall portion 65 protrudes from the first surface 64a in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The wall portion 65 protrudes from one end of the arm body 64 on the positive side of the Z-axis. The thickness of the wall portion 65 is aligned with the Z-axis direction. The longitudinal axis of the wall portion 65 is aligned with the X-axis direction.
[0042] The first rib 61 protrudes from the wall portion 65. More specifically, the first rib 61 protrudes from the wall portion 65 in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The first rib 61 has a circular columnar shape. The tip of the first rib 61 has a rounded dome shape.
[0043] A part 80d (refer to FIG. 9) of the cable 8 is clamped between the first surface 64a and the first rib 61. The cable 8 is disposed along the wall portion 65 (refer to FIG. 9). The longitudinal axis of the wall portion 65 is aligned with the direction in which the cable 8 extends between the first surface 64a and the first rib 61 (i.e., the X-axis direction).
[0044] Each of the two second ribs 62 protrudes from the first surface 64a along a normal to the first surface 64a. That is to say, the second ribs 62 protrude from the first surface 64a in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The second ribs 62 protrude from one end of the arm body 64 on the negative side of the Z-axis. The second ribs 62 have a plate shape. The thickness of the second ribs 62 is aligned with the Z-axis direction. The second ribs 62 face the wall portion 65.
[0045] These two second ribs 62 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. In the following description, one of the two second ribs 62 will be hereinafter referred to as a “second rib 62a” and the other second rib 62 will be hereinafter referred to as a “second rib 62b.” The second rib 62b is provided on the positive side of the X-axis with respect to the second rib 62a. The arm body 64 is provided with the third through hole 643 on the negative side of the Y-axis with respect to the second rib 62a. The third through hole 643 is provided on the negative side of the Y-axis with respect to the first surface 64a. Also, the third through hole 643 is interposed between the first rib 61 and the through hole 641.
[0046] The first rib 61 is arranged to be visually recognizable through the gap between the pair of the second ribs 62. More specifically, the first rib 61 is arranged to be visually recognizable through the gap between the pair of the second ribs 62 when viewed from the negative side (i.e., the downside) of the Z-axis.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, the gap distance L1 measured at a height position of the first rib 61 between the pair of the second ribs 62 is longer than the shortest gap distance L2 between the wall portion 65 and the pair of the second ribs 62. As used herein, the gap distance L1 measured at the height position of the first rib 61 between the pair of the second ribs 62 refers to the length of a line segment overlapping with the first rib 61 and connecting the pair of the second ribs 62 in the X-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the third rib 63 protrudes from the wall portion 65. More specifically, the third rib 63 protrudes from the wall portion 65 in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The third rib 63 has a plate shape. The thickness of the third rib 63 is aligned with the Y-axis direction. The third rib 63 faces the first surface 64a.
[0049] The third rib 63 is interposed between the first rib 61 and the through hole 641. In addition, the third rib 63 is also interposed between the second rib 62a and the through hole 641.
[0050] The first mounting member 66 may be, for example, a screw. The first mounting member 66 is attached to the anchor F1. More specifically, the first mounting member 66 is passed through the third through hole 643 and a fourth through hole 521 (refer to FIG. 4) of the anchor F1, thereby mounting the arm body 64 rotatably onto the holder 5 of the anchor F1.
[0051] The second mounting member 67 is provided for the arm body 64 at one end thereof on the negative side of the X-axis. The second mounting member 67 is a part on which the current collecting element 2 is mounted. The second mounting member 67 has a mounting hole 671. The current collecting element 2 is mounted onto the second mounting member 67 by inserting the insert portion 23 of the current collecting element 2 into the mounting hole 671. The width of the insert portion 23 is broader than the width of the mounting hole 671. However, when the insert portion 23 receives clamping force, the width of the insert portion 23 becomes narrower than the width of the mounting hole 671. This makes the insert portion 23 insertable into the mounting hole 671.
[0052] More specifically, in the insert portion 23, the width of the columnar portion 232 is narrower than the width of the mounting hole 671. The tip portion of the insert portion 23 with the two protruding pieces 233 has a broader width than the mounting hole 671. Nevertheless, clamping the two protruding pieces 233 from both sides causes the insert portion 23 to be elastically deformed to narrow the width of the slit 2320, thus reducing the width at the tip of the insert portion 23. The current collecting element 2 may be mounted onto the second mounting member 67 by inserting the tip of the insert portion 23 in this state into the mounting hole 671.
[0053] The mounting hole 671 penetrates through the second mounting member 67 in the Y-axis direction. The tip of the insert portion 23 is inserted through an opening of the mounting hole 671 on the positive side of the Y-axis to protrude through an opening thereof on the negative side of the Y-axis (refer to FIG. 2). This causes the two protruding pieces 233 to elastically recover, thus causing an increase in the width of the tip of the insert portion 23. Consequently, the two protruding pieces 233 serve as a retainer that reduces the chances of the insert portion 23 being pulled out of the mounting hole 671.
[0054] On the other hand, clamping the two protruding pieces 233 from both sides in a state where the insert portion 23 is inserted into the mounting hole 671 causes the insert portion 23 to be elastically deformed to narrow the width of the slit 2320, thus causing a decrease in the width of the tip of the insert portion 23. This allows the insert portion 23 to be pulled out of the mounting hole 671 and remove the current collecting element 2 from the arm 6 by moving the insert portion 23 (along with the entire current collecting element 2) in the positive direction of the Y-axis. In this manner, the current collecting element 2 is movable in one direction and removable from the arm 6. Consequently, the current collecting element 2 is replaceable easily.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the second guide portion 68 protrudes from the arm body 64. More specifically, the second guide portion 68 protrudes from the second surface 64b of the arm body 64. The second guide portion 68 is provided on the positive side of the X-axis with respect to the first mounting member 66.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the second spring holding portion 69 protrudes from the arm body 64. More specifically, the second spring holding portion 69 protrudes from the second surface 64b of the arm body 64. The second spring holding portion 69 is provided on the negative side of the X-axis with respect to the first mounting member 66.
[0057] The arm 6 is turnable around the first mounting member 66. The gap distance L3 (refer to FIG. 7) between the first mounting member 66 and the first rib 61 is shorter than the gap distance L4 (refer to FIG. 7) between the first mounting member 66 and the second mounting member 67. Therefore, any application of force to the arm body 64 during the work of clamping the cable 8 between the first rib 61 and the first surface 64a causes the first rib 61 to be displaced to a relatively insignificant degree, thus making it easier to have the work done.
[0058] (6) Anchors
As shown in FIG. 1, the two anchors F1 are provided one to one for the two arms 6. A corresponding one of the two arms 6 is mounted onto each anchor F1.
[0059] Each anchor F1 includes a holder 5 and a chassis 4 on which the holder 5 is mounted.
[0060] The two anchors F1 are provided one to one for two compression springs S1. Each anchor F1 holds a corresponding one of the two compression springs S1.
[0061] These two anchors F1 have the same configuration. Thus, the following description will be focused on only one of the two anchors F1.
[0062] (6.1) Holder
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the holder 5 includes a supporting portion 51, a joint portion 52, a first retainer 53, a spring base 54, and a first spring holding portion 55.
[0063] The supporting portion 51 has a columnar shape. The axis of the supporting portion 51 is aligned with the Y-axis direction. The joint portion 52 protrudes from a tip portion 511 of the supporting portion 51 in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The joint portion 52 is a part on which the arm 6 is mounted. The width of the joint portion 52 as measured in the Z-axis direction is narrower than the width of the supporting portion 51 as measured in the Z-axis direction. The joint portion 52 has a fourth through hole 521. The fourth through hole 521 penetrates through the joint portion 52 in the Z-axis direction. The supporting portion 51 has a recess 512 on a surface thereof on the negative side of the Y-axis.
[0064] The first mounting member 66 is attached to the holder 5. More specifically, the first mounting member 66 is passed through the third through hole 643 of the arm body 64 and the fourth through hole 521 of the holder 5. This allows the arm body 64 to be mounted rotatably onto the holder 5 via the first mounting member 66. In addition, the arm body 64 faces the tip portion 511 of the supporting portion 51. The arm 6 is turnable around the first mounting member 66 to a point where the arm body 64 comes into contact with the tip portion 511.
[0065] The first retainer 53 protrudes from a side surface of the supporting portion 51. More specifically, the first retainer 53 protrudes from the supporting portion 51 in the positive direction of the X-axis.
[0066] The spring base 54 protrudes from a side surface of the supporting portion 51. More specifically, the spring base 54 protrudes from the supporting portion 51 in the negative direction of the X-axis. The spring base 54 has a recess 541 which is provided through a surface thereof on the positive side of the Y-axis. The compression spring S1 is inserted into the recess 541.
[0067] The first spring holding portion 55 protrudes from the spring base 54. More specifically, the first spring holding portion 55 protrudes from the bottom surface of the recess 541 of the spring base 54.
[0068] More specifically, the compression spring S1 is a compressed coil spring. As shown in FIG. 3, a first end of the compression spring S1 faces the spring base 54 of the holder 5. The first spring holding portion 55 is inserted into the first end of the compression spring S1. A second end of the compression spring S1 faces the second surface 64b of the arm body 64. The second spring holding portion 69 is inserted into the second end of the compression spring S1. This allows the compression spring S1 to be held.
[0069] The compression spring S1 supports the arm 6. That is to say, the compression spring S1 applies spring force to the arm body 64 in the positive direction of the Y-axis.
[0070] The compression spring S1 is clamped between a region, interposed between the first mounting member 66 and the second mounting member 67, of the second surface 64b (i.e., the region provided with the second spring holding portion 69) and the spring base 54 of the holder 5 of the anchor F1. As the compression spring S1 pushes the arm body 64 in the positive direction of the Y-axis, the arm 6 rotates around the first mounting member 66 to cause the second mounting member 67 of the arm 6 to move in the positive direction of the Y-axis. This causes the current collecting element 2 to receive force in the positive direction of the Y-axis, thus ensuring sufficient contact pressure between the current collecting element 2 and the trolley wire T1 (refer to FIG. 12).
[0071] (6.2) Chassis
As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the chassis 4 includes the first hook 41, the second hook 42, a body 43, a stopper 44, a circular columnar portion 45, and a second retainer 46.
[0072] The body 43 includes a bottom portion 431 and a side portion 432.
[0073] The bottom portion 431 has a plate shape. The thickness of the bottom portion 431 is aligned with the Y-axis direction. The bottom portion 431 has a first outer surface 431a. A normal to the first outer surface 431a is aligned with the negative direction of the Y-axis. The bottom portion 431 has a recess 431e provided through the first outer surface 431a.
[0074] The side portion 432 protrudes from the bottom portion 431. More specifically, the side portion 432 protrudes in the positive direction of the Y-axis from one end of the bottom portion 431 on the positive side of the X-axis. The side portion 432 has a first guide portion 47 at the tip in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The first guide portion 47 is a V-groove. The side portion 432 has a second outer surface 432b. A normal to the second outer surface 432b is aligned with the positive direction of the X-axis.
[0075] As can be seen, the body 43 has the first outer surface 431a and the second outer surface 432b having mutually different normal directions. The first hook 41 protrudes from the first outer surface 431a. The second hook 42 in the shape of a leaf spring protrudes from the second outer surface 432b.
[0076] The first hook 41 protrudes in the negative direction of the X-axis from the tip (on the negative side of the X-axis) of the bottom portion 431 with the first outer surface 431a. The first outer surface 431a is provided with the recess 431e on the positive side of the X-axis with respect to the first hook 41.
[0077] The second hook 42 includes a leaf spring portion 421 and a claw portion 422. The leaf spring portion 421 includes a first part 421c and a second part 421d. The first part 421c of the leaf spring portion 421 protrudes in the positive direction of the X-axis from the second outer surface 432b. The second part 421d of the leaf spring portion 421 protrudes in the positive direction of the Y-axis from the tip of the first part 421c. Thus, the second hook 42 is formed in an L-shape. A boundary (i.e., a portion corresponding to a corner of the L-shape) between the first part 421c and the second part 421d is rounded.
[0078] The second hook 42 includes the leaf spring portion 421, and therefore, is elastically deformable easily. The elastic modulus of the second hook 42 is less than the elastic modulus of the first hook 41.
[0079] The claw portion 422 protrudes from the second part 421d of the leaf spring portion 421. More specifically, the claw portion 422 protrudes in the positive direction of the X-axis.
[0080] The stopper 44 protrudes from the tip of the second part 421d. More specifically, the stopper 44 protrudes in the positive direction of the X-axis. The stopper 44 is provided on the positive side of the Y-axis with respect to the claw portion 422. The stopper 44 is provided to be spaced apart from the claw portion 422.
[0081] The circular columnar portion 45 protrudes from the bottom portion 431. More specifically, the circular columnar portion 45 protrudes in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The circular columnar portion 45 is provided on the negative side of the X-axis with respect to the side portion 432.
[0082] The second retainer 46 protrudes from the side portion 432. More specifically, the second retainer 46 protrudes in the negative direction of the X-axis.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, the holder 5 is mounted onto the chassis 4. That is to say, the holder 5 is mounted onto the chassis 4 by moving the holder 5 in the negative direction of the Y-axis and inserting the circular columnar portion 45 of the chassis 4 into the recess 512 of the holder 5. At this time, the first retainer 53 of the holder 5 is disposed on the negative side of the Y-axis with respect to the second retainer 46 of the chassis 4 to face the second retainer 46, thus reducing the chances of the holder 5 coming off the chassis 4. More specifically, the first retainer 53 is disposed on the negative side of the Y-axis with respect to the second retainer 46 by rotating the holder 5 around the circular columnar portion 45 with the circular columnar portion 45 of the chassis 4 inserted into the recess 512 of the holder 5.
[0084] (7) Base
The base 7 may be made of a metallic material, for example. More specifically, the base 7 is formed by subjecting a metal plate to a machining process including punching and bending.
[0085] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the base 7 includes a bottom plate 71 and a side plate 72.
[0086] The bottom plate 71 includes a bottom plate body 710, a pair of third hooks 711, and a pair of projections 712.
[0087] The bottom plate body 710 is formed in a plate shape. The thickness of the bottom plate body 710 is aligned with the Y-axis direction. The bottom plate body 710 has a pair of fifth through holes 7101 and a pair of sixth through holes 7102.
[0088] The pair of third hooks 711 are provided one to one for the pair of fifth through holes 7101. Each of the third hooks 711 is arranged to partially cover a corresponding one of the fifth through holes 7101. Each third hook 711 protrudes from the bottom plate body 710. More specifically, each third hook 711 protrudes in the positive direction of the Y-axis.
[0089] The pair of third hooks 711 are provided one to one for the pair of chasses 4. Each of the pair of third hooks 711 is hooked on the first hook 41 of a corresponding one of the chasses 4. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the first hook 41 is passed through the fifth through hole 7101 to be disposed on the negative side of the Y-axis with respect to the third hook 711. In the Y-axis direction, the first hook 41 and the third hook 711 are in contact with each other, thus regulating the movement of the chassis 4 in the positive direction of the Y-axis. In addition, the chassis 4 and the third hook 711 are in contact with each other in the X-axis direction, thus regulating the movement of the chassis 4 in the negative direction of the X-axis.
[0090] The pair of fifth through holes 7101 are provided to face the two first hooks 41.
[0091] The pair of projections 712 are provided one to one for the pair of sixth through holes 7102. Each of the pair of projections 712 is arranged to partially cover a corresponding one of the sixth through holes 7102. Each projection 712 protrudes from the bottom plate body 710. More specifically, each projection 712 protrudes in the positive direction of the Y-axis.
[0092] The pair of projections 712 are provided one to one for the pair of chasses 4. Each projection 712 is inserted into the recess 431e of corresponding one of the two chasses 4. In the X-axis direction, the projection 712 and the inner surfaces of the recess 431e are in contact with each other. This regulates the movement of the chassis 4 in the negative direction of the X-axis.
[0093] Each of the pair of sixth through holes 7102 has a bolt hole for letting a fastening member 110 (such as a bolt) for connecting the base 7 to the mover 9 pass therethrough as shown in FIG. 3.
[0094] The side plate 72 includes a side plate body 721 and a fourth hook 722.
[0095] The side plate body 721 has a plate shape. The side plate body 721 protrudes from the bottom plate body 710 along the thickness of the bottom plate body 710 (i.e., in the positive direction of the Y-axis). The thickness of the side plate body 721 is aligned with the X-axis direction.
[0096] The fourth hook 722 also has a plate shape. The fourth hook 722 protrudes in the negative direction of the X-axis from the tip of the side plate body 721 (i.e., the tip on the positive side of the Y-axis). The thickness of the fourth hook 722 is aligned with the Y-axis direction. On the fourth hook 722, hooked are respective second hooks 42 of the two chasses 4. The second hooks 42 are hooked on the fourth hook 722 while being elastically deformed. That is to say, the second hooks 42 are snap-fitted with the fourth hook 722.
[0097] The base 7 is connected to the anchor F1 only by hooking the (first hook 41 and the second hook 42 of the) anchor F1 onto the base 7. This makes it easier to connect and disconnect the base 7 and the anchor F1 to/from each other than connecting the base 7 and the anchor F1 to each other using a fastening member such as a bolt.
[0098] The side plate 72 has a pair of through holes 73 (seventh through holes). The pair of through holes 73 are provided one to one for the two chasses 4. Each through hole 73 is arranged to face the second hook 42 of a corresponding one of the two chasses 4. In addition, the pair of through holes 73 are provided to overlap with both the side plate body 721 and the fourth hook 722.
[0099] (8) How to mount base onto mover
As shown in FIG. 3, the base 7 is fixed onto the mover 9. For example, the base 7 may be fixed onto the mover 9 using two fastening members 110. That is to say, the mover 9 has a pair of through holes at such positions where the through holes are aligned with the pair of sixth through holes 7102 of the base 7 and the fastening members 110 are passed through the respective through holes of the mover 9 and the sixth through holes 7102 aligned with the respective through holes. Then, a washer 120 and a nut 130, for example, may be attached to each fastening member 110.
[0100] (9) How to remove chasses from base
The pair of chasses 4 are mounted onto the base 7. In the following description, an exemplary procedure of removing only one of the two chasses 4 from the base 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12–14. Note that only respective partial cross sections of the base 7 and the chassis 4 are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0101] First, as shown in FIG. 12, the worker passes a tool 140 such as a flathead screwdriver through one of the through holes 73 of the base 7. The through hole 73 faces the second hook 42 in the X-axis direction. Then, the worker performs the operation of pushing the second hook 42 with the tool 140. That is to say, the worker performs the operation of pushing the second hook 42 in the negative direction of the X-axis. This causes the second hook 42 to be elastically deformed and thereby displaced in the negative direction of the X-axis. This allows the second hook 42 to be unhooked from the fourth hook 722. More specifically, having the chassis 4 pushed by the tool 140 causes the chassis 4 to rotate around the point of contact between the first hook 41 and the third hook 711 as shown in FIG. 13.
[0102] Thereafter, the worker disengages the first hook 41 from the third hook 711 to pull the first hook 41 out of the fifth through hole 7101 provided with the third hook 711. In this manner, the chassis 4 may be removed from the base 7 as shown in FIG. 14.
[0103] (10) How to mount chassis onto base
The chassis 4 may be mounted onto the base 7 in the reverse procedure from the above-described procedure of removing the chassis 4 from the base 7. In the following description, an exemplary procedure of mounting only one of the two chasses 4 onto the base 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 13, the first hook 41 of the chassis 4 is inserted into the fifth through hole 7101 and moved to a position where the first hook 41 comes into contact with the third hook 711 from the negative side of the Y-axis. At this time, the chassis 4 has rotated around the point of contact between the first hook 41 and the third hook 711 compared to its position right after the chassis 4 has been mounted onto the base 7.
[0105] In this manner, the second hook 42 may be hooked onto the fourth hook 722 of the base 7 by rotating the anchor F1 around the first hook 41 with the first hook 41 hooked onto the third hook 711 of the base 7. That is to say, in the state shown in FIG. 13, the worker applies force to the anchor F1 in such a direction as to rotate the anchor F1 as shown in FIG. 12, thus bringing the second hook 42 into contact with the fourth hook 722. More specifically, the claw portion 422 of the second hook 42 comes into contact with the fourth hook 722. The second hook 42 receives reactive force in the negative direction of the X-axis from the fourth hook 722 to be elastically deformed and to cause the claw portion 422 of the second hook 42 to go over the fourth hook 722. As a result, the fourth hook 722 moves to the gap between the claw portion 422 and the stopper 44 as shown in FIG. 12.
[0106] Then, the second hook 42 is caused to move in a predetermined direction (aligned with the negative direction of the Y-axis) and be hooked onto the fourth hook 722 of the base 7. The stopper 44 regulates the movement of the second hook 42, which has been hooked onto the fourth hook 722 of the base 7, in the predetermined direction. That is to say, even if any force that causes the second hook 42 to move in the predetermined direction is applied to the anchor F1 after the second hook 42 has been hooked onto the fourth hook 722, the stopper 44 still comes into contact with the fourth hook 722, thus preventing the second hook 42 from moving in the predetermined direction.
[0107] As described above, the elastic modulus of the second hook 42 is less than the elastic modulus of the first hook 41. Thus, to mount the chassis 4 onto the base 7, the first hook 41 is hooked onto the base 7 first, and then the second hook 42 is elastically deformed and thereby hooked onto the base 7. On the other hand, to remove the chassis 4 from the base 7, the second hook 42 is elastically deformed and thereby unhooked from the base 7, and then the first hook 41 is unhooked from the base 7. This enables having the removal and mounting process steps done more easily.
[0108] (11) Procedure of replacing current collecting element
Next, an exemplary procedure of replacing the current collecting element 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12–14. The procedure of replacing the current collecting element 2 includes the step of disassembling the current collector 1 and the step of assembling respective constituent elements of the current collector 1.
[0109] First, the step of disassembling the current collector 1 will be described. The worker disconnects the cable 8 from the connector portion 3 as shown in FIG. 12. More specifically, the worker pulls the second connector portion 82 of the cable 8, thereby disconnecting the cable 8 from the connector portion 3.
[0110] Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the worker performs the step of pushing the second hook 42 with the tool 140. This causes the second hook 42 to be unhooked from the fourth hook 722, thus causing the anchor F1 to rotate around the point of contact between the first hook 41 and the third hook 711 as shown in FIG. 13.
[0111] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14, the worker removes the anchor F1 from the base 7. At this time, the anchor F1, the arm 6, and the current collecting element 2 are connected together. Then, the worker moves the assembly of the anchor F1, the arm 6, and the current collecting element 2 to a place where the work may be performed easily. In addition, the worker also removes the current collecting element 2 from the second mounting member 67 as shown in FIG. 14.
[0112] These are the respective steps for disassembling the current collector 1. Next, the worker performs the step of assembling the respective constituent elements of the current collector 1. The step of assembling the respective constituent elements of the current collector 1 includes the step of mounting a replacement current collecting element 2 onto the second mounting member 67. The step of assembling the respective constituent elements of the current collector 1 is performed in the reverse procedure from the step of disassembling the current collector 1.
[0113] The step of assembling the respective constituent elements of the current collector 1 includes, first, making the worker mount the replacement current collecting element 2 onto the second mounting member 67 as shown in FIG. 13. Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the worker hooks the first hook 41 onto the third hook 711 of the base 7. In addition, the worker rotates the anchor F1 around the first hook 41, thereby hooking the second hook 42 onto the fourth hook 722 of the base 7 as shown in FIG. 12. Finally, the worker connects the cable 8 to the connector portion 3. These are the steps for assembling the respective constituent elements of the current collector 1.
[0114] As can be seen from the foregoing description, this enables replacing the current collecting element 2 without removing the base 7 from the mover 9. In addition, the step of removing the anchor F1 from the base 7 may be done simply by pushing the second hook 42, thus making it easier to replace the current collecting element 2.
[0115] Furthermore, the worker is allowed to replace the current collecting element 2 after having carried the assembly of the anchor F1, the arm 6, and the current collecting element 2 to a place where the work may be done easily. Specifically, this allows the current collecting element 2 to be pulled out of the second mounting member 67 after the current collecting element 2 has been disconnected from the trolley wire T1. This reduces the chances of the current collecting element 2 interfering with the trolley wire T1 when pulling the current collecting element 2 out of the second mounting member 67.
[0116] (12) Procedure of having cable held by arm
Each of the two arms 6 holds a corresponding one of the cables 8. The cable 8 electrically connects the current collecting element 2 to the mover 9. The first surface 64a, the first rib 61, the pair of second ribs 62, the third rib 63, and the through hole 641 of the arm 6 form an exemplary anchoring structure 600 (refer to FIG. 4) for fixing the cable 8.
[0117] Note that the step of having the cable 8 held by the arm 6 may also be performed even in a state where the arm 6 is mounted onto the anchor F1 and the current collecting element 2 is mounted onto the arm 6. In addition, the step of having the cable 8 held by the arm 6 may also be performed even in a state where the arm 6 is separated from at least one of the anchor F1 or the current collecting element 2.
[0118] An exemplary procedure of having the cable 8 held by the arm 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0119] First, the worker inserts the cable 8 into the through hole 641 of the arm body 64. The first end of the cable 8 is extended toward the second surface 64b of the arm body 64 through the through hole 641 (refer to FIG. 3). On the other hand, the second end of the cable 8 is put on the first surface 64a of the arm body 64.
[0120] Next, the worker puts a part, currently facing the first surface 64a, of the cable 8 (including respective parts 80b–80e of the cable 8) on the positive side of the Y-axis with respect to the first rib 61.
[0121] Furthermore, the worker moves that part, currently facing the first surface 64a, of the cable 8 in the negative direction of the Y-axis. In this manner, the worker places the cable 8 as shown in FIG. 8. That is to say, the worker passes the cable 8 through the gap between the third rib 63 and the second rib 62a to place a part 80b of the cable 8 between the third rib 63 and the first surface 64a as shown in FIG. 8. In addition, the worker places another part 80c of the cable 8 between the second ribs 62a and the wall portion 65 as shown in FIG. 8. Furthermore, the worker bends still another part 80d of the cable 8 around the first rib 61 to place that part 80d of the cable 8 on the negative side of the Z-axis with respect to the first rib 61. Furthermore, the worker places yet another part 80e of the cable 8 between the second ribs 62b and the wall portion 65 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0122] The respective parts 80b, 80c, 80d, and 80e of the cable 8 are arranged side by side in this order in the X-axis direction.
[0123] To place that part 80d of the cable 8 around the first rib 61, the gap distance from the first rib 61 to each of the two second ribs 62 is preferably 0.9 to 1.2 times as long as the width of the cable 8, for example. In addition, to place that part 80d of the cable 8 around the first rib 61, the first rib 61 is preferably provided to be visually recognize through the gap between the two second ribs 62 as described above.
[0124] Next, the worker pushes the part 80d of the cable 8 through (or via) the gap between the two second ribs 62, thereby inserting the part 80d of the cable 8 into the gap between the first rib 61 and the first surface 64a. For example, the worker inserts one of his or her fingers or a tool, for example, into the gap between the two second ribs 62 to push the part 80d of the cable 8 with the finger or the tool. In this manner, the worker inserts the part 80d of the cable 8 into the gap between the first rib 61 and the first surface 64a. As a result, the part 80d of the cable 8 that has been bent is straightened as shown in FIG. 9. The direction in which the worker pushes the part 80d of the cable 8 is the positive direction of the Z-axis (i.e., the direction indicated by the arrow P1 in FIG. 8).
[0125] In this procedure, the cable 8 may be held by the arm 6.
[0126] In this case, the cable 8 is press-fitted into the gap between the first surface 64a and the first rib 61. More specifically, the part 80d of the cable 8 is press-fitted into the gap between the first surface 64a and the first rib 61. That is to say, the diameter of the cable 8 is equal to, or slightly less than, the gap distance between the first surface 64a and the first rib 61 and the cable 8 is slightly compressed and fixed between the first surface 64a and the first rib 61. This reduces the chances of the cable 8 shifting in the direction in which the cable 8 extends (hereinafter referred to as an “extension direction of the cable 8”). As used herein, the “shift of the cable 8 in the extension direction of the cable 8” refers to, for example, shift of the part 80d of the cable 8 which was located between the first rib 61 and the first surface 64a before the shift to either a point between the second ribs 62a and the wall portion 65 or a point between the second ribs 62b and the wall portion 65.
[0127] This reduces, even if the part 80a, currently facing the second surface 64b, of the cable 8 (refer to FIG. 9) is pulled, the chances of the cable 8 shifting in the direction in which the tensile force is applied, for example. In addition, this also reduces the chances of the cable 8 shifting due to its own weight in the extension direction of the cable 8, for example.
[0128] Unless the cable 8 shifts in its extension direction, part of the cable 8 from the through hole 641 through the connector portion 3 has a constant length L5 (refer to FIG. 2). Thus, that part of the cable 8 from the through hole 641 through the connector portion 3 also has a constant weight.
[0129] This reduces the chances of the current collecting element 2 being tilted due to an increase in the length L5 (i.e., due to loosening of the cable 8) and weight of the cable 8. Consequently, this may reduce the chances of causing a decrease in the area of contact between the current collecting element 2 and the trolley wire T1 (refer to FIG. 12) due to the tilt of the current collecting element 2.
[0130] In addition, this also reduces, when the cable 8 is pulled in such a direction that decreases the length L5 (i.e., in the positive direction of the X-axis), the chances of force being applied in the negative direction of the Y-axis to the current collecting element 2 via the cable 8. Consequently, this may reduce the chances of the current collecting element 2 being displaced in the negative direction of the Y-axis to come out of contact with the trolley wire T1.
[0131] Furthermore, the cable 8 is inserted into the gap between the wall portion 65 and the pair of second ribs 62. This may reduce the displacement of the cable 8 in the direction in which the wall portion 65 faces the pair of second ribs 62 (i.e., in the Z-axis direction). In particular, this reduces the chances of the cable 8 being displaced due to its own weight when the negative direction of the Z-axis agrees with the direction of gravitation. Consequently, this may reduce the chances of the cable 8 coming into contact with surrounding members (such as the other cable 8).
[0132] Furthermore, the cable 8 is inserted into the gap between the first surface 64a and the third rib 63. This may reduce the chances of the cable 8 being displaced away from the first surface 64a. Consequently, this may reduce the chances of the cable 8 coming into contact with surrounding members (such as the trolley wire T1).
[0133] (13) First guide portion and second guide portion
As shown in FIG. 10, the chassis 4 of the anchor F1 includes the first guide portion 47. The arm 6 has the second guide portion 68. The first guide portion 47 and the second guide portion 68 are constituent elements provided to reduce the chances of the orientation of the arm 6 deviating from a predetermined orientation.
[0134] The first guide portion 47 is a groove. The second guide portion 68 is a projection to be inserted into the groove.
[0135] The groove (the first guide portion 47) is depressed in the negative direction of the Y-axis. A part of the groove on the negative side of the Y-axis corresponds to the deepest point of the groove. The groove has a width that decreases toward the deepest point of the groove. More specifically, the groove is formed in a V-shape.
[0136] The projection (the second guide portion 68) faces the groove. The projection is convex in the negative direction of the Y-axis. The projection has a width that decreases in the negative direction of the Y-axis toward the tip 681 of the projection. More specifically, the projection is formed in a V-shape.
[0137] The compression spring S1 applies spring force to the arm 6 on the right (i.e., on the negative side of the X-axis) of the first mounting member 66 as the center of rotation of the arm 6. On the other hand, the second guide portion 68 is provided on the left of the first mounting member 66. Thus, as the compression spring S1 pushes the arm 6, the second guide portion 68 moves toward the first guide portion 47. That is to say, as the compression spring S1 pushes the arm 6, the second guide portion 68 moves in the negative direction of the Y-axis.
[0138] FIG. 10 illustrates a state where the arm 6 has the right orientation. At this time, the tip 471 of the first guide portion 47 on the negative side of the Y-axis and the tip 681 of the second guide portion 68 on the negative side of the Y-axis face each other in the Y-axis direction.
[0139] The holder 5 is turnable around the circular columnar portion 45 (refer to FIG. 3) of the chassis 4 as the axis of rotation. The arm 6 is also turnable, along with the holder 5, around the circular columnar portion 45 as the axis of rotation. Suppose a situation where the orientation of the arm 6 has deviated as shown in FIG. 11 due to the rotation of the arm 6 around an axis parallel to the Y-axis. In that case, the tip 471 of the first guide portion 47 and the tip 681 of the second guide portion 68 face each other in a direction intersecting with the Y-axis. In addition, the tip 681 of the second guide portion 68 is in contact with the slope of the first guide portion 47. The second guide portion 68 is biased (receives force) toward the negative direction of the Y-axis under the spring force applied from the compression spring S1 to the arm 6. Consequently, the arm 6 rotates around an axis parallel to the Y-axis such that the second guide portion 68 moves along the slope of the first guide portion 47 (i.e., in the direction indicated by the arrow P2 in FIG. 11). Finally, the arm 6 rotates to the point that the tip 681 of the second guide portion 68 faces the tip 471 of the first guide portion 47. That is to say, the arm 6 recovers the right orientation as shown in FIG. 10. As can be seen, this allows the deviation of the orientation of the arm 6 to be rectified using the spring force applied by the compression spring S1.
[0140] (Variations)
Next, variations of the exemplary embodiment will be enumerated one after another. Note that the variations to be described below may be adopted in combination as appropriate. In the following description, the configuration of the exemplary embodiment described above will be hereinafter referred to as a “basic example.”
[0141] (First variation)
A current collector 1A according to a first variation will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. In the following description, any constituent element of this first variation, having the same function as a counterpart of the basic example described above, will be designated by the same reference numeral as that counterpart’s, and description thereof will be omitted herein.
[0142] The current collector 1A according to this first variation includes three current collecting elements 2, three arms 6, three anchors F1, three compression springs S1, and three cables 8, which is a difference from the basic example described above. In addition, each current collecting element 2 includes two contact portions 21 and two covers 22, which is another difference from the basic example described above.
[0143] Besides, the base 7 has a structure for hooking and holding the three anchors F1. Specifically, the base 7 has three third hooks 711, on each of which the first hook 41 of a corresponding one of the three anchors F1 is hooked. The base 7 also has the fourth hook 722, on which the respective second hooks 42 of the three anchors F1 are hooked. The base 7 has three through holes 73 which face the three second hooks 42, respectively.
[0144] The three current collecting elements 2 have the same configuration. Thus, the following description will be focused on only one current collecting element 2 of the three.
[0145] Each of the current collecting elements 2 includes the two contact portions 21, the two covers 22, the insert portion 23 (first insert portion), the shaft 24, a coupling housing 25, a second insert portion 26, and two shafts 27.
[0146] The insert portion 23 has the same configuration as its counterpart of the basic example.
[0147] The shaft 24 couples the coupling housing 25 rotatably to the insert portion 23. In other words, the coupling housing 25 is turnable around the shaft 24.
[0148] The longitudinal axis of the coupling housing 25 is aligned with the X-axis direction. The coupling housing 25 has a pair of third mounting members 251 at both ends along its longitudinal axis. That is to say, the coupling housing 25 includes two third mounting members 251.
[0149] Each of the two third mounting members 251 has the same structure as the second mounting member 67 of the arm 6. That is to say, the third mounting members 251 each have a mounting hole 2511.
[0150] Each of the two second insert portions 26 has the same structure as the insert portion 23. The two second insert portions 26 are provided one to one for the two covers 22. Each second insert portion 26 couples a corresponding one of the two covers 22 to the coupling housing 25.
[0151] More specifically, the second insert portion 26 includes a coupling portion 261, a columnar portion 262, and two protruding pieces 263.
[0152] The coupling portion 261 is coupled to the cover 22. More specifically, the shaft 27 is passed through respective through holes of the coupling portion 261 and the cover 22, thus coupling the coupling portion 261 to the cover 22. The cover 22 is turnable, along with the contact portion 21, around the shaft 27 where the cover 22 is connected to the coupling portion 261.
[0153] The columnar portion 262 has a circular columnar shape. The longitudinal axis of the columnar portion 262 is aligned with the Y-axis direction. The columnar portion 262 protrudes from the coupling portion 261. The columnar portion 262 has a slit 2620 at the tip opposite from the coupling portion 261 (i.e., on the negative side of the Y-axis). The slit 2620 is a recess which is depressed from the tip of the columnar portion 262 toward the coupling portion 261.
[0154] The two protruding pieces 263 protrude from the tip, opposite from the coupling portion 261, of the columnar portion 262 in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal axis of the columnar portion 262. The direction in which one of the two protruding pieces 263 protrudes (i.e., the leftward direction) is opposite from the direction in which the other protruding piece 263 protrudes (i.e., the rightward direction). The slit 2620 is provided between these two protruding pieces 263.
[0155] The tip portion of the second insert portion 26 with the two protruding pieces 263 has a broader width than the columnar portion 262. Nevertheless, clamping the two protruding pieces 263 from both sides causes the second insert portion 26 to be elastically deformed to narrow the width of the slit 2620, thus reducing the width at the tip of the second insert portion 26. The cover 22 may be mounted onto the coupling housing 25 via the second insert portion 26 by inserting the tip of the second insert portion 26 in this state into the mounting hole 2511.
[0156] According to this first variation, pulling the second insert portion 26 out of the mounting hole 2511 of the coupling housing 25 allows the assembly consisting of the second insert portion 26, the cover 22, and the contact portion 21 to be removed and replaced. In addition, pulling the insert portion 23 out of the mounting hole 671 of the arm 6 allows the current collecting elements 2 to be removed and replaced as well.
[0157] (Other variations of exemplary embodiment)
Next, other variations of the exemplary embodiment will be enumerated one after another.
[0158] In any pair of a recess and a projection to be fitted into each other in the basic example described above, the recess and the projection may be interchanged with each other. Specifically, in the basic example described above, the first guide portion 47 is a groove (recess) and the second guide portion 68 is a projection to be inserted into the groove. Alternatively, the second guide portion 68 may be a groove (recess) and the first guide portion 47 may be a projection to be inserted into the groove. Also, although the circular columnar portion 45 (projection) of the chassis 4 is inserted into the recess 512 of the holder 5, for example, in the basic example described above, a projection of the holder 5 may be inserted into a recess of the chassis 4.
[0159] In the basic example described above, the second hook 42 is configured to be unhooked from the base 7 by the operation of pushing the second hook 42. In one variation, at least one member selected from the group consisting of the first hook 41 and the second hook 42 may also be configured to be unhooked from the base 7 by the operation of pushing the at least one member. Thus, the first hook 41, for example, may also be configured to have spring characteristics.
[0160] In the basic example described above, the second hook 42 is pushed and elastically deformed, thereby unhooking the second hook 42 from the base 7. In one variation, at least one of the first hook 41 or the second hook 42 may be configured to be pushed and elastically deformed and thereby unhooked from the base 7. Thus, the first hook 41, for example, may be pushed and elastically deformed and thereby unhooked from the base 7 through the fifth through hole 7101, which is provided for a region, facing the first hook 41, of the base 7. Therefore, the base 7 may have a through hole in a region thereof facing at least one of the first hook 41 or the second hook 42.
[0161] The current collector 1 according to the basic example includes the two current collecting elements 2, the two connector portions 3, the two anchors F1, the two compression springs S1, the two arms 6, the base 7, and the two cables 8. However, this is only an example and should not be construed as limiting. Rather, the number of each of these constituent elements provided may be changed as appropriate.
[0162] The arm 6 according to the basic example includes the two second ribs 62. However, this is only an example and should not be construed as limiting. Rather, the number of the second ribs 62 provided may also be one or three or more.
[0163] The plurality of members that are described as multiple separate members in the basic example described above may also be implemented as a single member as appropriate. For example, the holder 5 and the chassis 4 may be implemented as a single integral member.
[0164] The plurality of constituent elements that are described as forming a single integral member in the basic example described above may be manufactured as multiple separate members and then combined together afterward as appropriate. For example, the wall portion 65 and the first rib 61 may be manufactured as multiple separate members and then combined together afterward.
[0165] The first rib 61 does not have to protrude from the wall portion 65 but may protrude from, for example, a columnar member protruding from the first surface 64a.
[0166] The first hook 41 and the second hook 42 may be formed on the same surface. For example, the first hook 41 and the second hook 42 may be formed on the bottom portion 431 of the chassis 4.
[0167] The current collector 1 may include a tensile spring instead of the compression spring S1. The tensile spring applies, to the arm 6, force that causes the second mounting member 67 of the arm 6 to be displaced in the positive direction of the Y-axis. This ensures sufficient contact pressure between the current collecting element 2 and the trolley wire T1.
[0168] (Recapitulation)
The exemplary embodiment and its variations described above are specific implementations of the following aspects of the present disclosure.
[0169] A current collector (1; 1A) according to a first aspect transmits electric power from a trolley wire (T1) to a mover (9). The current collector (1; 1A) includes an arm (6) configured to support a current collecting element (2) thereon. The current collecting element (2) is in contact with the trolley wire (T1). The arm (6) has a first surface (64a), a first rib (61), and a through hole (641). The first surface (64a) is configured to make contact with a cable (8) for use to electrically connect the current collecting element (2) to the mover (9). The first rib (61) is configured to clamp the cable (8) between the first surface (64a) and the first rib (61) itself and thereby hold the cable (8) thereon. The through hole (641) is configured to let the cable (8) pass therethrough.
[0170] This configuration may reduce the chances of causing positional shift to the cable (8) by clamping the cable (8) between the first rib (61) and the first surface (64a) and letting the cable (8) pass through the through hole (641). Consequently, this may reduce the chances of the cable (8) loosening or being pulled.
[0171] In a current collector (1; 1A) according to a second aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the first aspect, the cable (8) is press-fitted into a gap between the first surface (64a) and the first rib (61).
[0172] This configuration may further reduce the chances of causing positional shift to the cable (8).
[0173] In a current collector (1; 1A) according to a third aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the first or second aspect, the arm (6) further includes a wall portion (65) protruding from the first surface (64a) along a normal to the first surface (64a). The first rib (61) protrudes from the wall portion (65).
[0174] This configuration allows the cable (8) to be held on the surface of the wall portion (65).
[0175] In a current collector (1; 1A) according to a fourth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the third aspect, the wall portion (65) has a longitudinal axis aligned with a direction in which the cable (8) extends between the first surface (64a) and the first rib (61).
[0176] This configuration allows the cable (8) to be disposed along the longitudinal axis of the wall portion (65).
[0177] In a current collector (1; 1A) according to a fifth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, the arm (6) further has a second rib (62) protruding from the first surface (64a) along the normal to the first surface (64a). The second rib (62) faces the wall portion (65). The cable (8) is inserted into a gap between the wall portion (65) and the second rib (62).
[0178] This configuration may reduce the chances of the cable (8) being displaced away from the wall portion (65), i.e., in the negative direction of the Z-axis.
[0179] In a current collector (1; 1A) according to a sixth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the fifth aspect, the arm (6) has a pair of the second ribs (62). The first rib (61) is arranged to be visually recognizable through a gap between the pair of the second ribs (62).
[0180] This configuration allows the cable (8) to be easily inserted into the gap between the first rib (61) and the first surface (64a) by letting a part of the cable (8) pass through the gap between the pair of the second ribs (62).
[0181] In a current collector (1; 1A) according to a seventh aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the sixth aspect, a gap distance (L1) measured at a height position of the first rib (61) between the pair of the second ribs (62) is longer than a shortest gap distance (L2) between the wall portion (65) and the pair of the second ribs (62).
[0182] This configuration makes it easier to let a part of the cable (8) pass through the gap between the pair of the second ribs (62).
[0183] In a current collector (1; 1A) according to an eighth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to seventh aspects, the arm (6) further has a third rib (63) facing the first surface (64a). The cable (8) is inserted into a gap between the first surface (64a) and the third rib (63).
[0184] This configuration may reduce the chances of the cable (8) being displaced away from the first surface (64a).
[0185] A current collector (1; 1A) according to a ninth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to eighth aspects, further includes an anchor (F1) and a compression spring (S1). The anchor (F1) has a joint portion (52) on which the arm (6) is mounted. The arm (6) further has: a first mounting member (66) attached to the anchor (F1); a second mounting member (67) on which the current collecting element (2) is mounted; and a second surface (64b) opposite from the first surface (64a). The arm (6) is turnable around the first mounting member (66). The compression spring (S1) is clamped between a region, located between the first mounting member (66) and the second mounting member (67), of the second surface (64b) and the anchor (F1).
[0186] This configuration enables ensuring sufficient contact pressure between the current collecting element (2) and the trolley wire (T1) using the spring force applied by the compression spring (S1). In addition, this configuration also makes it easier to reduce the size of the current collector (1; 1A) compared to a situation where a tensile spring is used instead of the compression spring (S1).
[0187] In a current collector (1; 1A) according to a tenth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the ninth aspect, the anchor (F1) and the arm (6) respectively have a first guide portion (47) and a second guide portion (68). The first guide portion (47) and the second guide portion (68) reduce the chances of an orientation of the arm (6) deviating from a predetermined orientation. One of the first guide portion (47) or the second guide portion (68) is a groove and the other of the first guide portion (47) or the second guide portion (68) is a projection to be inserted into the groove.
[0188] This configuration may reduce the deviation of the orientation of the arm (6).
[0189] In a current collector (1; 1A) according to an eleventh aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the tenth aspect, the second guide portion (68) is configured to move toward the first guide portion (47) as the compression spring (S1) pushes the arm (6). The groove has a width that decreases toward a deepest point of the groove.
[0190] This configuration allows the deviation of the orientation of the arm (6) to be rectified using the spring force applied by the compression spring (S1).
[0191] A current collector (1; 1A) according to a twelfth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further includes an anchor (F1). The arm (6) further has: a first mounting member (66) attached to the anchor (F1); and a second mounting member (67) on which the current collecting element (2) is mounted. The arm (6) is turnable around the first mounting member (66). A gap distance (L3) between the first mounting member (66) and the first rib (61) is shorter than a gap distance (L4) between the first mounting member (66) and the second mounting member (67).
[0192] According to this configuration, the gap distance (L3) between the first rib (61) and the first mounting member (66) as the center of rotation is relatively short, thus enabling reducing the displacement of the first rib (61) while performing the work of clamping the cable (8) between the first rib (61) and the first surface (64a). This makes it easier to have the work done smoothly.
[0193] In a current collector (1; 1A) according to a thirteenth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the through hole (641) through which the cable (8) is passed is provided through the first surface (64a).
[0194] This configuration allows the cable (8) to be placed within a region overlapping with the arm (6) when viewed from a surface facing the first surface (64a). This may reduce the chances of the cable (8) coming into contact with peripheral constituent elements surrounding the current collector (1; 1A).
[0195] Note that the constituent elements according to the second to thirteenth aspects are not essential constituent elements for the current collector (1; 1A) but may be omitted as appropriate.
[0196] An arm (6) according to a fourteenth aspect is used in the current collector (1; 1A) according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects.
[0197] This configuration may reduce the chances of causing positional shift to the cable (8).

Reference Signs List
[0198] 1; 1A Current Collector
2 Current Collecting Element
6 Arm
8 Cable
9 Mover
47 First Guide Portion
52 Joint Portion
61 First Rib
62 Second Rib
63 Third Rib
64a First Surface
64b Second Surface
65 Wall Portion
66 First Mounting Member
67 Second Mounting Member
68 Second Guide Portion
641 Through Hole
F1 Anchor
L1 Gap Distance
L2 Shortest Gap Distance
S1 Compression Spring
T1 Trolley Wire , Claims:1. A current collector (1; 1A) configured to transmit electric power from a trolley wire (T1) to a mover (9), the current collector (1; 1A) comprising an arm (6) configured to support a current collecting element (2) in contact with the trolley wire (T1),
the arm (6) having:
a first surface (64a) configured to make contact with a cable (8), the cable (8) being configured to electrically connect the current collecting element (2) to the mover (9);
a first rib (61) configured to clamp the cable (8) between the first surface (64a) and the first rib (61) itself and thereby hold the cable (8) thereon; and
a through hole (641) configured to let the cable (8) pass therethrough.

2. The current collector (1; 1A) of claim 1, wherein
the cable (8) is press-fitted into a gap between the first surface (64a) and the first rib (61).

3. The current collector (1; 1A) of claim 1 or 2, wherein
the arm (6) further includes a wall portion (65) protruding from the first surface (64a) along a normal to the first surface (64a), and
the first rib (61) protrudes from the wall portion (65).

4. The current collector (1; 1A) of claim 3, wherein
the wall portion (65) has a longitudinal axis aligned with a direction in which the cable (8) extends between the first surface (64a) and the first rib (61).

5. The current collector (1; 1A) of claim 3 or 4, wherein
the arm (6) further has a second rib (62) protruding from the first surface (64a) along the normal to the first surface (64a),
the second rib (62) faces the wall portion (65), and
the cable (8) is inserted into a gap between the wall portion (65) and the second rib (62).

6. The current collector (1; 1A) of claim 5, wherein
the arm (6) has a pair of the second ribs (62), and
the first rib (61) is arranged to be visually recognizable through a gap between the pair of the second ribs (62).

7. The current collector (1; 1A) of claim 6, wherein
a gap distance (L1) measured at a height position of the first rib (61) between the pair of the second ribs (62) is longer than a shortest gap distance (L2) between the wall portion (65) and the pair of the second ribs (62).

8. The current collector (1; 1A) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
the arm (6) further has a third rib (63) facing the first surface (64a), and
the cable (8) is inserted into a gap between the first surface (64a) and the third rib (63).

9. The current collector (1; 1A) of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:
an anchor (F1) having a joint portion (52) on which the arm (6) is mounted; and
a compression spring (S1), wherein
the arm (6) further has:
a first mounting member (66) attached to the anchor (F1);
a second mounting member (67) on which the current collecting element (2) is mounted; and
a second surface (64b) opposite from the first surface (64a),
the arm (6) is turnable around the first mounting member (66), and
the compression spring (S1) is clamped between a region, located between the first mounting member (66) and the second mounting member (67), of the second surface (64b) and the anchor (F1).

10. The current collector (1; 1A) of claim 9, wherein
the anchor (F1) and the arm (6) respectively have a first guide portion (47) and a second guide portion (68) configured to reduce chances of an orientation of the arm (6) deviating from a predetermined orientation, and
one portion selected from the group consisting of the first guide portion (47) and the second guide portion (68) is a groove and the other portion selected from the group consisting of the first guide portion (47) and the second guide portion (68) is a projection configured to be inserted into the groove.

11. The current collector (1; 1A) of claim 10, wherein
the second guide portion (68) is configured to move toward the first guide portion (47) as the compression spring (S1) pushes the arm (6), and
the groove has a width that decreases toward a deepest point of the groove.

12. The current collector (1; 1A) of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an anchor (F1),
the arm (6) further has:
a first mounting member (66) attached to the anchor (F1); and
a second mounting member (67) on which the current collecting element (2) is mounted,
the arm (6) is configured to be turnable around the first mounting member (66), and
a gap distance (L3) between the first mounting member (66) and the first rib (61) is shorter than a gap distance (L4) between the first mounting member (66) and the second mounting member (67).

13. The current collector (1; 1A) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein
the through hole (641) through which the cable (8) is passed is provided through the first surface (64a).

14. An arm (6) for use in the current collector (1; 1A) of any one of claims 1 to 13.