Abstract:
A current collector (15) is provided for transmitting energy between a contact wire (2) and a motor coach. The current collector comprises at least one collector shoe (1) and a support arm (11) constructed and arranged to lift the collector shoe, and to apply a contact force in which the collector shoe lies below and against the contact wire. The support arm is rotatably connected to the motor coach about a horizontal axis (17) and raiseable about the axis by a lifting device (3). The lifting device includes a fast actuator (23) which is constructed and arranged to be controlled by a control device (22) in dependence on a signal (20, 21) of at least one displacement sensor, force sensor (18), or acceleration sensor (19) located on the current collector to maintain the contact force of the collector shoe against the contact wire.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a current collector for an electrically powered vehicle. The collector includes a current collecting member which collects current from a current supplying body and conducts the current to a load in the vehicle. The current collecting member is coupled to a driving system through a first insulating element. The driving system moves the current collecting member to the current supplying body. A sensor for controlling the driving system is positioned between the driving system and the insulating element.
Abstract:
An emergency lowering system for a vehicle mounted pantograph in which lever actuated trip valves are disposed at opposite ends of the pantograph current collector in a position to be actuated in the event that an overhead contact wire tends to slide off and end of the current collector. The trip valves control a relay air valve which is arranged to supply a relatively large volume of high pressure air to a pneumatic jack wherein the jack is connected to lower the pantograph. In a preferred embodiment the emergency lowering system is adapted to supply air at a higher pressure and larger volume than the normal lowering system whereby the pantograph is lowered at a faster rate in an emergency. For use in a train of vehicles the system includes a pressure responsive switch for detecting initiation of an emergency lowering condition and for providing a signal which can be used to effect lowering of all pantographs in the train if any one pantograph experiences an emergency condition.