A rail vehicle roof with electric roof equipment having at least one disconnect switch includes at least a first insulator, to which an electrically conductive disconnector is connected, and a second insulator with an electrically conductive first contacting device for connection to the disconnector, where the at least one disconnect switch is connected to the rail vehicle roof, where at least the first insulator is arranged at an angle to a vertical axis of the rail vehicle roof, and where the first insulator is arranged rotated about a parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rail vehicle roof such that an extent of the disconnect switch in the direction of the vertical axis is reduced.

A work vehicle includes a pantograph assembly disposed above a cab where an operator rides, a sensor assembly mounted to the pantograph, a control module that includes a guidance system, and steering control system. A visual display is provided in the cab and is configured to display visual indicia of the position of the work vehicle relative to trolley wires by a plurality of lights based on the data received from the sensor assembly. By the steering control system manually or automatically, the pantograph assembly is able to align with the trolley lines so that electric power can be supplied to the work vehicle.

A pantograph assembly for a vehicle includes a linkage configured to be mounted to the vehicle and movable relative to the vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. A current-collecting rail is supported by the linkage. The current-collecting rail includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a top surface extending between the first end and the second end, and a bottom surface. The current-collecting rail is configured to slidingly contact an overhead wire when the linkage is in the deployed position, and wherein the current-collecting rail is spaced apart from the overhead wire when the linkage is in the stowed position. An end adapter is attached to one of the first end and the second end of the current-collecting rail. A sensor assembly is mounted to the end adapter and configured to detect a distance from the overhead wire.

A trolley auto-guided steering is provided to maintain pantographs centered under the power lines, allowing it to achieve higher speeds on grade and reduce wear on a pantograph shoe and/or a carbon brush by moving the contact area within the acceptable constraint limits. The pantograph includes a linkage configured to be mounted to the vehicle and movable relative to the vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. A current-collecting rail is supported by the linkage. A sensor assembly is mounted to the pantograph assembly and configured to detect a distance from the overhead wire. Data from the sensor assembly allows for continuous dynamic variable steering toward an aim point determined based on vehicle speed. This helps maintain the work vehicle's position underneath the overhead trolley lines and reduces operator fatigue.

A trolley auto-guided steering is provided to maintain pantographs centered under the power lines, allowing it to achieve higher speeds on grade and reduce wear on a pantograph shoe and/or a carbon brush by moving the contact area within the acceptable constraint limits. The pantograph includes a linkage configured to be mounted to the vehicle and movable relative to the vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. A current-collecting rail is supported by the linkage. A sensor assembly is mounted to the pantograph assembly and configured to detect a distance from the overhead wire. Data from the sensor assembly allows for continuous dynamic variable steering toward an aim point determined based on vehicle speed. This helps maintain the work vehicle's position underneath the overhead trolley lines and reduces operator fatigue.

A pantograph assembly includes one or more force dampeners. When the pantograph is in a lowered position, the force dampeners absorb forces imparted onto the pantograph assembly by the movement of a work machine to which the pantograph assembly is installed. Additionally, in some examples, the pantograph assembly includes a support frame that provides structural rigidity to an A-frame.

A pantograph assembly includes one or more force dampeners. When the pantograph is in a lowered position, the force dampeners absorb forces imparted onto the pantograph assembly by the movement of a work machine to which the pantograph assembly is installed. Additionally, in some examples, the pantograph assembly includes a support frame that provides structural rigidity to an A-frame.

An electromechanical joint provides rotational movement in at least two dimensions while conducting electrical power between orthogonal hubs. The joint, shaped as a cross, has four conical shafts positioned orthogonally and apart from each other within an interior of a housing. Apexes of the conical shafts face each other proximate a centroid of the housing. A conductive fluid, such as Galinstan, fills recesses between the conical shafts. Separate yokes attached to pairs of the hubs may impart forces on the shafts, causing the shafts to rotate within the conductive fluid around orthogonal axes. The conductive fluid provides simultaneous conduction of electrical power between the hubs. The yokes may be affixed respectively to a current collector and conductive arms of a work machine for improved movement and power conduction without the need for additional components.

An electromechanical joint provides rotational movement in at least two dimensions while conducting electrical power between orthogonal hubs. The joint, shaped as a cross, has four conical shafts positioned orthogonally and apart from each other within an interior of a housing. Apexes of the conical shafts face each other proximate a centroid of the housing. A conductive fluid, such as Galinstan, fills recesses between the conical shafts. Separate yokes attached to pairs of the hubs may impart forces on the shafts, causing the shafts to rotate within the conductive fluid around orthogonal axes. The conductive fluid provides simultaneous conduction of electrical power between the hubs. The yokes may be affixed respectively to a current collector and conductive arms of a work machine for improved movement and power conduction without the need for additional components.

A control system includes an interface device having a body extending between a first end and a second end and that provides power to a vehicle system from an external power source. Sensors may be coupled with the interface device and detect sensor data associated with the coupling of the external power source with the interface device. A controller receives the sensor data from the sensors and determines a coupling location at which the external power source is coupled with the interface device. The coupling location may be at a first position between the first end and the second end of the interface device. The controller controls movement of the vehicle system to change the coupling location between the external power source and the interface device from the first position to a second position between the first and second ends of the body.