GB2523122A

GB2523122A - Inductive pickup arrangement mountable to and movable relative to an electric vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2523122A
Application number: GB1402481.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jacques Vanhessche; Sonja Boedt; Nico Van Tuyckom; Bertrand Desire
Original assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
Current assignee: Alstom Transportation Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2014-02-12
Filing date: 2014-02-12
Publication date: 2015-08-19
Also published as: CN105189192A; CN105189192B; GB201402481D0; WO2015121322A1

Abstract

An inductive receiver arrangement 1 to be mounted on an electric vehicle comprises a pickup portion 2 with an inductance for receiving a magnetic field, a mounting portion 3 attachable to a vehicle, and an actuator 4 to cause motion of the pickup portion 2 relative to the mounting portion 3 and vehicle. The mounting portion 3 and the inductive receiver 2 are moveably connected to each other via a connecting portion 5. The connecting portion 5 comprises three parts: a first region 105 of a lever 5a, which extends from the actuator 4 to a first joint 6 which connects it to the mounting portion 3; a second region 106 of the lever 5a which extends from the first joint 6 (in a different direction to the first region 105) to the second joint 9; and a connecting element 5b which extends from the second joint 9 to the pickup portion 2. The first and second hinges 6, 9 have parallel axes of rotation, allowing the inductive receiver 2 to move towards and away from the mounting portion and vehicle. The connecting portion 5 is arranged next to a side margin of the receiver unit 2, so that the axes of rotation of hinges 6 and 9 form an orthogonal set with the side margin and the direction of motion of the pickup unit 2.

Description

Inductive pickup arrangement mountable to and movable relative to an electric vehicle The invention relates to an inductive pickup arrangement to be mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the arrangement by magnetic induction. In addition, the invention relates to a method of operating such an inductive pickup arrangement. The arrangement comprises a pickup portion comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy. The arrangement further comprises a mounting portion mounted or to be mounted on the vehicle. At least one actuator of the arrangement is provided for actuating movement of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the pickup portion are moveably connected to each other via at least one connecting portion. When the actuator causes movement of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion, a position of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion is varied. Typically, the pickup portion is moved away from the mounting portion in order to bring the pickup portion in a position in which it produces the electric energy. In particular, the pickup may be arranged relative to the mounting portion, so that weight forces of the pickup portion move the pickup portion further away from the mounting portion, unless the actuator or an external object prevents this.

The invention also relates to an electric land vehicle, in particular a road automobile or a rail vehicle, which comprises the inductive pickup arrangement.

Electric land vehicles may be provided with energy in different manners. One option is to charge an energy storage on-board the vehicle while the vehicle stops and by using an electric cable connection. According to another option, the energy is transferred to the vehicle in a wireless manner using a magnetic field which induces an electric voltage in at least one inductance on-board the vehicle. The expression "pickup" has been used for the device which comprises at least one inductance.

An example is described in US 3,914,562. The document describes an electrically driven vehicle having suitable batteries to drive the vehicle on conventional roads. The vehicle has means for receiving power from a conductor embedded in a prepared roadway for driving the vehicle and for charging the batteries. The power receiving means on-board the vehicle, i.e. the pickup, which is/are mounted at the bottom of the vehicle, can be lowered towards the surface of the road in order to reduce the size of the air gap between the pickup and the conductor embedded in the roadway. The pickup comprises a pickup core including a central elevated section and a pair of lateral sections disposed closer to the road which serve as magnetic poles. A pickup coil is wound about the central core section. A pickup position control automatically or manually adjusts the position of the pickup relative to the roadway.

The pickup position control comprises a pair of relays for energizing an electric motor of the means for raising and lowering the pickup. These raising and lowering means include a linkage connecting the framework of the vehicle to suitable bracing elements secured to the pickup core. Two sets of bell crank arms are connected to the bracing elements and to a double ended reciprocating output member provided by the motor. The arms are mounted by pivot pins to the vehicle framework.

The raising and lowering means described in US 3.914562 require a large space with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, the pickup and the raising and lowering means need to be taken into account in the conceptual design of the vehicle. Alteration of an existing vehicle, i.e. mounting a pickup and a corresponding lifting device, requires extensive effort or is impossible, if the vehicle is not yet designed to be operated using such a pickup.

WO 2013/167757 A2 describes an inductive pickup arrangement to be mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the arrangement by magnetic induction, wherein the arrangement comprises a pickup portion comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy, a mounting portion to be mounted on the vehicle, and an actuator for actuating movement of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the pickup portion are moveably connected to each other by at least two connecting portions. A distance from the pickup portion to the mounting portion in a vertical direction can be varied by the actuator which comprises a prolongable section which can be prolonged and shortened by operating the actuator and which extends from a first bearing attached to the mounting portion to a second bearing attached to the pickup-portion. By prolonging or shortening the prolongable section, the pickup is moved in vertical direction. The prolongable section comprises a first operating state in which the prolongable section is shorter than in a second operating state, so that the distance from the pickup portion to the mounting portion is smaller in one of the first and second operating states than in the other of the first and the second operating states. Although the disclosed arrangement requires less space with respect to the vertical direction it is still desirable to reduce the required space and to minimize the alteration of existing vehicles.

In particular, the inductive pickup arrangement according to the present invention may comprise any combination of the features of WO 2013/167757 A2 which are mentioned in the preceding paragraph which relates to this document. In particular, the at least one actuator may have the prolongable section mentioned. However, it is also possible that the inductive pickup arrangement has other features than mentioned in the preceding paragraph or mentioned in WO 2013/1 67757 A2.

It is an object of a first aspect of the invention to provide an inductive pickup arrangement which requires little space for the components of the arrangement that effect motion of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion. In particular, it shall be possible to mount the arrangement to electric vehicles, which are not designed to be operated using such a pickup arrangement. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding method of operating an inductive pickup arrangement.

According to a basic idea of the first aspect, the connecting portion is rotatably connected to the mounting portion so that it can rotate about a rotation axis (referred to as The first rotation axis" in the following) which rotation axis is fixed relative to the mounting portion.

In particular, if the pickup portion is to be lowered in order to be moved away from the mounting portion and in order to bring the pickup portion in a position in which it effectively produces electric energy by magnetic induction, the first rotation axis extends in horizontal direction or substantially horizontal direction. However, it should be noted that "horizontal direction" and "vertical direction" are terms in this specification relating to the situation while the vehicle is driving or is standing on a horizontal plane. If the vehicle is driving or standing on a plane which is tilted compared to a horizontal plane, the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are tilted correspondingly. A horizontal or substantially horizontal first rotation axis has the advantage that the connecting portion can be rotated, thereby lifting or lowering the pickup portion which is connected to the connecting portion.

According to another basic idea of the first aspect, the connecting portion is arranged next to a side margin of the pickup portion and the first rotation axis extends transversely to the side margin. "Next to a side margin" means that one of different side margins or a section of the periphery of the pickup portion is arranged nearest to the connecting portion and that the first rotation axis transversely extends to the nearest side margin or nearest section of the periphery.

In the standard case, in which the pickup portion is to be lowered and lifted in a vertical or substantially vertical direction, the sidegeneral margin or periphery of the pickup portion encloses the pickup portion if viewed in the vertical direction and the horizontally extending first rotation axis cuts the nearest side margin or nearest section of the periphery (at least if the pickup portion is in its position nearest to the mounting portion).

More generally speaking, the pickup portion is moved when the actuator is operated, thereby moving the pickup portion away from the mounting portion or toward the mounting portion (thereby approaching the mounting portion). The general direction in which the pickup portion is moved is also referred to as the resulting pickup motion direction". However, since the motion of the pickup portion is effected by rotating the connecting portion about the first rotation axis, the precise path of the motion is generally a section of a circular line. Typically, not only one connecting portion, but at least two connecting portions (and preferably at least two connecting portions on either side of the pickup portion) are used and each connecting portion is rotated about a corresponding first rotation axis, wherein the different first rotation axes extend in parallel to each other (i.e. they are parallel axes). In this case, a pickup portion which has a planar surface or defines a plane for receiving magnetic field lines of the magnetic field which induces an electric voltage in the pickup portion, the planar surface or plane is moved so that it is shifted parallel-wise. Any direction normal (perpendicular) to the planar surface or plane is a resulting pickup motion direction. Since the actual path of motion is a part of a circular line, the motion generally has a component perpendicular to the resulting pickup motion direction.

In addition or alternatively to the feature, that the connecting portion is arranged next to a side margin of the pickup portion and that the first rotation axis extends transversely to the side margin, the pickup arrangement may be configured so that the actuator(s) actuates motion of the arrangement in a direction extending along the nearest side margin of the pickup portion. In particular, this motion can be transmitted via a coupling portion (see below) extending along the side margin of the pickup portion, while the pickup portion is in the nearest position to the mounting portion. This configuration saves space, since the required movable parts of the arrangement can be arranged close to the side margin.

The mounting portion can be a single part, such as a circumferential frame, or any combination of different parts. It is also possible that the mounting portion or at least one part of the mounting portion is an integral part of the vehicle.

In particular, the actuator may have a prolongable section which can be prolonged and shortened by operating the actuator. Preferably, the prolongable section can be prolonged linearly. Examples are piston/cylinder unit (such as hydraulically or pneumatically driven units) and linear motors. In particular if the prolongable section is prolonged or shortened in a horizontal direction or substantially horizontal direction (diverging from the horizontal direction by not more than 20 degrees) the connecting portion may transfer the horizontal motion into a motion of the pickup portion in a vertical direction or substantially vertical direction (diverging from the vertical direction by not more than 20 degrees). In particular, a deviation angle of direction of the motion horizontal or vertical direction may be limited (depending on the specific embodiment of the arrangement) to a maximum deviation angle of 5, 10 or 15 degree, for example.

The actuator (e.g. the prolongable section) may be coupled directly or indirectly (via a coupling portion, see below) to the connecting portion. In particular, the coupling portion may comprise a rod or another elongated element and forces between the pickup portion and the actuator may be transferred in the longitudinal direction of the elongated element. For example, a first end of the elongated element may be connected to the actuator (e.g. to the prolongable) and the connecting portion or the mechanically coupled connecting portions may be connected to the elongated element at a position or at positions distant to the first end. The rod or other elongated element may consist of a single part or may comprise a plurality of parts which are connected to each other. It is also possible that the relative position of two or more than two parts of the rod or elongated element in the longitudinal direction or in another direction can be adjusted, in particular for the purpose of adjusting the mechanical coupling of the pickup portion to the actuator(s) and/or for the purpose of bringing the pickup arrangement in another mode of operation (such as a mode in which a motion of the pickup portion further away from the mounting portion is prevented, see below).

The connecting portion comprises a lever which is rotatably connected to the mounting portion via a first joint, the first joint allowing rotational motion about the first rotation axis.

The lever has a first region extending from the first joint in a first direction and has a second region extending from the first joint in a second direction which differs from the first direction, the first region being connected to the actuator and the second region being rotatably connected via a second joint to a connecting element connecting the connecting portion to the pickup portion.

The first joint and the second joint are arranged to allow for rotating motion about parallel axes of rotation (the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis) resulting in the pickup portion moving in the resulting pickup motion direction either away from the mounting portion or approaching the mounting portion.

In particular, the following is proposed: An inductive pickup arrangement to be mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the inductive pickup arrangement by magnetic induction, wherein: -the arrangement comprises a pickup portion comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy, -the arrangement comprises a mounting portion mounted or to be mounted on the vehicle, -the arrangement comprises at least one actuator for actuating motion of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion, -the mounting portion and the pickup portion are moveably connected to each other via at least one connecting portion.

-the connecting portion comprises a lever rotatably connected to the mounting portion via a first joint, -the lever has a first region extending from the first joint in a first direction and has a second region extending from the first joint in a second direction which differs from the first direction, the first region being connected to the actuator and the second region being rotatably connected via a second joint to a connecting element connecting the connecting portion to the pickup portion, -the first joint and the second joint are arranged to allow for rotating motion about parallel axes of rotation resulting in the pickup portion moving in a resulting pickup motion direction either away from the mounting portion or approaching the mounting portion, -the connecting portion is arranged next to a side margin of the pickup portion and the parallel axes of rotation extend -if viewed in the resulting pickup motion direction -transversely to the side margin.

Furthermore, a method is proposed of operating an inductive pickup arrangement mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the inductive pickup arrangement by magnetic induction, wherein the method comprises the following: -operating an actuator of the arrangement, thereby acting on a connecting portion of the arrangement, which is arranged next to a side margin of the pickup portion and movably connects a mounting portion mounted to the vehicle and a pickup portion to each other, the pickup portion comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy.

-by the acting causing movement of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion and varying a position of the pickup portion, -the actuator acting directly or indirectly via a coupling portion on a first region of a lever of the connecting portion thereby rotating the lever about a first rotation axis which is fixed relative to the mounting portion, so that * a second region of the lever, * a connecting element being rotatable about a second rotation axis connected to the second region and connecting the connecting portion to the pickup portion and * the pickup portion.

are moved, -the first rotation axis and the second rotational axis are parallel axes of rotation, so that the pickup portion is moved in a pickup motion direction either away from the mounting portion or approaching the mounting portion, and -the parallel axes of rotation extend -if viewed in the pickup motion direction -transversely to the side margin.

Preferably, a first imaginary rectilinear line along the extension of the first region to the connection of the connecting portion to the actuator or to the coupling portion and a second imaginary rectilinear line along the extension of the second region to the second joint enclose an angle about the first rotation axis which angle is smaller than 150 degrees and preferably in the range of 70 to 110 degrees. In particular, the lever can therefore transform a horizontal motion or substantially horizontal motion of the actuator or of the coupling portion into a vertical or substantially vertical motion of the pickup portion.

In particular, the second imaginary rectilinear line may enclose an angle with the resulting motion direction of the pickup portion in the range of 25 to 45 degrees, preferably in the range of 30 to 40 degrees, when the pickup portion is in the position nearest to the mounting portion (which generally can be referred as the retracted position). In addition or alternatively, the second imaginary rectilinear line may enclose an angle with the resulting motion direction of the pickup portion in the range of -25 to -45 degrees, preferably in the range of -30 to -40 degrees, when the pickup portion is in a position further away from the mounting portion, in which position the pickup portion is usually operated in order to produce electric energy. This corresponds to a rotational motion of the connecting portion about the first rotation axis by a rotation angle of in the range of 50 to 90 degrees, preferably in the range of 60 to 80 degrees. Furthermore, it is preferred that the connecting element which is connected to the second region of the connecting portion via the second joint extends in the resulting motion direction of the pickup portion and has a length measured in the resulting motion direction of the pickup portion which is equal to the component of the extension of the second region measured in the resulting motion direction, while the pickup portion is in the position nearest to the mounting portion. Such a configuration of the connecting portion saves space in the resulting motion direction.

In the following, a further aspect of the first aspect of the invention is described. The further aspect refers to the configuration of the movable parts between the mounting portion and the pickup portion. This configuration addresses the problem that the vehicle may be tilted compared to a plane (in particular the plane of the road or track of the vehicle on which the vehicle may travel), which is the plane that is the pickup portion approaching when it is moved by the pickup arrangement in order to bring the pickup portion in the operating position (the position in which it effectively produces electric energy by magnetic induction).

The configuration also addresses the problem that there may be a foreign object or obstacle on a part of the plane so that the pickup portion cannot fully contact the plane. The configuration allows for a tilt motion of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion so that a tilt of the vehicle can be compensated and/or the foreign object or obstacle can be compensated by the tilt motion of the pickup portion.

According to the configuration, a connecting element (which is in particular the connecting element mentioned above which is connected to the second region of the connecting portion via the second joint mentioned above) comprises a joint (in the following referred to as the second joint in order to distinguish from the first joint mentioned above, is rotatably connected with the pickup portion via a third joint. The second joint is arranged to allow for rotation about a second rotation axis. The third joint is arranged to allow for rotation about a third rotation axis extending transversely to the resulting pickup motion direction, wherein the third axis of rotation is parallel to an axis of rotation of the second joint (which is preferably not the second rotation axis) and wherein the connecting element is rectilinearly movable relative to the pickup portion in the direction of an axis which extends -if viewed in the resulting pickup motion direction -perpendicularly to the additional axis of rotation and which extends transversely to the resulting pickup motion direction.

The configuration can be realized in particular according to the first aspect of the invention mentioned above. Alternatively, the configuration can be realized in combination with any other inductive pickup arrangement to be mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the inductive pickup arrangement by magnetic induction, wherein: -the arrangement comprises a pickup portion comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy, -the arrangement comprises a mounting portion to be mounted on the vehicle, -the arrangement comprises at least one actuator for actuating motion of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion, -the connecting element of the configuration is connected to the mounting portion via the second joint.

According to a corresponding method the pickup portion is allowed to perform a tilt motion which is enabled by at least two of the connecting elements having in each case * a rotational degree of freedom of the second joint, * a rotational degree of freedom of the third joint and * a rectilinear degree of freedom of the connecting element relative to the pickup portion.

The two rotational degrees of freedom referred to in each case one related rotation axis, wherein these two rotation axes are parallel to each other and are transverse to the axis of the rectilinear degree of freedom.

According to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, a plurality of the connecting portion are arranged next to the same side margin of the pickup portion, wherein the first regions of the levers of the connecting portions are mechanically coupled together and wherein the actuator is connected to the first regions of the levers so that actuation motion of the actuator results in synchronous motion of the mechanically coupled connecting portions on the same side of the pickup portion.

In this embodiment, the same actuator or combination of actuators is used to actuate the mechanically coupled connecting portions. Accordingly, there is no need for a separate actuator for actuating the coupled connecting portions. Furthermore, synchronous motion of the plurality of connecting portions is reliably achieved. Therefore, a parallel-wise motion of the pickup portion is possible using simple and reliable mechanical means. The number of coupled connecting portions may be any number greater or equal than two, such as three.

Preferably, the different coupled connecting portions are arranged at the same position with respect to the resulting pickup motion direction and are arranged at a distance to each other.

In the following, a second aspect of the invention is described. This second aspect can be combined with any other aspect of the invention or with any combination of the other aspects or can be realized separately.

When the pickup portion is moved away from the mounting portion in order to operate the pickup portion, it may unexpectedly abut on an obstacle. For example, a foreign object not belonging to the arrangement or to the primary side field generating device which generates the magnetic field may be present and may block or hinder further motion of the pickup portion. This may cause wear or damage of the pickup portion.

One way to avoid such wear or damage is to monitor the operation of the actuator(s) and to stop operating the actuator(s) if the actuation force provided by the actuator(s) or if the actuation motion of the actuator(s) does not match expected behavior. However, a complicated control system is required for this purpose. Furthermore, malfunction of the control system results in wear or damage of the pickup portion. In addition, there is always a delay in the reaction of the control system to an obstacle and the actuation will continue until the control system stops the actuator operation.

It is an object of the second aspect of the invention to provide an inductive pickup arrangement, which is to be mounted on an electric vehicle via a mounting portion and which can be moved relative to the mounting portion by actuation of at least one actuator, wherein wear and damage of the pickup portion shall immediately and reliably be avoided if the pickup portion abuts on an obstacle. It is a further object to provide a corresponding method of operating an inductive pickup arrangement.

According to a basic idea of the second aspect of the present invention, the pickup arrangement comprises two parts in the transmission path between the actuator and the pickup portion. These two parts are movably (in particular slidably) connected to each other and the second part defines a stop for a motion of the first part relative to the second part. In particular, the two parts are parts of a coupling portion which couples the actuator to the connecting portion.

During normal operation, when no obstacle blocks or hinders the motion of the pickup portion, the first part rests on the stop and the pickup portion is moved away from the mounting portion by its own weight forces. The at least one actuator moves the second part and, thereby, enables this motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion. The weight forces of the pickup portion constitute a load for the actuator(s).

In contrast, when an obstacle blocks or hinders the motion of the pickup portion, the actuator may still actuate movement of the second part in the same manner as during the normal operation, but the first part will move relatively to the second part, because the first part is connected to the pickup portion and its motion is therefore also blocked or hindered.

Compared to prior art solutions, there is no substantial additional force transferred from the actuator to the pickup portion. If the actuator continues moving, there may be small forces (in particular friction forces) which are transferred from the second part to the first part, but the interaction between the first pad and the second part can be designed easily in a manner so that these forces and the corresponding forces acting on the pickup portion are negligible.

The decoupling of the actuator(s) from the pickup portion, as described above, is an advantage of the second aspect of the present invention compared to a control system controlling the actuator to stop (see above) if the motion of the pickup portion is blocked or hindered. Due to the decoupling, there is no delay in the response of the system. On the other hand, such a control system can optionally be provided in addition to the movable configuration of the first part and the second part relative to each other. As a result of the relative motion of the first part and the second part, the transmission path for force transmission between the pickup portion and the actuator(s) is interrupted immediately and the actuator(s) is/are released from the weight forces of the pickup portion. The control system may detect this release and may stop the operation of the actuator(s), in particular before the relative motion between the first part and the second part and comes to an end, for example because the first part reaches a second motion stop of the second part.

Another advantage of the second aspect is that the decoupling of the actuator(s) from the pickup portion is very reliable, since it is permanent and easy to manufacture and does not require complicated control features. In the preferred embodiment, a simple mechanic design of the second part is sufficient (see below).

In particular, the following is proposed: An inductive pickup arrangement to be mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the inductive pickup arrangement by magnetic induction, wherein: -the arrangement comprises a pickup portion comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy, -the arrangement comprises a mounting portion mounted or to be mounted on the vehicle.

-the arrangement comprises at least one actuator for actuating movement of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion, -the mounting portion and the pickup portion are moveably connected to each other via at least one connecting portion, -wherein, by the actuator causing movement of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion, a position of the pickup portion can be varied, -the actuator is coupled to the connecting portion via a coupling portion, -the coupling portion comprises a first coupling portion part and comprises a second coupling portion part moveably connected to the first coupling portion part and defining a stop for a motion of the first coupling portion part relative to the second coupling portion part, -the arrangement being configured in a first mode of operation to allow the pickup portion moving away from the mounting portion while the first coupling portion part abuts on the stop defined by the second coupling portion part, -the arrangement being configured in a second mode of operation, if a motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion is blocked or hindered, to allow relative motion of the first coupling portion part and the second coupling portion part, thereby decoupling an actuation motion and/or an actuation force of the actuator from the connecting portion.

Furthermore, a method is proposed of operating an inductive pickup arrangement mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the inductive pickup arrangement by magnetic induction, wherein the method comprises the following: -operating an actuator of the arrangement, thereby acting on a coupling portion of the arrangement, the coupling portion being coupled to a connecting portion of the arrangement, which movably connects a mounting portion mounted to the vehicle and a pickup portion to each other, the pickup portion comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy, -by the acting causing movement of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion and varying a position of the pickup portion, -allowing the pickup portion to move away from the mounting portion while a first coupling portion part abuts on a stop defined by a second coupling portion part, and -if a motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion is blocked or hindered, to allow relative motion of the first coupling portion part and the second coupling portion part, thereby decoupling an actuation motion and/or an actuation force of the actuator from the connecting portion.

In particular, the relative motion of the first coupling portion part and the second coupling portion part is a rectilinear motion.

Preferably, the coupling portion comprises a guide for guiding a slide motion of the first coupling portion part relative to the second coupling portion part, so that the second coupling portion part is slidably connected to the first coupling portion part and the second coupling portion part defines a slide stop for a slide motion of the first coupling portion part relative to the second coupling portion part.

A guide for a slide motion can easily be manufactured and makes sure that the relative motion is performed in a manner predetermined by the guide.

In particular, the guide may be formed by an elongated hole in the second coupling portion part, wherein the first coupling portion part can slidably be moved in a longitudinal direction of the elongated hole against the slide stop which is formed by an end of the elongated hole.

Optionally, the margins of the elongated hole can be formed by different materials and/or elements. For example, an elongated cut out can be formed in the second coupling portion part and an insert may be inserted at least partially into the cut out, so that the insert forms at least a section of the margin of the elongated hole, in particular a section comprising the slide stop. Such an insert may be made of elastic material and/or of a material reducing friction while the first coupling portion part moves relatively to the second coupling portion part.

In particular, the first coupling portion part may be an element of a joint enabling rotational motion of the connecting portion relative to the coupling portion while the pickup portion is being moved away from or is approaching the mounting portion. In this case, the coupling portion enables a transmission in particular from a rectilinear motion of the actuator and the second coupling portion part to a rotational motion.

A particular embodiment of the method can be performed, when the mounting portion has been mounted to a vehicle. In this case, the pickup portion can be moved away from the mounting portion (and thereby away from the region of the vehicle to which the mounting portion is mounted) by operating the actuator(s). If the pickup portion (while moving) abuts on an external object, the actuator(s) is/are allowed to further move the coupling portion, thereby to cause a motion of the first coupling portion part relative to the second coupling portion part. This avoids that actuation forces of the actuator(s) act on the connecting portion.

In the following, a third aspect of the invention is described. This third aspect can be combined with any other aspect of the invention or with any combination of the other aspects or can be realized separately.

Since the pickup arrangement comprises movable parts, it is not entirely excluded that the motion of the pickup portion is blocked. In addition, the actuator may not work when required.

In particular, the pickup portion may be in a position away from the mounting portion and it is required to move the pickup portion to the position nearest to the mounting portion or to a position closer to the mounting portion. This may be the case, if a vehicle has stopped for being provided with electric energy generated by the pickup portion. Generally, it is preferred that the pickup portion is positioned as close as possible to a primary side conductor arrangement which generates the magnetic field that induces the electric voltage in the pickup portion. However, the vehicle cannot drive while the pickup portion is positioned closely to parts or material not belonging to the vehicle. A greater minimum distance of the pickup portion to vehicle-external parts or material is required during travel.

According to an object of the third aspect of the invention, availability of the vehicle motion shall be increased.

According to a basic idea of the third aspect, motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion is prevented if necessary, for example if the actuator or one of the actuators malfunctions. As a result, the position of the pickup portion is secured and the pickup portion can be moved toward the mounting portion only, if this motion is possible at all.

If the pickup portion is in a position in which motion of the vehicle is not possible, but required, the pickup portion can be moved away from vehicle-external parts or material either before or after securing the pickup so that it cannot move (further) away from the mounting portion. For example, the pickup portion can be moved closer to the mounting portion using a tool which is not a permanent part of the pickup arrangement (such as an external leaver).

However, it is preferred to first secure the position of the pickup portion and then to use a separate lifting device of the vehicle, which is not part of the pickup arrangement, to move the pickup portion away from the external parts or material. A corresponding embodiment is described in more detail below. In this case, the vehicle can travel at least to a repair station.

Securing the pickup in particular means that at least one movable part of the pickup arrangement is fixed or blocked so that it cannot perform a motion which results in the pickup portion moving away from the mounting portion. Optionally, motion which results in the pickup portion approaching the mounting portion may still be possible, despite the pickup being secured.

Securing the position of the pickup portion so that motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion is prevented has another advantage, which in particular applies to the circumstances that weight forces of the pickup portion would urge the pickup portion away from the mounting portion (see above). Securing the position releases the malfunctioning actuator(s) from forces caused by the pickup portion. Therefore, repairing or replacing the actuator(s) is substantially facilitated. In particular, if features of the second aspect of the invention are also realized, relative motion of the first coupling portion pad and the second coupling portion part facilitates the repair or replacement further: since the motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion is prevented and, therefore, motion of the first coupling portion part in the corresponding direction is also prevented, the second coupling portion part can be moved relative to the first coupling portion pad and releases the actuator(s) from any forces executed via the first coupling portion pad.

In particular, the following is proposed according to the third aspect of the invention: An inductive pickup arrangement to be mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the inductive pickup arrangement by magnetic induction, wherein: -the arrangement comprises a pickup portion comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy, -the arrangement comprises a mounting portion mounted or to be mounted on the vehicle, -the arrangement comprises at least one actuator for actuating movement of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion, -the mounting portion and the pickup portion are moveably connected to each other via at least one connecting portion, -wherein, by the actuator causing movement of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion a position of the pickup portion can be varied, -the actuator is coupled to the connecting portion via a coupling portion, -a motion preventing device is provided which is configured to directly or indirectly prevent motion of the connecting portion in a motion direction which would result in the pickup portion moving away from the mounting portion, -in a first mode of the motion preventing device, the arrangement is configured to allow the pickup portion moving away from the mounting portion while the motion preventing device does not prevent motion of the connecting portion, -in a second mode of the motion preventing device, the arrangement is configured to prevent motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion.

Furthermore, a method is proposed of operating an inductive pickup arrangement mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the inductive pickup arrangement by magnetic induction, wherein the method comprises the following: * operating an actuator of the arrangement, thereby acting on a coupling portion of the arrangement, the coupling portion being coupled to a connecting portion of the arrangement, which movably connects a mounting portion mounted to the vehicle and a pickup portion to each other, the pickup portion comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy, * by the acting causing movement of the pickup portion relative to the mounting portion and varying a position of the pickup portion, * using a motion preventing device being configured to directly or indirectly prevent motion of the connecting portion in a motion direction which would result in the pickup portion moving away from the mounting portion.

* in a firs! mode of the motion preventing device, allowing!he pickup portion moving away from the mounting portion while the motion preventing device does not prevent motion of the connecting portion, * in a second mode of the motion preventing device, preventing motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion.

Preferably, a part of the coupling portion, which is movably connected to the connecting portion is combined with the motion preventing device, so that motion of the part of the coupling portion in a direction allowing the pickup portion to move away from the mounting portion is prevented in the second mode of the motion preventing device. This corresponds to an embodiment of the method in which motion of a part of the coupling portion, which part is movably connected to the connecting portion, in a direction allowing the pickup portion to move away Trot-n!he mounting portion is preven!ed in the second mode of!he motion preventing device.

With this embodiment, there is no need for extra parts in order to prevent motion in the second mode of the motion preventing device or in order to allow the pickup portion moving away from the mounting portion in the first mode of the motion preventing device.

The motion preventing device may comprise a movable element which can engage the part of the coupling portion at different positions, wherein the movable element engages the part of the coupling portion in the first mode of the motion preventing device at a first position and engages the part of the coupling portion in the second mode of the motion preventing device at a second position and wherein the movable element abuts on the mounting portion or on the vehicle in the second mode of the motion preventing device, so that a motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion is prevented. According to a corresponding embodiment of the method, the movable element is moved from the first position to the second position and vice versa in order to change between the first and second mode.

In particular if the different positions at which the movable element can engage the part of the coupling portion are predefined, the arrangement can be brought into the first and second mode reliably and reproducibly.

In particular, the movable element and the part of the coupling portion form a screw gear, so that the movable element can be moved relative to the part of the coupling portion and can be brought into the first and the second position by screwing motion of the movable element.

According to a corresponding embodiment of the method, the movable element is moved relative to the part of the coupling portion and is brought in the first or the second position by screwing motion of the movable element.

A screw gear has the advantage that the different pads of the screw gear which engage each other can be moved relatively to each other along the predefined longitudinal axis of the screw gear, while unintentional motion of the different parts is prevented. In addition, a screw gear can be operated easily using standard tools and there is no need for inserting or coupling an additional element in the second mode of the motion preventing device which is not present in the first mode of the motion preventing device.

Preferably, the pickup portion is arranged relative to the mounting portion, so that weight forces of the pickup portion move the pickup portion further away from the mounting portion, unless the actuator, an external object or the motion preventing device prevents this.

According to this preferred embodiment, the weight forces of the pickup portion urging the pickup portion away from the mounting portion and the motion preventing device prevents this in the second mode of operation. A corresponding method can be performed in particular if the vehicle has a separate lifting device which can be operated independently of the inductive pickup arrangement. Such lifting devices are typically used in buses for passenger transport. Especially for the comfort of passengers entering or leaving the bus at a bus stop such lifting devices are used to lower the passenger compartment. Before the bus continues its journey, the lifting device lifts the passenger compartment into the standard position.

According to the corresponding method, the pickup portion is moved or has been moved in a position lower than a position of the mounting portion by operating the actuator and a vehicle frame, to which the mounting portion is mounted, is thereby moved or has been moved downwards relative to wheels of the vehicle by operating the lifting device (which is a device other than the actuator) performing the following: -bringing the motion preventing device into the second mode of the motion preventing device so that the motion preventing device prevents the pickup portion from being moved from its position relative to the mounting portion further downwards and -lifting the vehicle frame upwards by using the lifting device, thereby lifting the mounting portion and the pickup portion.

The advantage is that the vehicle may continue with its journey without the need for a repairperson to repair the inductive pickup arrangement, if there is a malfunction.

Examples of the invention will be described with reference to the attached figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 an isometric three-dimensional view of a pickup arrangement from above, Fig. 2 an isometric three-dimensional view of the pickup arrangement of Fig. 1 from below, Fig. 3 a side view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 onto the backside in Fig. 1. while the pickup portion of the arrangement is in the top position, namely the position nearest to the mounting portion, Fig. 4 a side view similar to the view of Fig. 3, while the pickup portion is in a position further away from the mounting portion, Fig. 5 schematically three operating states of a pickup arrangement similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, wherein the upper part of the figure shows the pickup in the top position, the middle part shows the pickup in a position further away from the mounting portion and the lower part shows the pickup in a position even further away from the mounting portion, where the pickup portion rests on a planar surface of the ground, Fig. 6 schematically a top view of a pickup arrangement similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, wherein the pickup portion is in the position nearest to the mounting portion, Fig. 7 a schematic view of the same arrangement as shown in Fig. 6, wherein the pickup portion is in a position further away from the mounting portion, Fig. 8 schematically a side view of a part of a pickup arrangement, in particular of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 or shown in Fig. Sand Fig. 7, wherein the part of the arrangement allows for the pickup portion to tilt, Fig. 9 the part of the arrangement as shown in Fig. 8, wherein the pickup portion is in a tilted state, Fig. 10 an enlarged partial view of Fig. 3, showing that a second coupling portion part comprises an elongated cutout thereby allowing a first coupling portion part to slide relatively to the second coupling portion part, Fig. 11 another enlarged partial view of Fig. 3 showing an embodiment of a motion preventing device comprising a screw gear formed on the coupling portion and a screw stop formed on the mounting portion, Fig. 12 an enlarged partial view of Fig. 11, Fig. 13 an elongated hole and a part of the fourth joint which rests on a motion stop provided by the margin on one end of the elongated hole, in order to illustrate an example of the second aspect of the invention, and Fig. 14 the elongated hole of Fig. 13, wherein the pad of the fourth joint is moved away from the motion stop guided by the margins of the elongated hole.

Fig. ito Fig. 4 show a pickup arrangement 1 comprising a pickup portion 2 formed as a rectangular block with some fittings, comprising a mounting portion 3 having several parts for mounting the arrangement 1 to a vehicle, comprising two actuators 4 for actuating motion of the pickup portion 2 relative to the mounting portion 3 downwards and comprising several movable parts and elements effecting the motion of the pickup portion 2 when the actuators 4 actuate the motion.

The movable parts and elements are arranged on opposite sides of the pickup portion 2 along the two longer side margins of the pickup portion 2. The configuration of the movable pads and elements is symmetric to the longitudinal axis of the pickup portion 2 extending in the center of the pickup portion 2. Therefore, the two side views shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 could be inverted with respect to an axis of reflection extending from top to bottom in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and the corresponding view of the opposite side of the arrangement would be achieved.

As also illustrated schematically in Fig. 5, the actuators 4 are prolongable so that an element of the actuator 4 moves a longitudinal connection 44 to another movable part 41 in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal connection 44. The longitudinal direction extends substantially in horizontal direction, although depending on the position of the movable part 41 relative to a rotation joint 6, the orientation of the longitudinal direction slightly varies. This is also illustrated by part 51 that is connected to the longitudinal connection 44 at one end and is connected to the mounting portion 3 at the opposite end, wherein the ends of part 51 allow for rotation about a respective horizontal axis (which extends perpendicularly to the image plane of Fig. 5). However, part 51 can be omitted in other embodiments of the arrangement and is not part of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4.

The movable part 41, which belongs to a coupling portion of the arrangement couples the actuator 4 with a connecting portion 5, in particular with a lever Sa of the coupling portion 5.

The lever 5a has a first region 105 connected with the coupling portion via a fourth rotating joint 19. In addition, the lever 5a can be rotated about a first rotation axis of a first joint 6, wherein the first rotation axis is fixed relative to the mounting portion 3. A second region 106 of the lever 5a extends from the first joint 6 to a second joint 9 for allowing rotational motion about a second rotation axis which is fixed relative to a connecting element Sb. An opposite end of the connecting element Sb is connected to the pickup portion 2 via a third joint 39 allowing rotational motion about a third rotation axis. The first to fourth rotation axes of the first joint 6. the second joint 9, the third joint 39 and the fourth joint 19 extend in parallel to each other.

As a result, while the actuator 4 is pushing the longitudinal connection 44 towards the movable part 41, the lever Sa is (in Fig. 5 clockwise) rotated about the first rotation axis of the first joint 6. Since the first region 105 and the second region 106 enclose an angle of 90 degrees in the embodiment shown, which angle relates to the first rotation axis, the substantially horizontal motion of the movable part 41 is transmitted into a substantially vertical motion of the pickup portion 2. In particular, the third joint 39, which is attached to the pickup portion 2, is moved on a circular path P downward.

The motion shown in Fig. 5 is constrained by at least one further movable element which is not shown in Fig. 5. Such additional movable elements are the rods 37 shown in the side views of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and in the similar embodiment shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. These rods 37 are connected to the mounting portion 3 via a fifth joint 36 and are connected to the pickup portion 2 via a sixth joint 35. The rotation axes of these joints 35, 36 also extend in parallel to the other rotation axes. Therefore, the connecting element Sb shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. S is inclined relative to the vertical direction in the top position of the pickup portion 2 (upper part of Fig. 5), is even further inclined relative to the vertical direction in the position of the middle part of Fig. 5 and is not inclined relative to the vertical direction in the position of the pickup portion 2 shown in the lower part of Fig. 5.

As a result, the pickup portion 2 is lowered away from the mounting portion 3 until it rests on the surface 70 of the ground.

Fig. 5 also illustrates schematically an embodiment of a motion preventing device comprising the parts which are denoted in Fig. 5 by the reference numerals 121, 123. However, this does not mean that a motion preventing device is present in every embodiment of the pickup arrangement of this type. A specific embodiment of a motion preventing device will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12.

As mentioned before, Fig. 5 schematically shows the principle of an embodiment of a pickup arrangement. Details of a specific embodiment of this type are shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 and Fig. 10 to Fig. 12.

The actuators 4 may be linear motors. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a rod-like front part 40 of the actuator 4 is connected to a first element 41 of the coupling portion which couples the actuator 4 with the lever 5a.

The actuators 4 are connected to a part of the mounting portion 3. Therefore, prolonging the actuator moves the front end part 40 in substantially horizontal direction relative to the mounting portion 3 and parallel to the longer side margin of the pickup portion 2.

The first element 41 of the coupling portion is connected to the first region 105 of the lever 5a via the fourth rotation joint 19a shown on the left hand side of Fig. 3 and also shown in the enlarged views of Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Since the actuator 4 can also rotate about a horizontally extending rotation axis in the region where it is connected to the mounting portion 3, the actuator and the first element 41 of the coupling portion can perform the slight tilt motion which is explained above in connection with Fig. 5.

The first element 41 of the coupling portion is also connected via the fourth joint 1 9a to further pads 42, 46, 48, 47, 49 and 50, which are connected to each other one after the other in this sequence. As a result, an elongated section of the coupling portion is formed which connects the first element 41 with the second lever 5a shown on the right hand side of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. This lever 5a is connected to the part 50 of the coupling portion via the fourth joint 1 9b shown on the right hand side of Fig. 3. As a result, the actuator 4 and the first element 41 are coupled to two connecting portions 5 connecting the coupling portion with the pickup portion 2 on either longitudinal side margin of the arrangement. In different embodiments, there may be more than two connecting portions on either side of the pickup portion, wherein these connecting portions are mechanically coupled together and with the respective actuator.

Each connecting portion 5 shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 comprises the lever 5a and the connecting element Sb. In the specific embodiment shown, the lever 5a has a second region 106 which is angled. The connecting element 5b is also angled. However, other designs of the lever and the connecting element are possible.

As mentioned before, the section of the coupling portion, which couples the different connecting portions 5, comprises different parts. One of these parts 47 is a screw connection. By screwing elements of part 47 along the longitudinal axis of the coupling portion, the length of the coupling portion section coupling the different connecting portions can be adjusted. Thereby, the alignment of the pickup portion with respect to the horizontal line extending in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 from left to right can be adjusted.

Fig. 4 shows parts of the mounting portion 3 which partially cover the first region 105 of the lever 5a and the region where the lever Sa is connected to the coupling portion. This covering part of the mounting portion 3 covers these regions and also holds the first joint 6.

In addition, the cover shown on the right hand side of Fig. 4 holds the fifth joint 36. However, other embodiments of the arrangement with respect to the supporting structure of the joints 6, 36 which are fixed to the mounting portion are possible.

A further cover of the mounting portion 3 is shown in Fig. 4 in between the covers which cover the connections to the connecting portion. This middle cover covers a part 123 of the motion preventing device. This part 123 is also shown in Fig. 3. In addition, Fig. 3 shows the regions of the three covers of Fig. 4 without these covers. Therefore, other parts and fixing elements (such as screws) of the mounting portion are visible in Fig. 3. The covers and some of the movable parts of the coupling portion and of the connecting portion 5 are also visible in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

The schematic top views of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 illustrate a specific embodiment of a pickup arrangement similar to the pickup arrangement shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Some parts are not visible in these top views, since they are covered by other parts. This applies in particular to the third joints 39 which are positioned under the second joints 9 in this example. In addition.

the width of the pickup portion 2 in Fig. Sand Fig. 7 is illustrated much smaller than in practice. Furthermore, parts 5b are shown as horizontally extending parts for illustration purposes. These and other parts may be realized in a different manner in practice, for example as shown in Fig. 8 and 9. The same reference numerals are used in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 as in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 for parts which perform the same function. For simplicity, the coupling portion is shown as a simple one-pieced rod 41. Instead, the coupling section between the different connecting portions 5 on the same side of the pickup portion 2 can be configured as shown in Fig. 3 or configured in a different manner.

The actuators 4 on both sides of the pickup portion 2 (the right hand side and the left hand side in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) are shown at the bottom of the figures. A rectangular frame symbolizes the mounting portion 3 to which the fixed ends of the actuators 4, holders of the first joints 6 and the fifth joints 36 are attached.

The front end 40 of the actuators are coupled to the respective coupling portion 41, which, on the other hand, is connected to two fourth joints 1 9a, 1 9b on either side of the pickup portion 2. The fourth joints 19 in each case connect the coupling portion 41 to a connecting portion 5 having a first region 105 and a second region 106. At the transition between the first region and the second region 106, the lever 5a of the connecting portion 5 is rotatably connected via the first joint 6 to the mounting portion 3.

In the specific embodiment shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the second joints 9 and the third joints 39 rotatably connect the connecting element Sb of the connecting portion 5 to the lever 5a or the pickup portion 2, respectively. The second joint 9 and the third joint 39 are configured to allow for a rotation about in each case one horizontally extending rotation axis extending transversely to the extension of the longer side margin of the pickup portion 2 and thereby extending transversely to the motion direction of the actuators 4 and the longitudinal direction of the coupling portion 41. In addition, the second joint 9 and the third joint 39 allow for a rotation in each case about a rotation axis so that (due to an additional rectilinear horizontal degree of freedom of the pickup portion 2 relative to the connecting portions 5) the pickup portion 2 can tilt about a horizontally extending tilt axis which extends in between the pairs of connecting portions 5. These pairs of connecting portions 5 may be the connecting portions on the same side of the pickup portion 2 (so that the tilt axis extends from left to right in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) or may be the connecting portions S on the opposite sides of the mounting portion 3 facing each other (so that the tilt axis extends from top to bottom in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). For the latter case, an explanation of the tilt function is described in the following with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. In particular, the views of Fig. 8 and 9 may be side views of the arrangement of Fig. 6 and 7, especially from the side shown at the top or bottom of Fig. 6 and 7.

These figures show (at the top) a section of the second region 106 of the lever 5a which is rotatably connected to the connecting element 5b via the second joint 9. In the specific configuration shown, the second joints 9 are ball joints, in particular ball eye joints, i.e. ball joints in which one part of the joint forms an eye with a spherical inner surface for receiving the other part of the ball joint.

The third joint 39 may also be a ball joint, in particular a ball eye joint. However, instead of ball joints other types of joints can be used for the second and third joints which allow for rotation about two different horizontally extending or substantially horizontally extending rotation axes. One example is a Cardan joint which is also called universal joint.

As mentioned above, the pickup portion 2 has an additional degree of freedom along a rectilinear axis substantially extending in horizontal direction. This rectilinear axis extends (if viewed from the top or bottom) transversely to the extension of the rotation axes of the second and third joints which allow for the tilt motion of the pickup portion 2. With respect to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 this means that the rectilinear axis 63 extends from left to right and that the rotation axes of the second joints 9 and the third joints 39 which allow for the tilt motion extend perpendicularly to the image plane. The rectilinear degree of freedom is indicated by double arrows in Fig. 8. In the specific embodiment shown, two brackets 61 which are connected to the third joint 39 carry a structure (in particular a rod) extending along the rectilinear axis 63, so that the structure can guide the rectilinear motion of the pickup portion 2 along the structure in the direction of the rectilinear axis 63. There are corresponding connecting elements 65 of the pickup portion 2 which are the elements that are guided in each case by the structure. Each connecting element 65 may comprise a through-hole through which the rod may extend.

Although the tilt motion of the pickup portion 2 is particularly useful to compensate for the tilt of a vehicle comprising the pickup arrangement compared to the horizontal surface of the ground, the tilt function is illustrated in Fig. 9 with respect to an obstacle 71 resting on the surface 70 of the ground. If the arrangement as shown in Fig. 8 is lowered toward the ground, the pickup portion 2 first contacts the obstacle 71 and further lowering results in the rotations of the second joints 9 and the third joints 39 as well as the rectilinear motion along the rectilinear axis 63 as illustrated in Fig. 9. The rotation angles of the second joint 9 and the third joint 39 on the left hand side in Fig. 9 are larger than the rotation angles of the joints on the right hand side as illustrated by the lengths of circular arrows next to the respective joint.

Furthermore, due to the rectilinear degree of freedom, the pickup portion is tilted about a tilt axis extending perpendicularly to the image plane of Fig. 9. The rectilinear displacement of the pickup portion 2 relative to the third joint 39 on the left hand side of the Fig. 9 differs from the rectilinear displacement of the pickup portion 2 relative to the third joint 39 on the right hand side. Therefore, the distance between the two third joints 39 is reduced compared to the non-tilted state shown in Fig. 8.

The rectilinear degree of freedom can be realized by another configuration as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. For example, the third joints may provide for the rectilinear motion of the pickup portion 2 relative to the connecting element 5b. This means that the rectilinear axis cuts the third joint.

Examples of an embodiment of the pickup arrangement comprising features of the second aspect of the invention are described with reference to Fig. 10 in the following: The first element 41 of the coupling portion connects the front end 40 of the actuator 4 with the first region 105 of the lever 5a and with the part 42 of the coupling portion. The first element 41 comprises an elongated hole 43, the longitudinal axis of which extends in the motion direction in which the motion of these movable parts is performed when actuated by operating the actuator 4.

Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 show the elongated hole 43 with the other parts, except a part 191 of the fourth joint 1 9a, removed. The part 191 is a rod-like part (such as an axle) of the joint 19 which extends in the direction perpendicular to the image planes of Fig. 10, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. The "x" in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 indicates the position of the rotation axis of the fourth joint 1 9a. The first element 41 can be considered as the second coupling portion part mentioned above and the part 191 can be considered as the first coupling portion part mentioned above.

The part 191 abuts on the motion stop 143 provided by the margin at the end of the elongated hole 43 on the right hand side in Fig. 10 and Fig. 13 during normal operation while the pickup portion 2 is moved away from the mounting portion or while the pickup portion 2 is moved by the actuator closer to the mounting portion. The weight forces of the pickup portion urge the part 191 toward the motion stop 143.

The width of the elongated hole 43 which is measured in a direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 43, is adapted to the diameter of the rotationally symmetric part 191 so that the part 191 can slide in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 43. This motion is illustrated by an arrow A in Fig. 11 and Fig. 14 and happens if an obstacle (such as the obstacle 71 in Fig. 9 or the surface 70 of the ground) or the motion preventing device (in case of the third aspect of the invention) prevents further motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion, while the actuator 4 continues its motion thereby pushing the front end 40 and the first element 41 in the direction opposite to the arrow A. Relative motion of the first and second coupling portion parts can be provided by other embodiments as described before. For example, the first and second coupling portion parts may be parts of a telescopic arrangement, e.g. having a telescopeable rod.

The configuration which is illustrated in Fig. 10, 11, 13, 14 has the advantage that the part 191 provides for rotation of the first region 105 of the lever 5a about the rotation axis of the fourth joint 1 9a. This means that the slide motion of the part 191 and therefore of the lever 5a can be performed in different rotational positions of the lever 5a. In addition, the configuration shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 requires the minimum possible space in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole.

More generally speaking, the function of the relative motion of the first and second coupling portion parts and the function of the rotatable connection between the coupling portion and the connecting portion are integrated in the combination of two parts only, namely the guide which guides the slide motion (in the example, the guide is constituted by the margins of the elongated hole) and a part of a rotation joint, the slide motion of which is guided by the guide.

Another embodiment of this type may comprise the telescopic arrangement, one part of which holds a part of the rotation joint, wherein the rotation axis of the rotation joint also intersects the motion path on which the first coupling portion pad moves during its motion relative to the second coupling portion part.

In the specific embodiment of a pickup arrangement shown in Fig. 3, the pad 50 of the coupling portion also comprises an elongated hole 43b in which a slide motion of a part of the fourth joint 1 9b can be guided. Since there is also the arrangement shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 10 on the left hand side of Fig. 3, the slide motion guided by the elongated hole 43a and the slide motion guided by the elongated hole 43b can be performed independently of each other. This means that one side of the pickup portion which is connected to one of the two connecting portions may be blocked to move away further from the mounting portion and the respective connecting portion of the blocked side can slide or move relatively to the actuator.

In the following, an example of the third aspect of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12.

As shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 12, the part 48 of the coupling portion extends through a cutout in a part 123 which is fixed to the mounting portion 3. The pad 48 and a screw 121 form a screw gear. The screw 121 can be screwed by turning the screw 121 about the longitudinal axis of part 48 so that the screw 121 moves toward the fixed part 123. When the screw 121 abuts on the fixed part 123, further motion of the pickup portion 2 away from the mounting portion is prevented, since such a motion would require the coupling portion and therefore the part 48 to move further toward the right hand side in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12.

If the screw 121 transfers weight forces of the pickup portion to the fixed part 123 (these transferred forces act on the left hand side of the fixed part 123 in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12), the actuator 4 is released from these weight forces.

Alternatively to the specific configuration of a motion preventing devices as described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, any other configuration can be chosen which prevents one of the movable parts in the transmission path between the actuator and the pickup portion to move further so as to allow the pickup to move further away from the mounting portion. For example, rotation of one of the rotatable parts may be prevented by the motion preventing device. However, it is preferred that the motion preventing device prevents rectilinear or substantially rectilinear motion of a movable part.

If the pickup arrangement comprises also the features of the second pad of the invention, the motion preventing device should prevent the motion of a movable pad which is the first coupling portion part or which is non-slidably connected to the first coupling portion part. If the motion preventing device would prevent a motion of the second coupling portion part, it would not be possible that relative motion of the first and second coupling portion parts assists with the release of the actuator from the weight forces or other forces in the transmission path between the actuator and the pickup portion.

Claims

Patent Claims 1. An inductive pickup arrangement (1) to be mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the inductive pickup arrangement by magnetic induction, wherein: -the arrangement (1) comprises a pickup portion (2) comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy, -the arrangement (1) comprises a mounting portion (3) mounted or to be mounted on the vehicle, -the arrangement comprises at least one actuator (4) for actuating motion of the pickup portion (2) relative to the mounting portion (3), -the mounting portion (3) and the pickup portion (2) are moveably connected to each other via at least one connecting portion (5), -the connecting portion (5) comprises a lever (5a) rotatably connected to the mounting portion (3) via a first joint (6), -the lever (5a) has a first region (105) extending from the first joint (6) in a first direction and has a second region (106) extending from the first joint (6) in a second direction which differs from the first direction, the first region (105) being connected to the actuator (4) and the second region (106) being rotatably connected via a second joint (9) to a connecting element (Sb) connecting the connecting portion (5) to the pickup portion, -the first joint (6) and the second joint (9) are arranged to allow for rotating motion about parallel axes of rotation resulting in the pickup portion (2) moving in a resulting pickup motion direction either away from the mounting portion (3) or approaching the mounting portion (3), -the connecting portion (5) is arranged next to a side margin of the pickup portion (2) and the parallel axes of rotation extend -if viewed in the resulting pickup motion direction -transversely to the side margin.
2. The inductive pickup arrangement of the preceding claim, wherein the connecting element (Sb) connects the second region (106) with the pickup portion (2) and is rotatably connected with the pickup portion (2) via a third joint (39), wherein the third joint (39) is arranged to allow for rotation about a third axis of rotation extending transversely to the resulting pickup motion direction, wherein the third axis of rotation is parallel to an axis of rotation of the second joint (9) and wherein the connecting element (5b) is rectilinearly movable relative to the pickup portion (2) in the direction of an axis which extends -if viewed in the resulting pickup motion direction -perpendicularly to the additional axis of rotation and which extends transversely to the resulting pickup motion direction.
3. The inductive pickup arrangement of one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement comprises a plurality of the connecting portion (5) which are arranged next to the same side margin of the pickup portion (2), wherein the first regions (105) of the levers (5a) of the connecting portions (5) are mechanically coupled together and wherein the actuator (4) is connected to the first regions (105) of the levers (5a) so that actuation motion of the actuator (4) results in synchronous motion of the mechanically coupled connecting portions (5) on the same side of the pickup portion (2).
4. The inductive pickup arrangement of one of the preceding claims, wherein the -the actuator (4) is coupled to the connecting portion (5) via a coupling portion (41), -the coupling portion (41) comprises a first coupling portion part (191) and comprises a second coupling portion part (41) movably connected to the first coupling portion part (191) and defining a stop for a motion of the first coupling portion part (191) relative to the second coupling portion part (41), -the arrangement being configured in a first mode of operation to allow the pickup portion (2) moving away from the mounting portion (3) while the first coupling portion part (191) abuts on the stop defined by the second coupling portion part (41), -the arrangement being configured in a second mode of operation, if a motion of the pickup portion (2) away from the mounting portion (3) is blocked or hindered, to allow relative motion of the first coupling portion part (191) and the second coupling portion part (41), thereby decoupling an actuation motion and/or an actuation force of the actuator from the connecting portion.
5. The inductive pickup arrangement of the preceding claim, wherein the coupling portion comprises a guide for guiding a slide motion of the first coupling portion part (191) relative to the second coupling portion part (41), so that the second coupling portion part (41) is slidably connected to the first coupling portion part (191) and the second coupling portion part (41) defines a slide stop for a slide motion of the first coupling portion part (191) relative to the second coupling portion part (41).
6. The inductive pickup arrangement of the preceding claim, wherein the guide is formed by margins of an elongated hole (43) in the second coupling portion part (41), wherein the first coupling portion part (191) can slidably be moved in a longitudinal direction of the elongated hole (43) against the slide stop which is formed by an end of the elongated hole (43).
7. The inductive pickup arrangement of the preceding claim, wherein the first coupling portion part (191) is an element of a fourth joint (19) enabling rotational motion of the connecting portion relative to the coupling portion while the pickup portion is being moved away from or is approaching the mounting portion.
8. The inductive pickup arrangement of one of the preceding claims, wherein: -the actuator (4) is coupled to the connecting portion (5) via a coupling portion (41), -a motion preventing device (121, 123) is provided which is configured to directly or indirectly prevent motion of the connecting portion in a motion direction which would result in the pickup portion moving away from the mounting portion, -in a first mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123), the arrangement is configured to allow the pickup portion (2) moving away from the mounting portion (3) while the motion preventing device (121, 123) does not prevent motion of the connecting portion, -in a second mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123), the arrangement is configured to prevent motion of the pickup portion away from the mounting portion.
9. The arrangement of the preceding claim, wherein a part (48) of the coupling portion, which is movably connected to the connecting portion (5), is combined with the motion preventing device (121, 123), so that motion of the part (48) of the coupling portion in a direction allowing the pickup portion (2) to move away from the mounting portion (3) is prevented in the second mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123).
10. The arrangement of the preceding claim, wherein the motion preventing device (121, 123) comprises a movable element (121) which can engage the part (48) of the coupling portion at different positions, wherein the movable element (121) engages the part (48) of the coupling portion in the first mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123) at a first position and engages the part (48) of the coupling portion in the second mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123) at a second position and wherein the movable element (121) abuts on the mounting portion (3, 123) or on the vehicle in the second mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123), so that a motion of the pickup portion (2) away from the mounting portion (3) is prevented.
11. The arrangement of the preceding claim, wherein the movable element (121) and the part (48) of the coupling portion form a screw gear, so that the movable element (121) can be moved relative to the part (48) of the coupling portion and can be brought in the first and the second position by screwing motion of the movable element (121).
12. The arrangement of one of the four preceding claims, wherein the pickup is arranged relative to the mounting portion, so that weight forces of the pickup portion (2) move the pickup portion (2) further away from the mounting portion, unless the actuator, an external object or the motion preventing device (121, 123) prevents this.
13. A method of operating an inductive pickup arrangement (1) mounted on an electric vehicle which shall be operated with electric energy produced by the inductive pickup arrangement by magnetic induction, wherein the method comprises the following: -operating an actuator (4) of the arrangement (1), thereby acting on a connecting portion (5) of the arrangement, which is arranged next to a side margin of the pickup portion (2) and movably connects a mounting portion (3) mounted to the vehicle and a pickup portion (2) to each other, the pickup portion (2) comprising at least one electric inductance for receiving a magnetic field and for producing the electric energy, -by the acting causing movement of the pickup portion (2) relative to the mounting portion (3) and varying a position of the pickup portion (2), -the actuator (4) acting directly or indirectly via a coupling portion (41) on a first region (105) of a lever (5a) of the connecting portion (5) thereby rotating the lever (5a) about a first rotation axis which is fixed relative to the mounting portion (3), so that * a second region (106) of the lever (5a), * a connecting element (5b) being rotatable about a second rotation axis connected to the second region (106) and connecting the connecting portion (5) to the pickup portion (2) and * the pickup portion (2), are moved, -the first rotation axis and the second rotational axis are parallel axes of rotation, so that the pickup portion (2) is moved in a pickup motion direction either away from the mounting portion (3) or approaching the mounting portion (3), and -the parallel axes of rotation extend -if viewed in the pickup motion direction -transversely to the side margin.
14. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the pickup portion (2) is allowed to perform a tilt motion which is enabled by at least two of the connecting elements (Sb) having in each case * a rotational degree of freedom of a second joint (9) connecting the second region (106) with the connecting element(5b), * a rotational degree of freedom of a third joint (39) connecting the connecting element (Sb) with the pickup portion (2) and * a rectilinear degree of freedom of the connecting element (5b) relative to the pickup portion (2).
15. The method of one of the two preceding claims, wherein the a plurality of the connecting portions (5), which are arranged next to the same side margin of the pickup portion (2), are operated while the first regions (105) of the levers (5a) of the connecting portions (5) are mechanically coupled together and while the actuator (4) is connected to the first regions (105) of the levers (5a) so the actuator (4) actuates synchronous motion of the mechanically coupled connecting portions (5) on the same side of the pickup portion (2).
16. The method of one of the three preceding claims, wherein the actuator (4) acts indirectly via the coupling portion (41) on the first region (105) of the lever (5a), thereby allowing the pickup portion (2) to move away from the mounting portion (3) while a first coupling portion part (191) of the coupling portion (41) abuts on a motion stop (143) defined by a second coupling portion part (41) of the coupling portion (41), and if a motion of the pickup portion (2) away from the mounting portion (3) is blocked or hindered, relative motion of the first coupling portion part (191) and the second coupling portion part (41) is allowed, thereby decoupling an actuation motion and/or an actuation force of the actuator from the connecting portion.
17. The method of one of the four preceding claim, wherein, when the mounting portion (3) has been mounted to a vehicle, the following is performed: -moving the pickup portion (2) away from the mounting portion (3) by operating the actuator(s) (4), -if the pickup portion (2) abuts on an external object (71), allowing the actuator(s) (4) to further move the coupling portion, thereby to cause a motion of the first coupling portion part (191) relative to the second coupling portion part (41) and to avoid actuation forces of the actuator(s) (4) acting on the connecting portion.
18. The method of one of the five preceding claims: * operating an actuator (4) of the arrangement (1), thereby acting on the coupling portion (41) of the arrangement (1) * using a motion preventing device (121, 123) being configured to directly or indirectly prevent motion of the connecting portion in a motion direction which would result in the pickup portion (2) moving away from the mounting portion (3), * in a first mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123), allowing the pickup portion (2) moving away from the mounting portion (3) while the motion preventing device (121, 123) does not prevent motion of the connecting portion, * in a second mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123), preventing motion of the pickup portion (2) away from the mounting portion (3).
19. The method of the preceding claim, wherein motion of a part (48) of the coupling portion.which part is movably connected to the connecting portion (5), in a direction allowing the pickup portion (2) to move away from the mounting portion (3) is prevented in the second mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123).
20. The method of the preceding claim, a movable element (121) of the motion preventing device (121. 123) engages the part (48) of the coupling portion at different positions in the first mode and in the second mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123), wherein the movable element (121) engages the part (48) of the coupling portion in the first mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123) at a first position and engages the part (48) of the coupling portion in the second mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123) at a second position and wherein the movable element (121) abuts on the mounting portion (3) or on the vehicle in the second mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123), so that a motion of the pickup portion (2) away from the mounting portion (3) is prevented.
21. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the movable element (121) and the part (48) of the coupling portion interact with each other so as to form a screw gear, wherein the movable element (121) is moved relative to the part (48) of the coupling portion and is brought in the first or the second position by screwing motion of the movable element (121).
22. The method of one of the four preceding claims, wherein the pickup portion (2) is allowed to move further away from the mounting portion (3) caused by weight forces of the pickup portion (2), unless the actuator (4), an external object or the motion preventing device (121, 123) prevents this.
23. The method of the preceding claim, when the pickup portion (2) has been moved in a position lower than a position of the mounting portion (3) by operating the actuator (4) and a vehicle frame, to which the mounting portion (3) is mounted, has been moved downwards relative to wheels of the vehicle by operating a lifting device other than the actuator (4) performing the following: -bringing the motion preventing device (121, 123) into the second mode of the motion preventing device (121, 123) so that the motion preventing device (121, 123) prevents the pickup portion (2) from being moved from its position relative to the mounting portion (3) further downwards and -lifting the vehicle frame upwards by using the lifting device, thereby lifting the mounting portion (3) and the pickup portion (2).