DE102012007713A1 - Device for loading several electrically driven road vehicles e.g. truck, has vehicle side contact elements whose orientation on loader side contact elements is performed, while loader side elements are not affected upon vehicle movement - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has contact elements (2,3) which are provided on vehicle side, and on loader side, respectively and are directly connected to one another. The contact elements (3) are movably arranged in plane perpendicular to travel direction of vehicle (1). The orientation of contact elements (2) on contact elements (3) is performed, and portions of contact elements (3) or its housing are not affected in travel direction upon vehicle movement, such that contact elements (3) are transversely moved to position at which contact element (2) is made to contact with contact element (3).

Description

The invention describes a device for the electrical charging of electrically driven road vehicles, in particular multi-lane vehicles such as electric cars, light commercial vehicles, etc.

Typically, the traction batteries of electrically powered road vehicles are charged by the vehicle is placed directly at a charging station and then by means of a charging cable, the electrical connection between the vehicle and the charger is made. The charging cable, which is housed in the vehicle while driving, is brought out to load and plugged into corresponding sockets in the charging device and the vehicle. The cable diameter and the weight of the cable depend on the current to be transmitted and reach at a charging current of 32 amps already values that severely limit the handling and ease of use.

Another electric charging variant works on the principle of inductive charging. For this purpose, a (copper) coil is embedded in the bottom of the charging station, which generates an electric field. The vehicle has in the car floor a coil to be induced, in which a corresponding current flows through the induction for charging the battery. While this type of electrical charging eliminates the insertion of the cable, but the process has a number of other disadvantages: It has loss of efficiency; the possible coil sizes in the car allow only relatively low charging currents; the EMC compatibility is not clarified sure; the component costs and thus the costs relatively high.

An ideal solution would be a direct contact between a vehicle-side connector and a corresponding socket on the side of the charging device. The real challenge with such a solution is the two contact elements, d. H. align the plug of the vehicle and the socket of the charging device, so that the two contacts are automatically connected to each other and when the vehicle approaches an electrical connection can be made automatically. It would also be advantageous if the entire contact system below the vehicle floor, d. H. In the area between vehicle floor and roadway would be arranged.

Out GB 1 282 974 A Charging systems for electric vehicles are known in which the vehicle has contact elements, which are brought directly into contact with elements attached to a loader. However, this device has various disadvantages: For example, an exact positioning of the vehicle to be loaded is required. The arrangement of the vehicle-side connector in the area of the vehicle front restricts the design freedom unacceptably strong. Furthermore, the vehicle must leave the loading area backwards; leaving in the direction of travel is not possible.

The invention proposed here solves the problems and avoids the disadvantages of other solutions. It is preferably arranged below the vehicle and solves the alignment problem by suitable guide mechanisms in the simplest way.

The device and possible embodiments are described below:
The electric vehicle ( 1 ) has at least one contact element ( 2 ) for the electrical charging. The charging device also has at least one contact element ( 3 ), designed as the corresponding counterpart. For electrical charging, the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) directly to the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) connected. A charging cable is eliminated.

The vehicle drives for loading on the charging device-side contact element arranged close to the roadway floor ( 3 ) too. Under the vehicle floor ( 11 ) is the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ), which with the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) is brought into contact. In contrast to the earlier invention mentioned above, the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) is not permanently mounted, but movable on the road level ( 12 ) of the charging station arranged. In particular, this may be its position transverse to the direction of travel ( 8th ) change. This alignment ( 23 ) is controlled by one or more actuators ( 4 ), in such a way that the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) with the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) is aligned and the two contact elements ( 2 . 3 ) with further forward movement of the vehicle ( 1 ) are brought into contact with each other. Subsequently, the charging current flows from the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) via the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) and high-voltage cables ( 19 ) via the charger ( 20 ) of the vehicle (on-board charger) into the battery ( 21 ) of the vehicle.

Details of the operation of the device as well as various embodiments are described below.

The charging device side contact elements ( 3 ) each have at least two individual electrical contacts (poles) ( 15 ) on. Likewise, the or the vehicle-side contact elements ( 2 ) at least two individual electrical contacts (poles) ( 14 ) on.

In one possible embodiment, the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) in the front area of the vehicle floor ( 11 ) arranged. It is while driving in the car floor ( 11 ) and is lowered before the start of the charging process in the direction of the road ( 12 ) extended or swung out. The contact element ( 2 ) can also be used in the area of the (front) suspension ( 10 ) and are in the folded state in the open area of the front lower wishbone (if present) and are folded down to load out. The retraction or unfolding of the contact element ( 2 ) can be done by a servomotor or the like, which is activated via a switch in the vehicle and automatically shuts off in the end position. It is also conceivable, this activation of the contact element ( 2 ) via a corresponding control with a satellite navigation system. When the system recognizes that the car is approaching a suitable loading location, in particular the domestic garage, the contact element ( 2 ) automatically extended.

The vehicle ( 1 ) leads to the loading close to the road level ( 12 ) arranged charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) too. The road level ( 12 ) can also be represented by the garage floor, etc.

The charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) is movably arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel ( 8th ), ie laterally displaceable ( 23 ). The suspension or guidance of the movable contact element or elements ( 3 ) can be done via linkage, parallelogram linkage, rails, linear guides or other moving elements.

The vehicle ( 1 ) additionally has one or more actuators ( 4 ), which shows the orientation of the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) cause. These actuators ( 4 ) may for example be designed as cylindrical or disc-shaped elements or in other suitable forms and down from the vehicle floor ( 11 ) be designed extendable. When approaching the electric vehicle ( 1 ) to the loading device touches an actuator ( 4 ) the contour ( 5 ) or the housing or another area of the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) in the form that the actuator ( 4 ) a lateral movement ( 23 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) causes. This is achieved by either the actuator (s) ( 4 ) or the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) or both in the area of the contact surface an angle of well above 0 ° and well below 90 ° with the direction of travel ( 8th ) form. The two touching surfaces thus meet at an angle, so that a force vector transversely to the direction of travel ( 8th ). As a result, the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) moved to a position ( 23 ), which allows the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) with further forward travel of the electric vehicle ( 1 ) with the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) can contact. A conceivable embodiment provides in this case that the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) a funnel-shaped guide ( 24 ) and the actuator ( 4 ) when approaching the vehicle ( 1 ) in this leadership ( 24 ) and through contact with the walls of the guide ( 24 ) the lateral displacement ( 23 ) of the contact element ( 3 ) causes.

In a further embodiment, a wheel ( 6 ) or tires ( 7 ) of the electric vehicle ( 1 ) take over the function of the actuator. The mature ( 7 ) touches the specially designed outer contour ( 5 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) and displaces the contact element ( 3 ) laterally analogous to the description by means of actuator. The outer contour ( 5 ) of the contact element ( 3 ) may for this purpose have a rounding or oblique in the direction of travel. The vehicle ( 1 ) leads to charging on the contact element ( 3 ) too. The driver steers the vehicle ( 1 ) in such a way that the wheel acting as an actuator ( 6 ), z. B. the left front wheel, with its inner edge, the contour ( 5 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) and by continuing to drive the contact element ( 2 ) in the direction of the vehicle center. A transverse to the direction of travel ( 8th ) arranged return spring on the contact element ( 3 ) causes the contour ( 5 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) during the coupling process on the wheel ( 6 ) and the contact element ( 3 ) returns to its original position after the vehicle has left the station. The arrangement of the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) on the vehicle, especially the lateral distance between the charging contacts ( 14 ) and the inner tire sidewall, is in this case on the design of the housing of the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ), especially the distance between the insertion area for the vehicle contacts ( 14 ) and the outer edge of the housing to match constructively. Subsequently, the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) in the charger side contact element ( 3 ), so that the electrical contact is closed and the charging process can begin.

The charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) may have a further guide element, which during retraction of the vehicle ( 1 ) from the outer edge of the tire ( 7 ) or wheels ( 6 ) can be touched and with the actual contact element ( 3 ) is firmly or verschiebar connected. This makes it possible that the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) in laterally in both Directions from the wheel ( 6 ) can be moved and thus increases the width of the possible retraction area for the vehicle and thus its positioning tolerance.

The charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) should also have a displaceability in the direction of travel, z. B. by a carriage guide or the like to intercept the movement of the vehicle after engagement until the vehicle stops.

The areas of the housing ( 5 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ), which in this case from the wheel ( 6 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) should be used to reduce the friction between tires ( 7 ) and housing wall ( 5 ) suitable devices ( 9 ) have such. B. guided rollers or balls or the like.

In a further variant of the device, the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) into two or more segments ( 13 ) divisible, in particular in two lateral halves, in such a way that after completion of the charging process, the individual segments ( 13 ) can be removed from each other (by a drive or by external action or by force) and the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) thus release. As a result, the charging station can be left in the direction of travel again. At charging stations in special spatial arrangements, it can be a great advantage if the vehicle can leave the station in the direction of travel again (eg in parking bags, car trains, etc.).

In a further variant of the device, the individual segments ( 13 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) are clearly separated from each other before starting the charging process in an initial position. The vehicle ( 1 ) now moves the floor area ( 12 ) of the charging station. At the height of the segments ( 13 ) of the charging device-side contact elements ( 3 ) is arranged transversely to the direction of travel, a suitable stop, from the approaching vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) is touched and thus indicates that the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) is in the longitudinal position required for loading. The stop can then trigger a contact causing the segments ( 13 ) from its initial position from both sides (motor) to the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) until each segment on the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) is present. An additional advantage of this design of the system is that the positioning of the vehicle ( 1 ) becomes even easier in the transverse direction, since the segments ( 13 ) can move in a very wide range (almost the entire area of the clear width between the wheels of the vehicle).

In a further variant, the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) is covered or closed with a suitable cover or hood whenever no charging takes place, in order to protect against dangers, vandalism and the effects of the weather. In order to achieve the same purpose, the loader may be completely or partially installed in the roadway floor ( 12 ) can be lowered.

The activation, registration, authentication for the charging process can be carried out analogously to conventional charging systems. It is envisaged to equip the system with a navigation-data-based control in a further embodiment. Here, the vehicle recognizes its location based on the navigation data and can automatically activate the system and extend the charging contacts when the vehicle z. B. the local garage or a navigation system known charging point approaches.

The system can also be equipped with the well-known conventional plugs (Schuko, CEE, 7-pin type 3 plug, Yazaki plug, etc.), wherein the respective connector represents the contact element on one side and the associated coupling or socket that Represents contact element of the other side. Guidance, alignment, alignment, engagement and contacting is analogous to the above description.

The device can be used both for direct current charging and for charging with alternating current or three-phase current (multiphase alternating current).

It is also conceivable, the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) with a larger number of individual (eg seven) contacts. Depending on the required type of current of the vehicle to be charged then in Ladevorrichtseitseitgen contact element ( 3 ) individual contacts switched on or off. The vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) always has the same shape irrespective of its type of current (direct current, alternating current, three-phase current). Only the number and occupancy of the electrical contacts of the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) is different. With this construction, the loader is universally able to supply vehicles with different power requirement.

For the contact elements different design and design variants are conceivable: Thus, embodiments are conceivable in which a arranged with its axis in the direction of travel of the vehicle cylindrical or conical body forms the vehicle-side, einsteckende element and charger side a corresponding counterpart (Hollow cylinder or inner cone). The contacts can be arranged axially behind one another in several rings. Also conceivable is a vertically arranged cylinder. Particularly advantageous is an embodiment in which a flat, approximately rectangular plate-shaped element forms the vehicle-side contact element, which leads to the loading down out of the vehicle in the direction of the road surface (similar to the keel of a ship). The narrow side shows here in the direction of travel. The distance to the road surface is fixed and can be monitored with the help of installed in the contact element distance warnings and corrected by a suitable control, if this should be necessary in heavily loaded vehicle. The electrical contacts are in each case attached to the side surfaces of this keel-shaped contact element. The loading device forms the corresponding counterpart and has a corresponding gap into which the vehicle-side contact element (FIG. 2 ) is introduced for contacting. In the side surfaces of this gap, the charging device side electrical contacts are arranged. These can have a substantially greater extent in the vertical direction than the corresponding mating contacts on the vehicle-side contact element (FIG. 2 ). As a result, a considerable larger positioning tolerance is achieved in the vertical direction.

The device according to this embodiment can be further extended by the fact that the electrical contacts on the charging device side ( 15 ) are movable in the direction of travel and that in their movement in the direction of travel by guide elements ( 16 ). The guide elements ( 16 ) are designed so that the contacts of the charging device ( 15 ) when moving in the direction of travel ( 4 ) reduce their distance from each other and thus, when the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) between them, a contact between the contact surfaces ( 14 . 15 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) and the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) is effected. For example, this is achieved by running on each other, lateral boundary surfaces for the contacts of the charging device, so that a wedge effect arises.

The invention offers a number of advantages over conventional loading:
The loading is very simple. Fiddling with heavy cables and bulky plugs is no longer a problem as are freely suspended and freely accessible cables. The risk of contamination, injury and vandalism are significantly reduced.

Short parking times can also be effectively used for reloading; Similarly, the charging time can be used much more convenient for telephoning, working, etc., since a disembarkation is not required.

There are no problems with connecting the charging cables in close proximity (eg car train, single garage). Due to the omission of the cable significantly larger charging currents and thus lower charging times can be realized.

From the perspective of the vehicle manufacturer, it is a great advantage if the supply of electricity can be done in a location that is not in the visible body area, and at the same time does not intervene to a greater extent in the vehicle structure.

pictures:

1 : Perspective view

2 : Schematic representation of the charging process in plan view with alignment by two actuators

3 : Schematic representation of the charging process in plan view with alignment by front wheel

4 : Top view of the device with a central actuator

5 : Presentation of the vehicle and the components from the front and rear

6 : Detailed view of the wedge-shaped guide of the charging contacts in plan view

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• GB 1282974 A [0005]

Claims (9)

Apparatus for charging multi-lane, electrically driven road vehicles, comprising one or more contact elements ( 2 ) on the vehicle side and a contact element or a plurality of contact elements ( 3 ) on the charging device side, which are directly connectable to each other, wherein the charging device side contact elements ( 3 ) in the plane perpendicular to the direction of travel ( 10 ), are movably arranged, characterized in that the orientation of the vehicle-side contact elements ( 2 ) on the charging device side contact elements ( 3 ) by one or more, with the vehicle ( 1 ) associated actuators ( 4 ), which during movement of the vehicle ( 1 ) in the direction of travel ( 10 ) Parts of a charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) or its housing ( 5 ), such that the charging device-side contact elements ( 3 ) move transversely to the direction of travel in a position which is a contacting at least one vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) with at least one charging device side contact element ( 3 ). Device for charging multi-lane, electrically driven road vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator ( 4 ) by parts of a wheel ( 6 ) or a tire ( 7 ) or a rim ( 8th ) is formed so that the wheel ( 6 ) or the tire ( 7 ) acts as an actuator and during movement of the vehicle ( 1 ) in the direction of travel ( 10 ) Parts of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) or its housing ( 5 ) in such a way that the charging device-side contact element ( 3 ) transversely to the direction of travel moves into a position which is a contacting of the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) with the charging device side contact element ( 3 ). Device for charging multi-lane, electrically driven road vehicles according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the region of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) connected to the actuator ( 4 ) or the wheel ( 6 ) or the tire ( 7 ) comes in contact with elements to reduce friction such. B. sliding surfaces, rotating elements ( 9 ) or similar. Device for charging multi-lane, electrically driven road vehicles according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle-side contact elements (or 2 ) in the region of an axle of the vehicle or in the region of a wheel suspension ( 13 ) or on an axle of the vehicle or on a part of a suspension are arranged. Device for charging multi-lane, electrically driven road vehicles according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or the charging device side contact elements ( 3 ) or the vehicle-side contact elements ( 2 ) or both are arranged to be movable in the direction of travel in order to cover the distance traveled by the vehicle ( 1 ) of touching the contact elements ( 2 . 3 ) until the vehicle stops ( 1 ). Device for charging multi-lane, electrically driven road vehicles according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or the charging device side contact elements ( 3 ) of several segments ( 13 ), which are movably arranged such that these segments ( 13 ) can change their distance from each other, such that they are in contact with the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) take their smallest distance from each other and thus the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) of at least two sides and by increasing their distance, the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ). Device for charging multi-lane, electrically driven road vehicles according to claim 6, characterized in that said movable segments ( 13 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) in their movement in the direction of travel by guide elements ( 16 ) are guided so that they move when moving in the direction of travel ( 8th ) reduce their distance from each other and thus, when the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) between them, a contact between the contact surfaces ( 14 . 15 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) and the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) is effected. Device for charging multi-lane, electrically driven road vehicles according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surfaces of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) a significantly greater extent than the contact surfaces of the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ), so that the contact surfaces of the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) at different positions with the contact surfaces of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) are connectable and thus results in a pronounced positioning tolerance. Device for charging multi-lane, electrically driven road vehicles according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) an electrically conductive intermediate links ( 18 ), which at the beginning of Contacting between the live contact surface ( 15 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) and the contact surface ( 14 ) of the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ), so that they are the live contact surface ( 15 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) do not touch before charging and only when the vehicle-mounted contact element ( 2 ) on the charger side contact element ( 3 ) and has reached its contacting position, the intermediate member ( 18 ) both the contact surface ( 15 ) of the charging device side contact element ( 3 ) as well as the contact surface ( 14 ) of the vehicle-side contact element ( 2 ) and closes the electrical contact.

Images