EP4294666A1

EP4294666A1 - Positioning unit and contacting method

Info

Publication number: EP4294666A1
Application number: EP21706882.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Feldinger; Nils DREWES; Timo STAUBACH
Original assignee: Schunk Transit Systems GmbH
Current assignee: Schunk Transit Systems GmbH
Priority date: 2021-02-17
Filing date: 2021-02-17
Publication date: 2023-12-27
Also published as: CA3208614A1; JP2024507128A; KR20230146589A; US20240116379A1; CN116981591A; AU2021428154A1; WO2022174896A1; BR112023016532A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a positioning unit and to a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between an electrically driven vehicle, more particularly electric bus or the like, and a stationary charging station, using a positioning unit, wherein: the positioning unit is designed such that it can be arranged on a vehicle roof; a contact device of the positioning unit is movable relative to a charging contact device of the charging station and can be electrically contacted by said charging contact device in a contact position; the positioning unit has an articulated arm device (32) for positioning the contact device and a drive device (33) for driving the articulated arm device; the articulated arm device has a pivoting mechanism with a pivoting arm (34) that can be pivoted about a pivot axis (37), by means of which pivoting mechanism the contact device is pivotable from a storage orientation in a retracted position of the positioning unit for storing the contact device into a contact orientation of the contact position, and vice versa; and the positioning unit comprises a holding device (36) by means of which the pivoting arm can be form-fittingly fixed in the storage orientation.

Description

Positioning unit and method for contacting

The invention relates to a positioning unit for electrically driven vehicles, in particular electric buses or the like, and a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between an electrically driven vehicle and a stationary charging station, the positioning unit being able to be arranged on a vehicle roof, with a contact device the positioning unit can be moved relative to a charging contact device of the charging station and can be electrically contacted with it in a contact position, the positioning unit having an articulated arm device for positioning the contact device and a drive device for driving the articulated arm device, the articulated arm device having a pivoting device with a pivoting axis

Having a swivel arm, by means of which the contact device can be swiveled from a storage position to a retracted position of the positioning unit to store the contact device in a contact position in the contact position and vice versa. Such positioning units and methods are known from the prior art and are regularly used in electrically powered vehicles that travel between bus stops, for example. These can be electric buses, but also in principle other vehicles, such as a train or a tram, which are not permanently connected to a contact wire or the like. In these vehicles, an electrical energy store is charged by a charging station when the journey is interrupted at a bus stop. The vehicle is electrically connected to the charging station at the stop, with the energy store being charged at least to the extent that the vehicle can reach the next stop to be approached with a charging station. It is also possible to supply the vehicle with electrical energy in this way outside of operating hours.

To establish an electrical connection between the vehicle and the charging station, a positioning unit is used, which can be mounted on a vehicle roof and connects a contact device of the vehicle to a charging contact device of the charging station above the vehicle. Contact surfaces of the contact device are then moved towards charging contact surfaces above the roof of the vehicle and an electrical connection is established. Such a positioning unit is known, for example, from WO 2015/018887. Since the contact device must be positioned comparatively precisely on the charging contact device and must be pressed against the charging contact surfaces with sufficient contact force in order to be able to form a secure electrical connection, error-free functioning of the articulated arm device and the drive device must always be ensured. During operation, damage can easily occur to the function-related numerous movable components of the gel arm device and the drive device, for example as a result of mechanical effects such as shocks, impacts, accelerations, vibrations or the like. As a result, the positioning unit is subject to increased wear, making it necessary to service it at regular intervals and, if necessary, to replace damaged or worn components. It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a positioning unit and a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between an electrically powered vehicle and a stationary charging station that requires little maintenance.

This object is achieved by a positioning unit having the features of claim 1, a rapid charging system having the features of claim 15 and a method having the features of claim 16.

The positioning unit according to the invention for electrically driven vehicles, in particular electric buses or the like, is used to form an electrically conductive connection between a vehicle and a stationary charging station, with the positioning unit being designed to be arranged on a vehicle roof, with a contact device of the positioning unit relative to a charging contact device of the charging station movable and can be electrically contacted with it in a contact position, wherein the positioning unit has an articulated arm device for positioning the contact device and a drive device for driving the articulated arm device, wherein the articulated arm device has a swivel device with a swivel arm that can be rotated on a swivel axis, by means of which the contact device can be pivoted from a storage position to a retracted position of the positioning unit for storage of the contact device in a contact position in the contact position and vice versa, with the positioning unit comprising a holding device, by means of which the swivel arm can be positively fixed in the storage position.

A movement of the contact device relative to a charging contact device of a charging station arranged above the contact device is accordingly carried out by the articulated arm device with the drive device. The contact device can have a number of contacts that are contacted with charging contacts of the charging contact device. It is essential that the contact Direction in the contact position is in a vertical position, which means that a vertical axis of the contact device is aligned orthogonally or vertically with respect to the charging contact device, so that the contact can be made at all. The contact device is consequently in the contact position in the vertical contact position. During a ferry operation of the vehicle, the contact device is regularly in the storage position in order to protect the contact device from damage and to enable it to be driven under bridges or the like. Since the contact device and the swivel arm form movable masses, the contact device and the swivel arm are also set in motion by a driving movement of the vehicle, which according to the invention is prevented by the holding device. Due to the fact that the swivel arm can be positively fixed in the storage position by means of the holding device, it is possible to effectively prevent a movement of the swivel arm with the contact device. Shocks and vibrations that can be transmitted to the swivel arm and the contact device via the vehicle during operation of the vehicle then do not cause any movement of the swivel arm and the contact device, such as movement out of the storage position or oscillation after a driving movement. The holding device consequently defines a possible movement of the swivel arm in all degrees of freedom, so that the holding device can eliminate a possible cause of damage and thus wear of the positioning unit during a ferry operation. Repairs and maintenance of the positioning unit are then required less frequently.

The contact device can be positioned in the vertical and horizontal direction relative to the charging contact device and brought into the contact position by means of the articulated arm device. In particular, when the swivel arm is swiveled relative to a vehicle roof, the contact device can be moved in at least one radius or circular path around a pivot bearing of the swivel arm. through the Movement in a circular path can result in a horizontal displacement of the contact device with simultaneous vertical displacement. In this respect, it is also advantageous if the charging contact device is designed in such a way that it can be contacted by the contact device at different points in the horizontal direction. For example, the positioning unit can be mounted on a vehicle roof such that the movement of the contact device in the horizontal direction runs along a direction of travel of the vehicle. The contact device is then pivoted in the direction of a direction of travel.

The holding device can be coupled to the drive device in such a way that when the contact device is pivoted into the storage position, the contact device can be firmly fixed in the storage position by means of the holding device, and when the contact device is pivoted into a contact position in the retracted position, the contact device is locked by means of the Holding device can be released. The holding device can be mechanically connected to the drive device, so that the holding device can be operated or switched via the drive device. Since the contact device or the swivel arm is pivoted by means of the drive device, the holding device can lock the swivel arm in the storage position and release it when the contact device is moved from the storage position into the contact position. In this case, the contact device can already be moved into the or a contact position in the retracted position. Accordingly, a large area can be formed between the retracted position and the contact position, within which a charging contact device can be contacted with the contact device. Consequently, the contact device can be positionable with the articulated arm device between a lower contact position and an upper contact position. The contact device can be pivoted at one end of the pivot arm opposite the pivot axis on another pivot axis, wherein the contact device can be pivoted from the storage position of the retracted position by means of the pivot device into a vertical contact position in the retracted position and vice versa. When the contactor is pivoted at the distal end of the pivot arm, the contactor can be pivoted to the vertical contact position and the storage position. This can also be done when the swivel arm is not moving and is in the retracted position. The contact device can consequently also be in the contact position in the vertical contact position. It is thus possible to pivot the contact device or bring it into the vertical contact position independently of the position of the swivel arm. This can also be made possible, for example, by designing the articulated arm device in the manner of a parallelogram or coupling gear. Thus, parallel to the swivel arm, a guide rod of the articulated arm device can be arranged, which positions the contact device in the desired position, regardless of the position of the swivel arm. The vertical contact position of the contact device can thus be assumed at different heights, resulting in a comparatively large area within which the contact device can be brought into a contact position. It is then also no longer absolutely necessary to attach various charging contact devices along a roadway essentially at the same heights above a roadway and to adapt them to a vehicle type.

In the storage position, the contact device can be pivoted in one direction of the pivot axis of the pivot arm and can rest on it or be pivoted in a direction opposite to the pivot arm. An overall height of the articulated arm device can then be designed to be comparatively low in the storage position. The swivel arm can also be cranked, so that in a Section of the swivel arm, which is positioned horizontally or at an angle, the contact device can rest against. Alternatively, the swivel arm with the contact device in the storage position can be swiveled in the opposite direction, away from the swivel arm, so that a length of the articulated arm device on the roof of the vehicle is then comparatively increased. In this respect, it is advantageous to arrange the articulated arm device in the storage position as compactly as possible on the roof of the vehicle.

The positioning unit can comprise a frame for fastening the positioning unit on a roof of a vehicle, it being possible for the pivoting arm to be pivotably arranged with the pivot axis on the frame. The frame can be designed, for example, in the manner of a frame and can form or have a fixed bearing for the swivel arm and the drive device. The frame can also be attached to a roof of a vehicle in a particularly simple manner. It can be attached, for example, via damper elements that dampen vibrations and/or vehicle movements.

The holding device can be designed with a latch and a recess, the latch engaging in the storage position in the recess and fixing the swivel arm firmly, the latch being able to be arranged on the swivel arm and the recess on the frame, or vice versa. The bolt and the recess can thus form a lock which defines a position of the swivel arm in such a way that the swivel arm can no longer be moved. The bolt or the recess can be arranged either on the swivel arm or on the frame. Depending on the arrangement and design of the drive device, the bolt or the recess can also be arranged on a component of the drive device, for example on a cylinder or on a linear drive, if this component of the drive device is connected to the frame. This will also make it so possible to fix the swivel arm in the storage position by means of the holding device.

The bolt can be a profile bar, a latch or a swiveling hook guided in a linear guide of the holding device, and the recess can be formed by a projection, an edge, a hook, an eyelet or a bracket. It is essential that the latch and the recess are designed to match in such a way that the latch can engage in the recess and fix the swivel arm in a form-fitting manner. For example, the locking bar can be formed by a round rod that can be inserted into an eyelet in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The holding device can thus be designed in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

The drive device can have an adjustment drive for generating an adjustment force acting on the swivel arm and a spring device which mechanically interacts with the adjustment drive. The adjusting drive can interact with the spring device in such a way that the adjusting force alone can bring about a movement of the swivel arm with the contact device. The adjustment drive can interact directly with the spring device or be connected to the swivel arm with the interposition of a further mechanical component, such as a lever. The spring device can, for example, comprise a tension, compression or torsion spring which acts on the pivot axis of the pivot arm via a lever and thus causes an adjustment force on the pivot arm, by means of which the pivot arm is moved into the retracted position or alternatively into the contact position. For example, provision can be made for the spring device to move the articulated arm device into the retracted position in the event of a failure of the adjustment drive, in order to prevent any incorrect contacting.

The drive device can have a further adjustment drive for forming an adjustment force acting on the contact device. senior Like the adjustment drive, the further adjustment drive can be designed with a spring device which causes an adjustment force on the contact device. The additional adjustment drive makes it possible, please include an adjustment of the contact device independently of an adjustment of the swivel arm. Nevertheless, it can be provided that the adjustment drive is functionally coupled to the further adjustment drive.

The adjustment drive and/or the further adjustment drive can have an electric motor, a cable drive and/or chain drive, via which the swivel arm can be rotated on the swivel axis and/or the contact device can be rotated on a further swivel axis. For example, an electric motor can be arranged directly on the pivot axis or integrated within it. Furthermore, a tensile force can be exerted on the swivel arm via a cable drive and/or a chain drive, which is fastened to the swivel axis. For example, two cable pulls or a chain drive can be arranged on the pivot axis, which can pivot the pivot arm by moving in opposite directions. The cable drive or chain drive can also be actuated by means of an electric motor, which can then be arranged remotely from the swivel arm on a frame of the positioning unit. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a cable drive and a chain drive in combination. The chain drive can be formed from a chain which runs over a gear wheel on the pivot axis and is connected at its respective ends to a cable or Bowden cable. The additional adjustment drive for pivoting the contact device can also be designed according to one of the aforementioned examples. The adjustment drive and the further adjustment drive can have an electric motor or a linear drive, preferably a spindle drive. The adjustment drive or the further adjustment drive can have a displacement sensor, which can be an incremental encoder or an absolute encoder. It is then possible to always determine an exact working position of the respective adjusting drive. The adjusting drives can also have limit switches that can be actuated as a function of position and/or pressure switches that can be actuated as a function of force. In addition, pressure switches can also be used to limit a contact force or adjustment force.

The holding device can be operably coupled to the cable drive or chain drive of the adjusting drive or of the further adjusting drive. For example, a bolt of the holding device can be arranged on the rope drive or hook drive, which latch engages in a recess of the holding device. Depending on the position of the cable drive or chain drive, which determines a position of the swivel arm or the contact device, the swivel arm can then be fixed or released by the holding device. If the bolt is actuated by the cable drive or the chain drive, it is no longer necessary to provide a specially designed actuation of the holding device.

The contact device can have a contact element carrier with contact elements, it being possible for the contact elements in the contact position with charging contact elements of the charging contact device to be electrically contacted in each case to form contact pairs. The contact element carrier can be designed in such a way that the contact elements are arranged on an upper side of the contact element carrier in the vertical contact position of the contact device. The charging contact elements can, for example, be designed as conductor strips, which are arranged on a roof-shaped charging contact element carrier of the charging contact device.

The pivoting device can have a transverse guide, by means of which the contact device can be positioned transversely relative to the charging contact device, it being possible for the transverse guide to be arranged on an end of the pivot arm opposite the pivot axis. So then the contact device at the end of the swivel arm can be moved transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Due to this mobility, for example, a different positioning of the driving vehicle at a stop perpendicular to the direction of travel. In addition, any vehicle movements as a result of the vehicle sinking on one side to allow people to get in and out can be compensated for in such a way that the contact device cannot be displaced relative to the charging contact device in the transverse direction. Also, no lateral forces are exerted on the swivel arm. The transverse guide can be designed as a straight linear guide or as an arc-shaped linear guide. The contact device can be arranged so that it can move freely on the transverse guide, and the transverse guide can be designed in such a way that it is designed as a guide rail or with guide profiles for the contact device. Provision can also be made for the contact device to be centered on the transverse guide, that is to say, for example, by means of springs to align it centrally in a rest position or non-contacted position relative to the transverse guide.

The rapid charging system according to the invention comprises a charging contact device and a positioning unit according to the invention. Further advantageous embodiments of the rapid charging system result from the feature descriptions of the claim 1 dependent claims.

In the method according to the invention for forming an electrically conductive connection between an electrically driven vehicle, in particular an electric bus or the like, and a stationary charging station with a positioning unit, a contact device of the positioning unit is moved relative to a charging contact device of the charging station and is electrically connected to it in a contact position contacted, the contact device being positioned by means of a gel arm device of the positioning unit and the articulated arm device being driven by means of a drive device of the positioning unit, the articulated arm device having a pivoting device with a pivoting arm that can be rotated on a pivot axis, by means the contact device is pivoted from a storage position of a retracted position of the positioning unit to storage of the contact device into a contact position of the contact position and vice versa, the pivot arm being positively fixed in the storage position by means of a holding device of the positioning unit. For the advantages of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the description of the advantages of the positioning unit according to the invention.

The contact device can first be pivoted from the storage position into a vertical contact position and then in the vertical contact position into the contact position and vice versa. In the storage position, the positioning unit can then have a minimal overall height. When approaching a stop with a vehicle, the contact device can then be pivoted in a first step from the storage position to the vertical contact position.

Furthermore, during pivoting of the contact device with the pivot arm, the pivot device can always position the contact device in the vertical contact position. After the contact device has been pivoted into the vertical contact position, the contact device can be raised in the vertical contact position and moved against a charging contact device in a second step by pivoting the swivel arm with the contact device. It is advantageous if the contact device is always positioned vertically during the pivoting of the pivot arm or the pivot arm is pivoted relative to the contact device. This simultaneous movement of the swivel arm and the contact device can be brought about by a suitable mechanism or control of the drive device. In any case, this makes it possible to contact the contact device in the correct position with a charging contact device in a region between an upper contact position and a lower contact position. Further advantageous embodiments of the method result from the description of the features of the dependent claims which refer back to claim 1 .

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Show it:

1 shows a positioning unit in a perspective view;

2 shows a further perspective view of the positioning unit;

3a shows an articulated arm device with a drive device of a positioning unit in a sectional representation in sections in a retracted position;

3b shows the articulated arm device and the drive device after an extension from the retracted position in the direction of a contact position. 1 and 2 show a positioning unit 10 which is mounted on a roof of a vehicle, not shown here, in particular an electric bus or the like. The positioning unit 10 includes a contact device 11 for establishing an electrical contact with a charging contact device, not shown here, of a charging station. The charging contact device is suspended above the vehicle roof and the contact device 11 by means of a suspension device, not shown, in the area of a bus stop of the vehicle. The positioning unit 10 further comprises an articulated arm device 12 which is formed from a pivoting device 13 with a pivot arm 14 and a drive device 15 for driving the articulated arm device 12 . The positioning unit 10 is further designed with a frame 16 for fastening the positioning unit 10 on the vehicle roof. A pivot bearing 17 is formed on the frame 16, ches forms a pivot axis 18 for the pivot arm 14 held on the pivot bearing 17 . At one end 19 of the pivot arm 14 opposite the pivot axis 18 the contact device 11 is arranged on a transverse guide 20 . The contact device 11 can be displaced along the transverse guide 20 and can thus be adapted to a position of a charging contact device. The contact device 11 is attached together men with the transverse guide 20 at the end 19 with a further Drehla ger 21, which forms a further pivot axis 22 of the device 11 Kontaktvor. The articulated arm device 12 also has cables, not shown here, which run inside the swiveling karm 14 and act on the other pivot bearing 21 . During a pivoting movement of the pivot arm 14, continuous positioning of the contact device 11 in the contact position shown here is possible.

The contact device 11 is formed from a contact element carrier 25 with contact elements 26 mounted on springs. The Kontaktelemen te 26 are located on a top 27 of the contact element carrier 25. The contact elements 26 are connected via flexible cable 28 with a junction box, not shown here.

The drive device 15 comprises an adjustment drive 30 for forming an adjustment force acting on the swivel arm 14, the adjustment drive 30 together with springs 31 of the drive device 15 forming the adjustment force. Pivoting of the contact device 11 about the further pivot axis 22 in the retracted position, not shown here, is effected by means of a further adjustment drive 29. In the retracted position, the pivot arm 14 can be fixed in place with a holding device 23, of which only an eyelet 24 is shown here.

A synopsis of FIGS. 3a and 3b shows an articulated arm device 32 together with a drive device 33 of a positioning unit, not shown in detail here, in a partial sectional view. A swivel arm 34 of the articulated arm device 32 is shown in FIG. 3a in a retracted Position of the positioning unit and shown in Fig. 3b arranged in a position outside half of the retracted position toward a contact position. A further adjustment drive 35 for a contact device (not shown here) and a holding device 36 of the positioning unit are also shown. The pivot arm 34 is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis 37, wherein the pivot axis 37 is in turn arranged on a frame, not shown here. The wide re adjustment drive 35 is formed from an electric motor 38 with a spindle 39 which acts on a lever 40 with a gear 41 on the pivot axis 37. The other adjustment drive 35 is also attached to the frame with a pivot bearing 42 . A linear movement of the spindle 39 now causes an actuation of the lever 40 and thus a rotation of the gear 41. A chain 43 is arranged on the gear 41, at the ends 44 of which a cable pull 45 and 46 is fastened. By means of the cables 45 and 46, the contact device, not shown here, can be pivoted on another pivot axis formed on the pivot arm 34 between a storage position and a contact position by the rotation of the gear wheel 41. In the position of the further adjusting drive 35 shown in FIG. 3a, the contact device is in the storage position, and in the position of the further adjusting drive 35 shown in FIG. 3b, the contact device is in the contact position.

The holding device 36 is formed with a latch 47 and a recess 48 into which the latch 47 engages in the contact position of the Kontaktvor direction. The bolt 47 is formed from a profile bar 49 which is connected via a strut 50 to the cable 46 or the end 44 of the chain 43 and can thus be actuated by a movement of the cable 46 or the chain 43 . The profile bar 49 is guided in a longitudinally movable manner by a linear guide 52 formed from eyelets 51 . The Ausneh determination 48 is also formed by an eyelet 53, in which the profile rod 49 engages in the storage position. The eyelet 53 is a holder 54, which is also attached to the frame, opposite the profile rod 49 positioned. In the storage position shown in FIG. 3a in the retracted position of the positioning unit or the swivel arm 34, this is firmly fixed to the frame via the holding device 36, so that any movements of the swivel arm 34 as a result of driving movements of a vehicle are effectively prevented be able. When the swivel arm 34 moves into the contact position, the contact device is first moved into the contact position, which is done via the additional adjusting drive 35 . The profile bar 49 is pulled out of the eyelet 53 as a result of a movement of the cable 46, so that the swivel arm 34 is released. When the swivel arm 34 moves back into the retracted position or storage position, the swivel arm 34 is locked by the holding device 36 in the reverse order.

Claims

patent claims

1. Positioning unit (10) for electrically driven vehicles, in particular electric buses or the like, for forming an electrically conductive connection between a vehicle and a stationary charging station, with the positioning unit being arranged on a vehicle roof, with a contact device (11 ) the positioning unit can be moved relative to a charging contact device of the charging station and can be electrically contacted with it in a contact position, the positioning unit having a jointed arm device (12, 32) for positioning the contact device and a drive device (15, 33) for driving the jointed arm device, wherein the articulated arm device has a swivel device (13) with a swivel arm (14, 34) that can be rotated on a swivel axis (18, 37), by means of which the contact device can be moved from a storage position to an entry position of the positioning unit for storing the contact device to a contact position in the Ko tact position can be pivoted and vice versa, characterized in that the positioning unit comprises a holding device (23, 36), by means of which the swivel arm can be positively fixed in the storage position.

2. Positioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact device (11) can be positioned in the vertical and horizontal direction relative to the charging contact device and brought into the contact position by means of the articulated arm device (12, 32).

3. Positioning unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized g e k e n n z e i c h n et that the holding device (23, 36) with the drive device (15,

33) is coupled in such a way that when the contact device (11) is pivoted into the storage position, the contact device can be firmly fixed in the storage position by means of the holding device, and when the contact device is pivoted into a contact position in the retracted position, the contact device can be fixed by means of the holding device is releasable.

4. Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized g e k e n n z e i c h n et that the contact device (11) on one of the pivot axis (18,

37) opposite end (19) of the swivel arm (14, 34) on a further swivel axis (22), wherein the contact device can be swiveled from the storage position of the retracted position by means of the swivel device (13) into a vertical contact position in the retracted position is and vice versa.

5. Positioning unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the contact device (11) in the storage position in a direction direction of the pivot axis (18, 37) of the pivot arm (14, 34) ge pivots and rests on this or is pivoted in a direction opposite to the pivot arm.

6. Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the positioning unit (10) comprises a frame (16) for fastening the positioning unit on a roof of a vehicle, wherein the swivel arm (14, 34) with the swivel axis (18, 37) is pivotally arranged on the Ge deputy.

7. Positioning unit according to Claim 6, characterized in that the holding device (23, 36) is designed with a bolt (47) and a recess (48), the bolt engaging in the recess in the storage position and the swivel arm (14 , 34) firmly fixed, the bolt being arranged on the swivel arm and the recess being arranged on the frame (16), or vice versa.

8. Positioning unit according to claim 7, characterized g e k e n n z e i c h n et that the bolt in a linear guide of the holding device (23, 36) movably guided profile bar, a latch or a pivotable

Is hook, and the recess is formed by a projection, an edge, a hook, an eyelet (24) or a bracket.

9. Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized g e k e n n z e i c h n et that the drive device (15, 33) has an adjustment drive (30) for

Formation of an adjusting force acting on the swivel arm (14, 34) and having a spring device (31) mechanically interacting with the adjusting drive.

10. Positioning unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the drive device (15, 33) has a further adjusting drive (29, 35) for forming an adjusting force acting on the contact device (11).

11. Positioning unit according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the adjusting drive (30) and/or the further adjusting drive (29, 35) has an electric motor (38), a cable drive (45, 46) and/or chain drive (41, 43) via which the swivel arm (14, 34) can be rotated on the swivel axis (18, 37) and/or the contact device (11) can be rotated on a further swivel axis.

12. Positioning unit according to claim 11, characterized g e k e n n z e i c h n et that the holding device (23, 36) with the rope drive (45, 46) or

Chain drive (41, 43) of the adjustment drive (30) or the other Ver actuator (29, 35) is operably coupled.

13. Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized g e k e n n z e i c h n et that the contact device (11) has a contact element carrier (25) with contact elements (26), wherein the contact elements in the contact position can be electrically contacted with charging contact elements of the charging contact device in order to form contact pairs .

14. Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting device (13) has a transverse guide (20) by means of which the contact device (11) transversely relative to the charging contact The device can be positioned, the transverse guide being arranged on one of the pivot axes (18, 37) opposite the end (19) of the pivoting karm (14, 34).

15. Rapid charging system with a charging contact device and a positioning unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. Method for forming an electrically conductive connection between an electrically driven vehicle, in particular an electric bus or the like, and a stationary charging station with a positioning unit (10), a contact device (11) of the positioning unit being moved relative to a charging contact device of the charging station and with this is electrically contacted in a contact position, the contact device being positioned by means of an articulated arm device (14, 32) of the positioning unit and the articulated arm device being driven by means of a drive device (15, 33) of the positioning unit, the articulated arm device having a pivoting device (13) having a swivel arm (14, 34) that can be rotated on a swivel axis (18, 37), by means of which the contact device is swiveled from a storage position of a retracted position of the positioning unit for storage of the contact device into a contact position of the contact position and vice versa ekehrt, characterized in that the swivel arm is positively fixed in the storage position by means of a holding device (23, 36) of the positioning unit.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the contact device (11) is first pivoted from the storage position into a vertical contact position and then in the vertical contact position into the contact position and vice versa.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that during pivoting of the contact device (11) with the pivot arm (14, 34), the pivot device (13) always positions the contact device in the vertical contact position.