SE1001073A1 - PANTOGRAPH - Google Patents

Abstract

The present patent application relates to a conductor system (1) for the transfer of electrical energy to at least one electrically powered vehicle (2) along at least one sub-section of the vehicle's route. The system (1) includes at least one along the vehicle's route securely mounted current conductor (4), of arbitrary length, intended to be temporarily connected together with at least one current collector assembly (3) attached to the vehicle (2). The present system's unique feature is that an electrically powered or electrically assisted vehicle (2) when moving may be connected together with a current conductor that is protected from weather and human and animal contact, so that the vehicle's battery system may be charged, whether or not the vehicle is in movement or at a stop.

Description

the accumulators before the start of the journey, means that the vehicle has a very limited range or alternatively requires a very large accumulator capacity (number of accumulators).

Prior art A number of techniques are already known which are intended to solve the problems of supplying electrical energy to electrically powered vehicles along the vehicles' routes. For example, it is already known that the electrical energy is supplied to the vehicle at certain specific locations along the vehicle's route. U.S. Pat. No. 3,955,657 describes, for example, a construction in which electrical energy is supplied to vehicles, equipped with pantographs, which are connected to live rails at, for example, bus stops. The construction differs greatly from the construction according to the present patent application. For example, the construction can not overcome problems with winter conditions caused by snow and ice.

WO2009007879 describes variants of constructions in which electrical energy is supplied to vehicles according to the route of the vehicles. The patent specification describes constructions intended for use in transferring electrical energy to passenger cars. The patent specification also describes constructions intended to transmit electrical energy to buses and the like at stops.

The construction according to the patent specification differs to a large extent in relation to the construction according to the present patent application. For example, the constructions according to the patent specification are sensitive to use in cold climates. The patent specification WO00663 88 also describes a variant of a charging station for electrically powered vehicles such as, for example, buses. The construction includes a number of charging stations which transfer electrical energy to vehicles equipped with pantographs. The construction is based on capacitors in the vehicle being charged by electrical energy that is transferred to the vehicle at charging stations. The construction differs substantially in relation to the construction according to the present patent application.

Patent specification US5651434 describes a variant of a vehicle with a fold-out variant of pantograph which is connected to a current generator at, for example, stops. The construction according to the patent specification differs to a large extent from the construction according to the present patent application. For example, the vehicle's current collector is not intended to be connected to the current sensor arm even when the vehicle is stationary. The construction is also sensitive to use during the winter with snow and cold.

Patent specification NL74035 70 describes a variant of electric charging stations for electric vehicles comprising an automatic connection of current collectors and current collectors.

The construction according to the patent specification differs from the present invention to a large extent. For example, the construction according to the patent specification is intended to be used for parked vehicles without any specification of how the vehicles are connected to the current-emitting unit.

Brief Description of the Objects of the Present Invention The main object of the present invention is to provide a significantly improved system for transferring electrical energy to electrically powered vehicles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of using the system of the present patent application.

Brief description of the figures referred to in the following paragraphs In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will be made. The respective gurus are briefly described in the following guru list. Note that the fi gures are schematic and that details can be omitted in them. The embodiments exemplified in the figures are not limiting of the scope of protection of the present patent application.

Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a system in accordance with the present patent application.

Figure 2 shows an exemplary variant of the current path.

Figure 3 shows the pantograph in more detail.

Figure 4 shows an alternative variant of the pantograph.

Figures 5 - 6 show the connection of pantographs and current generators.

Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the positioning device seen from above.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the positioning device seen from the side.

Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the pantograph with associated spacers and an alternative variant of the positioning device.

Detailed Description of the Present Invention With reference to the devices, a system 1 for transmitting electrical energy to one or more electrically powered vehicles 2 is shown at one or more locations along the route of the vehicle. The parts schematically show only a part of the vehicle's roof, but other parts of the vehicle are included. The system 1 comprises at least one pantograph 3 which is connected to an electrically driven vehicle.

The pantograph 3 is intended to be temporarily connected to at least one pantograph 4 which is connected to at least one structure 5, or the like, according to the route of the vehicle. The current sensor 4 and the structure 5 can preferably be placed at a place where the vehicle is temporarily stationary or driven at a relatively low speed. If the vehicle 2 consists of a bus or other means of public transport, the current sensor 4 can preferably be connected to at least one fixed structure 5, such as a building or the like, at a stop or at another place suitable for the purpose.

The system 1, according to the present patent application, is preferably included in a larger system comprising a number of vehicles 2, each of which is provided with at least one pantograph 3, the pantograph 11 of which is intended to be temporarily connected to at least one pantograph 4 at any of a number. charging stations according to the route of the vehicles.

The current sensor 4 comprises at least one current path 6 of any length. The length of the current path 6 is adapted to the individual situations. The current sensor 4 can also consist of two or more current paths 6 which are located adjacent to each other. The current path 6 is connected to the fixed structure 5 via, for example, brackets 7, hangers or other fastening elements suitable for the purpose. The brackets 7, or the like, are preferably designed in accordance with the prior art, so that this technique is not described in more detail in this patent application. The current path 6 can be of a substantially straight shape but can also after all or parts of its length be curved, curved or other shape suitable for the purpose.

The current path 6 can consist of several straight and / or curved parts (curve-shaped) which are connected together.

Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the current path 6 which comprises at least one elongate inner space 8. The inner space 8 is at the ends of the current path and via at least one groove (slot) 9, in the axial direction of the rail, open to the surroundings. In the inner space 8 runs at least one busbar (conductor) 10 in the axial direction which is intended to be connected to at least one electrical energy source. In systems comprising only one busbar 6, the busbar comprises at least two busbars 10. If the system comprises two or fl your busbars 6 can the current paths 6 comprise only one busbar 10.

The shape and construction of the pantograph 3 can vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application. The current collector 3 comprises at least one current collector 11, trailer shoe or the like, which is intended to be connected to the current-carrying current rail 10 in the current path 6.

The current collector 11 is, in the embodiment shown, a carriage-like construction 12. The carriage-like construction 12 is also referred to as carriage 12, carriage 12 or carriage-like pantographs 12 in the following description. The carriage-like structure 12 is intended to be inserted into the inner space 8 of the current path 6 via one end of the current path 6. The carriage-like structure is furthermore intended in use to be passed through the inner space 8 of the current path 6 to the other end of the current path 6 where the carriage-like structure 12 is intended to train the inner space 8 in the current path 6.

Referring to Figure 3, it is shown that the carriage-like structure 12 comprises at least one electrically conductive contact surface (carbon or similar) 13 which, when connected to the busbar (conductor) 10, when energized, receives electrical energy from the busbar 10 and transmits it via at least one electrical conductor (not shown in figures) to the vehicle's electrical system (drive system). In systems comprising only one current path 6 and only one carriage-like structure 12, the carriage-like structure comprises at least two electrically conductive contact surfaces 13a and 130. If the system comprises fl your current paths 6, each carriage-like structure 12 may comprise only one, or fl your, electrically conductive contact surfaces 13a and 13c. Using two, or two, consecutive contact surfaces 13a and 13b which are in contact with the same busbar 10 allows more current (electrical energy) to be transferred from the busbar 10 to the vehicle (than with a contact surface 13a).

In the exemplary embodiment, the carriage-like structure 12 comprises at least a first stored wheel (alternatively auxiliary wheels) 14 but optionally also and at least a second mounted wheel (alternatively wheel pair) 15. The first wheel (alternatively the wheel pair) 14 and the second wheel (alternatively the wheel pair) ) Are intended to run on fl bridges or the like inside the inner space of the rail 6. The wheels are preferably made of a material which is not electrically conductive.

It is conceivable that the carriage 12 lacks wheels. In such cases, the carriage 12 is arranged arranged to the current path 6 with other types of bearings which are suitable for the purpose. The bearings can, for example, consist of plain bearings.

In the exemplary embodiment, the pantograph 3 comprises at least one amikon structure 16 or the like which comprises at least one first ann 17. The first arm 17 is connected to the electric vehicle 2 and supports the current collector 11. The ann structure 16 is manoeuvrable between at least one recessed position and at least one unfolded position by means of at least one control device (not shown in figures). The operating device may, for example, comprise one or more pressure cylinders with which position changes of the parts of the arm construction can take place.

The arm 17 is at its one end 18 rotatably connected via joints or the like to at least one fastening device (fixed head) 19 connected to the roof of the vehicle. In alternative embodiments, the arm 17 of the arm structure 16 may be connected to another part of the vehicle 2 suitable for the purpose 2. The current receiver 11 is further connected via a head 20, or the arm for the purpose of learning purpose, articulated to the arm 17 at the other end Figure 4 shows a possible variant of the arm construction 17 which comprises at least one first arm 17, at least a second arm 22 and at least a third arm 23. The arms 17, 22 and 23 are arranged arranged to the head 19 and to the head 20 via ball joints, or with other types of joints or the like. Due to the construction, the arms 17, 22 and 23 will be moved parallel to each other during movement. Furthermore, the carriage 12 will always keep a parallel direction in relation to the vehicle 2, such as for example to the roof of the vehicle 2, in connection with a rotation of the arm structure 16 in both vertical and horizontal directions. This is illustrated by line 24 in relation to line 25. In alternative embodiments, the parallel movement of the carriage 12 in relation to the vehicle 2 can take place with at least one wire or other system and device suitable for the purpose.

The arm structure also comprises a resilient function with which changes in the distance between the attachment of the arm structure in the vehicle and the current path 6 caused by the movements of the vehicle can be taken into account.

The present invention also includes at least one positioning device 26.

The positioning device 26 can in alternative embodiments also be operated as a connecting device for connecting the current receiver 11 to the current path 6.

In the exemplary embodiment, the positioning device 26 is intended to guide the carriage-like structure 12 of the current collector 3 into the inner space 8 of the current collector 3 in connection with the interconnection of the pantograph 3 and the current sensor is unique. between the current path 6 of the current generator 4 and the carriage-like structure 12 at the initial phase of the connection between the current path 6 of the current sensor 4 and the carriage-like structure 12. That the construction allows the current path 6 of the current collector 3 and the carriage-like structure 12 of the current collector 3 varies in vertical direction of these mutual, is a particularly important property when the ground and the road are covered with snow and ice.

The positioning device 26 comprises at least one first guide surface 27. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first guide surface 27 is constituted by a substantially vertical surface. The first guide surface 27, according to the exemplary embodiment, controls the position of the carriage in a substantially horizontal direction. In alternative embodiments, the first guide surface 27 may be directed in directions other than the substantially vertical direction shown. Figure 1 shows a positioning device 26 which comprises at least one upper guide surface (edge) 28 which controls the vertical position (maximum height d) of the carriage-like structure 12. The upper guide surface (edge) 28 also provides protection against rain, snow and the like. The current collector 11 is initially moved towards the first guide surface 27 at the initial stage of the connection with the positioning device 26, after which the current collector is moved in a vertical direction upwards towards the guide surface 28.

The guide surfaces 27 and 28 then guide the current absorber (the carriage-like structure) towards the current path 6.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the positioning device 26 where the vertical height of the guide surface 28, after the length of the positioning device 26 (in the direction of the current path), decreases in the direction of the current path 6. The construction allows the carriage-like current receiver 12 to be guided by the guide surface 28 after the length of the positioning device 26 in the direction of the current path 6. During the connection, the carriage-like structure 12 can thus initially be placed at a higher vertical height than the current path 6 and then be affected by the guide surface 28, in the direction of the current path, down to the vertical height of the current path. In a variant of a positioning device, this comprises a lower guide surface, which extends from the guide surface 27, which guides the current receiver in the vertical direction upwards. In other alternative embodiments it is further conceivable that the positioning device 26 comprises at least one upper guide surface 28 and at least one lower guide surface which guide the carriage in the vertical direction both from the underside and from the upper side.

The current path 6 may also comprise at least one funnel-like structure 30. The funnel-like structure 30 successively guides in and presses the same the resilient contact surfaces 13 at the interconnection of the contact surfaces 13 with the current rails 10 in the inner space of the current path 6. The current path 6 preferably also has at least one funnel-like construction. 30 at the output end, i.e. the end of the current path where that current absorber leaves the inner space 8 in the current path. The function of the funnel-like structure 30 when disconnecting the current collector 11 from the inner space of the current path is that it controls the resilient contact surfaces 13 (in some cases also referred to as 13a, 13b and 13c) so that they gradually spring out instead of abruptly releasing the current path. The method reduces the risk of damage to the bodies of the contact surfaces 13 in the carriage 12. The shape and construction of the funnel-like structure 30 can vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application.

In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the current path 6 comprises two or two positioning devices 26. For example, a first positioning device 26 may be connected to one end of the current path 6 and a second positioning device 26 be connected to the other end of the current path 6. It is further conceivable that the current path 6 according to the length of the current path 6 may comprise one or fl variants (types) of positioning devices 26 with which the current receiver can be inserted into the current path 6 from the side, or from below, at any position according to the length of the current path. The current path 6 may in these embodiments comprise at least one opening (not shown in urer gures) laterally, or from below, through which the carriage can be introduced into the current path. The current path 6 may also include branches (not shown in urer gures) where one or fl your current paths connect to one or fl your current paths. The current path 6 can also allow connection or disconnection at selected locations according to the length of the current path, or the current paths (and thereby not only at the ends of the current path).

In alternative embodiments, the system 1 and the positioning device 26 may comprise at least one sensor (not shown in the figure) which senses the distance between the current collector 11 (in the exemplary embodiment the current collector 11 is constituted by a carriage-like structure 12) and the positioning device 26 in connection with the interconnection method. The information about the mutual distance between the positioning device 26 and the carriage 12 is used by at least one control system (not shown in urer gures) to control the mutual positions between the carriage 12 and the positioning device 26.

When connecting the pantograph 3 to the pantograph 4, when the vehicle arrives at the place where the pantograph 4 is located, the pantograph 3 is operated by the control device (not shown in urer gures) out of the retracted position to a unfolded position. If the system includes a function by which the mutual distance between the positioning device 26 and the carriage 12 is automatically measured by at least one sensor, information from the sensor (s) is used to steer the position of the carriage 12 towards the intended target location on the positioning device 26. This can be done by that the position of the arm 17 or arms is controlled by at least one actuator (not shown in urer gures). The operating member is controlled by at least one control system which uses information from at least one sensor, to control the position of the pantograph 3 and thus the carriage 12 relative to the current sensor 4 and the positioning device 26.

Prior to coupling the carriage 12 to the interior space 8 of the current path 6, the carriage-like current absorber 12 is preferably located at a higher or lower vertical level than the level of the current path 6. At the beginning of the connection process, when the carriage engages the positioning device control surface 27, the current receiver is controlled automatically by the positioning device guide surfaces in either vertical direction, horizontal direction or both in horizontal and in vertical direction towards the inner space 8 in the current path 6.

The annular construction means that in the event of changes in position, the trolley is moved vertically, or in other or in all directions, parallel fl in relation to the vehicle. When connected to the positioning device, there is a resilient function in the head 20 which allows a total adaptation to the positioning device 26.

The positioning device 26 may, as shown in Figure 7, also comprise a ramp-shaped structure 40 at the end which is opposite the inlet to the current path 6 and designed so as to catch a prematurely precipitated current collector (such as for instance a carriage) and carefully steer in this towards the surface 27 and further towards the current path 6. In alternative embodiments, the ramp 40 may form a curved part of the guide surface 27.

The carriage 12 of the current collector 3 is positioned by the positioning device 26 so that it is inserted completely or partially into the inner space 8 of the current path 6. When contact between the current rail 10 and the current collector 11 is achieved, the current rail 10 in the current path 6 or the current rails 10 in the current path 6 are energized. 3 and the current sensor 4 are temporarily connected to each other and the current rail 10 is energized, electrical energy can be transferred from the current sensor 4 via the current collector 3 to the vehicle 2.

Referring to Figure 2, it is shown how the current path 6 preferably comprises at least one protective cover 31 which partially encloses the current-disrupting busbars 10. The housing protects the busbars from contact and weather and wind. The protective cover 31 may be integrated with or connected to the current path 6.

The system 1 can be designed so that the busbars (conductors) 10 in the current path 6, or the current paths 6, are only current-carrying when the carriage 12 of the current collector 3 is connected to the current rails 10 of the current sensor 4 (as in Figure 6). When the carriage 12 is not connected to the busbars 10, the busbars 10 are not live. The design reduces the risk of a person or animal coming into contact with a live bus 10.

Furthermore, the risk of arcs arising between the contact surfaces 13 of the carriage 12 and the busbars 10 is reduced, thereby reducing unnecessary wear on current collectors and busbars.

The construction may comprise at least one protection (not shown in urer gures), such as a hatch, which prevents animals, birds or the like from entering the inner space of the busbar from the ends. The method also reduces the risk of people and animals coming into contact with current-absorbing parts in the current path 6. The protection such as the door or the like may also comprise a function with which the current collector (the carriage-like construction) can be cleaned of snow, dirt or the like when inserting it. into the current path 6.

The system 1 is preferably designed so that the first part after the interconnection of the contact surfaces 13 of the carriage 12 and the current rails 10 takes place with a gradually increasing power supply. The system 1 is designed so that the last part before the disconnection of the current collector 11 from the busbar 10 takes place with a gradually reduced power supply.

The method reduces the risk of arcs and unnecessary wear occurring between the contact surfaces 13 of the current collector 13 and the current rails 10.

In the recessed position, the pantograph 3 is preferably fully or partially recessed in a weather-protected space (not shown in fi gures) in the vehicle. The weather protection can in its simplest form be achieved by closing the inner space with a hatch (not shown in urer gures) or the like after the pantograph has been fully or partially introduced into the space. The space preferably comprises at least one heat-emitting unit (not shown in figures) whose heat-emitting effect is regulated, for example, in relation to temperature, humidity and the like. The construction may include sensors, which detect the possible presence of snow, ice and moisture on the recessed parts, which control and turn on the heat-emitting unit. In an alternative embodiment, the construction may comprise at least one heat-emitting unit (not shown in the figures) in the current path 6. This may, for example, consist of a heating cable or a heating cable. The heat dissipating unit in the current path is intended to reduce problems that arise from humid climates and the like.

Figure 9 shows how the pantograph 3 in an alternative embodiment comprises at least one body 32.

The body 32 is preferably connected to the carriage-like structure 12. The function of the body 32 is to form a distance between the carriage 12 and the positioning device 26 and thereby prevent, or substantially reduce, that the contact surfaces 13a, 13b and 13c of the carriage 12 come into contact with the positioning device 26. The body 32 also has the task of guiding the carriage-like structure 12 in relation to the positioning device 26.

The body 32 may, as in the embodiment shown, consist of a block-like structure 33 which on its one side 34 is connected to the carriage 12, the head 20 or other suitable part of the pantograph 3. On its other side 35 the block 33 comprises at least a first plane 36. The plane 36 is in the embodiment shown directed in a substantially vertical direction. The plane 36 may in alternative embodiments be directed in the direction suitable for the purpose. The first plane 36 may consist of one or more of its sub-surfaces. When maneuvering the carriage-like structure 12 against the positioning device 26, the first plane 36, on the block-like structure 33, is intended to engage with the guide surface 27 of the positioning device 26.

The guide surface 27 of the positioning device 26 thus guides the carriage-like structure 12 via the first plane 36 on the block 33.

The block 33 may also comprise a second plane (edge) which is intended to engage with a second upper guide surface 38, alternatively a second lower guide surface, in the positioning device 26 which is intended to guide the carriage-like construction in vertical direction towards the current path 6.

The entire block 32 or at least one of the surfaces 35 and 39 of the block 32 consists of a surface with a relatively low friction. This causes the block to slide easily against the positioning device 26.

In the detailed description of the present invention, construction details may be omitted which will be apparent to one skilled in the art to which the device pertains. Such obvious construction details are included to the extent required for a proper function to be obtained for the present invention. Although certain preferred embodiments have been shown in more detail, variations and modifications of the device may become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates. All such modifications and variations are considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is conceivable that the present invention will be used in other contexts, applications and for other purposes. It is further conceivable that the invention is defined as a procedure.

Advantages of the invention With the present invention a number of advantages are achieved. The most important year is that there is an opportunity to charge batteries / electric operation when the vehicle is in motion while the power transmission is weather and touch protected. Furthermore, the connection can take place fairly freely by different vehicles at different times being able to be easily (automatically) connected to a current sensor for charging or operating the vehicle. All in all, this means that a significantly more efficient system for transferring electrical energy to a vehicle is obtained. A further advantage of the present invention is that extreme electrical energy can be supplied to the vehicle in connection with acceleration after stops at, for example, stops. The system and procedure reduces the risk of arcs and unnecessary wear, which improves safety, performance and service life.

Claims (6)

13 Patent claims System (1) for the transmission of electrical energy to at least one electrically driven, preferably non-tracked vehicle (2), after at least a section of the vehicle's route, comprising at least one current transmitter (4) fixed to the vehicle's route, of any length, intended to be temporarily connected to at least one current collector (3) in the vehicle (2), characterized in that the current sensor (4) comprises at least one current path (6) with at least one internal space (8) in which at least one current rail (10) runs in the current path (6) axial direction, and that the current collector (3) comprises at least one current collector (11) which is provided with at least one electrically conductive contact surface (13), where current collector (11) is preferably connected to the current path (6) of the current sensor (4) when the vehicle moves substantially in the longitudinal direction of the current sensor (4). System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the current collector (11) consists of at least one carriage-like construction (12). System (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the current collector (11) is positioned and guided into the inner space (8) of the busbar (6) with at least one positioning device (26). System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current collector carriage (12) is automatically positioned against the positioning device (26) when the vehicle approaches the current sensor (4). System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning device (26) automatically guides the current collector carriage (12) towards the opening in the current path (6). System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current receiver follows the current current generator in whole or part of its length and is subsequently disengaged. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14 System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current receiver in the rest position (not connected position) can be folded into and out of a weather-protected space. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current path (6) consists of interconnectable parts which can be straight and curved, respectively. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current path (6) comprises a protective cover which encloses the current-carrying conductors and protects them against contact and weather and wind. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed so that the first part, after connection, allows a gradually increasing power supply. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the last part before the disconnection is designed such that the power supply can be gradually reduced before the disconnection. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pantograph can be moved both forwards and backwards. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pantograph may contain one or more of its conductors.