SE2051411A1

SE2051411A1 - An apparatus comprising an interface for providing an electrical connection between two vehicles

Info

Publication number: SE2051411A1
Application number: SE2051411A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Anders Hestner; Christian Schlüter; David Gotthardsson; Fredrik Eriksson; Hendrik Bechem; Lars Wigren
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2020-12-03
Filing date: 2020-12-03
Publication date: 2022-06-04
Also published as: SE544962C2

Abstract

An apparatus (100) comprising an interface (102) for providing an electrical connection between a first vehicle (200; 400) and a second vehicle (300) connectable to one another and rotatable about an axis of rotation (208) in relation to one another. The second vehicle (300) comprises a cargo compartment (306). The interface (102) comprises a longitudinal bendable channel-shaped guide (104) for guiding one or more electrical conductors (602, 604) connectable to the first and second vehicles (200, 300). The interface (102) comprises a second vehicle-side connector (108) for connection to the conductor (602, 604). The channel-shaped guide (104) is configured to guide the electrical conductor (602, 604) to the second vehicle-side connector (108) via the cargo compartment (306). The channel-shaped guide (104) comprises a longitudinal first vehicle-side section (110) and a longitudinal second vehicle-side section (112). The first vehicle-side section (110) is configured to be located outside the cargo compartment (306) and is rotatable about a pivot axis (114) in relation to the second vehicle-side section (112) with the rotation of the first vehicle (200) in relation to the second vehicle (300).

Description

AN APPARATUS COMPRISING AN INTERFACE FOR PROVIDING ANELECTRICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES Technical field Aspects of the present invention relate to an apparatus comprising an interface forproviding an electrical connection between a first vehicle and a second vehicle. Thefirst and second vehicles are pivotally connectable to one another to be rotatable about an axis of rotation in relation to one another.

Background Sometimes it is requested or desired to provide an electrical connection or electricalconnections between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, for example between atractor vehicle and a trailer hauled by the tractor vehicle. For example, the first andsecond vehicles may be pivotally connectable to one another in an articulated mannerand may togetherform a so-called articulated vehicle. The movement between the firstand second vehicles when they rotate in relation to one another, for example whenturning, is something to consider when providing the electrical connection between thefirst and second vehicles.

Summary The inventors of the present invention have found drawbacks in conventional solutionsfor providing an electrical connection between two vehicles rotatable in relation to oneanother when turning, for example between a truck and a trailer, or between anintermediate vehicle and a trailer. For example, some conventional solutions do notprovide a sufficient protection for the electrical connection when the two vehicles rotatein relation to one another, for example when turning. ln some conventional solutions,there is a risk that the electrical connection is damaged because it is excessivelystretched as a result of the rotary movement between the two vehicles. Someconventional solutions for providing an electrical connection between two vehicles are not sufficiently user-friendly for the driver or operator.

An object of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves thedrawbacks and problems of conventional solutions. lO The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independentclaim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects areachieved with an apparatus comprising an interface for providing an electricalconnection between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, wherein the first and secondvehicles are pivotally connectable to one another to be rotatable about an axis ofrotation in relation to one another, wherein the second vehicle comprises a cargocompartment, wherein the interface comprises a longitudinal bendable channel-shaped guidefor guiding one or more electrical conductors connectable to the first and secondvehicles, wherein the interface comprises an electrical second vehicle-side connectorfor connection to the electrical conductor, wherein the channel-shaped guide is configured to guide the electricalconductor to the second vehicle-side connector via, or through, the cargo compartmentof the second vehicle, wherein the channel-shaped guide comprises a longitudinal first vehicle-sidesection and a longitudinal second vehicle-side section, wherein the first vehicle-side section ofthe channel-shaped guide is configuredto be located outside the cargo compartment of the second vehicle, and wherein the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide is rotatableabout a pivot axis in relation to the second vehicle-side section of the channel-shapedguide with the rotation of the first vehicle in relation to the second vehicle about the axis of rotation. lt is to be understood that the wording that the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide is rotatable about a pivot axis in relation to the second vehicle-sidesection of the channel-shaped guide with the rotation of the first vehicle in relation tothe second vehicle about the axis of rotation means or implies that when the first and second vehicles rotate in relation to one another about the axis of rotation, also the lO first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide rotates, or is configured to rotate,about the pivot axis in relation to the second vehicle-side section of the channel-shapedguide.

An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the solution providedby the apparatus is user-friendly, in that a driver or operator can easily electricallyconnect the second vehicle to the first vehicle by way of the interface, for example bysimply going into the cargo compartment of the second vehicle and therein guiding orpulling the channel-shaped guide toward the second vehicle-side connector andconnect the electrical conductor, which is guided by the channel-shaped guide, to thesecond vehicle-side connector. An electrical disconnection of the second vehicle fromthe first vehicle by way of the interface can also be performed by the driver or operatorin an easy and user-friendly manner, i.e. the driver or operator simply goes into thecargo compartment of the second vehicle, disconnects the electrical conductor fromthe second vehicle-side connector and removes or withdraws the channel-shapedguide from the cargo compartment. An advantage of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect is that combined with the user-friendliness described above, an efficientprotection of the electrical conductor when connected to both of the first and secondvehicles is provided, for example when the first vehicle rotates in relation to the secondvehicle, for example when the first and second vehicles turn, or make a turn. Anadvantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the electrical conductorguided by the channel-shaped guide ofthe innovative interface is prevented from beingexcessively stretched, excessively twisted and/or excessively bent and is thusprevented from being damaged. An advantage of the apparatus according to the firstaspect is that the pivot axis of the channel-shaped guide can be positioned adjacentto the axis of rotation ofthe first and second vehicles, whereby the required longitudinalextension, or the sufficient slack, of the channel-shaped guide and/or the electricalconductor in order to allow the first and second vehicles to rotate in relation to oneanother with a maintained connection of the electrical conductor to the first and secondvehicles without damaging or excessively stretching the electrical conductor can bereduced or kept minimal in relation to conventional solutions. An advantage of theapparatus according to the first aspect is that a controlled and protective movement ofthe channel-shaped guide and the electrical conductor is provided. An advantage of lO the apparatus according to the first aspect is that an improved and efficient guidanceof the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided, whichalso is user-friendly.

The longitudinal bendable channel-shaped guide may be disclosed as a protector ofthe one or more electrical conductors and may be referred to as an electrical conductorprotector. The channel-shaped guide may be described to have a sufficient stiffness toprotect the one or more electrical conductors. lt may be defined that the channel-shaped guide is configured to protect the one or more electrical conductors, forexample to protect the one or more electrical conductors from twisting and bending in an excessive manner.

The electrical conductor may be described as a solid electrical conductor, i.e. aconductor made of a solid material. ln some embodiments, the electrical conductormay comprise or consist of an electrical cable or electrical wire.

The electrical second vehicle-side connector may be described as a connectorconfigured to be associated with the second vehicle, for example described as beingconfigured to be located on the side associated with the second vehicle.

The longitudinal first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide may bedescribed as a longitudinal section of the channel-shaped guide configured to beassociated with the first vehicle, for example described as being configured to belocated on the side associated with the first vehicle.

The longitudinal second vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide may bedescribed as a longitudinal section of the channel-shaped guide configured to beassociated with the second vehicle, for example described as being configured to belocated on the side associated with the second vehicle. ln some embodiments, the axis of rotation of the first and second vehicles may extendthrough a kingpin of one of the first and second vehicles. lO ln some embodiments, the channel-shaped guide may be configured to guideadditional lines or conduits, for example one or more pneumatic conduits or linesand/or one or more hydraulic conduits or lines, in addition to the one or more electrical conductors connectable to the first and second vehicles.

The electrical conductor may be configured for direct current. Thus, the channel-shaped guide may be configured to guide one or more direct current conductors. ltmay be defined that the channel-shaped guide is configured to guide a plurality ofelectrical conductors connectable to the first and second vehicles. lt may be definedthat the plurality of electrical conductors comprises two direct current conductors, onefor DC+ and the other one for DC-. Thus, the channel-shaped guide may be configuredto guide two direct current conductors. The electrical conductor may be configured forhigh voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, or above 450V, such as above 650 V. For example, the electrical conductor may be configured fora voltage up to 1500 V and/or for a voltage above 1500 V. Thus, the channel-shapedguide may be configured to guide one or more electrical conductors configured for highvoltage, for example for the volage levels mentioned above. ln some embodiments, inaddition to the electrical conductor or conductors configured for high voltage, forexample in accordance with the above-mentioned voltage levels, the channel-shapedguide may be configured to guide one or more additional electrical conductors and/orcables for low voltage, for example a low voltage below one or more of the voltagelevels mentioned above. An electric conductor for high voltage, for example inaccordance with the above-mentioned voltage levels, such as an electrical cable, mayhave an increased cross-section to conduct the electric current in relation to a lowvoltage conductor or cable, whereby this high voltage conductor or cable may be lessﬂexible and extra sensitive to excessive bending or twisting in relation to a low voltageconductor or cable. The apparatus according to the first aspect is useful andadvantageous for such high voltage conductors or cables to guide and protect the highvoltage conductor or cable connected to the first and second vehicles. The secondvehicle-side connector may be configured for one or more of the above-mentionedelectrical conductors. The second vehicle-side connector may be configured for high voltage, for example for the volage levels mentioned above. lO A further advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the apparatusis useful for configurations having one or more electric batteries or one or more electricbattery packs held or carried by the second vehicle, wherein the one or more electricalconductors may be configured to connect the one or more electric batteries or the oneor more electric battery packs to the first vehicle, for example to the powertrain of thefirst vehicle, wherein the powertrain of the first vehicle may include one or more electricmotors, or electric machines, for propelling or driving the first vehicle, in order toprovide electric power to the first vehicle, to the powertrain of the first vehicle and/or tothe one or more electric motors of the powertrain or of the first vehicle. lt may beadvantageous to place, or include, the one or more electric batteries or the one or moreelectric battery packs providing electric power to the first vehicle in the second vehicle,because there may be limited available space in the first vehicle for the one or moreelectric batteries or the one or more electric battery packs.

Another advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the apparatusis useful for configurations including three or more connected vehicles, where, forexample, an intermediate vehicle is pivotally connectable to two other vehicles, suchas a configuration including a truck, a dolly and a trailer. The first vehicle may comprisetwo or more vehicle units, for example a truck and a dolly. The vehicle units may berotatable in relation to one another. The vehicle units may be pivotally attachable, orconnectable, to one another. Each vehicle unit may be wheeled. One of the vehicleunits may be configured to haul the other one of the vehicle units. Embodiments of theapparatus can manage or handle large angles of rotation between two, three or more vehicles.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the interface comprises a second guide for guiding at least one first longitudinalportion of the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide, wherein the second guide comprises a slide surface configured to support thefirst longitudinal portion of the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide, wherein the first longitudinal portion of the first vehicle-side section of thechannel-shaped guide is movable in relation to the slide surface, and lO wherein the interface is configured to slide the first longitudinal portion of thefirst vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide on the slide surface.An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor isfurther improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that the protection of theelectrical conductor is further improved. For example, the second guide isadvantageous to support and guide a slack of the first vehicle-side section of thechannel-shaped guide, or a slack of the channel-shaped guide. An advantage of thisembodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductorconnected to the first and second vehicles is provided. An advantage of thisembodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductorconnected to the first and second vehicles is provided. ln some embodiments, theinterface and the second guide are configured to slide the first Iongitudinal portion ofthe first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide on the slide surface.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the slide surface comprises a bottom surface and lateral wall surfacesangled in relation to the bottom surface. An advantage of this embodiment is that theguidance of the electrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the protection of the electrical conductor is further improved. Forexample, a slack of the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide isefficiently supported and guided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductor connected to the first andsecond vehicles is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendlyand efficient protection of the electrical conductor connected to the first and secondvehicles is provided. ln some embodiments, the lateral wall surfaces may adjoin thebottom surface.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the slide surface is configured to be located below the cargo compartment ofthe second vehicle. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of theelectrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that theprotection of the electrical conductor is further improved. For example, a slack of thefirst vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide is efficiently supported and lO guided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidanceof the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. lt may bedefined that the slide surface is configured to be located under the cargo compartmentof the second vehicle.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the cargo compartment comprises a floor, wherein the slide surface is configured to be located below the floor of thecargo compartment.An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor isfurther improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that the protection of theelectrical conductor is further improved. For example, a slack of the first vehicle-sidesection of the channel-shaped guide is efficiently supported and guided. An advantageof this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of the electricalconductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. An advantage of thisembodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductorconnected to the first and second vehicles is provided. lt may be defined that the slidesurface is configured to be located under the floor of the cargo compartment.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the second guide is configured to be located below the cargo compartmentof the second vehicle. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of theelectrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that theprotection of the electrical conductor is further improved. For example, a slack of thefirst vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide is efficiently supported andguided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidanceof the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. lt may bedefined that the second guide is configured to be located under the cargo compartmentof the second vehicle. lO According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the cargo compartment comprises a floor, wherein the second guide is configured to be located below the floor of thecargo compartment.An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor isfurther improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that the protection of theelectrical conductor is further improved. For example, a slack of the first vehicle-sidesection of the channel-shaped guide is efficiently supported and guided. An advantageof this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of the electricalconductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. An advantage of thisembodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductorconnected to the first and second vehicles is provided. lt may be defined that the second guide is configured to be located under the floor of the cargo compartment.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the second vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide is configuredto be located at least partially, for example entirely, inside the cargo compartment ofthe second vehicle. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of theelectrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that auser-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductor connected to the firstand second vehicles is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductor connected to the first andsecond vehicles is provided. For example, the second vehicle-side section of thechannel-shaped guide can be easily accessible by a driver or operator, for example adriver or operator having access to the cargo compartment, such as being present inthe cargo compartment.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the cargo compartment comprises a floor, wherein the second vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide isconfigured to be located at least partially, for example entirely, above the floor of thecargo compartment. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of the lO lO electrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that auser-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductor connected to the firstand second vehicles is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductor connected to the first andsecond vehicles is provided. For example, the second vehicle-side section of thechannel-shaped guide can be easily accessible by a driver or operator, for example adriver or operator having access to the cargo compartment, such as being present inthe cargo compartment and/or on the floor of the cargo compartment.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the cargo compartment comprises a floor forming an opening, and/or athrough-hole, for the passage of the channel-shaped guide, wherein the channel-shaped guide is configured to enter the cargocompartment via the opening of the floor.An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor isfurther improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficientguidance of the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles isprovided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficientprotection of the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles isprovided. For example, the second vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guidecan be easily accessible by a driver or operator, for example a driver or operator havingaccess to the cargo compartment, such as being present in the cargo compartmentand/or on the floor of the cargo compartment. An advantage of this embodiment is thatthe pivot axis of the channel-shaped guide can be positioned even closer to the axisof rotation of the first and second vehicles, whereby the required longitudinal extension,or the sufficient slack, of the channel-shaped guide and/or the electrical conductor inorder to allow the first and second vehicles to rotate in relation to one another with amaintained connection of the electrical conductor to the first and second vehicleswithout damaging or excessively stretching the electrical conductor can be furtherreduced or kept minimal in relation to conventional solutions. lt may be defined that thechannel-shaped guide is configured to enter the cargo compartment through theopening of the floor. lO ll According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, at least one first longitudinal portion of the first vehicle-side section of thechannel-shaped guide is configured to be located below the cargo compartment of thesecond vehicle. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of the electricalconductor is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendlyand efficient guidance of the electrical conductor connected to the first and secondvehicles is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly andefficient protection of the electrical conductor connected to the first and secondvehicles is provided. lt may be defined that the at least one first longitudinal portion ofthe first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide is configured to be locatedunder the cargo compartment of the second vehicle.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the cargo compartment comprises a floor, wherein at least one first longitudinal portion of the first vehicle-side section ofthe channel-shaped guide is configured to be located below the floor of the cargocompartment.An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor isfurther improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficientguidance of the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles isprovided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficientprotection of the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles isprovided. lt may be defined that the at least one first longitudinal portion of the firstvehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide is configured to be located under thefloor of the cargo compartment.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the interface comprises a tensioner for at least the first vehicle-side sectionof the channel-shaped guide. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance ofthe electrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is thatthe protection of the electrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of thisembodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductorconnected to the first and second vehicles is provided. An advantage of this lO 12 embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductorconnected to the first and second vehicles is provided. For example, the tensioner mayefficiently take care of and guide a slack of the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide, or a slack of the channel-shaped guide. ln some embodiments, thetensioner may be configured to be erected, or a longitudinal extension of the tensionermay be configured to be vertically extending. However, other configurations of thetensioner are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the tensioner may beconfigured be horizonal, or a longitudinal extension of the tensioner may be configuredto be horizontally extending.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the tensioner is configured to apply a force to create or maintain tension to atleast the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor is further improved. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. Forexample, a slack of the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide, or aslack of the channel-shaped guide, can be efficiently taken care of and guided.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the tensioner comprises a third guide for guiding at least one secondlongitudinal portion of the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide,wherein the third guide comprises a guide wheel, or a guide roll, for guidingthe at least one second longitudinal portion of the first vehicle-side section of thechannel-shaped guide.An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor isfurther improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficientguidance of the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles isprovided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficientprotection of the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles isprovided. For example, a slack of the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped lO 13 guide, or a slack of the channel-shaped guide, can be efficiently taken care of andguided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the guide wheel is located at one end of the tensioner. An advantage ofthis embodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor is further improved. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. Forexample, a slack of the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide, or aslack of the channel-shaped guide, can be efficiently taken care ofand guided. ln someembodiments, the guide wheel may be located at a top end of the tensioner whenerected or when a longitudinal extension of the tensioner is configured to be verticallyextending. An advantage of this embodiment is that the protection of the electricalconductor is further improved since the electrical conductor is further protected fromexcessive stretching.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the channel-shaped guide comprises a third longitudinal portion surroundingthe pivot axis. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of the electricalconductor is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that the protectionof the electrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is thata user-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductor connected to the firstand second vehicles is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductor connected to the first andsecond vehicles is provided. For example, an efficient and secure rotation of the firstvehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide about the pivot axis in relation to thesecond vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide can be provided.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the second vehicle-side connector is configured to connect to the electricalconductor inside the cargo compartment of the second vehicle. An advantage of this lO 14 embodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor is further improved. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. Forexample, the connection of the electrical conductor to the second vehicle-sideconnector and the second vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide can beeasily accessible by a driver or operator, for example a driver or operator havingaccess to the cargo compartment, such as being present in the cargo compartment.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the second vehicle-side connector is configured to be located at least partly,for example entirely, inside the cargo compartment of the second vehicle. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor is furtherimproved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficientguidance of the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles isprovided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficientprotection of the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles isprovided. For example, the second vehicle-side connector and thus also theconnection of the electrical conductor to the second vehicle-side connector and thesecond vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide can be easily accessible bya driver or operator, for example a driver or operator having access to the cargocompartment, such as being present in the cargo compartment.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the interface is configured such that the distance between the pivot axisand the second vehicle-side connector exceeds the distance between the pivot axisand the axis of rotation. An advantage of this embodiment is that the pivot axis of thechannel-shaped guide is positioned adjacent to the axis of rotation of the first andsecond vehicles, whereby the required longitudinal extension, or the sufficient slack,of the channel-shaped guide and/or the electrical conductor in order to allow the firstand second vehicles to rotate in relation to one another with a maintained connection of the electrical conductor to the first and second vehicles without damaging or lO excessively stretching the electrical conductor, can be reduced or kept minimal inrelation to conventional solutions. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductor connected to the first andsecond vehicles is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendlyand efficient protection of the electrical conductor connected to the first and secondvehicles is provided.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the second vehicle-side connector is attachable to a front section of thecargo compartment of the second vehicle. An advantage of this embodiment is that auser-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductor connected to the firstand second vehicles is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductor connected to the first andsecond vehicles is provided. For example, the second vehicle-side connector, theconnection of the electrical conductor to the second vehicle-side connector and thesecond vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide can be easily accessible bya driver or operator, for example a driver or operator having access to the cargo compartment, such as being present in the cargo compartment.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the tensioner and the second vehicle-side connector are configured to havethe front section of the cargo compartment located between them. An advantage ofthis embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductorconnected to the first and second vehicles is provided. An advantage of thisembodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the interface is configured such that the front section of the cargocompartment is positioned between the tensioner and the axis of rotation. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. An lO 16 advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the interface is configured such that the distance between the pivot axis andthe front section of the cargo compartment, for example a front wall of the front section,exceeds the distance between the pivot axis and the axis of rotation. An advantage ofthis embodiment is that the pivot axis of the channel-shaped guide is positionedadjacent to the axis of rotation of the first and second vehicles, whereby the requiredlongitudinal extension, or the sufficient slack, of the channel-shaped guide and/or theelectrical conductor in order to allow the first and second vehicles to rotate in relationto one another with a maintained connection of the electrical conductor to the first andsecond vehicles without damaging or excessively stretching the electrical conductor,can be reduced or kept minimal in relation to conventional solutions. An advantage ofthis embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductorconnected to the first and second vehicles is provided. An advantage of thisembodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the channel-shaped guide comprises or consists of an energy chain forguiding the one or more electrical conductors. An advantage of this embodiment is thatthe guidance of the electrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the protection of the electrical conductor is further improved. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. lt may be defined that the energy chain is a 3D energy chain.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the channel-shaped guide is configured to surround the electricalconductor. An advantage of this embodiment is that the protection of the electrical lO 17 conductor is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that the guidanceof the electrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is thata user-friendly and efficient guidance of the electrical conductor connected to the firstand second vehicles is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of the electrical conductor connected to the first andsecond vehicles is provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the channel-shaped guide is tubular. An advantage of this embodiment is thatthe protection of the electrical conductor is further improved. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the guidance of the electrical conductor is further improved. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient guidance of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and efficient protection of theelectrical conductor connected to the first and second vehicles is provided.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thefirst aspect, the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide is configured toconnect the second vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide to the firstvehicle, wherein the second vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide isconfigured to connect the first vehicle-side section of the channel-shaped guide to thesecond vehicle.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the firstaspect, the apparatus comprises the one or more electrical conductors. Theadvantages of this embodiment correspond to the above-mentioned advantages of theembodiments of the apparatus according to the first aspect.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectsare achieved with a vehicle comprising an apparatus according to any one of the embodiments mentioned above or below. lO 18 The advantages of the vehicle according to the second aspect correspond to theabove- or below-mentioned advantages of the apparatus according to the first aspectand its embodiments.

The vehicle may be a wheeied vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having wheels. The vehicle mayfor example be a bus, a tractor vehicle, a heavy vehicle, a truck, or a car. The vehiclemay be a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example ahybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV. lnsome embodiments, the vehicle may be an intermediate vehicle, for example referredto as a front trailer or a dolly. ln some embodiments, the vehicle may comprise two ormore vehicle units, for example of the sorts mentioned above, such as a truck and anintermediate vehicle. ln some embodiments, the vehicle may be a trailer, for examplea full trailer or a semi-trailer. However, other types of vehicles are possible.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectsare achieved with a first vehicle and a second vehicle combination comprising anapparatus according to any one of the embodiments mentioned above or below.

The advantages of the first vehicle and second vehicle combination according to thethird aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of theapparatus according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

The first vehicle may be a wheeied vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having wheels. The firstvehicle may for example be a bus, a tractor vehicle, a heavy vehicle, a truck, or a car.The first vehicle may be a motor vehicle. The first vehicle may be an electric vehicle,EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electricvehicle, BEV. ln some embodiments, the first vehicle may be an intermediate vehicle,for example referred to as a front trailer or a dolly. However, other types of first vehiclesare possible. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the first vehicle maycomprise two or more vehicle units, for example of the sorts mentioned above, forexample a truck and an intermediate vehicle, such as a dolly. The second vehicle maybe a trailer, for example a full trailer or a semi-trailer. However, other types of secondvehicles are possible. lO 19 According to an advantageous embodiment of the first vehicle and second vehiclecombination according to the third aspect, the second vehicle comprises or consists ofa trailer. For example, the trailer may be a full trailer or a semi-trailer. However, other types are trailers are possible.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the first vehicle and secondvehicle combination according to the third aspect, the first vehicle comprises orconsists of a mover configured to move the second vehicle. ln some embodiments, themover is a prime mover, such as a tractor vehicle (or a truck), or an intermediatevehicle, for example referred to as a front trailer or a dolly. However, other movervehicles are possible. ln some embodiments, the second vehicle may hold, carry or comprise one or moreelectric batteries or electric battery packs, wherein the one or more electricalconductors may be configured to connect the one or more electric batteries or the oneor more electric battery packs to the first vehicle, for example to the powertrain of thefirst vehicle, wherein the powertrain of the first vehicle may include one or more electricmotors, or electric machines, for propelling or driving the first vehicle, in order toprovide electric power to the first vehicle, to the powertrain of the first vehicle and/or tothe one or more electric motors of the powertrain or of the first vehicle.

The above-mentioned features and embodiments of the apparatus, the vehicle and thefirst vehicle and second vehicle combination, respectively, may be combined in variouspossible ways providing further advantageous embodiments.

Further advantageous embodiments of the apparatus, the vehicle and the first vehicleand second vehicle combination according to the present invention and furtheradvantages with the embodiments of the present invention emerge from the detailed description of embodiments. lO Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which: Figure 1Figure 2Figure 3Figure 4Figure 5Figure 6Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9A Figure 9B Figure 9C Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatusaccording to the first aspect of the invention applied to a first vehicle; is an enlarged view of a portion of figure 1; is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of figures 1 and 2, butwith the second guide dismantled, and the tensioner and the channel-shaped guide removed for illustrative purposes; is a schematic perspective view of the second guide of the interface of theapparatus of figures 1 and 2; is a schematic top view of the second guide of figure 4; is a schematic side view of the second guide of figure 4; is a schematic front view of the second guide of figure 4; is a schematic perspective view of the second guide of figure 4, but withan item dismantled from the rest of the second guide; shows a schematic front view and a schematic top view illustrating theembodiment of the apparatus of figures 1 and 2 applied to a first vehicleand a second vehicle and positioned in a first position; shows a schematic front view and a schematic top view illustrating theapparatus of figure 9A positioned in a second position; shows a schematic front view and a schematic top view illustrating theapparatus of figure 9A positioned in a third position; is a schematic partial perspective view of a cargo compartment of thesecond vehicle; is a schematic partial perspective view of the cargo compartment of thesecond vehicle of figure 10 when viewed from below; is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the vehicle accordingto the second aspect of the invention; lO 21 Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electric battery unitor one or more electric batteries; andFigure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electric battery pack.

Detailed Description With reference to figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of the apparatus 100 according tothe first aspect is schematically illustrated. ln the embodiment in figures 1 and 2, theapparatus 100 is applied to and mounted to a vehicle 200, for example a first vehicle200.

With reference to figures 1 to 3, the vehicle 200, or the first vehicle 200, to whichembodiments of the apparatus 100 may be applied, may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. avehicle 200 having wheels 202, 204, 205, 207. The vehicle 200, or the first vehicle 200,to which embodiments of the apparatus 100 may be applied, may comprise or consistof a mover configured to move a second vehicle 300 (see figures 9A-9C and 10-11).With reference to figure 12, the vehicle 400, or the first vehicle 400, to whichembodiments of the apparatus 100 may be applied, may for example be a bus, a primemover 400, a tractor vehicle 400 (with the coupling member 401 in figure 12 removed),a heavy vehicle 400, a truck 400 (with the coupling device 210 in figure 12 removed),or a car. The vehicle 400, to which embodiments of the apparatus 100 may be applied,may be a motor vehicle 400. The vehicle 400, to which embodiments of the apparatus100 may be applied, may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or ahybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV. The vehicle 400, towhich embodiments of the apparatus 100 may be applied, may comprise a powertrain,for example configured for one of an EV, HEV and BEV. The vehicle 400, to whichembodiments of the apparatus 100 may be applied, may comprise, or carry, one ormore electric batteries 700 and/or one or more electric battery packs 800, for exampleas disclosed hereinbelow in connection with figures 12 and 13. The vehicle 400, towhich embodiments of the apparatus 100 may be applied, may include one or moreelectric motors or electrical machines, for example to propel, or drive, the vehicle. Forexample, the powertrain may include the one or more electric motors or electricalmachines. lt is to be understood that the vehicle 400, to which embodiments of the apparatus 100 may be applied, may include further unites, components, such as lO 22 electrical and/or mechanical components, a combustion engine and other devicesrequired for a vehicle, such as for an EV, HEV or BEV. The vehicle 200, 300, to whichembodiments of the apparatus 100 may be applied, may comprise or consist of a trailer302 (see figures 9A-9C and 10-11), for example a full trailer or a semi-trailer. However, other types of vehicles are possible.

With reference to figures 1 to 3, for some embodiments, the vehicle 200, or the firstvehicle 200, may comprise or consist of a mover in the form of an intermediate vehicle206, for example referred to as a front trailer or a dolly 206. ln the embodimentillustrated in figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 200, or the first vehicle 200, is an intermediatevehicle 206, for example referred to as a dolly 206. However, other types of vehiclesare possible. ln the shown embodiment, the first vehicle 200 includes four wheels 202,204, 205 but only the two wheels 202, 204 on the left-hand side of the first vehicle 200are clearly visible in figure 1. ln figures 9A-9C, a third wheel 205 on the right-hand sideof the first vehicle 200 is visible together with one 202 of the left-side wheels 202, 204.ln figure 9C, also a fourth wheel 207 on the right-hand side of the first vehicle 200 isvisible. lt is to be understood that the first vehicle 200 may have fewer or more wheelsthan what is shown in the figures. ln the shown embodiment, the first vehicle 200includes a coupling member 209, for example configured for connection with anothervehicle 400, more specifically another vehicle 400 provided with a complementarycoupling member 401 (see figure 12), for example another vehicle 400 in form of aprime mover 400, such a truck 400, for example of the sort disclosed below inconnection with figure 12 with the coupling device 210 and the apparatus 100 removedfrom the truck 400, for example. lt is to be understood that the coupling members 209,401 (see figure 12) may be designed or configured in various possible manners, forexample different from the coupling members 209, 401 illustrated in figures 1-3 and12. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the vehicle or the first vehicle maycomprise two or more vehicle units, for example of the sorts mentioned above, forexample a truck 400 and an intermediate vehicle 206, such as a dolly 206.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 100 includes an interface 102 forproviding an electrical connection between a first vehicle 200 and a second vehicle300 (see figures 9A-9C and 10-11). lt may be defined that the interface 102 is lO 23 configured for providing one or more electrical connections, for example a plurality ofelectrical connections, between the first vehicle 200 and the second vehicle 300. Thefirst vehicle 200 may be defined as a leading, or guiding, vehicle while the secondvehicle 300 may be defined as a trailing vehicle. As shown in the embodiment in figures9A-9C, the second vehicle 300 may be a trailer 302, for example a wheeled trailer 302.However, other types of the second vehicle 300 are possible. With reference to figures1, 9A-9C and 10-11, the first and second vehicles 200, 300 are pivotally connectableto one another to be rotatable about an axis of rotation 208 in relation to one another.More specifically, it may be defined that the first and second vehicles 200, 300 aremechanically connectable to one another to be rotatable about an axis of rotation 208in relation to one another. lt may be described that the first and second vehicles 200,300 are pivotally connectable to one another in an articulated manner. The first andsecond vehicles 200, 300 may together form an articulated vehicle, such as anarticulated lorry. The first vehicle 200 and the second vehicle 300 may be detachablyconnectable to one another.

With reference to figures 1 to 3, the first vehicle 200 may, for example, include acoupling device 210, for example a horseshoe-shaped coupling device 210, which maybe referred to as a fifth wheel 210. The coupling device 210 of the first vehicle 200 mayinclude an upward-facing surface 212. With refence to figure 11, the second vehicle300 may include a kingpin 304, through which the axis of rotation 208 may extendwhen the first and second vehicles 200, 300 are connected to one another. Asillustrated in figure 11, the king pin 304 may protrude downwardly, or in a downwarddirection, and may be configured to engage the coupling device 210 of the first vehicle200, for example a recess of the coupling device 210, to be pivotally connected to thecoupling device 210 of the first vehicle 200, and thus to provide a rotary connectionbetween the first and second vehicles 200, 300. Thus, the first and second vehicles200, 300 may be pivotally connectable to one another by way of the coupling device210 and the kingpin 304. However, other types of rotary connections are possible.

With refence to figures 9A-9C and 10-11, the second vehicle 300 includes a cargocompartment 306, which is a compartment 306 for cargo. lt is to be understood thatonly portions of the cargo compartment 306 are illustrated in figures 9A-9C and 10-11 lO 24 for illustrative purposes. The cargo compartment 306 may be described as acompartment, for example a section, a room, or a space, such as an enclosed space,for cargo, for example for cargo to be transported. The size or dimensions of the cargocompartment 306 may be sufficiently large for a driver or operator to enter, for example to load or unload cargo into/from the cargo compartment 306.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the interface 102 includes a longitudinal bendablechannel-shaped guide 104 for guiding, and/or routing, one or more electricalconductors 602, 604 (see figure 2) connectable to the first and second vehicles 200,300. lt may be defined that the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604 is/areelectrically connectable to the first and second vehicles 200, 300. lt may be definedthat the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604 is/are electrically and mechanicallyconnectable to the first and second vehicles 200, 300.

With reference to figure 2, the electrical conductor 602, 604 may be described as asolid electrical conductor, i.e. a conductor made of a solid material. ln someembodiments, the electrical conductor 602, 604 may comprise or consist of anelectrical cable 606, 608 or electrical wire. Thus, in some embodiments, the channel-shaped guide 104 may be configured to guiding one or more electrical cables 606,608.

With reference to figure 2, the electrical conductor 602, 604 may be configured fordirect current. Thus, the channel-shaped guide 104 may be configured to guide one ormore direct current conductors. lt may be defined that the channel-shaped guide 104is configured to guide a plurality of electrical conductors 602, 604 connectable to thefirst and second vehicles 200, 300. lt may be defined that the plurality of electricalconductors 602, 604 includes two direct current conductors, one for DC+ and the otherone for DC-. Thus, the channel-shaped guide 104 may be configured to guide twodirect current conductors. The electrical conductor 602, 604 may be configured for highvoltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, or above 450 V, suchas above 650 V. For example, the electrical conductor 602, 604 may be configured fora voltage up to 1500 V and/or for a voltage above 1500 V. ln some embodiments, theone or more electrical conductors may be configured to provide, or transfer, electric lO power to the powertrain of the first vehicle 400 (see figure 12) and/or to the one ormore electric motors of the powertrain of the first vehicle 400. Thus, the channel-shaped guide 104 may be configured to guide one or more electrical conductors 602,604 configured for high voltage, for example for the volage levels mentioned above, orany other electrical conductor 602, 604 mentioned above, for example. ln someembodiments, in addition to, or instead of, the one or more electrical conductors 602,604 configured for high voltage, for example in accordance with the above-mentionedvoltage levels, the channel-shaped guide 104 may be configured to guide one or moreadditional electrical conductors and/or cables for low voltage, for example a low voltagebelow one or more of the voltage levels mentioned above, such as one or more signallines or cables. ln some embodiments, the channel-shaped guide 104 may beconfigured to guide additional lines or conduits, for example one or more pneumaticconduits or lines and/or one or more hydraulic conduits or lines, in addition to the oneor more electrical conductors 602, 604 connectable to the first and second vehicles200, 300.

With reference to figure 2, an electric conductor 602, 604 for high voltage, for examplein accordance with the above-mentioned voltage levels, such as an electrical cable606, 608, may have an increased cross-section in relation to a low voltage conductoror cable to conduct the electric current. ln some embodiments, the cross-section of anelectric conductor 602, 604 for high voltage may be approximately 95-100 mm2.However, other dimensions for the high voltage conductor are possible. Because ofthe increased cross-section, the high voltage conductor 602, 604 or cable 606, 608may be less flexible and extra sensitive to excessive bending or twisting in relation to a low voltage conductor or cable.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, it may be defined that the channel-shaped guide 104is configured to surround the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604. The channel-shaped guide 104 may be tubular, for example having the form ofa tube. ln alternativeembodiments, the channel-shaped guide 104 may have a U-shaped or a V-shapedcross-section. However, other shapes of the channel-shaped guide 104 and othershapes of the cross-section of the channel-shaped guide 104 are possible. The channel-shaped guide 104 may be configured to enclose, or at least partly enclose, lO 26 the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604. ln some embodiments, the longitudinalbendable channel-shaped guide 104 may comprise or consist of an energy chain 106for guiding the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604. The energy chain 106 maybe described as a plurality of interconnected links. Each link of the energy chain 106may surround the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604. The energy chain 106may comprise or consist of a 3D (3 dimensions, or 3-dimensional) energy chain 106.A 3D energy chain may be described as an energy chain configured to move like asnake, i.e. configured to move both to the sides (laterally) and up and down, if the 3Denergy chain were positioned on an imaginary horizontal plane, in contrast to a 2Denergy chain which basically only moves to the sides or up and down when positionedon an imaginary horizontal plane. The 3D energy chain, or the channel-shaped guide104, may be described to be movable in three or more moving directions, and/orbendable in three or more bending directions. The channel-shaped guide 104 may bemade from a material comprising or consisting ofa polymer or a polymer mix. However, the channel-shaped guide 104 may be made from any other suitable material.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the longitudinal bendable channel-shaped guide 104may be disclosed as a protector of the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604 andmay be referred to as an electrical conductor protector. The channel-shaped guide 104may be referred to as a carrier of the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604. Whenthe electrical conductor 602, 604 comprises or consists of an electrical cable 606, 608,the channel-shaped guide 104 may be referred to as a cable carrier. The channel-shaped guide 104 may be described to have a sufficient stiffness to protect the one ormore electrical conductors 602, 604. However, the channel-shaped guide 104 may bedescribed to still be sufficiently flexible to be bendable. lt may be defined that thechannel-shaped guide 104 has limited flexibility. The channel-shaped guide 104 maybe twistable or be configured to twist. lt may be defined that the channel-shaped guide104 is configured to protect the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604, for exampleto protect the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604 from twisting and bending inan excessive manner, which could damage the one or more electrical conductors 602,604. lO 27 With reference to figures 1 and 2, the interface 102 includes an electrical secondvehicle-side connector 108 for connection to the electrical conductor 602, 604. lt maybe defined that the second vehicle-side connector 108 is configured for electricalconnection to the electrical conductor 602, 604. lt may be defined that the secondvehicle-side connector 108 is configured for electrical and mechanical connection tothe electrical conductor 602, 604. The electrical second vehicle-side connector 108may be described as a connector configured to be associated with the second vehicle300. The second vehicle-side connector 108 may be described as being configured tobe located on the side associated with the second vehicle 300. The electrical secondvehicle-side connector 108 may be referred to as an electrical second vehicleconnector. For example, when the second vehicle 300 is a trailer 302, the secondvehicle-side connector 108 may be referred to as a trailer-side connector, i.e. aconnector on the side associated with the trailer 302. The second vehicle-sideconnector 108 may be configured to provide an electrical connection between thesecond vehicle 300 and the electrical conductor 602, 604 when the second vehicle-side connector 108 is connected to the electrical conductor 602, 604. The secondvehicle-side connector108 may be configured for one or more of the above-mentionedelectrical conductors 602, 604. The second vehicle-side connector 108 may beconfigured for high voltage, for example for the volage levels mentioned above.

With reference to figures 9A-9C and 10-11, the cargo compartment 306 may comprisea front section 308. lt may be defined that the second vehicle 300 comprises the frontsection 308. The front section 308 may include a front wall 310. With reference tofigures 9A-9C and 10, the front section 308 or the front wall 310 may include an insidesurface 312. With reference to figure 1 1, the front section 308 or the front wall 310 mayinclude an outside surface 313. The second vehicle-side connector 108 may beattachable to the second vehicle 300. ln some embodiments, the second vehicle-sideconnector 108 may be attachable to the front section 308 of the cargo compartment306 of the second vehicle 300. ln some embodiments, the second vehicle-sideconnector 108 may be attachable to the front wall 310 of the front section 308. Withreference to figures 9A-9C, in some embodiments, the second vehicle-side connector108 may be attachable to the inside surface 312 of the front section 308 or of the frontwall 310. ln some embodiments, the second vehicle-side connector 108 may be lO 28 attachable to the outside surface 313 of the front section 308 or of the front wall 310.Thus, for some embodiments it may be defined that the electrical conductor 602, 604is connectable to an electrical second vehicle-side connector 108 attached to a frontsection 308 of the second vehicle 300.

With reference to figures 9A-9C and 10-11, in some embodiments, the second vehicle-side connector 108 may be configured to connect to the electrical conductor 602, 604inside the cargo compartment 306 of the second vehicle 300. However, in alternativeembodiments, the second vehicle-side connector 108 may be configured to connect tothe electrical conductor 602, 604 outside the cargo compartment 306 of the secondvehicle 300. ln some embodiments, the second vehicle-side connector 108 may beconfigured to be located at least partly, for example entirely, inside the cargocompartment 306 of the second vehicle 300. However, in alternative embodiments, thesecond vehicle-side connector 108 may be configured to be located outside the cargocompartment 306 of the second vehicle 300. ln figures 1 and 2, where the secondvehicle 300 is not shown, the second vehicle-side connector 108 is however illustratedto have a position which corresponds to the position which the second vehicle-sideconnector 108 would have when attached, or mounted, to the front section 308 of thecargo compartment 306 of the second vehicle 300 (see figures 9A-9C) and, forexample, when being located outside the cargo compartment 306, or at least partlylocated in the cargo compartment 306 of the second vehicle 300 (see figures 9A-9C).

With reference to figures 9A-9B, the channel-shaped guide 104 is configured to guidethe electrical conductor 602, 602 to the second vehicle-side connector 108 via, orthrough, the cargo compartment 306 of the second vehicle 300. This feature makesthe apparatus 100 user-friendly in that a driver or operator can easily electricallyconnect/disconnect the second vehicle 300 to/from the first vehicle 200 by way of theinterface 102, for example by simply going into the cargo compartment 306 of thesecond vehicle 300 and therein guiding or pulling the channel-shaped guide 104toward the second vehicle-side connector 108 and connect the electrical conductor602, 604, which is guided by the channel-shaped guide 104, to the second vehicle-side connector 108, or disconnect the electrical conductor 602, 604 from the secondvehicle-side connector 108, and for example subsequently remove the channel- lO 29 shaped guide 104 and its one or more electrical conductors 602, 604 from the cargocompartment 306 of the second vehicle 300. A user-friendly electricalconnection/disconnection is of importance, since the second vehicle 300 may often beconnected or disconnect to/from the first vehicle 200, and the connection anddisconnection of the second vehicle 300 to/from the first vehicle 200 is performed bythe driver, or any other operator. The size or dimensions of the cargo compartment306 may be sufficiently large for a driver or operator to enter to connect or disconnectthe electrical conductor 602, 604 to/from the second vehicle-side connector 108.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the channel-shaped guide 104 includes, or is formedby, a longitudinal first vehicle-side section 110 and a longitudinal second vehicle-sidesection 112. The longitudinal first vehicle-side section 110 ofthe channel-shaped guide104 may be described as a longitudinal section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104configured to be associated with the first vehicle 200. For example, the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 may be described as a longitudinalsection 110 configured to be located on the side associated with the first vehicle 200.ln figures 1 and 2, not the entire first vehicle-side section 110 is illustrated for illustrativepurposes. With reference to figure 2, it is to be understood that the first vehicle-sidesection 110 may continue to the left in figure 2 together with the electrical conductor602, 604 guided therein, for example toward another vehicle 400 (see figure 12)hauling the first vehicle 200, or to a connection unit of the first vehicle 200. Thelongitudinal second vehicle-side section 112 of the channel-shaped guide 104 may bedescribed as a longitudinal section 112 of the channel-shaped guide 104 configured tobe associated with the second vehicle 300. For example, the second vehicle-sidesection 112 of the channel-shaped guide 104 may be described as a longitudinalsection 112 configured to be located on the side associated with the second vehicle300. For example, when the first vehicle 200 is a dolly 206 or a truck, the first vehicle-side section 110 may be referred to as a dolly-side or truck-side section, i.e. a sectionon the side associated with the dolly 206 or the truck. For example, when the secondvehicle 300 is a trailer 302, the second vehicle-side section 112 may be referred to asa trailer-side section, i.e. a section on the side associated with the with the trailer 302. lO With reference to figures 1 and 2, the longitudinal first vehicle-side section 110 of thechannel-shaped guide 104 may be referred to as a Iongitudinal first vehicle section 110of the channel-shaped guide 104. The Iongitudinal second vehicle-side section 112 ofthe channel-shaped guide 104 may be referred to as a Iongitudinal second vehiclesection 112 of the channel-shaped guide 104. The longitudinal first vehicle-side section110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 may be referred to as a first Iongitudinal section110 of the channel-shaped guide 104. The Iongitudinal second vehicle-side section112 may be referred to as a second Iongitudinal section 112 of the channel-shapedguide 104. For some embodiments, it may be defined that the first vehicle-side section110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 is configured to connect (such as mechanicallyconnect) the second vehicle-side section 112 of the channel-shaped guide 104 to thefirst vehicle 200 while the second vehicle-side section 112 of the channel-shaped guide104 is configured to connect (such as mechanically connect) the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 to the second vehicle 300.

With reference to figures 1-2 and 9A-9C, the first vehicle-side section 110 of thechannel-shaped guide 104 is configured to be located outside the cargo compartment306 of the second vehicle 300.

With reference to figures 1-2 and 9A-9C, the first vehicle-side section 110 of thechannel-shaped guide 104 is rotatable about a pivot axis 114 in relation to the secondvehicle-side section 112 of the channel-shaped guide 104 with the rotation of the firstvehicle 200 in relation to the second vehicle 300 about the axis of rotation 208. lt is tobe understood that the wording that the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 is rotatable about a pivot axis 114 in relation to the second vehicle-side section 112 of the channel-shaped guide 104 with the rotation of the first vehicle200 in relation to the second vehicle 300 about the axis of rotation 208 means orimplies that when the first and second vehicles 200, 300 rotate in relation to oneanother about the axis of rotation 208, also the first vehicle-side section 110 of thechannel-shaped guide 104 is configured to rotate, or rotates, about the pivot axis 114in relation to the second vehicle-side section 112 of the channel-shaped guide 104. lnthe shown embodiment, the pivot axis 114 of the channel-shaped guide 104 is spacedapart from, or separated from, the axis of rotation 208 of the first and second vehicles lO 31 200, 300. The pivot axis 114 of the channel-shaped guide 104 may be parallel to theaxis of rotation 208 of the first and second vehicles 200, 300. However, otherrelationships may occur. For some embodiments, it may be defined that theIongitudinal first vehicle-side section 110 and the Iongitudinal second vehicle-side section 112 are tvvistabie in relation to one another.

The apparatus 100 according to the first aspect is useful and advantageous for highvoltage conductors or cables, for example of the sort mentioned above, in order toguide and protect the high voltage conductor or cable connected to the first and secondvehicles 200, 300. However, as already stated above, the channel-shaped guide 104may also guide additional and other electrical conductors, cables, lines and/orconduits.

With reference to the top views below the front views in figures 9A-9C and figure 10,which schematically illustrate a part of the cargo compartment 306 of the secondvehicle 300 as viewed from above into the cargo compartment 306, and figure 11,which schematically illustrates the cargo compartment 306 of the second vehicle 300from below or as viewed from below, the cargo compartment 306 may in generalinclude a floor 314. For example, and as illustrated in the shown embodiment, thekingpin 304 may be attached to the underside of the floor 314 of the cargocompartment 306.

With refence to figures 9A and 10-11, the floor 314 of the cargo compartment 306 ofthe second vehicle 300 may form, or define, an opening 316 (or a passage) for thepassage of the channel-shaped guide 104. The channel-shaped guide 104 may beconfigured to enter the cargo compartment 306 via, or through, the opening 316 of theﬂoor 314. With reference to figures 10 and 11, in the shown embodiment the floor 314forms the opening 316 in the form of an elongated slit 317, which in the direction towardthe axis of rotation 208 may end in a through-hole 318 of the opening 316, the through-hole 318 being wider than the elongated slit 317. This configuration may give theopening 316 a keyhole configuration. The pivot axis 114 of the channel-shaped guide104 may extend through the opening 316 and/or the through-hole 318. With referenceto figure 10, the floor 314 may be provided with one or more covers movable in relation lO 32 to the axis of rotation 208, for example one or more cover plates, which may beslidable, for covering the elongated slit 317, for example after the channel-shapedguide 104 has been allowed to enter the cargo compartment 306.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, it may be defined that the channel-shaped guide 104includes a third longitudinal portion 116 which surrounds, or is configured to surround,the pivot axis 114 of the channel-shaped guide 104. The longitudinal first vehicle-sidesection 110 and the longitudinal second vehicle-side section 112 may be joined to oneanother via, or by way of, the third longitudinal portion 116. With refence to figures 9Aand 10-11, the third longitudinal portion 116 may be configured to extend through theopening 316 and/or the through-hole 318. lt may be defined that the third longitudinalportion 116 is configured to be located in the opening 316 and/or in through-hole 318of the opening 316.

With reference to figures 9A-9C, the second vehicle-side section 112 of the channel-shaped guide 104 may be configured to be located at least partially, or entirely, insidethe cargo compartment 306 of the second vehicle 300. When the cargo compartment306 has a floor 314, the second vehicle-side section 112 of the channel-shaped guide104 may be configured to be located at least partially, or entirely, above the floor 314of the cargo compartment 306. With reference to figures 9A-9C and 10, the cargocompartment 306 and/or the floor 314 may be provided with one or more inner floorsections (not shown) for covering the floor 314. The one or more inner floor sectionsare configured to be located above the floor 314. The one or more inner floor sectionsmay be removable. When the one or more inner floor sections is/are present, thesecond vehicle-side section 112 of the channel-shaped guide 104 may be configuredto be located at least partially, or entirely, between the floor 314 and the one or moreinner floor sections. The one or more inner floor sections may be made of a woodmaterial, for example plywood, or any other suitable material.

With reference to figures 1-2 and 9A-9C, the first vehicle-side section 110 of thechannel-shaped guide 104 may include at least one first longitudinal portion 118. lnsome embodiments, the at least one first longitudinal portion 118 of the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 is configured to be located below, lO 33 and/or under, the cargo compartment 306 of the second vehicle 300. When the cargocompartment 306 has a floor 314, the at least one first longitudinal portion 118 of thefirst vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 may be configured tobe located below, and/or under, the floor 314 of the cargo compartment 306 of thesecond vehicle 300. When reference is made to “above” or “below” the cargocompartment 306, or the floor 314, ofthe cargo compartment 306 of the second vehicle300, it is to be understood the second vehicle 300 has a conventional orientation, forexample resting on the ground, or on another floor, via wheels of the second vehicle300.

With reference to figures 1 to 8, the interface 102 may include a second guide 120 forguiding at least one first longitudinal portion 118 of the first vehicle-side section 110 ofthe channel-shaped guide 104. For some embodiments, it may be defined that thesecond guide 120 is configured to guide the entire first vehicle-side section 110 of thechannel-shaped guide 104. The second guide 120 has a slide surface 122 configuredto support the first longitudinal portion 118 of the first vehicle-side section 110 of thechannel-shaped guide 104. The first longitudinal portion 118 of the first vehicle-sidesection 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 is movable in relation to the slide surface122. For some embodiments, it may be defined that the first longitudinal portion 118 ofthe first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 is movable inrelation to the entire second guide 120. The interface 102 is configured to slide the firstlongitudinal portion 118 of the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shapedguide 104 on the slide surface 122. For example, by way of the second guide 120, aslack of the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104, or a slackof the channel-shaped guide 104, can be efficiently taken care of and guided. Thesecond guide 120 may be configured to support and guide a slack of the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104, or a slack of the channel-shapedguide 104. lt may be defined that the interface and second guide 120 are configuredto slide the first longitudinal portion 118 of the first vehicle-side section 110 of thechannel-shaped guide 104 on the slide surface 122. The second guide 120 may beattachable to the first vehicle 200. The second guide 120 may be attachable, orconfigured to be mounted, to a frame 214, or a chassis 214, of the first vehicle 200. lO 34 With reference to figures 3 to 8, the slide surface 122 may have a bottom surface 124and lateral wall surfaces 126a, 126b angled in relation to the bottom surface 124. lnthe shown embodiment, the lateral wall surfaces 126a, 126b extend along thelongitudinal sides of the bottom surface 124, of the slide surface 122 or of the secondguide 120. The lateral wall surfaces 126a, 126b may adjoin the bottom surface 124.The second guide 120 may comprise a bottom 128 including the bottom surface 124.The second guide 120 may comprise lateral walls 130a, 130b, wherein each of thewalls 130a, 130b may include one of the lateral wall surfaces 126a, 126b With reference to figures 3 to 8, the slide surface 122 may have a third wall surface132 angled in relation to the bottom surface 124. The second guide 120 may comprisea third wall 134 including the third wall surface 132. The third wall 134 may define, orform, a recess 136 which may be configured to receive the coupling device 210 of thefirst vehicle 200. With reference to figure 5, the third wall 134 may define, or form, ahalf-circular recess 136.

With reference to figures 3 to 8, the lateral walls 130a, 130b and the bottom 128 maybe formed from a plate, for example a plate made ofa material comprising or consistingof a metal or a metal alloy, or a plate made of any other material. The lateral walls130a. 130b and the bottom 128 may be formed from the same plate, for exampleintegrally formed. With reference to figure 8, the third wall 134 may be a separate partwhich is subsequently fastened to the rest of the second guide 120. However, in someembodiments, the third wall 134 may be integrally formed with the lateral walls 130a,130b and the bottom 128.

With reference to figures 3-8 and 9A-9C, the slide surface 122, and optionally also theentire second guide 120, may be configured to be located below, and/or under, thecargo compartment 306 of the second vehicle 300. When the cargo compartment 306has a floor 314, the slide surface 122, and optionally also the entire second guide 120,may be configured to be located below, and/or under, the floor 314 of the cargocompartment 306 of the second vehicle 300. The second guide 120 may be configuredto have the bottom surface 124 facing upwards. The second guide 120 may be referredto as a skid plate or slide plate. lO With reference to figure 2, the interface 120 may include one or more guide members137, 139 for guiding the channel-shaped guide 104. The guide member 137, 139 maybe annular and may be described as a guide ring. lt may be defined that the guidemember 137, 139 is configured to hold the channel-shaped guide 104. The guidemember 137, 139 may be configured to at least partly, or entirely, surround thechannel-shaped guide 104. The guide member 137, 139 may be attachable to the firstvehicle 200. The guide member 137 may be attachable to the second guide 120, or toanother frame or part of the first vehicle 200, and may be located elsewhere comparedto the positions of the guide members 137, 139 illustrated in figure 2. lt may be definedthat the channel-shaped guide 104 is movable in relation to the guide member 137,139. However, the guide member 137, 139 may be configured to restrict, or prevent,the lateral movement of at least one portion of the channel-shaped guide 104, forexample the portion of the channel-shaped guide 104 which at the time is at least partlysurrounded by the guide member 137, 139. For example, the guide member 137, 139may be configured to guide the channel-shaped guide 104 and to allow at least oneportion of the channel-shaped guide 104 to move in relation to the guide member 137,139 in a longitudinal direction while the guide member 137, 139 may be configured toprevent the at least one portion of the channel-shaped guide 104 from moving inrelation to the guide member 137 in a lateral direction. For example, the one or moreguide members 137, 139 are advantageous to keep the channel-shaped guide 104 in position when the vehicle or vehicles 200, 300, 400 travel downhill or uphill.

With reference to figures 1-2 and 9A-9C, the interface 102 may include a tensioner 138for at least the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104. lt maybe defined that the tensioner 138 is configured to apply a force to create or maintaintension to at least the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104.ln general, the tensioner 138 may be configured to apply a force perpendicular, orsubstantially perpendicular, to the tension which the tensioner 138 creates ormaintains, in order to create or maintain tension to at least the first vehicle-side section110 of the channel-shaped guide 104. The tensioner 138 may be referred to as amechanical tensioner. The tensioner 138 may comprise or consist of any one of an electrical tensioner, a pneumatic tensioner and a hydraulic tensioner. With reference lO 36 to figures 1 and 2, the tensioner 138 may include two or more tensioner elements 141,143 movable in relation to one another. Other types of tensioners are possible.

With reference to figures 1-2 and 9A-9C, the tensioner 138 may be configured toefficiently take care of and to efficiently guide a slack of the first vehicle-side section110 of the channel-shaped guide 104, or a slack of the channel-shaped guide 104. lnsome embodiments, for example in the embodiment shown in figures 1-2 and 9A-9C,the tensioner 138 may be configured to be erected, or a longitudinal extension 140 ofthe tensioner 138 may be configured to be vertically extending. However, otherconfigurations of the tensioner 138 are possible. For example, in some embodiments,the tensioner 138 may be configured to be horizonal, or a longitudinal extension 140of the tensioner 138 may be configured to be horizontally extending.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the tensioner 138 may include a third guide 142 forguiding at least one second longitudinal portion 144 of the first vehicle-side section 110of the channel-shaped guide 104. The third guide 142 may include a guide wheel 146,or a guide roll, for guiding the at least one second longitudinal portion 144 of the firstvehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104. lt may be defined that thethird guide 142 is configured to guide the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104. lt may be defined that the guide wheel 146 is configured to guidethe first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104. The guide wheel146 may be located at one end 148 of the tensioner 138, for example at a top end 148of the tensioner 138 when erected, or when the longitudinal extension 140 of thetensioner 138 extends vertically. For example, the third guide 142 and/or the guidewheel 146 are advantageous to keep the channel-shaped guide 104 in position whenthe vehicle or vehicles 200, 300, 400 travel downhill or uphill.

With reference to figures 1-2, the tensioner 138 may be attachable to the first vehicle200. The tensioner 138 may be attachable, or configured to be mounted, to a frame214, or the chassis 214, of the first vehicle 200. ln alternative embodiments, thetensioner 138 may be attachable to the second vehicle 300. For example, in someembodiments, the tensioner 138 may be attachable, or configured to be mounted, to aframe of the second vehicle 300. ln some embodiments, the tensioner 138 may be lO 37 attachable, or configured to be mounted, to the front section 308 or the front wall 310of the second vehicle 300.

With reference to figures 9B, in some embodiments, the interface 102 may beconfigured such that the distance di between the pivot axis 114 and the secondvehicle-side connector 108 exceeds the distance dg between the pivot axis 114 andthe axis of rotation 208. ln some embodiments, the tensioner 138 and the secondvehicle-side connector 108 may be configured to have the front section 308, and/or thefront wall 310, of the cargo compartment 306 located between them. ln someembodiments, the interface 102 may be configured such that the front section 308,and/or the front wall 310, of the cargo compartment 306 is positioned between thetensioner 138 and the axis of rotation 208. ln some embodiments, the interface 120may be configured such that the distance di between the pivot axis 114 and the frontsection 308, or the front wall 310, of the cargo compartment 306 exceeds the distancedz between the pivot axis 114 and the axis of rotation 208.

With reference to figures 9A-9C, the performance and the behavior of the apparatus100 and the interface 102 when the first vehicle 200 makes a left turn, which isindicated by the arrow B in figure 9A, and a right turn, which is indicated by the arrowC in figure 9A, are schematically illustrated. When the vehicle 200 makes a left turn,the first vehicle 200 is rotated about the axis of rotation 208 in relation to the secondvehicle 300 in the direction of the arrow B. When the vehicle 200 makes a right turn,the first vehicle 200 is rotated about the axis of rotation 208 in relation to the secondvehicle 300 in the direction of the arrow C. With refence to figure 9A, before any left ofright turn, i.e. before any major rotation of the first vehicle 200 in relation to the secondvehicle 300, the tensioner 138 is extended, i.e. the tensioner 138 has an extendedlongitudinal extension 140, and the tensioner 138 takes care of and guides a slack ofthe first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104. The extendedlongitudinal extension 140 of the tensioner 138 is especially illustrated in the front viewin figure 9A above the top view in figure 9A. The tensioner 138 in figure 9A may bedescribed to have a position, or be in a state, for example in relation to the first vehicle200, which corresponds to the position, or state, of the tensioner 138 in figures 1 and2. The positions of the first vehicle-side section 110 and the second vehicle-side lO 38 section 112 in relation to one another in figure 9A may be described to correspond tothe positions of the first vehicle-side section 110 and the second vehicle-side section112 in relation to one another in figures 1 and 2.

With refence to figure 9B, when the first vehicle 200 has made a left turn, in this casea major left turn, and rotated in the direction of the arrow B in relation to the secondvehicle 300 as illustrated in figure 9B, more slack, or a longer length, of the of the firstvehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 is needed between thetensioner 138 and the pivot axis 114 compared to the position in figure 9A. Thus, asillustrated in the front view in figure 9B above the top view in figure 9B, the tensioner138 is retracted, i.e. the tensioner 138 has a retracted, or shortened, longitudinalextension 140, to allow more slack, or a longer length, of the first vehicle-side section110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 between the tensioner 138 and the pivot axis114, in order to prevent any excessive bending or tvvisting of the channel-shaped guide104 and of the electrical conductors 602, 604 guided therein. With reference to the topview in figure 9B below the front view in figure 9B, the first vehicle-side section 110 ofthe channel-shaped guide 104 is located to the left of the coupling device 210 of thefirst vehicle 200. Expressed alternatively, with reference to the top view in figure 9Bbelow the front view in figure 9B, the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 is guided to the left of the coupling device 210 of the first vehicle200, or of the axis of rotation 208, while the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel- shaped guide 104 extends between the pivot axis 114 and the tensioner 138.

With refence to figure 9C, when the first vehicle 200 has made a right turn, in this casea major right turn, and rotated in the direction of the arrow C in relation to the secondvehicle 300 as illustrated in figure 9C, more slack, or a longer length, of the of the firstvehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 is also needed between thetensioner 138 and the pivot axis 114 compared to the position in figure 9A. Thus, asillustrated in the front view in figure 9C above the top view in figure 9C, the tensioner138 is retracted, i.e. the tensioner 138 has a retracted, or shortened, longitudinalextension 140, to allow more slack, or a longer length, of the first vehicle-side section110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 between the tensioner 138 and the pivot axis114, in order to prevent any excessive bending or twisting of the channel-shaped guide lO 39 104 and of the electrical conductors 602, 604 guided therein. With reference to the topview in figure 9C below the front view in figure 9C, the first vehicle-side section 110 ofthe channel-shaped guide 104 is located to the right of the coupling device 210 of thefirst vehicle 200. Expressed alternatively, with reference to the top view in figure 9Bbelow the front view in figure 9B, the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 is guided to the right of the coupling device 210 of the first vehicle200, or of the axis of rotation 208, while the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 extends between the pivot axis 114 and the tensioner 138.

With refence to figures 9B and 9C, one reason for the extra slack, or length, of the firstvehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide 104 required between thetensioner 138 and the pivot axis 114 when the first vehicle 200 has turned or rotatedas illustrated in figures 9B and 9C is that the first vehicle-side section 110 of thechannel-shaped guide 104 is guided beside, or outside, the coupling device 210 byway of the third wall surface 132 of the slide surface 122. The lateral walls 130a, 130bof the slide surface 122 provides for that the first vehicle-side section 110 of thechannel-shaped guide 104 is efficiently kept on the slide surface 122 of the secondguide 120, for example in the position illustrated in figure 9A. Another reason for theextra slack, or length, of the first vehicle-side section 110 of the channel-shaped guide104 required between the tensioner 138 and the pivot axis 114 when the first vehicle200 has turned or rotated as illustrated in figures 9B and 9C is that the tensioner 138 is moved further away from the pivot axis 114 compared to the position in figure 9A.

The interface 102 may comprise an electrical first vehicle-side connector forconnection to the electrical conductor 602, 604. The first vehicle-side connector maybe attachable the first vehicle 200, 400, such as a dolly 206, or to another vehicle 400(see figure 12) hauling or pulling the first vehicle 200, such as a truck 400, for exampleas disclosed below in connection with figure 12 (for example with the coupling device210 and the apparatus 100 in figure 12 removed from the truck 400). The first vehicle-side connector may be ergonomic and configured to easily and securely connect to theelectrical conductor 602, 604. The first vehicle-side connector may be configured toallow for a user-friendly connection between the first vehicle-side connector and theelectrical conductor 602, 604. The first vehicle-side connector may be configured to lO provide an electrical connection between the electrical conductor 602, 604 and apowertrain and/or one or more electric motors of the first vehicle.

With reference to figure 2, some embodiments of the apparatus 100 may comprise the one or more electrical conductors 602, 604.

With reference to figures 1-3, 9A-9C and 12, according to the second aspect of theinvention, a vehicle 200, 400 is provided, which comprises an apparatus 100 accordingto any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below. As disclosed above, withreference to the figures 1-3, 9A-9C, the vehicle 200 may include or consist of a mover,for example an intermediate vehicle 206 or a dolly 206. The mover may be defined ashauler. The mover may be a hauling, or pulling, vehicle. With reference to figure 12,another embodiment of the vehicle 400 according to the second aspect isschematically illustrated. The vehicle 400 of figure 12 may include or consist of amover, for example a prime mover. The vehicle 400 of figure 12 may be referred to asa motor vehicle. ln figure 12, the vehicle 400 is illustrated as a tractor vehicle when thecoupling member 401 in figure 12 is removed, for example. The tractor vehicle may, ormay be configured to, haul, or pull, a trailer 302, for example the trailer 302 illustratedin figures 9A-9C and 10-11. The tractor vehicle may be defined as hauler. The tractorvehicle may be a hauling, or pulling, vehicle. The tractor vehicle may be connectable,or attachable, to a trailer 302. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle 200, 400may, for example, be a bus, a truck (when the coupling device 210 in figure 12 isremoved), a heavy truck or a car. ln some embodiments, the vehicle 300 is a trailingvehicle or a trailer 302. Other types of vehicles are also possible.

With reference to figures 9A-9C, according to the third aspect of the invention, a firstvehicle and a second vehicle combination 500 is provided, which comprises anapparatus 100 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below.With reference to figures 1-3 and 9A-9B, the first vehicle 200 may include or consist ofa mover, for example an intermediate vehicle 206 or a dolly 206. The second vehicle300 may include or consist of a trailer 302, for example a wheeled trailer 302. However,other types of the first and second vehicles are possible. With reference to figure 12,in some embodiments, the first vehicle 400 may include or consist of a mover, for lO 41 example a prime mover, such as a tractor vehicle, or a truck. The mover may compriseor consist of one or more of the group of: a prime mover; an intermediate vehicle 206;and a dolly 206.

With reference to figure 12, the vehicle 400, or the first vehicle 400, may comprise orconsist of an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electricvehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV. Thus, an HEV and a BEV areexamples of an EV. The EV may comprise one or more electric motors 402.

With reference to figure 12, the vehicle 400, or the first vehicle 400, may be a wheeledvehicle, i.e. a vehicle 400 having wheels 404. Only the wheels 404 on the left-handside of the vehicle 400 are visible in figure 12. lt is to be understood that the vehicle400 may have fewer or more wheels than what is shown in figure 12. The vehicle 400may comprise a powertrain 406, for example configured for one of an EV, HEV andBEV. The vehicle 400 may comprise, or carry, one or more electric batteries 700 and/orone or more electric battery packs 800, for example as disclosed below in connectionwith figures 13 and 14. As mentioned above, the vehicle 400 may include one or moreelectric motors 402 or electrical machines, for example to propel, or drive, the vehicle400. For example, the powertrain 406 may include the one or more electric motors 402or electrical machines. lt may be defined that the powertrain 406 and/or the one ormore electric motors 402 is/are configured to propel, or drive, the vehicle 400. lt maybe defined that the powertrain 406 includes the one or more electric batteries 700and/or the one or more electric battery packs 800. lt is to be understood that the vehicle400 may include further unites, components, such as electrical and/or mechanicalcomponents, a combustion engine 408 and other devices required for a vehicle 400,such as for an EV, HEV or BEV. The vehicle 400, or the first vehicle 400, may includea coupling device 210 for connection with a second vehicle 300, for example a trailer302. The coupling device 210 of the vehicle 400 illustrated in figure 12 may correspondto the coupling device 210 illustrated in figures 1 and 3. lnstead of, or in addition to, the one or more electric batteries 700 and/or one or moreelectric battery packs 800 carried by the first vehicle 400, the one or more electricbatteries 700 and/or the one or more electric battery packs 800 used to propel the first lO 42 vehicle 400 may be carried, or held, by the second vehicle 300. The second vehicle-side connector 108 may be configured to provide an electrical connection between theelectrical conductor 602, 604 and the one or more electric batteries 700 and/or the oneor more electric battery packs 800, for example used to propel the first vehicle 400,held by the second vehicle 300, for example when the second vehicle-side connector108 is connected to the electrical conductor 602, 604.

With reference to Figure 12, the vehicle 400 may include a vehicle electrical system410. lt may be defined that the vehicle electrical system 410 is configured for directcurrent. lt may be defined that vehicle electrical system 410 is a vehicle high voltagesystem 410. lt may be defined that the vehicle high voltage system 410 is configuredfor a high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, or above450 V, such as above 650 V. For example, the vehicle high voltage system 410 maybe configured for a voltage up to 1500 V and/or for a voltage above 1500 V. The electricpower, or the electric current, for example the direct current, of the vehicle electricalsystem 410 may be transferred at a high voltage, for example at one or more of thevoltages levels mentioned above. The vehicle electrical system 410 may be configuredto transfer the electric power, or the electric current, at a high voltage, for example atone or more of the voltages levels mentioned above. The vehicle electrical system 410may be configured to transfer direct current. The vehicle electrical system 410 may bea VCB or may be referred to as a VCB. The one or more electrical conductors 602, 604 may be connectable to the vehicle electrical system 410.

With reference to Figure 12, the vehicle electrical system 410 may be electricallyconnected, or connectable, to one or more electric batteries 700 and/or one or moreelectric battery packs 800, for example as illustrated in connection with figures 13 and14 hereinbelow. The one or more electric batteries 700 may be one or more highvoltage batteries. The one or more electric battery packs 800 may be one or more highvoltage battery packs. lt may be defined that the one or more electric batteries 700and/or the one or more electric battery packs 800 are/is configured for high voltage, forexample for one or more of the voltages levels mentioned above. lt may be definedthat the one or more electric batteries 700 and/or the one or more electric battery packs800 are/is held or carried by the vehicle 400, or by a second vehicle 300, such as a lO 43 trailer 302, connected to the vehicle 400. lt may be defined that the vehicle 400comprises one or more of the group of: an electric battery 700 and an electric batterypack 800. The vehicle electrical system 410 may be configured to electrically connectthe one or more electric batteries 700 and/or the one or more electric battery packs800 to the powertrain 406 of the vehicle 400. The vehicle electrical system 410 maybe configured to electrically connect the one or more electric batteries 700 and/or theone or more electric battery packs 800 to the one or more electric motors 402 of thevehicle 400. lt may be defined that the vehicle electrical system 410 is configured totransfer the electric power, or the electric current, for example between the one or moreelectric motors 402 (and/or the powertrain 406) and the one or more electric batteries700 and/or electric battery packs 800.

With reference to figures 1 to 12, embodiments of the apparatus 100 according to thefirst aspect are useful for configurations having one or more electric batteries 700 orone or more electric battery packs 800 held or carried by the second vehicle 300. Theone or more electrical conductors 602, 604 may be configured to connect the one ormore electric batteries 700 or the one or more electric battery packs 800 held by thesecond vehicle 300 to the first vehicle 200, 400, for example to the powertrain 406 ofthe first vehicle 400, in order to provide, or transfer, electric power to the first vehicle200, 400, to the powertrain 406 of the first vehicle 400 and/or the one or more electricmotors 402 of the powertrain 406 or of first vehicle 400. Further, the one or moreelectrical conductors 602, 604 may be configured to provide, or transfer, electric powerfrom the first vehicle 200, 400 to the second vehicle 300, for example to the one ormore electric batteries 700 or the one or more electric battery packs 800 held by thesecond vehicle 300 in order to the charge the one or more electric batteries 700 or theone or more electric battery packs 800 held by the second vehicle 300, for examplewhen driving the first vehicle 200, 400. lt is to be understood that the electric powercan be provided, or transferred, to other units or devices in any one of the vehicles200, 300, 400 in addition to the powertrain 406, the one or more electric motors 402, the one or more electric batteries 700 and the one or more electric battery packs 800.

As mentioned above, it may be advantageous to place, or include, the one or moreelectric batteries 700 or the one or more electric battery packs 800 in the second lO 44 vehicle 300, wherein the one or more electric batteries 700 or the one or more electricbattery packs 800 can provide electric power to the first vehicle 400, because theremay be limited available space in the first vehicle 400 for the one or more electricbatteries 700 or the one or more electric battery packs 800. The one or more electricbatteries 700 or the one or more electric battery packs 800 may be attached to a frame of the second vehicle 300.

Embodiments of the apparatus 100 may be attachable, or attached, to one or more ofthe group of: a vehicle 200, 300, 400; a first vehicle 200, 400; and a second vehicle300.

Figure 13 schematically illustrates an example of an electrical battery unit 700 whichmay be carried by, or included in, a vehicle 400 or in a powertrain 406 of the vehicle400, for example as disclosed above, or a second vehicle 300 or the first vehicle 400,for example as disclosed above. The electrical battery unit 700 may be referred to asone or more electric batteries 700.

With reference to figure 13, the electrical battery unit 700 may include one or moreelectric battery cells 702 which may be arranged in a module. Each electric battery cell702 can be seen as a container chemically storing energy and may be a rechargeableelectric battery cell. The electrical battery cell 702 may for example be a Li-ion batterycell or a NiMH battery cell but are not limited thereto. The electric battery cells 702 maybe electrically connected in series and in parallel, into the electric battery unit 700,which may be referred to as an electric battery pack, in order to attain the desiredvoltage and energy capacity. ln shown embodiment, the electric battery cells 702 areelectrically connected in series with one another and are part of a main power line 712.The electric battery unit 700 or pack may form the complete enclosure or unit that delivers electric power to a product or equipment, for example an electric vehicle, EV.

With reference to figure 13, the electric battery unit 700 may include a cell controller706 which is electrically connected in parallel with each electric battery cell 702 by wayof a plurality of electrical lines 708, for example electrical wires. The cell controller 706may be called a cell module controller (CMC). Each electric battery cell 702 may lO include a cell fuse 710 for short-circuit protection. However, in some arrangements,the cell fuse 710 may be excluded from the electric battery cell 702.

With reference to figure 13, ln general, the electrical battery unit 700 has two terminals714, 716 for connecting the electrical battery unit 700 to a vehicle electrical systemand/or electrical conductors guided by the longitudinal bendable channel-shaped guideof the interface of embodiments of the apparatus according to the first aspect. The twoterminals 714, 716 may be disclosed as electrical contacts. One of the two terminals714, 716 may be a negative terminal having a negative pole, while the other one of the two terminals 714, 716 may be a positive terminal having a positive pole.

The unit 700 illustrated in figure 13 may also represent an electric battery module 700included in an electric battery pack 800 schematically illustrated in figure 14, forexample suitable for a vehicle. With reference to figure 14, the electric battery pack800 may comprise a plurality of electric battery modules 700 which may be electricallyconnected in series and have two common outputs 802, 804 (positive and negative)for electric power, or current, transfer. The electric battery pack 800 may have twoterminals 814, 816 (DC positive and DC negative) for electric power, or current,transfer, to be connected to a vehicle electrical system and/or electrical conductorsguided by the longitudinal bendable channel-shaped guide of the interface ofembodiments of the apparatus according to the first aspect. The above-mentioned twocommon outputs 802, 804 are connected to the two terminals 814, 816 of the electricbattery pack 800.

With reference to figure 14, in general, the electric battery pack 800 (and/or the electricbattery unit 700) may comprise one or more internal contactors 806 switchablebetween an open position and a closed position. When the internal contactor 806 is inthe closed position, the internal contactor 806 is configured to conduct an electriccurrent or allow an electric current to pass. When the internal contactor 806 is in theopen position, the internal contactor 806 is configured to interrupt an electric current,or an electrical conductivity, such that no electric current can pass through the internalcontactor 806. ln general, the one or more internal contactors 806 of the electric batterypack 800 (and/or electric batter unit 700) is/are controlled by a battery management lO 46 system 808, BMS, of the electric battery pack 800. The battery management system808, BMS, is a control system for controlling the electric battery pack 800 (and/or theelectric battery unit 700). The battery management system 808 may be connected toand communicate with the above-mentioned cell module controller, CMC, 706 of theelectric battery unit 700. The battery management system 808 may be configured todetermine and/or measure the voltage upstream (before) and downstream (after) ofthe one or more internal contactors 806, for example at voltage measurement pointsor locations, for example with the aid of one or more sensors. ln general, when thebattery management system 808 is deactivated, or not turned on, which in general isthe case before the electric battery pack 800 (and/or the electric battery unit 700) iselectrically connected to an electrical system, for example a vehicle electrical system,the internal contactor 806 cannot switch to the closed position.

With reference to figure 14, in general, when the battery management system 808 isactivated or active, a pre-charging of an electrical system (such as a vehicle electricalsystem, which may referred to as VCB) is essentially always performed before all theinternal contactors 806 are closed, for example with the aid of a pre-charge contactor810 switchable between an open position and a closed position. Pre-charging of a highvoltage direct current system is known to the person skilled in the art and is thus notdiscussed in further detail.

With reference to figure 14, in general, the electric battery pack 800 (and/or the electricbattery unit 700) comprises an electric battery pack fuse 812, or an electric batteryfuse, which, for example, may be a melt fuse, or a pyrotechnic fuse (or pyro fuse), forprotection. The pyrotechnic fuse is functional only when the battery managementsystem 808 is active. lt is to be understood that the electric battery pack 800 mayinclude additional electrical components or equipment known to the person skilled inthe art, such as sensors, but these are left out for illustrative purposes.

The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. lnstead, thepresent invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments beingincluded within the scope of the independent claim.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) comprising an interface (102) for providing an electricalconnection between a first vehicle (200; 400) and a second vehicle (300), the first andsecond vehicles (200, 300) being pivotally connectable to one another to be rotatableabout an axis of rotation (208) in relation to one another, wherein the second vehicle(300) comprises a cargo compartment (306), wherein the interface (102) comprises a longitudinal bendable channel-shapedguide (104) for guiding one or more electrical conductors (602, 604) connectable to thefirst and second vehicles (200, 300), wherein the interface (102) comprises an electrical second vehicle-sideconnector (108) for connection to the electrical conductor (602, 604), wherein the channel-shaped guide (104) is configured to guide the electricalconductor (602, 604) to the second vehicle-side connector (108) via the cargocompartment (306) of the second vehicle (300), wherein the channel-shaped guide (104) comprises a longitudinal first vehicle-side section (110) and a longitudinal second vehicle-side section (112), wherein the first vehicle-side section (110) ofthe channel-shaped guide (104)is configured to be located outside the cargo compartment (306) of the second vehicle(300), and wherein the first vehicle-side section (110) ofthe channel-shaped guide (104)is rotatable about a pivot axis (114) in relation to the second vehicle-side section (112)of the channel-shaped guide (104) with the rotation of the first vehicle (200) in relationto the second vehicle (300) about the axis of rotation (208).

2. An apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the interface (102) comprisesa second guide (120) for guiding at least one first longitudinal portion (118) ofthe firstvehicle-side section (110) ofthe channel-shaped guide (104), wherein the second guide (120) comprises a slide surface (122) configured tosupport the first longitudinal portion (118) ofthe first vehicle-side section (110) ofthechannel-shaped guide (104), wherein the first longitudinal portion (1 1 8) of the first vehicle-side section (110)of the channel-shaped guide (104) is movable in relation to the slide surface (122), and lOwherein the interface (102) is configured to slide the first Iongitudinal portion(118) of the first vehicle-side section (110) of the channel-shaped guide (104) on theslide surface (122).

3. An apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein the slide surface (122)comprises a bottom surface (124) and |atera| wall surfaces (126a, 126b) angled inrelation to the bottom surface (124).

4. An apparatus (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the slide surface (122)is configured to be located below the cargo compartment (306) of the second vehicle(300).

5. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein thesecond vehicle-side section (112) of the channel-shaped guide (104) is configured tobe located at least partially inside the cargo compartment (306) of the second vehicle(300).

6. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein thecargo compartment (306) comprises a floor (314) forming an opening (316) for thepassage of the channel-shaped guide (104), and wherein the channel-shaped guide (104) is configured to enter the cargo compartment (306) via the opening (316) of the floor (314).

7. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein at leastone first Iongitudinal portion (1 18) of the first vehicle-side section (110) ofthe channel-shaped guide (104) is configured to be located below the cargo compartment (306) ofthe second vehicle (300).

8. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein theinterface (102) comprises a tensioner (138) for at least the first vehicle-side section(110) ofthe channel-shaped guide (104). lO

9. An apparatus (100) according to claim 8, wherein the tensioner (138) isconfigured to apply a force to create or maintain tension to at least the first vehicle-sidesection (110) ofthe channel-shaped guide (104).

10. An apparatus (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the tensioner (138)comprises a third guide (142) for guiding at least one second longitudinal portion (144)of the first vehicle-side section (110) of the channel-shaped guide (104), and wherein the third guide (142) comprises a guide wheel (146) for guiding the atleast one second longitudinal portion (144) of the first vehicle-side section (110) ofthechannel-shaped guide (104).

11. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein theinterface (102) is configured such that the distance (d1) between the pivot axis (114)and the second vehicle-side connector (108) exceeds the distance (dg) between thepivot axis (114) and the axis of rotation (208).

12. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein thesecond vehicle-side connector (108) is attachable to a front section (308) of the cargocompartment (306) of the second vehicle (300).

13. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 12, wherein thechannel-shaped guide (104) comprises or consists of an energy chain (106) for guidingthe one or more electrical conductors (602, 604).

14. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the channel-shaped guide (104) is tubular.

15. A vehicle (200; 300; 400) comprising an apparatus (100) according to any oneof the claims 1 to

16. A first vehicle (200; 400) and a second vehicle (300) combination (500)comprising an apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 14.