SE537626C2 - PANTOGRAPH - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a system for transferring electrical energy to at least one electrically powered vehicle, and to a method for using the system, in accordance with the claims.

Technical background Operating vehicles with electrical energy has been known since the 19th century. One of the problems with driving vehicles with electrical energy is that the electrical energy must be supplied to the vehicle's electric motors from an electrical energy source. The electrical energy required for the propulsion of the vehicle can be supplied to the vehicle from power lines via pantographs as is the case with electrically powered trains, subway trains, trolleybuses or the like. The electrical energy required for the propulsion of vehicles can also be taken from accumulators in the vehicle charged with electrical energy. It is also previously known to drive electrically powered vehicles with electrical energy generated in the vehicle by a generator driven by an internal combustion engine.

However, supplying electrical energy via power line and pantograph has the disadvantage that special power lines must be laid in connection with the route, line or the like, which is costly. The vehicle cannot travel in places other than where the electrical wires are routed. Furthermore, this also entails difficulties in changing routes, itineraries and the like.

A major problem with using current types of pantographs is that they are sensitive to cold climates. A number of different problems exist in cold climates. One is that the vertical position of the vehicle relative to the current transmitter can vary depending on ice and other things on the road. Furthermore, snow and ice on connectors can affect the transfer of energy. The snow and ice can also mean that mechanical parts in the transfer device do not get the intended function.

Operating the vehicle with electrical energy stored in accumulators in the vehicle causes a number of problems. A problem with operating the vehicle with electrical energy stored in accumulators in the vehicle is that a large amount of accumulators is required in the vehicle in order for the vehicle to have a sufficient range. Especially for vehicles that stop and start regularly such as buses and the like, a lot of energy is needed only to accelerate these vehicles after the stop. To drive only vehicles with electrical energy from accumulators in the vehicle, which are stored in the accumulators before the start of the journey, means that the vehicle has a very limited range or alternatively requires a very large accumulator capacity (number of accumulators).

Prior Art A number of techniques are already known which are intended to solve the problems of supplying electrical energy to electrically powered vehicles along the routes of the vehicles. For example, it is already known that the electrical energy is supplied to the vehicle at certain specific locations along the vehicle's route. U.S. Pat. No. 3,395,5657 describes, for example, a construction in which electrical energy is supplied to vehicles, equipped with pantographs, which are connected to live rails at, for example, bus stops. The construction differs to a large extent from the construction according to the present patent application. For example, the construction can not overcome problems with winter conditions caused by snow and ice.

WO2009007879 describes variants of constructions in which electrical energy is supplied to vehicles according to the route of the vehicles. The patent specification describes constructions intended for use in transferring electrical energy to passenger cars. The patent specification also describes constructions intended to transmit electrical energy to buses and the like at stops. The construction according to the patent specification differs to a large extent in relation to the construction according to the present patent application. For example, the constructions according to the patent specification are sensitive to use in cold climates. WO0066388 also describes a variant of a charging station for electrically powered vehicles such as, for example, buses. The construction comprises a plurality of charging stations which transfer electrical energy to vehicles equipped with pantographs. The design is based on capacitors in the vehicle being charged by electrical energy that is transferred to the vehicle at charging stations. The construction differs substantially in relation to the construction according to the present patent application.

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

Patent specification NL7403570 describes a variant of electric charging stations for electric vehicles comprising an automatic connection of current collectors and current collectors. The construction according to the patent specification differs from the present invention to a large extent. For example, the construction according to the patent specification is intended to be used for parked vehicles without any specification of how the vehicles are connected to the current-emitting unit.

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

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

Brief Description of the Figures Referred to in the following paragraphs In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will be made. Each figure is briefly described in the following list of figures. Note that the figures are schematic and that details can thus be omitted in them. The embodiments exemplified in the figures are not limiting of the scope of protection of the present patent application. Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a system in accordance with the present patent application.

Figure 2 shows an exemplary variant of the current path.

Figure 3 shows the pantograph in more detail.

Figure 4 shows an alternative variant of the pantograph.

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

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

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

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

Detailed Description of the Present Invention Referring to the figures, a system 1 for transmitting electrical energy to one or more electrically powered vehicles 2 is shown at one or more locations along the route of the vehicle. The figures schematically show only a part of the vehicle's roof, but other parts of the vehicle are included. The system 1 comprises at least one pantograph 3 which is connected to an electrically driven vehicle. The pantograph 3 is intended to be temporarily connected to at least one pantograph 4 which is connected to at least one structure 5, or the like, according to the route of the vehicle. The current sensor 4 and the structure 5 can preferably be placed at a place where the vehicle is temporarily stationary or driven at a relatively low speed. If the vehicle 2 consists of a bus or other means of public transport, the current sensor 4 can preferably be connected to at least one fixed structure 5, such as a building or the like, at a stop or at another place suitable for the purpose.

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

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

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

The shape and construction of the pantograph 3 can vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application. The current collector 3 comprises at least one current collector 11, trailer shoe or the like, which is intended to be connected to the current-carrying current rail 10 in the current path 6. The current collector 11 consists, in the embodiment shown, of a carriage-like construction 12. The carriage-like construction 12 is also referred to as carriage 12 , the carriage 12 or carriage-like pantographs 12 in the following description. The carriage-like structure 12 is intended to be inserted into the inner space 8 of the current path 6 via one end of the current path 6. The carriage-like structure is furthermore intended in use to be passed through the inner space 8 of the current path 6 to the other end of the current path 6 where the carriage-like structure 12 is intended to leave the inner space 8 in the current path 6.

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

In the exemplary embodiment, the carriage-like structure 12 comprises at least a first stored wheel (alternatively wheel pair) 14 but optionally also and at least a second stored wheel (alternatively wheel pair) 15. The first wheel (alternatively wheel pair) 14 and the second wheel (alternatively wheel pair) 15 are intended to run on flanges or the like inside the inner space of the rail 6. The wheels are preferably made of a material which is not electrically conductive. It is conceivable that the trolley 12 has no wheels. In such cases, the carriage 12 is arranged arranged to the current path 6 with other types of bearings which are suitable for the purpose. The bearings can, for example, consist of plain bearings.

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

The arm 17 is at its one end 18 rotatably connected via joints or the like to at least one fastening device (fixed head) 19 connected to the roof of the vehicle. In alternative embodiments, the arm 17 of the arm structure 16 may be connected to another part of the vehicle 2 suitable for the purpose. 4 shows a possible variant of the arm construction 17 which comprises at least a first arm 17, at least a second arm 22 and at least a third arm 23. The arms 17, 22 and 23 are arranged arranged to the head 19 and to the head 20 via ball joints, or with other types of joints or the like. Through the construction, the arms 17, 22 and 23 will be moved parallel to each other during movement. Furthermore, the carriage 12 will always keep a parallel direction in relation to the vehicle 2, such as for instance to the roof of the vehicle 2, in connection with a rotation of the arm structure 16 in both vertical and horizontal directions. This is illustrated by the line 24 in relation to the line 25.1 alternative embodiments, the parallel movement of the carriage 12 in relation to the vehicle 2 can take place with at least one wire or other system and device suitable for the purpose. The arm construction also includes a resilient function with which changes in the distance between the attachment of the arm construction in the vehicle and the current path 6 caused by the movements of the vehicle can be taken into account.

The present invention also comprises at least one positioning device 26. The positioning device 26 can in alternative embodiments also be defined as a connecting device for connecting the current collector 11 to the current path 6. In the exemplary embodiment the positioning device 26 is intended to control the current collector 3 and the current sensor 4 in connection into the carriage-like structure 12 of the current collector 3 into the inner space 8 of the current path 6. Unique to the present invention is that the positioning device 26 allows large variations of the mutual spacing between the current path 6 of the current transmitter 4 and the carriage-like structure 12 at the initial stage of interconnection between the current path 4 current path 6 and the carriage-like structure 12. That the construction allows the current path 6 of the current collector 3 and the carriage-like structure 12 of the current collector 3 to vary in the vertical direction, when connecting the said mutually, is a particularly important property when the ground and the road are covered with snow and ice.

The positioning device 26 comprises at least one first guide surface 27.1, the embodiment shown in the figures, the first guide surface 27 is constituted by a substantially vertical surface. The first guide surface 27, according to the exemplary embodiment, controls the position of the carriage in a substantially horizontal direction. In alternative embodiments, the first guide surface 27 may be directed in directions other than the substantially vertical direction shown. Figure 1 shows a positioning device 26 which comprises at least one upper guide surface (edge) 28 which controls the vertical position (maximum height) of the carriage-like structure 12. The upper guide surface (edge) 28 also provides protection against rain, snow and the like. The current collector 11 is initially moved towards the first guide surface 27 at the initial stage of the connection with the positioning device 26, after which the current collector is moved in a vertical direction upwards towards the guide surface 28. The guide surfaces 27 and 28 then guide the current collector (the carriage-like structure) towards the current path 6.

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

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

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

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

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

Prior to the connection of the carriage 12 in the inner space 8 of the current path 6, the carriage-like current collector 12 is preferably usually located at a higher or lower vertical level than the level of the current path 6. At the beginning of the connection process, when the carriage engages the positioning device control surface 27, the current receiver is controlled automatically by the positioning device guide surfaces in either vertical direction, horizontal direction or both in horizontal and in vertical direction towards the inner space 8 in the current path 6. . When connected to the positioning device, there is a resilient function in the head 20 which allows a total adaptation to the positioning device 26.

The positioning device 26 may, as shown in Figure 7, also comprise a ramp-shaped structure 40 at the end which is opposite the inlet of the current path 6 and designed so as to catch a prematurely precipitated current collector (such as for instance a carriage) and carefully steer in this towards the surface 27 and further towards the current path 6.1 alternative embodiments, the ramp 40 can form a curved part of the guide surface 27.

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

With reference to Figure 2, it is shown how the current path 6 preferably comprises at least one protective casing 31 which partially encloses the current-carrying busbars 10. The casing protects the busbars against contact and weather and wind. The protective cover 31 can be integrated with or connected to the current path 6.

The system 1 can be designed so that the busbars (conductors) 10 in the current path 6, or the current paths 6, are only current-carrying when the carriage 12 of the current collector 3 is connected to the current rails 10 of the current sensor 4 (as in figure 6). When the carriage 12 is not connected to the busbars 10, the busbars 10 are not current burning. Through the construction, the risk of a person or animal coming into contact with a live bus 10. reduces the risk of arcs arising between the contact surfaces 13 of the carriage 12 and the busbars 10, thereby reducing unnecessary wear on current collectors and busbars. The construction may comprise at least one protection (not shown in figures), such as a hatch, which prevents animals, birds or the like from entering the inner space of the busbar from the ends. The method also reduces the risk of people and animals coming into contact with live parts in the current path 6. The protection such as the door or the like may also include a function with which the current collector (the carriage-like construction) can be cleaned of snow, dirt or the like when inserting it. into the current path 6.

The system 1 is preferably designed so that the first part after the connection of the contact surfaces 13 of the carriage 12 and the busbars 10 takes place with a gradually increasing power supply. The system 1 is designed so that the last part before the disconnection of the current collector 11 from the busbar 10 takes place with a gradually reduced power supply. The method reduces the risk of arcs and unnecessary wear occurring between the contact surfaces 13 of the current collector and the current rails 10.

In the retracted position, the pantograph 3 is preferably fully or partially recessed in a weather-protected space (not shown in figures) in the vehicle. The weather protection in its simplest form can be achieved by closing the inner space with a hatch (not shown in figures) or the like after the pantograph has been fully or partially introduced into the space. The space preferably comprises at least one heat-emitting unit (not shown in figures) whose heat-emitting effect is regulated, for example, in relation to temperature, humidity and the like. The construction may include sensors, which detect the possible presence of snow, ice and moisture on the recessed parts, which control the on and off of the heat-emitting unit.

In an alternative embodiment, the construction may comprise at least one heat-emitting unit (not shown in figures) in the current path 6. This may, for example, consist of a heating cable or a heating fan. The heat dissipating unit in the current path is intended to reduce problems that arise from humid climates and the like.

Figure 9 shows how the pantograph 3 in an alternative embodiment comprises at least one body 32. The body 32 is preferably connected to the carriage-like structure 12. The function of the body 32 is to form a distance between the carriage 12 and the positioning device 26 and thereby prevent, or substantially reduce, the contact surfaces 13a, 13b and 13c of the carriage 12 come into contact with the positioning device 26. The body 32 also has the task of guiding the carriage-like structure 12 in relation to the positioning device 26. As in the embodiment shown, the body 32 can be constituted by a block-like structure 33 which one side 34 is connected to the carriage 12, the head 20 or other suitable part of the pantograph 3. On its other side 35 the block 33 comprises at least one first plane 36. The plane 36 is in the embodiment shown directed in a substantially vertical direction. The plane 36 may in alternative embodiments be directed in another direction suitable for the purpose. The first plane 36 may consist of one or more sub-surfaces. When operating the carriage-like structure 12 against the positioning device 26, the first plane 36, on the block-like structure 33, is intended to engage the guide surface 27 of the positioning device 26. The positioning device 26 of the positioning device 26 thereby guides the carriage-like structure 12 via the first plane 36 on the block 33.

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

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

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

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

Claims (3)

A system (1) for the transmission of electrical energy to one or more electrically powered vehicles (2) at one or more locations along the route of the vehicle, comprising at least one current source (4) fixed to the route of the vehicle which is intended to be connected to a pantograph. (3) in the vehicle (2), the current transmitter (4) of which comprises at least one current path (6) with at least one inner space (8) in which at least one current rail (10) runs in the axial direction of the current path (6) whose current rail (10) is intended to be temporarily connected to at least one electrically conductive contact surface (13) in a carriage-like construction (12) included in the pantograph (3), characterized in that the pantograph is preferably connected to the stream path (6) of the pantograph (4) when the vehicle is substantially moving in the pantograph. longitudinal direction and that the pantograph carriage (12) when connected is guided towards the opening in the current path (6) with at least one positioning device (26), the positioning device of which comprises at least a first vertical guide surface a (27), which guides the trolley in the horizontal direction, and at least one guide surface (28) which controls the vertical position of the trolley at the current source (4) and provides protection against rain, snow and the like. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the pantograph comprises at least one arm structure (16), which can be operated between a retracted position and a unfolded position, and that the arm structure (16) comprises an arm (17) which at one end ( 18) is hingedly connected to a fastening device (19) connected to the vehicle and at its other end (21) comprises a head (20). System according to claim 2, characterized in that the pantograph trolley (12) comprises at least one block-like construction (33) which on one side is connected to the trolley (12) or the pantograph head (20) and that the block on its other side (35) ) comprises at least one first plane (36).