Drive device for displacing a contact device, and contact device and use thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive device (1) for moving a contact device (2) from a raised position to a lowered position. Arms (3, 6, 10) interconnected in a hinged manner carry the contact device (2), which can be moved by pivoting the arms (3, 6, 10). An actuating drive (12) is connected to an actuating lever (15) on the first arm (3) and can raise or lower the arm by means of a drive element, while the arm (3) is supported on the drive element by means of its weight. In the lowered position, it is not supported on the drive element (19). A spring (18) acts counter to the actuating drive (12). The invention also relates to a lowerable contact device (2) having such a drive device and to the use thereof. The drive device allows an emergency raising independent of an energy source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device for displacing a contact device, as well as such a contact device and its application. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, current collectors (referred to as pantographs) are known. They involve a motion system for moving a contact device from a lowered position to an elevated position against the contact wire. However, there are also applications where the contact device is moved from an elevated position to a lowered position against a corresponding component. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide a drive device for a contact device having a corresponding component below, the drive device being adapted to interrupt contact with the corresponding component in the event of a failure, and simultaneously designed to apply a defined contact pressure without the need for a complex control or adjustment system. A corresponding contact device and its application should also be provided.

[0004] This objective is achieved through a driving device.

[0005] The drive mechanism according to the invention is configured to move the contact device from a raised position to a lowered position. For this purpose, the contact device is designed to make conductive contact with corresponding components at different heights. These corresponding components could be, for example, contact devices on the roof area of ​​a motor vehicle, through which the vehicle will be charged at a charging station. It could also involve, for example, ships to be charged. The vertical position of ships loading and unloading in port and exposed to tidal variations is almost constantly changing.

[0006] The drive mechanism includes a first arm as an upper arm and a second arm as a guide arm, which together with a third arm as a lower arm form a four-joint linkage. The lower arm includes a free lower end that carries the contact device. By shifting the third arm within the four-joint linkage via the first and second arms, the contact device can be moved to a desired raised or lowered position.

[0007] The actuator engages with the first arm via an actuating rod. The first arm is the drive arm. The second arm is the guide arm used to guide the third arm.

[0008] The actuator rod, connected to the first arm, pivots within the actuator. The actuator rod is supported on the first arm by a spring force, which in turn affects the first arm. This spring force can be tensile or compressive. This means that under the influence of the spring force, the actuator rod is either pushed against or pulled against the first arm. The spring force counteracts the actuation force. The spring force can act on the actuator rod at the same point as the actuation force. In terms of the operating principle of the drive mechanism, the locations of the points where the spring force and the actuation force act on the actuator rod are irrelevant. For compact designs, the spring force and the actuation force can coincide at a single point. If the spring size is small, this can be compensated for by a larger lever arm. On the other hand, to reduce the actuation force, the actuator can be combined with a larger lever arm, meaning the actuation force can act at a greater distance from the pivot point of the lever arm. Having different points of application for the actuation force and the spring force, allowing them to engage with the actuator rod at a certain distance from each other, is generally simpler in design. Within the scope of this invention, the term "actual engagement" does not mean that the spring itself must be connected to the actuating rod. Spring force can also be transmitted from the spring to the actuating rod via an intermediate element such as a connecting rod, linking element, or other suitable transmission element. The same applies to the connection between the actuator and the actuating rod.

[0009] The opposing forces of spring force and actuating force should be understood as force vectors in opposite directions. The vector of the spring force does not necessarily have to align with, for example, the orientation of a helical compression spring. It is sufficient if the spring force primarily opposes the actuating force.

[0010] The force of gravity pushing the contact device downwards against the corresponding component is designed to ensure contact with the corresponding component within a very wide range of vertical adjustment without the spring force affecting the contact force. The force pushing the contact device against the corresponding component is neither a spring force nor an actuating force. Instead, the actuator is designed to shift the actuating rod during descent to the extent that the contact device is aligned against the corresponding component in a floating manner. The corresponding component can change its vertical position over a large range of strokes without altering the contact force. Therefore, the present invention achieves a substantially constant contact pressure without the need for complex electromechanical controls or adjustments.

[0011] The specific effect of the spring force is only effective when it acts on the actuating rod at a point different from the actuating force. Depending on the positioning or lever-to-arm ratio, the spring force can partially increase or partially decrease the contact pressure.

[0012] Spring force or springs are primarily used for emergency operations. Emergency situations occur when the actuator rod can no longer apply any actuation force, for example, due to a power outage. In such cases, a spindle drive can be provided for disengagement, and spring force can be provided to retract the spindle. Theoretically, it is also conceivable that, in the event of a power failure, an emergency power source, such as a battery, can be used to drive the spindle drive of the actuator rod to raise the first arm with the aid of spring force.

[0013] The contact device can be held in the raised position by the spring force alone, in which it is not in contact with the corresponding component. To move the contact device to the lowered position or to pivot the first arm, the actuator has an actuating force that applies an actuating torque to the actuating rod that is greater than the restoring torque caused by the spring force on the actuating rod. Thus, the actuating rod can move from the engaged position to the released position.

[0014] When the first arm is moved to the raised position, the actuating rod can be supported on the first arm by the carrying device, and when the first arm is moved to the lowered position, the actuating rod can be separated from the arm.

[0015] In the released position, the torque generated by the weight of the contact device dominates. Since the actuating rod is pivotally connected to the first arm, the first arm in the lowered position is largely unaffected by the spring force and also by the actuating force. The contact device is pulled downwards by its own weight and rests against the corresponding component by its own weight. The contact force between the contact device and the corresponding component depends largely on the weight of the contact device and the four-joint linkage mounted thereon, and not on the spring force.

[0016] When the motion of the system is determined by the contact between the carrier and the first arm, the speed of the entire system is controlled by the speed of the actuator.

[0017] Because the vehicle itself can be raised or lowered in its loading position, for example, by changing the load, another advantage of the drive device according to the invention can be seen in conjunction with the vehicle. In this operating state, the contact force of the contact device should not increase to avoid damaging the vehicle. However, at the same time, it may not be reduced to ensure safe energy flow and avoid arcing. The contact force of the contact device should be kept as constant as possible. This is achieved through the release position of the carrier, which causes the contact device to float upwards on the corresponding component—i.e., a non-force-guided support. The gravity that causes the contact device to rest against the corresponding component is generated primarily by the weight of the contact device itself.

[0018] A carrying member is provided to support the mounting portion on the first arm. Adjustable spacers can be provided on the carrying member or the mounting portion to adjust the distance between the carrying member and the mounting portion. The position of the four-joint linkage can be determined in the raised position, and can be determined by spacers, for example, by bolts.

[0019] The first arm includes a first upper end. In the region of this end, an actuating rod is hinged to the first arm. This first end region specifically includes the area of ​​the bearing of the first arm, which is also the main bearing, via which the drive mechanism and contact mechanism are held.

[0020] The second arm primarily serves as a guide arm, enabling the third arm or contact devices mounted thereon to perform the desired movement. The hinged connection between the actuator rod and the first arm is located immediately adjacent to the main bearing or the main bearing axis of the first arm. It can also be located directly on the main bearing axis.

[0021] In the region at the first end, a bearing housing for the actuating rod is preferably arranged on the first arm. The actuating rod is hinged to this bearing housing. This bearing housing is specifically arranged on a bearing sleeve of the main bearing on the first arm. Thus, the bearing housing pivots together with the bearing sleeve of the first arm. This bearing housing can also serve to support the mounting portion. The bearing housing therefore has a dual function: on the one hand, it acts as a support for the actuating rod; on the other hand, the force applied by the spring or actuator can be transmitted via the mounting portion. The torque used to raise the first arm via the actuating rod is largely determined by the distance between the bearing of the actuating rod and the main bearing, as well as by the position of the mounting portion.

[0022] The actuator is preferably designed as a linear actuator. This can involve an electrically driven spindle drive or a hydraulically or pneumatically driven piston and cylinder assembly.

[0023] Preferably, the actuator, in the form of a linear drive, acts substantially parallel to the spring force. The spring force is particularly tensile, because in this case, the spring can be arranged in a very space-efficient manner between the support point of the main bearing and the second arm in the uppermost region of the drive unit. Because the spring applies tensile force, the reaction actuator must apply compressive force, at least when the two components are arranged substantially parallel to each other side-by-side.

[0024] To ensure that the actuator does not have to apply a torque greater than that generated by the spring force, the spring force is preferably engaged between the hinge connection between the actuator rod and the actuator and the hinge connection between the actuator and the bearing housing. Thus, the lever arm of the actuator relative to the main bearing of the first arm is greater than the lever arm of the spring relative to the main bearing of the first arm. Depending on the location of the hinge connection and the length and design of the actuator rod, the actuating force can be reduced in this way. Therefore, it is likely that, due to the lever arm ratio, the actuating force applied by the actuator is significantly lower than the spring force acting in the opposite actuating direction. Crucially, the upward force acting on the contact device due to the restoring torque in the released position is less than the downward force of gravity acting on the contact device.

[0025] The spring or spring force can also be positioned at a greater distance from the hinge connection between the actuator rod and the first arm than the actuator itself. In other words, the spring can be positioned below and the actuator above it. Viewed horizontally, an arrangement where the actuator and spring are side-by-side is also feasible. The spring force can also be applied by multiple springs. The invention is not limited to a single spring.

[0026] In addition to pure drive devices for different contact mechanisms, the present invention particularly relates to contact devices having such drive mechanisms as described above. These contact devices specifically relate to means for establishing conductive contact with a moving corresponding component, such as a motor vehicle, for example, at a fixed charging station.

[0027] In practical applications of contact devices used to establish conductive contact between a contact device and a corresponding component located below the contact device, the actuating rod is moved to a release position, such that the corresponding component contacts the contact device primarily or solely under the influence of the contact device's gravity and the arm connected to it. The contact device remains in this position until, for example, the charging process is completed. Then, the actuator acts in the opposite direction, causing the actuating rod to rest against the mounting portion again. The drive rod with the mounting portion now serves as a carrier for swinging the first arm back.

[0028] Reset can be achieved solely by spring force, for example, in an emergency. For this purpose, the contact device is raised to a point where it can be further raised by spring force alone, without actuating the actuator. In normal operation, reset is achieved in a controlled manner under the influence of the actuator. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of exemplary embodiments shown in the purely illustrative accompanying drawings.

[0030] It is shown in:

[0031] Figure 1 A simplified view of the drive unit in a lowered position;

[0032] Figure 2 : Figure 1 Details of the drive mechanism;

[0033] Figure 3 : in a lower position Figure 1 The drive mechanism, wherein the actuator rod is in the released position;

[0034] Figure 4 : Figure 3 Details;

[0035] Figure 5 : in an elevated position Figures 1 to 4 The driving device;

[0036] Figure 6 : Figure 5 Details;

[0037] Figure 7 : in an elevated position Figures 1 to 6 The driving device;

[0038] Figure 8 : Figure 7 Details. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 A side view of the drive unit 1 for the contact device 2 is shown, which can be moved from a raised position to a lowered position, as illustrated. The drive unit 1 is suspended and attached to a support frame (not shown in detail) located above the drive unit 1. It has multiple arms forming a four-joint linkage. The first arm 3 is the main arm and has a main bearing 5 at its first upper end 4. The main bearing 5 is connected to the frame in a manner not shown in detail. The second arm 6 has a bearing 7 at its first upper end, via which it is connected to the frame, and a lower bearing 8 at its second lower end. The first arm 3 also has such a lower bearing 9. The lower bearings 8 and 9 are arranged at a distance from each other and are pivotally connected to each other via a third arm 10. The distance between the lower bearings 8 and 9 is relatively small relative to the total length of the third arm 10. Thus, the lower end 11 of the third arm 10, connected to the contact device 2, can pivot over a large range of strokes.

[0040] The upper bearing 7 and the main bearing 5 of the second arm 6 are fixed joints. The entire drive unit, including the contact device 2, is supported by these two bearings 5 ​​and 7, wherein the main load is borne by the first arm 3, while the second arm 6 is provided for kinematic reasons to guide the third arm 10 or the contact device 2.

[0041] The drive device 1 according to the invention includes an actuator 12. It relates to a linear actuator. It includes an actuation cylinder 13 in which a piston rod 14 is guided. The piston rod 14 is pivotally connected to a bearing on an actuation rod 15, wherein the actuation rod 15 is pivotally connected to a first arm 3 via a bearing housing 16 by means of another bearing. The bearing housing 16 is non-rotatably joined to a bearing sleeve 17 of the bearing housing 16, particularly by welding. The bearing sleeve 17 is part of the first arm 3 and rotates about a main bearing 5 as the first arm 3 pivots. Therefore, the angular position of the bearing housing 16 relative to the first arm 3 is always the same.

[0042] The actuator rod 15 is also connected to the spring 18, which applies a spring force F1 to the actuator rod 15. The spring 18 and the actuator 12 are supported on the frame.

[0043] Actuator 12 applies force F2 to actuator rod 15. Figure 2 An enlarged view of the area of ​​the main bearing 5 of the drive unit 1 is shown. The main bearing 5, with bearing sleeve 17, defines a pivot axis A that is fixedly connected to the bearing housing 16 of the first arm 3. On the bearing housing 16, the actuating rod 15 is pivotally connected to the bearing housing 16 in the area of ​​the pivot axis B. The other pivot axes C and D relate to the spring 18 and the drive unit 12. In an embodiment not shown in more detail, the pivot axis B of the bearing housing 16 coincides with the pivot axis A of the main bearing 5. The position of the pivot axis B near the main bearing 5 plays only a secondary role.

[0044] The actuating rod 15 contacts the bearing housing 16 via two regions. The first contact involves a hinged connection about the pivot axis B. The second contact is between the carrier 19 on the actuating rod 15 and the mounting portion 22 on the bearing housing 16. Due to this contact, the pivoting movement capability of the bearing housing 16 is limited in one direction—that is, in the direction in which the spring force F1 acts.

[0045] In this exemplary embodiment, the mounting portion 22 is oriented parallel to the straight line G (AB) passing through the pivot axes A and B. Parallelism is not mandatory, but the position of the mounting portion 22 allows the carrier 19 to rest against the mounting portion 22 when the actuator 15 pivots.

[0046] Due to the gravity G of the contact device 2, a torque M(A)G acts on the arm 3 along the pivot axis A of the main bearing 5. This torque M(A)G is large enough to push the mounting part 22 against the carrying part 19.

[0047] The carrying member 19 is provided with a bolt-type spacer 20 for adjusting the distance between the carrying member 19 and the mounting part 22. When this distance increases, the arm 3 can no longer pivot downwards as... Figure 2 The degree indicated. Spacer 20 can be used to determine the position of the upper and lower ends or the maximum lowering and raising position.

[0048] When the piston rod 14 retracts, the carrier 19, through pressure on the mounting portion 22 and through tension in the pivot bearing B region, forces the bearing housing 16 to rotate counterclockwise. The connection between the bearing housing 16 and the bearing sleeve 17 causes the arm 3 to pivot counterclockwise, thereby raising the contact device 2.

[0049] Figure 3 The drive unit 1 is shown in the lowered position, but... Figure 1 The difference is that the contact device 2 rests against the corresponding component 21. Therefore, compared with... Figure 1 In comparison, contact device 2 is positioned slightly higher. The third arm 10 is unlike... Figure 1 The exemplary implementation in the text pivots that far. Therefore, the angular positions of the first arm 3 and the second arm 6 are also different. This, in turn, affects the position of the actuator 15, as shown in reference... Figure 4 As illustrated in the enlarged diagram.

[0050] and Figure 2 In contrast, piston rod 14 does not extend further. However, because the counterclockwise movement of arm 3 also causes bearing housing 16 to pivot counterclockwise, mounting portion 22 no longer contacts carrier 19. Therefore, compared to... Figure 1 In comparison, the straight line G(AB) between the two pivot axes A and B forms a larger angle W1 relative to the direction of the spring force F1. However, the spring force F1 is not large enough to overcome the torque of gravity M(A)G to lift arm 3. This is because the distance between pivot axes A and B is very small and because the acute angle W1 is less than 45°. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the release position of the actuator 15 can generate a contact force on the corresponding component 21 that is mainly determined by gravity.

[0051] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This shows the first arm 3 having been raised further. The actuator 12 has not extended or retracted further, but instead has a [position / condition] with... Figure 4 The same position in the diagram. This illustration clearly shows that even though the contact device 2 has been almost completely moved upwards, sufficient gravity G can still be generated to ensure electrical connection with the corresponding component.

[0052] These diagrams can also be used to illustrate possible scenarios in the event of a power supply failure to actuator 12. In such a case, as... Figure 6 As shown in the enlarged view, piston rod 14 is blocked. After the block is released, the spring force F1 pulls piston rod 14 back, causing... Figure 6The angle W1 shown is reduced to the extent that the carrier 19 on the actuator 15 pivots upward in the drawing plane and rests against the mounting part 22 again to hold the arm 3 in the raised position.

[0053] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The fully raised position is finally shown, in which the carrier 19 again acts on the mounting portion 22. It is evident that the piston rod 14 is now retracted. In this raised position, the entire drive unit 1 is very compact, providing a large clearance height below the drive unit 1.

[0054] Figure Labels

[0055] 1-Drive device

[0056] 2-Contact Device

[0057] 3-First Arm

[0058] 4-3 First end

[0059] 5-Main Bearing

[0060] 6-Second Arm

[0061] 7-6 upper bearing

[0062] 8-6 lower bearing

[0063] 9-3 lower bearing

[0064] 10-Third Arm

[0065] The lower end of 11-10

[0066] 12-Actuator

[0067] 13-12 Actuating Cylinder

[0068] 14-12 piston rod

[0069] 15-Actuator rod

[0070] 16-Bearing Housing

[0071] 17-5 bearing sleeve

[0072] 18-Spring

[0073] Carrying items on 19-15

[0074] Spacers on 20-19

[0075] 21-Corresponding Components

[0076] 22-Installation Department

[0077] F1 - Spring Force

[0078] F2 - Power

[0079] G-gravity

[0080] G(AB) - A straight line passing through A and B

[0081] M1-F1 torque

[0082] M(A)GG torque

[0083] A-5 pivot axis

[0084] Pivot axis between B-15 and 16

[0085] Pivot axis between C-15 and 18

[0086] Pivot axis between D-12 and 15

[0087] The angle between W1-G (gravity) and F1

Claims

1. A drive device (1) for moving a contact device (2) from a raised position to a lowered position, said drive device (1) being suspended and attached to a support frame located above the drive device (1): a) The first arm (3) and the second arm (6) of the drive device (1) together with the third arm (10) of the drive device (1) form a four-joint linkage device, wherein, The contact device (2) is located at the free end (11) of the third arm (10) and can be moved by pivoting the first arm, the second arm and the third arm; b) The actuator (12) engages with the first arm (3) via the actuator rod (15); c) The actuator (15) is affected by the spring force (F1) of the spring (18), which counteracts the actuating force (F2) of the actuator (15), and the spring (18) and the actuator (12) are supported on the support frame. d) The actuating rod (15) is pivotally connected to the first arm (3), and when the first arm (3) is moved to the raised position, the actuating rod can be supported on the mounting part (22) provided on the first arm (3) via the carrying member (19), and when the first arm (3) is moved to the lowered position, the carrying member (19) of the actuating rod can be separated from the mounting part (22), so that the actuating rod (15) is in the released position in the lowered position of the contact device (2), so that the contact device (2) is floated against a corresponding component (21) and the weight of the contact device (2) dominates the torque generated; e) The contact device (2) is maintained in the lowered position by its gravity (G) and the contact force between the contact device (2) and the corresponding component (21) is independent of the spring force (F1).

2. The driving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuating force (F2) acts on the actuating rod (15) at a distance from the spring force (F1).

3. The driving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, An adjustable spacer (20) is provided on the carrying member (19) or on the mounting part (22) located on the arm side and associated with the carrying member (19) for support, so as to adjust the distance between the carrying member (19) and the mounting part (22).

4. The driving device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first arm (3) includes a first end (4) away from the third arm (10), wherein the actuating rod (15) is hinged to the first arm (3) in the region of the first end (4).

5. The driving device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, A bearing housing (16) is arranged in the region of the first end (4), wherein the actuating rod (15) is hingedly mounted on the bearing housing (16).

6. The driving device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting part (22) is arranged on the bearing housing (16).

7. The driving device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The actuator (12) is designed as a linear driver.

8. The driving device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spring force (F1) acts on the actuating rod (15) between the pivot axis (D) of the hinged connection between the actuating rod (15) and the actuator (12) and the pivot axis (B) between the actuating rod (15) and the bearing seat (16).

9. The driving device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The direction of the spring force (F1) is substantially parallel to the direction of the actuator (12).

10. A contact device (2) comprising a drive device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The contact device (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The contact device (2) is used to establish a conductive contact with the corresponding component (21) below the contact device (2), and the actuating rod (15) is moved to the release position, so that the corresponding component (21) is connected to the contact device (2) mainly under the influence of the gravity (G) of the contact device (2) and the arm connected to the contact device.

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