System for powering at least one electric vehicle

Abstract

System for powering at least one electric vehicle, comprising a suspended elongated slotted element having electrical conductors arranged in slots, and a current collector co-acting with the slotted element. The current collector comprises a contact element, a current collector arm supporting the contact element at its first end and adapted to be connected with its second end to a vehicle, and an actuator configured to act on the current collector arm to displace the first end contact element towards the slotted element. The actuator displaces the first end of the current collector arm towards the slotted element. The contact element is connected to the current collector arm by a tracking device comprising a body portion to which the contact element is connected. The tracking device further comprises lateral guiding means configured to co-act with at least one laterally facing portion of the elongated slotted element to laterally guide the tracking device relative to the elongated slotted element. The at least one lateral guiding means is displaceable laterally relative to the body portion by an alignment actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle power supply, and more particularly to the field of underground vehicle power supply. Background Technology

[0002] Concerns about the environmental impact of fossil fuel combustion have led to increased interest in electric vehicles, which offer several potential benefits compared to vehicles using conventional internal combustion engines, including: significantly reduced air pollution as they do not emit harmful exhaust emissions; reduced greenhouse gas emissions (depending on the fuels and technologies used for power generation and / or battery charging); and reduced dependence on fossil fuels with increasingly fluctuating supply and prices. Air pollution is particularly problematic in underground applications such as mines.

[0003] One drawback that needs to be overcome is the limited driving range of existing electric vehicles due to battery capacity limitations. This is a particularly significant drawback for heavy vehicles such as long-haul trucks, as well as construction and mining vehicles.

[0004] WO 2016 / 174030 discloses a system for powering a vehicle in underground environments such as mines. The power supply is used to directly drive the vehicle and / or charge an onboard battery. The system includes at least one elongated slotted element having at least one slot or recess in which an electrical conductor is arranged. The slotted element is suspended, for example, from the ceiling of a mine tunnel, and a current collector electrically connects the vehicle to the slotted element.

[0005] This system is advantageous because it not only provides low emissions and reduces the need for battery capacity, but also offers good safety properties due to the slotted conductor. However, one problem with this slotted conductor is that the current collector must be precisely aligned with the slot to provide sufficient electrical contact. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to solve or improve at least some of the problems mentioned above in the background section.

[0007] These and other objectives are achieved by the system and method according to the independent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a system for powering at least one electric vehicle is provided. The system includes at least one elongated slotted element and at least one current collector. The at least one elongated slotted element is suspended and extends along a road segment, the at least one vehicle being adapted to travel on the road segment with its longitudinal direction substantially parallel to its direction of travel. The elongated slotted element includes at least one electrical conductor disposed in at least one slot in the elongated slotted element and adapted to be energized. The at least one current collector is adapted to cooperate with the at least one suspended elongated slotted element. At least one of the current collectors includes at least one contact element and at least one current collector arm, and may further include at least one actuator or be provided with at least one actuator or arranged to cooperate with at least one actuator. The at least one contact element is adapted to be electrically connected to a corresponding at least one electrical conductor of the elongated slotted element. The current collector arm supports the at least one contact element at its first end and is adapted to be directly or indirectly connected to the electric vehicle at its second end. The at least one actuator is configured to act on the current collector arm to displace its first end toward the at least one suspended elongated slotted element. The contact element is connected to the current collector arm via a tracking device, the tracking device including a body portion to which the at least one contact element is connected. The tracking device also includes a lateral guide configured to interact with at least one laterally facing portion of the elongated slotted element to laterally guide the tracking device relative to the elongated slotted element. At least one lateral guide is capable of lateral displacement relative to the body portion via an alignment actuator.

[0009] As described above, a system is provided for powering one or more electric vehicles, which may be ground vehicles, road vehicles, mining vehicles, or transport vehicles. The system includes one or more elongated slotted elements, which herein means that the length is greater than the width and height. The system preferably includes a plurality of such elements arranged continuously along an extension of a road. It should be understood that the elongated slotted element being suspended means that it is arranged above the road surface, for example, by being suspended from the ceiling or wall of, for example, a mining tunnel, or from one or more supports, pillars, etc. The elongated slotted element includes at least one slot or recess extending along the longitudinal direction of the elongated slotted element, wherein at least one electrical conductor is arranged in at least one of the slots or recesses. The elongated slotted element does not necessarily need to be vertically suspended, i.e., its slot facing downwards. Conversely, the elongated slotted element can even be horizontally suspended, i.e., its slot facing laterally, or at any angle between a horizontal and a vertical position. It should be understood that any references to longitudinal / longitudinal direction and lateral direction herein are defined relative to the slotted element.

[0010] At least one of the current collectors includes at least one contact element, at least one current collector arm, and at least one actuator. The at least one contact element may be formed from one, two, or more elements at least partially formed of a conductive material, for example, having at least one contact surface adapted for electrical and mechanical connection with a corresponding electrical conductor. At least one current collector arm of the at least one current collector may be formed from one or more arm segments / parts arranged in parallel or series. The at least one actuator may include one or more actuators that are part of the at least one current collector or independent parts acting in conjunction with one, two, or more current collectors. The at least one actuator is configured to act on the current collector arm, i.e., it provides a force to the current collector arm or one or more of the arm segments / parts (if any) to displace the contact element toward at least one suspended elongated slotted element or more specifically toward a corresponding electrical conductor. The at least one contact element is connected to the current collector arm via a tracking device, i.e., the tracking device is connected to a first end of the current collector arm. The at least one contact element is rigidly or elastically connected to the body portion, for example, via one or more spring elements. The lateral guide of the tracking device is configured to interact with at least one laterally facing portion of the elongated slotted element. Preferably, but not necessarily, the lateral guide interacts with laterally facing portions on two / opposite lateral sides of the slotted element, which may face opposite lateral directions. The lateral guide may be, for example, formed as one or more guide wheels configured to roll against the laterally facing portion or formed as a sliding element configured to slide against the laterally facing portion. At least one of the lateral guides is capable of lateral displacement relative to the body portion by an alignment actuator, which may be, for example, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electric motor, or a solenoid. Alternatively, the alignment actuator may be a mechanical actuator, including, for example, a linkage and / or a hydraulic circuit.

[0011] This invention is based on the understanding that the contact element of a current collector can be precisely aligned with the corresponding conductor using a tracking device having a lateral guide, which not only guides the contact element but also laterally displaces it to align the contact element with the conductor. This alignment is achieved by actuating the guide to provide relative lateral displacement between the contact element and the slotted element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the tracking device further includes a vertical guide configured to work in conjunction with the elongated slotted element to guide the tracking device vertically relative to the elongated slotted element. At least one of the vertical guides can be vertically displaced relative to the body portion to vertically align the contact element with the conductor via the alignment actuator or an additional alignment actuator. It should be understood that the vertical direction is relative to the plane defined as slot alignment of the slotted element. The vertical plane is therefore not necessarily perpendicular to the road surface.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lateral guiding device includes at least two guiding elements or guide wheels adapted to interact with the opposite lateral sides of the slotted element, the at least two guiding elements or guide wheels being laterally displaced relative to the body portion by the alignment actuator between an extended position and a retracted position, in the extended position the guide wheels being spaced apart by a first distance greater than the lateral width of the elongated slotted element, and in the retracted position the guide wheels being spaced apart by a second distance corresponding to the lateral width.

[0014] In one embodiment, the alignment actuator of the tracking device is a mechanical actuator including an alignment rod whose length in the lateral direction is equal to or greater than the first distance. The alignment rod is capable of vertical displacement relative to the body portion and is mechanically connected to the guide elements or guide wheels to displace at least two guide elements or guide wheels toward each other when the alignment rod is pushed toward the body portion. The mechanical connection can be implemented, for example, by a linked cam arrangement arranged to laterally push and pull the guide elements or guide wheels, a set of interconnected hydraulic cylinders, a rack and pinion arrangement, or any other suitable mechanical connection known to those skilled in the art.

[0015] In such embodiments including an alignment rod, the system further includes an electronic control system and at least one position sensor connected to the electronic control system, the electronic control system being configured to control the at least one actuator in response to a signal from the at least one position sensor, such that the alignment rod of the tracking device is laterally aligned with the elongated slotted element, thereafter the electronic control system controls the at least one actuator to move the tracking device toward the elongated slotted element, such that the alignment rod is pushed toward the body portion of the tracking device, thereby laterally actuating the guide wheel toward the slotted element until the contact element is laterally aligned and contacts the corresponding electrical conductor.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment (without the aforementioned alignment lever), the alignment actuator of the tracking device can be an electro-hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. In such embodiments, the system may further include an electronic control system and at least one position sensor connected to the electronic control system, the electronic control system being configured to control the alignment actuator such that the guide element or guide wheel is displaced to its extended position, and then, in response to a signal from the at least one position sensor, the electronic control system controls at least one actuator such that the tracking device is aligned between the guide element or guide wheel and the slotted element, and then controls the alignment actuator to move the guide element or guide wheel laterally inward toward the slotted element until the contact element is laterally aligned with the corresponding electrical conductor, and then controls the at least one actuator to move the tracking device toward the slotted element until the contact element contacts the corresponding electrical conductor.

[0017] In one embodiment, the elongated slotted element has a flange or groove on at least one or both lateral sides, the flange or groove extending along the longitudinal direction of the elongated slotted element and configured to house the lateral guide or guide wheel thereon to vertically support the tracking device when the guide or guide wheel is adjacent to the elongated slotted element.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the laterally facing portion of the slotted element has an alignment edge at its bottom; that is, each laterally facing portion has an alignment edge at its bottom. The edge refers herein to a longitudinal edge that separates the laterally facing portion from the vehicle-facing portion of the slotted element (i.e., the portion / surface where the slot is formed). It should be understood that the terms top and bottom do not necessarily require the slotted element to be vertically suspended; the bottom edge will be interpreted as the edge closest to the slot, while the top edge is furthest from the slot. Furthermore, the tracking device has at least one set of alignment wheels or sliding elements on each of its lateral sides. Two or more sets of alignment wheels or sliding elements may be provided on each lateral side of the tracking device, these sets being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The alignment wheels or sliding elements on each lateral side are configured to form a corresponding alignment surface, which is arranged to slide laterally against the corresponding alignment edge (and up / down, assuming vertical alignment). In other words, each alignment wheel or sliding element is aligned to slidably cooperate with the corresponding alignment edge at the bottom of the laterally facing portion of the corresponding lateral side of the slotted element.

[0019] Furthermore, the alignment wheels or sliding elements are spaced apart by a distance such that at least one alignment wheel or sliding element in each set of alignment wheels can roll or slide against a corresponding alignment edge at the bottom of the lateral-facing portion. In other words, at least one of the alignment wheels or sliding elements on the first / second lateral side of the slotted element is configured to roll or slide against an alignment edge at the bottom of the slotted element on its first / second lateral side when the current collector is laterally aligned with the slotted element. The two sets of alignment wheels or sliding elements can be described as being laterally spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the distance between the alignment edges at the bottom of the slotted elements. The guide wheels or sliding elements are laterally displaced between an extended position and a retracted position, in which the guide wheels or sliding elements are spaced apart by a first distance greater than or equal to the lateral width of the elongated slotted element, and in the retracted position, the guide wheels or sliding elements are configured to be spaced apart from each other by a distance such that the guide wheels roll or slide against the corresponding lateral portion. This alternative embodiment is advantageous because the corresponding alignment between the alignment edge and the alignment surface formed by the alignment wheel or sliding element allows the current collector to be automatically aligned with the slotted element. Specifically, this is achieved by pushing the current collector upward toward the slotted element after an initial lateral alignment that does not require very precise precision, causing the alignment wheel or sliding element to slide laterally on the alignment edge until the current collector is centered / aligned with the slotted element. Furthermore, the guide wheel or sliding element is configured to roll or slide on the laterally facing portion, thereby guiding the tracking device relative to the elongated slotted element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the alignment edge is chamfered, and the alignment wheel is rotatable about a rotation axis set at an angle corresponding to the alignment edge. Therefore, the alignment edge and the corresponding alignment surface are set at a corresponding angle. In other embodiments, the alignment edge may be rounded / convex.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one or each laterally facing portion of the slot element also has a guide edge at its top, wherein the guide wheel or sliding element can be laterally displaced relative to the body portion by being supported by a retaining element on the lateral side of the tracking device, the retaining element being rotatable relative to the body portion about a corresponding axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the at least one alignment actuator is configured to rotate the retaining element to laterally move the guide wheel or sliding element. At least one set or each set of guide wheels or sliding elements is configured in the retracted position to interact with the corresponding guide edge at the top of the laterally facing portion, and the guide wheels are configured in the retracted position to be spaced apart from each other by a distance such that the at least one set of guide wheels rolls on the guide edge. In other words, when in the retracted position, the guide wheels are spaced apart by a second distance corresponding to (but not exactly equal to) the lateral width of the slotted element. These embodiments are advantageous because the guide wheels rolling on the guide edge provide vertical guidance for the current collector.

[0022] In one embodiment, the guide edge is chamfered, and the guide wheel is rotatable about a rotation axis set at an angle corresponding to the guide edge. In other embodiments, the guide edge may be rounded / convex.

[0023] In the implementation, each guide wheel or sliding element on each lateral side forms a corresponding guide surface, wherein the alignment wheel or sliding element is aligned with the guide wheel or sliding element such that, in the extended position of the guide wheel or sliding element, on each lateral side, the alignment surface of the alignment wheel or sliding element and the guide surface of the adjacent guide wheel or sliding element are arranged in the same plane. For example, the alignment wheel and the guide wheel may have the same diameter, and in the extended position of the guide wheel, the rotation axis of at least one set or each set of guide wheels and the rotation axis of the adjacent set of alignment wheels are located in the same plane, said plane being set at the same angle as the corresponding chamfered edge. These implementations are advantageous because the alignment wheel and the guide wheel are aligned when in the extended position, which means that the guide wheel also acts as the alignment wheel, meaning that the initial lateral alignment of the current collector can be less precise.

[0024] In one embodiment, the contact element is connected to the body portion via a displacement device configured to displace the contact element relative to the body portion in directions toward and away from the body portion (e.g., toward the slotted element). Assuming the slotted element is arranged with the slotted surface facing down, the displacement device is configured to move the contact element vertically. The displacement device includes an actuator, which can be, for example, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electric motor, a solenoid, or other actuation devices applicable to those skilled in the art. For ease of description, this embodiment is described as a vertical overhead application. It should be understood that the orientation can be vertical, horizontal, or virtually at any angle to a vertical plane. In an alternative version of this embodiment, the described alignment wheel can also be a slider, a slide, a magnetic strip, or other translational device applicable to those skilled in the art.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least one contact element is connected to the tracking device via one or more resilient connection devices. The resilient connection device may include a spring device, for example, in the form of an arm segment at least partially formed of a resilient material.

[0026] In one embodiment, the current collector arm includes a telescopic boom segment that can be directly or indirectly connected to a vehicle. In such embodiments, at least one actuator includes an actuator configured to extend and retract the telescopic boom segment, said actuator being a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator, or a pneumatic actuator.

[0027] In one embodiment, the current collector includes a rotary connection for pivotally connecting a second end of the current collector arm directly or indirectly to a vehicle. The rotary connection may include at least one rotary / hinged joint, i.e., providing rotational / movement relative to the vehicle in one or more planes (e.g., a vertical plane). Alternatively, the rotary connection may include a ball joint, i.e., providing rotational and translational movement in all directions. In such embodiments, at least one actuator includes one or more actuators configured to rotate the current collector about one or more rotational axes defined by the rotary connection.

[0028] In one implementation, the system further includes a sliding device disposed at a second end of the current collector arm, the sliding device being configured to allow the current collector arm to move laterally relative to the vehicle.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one of the current collector arms is formed by at least two consecutively arranged arm segments, the arm segments including a first arm segment and a second arm segment, and further including a sliding device arranged between the first arm segment and the second arm segment, the sliding device being configured to allow the first arm segment to move laterally relative to the second arm segment.

[0030] In one implementation, the system includes at least one electric vehicle, with the second end of at least one current collector connected to the electric vehicle.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for aligning a current collector with a suspended elongated slotted element in a system according to a first aspect of the invention. The method includes:

[0032] - Control the alignment actuator to shift the guide element or guide wheel to its extended position.

[0033] - In response to a signal from at least one position sensor, control the at least one actuator to align the tracking device with the slotted element between the guide element or guide wheel.

[0034] - Control the alignment actuator to move the guide wheel laterally inward toward the slotted element until at least one contact element is laterally aligned with at least one corresponding electrical conductor.

[0035] - Control at least one actuator to move the tracking device toward the slotted element until at least one contact element contacts the corresponding at least one electrical conductor.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the invention, a system for powering at least one electric vehicle is provided. The system according to the third aspect corresponds to the system according to the first aspect, but differs in that the elongated slotted element is replaced by an elongated element having at least one electrical conductor mounted thereon (but not necessarily in at least one slot) or one or more elongated elements that are themselves conductive and adapted to be energized.

[0037] The features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any practically feasible manner to form embodiments having a combination of these features. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the embodiments described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention can be applied to corresponding embodiments of the second and third aspects of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The above and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of accompanying drawings, which illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0039] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system according to the invention, arranged in a mine, is shown.

[0040] Figures 2a to 2d An embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown, wherein the current collector and the slotted element are shown in different relative positions.

[0041] Figure 3 A perspective view of components of another embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown (at least one slotted element is not shown).

[0042] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A side view of the implementation scheme, wherein its telescopic current collector arm extends to two different lengths.

[0043] Figure 5 A side view of components of another embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown (at least one slotted element is not shown).

[0044] Figure 6 A perspective view of the tracking device in another embodiment of the system is shown, in which the guide wheel is shown in the extended and retracted positions.

[0045] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Side view of the tracking device in the middle.

[0046] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of components of another embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown (components of the current collector arm and tracking device are not shown).

[0047] Figure 9a-d illustrates components (not shown) of another embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein the tracking device is shown in four different positions relative to the slotted element, and

[0048] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9a A cross-sectional view of the components in the implementation scheme in -d. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system according to the invention and an electric mining vehicle 1 arranged in a mine is shown. The system includes an elongated slotted element 2 and a current collector 4. The elongated slotted element 2 is continuously suspended from the ceiling of the mine roadway and extends along a section 3, on which the vehicle 1 is adapted to travel substantially parallel in its longitudinal direction to the direction of travel. The elongated slotted element includes two electrical conductors 5 arranged in corresponding slots 6 within the elongated slotted element. The electrical conductors are energized to provide power to the vehicle. The current collector 4 works in conjunction with the elongated slotted element 2. The current collector includes two contact elements 7 and a telescopic current collector arm 8. A hydraulic actuator 9 is arranged within the current collector arm to extend and retract the arm. The contact elements 7 are mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical conductors 5. The current collector arm 8 supports a contact element at its first end 8' and is connected to the vehicle 1 at its second end 8”. The contact element 7 is connected to the current collector arm 8 via a tracking device 10, which includes a main body portion 11 to which the contact element 7 is attached. The tracking device 11 also includes lateral guides 12a, 12b in the form of guide wheels, which are adapted to roll against opposing laterally facing portions 2', 2” of the elongated slotted element 2 to laterally guide the tracking device relative to the elongated slotted element. The guide wheels can be aligned with the actuator 13 relative to the main body portion in extended and retracted positions (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The guide wheels move laterally between (as shown), in the extended position, with the guide wheels spaced apart by a first distance greater than the lateral length of the elongated slotted element, and in the retracted position, with the guide wheels spaced apart by a second distance corresponding to the lateral width. Figure 1 In Figure 1 Only the laterally extending rod component of the hydraulic alignment actuator is visible. The slotted element 2 is aligned perpendicularly to the road 3. The alignment actuator is electric (including a motor), but in other embodiments it may be, for example, hydraulic.

[0050] Figures 2a to 2d An embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown, wherein the current collector and the slotted element are shown in different relative positions. The embodiment corresponds to... Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is shown and corresponds to the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, but it is simplified because it includes only one guide wheel 12 instead of a... Figure 1 It includes two wheels, 12a and 12b, as shown in the image. Figure 2a In this configuration, the tracking device is "roughly" aligned with the slotted element. This rough alignment can be achieved using a position sensor, which may be magnetic. Precise alignment is achieved by laterally shifting the guide wheel 12 toward the main body 11 of the tracking device using an actuator 13. Figure 2b In the middle, the guide wheel 12 is adjacent to the side portion facing laterally. Figure 2c In the middle, actuator 13 has retracted further, meaning that the main body 11 and current collector arm 8 have shifted to the right until the guide wheel reaches its retracted position, in which the contact element 7 aligns with the slot 6 and the electrical conductor. Figure 2d In the middle, the telescopic current collector arm 8 has extended, allowing the contact element to contact the conductor. It should be understood that... Figures 2a to 2d The alignment steps shown are typically controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0051] Figure 3 A perspective view of components of another embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown (at least one slotted element is not shown). The tracking device 110 includes four guide wheels 115a-d, two on each side of the slotted element, which are laterally displaceable relative to the main body portion 111 of the tracking device. Two contact elements 106 each interact with a corresponding electrical conductor. The tracking device also includes vertical guide wheels 114a-d, which are arranged to roll against the downward-facing portion of the slotted element (assuming vertical alignment). The alignment actuator (not shown) of the tracking device is electric (including a motor), but may be, for example, hydraulic in other embodiments. The alignment actuator moves two pairs of guide wheels toward and away from each other. A current collector arm 108 is telescopic and rotatably connected to the tracking device at its first / upper end. The lower / second end of the current collector is connected to the sliding device 120 via a rotary connection in the form of a hinged joint 118. A hydraulic actuator 109a is configured to rotate the current collector about a rotation axis defined by the rotary connection. Another hydraulic actuator 109b is configured to rotate the tracking device relative to the current collector arm. A sliding device 120 disposed at the second end of the current collector arm is configured to allow the current collector arm to move laterally relative to the vehicle.

[0052] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A side view of the implementation scheme, wherein its telescopic current collector arm extends to two different lengths.

[0053] Figure 5 A side view of components of another embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown (at least one slotted element is not shown). This embodiment corresponds to... Figures 3 to 4The illustrated embodiment differs in that the current collector arm is formed by two continuously arranged arm segments 308a and 308b. Arm segment 308a corresponds to... Figure 3 The telescopic arm 108 is connected to the lower arm segment 308b via a sliding device 320 (to allow relative lateral movement between the two arm segments) and a hinge joint, which in turn can be connected to the vehicle via a lower hinge joint.

[0054] Figure 6 The tracking device of another embodiment of the system is shown, which corresponds to Figure 3 The implementation scheme is different, but the tracking device is different. Guide wheels 215a-d are shown in the extended and retracted positions, and... Figure 7 Show Figure 6 The side view of the tracking device shows the vertical movement of the alignment rod 213'. A total of four contact elements 206 are connected to the body portion 211, with two contact elements acting in conjunction with each electrical conductor. The alignment actuator of the tracking device is a mechanical actuator 213 including the alignment rod 213', the length of which in the lateral direction is equal to or greater than the distance between the guide wheels in the extended position (a first distance). The alignment rod is vertically displaceable relative to the body portion 211 and is mechanically connected to the guide wheels to displace two pairs of guide wheels toward each other when the alignment rod is pushed toward the body portion. This mechanical connection can be achieved, for example, by a linked cam arrangement, i.e., downward movement of the alignment rod causes rotation of the cam, which in turn pulls the guide wheels inward.

[0055] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of components of another embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown (components of the current collector arm and tracking device are not shown). This embodiment is similar to... Figures 3 to 5 The embodiments shown differ primarily in that the slotted element 402 has flanges 416a, 416b on both lateral sides. The flanges extend along the longitudinal direction of the elongated slotted element. Guide wheels 415a, 415b are angled such that they roll onto the flanges 416a-b to vertically support the tracking device, meaning that once the guide wheels engage with the flanges, there is no need to push the tracking device upwards. Vertical guide wheels 414a-b are also angled to roll against the opposite lower side of the flanges. Guide wheels 415a-b are rotatably connected to an L-shaped retaining element, which in turn is rotatably connected to a body portion (not shown), such that the guide wheels can laterally shift between an extended position (outward tilt) shown in solid lines and a retracted position (inward tilt) shown in dashed lines when in contact with the flanges. This means that the tracking device can be aligned with the slotted element by upward movement and inward movement of the guide wheels.

[0056] Figures 9a to 9dThe following is shown as a component of another embodiment of the system according to the invention (the current collector arm is not shown, but may be...) Figure 3 or Figure 4 or Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram), the tracking device 510 is shown in four different positions relative to the slotted element 502. A cross-section of the slotted element is visible, and the longitudinal end of the current collector is also visible. The elongated slotted element 502 differs from the embodiments described above in that it includes chamfered guide edges 516a, 516c at the top of the laterally facing portions 502', 502'” of the slotted element, and chamfered alignment edges 516b, 516d at the bottom. In this embodiment, the edges are chamfered at a 45-degree angle relative to the direction of movement of the contact element; in the vertical alignment shown, this is equivalent to a 45-degree angle relative to the vertical plane. The elongated slotted element includes two electrical conductors 505 arranged in corresponding slots 507 within the elongated slotted element. In other embodiments, there may be only one electrical conductor, or three or more electrical conductors.

[0057] Tracking device 510 includes two sets of alignment wheels 514a, 514b on each of its lateral sides (in Figures 9a to 9d Only one set on each side is visible in the image. The alignment wheels are stationary relative to the main body 511 (except for rolling motion). The alignment wheels are at a 45-degree angle to allow them to roll against the chamfered alignment edges 516b, 516d. The alignment wheels thus form a vertical guide. Additionally, due to the "V-shape" formed by the alignment wheels, they also form a lateral guide through the upward movement of the tracking device and the sliding motion of the alignment wheels against the chamfered alignment edges. In this embodiment, each set of alignment wheels includes three parallel wheels arranged to rotate about corresponding common axes of rotation 514a', 514b'.

[0058] The tracking device 510 also includes two sets of guide wheels 515a, 515b on each lateral side of the main body 511. Figures 9a to 9d Only one set on each side is visible in the image. The guide wheels are arranged laterally outside the alignment wheels 514a, 514b. The guide wheels are laterally displaced relative to the main body by means of rotatable attachment to corresponding retaining elements 517a, 517b, which are rotatable about a rotation axis (the rotation axis 517' of retaining element 517a is shown in the image). Figure 10 The rotation axis is perpendicular to the corresponding rotation axes 515a' and 515b' of the guide wheel, and pivots / rotates relative to the main body. When the tracking device is aligned with the slotted element, as... Figure 9c and Figure 9d As shown, the rotation axis of the retaining element is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slotted element.

[0059] Alignment wheels 514a, 514b and guide wheels 515a, 515b have the same diameter, and the guide wheels are as follows: Figure 9a As shown in the extended position, the rotation axes 514a', 514b' of the alignment wheels and the rotation axes 515a', 515b' of the guide wheels on the corresponding sides are located in the same plane, which is set at the same angle as the chamfered alignment edge (45 degrees in this embodiment). Therefore, each guide surface 515a”, 515b” formed by the guide wheels is in the same plane as the corresponding alignment surface 514a”, 514b” formed by the alignment wheels. The alignment actuators 517c, 517d of the tracking device are pneumatic cylinders, but in other embodiments they may be, for example, electro-actuated devices, hydraulically actuated devices, or other actuation devices that can be applied by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the actuators may be wire-operated or similar, i.e., actuators that use a power source located at a distance to cause movement via, for example, wires. The alignment actuators cause the holding element to pivot / rotate, causing the guide wheels to shift toward and away from the slot element.

[0060] The current collector includes two sets of contact elements 506, each set of contact elements adapted to interact with a corresponding conductor 505 in the slotted element 502. The contact elements are connected to the main body 511 via a shifting device 518, which is shown in more detail below. Figure 10 The shifting device is configured to shift the contact element toward and away from the main body portion 511 when the current collector and the slotted element are laterally aligned, that is, in the direction toward and away from the slotted element.

[0061] Figures 9a to 9d The current collector and slotted element are aligned as follows.

[0062] exist Figure 9a In the process, the current collector has been roughly laterally aligned with the slotted element via the current collector arm. Subsequently, the control system commands the tracking device 510 to move towards the slotted element via the current collector arm, causing the uppermost guide wheel 515a to contact the chamfered alignment edge 516b. The tracking device then moves further upward, causing the guide wheel 515a, followed by the alignment wheel 514a, to slide on the chamfered alignment edge 516b until alignment is achieved. Figure 9b The position is indicated. Therefore, both the guide wheel and the alignment wheel have an alignment function. The sliding motion has stopped when the lowest alignment wheel 514b contacts the chamfered alignment edge 516d. The current collector and its tracking device are now laterally aligned with the slotted element. The control system receives signals from position sensors 519a, 519b, instructing the current collector to be laterally and vertically aligned, and then the control system commands the alignment actuators 517c, 517d to pivot the holding elements 517a, 517b until the guide wheels 515a, 515b are in position. Figure 9cThe indicated position contacts the corresponding chamfered guide edge. The rotation axes 515a' and 515b' of the guide wheels are now angled to correspond to the chamfered guide edges 516a and 516c. Subsequently, the control system commands actuator 518a (see...) Figure 10 The contact element 506 is moved upward into the slot 507 to contact the electrical conductor 505 of the slotted element, such as... Figure 9d As can be seen in the image. Simultaneously, the grounding contact element 506' contacts the outer portion 502' of the slotted element, which is connected to the ground.

[0063] exist Figure 10 In, it is shown Figures 9a to 9d A cross-sectional view of a component in the implementation scheme. For example... Figures 9a to 9d As seen in the diagram, the cross-sectional view is taken in a vertical plane through the rightmost contact element 506. Figure 10 As can be seen, the contact element 506 is formed by a plurality of continuously arranged plate-like elements, each plate-like element being elastically connected (e.g., via spring member 518e) to the elongated base portion 518d of the displacement device 518. The base portion is connected to the main body portion 511 of the tracking device by two parallel and pivotable rods 518b, 518c, said rods being rotatably connected to the base portion and the main body portion at their respective ends. Furthermore, an actuator in the form of a pneumatic cylinder 518a is connected between the base portion and the main body portion to displace the base portion 518d toward and away from the main body portion 511. In other embodiments, the actuator may be hydraulic, electric, or other actuating devices, such as wire-operated actuators, i.e., actuators that use a power source located at a remote location to cause movement via, for example, a wire. Additionally, in Figure 10 As can be seen, two sets of alignment wheels 514a are longitudinally spaced apart on opposite longitudinal sides of the holding element 517a. Additionally, two sets of guide wheels 515a are longitudinally spaced apart and mounted on the holding element 517a. In other embodiments, only one or more sets of guide wheels / alignment wheels are provided on each lateral side of the tracking device.

[0064] For safety reasons, the grounding contact element contacts before the main contact element. This is achieved by preloading all the individual plate-like elements of contact element 506 and grounding contact element 506' using one or more springs (e.g., 518a) that allow compression. This compression spring also allows for uneven wear of the individual contact elements (also referred to as "brushes"), thus allowing all contact elements to be positioned on their respective conductors. Actuator 518a applies a controlled force to ensure proper contact force is maintained on the brush holder assembly, and then the individual brush springs allow each brush to maintain a uniform, individual force on the conductor.

[0065] Although the control system, which may be an electronic control system, has been referenced above, it is not shown in the figure because such systems are well known in the art.

[0066] The above description and accompanying drawings are considered to be non-limiting examples of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, a tracking device of one embodiment can be combined with a current collector arm of other embodiments. Furthermore, Figures 9a to 9d The edges of the slotted elements in the diagram are not necessarily chamfered at a 45-degree angle. Furthermore, although these figures are shown with a vertical orientation, it should be understood that the orientation can be at any angle to the vertical plane. It should be understood that the wheel can be a slider, a slide, a magnet, or virtually any other device that provides the function of the wheel. Clearly, the individual contact element springs can be another device or multiple devices, such as a pneumatic actuator, rubber, or other devices that can apply controlled and known forces to each brush. The number of electrical conductors (and contact elements) can be one or more.

Claims

1. A system for supplying power to at least one electric vehicle (1), the system comprising: - At least one elongated slotted element (2; 402； 502), the at least one elongated slotted element is suspended and adapted to extend along the road segment (3), the at least one electric vehicle is adapted to travel on the road segment with its longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the direction of travel, the elongated slotted element includes at least one electrical conductor (5; 505), the at least one electrical conductor is arranged in at least one slot (7; 507) in the elongated slotted element and adapted to be energized; - At least one current collector (4), said at least one current collector being adapted to work in conjunction with said at least one suspended elongated slotted element (2), said current collector comprising At least one contact element (6; 206; 506), wherein the at least one contact element is adapted to be electrically connected to at least one corresponding electrical conductor (5; 505) of the elongated slotted element; At least one current collector arm (8; 108; 308a-b), wherein the at least one current collector arm supports the at least one contact element at its first end (8') and is adapted to be directly or indirectly connected to an electric vehicle at its second end (8''), and At least one actuator (9; 109a-b), the at least one actuator is configured to act on the at least one current collector arm to displace the first end (8') toward the suspended at least one elongated slotted element, The contact elements (6; 106; 206; 506) are connected to the at least one current collector arm via a tracking device (10; 110; 510), the tracking device comprising a main body portion (11; 111; 211; 411; 511) to which the at least one contact element is connected, and the tracking device further comprising a lateral guide device comprising at least two guide wheels (12a-b; 115a-d; 215a-d;). 415a-b; 515a-b) or sliding element, the guide wheel or sliding element being configured to abut against the laterally facing surface portion (2', 2'') on two lateral sides of the outer portion (502') of the elongated slotted element (2; 502); The at least two guide wheels or sliding elements are 502', 502'') to roll or slide to guide the tracking device laterally relative to the elongated slotted elements, wherein the at least two guide wheels or sliding elements are capable of being laterally displaced relative to the main body by means of the alignment actuator (13).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the tracking device (110) further comprises vertical guides (114a-114d; 514a-b) configured to cooperate with the elongated slotted element to guide the tracking device vertically relative to the elongated slotted element.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two guide wheels (12a-b; 115a-d; 215a-d; 415a-b; 515a-b) or sliding elements are laterally displaced relative to the main body portion (11; 111; 211; 411; 511) between an extended position and a retracted position via the alignment actuator (13, 213), wherein in the extended position the at least two guide wheels or sliding elements are spaced apart by a first distance greater than the lateral width of the elongated slotted element, and in the retracted position the at least two guide wheels or sliding elements are spaced apart by a second distance corresponding to the lateral width.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the alignment actuator (213) of the tracking device is a mechanical actuator including an alignment rod (213') having a length in the lateral direction equal to or greater than the first distance, the alignment rod being displaceable relative to the body portion (211), and mechanically connected to the guide wheels or sliding elements (215a-215d) so as to displace the at least two guide wheels or sliding elements toward each other when the alignment rod is pushed toward the body portion.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising an electronic control unit and at least one position sensor connected to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit being configured to control the at least one actuator in response to a signal from the at least one position sensor such that the alignment lever (213') of the tracking device is laterally aligned with the elongated slotted element, thereafter the electronic control unit controls the at least one actuator to displace the tracking device toward the elongated slotted element such that the alignment lever (213') is pushed toward the body portion (211) of the tracking device.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the alignment actuator (13) of the tracking device (10) is an electro-hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated slotted element (402) is provided with a flange (416a, 416b) or groove on at least one lateral side, the flange or groove extending along the longitudinal direction of the elongated slotted element and configured to receive at least a portion of the guide wheel or sliding element (415a, 415b) thereon or therein. The tracking device is supported when the guide wheel or sliding element is adjacent to the elongated slotted element.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one contact element is connected to the body portion via one or more resilient connection devices.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the resilient connection device comprises a spring device.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the current collector arm (8; 108; 308a) comprises a telescopic arm segment that can be directly or indirectly connected to a vehicle.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one actuator (9; 109a) comprises an actuator configured to extend and retract the telescopic boom segment.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator (109a) is a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator, or a pneumatic actuator.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the current collector includes a rotary connection device (118) for directly or indirectly rotatably connecting the second end of the current collector arm to the vehicle.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one actuator includes an actuator (109a) configured to rotate the current collector about a rotation axis defined by the rotary connection device (118).

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sliding device (120) disposed at the second end of the current collector arm (108), the sliding device being configured to allow the current collector arm to move laterally relative to the vehicle.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the current collector arm is formed by at least two consecutively arranged arm segments, the arm segments including first and second arm segments (308a, 308b), and further comprising a sliding device (320) disposed between the first arm segment and the second arm segment, the sliding device being configured to allow the first arm segment to move laterally relative to the second arm segment.

17. The system of claim 6, further comprising an electronic control unit and at least one position sensor connected to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit being configured to: - Control the alignment actuator so that the guide wheel or sliding element is moved to its extended position; - After the guide wheel or sliding element has been moved to its extended position and in response to a signal from the at least one position sensor, control the at least one actuator to align the tracking device with the slotted element between the guide wheel or sliding element; - After the tracking device has been aligned with the slotted element, the alignment actuator is controlled to move the guide wheel or sliding element laterally inward toward the slotted element until the at least one contact element is laterally aligned with the corresponding at least one electrical conductor, and - After the contact element has been laterally aligned with the corresponding at least one electrical conductor, the at least one actuator is controlled to move the tracking device toward the slotted element until the at least one contact element contacts the corresponding at least one electrical conductor.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein each laterally facing surface portion (502', 502'') of the slotted element (502) has an alignment edge (516b, 516d) at its bottom, and wherein the tracking device (510) includes at least one set of alignment wheels or sliding elements (514a, 514b) on each laterally facing side, wherein the alignment wheels or sliding elements on each laterally facing side are configured to form a corresponding alignment surface (514a'', 514b''), the corresponding alignment surface being arranged to slide laterally against the corresponding alignment edge (516b, 516d) at the bottom of the laterally facing surface portion, the alignment wheels or sliding elements being further spaced apart such that at least one alignment wheel or sliding element (514a, 514b) in each set of alignment wheels or sliding elements can roll or slide against the corresponding alignment edge (516b, 516d) at the bottom of the laterally facing surface portion. The guide wheels or sliding elements (515a, 515b) are capable of lateral displacement relative to the main body portion (511) between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the guide wheels or sliding elements are spaced apart by a first distance greater than or equal to the lateral width of the elongated slotted element (502). In the retracted position, the guide wheels or sliding elements are configured to be spaced apart from each other by a distance such that the guide wheels or sliding elements roll or slide against the corresponding lateral portions.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the alignment edge is chamfered, and wherein the alignment wheel is rotatable about a rotation axis (514a', 514b') set at an angle corresponding to the chamfered alignment edge.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein at least one laterally facing surface portion (502', 502'') of the slotted element (502) is further provided with a guide edge (516a, 516c) at its top, and wherein the guide wheel or sliding element (515a, 515b) is laterally displaced relative to the body portion (511) by being supported by a retaining element (517a, 517b) at the lateral side of the tracking device, the retaining element being rotatable relative to the body portion about a corresponding rotation axis (517a') substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein at least one set of guide wheels or sliding elements is aligned in the retracted position to cooperate with the corresponding guide edge (516a, 516c) at the top of the laterally facing surface portion, and wherein the guide wheels or sliding elements are set in the retracted position to be spaced apart from each other by a distance such that the at least one set of guide wheels or sliding elements roll or slide on the guide edge.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the guide edge is chamfered, and wherein the guide wheel is rotatable about a rotation axis (515a', 515b') set at an angle corresponding to the guide edge.

22. The system of claim 18, wherein the guide wheel or sliding element (515a, 515b) at each lateral side forms a corresponding guide surface (515a'', 515b''), and wherein the alignment wheel or sliding element and the guide wheel or sliding element are aligned such that, at the extended position of the guide wheel or sliding element, each alignment surface (514a'', 514b'') of the alignment wheel or sliding element and the guide surface of the adjacent guide wheel or sliding element are disposed in the same plane.

23. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one contact element is connected to the body portion by a shifting device (518) configured to shift the contact element relative to the body portion in a direction toward and away from the body portion (511).

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one current collector includes at least one grounding contact element (506'), the grounding contact element being arranged to interact with an outer portion (502''') of the slotted element (502), the outer portion being connected to ground, wherein the grounding contact element is configured to connect to the outer portion before the at least one contact element (502) is connected to the corresponding at least one electrical conductor when the current collector contacts the slotted element.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the at least one grounding contact element (506') is elastically preloaded by at least one spring member, which is compressed when the grounding contact element contacts the external portion (502''').

26. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one contact element (506) comprises at least two contact element portions individually preloaded by at least one spring member (518e), the at least one spring member being compressed when the contact element contacts the corresponding at least one electrical conductor (505).

27. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one laterally facing surface portion (502', 502'') at the outer portion of the slotted element (502) has a guide edge (516a, 516c) at its top, and wherein the guide wheel or sliding element (515a, 515b) is laterally displaced relative to the body portion (511) by being supported by a retaining element (517a, 517b) at the lateral side of the tracking device, the retaining element being rotatable relative to the body portion about a corresponding rotation axis (517a') substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein at least one set of guide wheels or sliding elements is aligned in the retracted position to cooperate with the corresponding guide edge (516a, 516c) at the top of the laterally facing surface portion, and wherein the guide wheels or sliding elements are spaced apart from each other in the retracted position such that the at least one set of guide wheels or sliding elements roll or slide on the guide edge.

28. The system of claim 9, wherein the spring device is in the form of an arm segment at least partially formed of an elastic material.

Images