Power supply device, power supply assembly, vehicle and returning method

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply device for a vehicle, in particular for a utility vehicle, such as an electric bus or an electric truck, comprising: at least one contact head (4) which can be brought into contact with a docking device (5) in order to form an electric connection; at least a first pivot arm (2) which is connected to the at least one contact head (4) and which can be rotatably connected to the vehicle (1); and a return device (15). According to the invention, the return device (15) is designed to abut against the at least first pivot arm (2) and to depart from the at least first pivot arm (2) with respect to a follower of the at least first pivot arm (2). As a result, a reliable return of the first pivot arm (2) can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device for a vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, such as an electric bus or an electric truck, the power supply device comprising: at least one contact head, which can be placed in contact with a docking device to form an electrical connection; at least a first pivot arm, which is connected to the at least one contact head and can be rotatably connected to the vehicle; and a return device. Background Art

[0002] A power supply device with a contact head can be brought into contact with a docking device, such as a contact cover of a charging post of a vehicle infrastructure. The electrical connection between the contact head and the docking device causes the contact head to be supplied with power. The contact head is often connected to the roof of a vehicle, such as an electric bus or a truck, via a connecting rod or a pivot arm, so that power can be collected via the docking device and the vehicle can be powered via the connecting rod. In this way, for example, the battery or storage battery of the vehicle can be charged (for example in a bus garage or truck garage or at a bus stop, etc.). It is important that the contact head is repeatedly and accurately and reliably guided back to its starting position from the deflected position after the contact process, so that a new contact process can be carried out from the specified position of the contact head.

[0003] DE 10 2012 202 955 A1 is known from the prior art, for example, which shows a charging collector, by which the energy storage device of an electric vehicle can be charged by means of the current transmitted from a stationary charging station. A platform with electrical contacts is coupled to a collector connecting rod. The collector connecting rod is connected to the vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, EP 3031104 B1 shows a charging system for an electric vehicle, wherein a contact device and a support device for the contact device are connected to the vehicle. The contact device can be brought into contact with a charging contact unit of a stationary charging station. The contact device comprises a contact device, which can be guided from a contact position at the charging contact unit to a support position at the support device by means of a positioning device. The support device forms a receiving opening with a guide device, by means of which the contact device can be positioned in the support position. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object underlying the invention is to specify a power supply device which is further improved compared to the prior art and which has a restoring device which is simple in construction, compact and robust.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved with a power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the restoring device is designed as a follower with respect to at least the first pivot arm, can be brought into contact with at least the first pivot arm and can be moved away from at least the first pivot arm. As a result, a structurally complex and large supporting device for supporting the first pivot arm (for example on the roof) in the lowered position can be omitted. The restoring device is less susceptible to dirt and weather influences (for example ice formation), so that reliable operation of the power supply device can be achieved even under unfavorable operating conditions.

[0007] Further advantageous embodiments of the power supply device according to the invention are revealed in the dependent claims.

[0008] For example, it is beneficial that the return device is designed in a bow-shaped or hook-shaped manner. Through this measure, a reliable mechanical contact between the return device and the first pivot arm can be achieved.

[0009] A preferred solution is obtained if the restoring device has a first arm and a second arm that are oriented close to one another. The restoring device can be designed, for example, in a V-shaped form with a rounded transition section between the first arm and the second arm of the V. This simplifies the centering of the first pivot arm in the restoring device.

[0010] It can also be advantageous that at least the first pivot arm can be rotatably connected to the vehicle around a parallel line relative to the transverse axis of the power supply device and around a normal line relative to the parallel line relative to the transverse axis of the power supply device. By this measure, the first pivot arm can perform a first rotational movement around a parallel line relative to the transverse axis of the power supply device and a second rotational movement around a normal line relative to the parallel line relative to the transverse axis of the power supply device. The contact head can be lifted due to the first rotational movement, for example, and fed toward the docking device, and can be oriented, for example, transversely to the vehicle due to the second rotational movement, until a position suitable for current transmission relative to the docking device is reached. Due to the second rotational movement, the contact head can perform a translational movement, and for this purpose, a translational relative movement between the contact head and the first pivot arm is not required. A guide rail, a sliding bearing, etc. can be omitted between the contact head and the first pivot arm. This achieves an accurate orientation of the contact head, for example in or at the docking device. In order to prevent the contact head from twisting relative to the first pivot arm, for example, the guide device can be connected to at least one contact head in an articulated manner and connected to the vehicle in an articulated manner, wherein the contact head can be connected to the first pivot arm in an articulated manner, for example.

[0011] If the restoring device can be connected to the vehicle rotatably about a line parallel to the transverse axis of the power supply, simple kinematics for the restoring process of the first pivot arm are achieved. For example, a restoring rotary drive or an actuator with a cylinder and a piston or the like, whose actuator force is transmitted to the restoring device via a force-torque converter, can be coupled to the restoring device.

[0012] It can also be advantageous if the restoring device can be connected to the vehicle so as to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the power supply device and / or in the direction of the vertical axis of the power supply device. Thus, if, for example, a linear drive is coupled to the restoring device and if the restoring device only performs a translational movement, a force-torque converter between the linear drive and the restoring device for converting the translational movement into a rotational movement can be omitted.

[0013] If the return device is coupled to its own return drive, particularly reliable operating conditions for the power supply are achieved. The return drive can be designed, for example, as a pneumatic actuator with a cylinder and a piston or as an electric linear actuator, which moves in or out depending on a control signal in order to move the return device. The return drive can, for example, move between two end positions. The first end position can correspond, for example, to the lowered and centered position of the first pivot arm, and the second end position can correspond, for example, to the fully deflected position of the first pivot arm, in which the first pivot arm is spaced apart from the return device and in which the movement of the first pivot arm is not affected by the return device. The first end position and the second end position can, for example, be fed back by an end position switch in the return drive itself or by an external sensor or end position switch or the like. The return drive can, for example, have a safety device (for example, a holding brake), by means of which, for example, the first end position and the second end position of the return drive can be fixed.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment results if at least one sliding element or sliding layer is arranged between at least the first pivot arm and the restoring device. In this respect, if at least one sliding element or sliding layer is designed as a centering device for at least the first pivot arm, the first pivot arm can be positioned relative to the restoring device with high precision.

[0015] If at least one roller or at least one drum is arranged between at least the first pivot arm and the return device, wear in the mechanical contact between the first pivot arm and the return device is reduced and a smooth guidance of the first pivot arm by the return device can be achieved. In this respect, if at least one roller or at least one drum is configured as a centering device for at least the first pivot arm, positioning of the first pivot arm relative to the return device can be performed with high precision.

[0016] Advantageously, at least one first return spring for generating a spring force is connected to the return device, by means of which at least the first pivot arm can be automatically guided in the direction of the vehicle. By this measure, the first pivot arm can be transferred to the lowered position, for example, even if the return drive is damaged or fails.

[0017] Foreseeable areas of application of the power supply device are explored in the context of a power supply assembly for a vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, such as an electric bus or electric truck, which has at least one power supply device and at least one stationary charging device including at least one docking device, with which the at least one power supply device can be brought into contact in order to establish an electrical connection and to supply the at least one power supply device with electrical power. The power supply device can be connected to the vehicle, for example, to the roof. The stationary charging device can be part of a bus stop, a vehicle garage, a service station, a parking lot, etc., for example, and can be connected to an electrical power supply network.

[0018] Important application areas of the power supply device are also explored in the case of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, such as an electric bus or electric truck, which has at least one power supply device.

[0019] A reliable and precise return and positioning process, even under unfavorable operating conditions, can be achieved with a method for returning a first pivot arm, to which a contact head of a current collector for a vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, such as an electric bus or electric truck, is connected, wherein the current collector comprises a return device, in which, starting from a fully deflected first state of the first pivot arm, in which the return device is spaced apart from the first pivot arm, the return device is pressed against the first pivot arm and the first pivot arm is guided into a lowered and centered second state of the first pivot arm, wherein in the second state the return device is pressed against the first pivot arm. In the first state, in which the first pivot arm can, for example, contact a docking device of a stationary charging device via the contact head, the mobility of the first pivot arm is not affected by the return device. In the second state, the first pivot arm remains in the lowered and centered position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention will be explained in more detail below based on examples.

[0021] It is shown by way of example:

[0022] Figure 1 An oblique view of an exemplary first embodiment variant of a power supply device according to the invention is shown, the power supply device having a first pivot arm, a contact head and a return device,

[0023] Figure 2A schematic side view of an exemplary second embodiment variant of a power supply device according to the invention is shown in the lowered position, with a first pivot arm, a contact head and a rotatably mounted return device.

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic side view of an exemplary third embodiment variant of a power supply device according to the invention is shown in a deflected position, the power supply device having a first pivot arm, a contact head and a rotatably mounted return device, which together with an exemplary stationary charging device forms an exemplary embodiment variant of a power supply assembly according to the invention,

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic side view of an exemplary third embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention is shown in the lowered position,

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic side view of an exemplary fourth embodiment variant of a power supply device according to the invention is shown in a deflected position, the power supply device having a first pivot arm, a contact head and a return device which is supported so as to be displaceable in the direction of a vertical axis of the power supply device.

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic side view of an exemplary fourth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention is shown in the lowered position,

[0028] Figure 7 A schematic side view of an exemplary fifth embodiment variant of a power supply device according to the invention is shown in a deflected position, the power supply device having a first pivot arm, a contact head and a return device which is mounted so as to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the power supply device.

[0029] Figure 8 A schematic side view of an exemplary fifth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention is shown in the lowered position.

[0030] Figures 9 to 11 A schematic diagram showing different relative positions of a first pivot arm and a return device according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of the power supply device of the present invention is shown, wherein a cross section of the first pivot arm is shown,

[0031] Figure 12 to Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing different relative positions of a first pivot arm and a return device according to an exemplary seventh embodiment variant of a power supply device according to the present invention,

[0032] Fig.15A schematic section from an exemplary eighth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention is shown, wherein a sliding element is arranged between a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm on the one hand and a return device on the other hand,

[0033] Fig.16 A schematic excerpt from an exemplary ninth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention is shown, wherein a sliding element is arranged between the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm on the one hand and the return device on the other hand,

[0034] Fig.17 shows a schematic excerpt from an exemplary tenth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention, wherein a sliding element designed as a centering device is arranged between the first pivot arm and the return device,

[0035] Fig.18 shows a schematic detail from an exemplary eleventh embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention, wherein rollers are arranged between the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm on the one hand and the return device on the other hand,

[0036] Fig.19 shows a schematic detail from an exemplary twelfth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention, wherein rollers are arranged between the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm on the one hand and the return device on the other hand,

[0037] Fig. 20 shows a schematic detail from an exemplary thirteenth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention, wherein a roller designed as a centering device is arranged between the first pivot arm and the return device,

[0038] Fig.21 shows a schematic excerpt from an exemplary fourteenth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention, wherein a roller connected to the circumference of the first pivot arm in a rotatable manner is arranged between the first pivot arm and the return device,

[0039] Fig. 22 shows a schematic section from an exemplary fifteenth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention, wherein a roller is arranged between the first pivot arm and the return device and rotatably surrounds the first pivot arm,

[0040] Fig.23A schematic excerpt from an exemplary sixteenth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention is shown, wherein a roller is arranged between the first pivot arm and the restoring device and rotatably covers the first pivot arm, wherein in a first state of the power supply device the first pivot arm is spaced apart from the restoring device and in a second state of the power supply device the first pivot arm contacts the restoring device and is centered relative to the restoring device, and

[0041] Fig.24 A flow chart is shown for an exemplary embodiment variant of the method according to the invention for repositioning a first pivot arm of a current collector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 The schematic front view shown in FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the power supply device according to the present invention as an electric vehicle 1 (such as the electric vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 , and the electric vehicle is designed as a bus, that is to say as a commercial vehicle) is an exemplary first embodiment variant of a charging collector. According to the invention, it is also conceivable that the power supply device is provided for an electric truck or the like.

[0043] The power supply device has a first pivot arm 2, to which a contact head 4 of the power supply device is connected in an articulated manner. The contact head 4 can be connected to the first pivot arm 2 as an example. Figure 3 The docking device 5 of the stationary charging device shown in the figure is placed in contact to form an electrical connection. The first pivot arm 2 is rotatably supported around a first rotation axis 6 and a second rotation axis 7 on a base 8 of the power supply device, which is constructed as a metal frame. The base 8 is in turn firmly connected to the roof of the vehicle 1. The first rotation axis 6 is oriented parallel to a transverse axis 9 of the power supply device, wherein the transverse axis 9 of the power supply device is in turn oriented parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle, which is not shown. The second rotation axis 7 is oriented orthogonally to the first rotation axis 6 and rotates with the rotational movement of the first pivot arm 2 around the first rotation axis 6. At the first pivot arm 2 Figure 1 In this deflected state shown in FIG, the second rotation axis 7 is arranged in a first plane parallel to a second plane formed by the power supply device longitudinal axis 10 and the power supply device vertical axis 11 .

[0044] A pneumatic lifting drive 12 is connected to the first pivot arm 2 and comprises a helical spring capable of being subjected to tensile loads. The lifting drive 12 generates a lifting torque by means of which the first pivot arm 2 can be deflected and the contact head 4 can be brought into contact with the docking device 5 due to a movement in the direction of the vertical axis 11 of the power supply device.

[0045] The first guide rod 13 and the second guide rod 14 of the guide device of the power supply device are arranged parallel to the first pivot arm 2 and are connected to the base 8 and to the contact head 4 in an articulated manner, thereby avoiding unintentional tilting movement of the contact head 4.

[0046] The power supply device further comprises a return device 15, which is designed as a follower with respect to the first pivot arm 2, can be brought into contact with at least the first pivot arm 2 and can be moved away from at least the first pivot arm 2. The return device 15 is designed in an arcuate and approximately V-shaped manner and has a first support arm 16 and a second support arm 17 that are oriented close to each other and a transition section 18 between the first support arm 16 and the second support arm 17. The return device 15 is connected to the base 8 rotatably about a return rotation axis 19 by means of the first support arm 16 and the second support arm 17. The first rotation axis 6 and the return rotation axis 19 extend into each other. However, the return device 15 is not dependent on the first pivot arm 2 for rotatable support. The return device 15 is therefore connected to the vehicle 1 rotatably about a parallel line relative to the transverse axis 9 of the power supply device. The transition section 18 is multiply curved and serves as a centering receptacle for the first pivot arm 2.

[0047] The return device 15 is coupled to its own return drive 20, which is designed as an electric linear actuator with a cylinder. The linear movement of the linear actuator is converted into a rotational movement of the return device 15 about the return rotation axis 19 via a lever and an articulation. In order to fix the end position, the return drive 20 has a Figure 1 1 and 12 . A first return spring 21 and a second return spring 22 for generating a spring force are connected to the return device 15 , by means of which the first pivot arm 2 can be automatically guided in the direction of the base 8 and the vehicle 1 . The first return spring 21 is connected to the first support arm 16 , the second return spring 22 is connected to the second support arm 17 . For example, in the event of a failure in the voltage supply of the return drive 20 , an automatic lowering of the first pivot arm 2 can be achieved. For this purpose, the return drive 20 is designed as a non-self-locking drive. The holding brake of the return drive 20 is designed in such a way that, in the case of a non-energized return drive 20 , but with a voltage supply to the return drive 20 , the holding brake stops the return drive 20 relative to the first return spring 21 and the second return spring 22 acting on the return device 15 . When the first pivot arm 2 is automatically lowered, a torque is generated by the first return spring 21 and the second return spring 22, which overcomes the lifting torque applied by the lifting drive 12 to the return device 15 through the first pivot arm 2 and the internal friction of the linear actuator.

[0048] The cylinder of the restoring drive 20 is moved in or out as a function of the control signal in order to move the restoring device 15 relative to the base 8 between a first end position and a second end position.

[0049] Here, the first end position corresponds to the lowered and centered position of the first pivot arm 2, and the second end position corresponds to the fully deflected position of the first pivot arm 2, in which the first pivot arm 2 is spaced apart from the return device 15 and in which the movement of the first pivot arm 2 is not influenced by the return device 15. The first end position and the second end position are fed back via end position switches in the return drive 20 for controlling and monitoring the process.

[0050] When the first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15 remain in the first end position or when the first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15 move from the second end position to the first end position, if the return device 15 abuts against the first pivot arm 2, the return torque generated by the return drive 20 acting on the return device 15 is greater in value than the lifting torque of the lifting drive 12 which is set opposite to the return torque, thereby preventing or limiting the possible movement of the first pivot arm 2 in the direction of the fully deflected position of the first pivot arm 2.

[0051] exist Figure 2 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary second embodiment variant of a power supply device according to the invention in the lowered position, the power supply device having a first pivot arm 2, a contact head 4 and a rotatably mounted return device 15. This exemplary second embodiment variant is similar to the power supply device according to the invention. Figure 1 The exemplary first embodiment variant shown in FIG. Figure 2 Partially used with Figure 1 The same reference numerals as shown in FIG. Figure 1 ,according to Figure 2 The first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15 have parallel, but mutually spaced rotation axes. The first pivot arm 2 has a first rotation axis 6 and the return device 15 has a return rotation axis 19, which are arranged at Figure 1 Displayed as a projection.

[0052] Figure 3A schematic side view of an exemplary third embodiment variant of a power supply device according to the invention is shown in a deflected position, the power supply device having a first pivot arm 2, a contact head 4 and a rotatably mounted return device 15, which together with an exemplary stationary charging device form an exemplary embodiment variant of a power supply assembly according to the invention. The charging device is arranged at a parking station for a vehicle 1 designed as an electric bus and has a docking device 5 contacted by the contact head 4. The power supply device is connected to the roof of the vehicle 1 via a base 8 rotatably coupled to the first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15.

[0053] The exemplary third embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the present invention is similar to the exemplary third embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the present invention. Figure 1 The first embodiment variant shown in FIG. Figure 3 Partially used with Figure 1 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0054] exist Figure 4 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary third embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention in the lowered position, Figure 3 This exemplary third embodiment variant is also shown in the deflected position. Figure 4 Partially used with Figure 3 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0055] Figure 5 A schematic side view of an exemplary fourth embodiment variant of a power supply device according to the invention is shown in a deflected position, the power supply device having a first pivot arm 2, a contact head 4 and a contact element 5 along the axis of the power supply device 1 as an example. Figure 1 The return device 15 is supported displaceably in the direction of the vertical axis 11 of the power supply device shown in FIG. This exemplary fourth embodiment variant is similar to the power supply device according to the present invention. Figure 3 The exemplary third embodiment variant shown in FIG. Figure 5 Partially used with Figure 3 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0056] Different from Figure 3 , Figure 5 A restoring device 15 is shown which can only execute a translational movement. Therefore, for the exemplary fourth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention, no force / torque converter between the restoring drive 20 and the restoring device 15 is required.

[0057] exist Figure 6 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary fourth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention in the lowered position, Figure 5This exemplary fourth embodiment variant is also shown in the deflected position. Figure 6 Use with Figure 5 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0058] exist Figure 7 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary fifth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention in a deflected position, the power supply device having a first pivot arm 2, a contact head 4 and a contact pin 2 as shown in FIG. Figure 1 A restoring device 15 is shown which is supported so as to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis 10 of the power supply device.

[0059] This exemplary fifth embodiment variant is similar to the power supply device according to the present invention. Figure 5 The exemplary fourth embodiment variant shown in FIG. Figure 7 Use as Figure 5 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0060] Different from Figure 5 ,according to Figure 7 The return device 15 is not exemplary along Figure 1 The current supply device is displaceable not in the direction of the vertical axis 11 of the current supply device shown in FIG, but in the direction of the longitudinal axis 10 of the current supply device.

[0061] exist Figure 8 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary fifth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention in the lowered position, Figure 7 This exemplary fifth embodiment variant is also shown in the deflected position. Figure 8 Use as Figure 7 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0062] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 A schematic diagram showing different relative positions of the first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15 of an exemplary sixth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the present invention, wherein different from Fig.12 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 ,exist Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 A cross section of the first pivot arm 2 is shown in FIG.

[0063] Fig. 9 and Fig.12 The first pivot arm 2 is shown as an example also in Figure 3, and in which the restoring device 15 is spaced apart from the first pivot arm 2 .

[0064] Fig.10 and Fig.13 The transition position of the first pivot arm 2 between the deflected position of the first pivot arm 2 and the lowered position is shown, wherein in the transition position the restoring device 15 abuts against the first pivot arm 2, but the first pivot arm 2 is not yet centered in the restoring device 15. Upon further movement of the first pivot arm 2 and the restoring device 15 in the direction of the lowered position, the first pivot arm 2 is centered in the restoring device 15.

[0065] Fig.11 and Fig.14 The first pivot arm 2 is shown as an example also in Figure 2 , and in this lowered position the restoring device 15 rests against the first pivot arm 2. The first pivot arm 2 is centered in the restoring device 15 in this lowered position.

[0066] Fig.15 A schematic excerpt from an exemplary eighth embodiment variant of the power supply according to the invention is shown, wherein a wear-resistant, triangular sliding element 23 is arranged between the first pivot arm 2 and the second pivot arm 3 on the one hand and the restoring device 15 on the other hand.

[0067] exist Fig.16 , a schematic excerpt from an exemplary ninth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention is shown, wherein a wear-resistant, triangular sliding element 23 is arranged between the rounded area of ​​the first pivot arm 2 and the rounded area of ​​the second pivot arm 3 on the one hand and the return device 15 on the other hand.

[0068] Fig.17 A schematic excerpt from an exemplary tenth embodiment variant of the power supply according to the invention is shown, wherein a wear-resistant sliding element 23 designed as a centering device and having a triangular cutout is arranged between the first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15 .

[0069] Fig.18 A schematic excerpt from an exemplary eleventh embodiment variant of the power supply according to the invention is shown, wherein a double-conical roller 24 is arranged between the first pivot arm 2 and the second pivot arm 3 on the one hand and the return device 15 on the other hand, wherein the cone tips face away from each other.

[0070] exist Fig.19, a schematic excerpt from an exemplary twelfth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention is shown, wherein a double-conical roller 24 is arranged between the first pivot arm 2 and the second pivot arm 3 on the one hand and the return device 15 on the other hand, wherein the cone tips face away from each other.

[0071] Fig. 20 A schematic excerpt from an exemplary thirteenth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the invention is shown, wherein a double-conical roller 24 constructed as a centering device is arranged between the first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15, wherein the cone tips face each other, so that the roller 24 forms a receptacle for the first pivot arm 2.

[0072] exist Fig.21 14 shows a schematic excerpt from an exemplary fourteenth embodiment variant of the power supply according to the invention, wherein a roller 24 connected to the circumference of the first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15 is arranged between the first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15. Fig.21 In this state shown in FIG. , the contact return device 15 is in contact.

[0073] Fig. 22 A schematic section from an exemplary fifteenth embodiment variant of the power supply according to the invention is shown, wherein a roller 24 is arranged between the first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15 and rotatably covers the first pivot arm 2. Fig. 22 In this state shown in FIG. , the contact return device 15 is in contact.

[0074] exist Fig.23 A schematic excerpt from an exemplary sixteenth embodiment variant of the power supply device according to the present invention is disclosed, wherein a roller 24 of the first pivot arm 2 that is rotatably covered is arranged between the first pivot arm 2 and the return device 15, wherein in a first state of the power supply device the first pivot arm 2 is spaced apart from the return device 15, and in a second state of the power supply device the first pivot arm 2 contacts the return device 15 and is centered relative to the return device 15.

[0075] exist Fig.24 In the figure, the method for making the Figure 1 Flow chart of an exemplary embodiment variant of the method for returning the first pivot arm 2 of the current collector shown in FIG. The current collector acts as a power supply device, as exemplarily shown in FIG. Figure 1 The collector is implemented for an electric bus, ie for a commercial vehicle. The collector is also exemplarily shown in Figure 1 The contact head 4 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the first pivot arm 2. The current collector also comprises a return device 15, as also exemplarily shown in FIG. Figure 1 as shown in .

[0076] In the method, starting from a fully deflected first state of the first pivot arm 2 in which the return device 15 is spaced apart from the first pivot arm 2, the return device 15 is pressed against the first pivot arm 2 (pressing process 25), and the first pivot arm 2 is guided into a second state in which the first pivot arm 2 is lowered and centered (follow-up process 26), wherein, in the second state, the return device 15 is pressed against the first pivot arm 2.

[0077] According to the invention, it is also possible, for example, starting from a partially deflected state of the first pivot arm 2 , to press the restoring device 15 against the first pivot arm 2 and to guide the first pivot arm 2 into the lowered and centered second state.

[0078] List of reference numerals:

[0079] 1 Vehicle

[0080] 2First pivot arm

[0081] 3 Second pivot arm

[0082] 4 Contacts

[0083] 5. Docking Device

[0084] 6First axis of rotation

[0085] 7 Second rotation axis

[0086] 8 Base

[0087] 9 horizontal axis of power supply device

[0088] 10 Longitudinal axis of power supply device

[0089] 11 Vertical axis of power supply device

[0090] 12 Lifting drive

[0091] 13 First guide rod

[0092] 14 Second guide rod

[0093] 15 return device

[0094] 16First arm

[0095] 17 Second arm

[0096] 18 Transition Section

[0097] 19 return rotation axis

[0098] 20 return drive

[0099] 21First return spring

[0100] 22 Second return spring

[0101] 23 Sliding elements

[0102] 24 rollers

[0103] 25 Pressing process

[0104] 26 Follow-up process.

Claims

1. A power supply device for a vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, such as an electric bus or an electric truck, the power supply device comprising: at least one contact head (4) which can be brought into contact with a docking device (5) for forming an electrical connection; at least a first pivot arm (2) which is connected to the at least one contact head (4) and can be rotatably connected to the vehicle (1); and a return device (15), characterized in that The return device (15) is configured as a follower relative to the at least first pivot arm (2), can abut against the at least first pivot arm (2) and can move away from the at least first pivot arm (2).

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The return device (15) is designed in the shape of a bow or hook.

3. The power supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The return device (15) has a first arm (16) and a second arm (17) which are oriented close to each other.

4. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: At least a first pivot arm (2) is connected to the vehicle (1) so as to be rotatable about a line parallel to a transverse axis (9) of the power supply device and about a normal line to the line parallel to the transverse axis (9) of the power supply device.

5. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The return device (15) is connected to the vehicle (1) so as to be rotatable about a line parallel to a transverse axis (9) of the power supply device.

6. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The restoring device (15) can be connected to the vehicle (1) so as to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (10) of the power supply device and / or in the direction of the vertical axis (11) of the power supply device.

7. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The return device (15) is coupled to its own return drive (20).

8. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: At least one sliding element (23) or sliding layer is arranged between the at least first pivot arm (2) and the return device (15).

9. The power supply device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The at least one sliding element (23) or the sliding layer is designed as a centering device for the at least first pivot arm (2).

10. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: At least one roller (24) or at least one drum is arranged between the at least first pivot arm (2) and the return device (15).

11. The power supply device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The at least one roller (24) or the at least one drum is configured as a centering device for the at least first pivot arm (2).

12. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: At least one first return spring (21) is connected to the return device (15) for generating a spring force, by means of which the at least first pivot arm (2) can be automatically guided in the direction of the vehicle (1).

13. A power supply component for a vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, such as an electric bus or an electric truck, the power supply component comprising: at least one power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and at least one fixed charging device, the fixed charging device comprising at least one docking device (5), the at least one power supply device being capable of being placed in contact with the docking device to form an electrical connection and to supply power to the at least one power supply device. 14 . A vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, such as an electric bus or an electric truck, comprising at least one power supply device according to claim 1 .

15. A method for returning a first pivot arm (2) to which a contact head (4) of a current collector for a vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, such as an electric bus or electric truck, is connected, wherein: The collector comprises a return device (15), characterized in that, starting from a first deflected state of the first pivot arm (2) in which the return device (15) is spaced apart from the first pivot arm (2), the return device (15) is pressed against the first pivot arm (2), and the first pivot arm (2) is guided to a second state in which the first pivot arm (2) is lowered and centered, wherein, in the second state, the return device (15) is pressed against the first pivot arm (2).

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