Electrically conductive contact arrangement for an electric road track module

Abstract

An electrical road track module is provided. The electrical road track module is configured to form part of an electrical road track. The electrical road track module comprises a component of an electrically conductive contact arrangement. The component of the electrically conductive contact arrangement is arranged at a first end portion of the electrical road track module. The component of the electrically conductive contact arrangement comprises a first contact pin and a hollow coupling barrel. The first contact pin is fixedly arranged at the first end of the electrical road track module. The first contact pin has a rod-like shape with a main extension along a longitudinal direction of the electrical road track module. The hollow coupling barrel encloses the first contact pin. The hollow coupling barrel is movably arranged to slide relative to the first contact pin along the longitudinal direction of the electrical road track module between a first position, in which the hollow coupling barrel only accommodates the first contact pin, and a second position, in which the hollow coupling barrel partly extends out from the first contact pin to allow the hollow coupling barrel to accommodate both the first contact pin and a second contact pin of an adjacent electrical road track module of the electrical road track. When the hollow coupling barrel partly extends out from the first contact pin, the hollow coupling barrel also typically partly extends out from the end portion of the electrical road track module. When the hollow coupling barrel only accommodates the first contact pin, the hollow coupling barrel does not extend out from the end portion of the electrical road track module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical road track module for an electric road track. Specifically, it relates to an electrical road track module comprising a conductive contact arrangement structure for interconnecting two such electrical road track modules to form an electrical contact between the modules. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles, such as electric cars, have developed rapidly. Most current electric vehicles are powered by batteries. However, the use of electric vehicles is limited by battery capacity and also by the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Furthermore, given the ever-increasing demand for electric vehicles, the demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure is expected to be even higher in the coming years. As an alternative to fixed charging stations, batteries can be charged while driving, or the vehicle can directly obtain power while driving. This can be achieved by providing the vehicle with a power collector constructed to temporarily slide in contact with an electrical road track that forms part of an electrical road system arranged along the road. The electrical road track can be considered as a track formed by multiple electrical road track modules arranged one after another and interconnected via a conductive contact arrangement. However, unavoidable seasonal temperature differences do cause thermal expansion problems for individual electrical road track modules, which must be accommodated. This seasonal temperature difference between the minimum and maximum temperatures can be as high as 100°C. Therefore, the electrical road track modules and their conductive contact arrangement structures need to be able to accommodate this thermal expansion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical road track module having a conductive contact arrangement structure configured to accommodate the thermal expansion and longitudinal expansion of the electrical road track module. Other and alternative objects will be understood from the following description.

[0004] According to a first aspect, an electrical road track module is provided. The electrical road track module is configured to form part of an electrical road track. The electrical road track module includes components of a conductive contact arrangement structure. These components of the conductive contact arrangement structure are arranged at a first end portion of the electrical road track module. The components of the conductive contact arrangement structure include a first contact pin and a hollow connecting cylindrical member. The first contact pin is fixedly arranged at the first end of the electrical road track module. The first contact pin has a rod-like shape and has a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical road track module. The hollow connecting cylindrical member encloses the first contact pin. The hollow connecting cylindrical member is movably arranged to slide relative to the first contact pin along the longitudinal direction of the electrical road track module between a first position and a second position, in which the hollow connecting cylindrical member only accommodates the first contact pin, and in the second position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member partially extends from the first contact pin to allow the hollow connecting cylindrical member to accommodate both the first contact pin and a second contact pin of an adjacent electrical road track module. When the hollow connecting cylindrical member extends partially from the first contact pin, it also typically extends partially from the end portion of the electrical track module. When the hollow connecting cylindrical member only accommodates the first contact pin, it does not extend from the end portion of the electrical track module.

[0005] This electrical track module allows for simpler and more convenient operation when connecting electrical track modules to each other. This is because the conductive contact arrangement with hollow connecting cylindrical members allows two electrical track modules to be initially positioned adjacent to each other, and then the hollow connecting cylindrical members can be moved from a first position to a second position to interconnect the electrical track modules. Furthermore, the conductive contact arrangement allows for accommodation of thermal expansion and longitudinal expansion of the electrical track modules. This is because at least the second contact pin slides freely within the hollow connecting cylindrical member. Moreover, this electrical track module allows for simpler and more convenient operation when disconnecting electrical track modules from each other. This is because the conductive contact arrangement with hollow connecting cylindrical members allows the hollow connecting cylindrical members to be moved from a second position to a first position, thereby releasing one or both of the electrical track modules so that it / they can be lifted off the road.

[0006] The conductive contact arrangement may further include a first coil spring and a second coil spring. The first coil spring may be arranged in a first internal groove of the hollow connecting cylindrical member, and the second coil spring may be arranged in a second internal groove of the hollow connecting cylindrical member. The first internal groove of the hollow connecting cylindrical member is located at a first end portion of the hollow connecting cylindrical member. The second internal groove of the hollow connecting cylindrical member is located at a second end portion of the hollow connecting cylindrical member opposite to the first end portion. Alternatively, the first coil spring may be arranged in a first external groove of the first contact pin, and the second coil spring may be arranged in a second external groove of the second contact pin. The first external groove of the first contact pin is located at a first end portion of the first contact pin. The second external groove of the second contact pin is located at a first end portion of the second contact pin. The first end portion of the second contact pin faces the first end portion of the first contact pin. The first and second coil springs facilitate a good connection between the two electrical path track modules. Furthermore, the coil springs also facilitate movement of the hollow connecting cylindrical member. Additionally, the coil springs can compensate for misalignment between the first and second contact pins. The first and second coil springs are preferably circular, thus surrounding the entire diameter of the first and / or second contact pins.

[0007] The conductive contact arrangement may further include a third coil spring and / or a fourth coil spring. The third coil spring may be arranged in a third internal groove of the hollow connecting cylindrical member. The fourth coil spring may be arranged in a fourth internal groove of the hollow connecting cylindrical member. The third internal groove of the hollow connecting cylindrical member is located at a first end portion of the hollow connecting cylindrical member. The fourth internal groove of the hollow connecting cylindrical member is located at a second end portion of the hollow connecting cylindrical member. Alternatively, the third coil spring may be arranged in a third external groove of the first contact pin, and the fourth coil spring may be arranged in a fourth external groove of the second contact pin. The third external groove of the first contact pin is located at a first end portion of the first contact pin. The fourth external groove of the second contact pin is located at a first end portion of the second contact pin. This can further enhance the contact between the hollow connecting cylindrical member and the first and second contact pins, thereby allowing a more robust electrical connection between the two electrical road track modules. The third and fourth coil springs are preferably circular, thus surrounding the entire diameter of the first and / or second contact pins.

[0008] It should be understood that, in one embodiment, the conductive contact arrangement structure may include a first coil spring and a second coil spring; in another embodiment, the conductive contact arrangement structure may include a first coil spring, a second coil spring, and a third coil spring; in yet another embodiment, the conductive contact arrangement structure may include a first coil spring, a second coil spring, and a fourth coil spring; and in other embodiments, the conductive contact arrangement structure may include a first coil spring, a second coil spring, a third coil spring, and a fourth coil spring.

[0009] The conductive contact arrangement may also include a linear actuator. The linear actuator is configured to move the hollow connecting cylindrical member between a first position and a second position. This provides convenient operation of the hollow connecting cylindrical member.

[0010] The conductive contact arrangement may also include an insulating layer encapsulating the hollow connecting cylindrical component. This is to electrically insulate the exterior of the hollow connecting cylindrical component from its surrounding environment, thus providing enhanced safety.

[0011] The electrical track module may also include a second contact pin. The second contact pin may be fixedly disposed at a second end portion of the electrical track module. The second end portion of the electrical track module is opposite to the first end portion of the electrical track module. The second contact pin has a rod-like shape and has a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical track. The second contact pin forms part of another conductive contact arrangement configured to connect the electrical track module at its second end portion to another electrical track module.

[0012] The second contact pin and the first contact pin of the electrical road track module can be electrically interconnected via the power line of the electrical road track module.

[0013] The electric track module may further include a housing, a power cord, and a plurality of first contact elements configured to be powered. The plurality of first contact elements may be connected to the power cord. The power cord and the plurality of first contact elements may be housed within the housing. A first contact pin may be fixedly arranged to and electrically contact the power cord. The contact arrangement may further include additional first contact pins and additional hollow connecting cylindrical members. The additional first contact pin is fixedly arranged to the housing and electrically contacts the housing at a first end portion of the electric track module. The additional first contact pin has a rod-like shape and a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electric track module. The additional hollow connecting cylindrical member encloses the additional first contact pin and is movably arranged to slide between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal direction of the electric track module. In the first position, the additional hollow connecting cylindrical member only houses the additional first contact pin; in the second position, the additional hollow connecting cylindrical member partially extends from the additional first contact pin to allow the additional hollow connecting cylindrical member to house both the additional first contact pin and additional second contact pins of adjacent electric track modules.

[0014] According to a second aspect, a conductive contact arrangement structure is provided. The conductive contact arrangement structure is configured to conductively connect a first electrical track module to a second electrical track module. The conductive contact arrangement structure includes a first contact pin, a second contact pin, and a hollow connecting cylindrical member. The first contact pin is fixedly disposed at an end portion of the first electrical track module and has a rod-like shape, having a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical track. The second contact pin is fixedly disposed at an end portion of the second electrical track module and has a rod-like shape, having a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical track. The hollow connecting cylindrical member is movably arranged to slide between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal direction of the electrical track. In the first position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member accommodates only the first contact pin; in the second position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member accommodates both the first and second contact pins.

[0015] This conductive contact arrangement allows for simpler and more convenient operation when connecting electrical track modules to each other. This is because the conductive contact arrangement with the hollow connecting cylindrical member allows two electrical track modules to be initially positioned adjacent to each other, and then the hollow connecting cylindrical member can be moved from a first position to a second position to interconnect the electrical track modules. Furthermore, the conductive contact arrangement allows for accommodation of the thermal expansion and longitudinal expansion of the electrical track modules. This is because the first and second contact pins slide freely within the hollow connecting cylindrical member. Additionally, this electrical track module allows for simpler and more convenient operation when disconnecting the electrical track modules from each other. This is because the conductive contact arrangement with the hollow connecting cylindrical member allows the hollow connecting cylindrical member to be moved from a second position to a first position, thereby releasing one or both of the electrical track modules so that it / they can be lifted off the road.

[0016] The conductive contact arrangement may also include a linear actuator configured to move the hollow connecting cylindrical member between its first and second positions.

[0017] The aforementioned features and potential advantages of the first aspect also apply to the second aspect where applicable. To avoid excessive repetition, refer to the foregoing.

[0018] Further applicability will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are given only by way of illustration.

[0019] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, when used in the specification and appended claims, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements, unless expressly stated in the context. Thus, for example, references to “unit” or “the unit” can include several means, etc. Furthermore, the words “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and similar terms do not exclude other elements or steps. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other aspects will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings should not be considered restrictive; rather, they are used for interpretation and understanding.

[0021] As shown in the figures, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are therefore provided to illustrate the general structure. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0022] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates an electric road track system.

[0023] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The operation of the conductive contact arrangement structure is schematically illustrated; in Figure 2a The diagram illustrates the disconnection of the conductive contact arrangement structure, and... Figure 2b The diagram illustrates the closed connection of the conductive contact arrangement structure.

[0024] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The schematic diagram illustrates the operation of an alternative conductive contact arrangement; in Figure 3a The diagram illustrates the disconnection of the conductive contact arrangement structure, and... Figure 3b The diagram illustrates the closed connection of the conductive contact arrangement structure.

[0025] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The diagram schematically illustrates the end portion of an electrical road track module, including a conductive contact arrangement.

[0026] Figure 5a and Figure 5b An alternative end portion of an electrical road track module, including a conductive contact arrangement, is schematically illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0028] Figure 1 An electric road track system 300 is schematically illustrated. The electric road track system 300 includes a plurality of electric road track modules 100 arranged along a road 11. When interconnected, the plurality of electric road track modules 100 form an electric road track 10. The electric road track modules 100 may be arranged on or integrated into the road 11, for example, into recesses formed in the road 11. The electric road track system 300 is intended to provide power to a vehicle 12. The general function of the electric road track modules 100 is that they provide power to the electric vehicle 12. Thus, the battery of the electric vehicle 12 can be charged while the electric vehicle 12 is traveling on the road 11. Alternatively or in combination, the electric motor of the electric vehicle 12 may be continuously powered by power from the electric road track system 300. To power and / or charge the electric vehicle 12, the electric vehicle 12 may include power collectors 14a, 14b, 14c that draw power from the electric road track 10.

[0029] The electrical track 10 includes multiple contact elements 30a and 30b. The contact elements 30a and 30b form a contact wire structure 30, configured for power transmission from the electrical track 10 to the vehicle 12. The contact elements 30a and 30b are separated along the electrical track 10 by an electrical isolating element 17. The contact elements 30a and 30b and the isolating element 17 are arranged within a housing 20. The housing is typically made of aluminum.

[0030] Every other contact element 30a is configured to be powered by the power station 15. The contact elements 30a configured to be powered form a first set of contact elements 30a. The contact elements in the first set of contact elements 30a are electrically isolated from the housing 20. The power station 15 may be located, for example, on one side of a road. The power station 15 may be connected to the electric road track module 100 via conductors 15a, 15b. Therefore, the power station 15 is configured to provide a supply voltage to the electric road track module 100. When powered by a positive potential, the contact element 30a in the first set of contact elements 30a forms a positive terminal. Alternatively, the contact elements in the first set of contact elements 30a may be powered by a negative potential and thus form a negative terminal.

[0031] Other contact elements 30b form a second set of non-powered contact elements 30b. The non-powered contact elements 30b are set to have the same potential as ground. Typically, the non-powered contact elements 30b are electrically connected to the housing 20. Therefore, the housing 20 and the non-powered contact elements 30b typically have the same potential.

[0032] When power is supplied to one of the contact elements 30a in the first group of contact elements, a voltage difference is generated between the powered contact element 30a and the non-powered contact element 30b. Therefore, the electrical track module 100 is divided into a plurality of contact elements 30a, 30b, which are arranged to provide alternating potential. In other words, the plurality of contact elements 30a, 30b are arranged continuously along a single track line to provide alternating potential.

[0033] Contact elements 30a and 30b are arranged such that at any time during travel, at least one of the power collectors 14a, 14b, and 14c is connected to contact element 30a in the first set of contact elements 30a, and at least another of the power collectors 14a, 14b, and 14c is connected to contact element 30b in the second set of contact elements 30b. Therefore, continuous power collection from the electrified road track module 100 can be achieved when contact element 30a in the first set of contact elements 30a is powered. Each electrified road track module 100 preferably includes a plurality of first-type contact elements 30a and a plurality of second-type contact elements 30b.

[0034] Contact elements 30a and 30b are typically formed from corresponding elongated metal sheets. For example, each contact element 30a and 30b may be made of stainless steel. Using stainless steel reduces the formation of sparks between the contact elements 30a and 30b and the power collectors 14a, 14b, and 14c located at the vehicle. The extension of the contact elements 30a and 30b along the travel direction 13 of the vehicle 12 has a length shorter than the length of the vehicle 12. According to a non-limiting example, the length of the contact elements 30a and 30b is approximately 1 m. The electrical isolation element 17 may be approximately 10 cm to 30 cm long. Multiple electrical road track modules 100 may be arranged one after another to form an electrical road track 10.

[0035] The electrified track system 300 may also include a control server 200. The control server 200 may be located in the power plant 15 and / or in one or more electrified track modules 100 and / or as a remote server, such as a cloud-based server. The control server 200 may be formed as a single unit or as a distributed unit across several units. The control server 200 is configured to perform overall control of the functions and operations of one or more electrified track modules 100. The control server 200 may also be configured to perform control of the individual power supply to contact elements 30a in the first set of contact elements. This control of the individual power supply to contact elements 30a in the first set of contact elements is typically performed via a switch controller located within the electrified track module 100.

[0036] As described above, the contact elements 30a in the first set of contact elements 30a are configured to be powered by electricity from the power station 15. To provide a supply voltage to the first set of contact elements 30a, the first set of contact elements 30a are interconnected via a power supply device. The power supply device is a power line 16 disposed within the housing 20. The power line 16 is made of a conductive material, typically copper. The power line 16 is sized such that it can conduct a current of approximately 1000 A to 2000 A. The power line 16 is powered via the power supply device 15. To distribute power to the plurality of electrical track modules 100, the plurality of electrical track modules 100 are electrically interconnected via a conductive contact arrangement structure 150 disposed at corresponding joints between two adjacent electrical track modules 100. Therefore, the conductive contact arrangement structure 150 is configured to electrically interconnect the power lines 16 of two adjacent electrical track modules 100. Thus, one function of such a conductive contact arrangement structure 150 may be to interconnect the power lines 16 of two adjacent electrical track modules 100. The conductive contact arrangement structure 150 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0037] Furthermore, as described above, the contact elements 30b in the second set of contact elements 30b are configured to form a set of non-powered contact elements 30b. Therefore, the contact elements 30b in the second set of contact elements 30b are set to have the same potential, typically set to a ground potential. This is achieved by electrically connecting the non-powered contact elements 30b to the housing 20. Thus, the housing 20 and the non-powered contact elements 30b typically have the same potential. To interconnect the housings 20 of two adjacent electrical track modules 100, the conductive contact arrangement structure 150 can be configured to provide a conductive connection between the housings 20 of the two adjacent electrical track modules 100.

[0038] Now refer to Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 4a and Figure 4b The conductive contact arrangement 150 will be discussed in more detail. Consistent with the discussion in the background section above, an important aspect of the conductive contact arrangement 150 is that it should accommodate the thermal longitudinal expansion of the electrical track module 100. The conductive contact arrangement 150 includes a first contact pin 111, a second contact pin 112, and a hollow connecting cylindrical member 113.

[0039] A first contact pin 111 is fixedly disposed at a first end of the first electrical track module 100. The first contact pin 111 has a rod-like shape and a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical track module 100. Such a main extension of the first contact pin 111 is typically about 8 cm to 12 cm. According to a non-limiting example, the main extension of the first contact pin 111 is 10 cm. The first contact pin 111 is made of a conductive material, typically copper. To increase the conductivity of the first contact pin 111, it can be silver-plated. The first contact pin 111 has a circular cross-section. The diameter of the circular cross-section can be in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm. This allows the first contact pin 111 to conduct currents from 1000 A to 2000 A. The first contact pin 111 has a free end portion 111a facing outwards from the first end of the first electrical track module 100. The free end portion 111a of the first contact pin 111 can have a tapered end structure. The first contact pin 111 also has a connecting end portion 111b opposite to the free end portion 111a. The connecting end portion 111b is fixedly connected to the power line 16 of the first electrical track module 100. The connection between the connecting end portion 111b and the power line 16 can be made by a threaded connection. However, other types of connections can also be used as long as it is ensured that the connection between the connecting end portion 111b and the power line 16 is conductive.

[0040] The second contact pin 112 is fixedly disposed at the second end of the second electrical track module 100, adjacent to the first electrical track module 100 when the first and second electrical track modules 100 form part of the electrical track 10 of the electrical track system 300. The second contact pin 112 has a rod-like shape with a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical track module 100. Such a main extension of the second contact pin 112 is typically about 5 cm to 12 cm. The second contact pin 112 can be shorter than the first contact pin 111 because the second contact pin 112 does not need to accommodate the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 when it is in its first position—see below for more details regarding the first position of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113. According to one example, the main extension of the second pin 112 is 8 cm. The second contact pin 112 is made of a conductive material, typically copper. To increase the conductivity of the second contact pin 112, it can be silver-plated. The second contact pin 112 has a circular cross-section. The diameter of the circular cross-section can be in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm. This allows the second contact pin 112 to conduct currents of 1000 A to 2000 A. The second contact pin 112 has a free end portion 112a facing outward from the second end of the second electrical track module 100. The free end portion 112a of the second contact pin 112 can have a tapered end structure. The second contact pin 112 also has a connecting end portion 112b opposite to the free end portion 112a. The connecting end portion 112b is fixedly connected to the power line 16 of the second electrical track module 100. The connection between the connecting end portion 112b and the power line 16 can be made by a threaded connection. However, other types of connections can also be used as long as it is ensured that the connection between the connecting end portion 112b and the power line 16 is conductive.

[0041] The hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is made of a conductive material, typically copper. The hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is movably arranged to slide along the longitudinal direction of the electrical path track module 100. Specifically, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is movably arranged to slide between a first position and a second position. Figure 2a At the first position shown in the schematic diagram, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 only accommodates the first contact pin 111 of the first electrical road track module 100. Figure 2bIn the schematic second position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 accommodates both the first contact pin 111 of the first electrical track module 100 and the second contact pin 112 of the second electrical track module 100. It is important to emphasize that when the first and second electrical track modules 100 are arranged adjacent to each other and interconnected to form part of an electrical track, the second electrical track module 100 is the electrical track module 100 adjacent to the first electrical track module 100. In this case, accommodating only the first contact pin 111 in the first position means that the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 accommodates the first contact pin 111 but not the second contact pin 112. Of course, in the first position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 can also accommodate an "empty" space of air in addition to accommodating the first contact pin 111; this accommodation of both the first contact pin 111 and the "empty" space of air will be considered as accommodating only the first contact pin 111.

[0042] like Figure 2a and Figure 2bAs illustrated, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 may further include internal grooves 115a, 115b, 115c, and 115d arranged inside the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113. Each such internal groove 115a, 115b, 115c, and 115d is an annular track extending along the entire inner diameter of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113. Corresponding circular coil springs 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d may be arranged in each such internal groove 115a, 115b, 115c, and 115d. A first internal groove 115a is arranged at a first end portion 113a of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113, and a second internal groove 115b is arranged at a second end portion 113b of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113. The second end portion 113b of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is opposite to the first end portion 113a of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113. Corresponding circular coil springs 114a and 114b are arranged in each corresponding internal groove 115a and 115b. The circular coil springs 114a and 114b are made of conductive material and are configured to form conductive electrical contact between the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 and the first contact pin 111 and the second contact pin 112. Examples of materials used for the circular coil springs 114a and 114b are stainless steel, copper-based alloys such as beryllium copper or zirconium copper, or titanium. The circular coil springs 114a and 114b may be plated, for example, with silver to increase conductivity. The circular coil spring 114 may have a cross-sectional thickness of 2 mm to 5 mm. The helical portion of the circular coil spring 114 may have a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The circular coil springs 114a and 114b also facilitate movement of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113. Furthermore, the circular coil springs 114a and 114b can compensate for misalignment between the first contact pin 111 and the second contact pin 112. To increase the contact between the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 and the first contact pin 111 and the second contact pin 112, the contact arrangement structure may include additional circular coil springs 114c and 114d. Specifically, a third internal groove 115c may be arranged at the first end portion 113a of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113, and a fourth internal groove 115d may be arranged at the second end portion 113b of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113. The third internal groove 115c may be arranged adjacent to the first internal groove 115a. The fourth internal groove 115d may be arranged adjacent to the second internal groove 115b. The corresponding circular coil springs 114c and 114d may then be arranged in the third internal groove 115c and the fourth internal groove 115d. In this case, "adjacent" means within a range of several millimeters. For example, the third internal groove 115c and the first internal groove 115a, as well as the fourth internal groove 115d and the second internal groove 115b, may be spaced 2 mm to 5 mm apart.

[0043] Instead of arranging the circular coil spring 114 in the internal groove 115 of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113, such a circular coil spring 114 can be arranged in the external groove 117 located at the first contact pin 111 and the second contact pin 112. This combination Figure 3a and Figure 3bThe figure illustrates this. Each of these external grooves 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d is an annular track extending along the entire outer diameter of the corresponding first contact pin 111 and second contact pin 112. A corresponding circular coil spring 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d may be arranged in each of these external grooves 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d. The first external groove 117a is located at the first end portion 111a of the first contact pin 111, and the second external groove 117b is located at the first end portion 112a of the second contact pin 112. The first end portion 112a of the second contact pin 112 faces the first end portion 111a of the first contact pin 111. Corresponding circular coil springs 114a, 114b are arranged in each of the corresponding external grooves 117a, 117b. As described above, the circular coil springs 114a and 114b are made of conductive material and are configured to form conductive electrical contacts between the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 and the first contact pin 111 and the second contact pin 112. Examples of materials used for the circular coil springs 114a and 114b are stainless steel, copper-based alloys such as beryllium copper or zirconium copper, or titanium. The circular coil springs 114a and 114b may be plated, for example, with silver to increase conductivity. The circular coil spring 114 may have a cross-sectional thickness of 2 mm to 5 mm. The helical portion of the circular coil spring 114 may have a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. As described above, the circular coil springs 114a and 114b facilitate movement of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113. Furthermore, the circular coil springs 114a and 114b can also compensate for misalignment between the first contact pin 111 and the second contact pin 112. As described above, to increase the contact between the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 and the first contact pin 111 and the second contact pin 112, the contact arrangement structure 150 may include additional circular coil springs 114c and 114d. That is, a third external groove 117c may be arranged at the first end portion 111a of the first contact pin 111, and a fourth external groove 117d may be arranged at the first end portion 112a of the second contact pin 112. The third external groove 117c may be arranged adjacent to the first external groove 117a. The external internal groove 117d may be arranged adjacent to the second external groove 117b. The corresponding circular coil springs 114c and 114d may then be arranged in the third external groove 117c and the fourth external groove 117d. In this case, "adjacent" means within a range of several millimeters. For example, the third external groove 117c and the first external groove 117a, as well as the fourth external groove 117d and the second external groove 117b, may be spaced 2 mm to 5 mm apart.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 2a / Figure 3a as well as Figure 2b / Figure 3b The operation of the conductive contact arrangement 150 is discussed in more detail. Figure 2a Figure 3a illustrates the disconnection of the conductive contact arrangement structure 150. In the disconnection of the conductive contact arrangement structure 150, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is positioned in its first position. Figure 2b / Figure 3b The diagram illustrates the closed connection of the conductive contact arrangement structure 150. In the closed connection of the conductive contact arrangement structure 150, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is positioned in its second position. It should be remembered from the above that in the first position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 only accommodates the first contact pin 111 of the first electrical track module 100, and in the second position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 accommodates both the first contact pin 111 of the first electrical track module 100 and the second contact pin 112 of the second electrical track module 100 adjacent to it. That is, the second end portion 113b of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 always accommodates the first contact pin 111. In other words, the second end portion 113b of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is positioned such that... Figure 2a / Figure 3a In the first position shown, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is positioned as follows: Figure 2b / Figure 3b The second position shown accommodates the first contact pin 111. Furthermore, as combined... Figure 2b / Figure 3b As illustrated, when the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is positioned in its second position, the first end portion 113a of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is arranged to receive the second contact pin 112 of the adjacent electrical track module 100. Therefore, when the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is positioned in its second position, it engages with the second contact pin 112 of the adjacent electrical track module 100. That is, a first contact pin 111 of one electrical track module 100 makes conductive contact with the second contact pin 111 of an adjacent electrical track module 100 via the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113. As described above, the conductive contact can be enhanced by a circular coil spring 114, see [link to documentation]. Figure 2b / Figure 3b This type of conductive electrical connection allows for longitudinal expansion of the electrical track module 100. This is because the second contact pin 112 slides freely within the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 along the longitudinal direction of the electrical track module 100. Furthermore, as combined... Figure 2a / Figure 3aAs illustrated, when the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is positioned in its first position, the first end portion 113a of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is arranged not to accommodate the second contact pin 112. That is, when the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is positioned in its first position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 does not engage with the second contact pin 112 of the adjacent electrical track module 100. This allows the electrical track module 100 to move vertically, i.e., to be placed in place by lowering the electrical track module 100 toward the road during installation, or to be removed for replacement and maintenance by lifting the electrical track module 100 upwards, without the conductive contact arrangement 150 impeding such vertical movement of the electrical track module 100.

[0045] Combination Figure 4a and Figure 4b The illustration shows an end portion of an electrical road track module 100 that includes a portion of the conductive contact arrangement structure 150 as described above. Furthermore, Figure 4a and Figure 4b The contact arrangement structure 150 illustrated also includes connection structures for forming four different connections within the contact arrangement structure 150. The uppermost and lowermost connection structures are used to interconnect the power lines 16 of two adjacent electrical track modules 100. The two intermediate connection structures are used to interconnect the housings 20 of two adjacent electrical track modules 100.

[0046] The topmost connection structure of the contact arrangement 150 includes a first contact pin 111 and a hollow connecting cylinder 113 for interconnecting the power lines 16 of two adjacent electrical track modules 100. The first contact pin 111 is connected to the power line 16 of the electrical track module 100. Consistent with the above discussion, the hollow connecting cylinder 113 in the topmost connection structure is configured to connect to a second contact pin 112 of an adjacent electrical track module 100. Figure 4a In the middle, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is in its first position, which only accommodates the first contact pin 111. Figure 4b In this process, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 moves to its second position, that is, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 moves to extend from the end portion of the electrical track module 100, so that the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 can engage with the second contact pin 112 of the adjacent electrical track module 100. For simplicity and understanding, in Figure 4a and Figure 4bThe adjacent electrical track module 100 and its second contact pin 112 are not shown in the figure. It should be noted that when the hollow connecting cylinder 113 only accommodates the first contact pin 111, the hollow connecting cylinder 113 typically does not extend from the end portion of the electrical track module 100. Furthermore, when the hollow connecting cylinder 113 extends from the end portion of the electrical track module 100, the hollow connecting cylinder 113 extends partially from the first contact pin 111. The movement of the hollow connecting cylinder 113 is controlled by an actuator 116. The actuator 116 is configured to move the hollow connecting cylinder 113 between its first position and its second position. The actuator 116 is configured to move the hollow connecting cylinder 113 from its first position to its second position. Furthermore, the actuator 116 is configured to move the hollow connecting cylinder 113 from its second position to its first position. The actuator 116 may be a linear actuator. Actuator 116 can be any type of actuator configured to move the hollow cylindrical member. Actuator 116 can be an electrically and / or hydraulically driven piston actuator.

[0047] The lowermost connection structure of the contact arrangement structure 150 includes a second contact pin 112 configured to interact with the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 of the adjacent electrical track module 100. The second contact pin 112 is connected to the power line 16 of the electrical track module 100.

[0048] In the two intermediate connection structures, the uppermost connection structure includes a first contact pin 111 and a hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 for interconnecting the housings 20 of two adjacent electrical track modules 100. The first contact pin 111 is connected to the housing 20 of the electrical track module 100. Consistent with the above discussion, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is configured to connect to a second contact pin 112 of the adjacent electrical track module 100. Figure 4a In the middle, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is in its first position, which only accommodates the first contact pin 111. Figure 4b In this process, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 moves to its second position, that is, the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 moves to extend from the end portion of the electrical track module 100, so that the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 can engage with the second contact pin 112 of the adjacent electrical track module 100. For simplicity and understanding, in Figure 4a and Figure 4b The adjacent electrical track module 100 and its second contact pin 112 are not shown in the figure. As described above, the movement of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 is controlled by the actuator 116. To avoid undue supplementation, refer to the discussion above. The actuator 116 can be configured to cause the hollow connecting cylindrical members 113 with different connection structures to move together, which is Figure 4a and Figure 4bAs illustrated in the figure. Alternatively, each hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 can be moved individually by a dedicated actuator.

[0049] In the two intermediate connection structures, the lowermost connection structure includes a second contact pin 112 configured to interact with the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 of the adjacent electrical track module 100. The second contact pin 112 is connected to the housing 20 of the electrical track module 100.

[0050] The hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 of the contact arrangement structure 150 may further include an outer insulating layer 118. The insulating layer is configured to enclose the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 to electrically insulate the exterior of the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 from its surrounding environment. The insulating layer 118 is configured to move with the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 as it moves. Figure 4a and Figure 4b In the illustrated example, only the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 used in the topmost connecting structure, i.e., the connecting structure for connecting the power lines 16 of two adjacent electrical track modules 100, includes the insulating layer 118. However, it is readily understood that the hollow connecting cylindrical member 113 used in the connecting structure for connecting the housings 20 of two adjacent electrical track modules 100 may also include the insulating layer 118.

[0051] exist Figure 5a and Figure 5b The diagram illustrates an alternative end portion of the electric road track module 100. Many features of this alternative end portion of the electric road track module 100 are similar to those described above. Figure 4a and Figure 4b The features discussed. To avoid undue supplementation, refer to the discussion above. In addition to what has been discussed above, this alternative end portion of the electric road track module 100 includes an actuator 116 with dual functions. Therefore, the actuator 116 can have two alternative ways of operating it. The actuator 116 can be a mechanically operated actuator based on a gear 116a operating on a gear rail 116b. The actuator 116 can be a piston-based actuator 116c. It should also be understood that in other embodiments, the actuator 116 can be a mechanically operated actuator based on a gear 116a operating on a gear rail 116b, without including a piston-based actuator 116c. Furthermore, in Figure 5a and Figure 5b In the alternative end portion of the electrical road track module 100, all four connection structures are based on having a corresponding first contact pin 111 and a corresponding hollow connecting cylindrical member 113.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the content expressly described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0053] For example, a first electrical track module 100 includes a second end opposite to its first end. Typically, the second end of the first electrical track module 100 includes a second contact pin 112 of another conductive contact arrangement 150. This other conductive contact arrangement 150 is configured to connect the first electrical track module 100 to a third electrical track module 100, which is adjacent to the first electrical track module 100 on the opposite side of the first electrical track module 100 compared to the second electrical track module 100. Similarly, a second electrical track module 100 includes a first end opposite to its second end. Typically, the first end of the second electrical track module 100 includes a first contact pin 111 of yet another conductive contact arrangement 150. Another conductive contact arrangement 150 is configured to connect the second electrical track module 100 to a fourth electrical track module 100, which is adjacent to the second electrical track module 100 on the opposite side of the second electrical track module 100 compared to the first electrical track module 100. The power lines 16 of the first electrical track module 100, the second electrical track module 100, the third electrical track module 100, and the fourth electrical track module 100 are interconnected via the conductive contact arrangement 150, another conductive contact arrangement 150, and yet another conductive contact arrangement 150.

[0054] Furthermore, by studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, a person skilled in the art can understand and implement variations when practicing the claimed invention.

Claims

1. An electrical road track module (100), the electrical road track module (100) being configured to form part of an electrical road track (10), the electrical road track module (100) comprising: A component of a conductive contact arrangement structure (150), the component of the conductive contact arrangement structure (150) comprising: A first contact pin (111) is fixedly disposed at a first end portion of the electrical track module (100). The first contact pin (111) has a rod-like shape and has a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical track module (100). A hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) encloses the first contact pin (111) and is movably arranged to slide relative to the first contact pin (111) along the longitudinal direction of the electrical path module (100) between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) only accommodates the first contact pin (111). In the second position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) partially extends from the first contact pin (111) to allow the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) to accommodate both the first contact pin (111) and a second contact pin (112) of an adjacent electrical path track module (100) of the electrical path track (10), the second contact pin (112) of the adjacent electrical path track module (100) being another component of the conductive contact arrangement structure (150). A linear actuator (116) is configured to move the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) between a first position and a second position.

2. The electrical road track module (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive contact arrangement structure (150) further includes: A first coil spring (114a) is arranged in a first internal groove (115a) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113), the first internal groove (115a) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) being arranged at a first end portion (113a) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113); and The second coil spring (114b) is arranged in the second internal groove (115b) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113), and the second internal groove (115b) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) is arranged at the second end portion (113b) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) opposite to the first end portion (113a).

3. The electrical road track module (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The conductive contact arrangement structure (150) further includes: A third coil spring (114c) is arranged in a third internal groove (115c) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113), the third internal groove (115c) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) being arranged at the first end portion (113a) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113); and A fourth coil spring (114d) is arranged in the fourth internal groove (115d) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113), and the fourth internal groove (115d) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) is arranged at the second end portion (113b) of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113).

4. The electrical road track module (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive contact arrangement structure (150) further includes: A first coil spring (114a) is disposed in a first external groove (117a) of the first contact pin (111), the first external groove (117a) of the first contact pin (111) being disposed at a first end portion (111a) of the first contact pin (111); and The second coil spring (114b) is arranged in the second external groove (117b) of the second contact pin (112), the second external groove (117b) of the second contact pin (112) is arranged at the first end portion (112a) of the second contact pin (112), and the first end portion (112a) of the second contact pin (112) faces the first end portion (111a) of the first contact pin (111).

5. The electrical road track module (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The conductive contact arrangement structure (150) further includes: A third coil spring (114c) is disposed in a third external groove (117c) of the first contact pin (111), the third external groove (117c) of the first contact pin (111) being disposed at the first end portion (111a) of the first contact pin (111); and A fourth coil spring (114d) is arranged in a fourth external groove (117d) of the second contact pin (112), the fourth external groove (117d) of the second contact pin (112) being arranged at the first end portion (112a) of the second contact pin (112).

6. The electric road track module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The conductive contact arrangement structure (150) further includes an insulating layer (118) that encloses the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) to make the exterior of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) electrically insulated from the surrounding environment of the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113).

7. The electrical road track module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further includes a second contact pin (112) fixedly disposed at a second end portion of the electrical road track module (100) opposite to the first end portion, the second contact pin (112) having a rod-like shape having a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical road track (10).

8. The electrical road track module (100) according to claim 7, wherein, The second contact pin (112) and the first contact pin (111) of the electrical road track module (100) are electrically interconnected via the power line (16) of the electrical road track module (100).

9. The electric road track module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: Shell (20); Power cord (16); as well as A plurality of first contact elements (30a) are configured to be powered. The plurality of first contact elements (30a) are connected to the power line (16). The power cord (16) and the plurality of first contact elements (30a) are housed in the housing (20); The first contact pin (111) is fixedly arranged to the power line (16) and makes electrical contact with the power line (16); The contact arrangement structure (150) further includes: An additional first contact pin (111) is fixedly disposed to the housing (20) and makes electrical contact with the housing (20) at the first end portion of the electrical track module (100). The additional first contact pin (111) has a rod-like shape and has a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical track module (100). An additional hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) encloses the additional first contact pin (111) and is movably arranged to slide between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal direction of the electrical path module (100). In the first position, the additional hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) only accommodates the additional first contact pin (111). In the second position, the additional hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) extends partially from the additional first contact pin (111) to allow the additional hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) to accommodate both the additional first contact pin (111) and the additional second contact pin (112) of the adjacent electrical path track module (100) of the electrical path track (10).

10. A conductive contact arrangement structure (150) configured to conductively connect a first electrical track module (100) of an electrical track (10) to a second electrical track module (100) of the electrical track (10), wherein, The conductive contact arrangement structure includes: The first contact pin (111) is fixedly arranged at the end portion of the first electrical road track module (100). The first contact pin (111) has a rod-shaped shape and has a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical road track (10). The second contact pin (112) is fixedly arranged at the end portion of the second electrical road track module (100). The second contact pin (112) has a rod-shaped shape and has a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electrical road track (10). A hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) is movably arranged to slide between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal direction of the electrical track (10). In the first position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) accommodates only the first contact pin (111). In the second position, the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) accommodates both the first contact pin (111) of the first electrical track module (100) and the second contact pin (112) of the second electrical track module (100). A linear actuator (116) is configured to move the hollow connecting cylindrical member (113) between a first position and a second position.

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