Energy supply system for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply system for providing electrical energy to an electrically powered vehicle while it is in motion, comprising a power supply line extending in one direction of travel and at least one vehicle-side current collector device configured to make contact with the power supply line. According to the invention, the power supply line is configured for lateral energy extraction by the current collector device and comprises at least one electrical conductor extending in the direction of travel. According to the invention, the current collector device includes a contact unit configured to make conductive contact with the electrical conductor from above and to slide on it. According to the invention, the power supply line has a modular structure with a plurality of mobile support modules connected to one another via the electrical conductor.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy supply system for an electrically powered vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Recently, the focus has increasingly shifted to the problem of reducing environmental impacts and global warming. The electrification of vehicles, especially large construction machinery for moving general cargo and bulk materials, is therefore becoming an increasingly important issue. This also applies to mining and open-pit mining, where constant transport routes are used with the highest possible frequency. Dump trucks with a loading capacity of over 100 tons, in particular, are predominantly powered by diesel-electric drives. These drives comprise a conventional combustion engine that powers an integrated generator, which in turn supplies the electrical energy for the electric drive motors. Therefore, solutions are being sought that make it possible to replace such diesel-electric drives or at least to minimize their operation as much as possible without compromising productivity.

[0003] One option is to replace the diesel-electric drive with batteries that supply energy to the drive systems. However, such batteries are expensive and have a comparatively low energy density, which is why they need to be charged very quickly or during longer journeys.

[0004] In open-pit mining, where dump trucks typically travel long, straight distances from the loading point to their destination, they have increasingly been powered by overhead contact line systems on selected sections of these routes. For this purpose, the dump trucks are equipped with appropriate current collectors, such as pantographs or pole current collectors, which connect to the overhead line from below and draw energy to operate the electric drive systems and, if necessary, to charge batteries. In addition to the significant savings in diesel consumption and CO2 emissions, this can optionally also lead to increased performance and reduced travel time.

[0005] On predominantly straight sections of track, pantographs are commonly used as current collectors, as they allow for simple and quick mechanical contact with the overhead line, even while the train is in motion. However, a disadvantage of this technology is that this type of current collector requires a straight track and is therefore unsuitable for routes with tight curves, such as those frequently found in mining operations with winding mountain roads. Alternatively, actively adjustable pole current collectors can be used, as described, for example, in WO 2021 063 586 A1. This makes overhead line operation possible even on curved sections of track.

[0006] Both solutions are based on overhead line systems, meaning the overhead line runs above the roadway or the vehicles being supplied, and the pantographs contact it from below (power pickup from below). The required height of the overhead line masts necessitates that they be permanently installed and anchored in the ground via foundations. Furthermore, such overhead line systems can generally only be used by a limited number of vehicle types.

[0007] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide an energy supply system for electrically powered vehicles that has a flexibly adaptable and material- and cost-saving design.

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved by an energy supply system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] Accordingly, a power supply system for providing electrical energy to an electrically powered vehicle while it is in motion (dynamic power supply) is proposed. The power supply system comprises a power supply line extending in one direction of travel, from which the vehicle draws energy while driving. This power supply line runs along the vehicle's route or roadway. Furthermore, the power supply system includes at least one vehicle-side current collector device, i.e., one mounted on the vehicle, which is designed to contact the power supply line for energy extraction.

[0010] According to the invention, the power supply line does not run above the track as in previous overhead line systems, but laterally along the track, specifically at the level of the vehicle drawing power. In other words, the power supply line is designed for lateral power pickup via the pantograph. This results in a lower profile for the power supply line and simplifies installation. The power supply line comprises at least one electrical conductor extending in the direction of travel, preferably several electrical conductors. "Lateral power pickup" means that the electrical conductor is located laterally next to the vehicle or pantograph, and thus not above the vehicle or pantograph as in conventional overhead line systems.The actual current-conducting contact of the electrical conductor does not take place from the side, but from above, as will be explained below.

[0011] Via the at least one electrical conductor (for the sake of simplicity, only the electrical conductor in the singular will be referred to below - however, unless otherwise stated, this always means the at least one electrical conductor) and the current collector device, electrical energy can be transmitted to the vehicle after coupling, for example to charge one or more traction batteries of the vehicle and / or to power one or more electric drive systems of the vehicle.

[0012] The term "power supply line" is to be interpreted broadly and generally refers to the external system that provides the energy for the current collector. Therefore, the term "power supply line" is not limited to the actual electrical conductor, but also includes the supporting structure for it.

[0013] According to the invention, the current collector device comprises a contact unit configured to make conductive contact with the electrical conductor from above and to slide on it. The contact is made, in particular, between an underside of the contact unit or one or more contact elements arranged on an underside of the contact unit and the electrical conductor.

[0014] According to the invention, the power supply line has a modular design and comprises a multitude of support modules to which the electrical conductor is attached or can be attached. These are mobile support modules, meaning that they are not permanently anchored in the ground (e.g., embedded in concrete), but rather simply placed on the ground and can thus be easily and flexibly moved to another location. Nevertheless, the support modules are stationary in the sense that they remain firmly on the ground during power supply operation, and the vehicle moves relative to the support modules. This modular design allows the power supply line according to the invention to be installed easily and quickly and, in particular, to be modified for other purposes or used at a different location. This is especially advantageous in environments with frequently changing routes, such as in mining areas.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the support modules each comprise a base body that can be placed on the ground and a support connected to the base body, in particular an upright or vertical support. The base bodies are designed to have a high weight suitable for the stability of the power supply line. The base bodies can be made of concrete and, in particular, can be precast concrete elements. These can be, for example, concrete barriers for road closures or concrete blocks with interlocking projections and recesses, similar to a building block. Optionally, the base bodies can also have connecting elements to allow them to be connected to the ground or anchored slightly in the ground if necessary, with such anchoring being designed for quick and easy release.The supports can be designed as steel beams that can be cast into a concrete block serving as a base body.

[0016] As an alternative to a base body as a mobile foundation for the support modules, the latter can have a base frame or simply several legs, allowing the support modules to be placed on the ground. In this case, the support modules preferably have additional weights to ensure the necessary stability.

[0017] The electrical conductor is attached to the supports of the carrier modules by means of retaining devices, which are arranged laterally on the supports. Since the electrical conductor is contacted from above via the contact unit, it is preferably attached to the upper side of the retaining devices, thus facilitating easy placement of the contact unit from above. The retaining devices are preferably made of a dielectric material or include electrical insulators that prevent a short circuit between the electrical conductor and the support or between several electrical conductors.

[0018] The holding devices can comprise one or more rods projecting laterally from the supports, with fastening means for holding the electrical conductor. In a preferred embodiment, the holding devices have a substantially triangular arrangement or a frame with such an arrangement, wherein a horizontal upper rod comprises the fastening means for the electrical conductor. A connecting structure linking and stabilizing the support modules can be attached to a lower apex of this arrangement. The holding devices can be movably mounted on the supports, in particular pivotally mounted about a pivot axis running parallel to the supports, in order to allow a certain degree of compensation between the support modules during energy extraction and, if necessary, to enable a space-saving transport position in a folded position when the power supply line is modified.

[0019] In another possible embodiment, the support modules are provided with support plates by which they can be placed on the ground. The support plates can be arranged beneath the base bodies described above. In particular, the support plates are designed so that they can serve as a kind of sled, or that they allow the support modules to be pulled across the ground like a sled when they are moved to another location.

[0020] For this purpose, the support plates may preferably have fastening means by which they can be connected to each other (e.g., to form a chain of several support modules that can be pulled together) and / or to a pulling device (e.g., via a rope or chain to a towing vehicle). For example, the support plates may have receptacles for attaching carabiners or hook elements in order to connect the support plates to each other via chains or wire ropes. The support plates may have one or more edges that are angled upwards or rounded.

[0021] In another possible embodiment, the support modules are connected to each other via a connecting structure in addition to the electrical conductor. This ensures a stable connection between the support modules and thereby increases the overall stability and rigidity of the power supply line. This is particularly advantageous when a flexible power supply line or conductor wire is used as the electrical conductor and a sufficiently stable connection is required to prevent lateral movement of the support modules relative to each other, for example, due to wind or contact by the current collector. If a rigid conductor rail is used as the electrical conductor, the connecting structure can generally be omitted, as the conductor rail(s) provide a sufficiently stable connection between the support modules.

[0022] The connecting structure can comprise a wire rope, a chain, a rod, or any combination thereof. The support cable, for example, designed as a wire rope, can be electrically conductive or non-conductive. The connecting structure can be connected to the described holding devices or directly to the supports or base bodies. Preferably, the connecting structure is arranged below the electrical conductor, since the connection is made from above. The connecting structure, for example, designed as a support cable, can also be connected to the electrical conductor via a plurality of support elements to keep it in a nearly horizontal position.

[0023] The support elements can be, in particular, vertically running support struts. This ensures increased stability and a defined height or course for the electrical conductor.

[0024] In another possible embodiment, the power supply line comprises at least two parallel electrical conductors. These can represent the positive and negative terminals. Optionally, a third electrical conductor can be provided as a protective earth conductor.

[0025] In another possible embodiment, the electrical conductor is designed as a flexible power supply line, in particular as a flexible conductor wire. This results in a reduced weight of the power supply line.

[0026] Alternatively, the electrical conductor can be designed as a rigid busbar. While this increases the overall weight of the power supply line, its rigidity provides greater lateral stability. Furthermore, the busbar can be designed to transmit very high currents with a relatively small number of feed points.

[0027] In the latter embodiment, the conductor rail preferably has a hollow profile. The conductor rail can be an extruded metal profile. Preferably, current can be transmitted via the entire hollow profile of the conductor rail. Preferably, the entire hollow profile is made of a conductive material, in particular metal (e.g., an aluminum alloy). The conductor rail is in particular composed of several individual segments, which are detachably connected or connectable to one another via connecting means. The individual segments can have different lengths and / or different shapes (in particular, straight segments for straight sections and curved segments for curved sections), so that a power supply line suitable for the respective route can be assembled according to a modular principle.

[0028] In another possible embodiment, the current collector device comprises a vehicle-side, movably mounted arm connected to the contact unit. The arm is thus movably arranged on the vehicle, particularly on the side of the vehicle, although mounting it on a support device attached to the front of the vehicle is also possible. In the simplest case, the arm can be the pole piece of a pole-type current collector. Preferably, the arm is actively adjustable in the horizontal and / or vertical direction via actuators, for example, hydraulic cylinders, to automatically connect or disconnect the contact unit from the electrical conductor. This is done automatically, in particular, via a control unit of the vehicle. During electrical operation (i.e., the connected state), the actuators are preferably deactivated.

[0029] In another possible embodiment, the contact unit is indirectly connected to the arm via at least one power transmission line. The contact unit sits on top of the electrical conductor and is pulled along the power supply line, particularly by the vehicle or by the arm mounted on the vehicle, acting as a slide. The contact unit is therefore not directly connected to the arm, but can be moved freely (within the radius defined by the length of the power transmission line), especially relative to the arm.

[0030] The contact unit preferably comprises at least one electrically conductive contact element, which may be designed in particular as a sliding shoe, for example as a replaceable sliding piece. The contact element is designed to slide on the electrical conductor of the power supply line. If there are multiple electrical conductors, several contact elements are provided accordingly.

[0031] Preferably, in addition to the power supply line, the contact unit is connected to the arm via at least one flexible connecting element, which may be, for example, a wire rope, so that the forces occurring during travel when pulling the contact unit do not act on the power supply line or do not act too strongly.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the contact unit is directly connected to the arm. The contact unit can, for example, be located at or configured at a free end of the arm. The arm can be configured as the pole piece of a current collector, and the contact unit as the current collector head. The contact unit can also be configured as a slide, which is movably or immovably connected to the arm. It is preferred that the contact unit be movably connected to the arm, for example, via a ball joint or several joints.

[0033] The arm can be designed in the manner of a tonearm or "record player arm", whereby the coupling to the electrical conductor can be carried out in such a way that the arm pivots to the side and at the end performs a downward movement in order to place the contact unit on the electrical conductor from above.

[0034] Preferably, at least one electrically conductive contact element is arranged on the underside of the contact unit, which may be designed, in particular, as a sliding shoe, for example, as a replaceable contact strip. The contact element is designed to slide on the electrical conductor of the power supply line. If there are several electrical conductors, several contact elements are preferably provided, so that the power supply device can be a multi-pole current collector.

[0035] In another possible embodiment, the arm includes a spring assembly designed to passively press the contact unit against the electrical conductor in the coupled state, ensuring a consistently stable, current-conducting contact and compensating for relative movements between the vehicle and the power supply line. Such a spring assembly is particularly advantageous in a design with a current collector head mounted on the arm. Preferably, the actuators by which the current collector is actively adjustable are deactivated in the coupled state or during electrical operation of the vehicle, so that only the "passive adjustment" of the current collector remains active.

[0036] In another possible embodiment, the arm includes a counterweight, which is arranged, in particular, on the side of a bearing of the arm on the vehicle opposite the contact unit. As already mentioned, the arm can be designed in the manner of a tonearm. The counterweight ensures stable mounting of the arm and enables the contact unit to be gently lowered onto the electrical conductor.

[0037] In another possible embodiment, the contact unit includes a weight arrangement with a counterweight. The counterweight ensures stable mounting and secure contact of the contact unit on the electrical conductor. Such a weight arrangement is particularly advantageous for a contact element designed as a contact slide, which is not directly coupled to the arm but is pulled by the vehicle.

[0038] The contact unit can comprise a base body or frame on which, in particular, one or more contact elements are arranged. Preferably, the counterweight is connected to the base body or frame via a retaining arm and is arranged so that, in the operating state (when placed on the power supply line), it is located laterally and / or below the electrical conductor. The retaining arm can extend downwards laterally alongside an electrical conductor and include a laterally projecting retaining section on which the counterweight is arranged. This allows the center of gravity to be positioned so that it is essentially below the contact unit, enabling stable support on the electrical conductor.

[0039] In order to be able to change the kinematic behavior of the arm when coupling or uncoupling to or from the power supply line, the arm can optionally include an adjustment device for changing the distance of the counterweight from the bearing, as is known, for example, from tonearms in record players.

[0040] In another possible embodiment, the contact unit is designed as a contact slide comprising at least one electrically conductive contact element configured to slide on the electrical conductor of the power supply line. The contact element can be designed as a sliding shoe, for example, as a replaceable friction surface. If there are multiple electrical conductors, several contact elements are provided accordingly.

[0041] In another possible embodiment, the contact unit has a contact carrier for each electrical conductor of the power supply line, with at least one electrically conductive contact element arranged on each contact carrier, designed to slide on the electrical conductor. The contact elements are preferably designed as sliding shoes. Two or more contact elements can be provided for each electrical conductor, or, in particular, arranged on a common contact carrier, to ensure consistently good contact with the electrical conductors. The contact elements are preferably each pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis to allow for compensating movements and to ensure consistently good contact even during relative movements of the vehicle to the power supply line or in the event of unevenness in an electrical conductor.

[0042] Preferably, the contact carriers are connected to each other via a dielectric coupling element. This can be designed as a rod or carrier that extends transversely across the at least one electrical conductor.

[0043] In another possible embodiment, the energy supply system comprises at least one electrically powered vehicle with an electric drive system. The vehicle can be a rail vehicle or a road vehicle. In particular, the vehicle can be a construction machine, for example, for moving individual items or bulk materials. The vehicle can be a dump truck.

[0044] The current collector device of the power supply system is arranged on the vehicle and comprises, in particular, an arm of a pole current collector mounted on the vehicle. Preferably, the current collector is arranged on one side of the vehicle, i.e., mounted laterally on the vehicle. Alternatively, the current collector can be arranged on a support device which is attached to the front of the vehicle. The support device can have a design known from WO 2021 063 586 A1.

[0045] In another possible embodiment, the vehicle includes a control unit by means of which a movable arm of the current collector device can be actively adjusted, particularly in the horizontal and vertical directions. The control unit is preferably configured to automatically control the arm in order to establish contact between the contact unit and the electrical conductor of the power supply line. The control unit can be the vehicle's control system or a separate control unit.

[0046] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments explained below with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1: A perspective view of the energy supply system according to the invention when supplying energy to a vehicle according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2: the energy supply system according to Fig. 1 in another perspective view; Fig. 3: the energy supply system according to Fig. 1 in a top view; Fig. 4: An exemplary embodiment of a support module in a perspective view; Fig. 5: the retaining element of the carrier module according to Fig. 4; Fig. 6a-d: different embodiments of the contact unit in perspective views; Fig. 7: a schematic representation of an embodiment of the arm of the current collector device; Fig. 8a: an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of the power supply line and Fig. 8b: an embodiment of a support element for the power supply line according to Fig. 8a.

[0047] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the energy supply system according to the invention in a perspective view. Another perspective view from a top-down angle is shown in the Fig. 2 and a top view in the Fig. Figure 3 shows the power supply system. The system comprises a modular power supply line 20 with several support modules 22, each carrying at least one electrical conductor 21 for power pickup. In the illustrated embodiment, two electrical conductors 21 are provided as the positive and negative poles, with a third electrical conductor optionally provided as a protective conductor.

[0048] In this embodiment, the electrical conductors 21 are designed as flexible power supply lines or conductor wires, although rigid conductor rails could alternatively be used.

[0049] The support modules 22 each comprise at least one base body 24 that can be placed on the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, this base body is formed from several precast concrete elements that can be stacked on top of each other using interlocking connectors, similar to building blocks. Of course, any other shape and material for the base bodies 24 is conceivable. Beams 26 are connected to the base bodies 24. These beams extend vertically and support the electrical conductors 21. In the simplest case, these beams can be steel beams cast into the concrete base bodies 24. Preferably, each support module 22 has exactly one beam 26 and one or more base bodies 24.

[0050] In this embodiment, the vehicle 10, which can be supplied with electrical energy or current via the power supply line 20 during travel, is a dump truck with a tipping skip 12. The vehicle 10 preferably has one or more electric drive units, which are supplied with energy via one or more drive batteries.

[0051] A current collector device 40 is arranged on the side of the vehicle 10, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a movable arm 42 (see figure). Fig. 3), which has a contact unit 44 at an end spaced away from the vehicle 10, which contacts the electrical conductors 21 and taps off energy. The tapped energy is conducted to the at least one traction battery and / or the at least one drive system via at least one energy transmission line installed in or on the arm 42. In this embodiment, the current collector device 40 is thus designed as a current collector arranged laterally on the vehicle 10.

[0052] Alternatively, the contact unit 44 could be pulled as a sled from the arm 42 or via a power transmission line and possibly a flexible connecting element (e.g. chain or rope) over the power supply line 20.

[0053] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the power supply line 20 is not located above the vehicle 10 as with conventional overhead lines, but rather at the level of the vehicle 10, to the side of the vehicle 10 or next to the roadway. Power is drawn from the side via the current collector 40, which is located laterally on the vehicle 10. The electrical contact with the conductors 21 by the contact unit 44 is made from above; that is, the contact unit 44 sits on top of the conductors 21 and slides along them. This configuration allows for a significant reduction in material, weight, and costs, as the supports 26 can be shorter and do not need to be firmly anchored in the ground, for example, embedded in concrete.The resulting modular design of the power supply line 20 allows for flexible use and easy and quick conversion, so that the power supply line 20 can be easily adapted to a changed road layout or used at a different location.

[0054] The use of flexible conductor wires as electrical conductors 21 further reduces the weight of the power supply line 20. Furthermore, this allows for easy creation of any desired curve with the power supply line 20. In addition, unlike rigid conductor rails, no special connectors are required to compensate for temperature fluctuations. The use of flexible conductor wires is also environmentally friendly, as they can be easily reused and are simple to install and remove.

[0055] The contact unit 44 can be designed as a slide, which is preferably movably connected to the arm 42, for example via a ball joint.

[0056] The arm 42 is preferably designed in the manner of a tonearm and is movably mounted, for example, on a bearing 45 arranged laterally on the vehicle 10 (see figure). Fig. 3) The arm 42 can have a short end opposite the contact unit 44 with a counterweight 43. The arm 42 can preferably be moved by means of one or more actuators (not shown). Preferably, the coupling sequence, in which the arm 42 pivots laterally and places the contact unit 44 onto the electrical conductors 21 from above, is fully automatic, as is the decoupling.

[0057] Preferably, retaining devices 30 are attached laterally to the supports 26 of the support modules 22, which carry the electrical conductors 21. A possible embodiment of a corresponding support module 22 is shown in the Fig. 4 in a perspective view and the individual holding device 30 in the Fig. 5 shown.

[0058] The holding device 30 can comprise a frame 36, which can form an essentially triangular structure whose apex points downwards towards the ground. The electrical conductors 21 can be mounted on an upper crossbar of the structure by means of suitable fasteners, so that the contact unit 44 can be placed on top and pulled along the electrical conductors 21.

[0059] The linkage 36 can be mounted on the support 26 via special fastening means 34, the fastening means 34 preferably allowing movement of the crossbars or the holding device 30 about horizontal pivot axes. Thus, the holding device 30 is arranged to a certain extent movably on the support 26.

[0060] To stably connect the support modules 22 and thereby increase the lateral stability of the power supply line 20, the holding devices 30 are preferably connected to one another via a connecting structure 32. This can be a steel cable, which can be attached to the lower tips of the triangular rods 36 of the holding devices 30. Alternatively, connecting rods are conceivable. The connecting structure 32 can be connected to the electrical conductors 21 via (not shown) support struts, which can run vertically, to increase stability and ensure a defined height level for the electrical conductors 21. The fasteners 34 and / or the fastening elements of the electrical conductors 21 and / or the rods 36 can be made of an electrically insulating or dielectric material.

[0061] To facilitate the transport of the support modules 22, the base bodies 24 can be arranged on support plates 28, which allow each support module 22 to be pulled across the ground like a sled. The support plates 28 can have several fastening means 29, e.g., holes, to allow the support plates 28 of several support modules 22 to be coupled together and pulled together using traction elements, e.g., chains or ropes.

[0062] The Fig. Figures 6a-d show several embodiments of the contact unit 44.

[0063] In a first embodiment ( Fig. 6a) The contact unit 44 is designed for contacting two electrical conductors 21 and comprises two contact carriers 48, each with two contact elements 46. These are made of a conductive material and contact the electrical conductors 21 from above. The contact elements 46 can be replaceable sliding shoes. Preferably, the contact elements 48 are pivotably mounted on retaining arms of the contact carriers 48 via joints or pivot bearings 47.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 6a Each contact carrier 48 has two contact elements 46, which are arranged on the retaining arms of the contact carriers 48. The energy tap for each electrical conductor 21 is therefore carried out simultaneously via two contact elements 46. The contact carriers 48 are connected to each other via a coupling element 49, for example a connecting rod, and can optionally also be articulated to the coupling element 49.

[0065] In a second embodiment ( Fig. 6b) Three contact elements 46 are provided for each contact carrier 48. For this purpose, the contact carriers 48 can each have three retaining arms. These can each be pivotally mounted or form a rigid framework. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 6b the middle retaining arms of the contact carriers 48 are also pivotally mounted via a swivel bearing 47.

[0066] In a third embodiment ( Fig. 6c) The contact unit 44 comprises three contact carriers 48. This design is suitable for tapping into a power supply line 20 with three electrical conductors 21, one of which can serve as a protective earth conductor. Each of the contact carriers 48 can be designed as desired, for example as in the embodiments of Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b with two or three contact elements 46 each (the latter corresponds to the embodiment of the Fig. 6c).

[0067] A fourth embodiment is described in the Fig. Figure 6d shows that the contact unit 44 has a weight arrangement with a counterweight 50, which can be connected via a retaining arm 52 to one of the contact carriers 48, or alternatively to the coupling element 29. The counterweight 50 ensures stable mounting of the contact unit 44 on the electrical conductors 21 and is particularly suitable for the previously described case where the contact unit 44 is not directly connected to the arm 42 (which provides sufficient stability), but is loosely suspended via a power transmission line and, if necessary, a connecting element.

[0068] Contrary to the representation of the Fig. 6d The counterweight 50 can be arranged centrally below the contact unit 44. For this purpose, the counterweight 50 can be connected to the retaining arm 52 via a laterally projecting inwards retaining section.

[0069] Such a weight arrangement can be used in any of the illustrated embodiments of the contact unit 44.

[0070] Fig. Figure 7 shows part of a current collector device 40, which consists of an arm 42 that is pivotally connected to a bearing 45. In the embodiment shown here, the contact elements 46 are not shown. However, the counterweight 43 is shown, which in this embodiment – ​​similar to a record player arm – can be moved longitudinally along a spindle.

[0071] In the Fig. Figure 8a shows an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of the power supply line 20. This exemplary embodiment corresponds to the illustration according to Figure 8a. Fig. 1. Here, two parallel electrical conductors 21 are suspended from support modules 22, which, as in the Fig. Figure 8a shows support elements 56 connected to support cables 54. The support cables 54 can be electrically conductive or non-conductive. Fig. Figure 8b shows an example of a support element 56. This element has an insulator 58. The electrical conductor is designated by 21 and the corresponding support cable 54 is marked by 54. Reference symbol list: 10 vehicles (dump trucks) 12 troughs 20 Energy supply line 21 Electrical conductor 22 Carrier module 24 basic bodies 26 carriers 28 Carrier plate 29 Fasteners 30 Holding device 32 Connecting structure 34 Fasteners 36 rods 40 Current collector device 42 Arm 43 Counterweight 44 contact units 45 Storage 46 Contact element 47 Swivel bearings 48 contact carriers 49 coupling element 50 counterweight 52 Holding arm 54 Support cable 56 Support element 58 Insulator QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2021 063 586 A1 [0005, 0044]

Claims

Energy supply system for providing electrical energy to an electrically powered vehicle (10) while driving, comprising an energy supply line (20) extending in a direction of travel and at least one vehicle-side current collector device (40) configured to contact the energy supply line (20), characterized in that the energy supply line (20) is configured for lateral energy extraction by the current collector device (40) and comprises at least one electrical conductor (21) extending in the direction of travel, that the current collector device (40) comprises a contact unit (44) configured to make conductive contact with the electrical conductor (21) from above and to slide on it, and that the energy supply line (20) has a modular structure with a plurality of mobile support modules (22) which are interconnected via the electrical conductor (21). Energy supply system according to claim 1, wherein the support modules (21) each comprise a base body (24) that can be placed on the ground, in particular a precast concrete element, and a support (26) connected thereto, in particular an upright support, wherein the electrical conductor (21) is attached to the supports (26) of the support modules (22) via retaining devices (30), wherein the retaining devices (30) are arranged laterally on the supports (26) and the electrical conductor (21) is preferably attached to an upper surface of the retaining devices (30). Energy supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support modules (22) have support plates (28) by which they can be placed on the ground and in particular can be pulled across the ground in a sled-like manner, wherein the support plates (28) preferably have fastening means (29) by which they can be connected to each other and / or to a pulling device. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support modules (22) are connected to each other via a current-conducting or a non-current-conducting support cable (54) in addition to the electrical conductor (21), wherein the support cable (54) is arranged below the electrical conductor (21) and is connected to the electrical conductor (21) via a plurality of support elements (56) in order to keep it in a nearly horizontal position. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy supply line (20) comprises at least two parallel electrical conductors (21), wherein a third cable can also be provided as an earthing cable. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical conductor (21) is designed as a flexible energy supply line (20) or as a rigid conductor rail. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the current collector device (40) comprises a vehicle-side, movably mounted arm (42) which is connected to the contact unit (44), wherein the arm (42) is preferably actively adjustable in the horizontal and / or vertical direction via actuators, in particular linear actuators and / or rotary drives. Energy supply system according to claim 7, wherein the contact unit (44) is indirectly connected to the arm (42) via at least one energy transmission line and preferably at least one flexible connecting element, wherein the contact unit (44) is configured to be pulled along the energy supply line via the energy transmission line and preferably the flexible connecting element. Energy supply system according to claim 7, wherein the contact unit (44) is directly and in particular movably connected to the arm (42), wherein the arm (42) preferably comprises a spring arrangement which is configured to passively press the contact unit (44) against the electrical conductor (21) in the coupled state. Energy supply system according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the arm (42) comprises a counterweight (43) which is arranged in particular on one side opposite the contact unit (44) of a bearing (45) of the arm (42), wherein the arm (42) preferably comprises an adjusting device for changing the distance of the counterweight (43) from the bearing (45). Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact unit (44) comprises a weight arrangement with a counterweight (50), which is preferably connected to a base body or base frame of the contact unit (44) via a retaining arm (52) and is arranged laterally and / or below the electrical conductor (21) in the state placed on the energy supply line (20). Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact unit (44) is designed as a contact slide which comprises at least one electrically conductive contact element (46), in particular a sliding shoe, which is designed to slide on the electrical conductor (21) of the energy supply line (20). Power supply system according to the preceding claim, wherein the contact slide (44) has a contact carrier (48) for each electrical conductor (21) of the power supply line (20), wherein at least one electrically conductive contact element (46) is arranged on each contact carrier (48) and is pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis, which is designed to slide on the electrical conductor (21) of the power supply line (20), wherein the contact carriers (48) are preferably rotatably connected to each other via a dielectric coupling element (49). Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one electrically driven vehicle (10), in particular a dump truck, with an electric drive, wherein the current collector device (40) is arranged on the vehicle (10), in particular laterally on the vehicle (10) or on a support device attached to the front of the vehicle, wherein, via an adjustable weight compensation, the contact force of the contact elements (46) generates a uniform contact pressure of all installed contact elements (46) on the energy supply lines (21) via a precisely adjustable weight force. Energy supply system according to the preceding claim, wherein the vehicle (10) comprises a control unit by means of which a movable arm (42) of the current collector device (40) is actively adjustable, in particular in the horizontal and vertical direction, wherein the control unit is preferably configured to automatically control the arm (42) in order to establish contact between the contact unit (44) and the electrical conductor (21) of the energy supply line (20).

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