Positioning unit for a charging station, and contacting method

Abstract

The invention relates to a positioning unit (12) and to a method for establishing an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station (10) and a vehicle (24), in particular an electric bus or the like. A contact device (15) with an electric charging contact (19) of the positioning unit can be moved relative to a charging contact surface (21) and can be brought into contact with the charging contact surface by means of the positioning unit, and the positioning unit has a positioning device (13) and a drive device (14) for driving the positioning device, wherein the charging contact can be positioned between a contact position (18) for transmitting a current and a retracted position for interrupting the current by means of the positioning device, and the positioning unit comprises a cover device (25) with a skirt (26), said skirt surrounding the contact device at least in some sections, preferably completely, and being movable in the direction of the contact position.

Description

[0001] Positioning unit for a charging station and method for contacting

[0002] The invention relates to a positioning unit and a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station and a vehicle, in particular an electric bus or the like, wherein by means of the positioning unit a contact device with an electrical charging contact of the positioning unit can be moved relative to a charging contact surface and can be contacted therewith, wherein the positioning unit has a positioning device and a drive device for driving the positioning device, wherein the charging contact can be positioned by means of the positioning device between a contact position for current transmission and a retraction position for current interruption.

[0003] Such positioning units and methods are known from the prior art and are regularly used in electrically powered vehicles. These vehicles can be electric buses, but also, in principle, other vehicles, such as trains, trams, or ferries, which are not permanently electrically connected to a contact wire or similar. In these vehicles, an electrical energy storage device is charged by a charging station during a break in the journey at a stop or vehicle depot. The vehicle is electrically connected to the charging station in the vehicle depot, where the vehicle's energy storage device is recharged, for example, overnight.

[0004] To establish an electrically conductive connection between the vehicle and the charging station, a contact device is used which is mounted or positioned on the positioning unit above the vehicle at a parking space for the vehicle in the vehicle depot or at a stop. A charging contact of the contact device is then moved by means of the positioning unit towards a charging contact surface on a roof of the vehicle and an electrical connection is established. For example, a contact device can have at least four charging contacts, with two charging contacts then usually serving for energy transfer, one charging contact as an earth conductor, and another charging contact for data transfer. Since the vehicle's energy storage device is charged with a comparatively high voltage, for example 750 volts or more, and with a comparatively high current, electrical safety during a charging process is of great importance.A positioning unit is known, for example, from DE 10 2015 217 380 Al.

[0005] If the charging station is located outside in an enclosed space, for example outdoors, there is often the problem that the charging station and the vehicle are exposed to the elements. In addition to heavy rain, low temperatures, freezing rain or snowfall can make charging difficult or even impossible. In particular, moisture can lead to the formation of leakage currents or voltage flashovers in the area of ​​the charging contacts. Particularly in freezing rain or snow, if a charging process lasts for several hours, the positioning unit can become iced over or covered in snow. For example, the positioning unit can then no longer be moved into the retracted position due to the weight of snow. This can then result in the positioning unit having to be manually de-iced to ensure its correct functioning.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a positioning unit and a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station and a vehicle, which enables a safe and cost-effective charging of a vehicle.

[0007] This object is achieved by a positioning unit having the features of claim 1, a charging station having the features of claim 17, a method having the features of claim 18 and a use having the features of claim 19.

[0008] In the positioning unit according to the invention for forming an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station and a vehicle, in particular an electric bus or the like, a contact device with an electrical charging contact of the positioning unit can be moved relative to a charging contact surface by means of the positioning unit and can be contacted therewith, wherein the positioning unit has a positioning device and a drive device for driving the positioning device, wherein the charging contact can be positioned by means of the positioning device between a contact position for power transmission and a retracted position for power interruption, wherein the positioning unit comprises a covering device with an apron, wherein the apron surrounds the contact device at least in sections, preferably completely, and is movable in the direction of the contact position.

[0009] The positioning unit is therefore a component of a stationary charging station for an electrically powered vehicle and is used to move the electrical charging contact(s) to a charging contact surface of the vehicle, which is arranged on a vehicle roof, and to make electrical contact with this. The movement of the charging contact(s) to the respective charging contact surface is carried out using the positioning unit, which is arranged above the vehicle on a roof structure. For this purpose, the charging contact(s) are arranged at a lower end of the positioning unit and can be moved from an upper retracted position to a lower contact position for power transmission or contacting the charging contact surfaces. This movement of the charging contact(s) is carried out by the positioning device, which can be actuated or driven by the drive device.

[0010] According to the invention, the positioning unit comprises the covering device, which has at least one apron. This apron can at least partially surround the contact device, which is arranged on the positioning device and has the charging contact(s). Furthermore, the covering device is designed such that the apron is movable in the direction of the contact position. This makes it possible to at least partially cover the positioning device, the contact device and / or the charging contact(s) when they are in the contact position. In particular, the apron can be lowered in a vertical direction far enough that the positioning device, the contact device and / or the charging contact(s) are protected from excessive moisture, such as obliquely incident rain, snowfall or the like.It is particularly advantageous if the covering device completely surrounds the positioning unit or the contact device in order to protect it from the elements on all sides during a charging process. In principle, however, it is also possible for the covering device to be oriented solely according to one weather direction. Furthermore, the covering device can be designed so that it can be used as needed and depending on the weather conditions. In addition, the covering device serves to protect the positioning unit from unauthorized access, for example by objects thrown at the positioning unit or by people on the roof of the vehicle. This then also makes it possible to increase the charging voltage and thus enable even faster charging of the vehicle.

[0011] The skirt can be positioned in a direction transverse to a contact plane of the charging contact in the contact position. Depending on the position of the vehicle, the contact plane is usually horizontal. The skirt can then be moved transversely or orthogonally to the contact plane. When the charging contact is in the contact position, the skirt can be lowered toward the contact plane, for example, such that the skirt is positioned adjacent to the charging contact surface or resting on it. In particular, the area in which the charging contact rests on the charging contact surface can then be completely or almost completely shielded by the skirt.

[0012] The apron can be a roller blind, a Venetian blind, a bellows, a pleated blind, or a slatted apron. The roller blind can be mounted on the positioning unit in a particularly space-saving manner and is inexpensive. The roller blind can also be made of a synthetic, durable material or textile. The fabric can be flexible and partially transparent, allowing it to be designed like a marquise to allow air to pass through and give way in the wind. A Venetian blind can also be mounted in a space-saving manner and can also be adapted to possible weather influences by tilting the slats. A bellows can be made of a variety of materials and is suitable for tightly enclosing the contact device. In addition, a bellows is particularly stable. An even more stable design of the covering device is possible if the apron is a slatted apron.The slatted apron can be formed from a plurality of slats that telescopically interlock.

[0013] The covering device can comprise a covering unit that can be formed from a single apron or a plurality of aprons. The single apron can be, for example, a bellows or a simple roller blind. The plurality of aprons can be arranged such that the contact device is surrounded by the aprons. For example, four aprons, such as roller blinds, can be arranged such that their side edges are substantially adjacent to one another.

[0014] The cover device can be designed with a round, oval, square, or rectangular cross-section. A cross-section of the cover device is understood here as a section perpendicular to a direction of movement of the apron(s). Depending on the shape or design of the positioning device and the contact device, the cross-section can be selected such that the positioning device, together with the contact device, is tightly enclosed by the cover device.

[0015] The cover device can be formed at a lower end with a frame that can surround the positioning device with the contact device. The frame can be arranged directly at the lower end or adjacent to the lower end and can be formed, for example, by a rigid profile. Deformation of the cover device in the region of the lower end can thus be prevented. The cover device can then also not come into uncontrolled direct contact with the charging contacts. At the same time, the apron can be tensioned in the vertical direction via the frame or its weight, so that the apron is only slightly deformed in wind or similar conditions. If several aprons are used, the frame can ensure their even positioning in the direction of the contact positions.The cover device can be designed so that it can be detachably connected to the positioning device or the contact device at a lower end, such that the cover device can follow a movement of the charging contact. It can thus be provided that the cover device can be connected to the positioning device or the contact device in the area of ​​the positioning device or the contact device, for example by means of a hook or another type of suitable connection that is easy to make and break. This enables the cover device to be guided by means of the positioning device or the contact device when the positioning device or the contact device moves from the retracted position into the contact position and back. This does not require any special actuation of the cover device by a drive provided specifically for this purpose. However, it is advantageous if a mechanical device for retracting the apron orof the aprons. This could be a spring, for example, in the case of a roller blind. The covering device can then be easily connected to the positioning device or contact device by a vehicle operator as needed, for example, if a longer charging process is planned in foreseeable adverse weather conditions. Likewise, the connection between the positioning device or contact device and the lower end of the covering device can be established automatically at the operator's request.

[0016] The covering device can form a roof which at least partially, preferably completely, spans the positioning device with the contact device. The roof can have any desired roof shape and be designed such that the positioning device with the contact device is protected against precipitation. The roof can also be formed by a mast or boom to which the positioning unit is fastened. The covering device or the apron can be mounted on the edges of the roof. The covering device is then also spanned by the roof. The covering device can completely surround the contact device in a horizontal retraction plane in the retracted position. The horizontal retraction plane is understood here to be a plane in which the charging contacts are located in the retracted position of the positioning device.The charging contact is then protected against weather influences acting laterally on the positioning unit when the positioning device is in the retracted position.

[0017] The covering device can have a hood with a circumferential wall, the perimeter of which can surround the positioning device with the contact device, wherein the apron can be arranged on an inner side of the hood. The hood can then simultaneously form a roof, which is arranged at an upper end of the covering device. The circumferential wall can be formed essentially vertically and completely surround the contact device in the retraction plane. The apron(s) can be arranged on the inner side of the hood or the respective wall. This makes it possible to also protect the apron against the effects of the weather in a retracted position.

[0018] The covering device can have a drive device by means of which the apron can be positioned between the contact position and the retracted position. The drive device can comprise an electric motor drive, which can interact, for example, with a spring, a gear, a lever mechanism, or the like. For example, a slatted apron or a bellows can be easily operated using scissors. A roller blind or Venetian blind can be raised or lowered using a rotary drive.

[0019] The drive device can comprise a control device and an electric motor that can be controlled by the control device. The control device can lower and raise the covering device, for example, parallel to a movement of the positioning device or upon an external request from an operator, for example, via a radio connection with the respective vehicle. The drive device can also comprise a plurality of electric motors, depending on how many aprons the covering device comprises. The control device can also regulate the speed of lowering or retracting the apron.

[0020] The drive device can advantageously have a position sensor and / or a distance sensor with which an extension path of the apron can be determined, and / or a force sensor with which a contact force can be determined. The position sensor can, for example, detect the position of the charging contact surface, so that a specific extension path, depending on the height of the vehicle in question, can be determined by the drive device. The extension path traveled can, in turn, be measured using a distance sensor. For example, the distance sensor can be a simple rotary encoder on a roller blind. The force sensor can measure a contact force when a lower end of the apron or the drive device comes into contact with the roof of a vehicle or the charging contact surface. Furthermore, the force sensor can also measure a contact force in the retracted position, so that the retracted position of the apron can be detected.The force sensor can be used to switch off a drive in the drive device.

[0021] The drive device can have an adjustment drive for generating an adjustment force acting on the positioning device and a spring device that mechanically interacts with the adjustment drive. The spring device can be formed by one or more springs. The adjustment drive can be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electromechanical drive that acts on the positioning device and can move it into the contact position and, optionally, the retracted position. The spring device can exert a defined contact force on the respective charging contact surfaces. Furthermore, the spring device can be designed such that, in the event of a failure of the adjustment drive, the positioning device is moved into the retracted position using a spring force.

[0022] The contact device can have two charging contact carriers with at least two charging contacts arranged thereon. The positioning unit can then have a total of four charging contacts. Two of the charging contacts can be used for power transmission, one charging contact can serve as a grounding conductor, and another charging contact can be used for data transmission.

[0023] The charging contacts can be connected to each other via a linkage of the contact device, each with at least one connecting rod for connecting two charging contacts and at least one support rod arranged transversely to the connecting rods for connecting the charging contact supports. The linkage then makes it possible to distribute a contact force evenly across all charging contacts and to exert it on the respective charging contact surfaces via the charging contacts. The linkage can also be used to compensate for any movement of the vehicle during a charging process.

[0024] The charging station according to the invention comprises a mast, a boom, or a bridge and a positioning unit according to the invention arranged thereon above a vehicle. Further advantageous embodiments of the charging station emerge from the feature descriptions of the subclaims referring back to device claim 1.

[0025] In the method according to the invention for forming an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station and a vehicle, in particular an electric bus or the like, a contact device with an electrical charging contact of the positioning unit is moved relative to a charging contact surface by means of a positioning unit and contacted therewith, wherein a positioning device of the positioning unit is driven by a drive device of the positioning unit, wherein the charging contact is positioned by means of the positioning device between a contact position for current transmission and a retracted position for current interruption, wherein an apron, a covering device of the positioning unit, surrounds the contact device at least in sections, preferably completely, and is moved in the direction of the contact position.For the advantages of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the description of the advantages of the positioning unit according to the invention. Further advantageous embodiments of the method emerge from the descriptions of the features of the subclaims referring back to device claim 1.

[0026] A covering device with an apron is used according to the invention for covering a contact device of a positioning unit for forming an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station and a vehicle, in particular an electric bus or the like, wherein the contact device with an electrical charging contact of the positioning unit can be moved relative to a charging contact surface by means of the positioning unit and can be contacted therewith, wherein the positioning unit has a positioning device and a drive device for driving the positioning device, wherein the charging contact can be positioned by means of the positioning device between a contact position for power transmission and a retracted position for power interruption, wherein the apron surrounds the contact device at least in sections, preferably completely, and is movable in the direction of the contact position.Further advantageous embodiments of the use emerge from the descriptions of the features of the subclaims referring back to device claim 1.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Shown are: Fig. 1 a side view of a first embodiment of a charging station with a vehicle;

[0029] Fig. 2 is a front view of the charging station with the vehicle from Fig. 1;

[0030] Fig. 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a charging station;

[0031] Fig. 4 is a side view of a third embodiment of a charging station;

[0032] Fig. 5 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a charging station;

[0033] Fig. 6 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a charging station;

[0034] Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view of a first embodiment of a

[0035] apron;

[0036] Fig. 8 is a partial sectional view of a second embodiment of a

[0037] apron;

[0038] Fig. 9 is a partial sectional view of a third embodiment of a

[0039] apron;

[0040] Fig. 10 is a partial sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a

[0041] apron;

[0042] Fig. 11 is a partial sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a

[0043] apron.

[0044] 1 and 2 shows a charging station 10 with a mast 11 and a positioning unit 12 arranged thereon. The positioning unit 12 is shown only schematically here and comprises a positioning device 13, a drive device 14 and a contact device 15. The positioning device 13 has an articulated arm 16, at the lower end 17 of which the contact device 15 is arranged. The articulated arm 16 can be moved by means of the drive device 14 from a retracted position into the contact position 18 shown here and back. Four charging contacts 19 are arranged on a rod assembly 20 of the contact device 15 and, in the illustration shown here, are electrically contacted by charging contact surfaces 21 of contact rails 22 which are arranged on a roof 23 of a vehicle 24 which is only partially shown here.

[0045] The positioning unit 12 further comprises a cover device 25, which is shown only schematically here. The cover device 25, in turn, comprises an apron 26 that completely surrounds the contact device 15 and is movable toward the contact position 18. The apron 26 can also be moved upwards so far that it is essentially in a retracted position exclusively in an area of ​​the drive device 14. A basic range of movement of the apron is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 with a dashed line 27.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a positioning unit 28 in which a cover device 29 is formed with a roof 30. Here, the roof 30 completely spans the positioning device 13 together with the contact device 15. Furthermore, the cover device 29 is formed with an apron 31 arranged at the respective edges 32 of the roof 30.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a positioning unit 33 in which a covering device 34 is formed with a hood 35. The hood 35 has a circumferential wall 36 which surrounds the positioning device 13 with the contact device 15. An apron 38 of the covering device 34 is arranged on an inner side 37 of the hood 35. Fig. 5 shows a positioning unit 39 with a covering device 14, which in turn has an apron 41. In particular, a frame 43 is arranged at a lower end 42 of the apron 41, which frame can be lowered or raised together with the apron 41. The frame 43 serves to stabilize the apron 41 and to tighten or generate tension in the apron 41 as a result of its weight.

[0048] Fig. 6 shows a positioning unit 44 with a cover device 45, to which connecting elements 47 are attached at a lower end 46, which couple the contact device 15 to an apron 48 of the cover device 45. By lowering or raising the contact device 15 via the positioning device 13, the apron 48 can then also be lowered or raised.

[0049] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of an apron 49 according to which the apron 49 is designed as a roller blind 50. The roller blind 50 is formed from a web 51 that can be wound onto or unwound from a reel 52 of the roller blind 50.

[0050] Fig. 8 shows an apron 53 formed by a blind 54. The blind 54 consists of slats 55 and cables 56 connecting the slats 55.

[0051] Fig. 9 shows an apron 57 formed by a pleated blind 58. Here, a folded panel 59 of the pleated blind 58 can be lowered and raised by means of a cable 60.

[0052] An apron 61 shown in Fig. 10 is formed by a slatted apron 62. The slatted apron 62 consists of slats 63 that are arranged vertically and can be pushed into one another in a telescope-like manner. The slatted apron 62 can be lowered or raised using cables (not shown here) or a scissor mechanism. Another embodiment of an apron 64 is shown in Fig. 11, wherein the apron 64 is formed by a bellows 65. The bellows 65 here consists of a web 66 that has an essentially predetermined shape with horizontally running folds 67. The web 66 can, for example, be made of an elastic material.

[0053] The positioning units as described in Figs. 1 to 6 may each comprise one or more of the aprons described in Figs. 7 to 11.

Claims

June 28, 2022 Schunk Transit Systems GmbH G / SBI-064-WO 35435 Wettenberg scu Patent claims 1. Positioning unit (12, 28, 33, 39, 44) for forming an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station (10) and a vehicle (24), in particular an electric bus or the like, wherein by means of the positioning unit a contact device (15) with an electrical charging contact (19) of the positioning unit is movable relative to a charging contact surface (21) and contactable therewith, wherein the positioning unit has a positioning device (13) and a drive device (14) for driving the positioning device, wherein the charging contact is positionable by means of the positioning device between a contact position (18) for power transmission and a retracted position for power interruption, characterized in that the positioning unit comprises a covering device (25, 29, 34, 40, 45) with an apron (26, 31, 38, 41, 48, 53, 57, 61, 64), wherein the Cover the contact device at least in sections,preferably completely, and is movable towards the contact position. Positioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the apron (26, 31, 38, 41, 48, 53, 57, 61, 64) can be positioned in a direction transverse to a contact plane of the charging contact (19) in the contact position (18). Positioning unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the apron (26, 31, 38, 41, 48, 53, 57, 61, 64) is formed by a roller blind (50), a Venetian blind (54), a bellows (65), a pleated blind (58), or a slatted apron (62). Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering device (25, 29, 34, 40, 45) has a covering device which is formed from a single apron (26, 31, 38, 41, 48, 53, 57, 61, 64) or a plurality of aprons (48, 53, 57, 61, 64).Positioning unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover device is designed with a round, oval, square, or rectangular cross-section. Positioning unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the cover device is designed at a lower end (42) with a frame (43) that surrounds the positioning device (13) with the contact device (15). Positioning unit according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the cover device is designed to be detachably connectable to the positioning device (13) or the contact device (15) at a lower end (17, 46), such that the cover device can follow a movement of the charging contact (19). Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover device (25, 29, 34, 40, 45) forms a roof (30) which at least partially, preferably completely, spans the positioning device (13) with the contact device (15). Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover device (29) completely surrounds the contact device (15) in a horizontal retraction plane in the retracted position.Positioning unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the covering device (34) has a hood (35) with a circumferential wall, the periphery of which surrounds the positioning device with the contact device, wherein the apron is arranged on an inner side of the hood. Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering device (25, 29, 34, 40, 45) has a drive device by means of which the apron (26, 31, 38, 41, 48, 53, 57, 61, 64) can be positioned between the contact position (18) and the retracted position.

12. Positioning unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the drive device has a control device and an electric motor which can be controlled by means of the control device.

13. Positioning unit according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the drive device has a position sensor and / or displacement sensor with which an extension path of the apron (26, 31, 38, 41, 48, 53, 57, 61, 64) can be determined, and / or a force sensor with which a contact force can be determined.

14. Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device has an adjusting drive for forming an adjusting force acting on the positioning device (13) and a spring device mechanically cooperating with the adjusting drive.

15. Positioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact device (15) has two charging contact carriers with at least two charging contacts (19) arranged thereon.

16. Positioning unit according to claim 15, characterized in that the charging contacts (19) are connected to one another via a linkage (20) of the contact device (15) with at least one connecting rod for connecting two charging contacts and with at least one support rod arranged transversely to the connecting rods for connecting the charging contact supports. Charging station (10) with a mast (11), a boom, or a bridge, and a positioning unit (12, 28, 33, 39, 44) arranged thereon above a vehicle (24) according to one of the preceding claims. A method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station (10) and a vehicle (24), in particular an electric bus or the like, wherein a contact device (15) with an electrical charging contact (19) of the positioning unit is moved relative to a charging contact surface (21) by means of a positioning unit (12, 28, 33, 39, 44) and contacted therewith, wherein a positioning device (13) of the positioning unit is driven by a drive device (14) of the positioning unit, wherein the charging contact is positioned by means of the positioning device between a contact position (18) for power transmission and a retracted position for power interruption, characterized in that an apron (26, 31,38, 41, 48, 53, 57, 61, 64) of a covering device (25, 29, 34, 40, 45) of the positioning unit surrounds the contact device at least in sections, preferably completely, and is moved in the direction of the contact position. Use of a covering device (25, 29, 34, 40, 45) with an apron (26, 31, 38, 41, 48, 53, 57, 61, 64) for covering a contact device (15) of a positioning unit (12, 28, 33, 39, 44) for forming an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station (10) and a vehicle (24), in particular an electric bus or the like, wherein by means of the positioning unit the contact device with an electrical charging contact (19) of the positioning unit can be moved relative to a charging contact surface (21) and can be contacted therewith, wherein the positioning unit has a positioning device (13) and a drive device (14) for driving, the positioning device, wherein the charging contact can be positioned by means of the positioning device between a contact position (18) for current transmission and a retracted position for current interruption, wherein the apron surrounds the contact device at least in sections, preferably completely, and is movable in the direction of the contact position.

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