A conductive contact arrangement for an electric road track module

Abstract

An electric road track module is provided. The electric road track module is configured to form part of an electric road track. The electric road track module comprises components of a conductive contact arrangement. The components of the conductive contact arrangement are arranged at a first end portion of the electric road track module. The components of the conductive contact arrangement comprising a first contact pin and a hollow coupling cylinder. The first contact pin is fixedly arranged at the first end of the electric road track module. The first contact pin having a rod shape having a main extension along a longitudinal direction of the electric road track module. The hollow coupling cylinder is enclosing the first contact pin. The hollow coupling cylinder is movably arranged to, in relation to the first contact pin, slide along the longitudinal direction of the electric road track module between a first position where the hollow coupling cylinder solely is housing the first contact pin and a second position where the hollow coupling cylinder is partly extending out from the first contact pin to allow the hollow coupling cylinder to house both the first contact pin and a second contact pin of an neighboring electric road track module of the electric road track. Upon the hollow coupling cylinder is partly extending out from the first contact pin the hollow coupling cylinder is typically also partly extending out from the end portion of the electric road track module. Upon the hollow coupling cylinder is solely housing the first contact pin it is not extending out from the end portion of the electric road track module.

Description

[0001] A CONDUCTIVE CONTACT ARRANGEMENT FOR AN ELECTRIC ROAD TRACK MODULE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to an electric road track module of an electric road track. Especially, an electric road track module of an electric road track comprising a conductive contact arrangement for interconnecting two such electric road track modules for forming electrical contact between the electric road track modules.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] Over the past 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 capacity of batteries and also by electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In addition, considering the growing demand of electric vehicles, the demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure is expected to be even higher in the coming years. As an alternative to stationary charging stations, the batteries may be charged while driving or the vehicle may directly extract electrical power while driving. This may be made by providing the vehicle with an electrical power collector which is configured to be temporarily arranged in sliding contact with an electric road track forming part of an electric road system which is arranged along a road. The electric road track may be seen as a rail formed by a plurality of electric road track modules which are arranged one after the other and which are interconnected via conductive contact arrangements. Inevitable seasonal temperature differences do however cause problems with thermal expansion of the individual electric road track modules which must be accommodated. Such seasonal temperature difference between minimum and maximum temperature may be as large as 100°C. Accordingly, there is a need for the electric road track modules of the electrical road track and also its conductive contact arrangements to be able to accommodate this thermal expansion.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of that stated above, an objective of the present invention is to provide an electric road track module with a conductive contact arrangement which is configured to accommodate thermal, longitudinal expansion of the electric road track module. Further and alternative objectives may be understood from the following.

[0008] According to a first aspect an electric road track module is provided. The electric road track module is configured to form part of an electric road track. The electric road track module comprises components of a conductive contact arrangement. These components of the conductive contact arrangement are arranged at a first end portion of the electric road track module. The components of the conductive contact arrangement comprising a first contact pin and a hollow coupling cylinder. The first contact pin is fixedly arranged at the first end of the electric road track module. The first contact pin having a rod shape having a main extension along a longitudinal direction of the electric road track module. The hollow coupling cylinder is enclosing the first contact pin. The hollow coupling cylinder is movably arranged to, in relation to the first contact pin, slide along the longitudinal direction of the electric road track module between a first position where the hollow coupling cylinder solely is housing the first contact pin and a second position where the hollow coupling cylinder is partly extending out from the first contact pin to allow the hollow coupling cylinder to house both the first contact pin and a second contact pin of an neighboring electric road track module of the electric road track. Upon the hollow coupling cylinder is partly extending out from the first contact pin the hollow coupling cylinder is typically also partly extending out from the end portion of the electric road track module. Upon the hollow coupling cylinder is solely housing the first contact pin it is not extending out from the end portion of the electric road track module.

[0009] The present electric road track module allows for an easier and more convenient operation upon connecting electric road track modules to each other. This since the conductive contact arrangement with the hollow coupling cylinder allow for first arranging two electric road track modules in place next to each other and thereafter moving the hollow coupling cylinder from the first position to the second position for interconnecting the electric road track modules. Further, the conductive contact arrangement allows for accommodating thermal, longitudinal expansion of the electric road track module. This since at least the second contact pin is free to slide within the hollow coupling cylinder. Further, the present electric road track module allows for an easier and more convenient operation upon disconnecting electric road track modules to each other. This since the conductive contact arrangement with the hollow coupling cylinder allow for first moving the hollow coupling cylinder from the second position to the first position and thereby freeing one or both of the electric road track modules so that it / they can be lifted away from the road.

[0010] The conductive contact arrangement may further comprise a first coil spring and a second coil spring. The first coil spring may be arranged in a first inside groove of the hollow coupling cylinder and the second coil spring may be arranged in a second inside groove of the hollow coupling cylinder. The first inside groove of the hollow coupling cylinder being arranged at a first end portion of the hollow coupling cylinder. The second inside second groove of the hollow coupling cylinder being arranged at a second end portion, opposite the first end portion, of the hollow coupling cylinder. Alternatively, the first coil spring may be arranged in a first outside groove of the first contact pin and the second coil spring may be arranged in a second outside groove of the second contact pin. The first outside groove of the first contact pin being arranged at a first end portion of the first contact pin. The second outside groove of the second contact pin being arranged at a first end portion of the second contact pin. The first end portion of the second contact pin facing the first end portion of the first contact pin. The first and second coil springs facilitate a good connection between two electric road track modules. Further, the coil springs also facilitate movement of the hollow coupling cylinder. Moreover, the coil springs may compensate for a misalignment between the first and second contact pins. The first and second coil springs are preferably circular encircling the full diameter of the first and / or second contact pins.

[0011] The conductive contact arrangement may further comprise a third coil spring and / or a fourth coil spring. The third coil spring may be arranged in a third inside groove of the hollow coupling cylinder. The fourth coil spring may be arranged in a fourth inside groove of the hollow coupling cylinder. The third inside groove of the hollow coupling cylinder being arranged at the first end portion of the hollow coupling cylinder. The fourth inside groove of the hollow coupling cylinder being arranged at the second end portion of the hollow coupling cylinder. Alternatively, the third coil spring may be arranged in a third outside groove of the first contact pin and the fourth coil spring may be arranged in a fourth outside groove of the second contact pin. The third outside groove of the first contact pin being arranged at the first end portion of the first contact pin. The fourth outside groove of the second contact pin being arranged at the first end portion of the second contact pin. This may even further enhance the contact between the hollow coupling cylinder and the first and second contact pins allowing the electrical connection between the two electric road track modules to be stronger. The third and fourth coil springs are preferably circular encircling the full diameter of the first and / or second contact pins.

[0012] It is to be understood that in one embodiment the conductive contact arrangement may comprise the first and second coil springs, in another embodiment the conductive contact arrangement may comprise the first, second and third coil springs, in yet another embodiment the conductive contact arrangement may comprise the first, second and fourth coil springs, and in a further embodiment the conductive contact arrangement may comprise the first, second, third and fourth coil springs.

[0013] The conductive contact arrangement may further comprise a linear actuator. The linear actuator is configured to move the hollow coupling cylinder between its first and second positions. Hence a convenient operation of the hollow coupling cylinder is provided.

[0014] The conductive contact arrangement may further comprise an insulating layer enclosing the hollow coupling cylinder. This in order to electrically insulate an outside of the hollow coupling cylinder from its surroundings. An increased safety may hence be provided.

[0015] The electric road track module may further comprise a second contact pin. The second contact pin may be fixedly arranged at a second end portion of the electric road track module. The second end portion of the electric road track module being opposite the first end portion of the electric road track module. The second contact pin having a rod shape having a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electric road track. The second contact pin forming part of another conductive contact arrangement configured to connect the electric road track module at its second end portion to another electric road track module.

[0016] The second contact pin and the first contact pin of the electric road track module may be electrically interconnected via a power line of the electric road track module.

[0017] The electric road track module may further comprise a housing; a power line; and a plurality of first contact elements configured to be powered. The plurality of first contact elements may be connected to the power line. The power line and the plurality of first contact elements may be housed in the housing. The first contact pin may be fixedly arranged to and in electric contact with the power line. The contact arrangement may further comprise an additional a first contact pin and an additional hollow coupling cylinder. The additional first contact pin is fixedly arranged to and in electric contact with the housing at the first end portion of the electric road track module, the additional first contact pin having a rod shape having a main extension along a longitudinal direction of the electric road track module. The additional hollow coupling cylinder is enclosing the additional first contact pin and is movably arranged to slide along the longitudinal direction of the electric road module between a first position where the additional hollow coupling cylinder solely is housing the additional first contact pin and a second position where the additional hollow coupling cylinder is partly extending out from the additional first contact pin to allow the additional hollow coupling cylinder to house both the additional first contact pin and an additional second contact pin of a neighboring electric road track module of the electric road track.

[0018] According to a second aspect a conductive contact arrangement is provided. The conductive contact arrangement is configured to conductively connect a first electric road track module of an electric road track to a second electric road track module of the electric road track. The conductive contact arrangement comprises a first contact pin, a second contact pin and a hollow coupling cylinder. The first contact pin is fixedly arranged at an end portion of the first electric road track module, the first contact pin having a rod shape having a main extension along a longitudinal direction of the electric road track. The second contact pin is fixedly arranged at an end portion the second electric road track module, the second contact pin having a rod shape having a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electric road track. The hollow coupling cylinder being movably arranged to slide along the longitudinal direction of the electric road track between a first position where the hollow coupling cylinder solely is housing the first contact pin and a second position where the hollow coupling cylinder is housing both the first contact pin and the second contact pin.

[0019] The present conductive contact arrangement allows for an easier and more convenient operation upon connecting electric road track modules to each other. This since the conductive contact arrangement with the hollow coupling cylinder allow for first arranging two electric road track modules in place next to each other and thereafter moving the hollow coupling cylinder from the first position to the second position for interconnecting the electric road track modules. Further, the conductive contact arrangement allows for accommodating thermal, longitudinal expansion of the electric road track module. This since the first and second contact pins are free to slide within the hollow coupling cylinder. Further, the present electric road track module allows for an easier and more convenient operation upon disconnecting electric road track modules to each other. This since the conductive contact arrangement with the hollow coupling cylinder allow for first moving the hollow coupling cylinder from the second position to the first position and thereby freeing one or both of the electric road track modules so that it / they can be lifted away from the road.

[0020] The conductive contact arrangement may further comprise a linear actuator configured to move the hollow coupling cylinder between its first and second positions.

[0021] The above-mentioned features and possible advantages of the first aspect, when applicable, apply to this second aspect as well. In order to avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the above.

[0022] A further scope of applicability will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only.

[0023] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other aspects will now be described in more detail, with reference to appended figures. The figures should not be considered limiting; instead, they are used for explaining and understanding.

[0026] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0027] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an electric road track system.

[0028] Figs 2a and 2b schematically illustrates operation of a conductive contact arrangement; in Fig

[0029] 2a an open connection of the conductive contact arrangement is illustrated and in Fig, 2b a closed connection of the conductive contact arrangement is illustrated. Figs 3a and 3b schematically illustrates operation of an alternative conductive contact arrangement; in Fig 3a an open connection of the conductive contact arrangement is illustrated and in Fig, 3b a closed connection of the conductive contact arrangement is illustrated.

[0030] Figs 4a and 4b schematically illustrates an end portion of an electric road track module comprising a conductive contact arrangement.

[0031] Figs 5a and 5b schematically illustrates an alternative end portion of an electric road track module comprising a conductive contact arrangement.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied 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 the skilled person.

[0034] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an electric road track system 300. The electric road track system 300 comprising 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 the road 11 or integrated into the road 11 for instance into a groove formed therein. The electric road track system 300 is intended to provide electric power to a vehicle 12. The general function of the electric road track modules 100 are that they provide electrical power to electric vehicles 12. Thus, a battery of the electric vehicle 12 can be charged while the electric vehicle 12 is travelling on the road 11. Alternatively, or in combination, an electric motor of the electric vehicle 12 can be continuously powered by electricity from the electric road track system 300. For powering and / or charging the electric vehicle 12, the electric vehicle 12 may comprise power collectors 14a, 14b, 14c which draws power from the electric road track 10.

[0035] The electric road track 10 comprises a plurality of contact elements 30a, 30b. The contact elements 30a, 30b form a contact line structure 30 configured for power transmission from the electric road track 10 to the vehicle 12. The contact elements 30a, 30b are separated along the electric road track 10 by electrically isolating elements 17. The contact elements 30a, 30b and the isolating elements 17 are arranged in a housing 20. The housing is typically made of aluminum.

[0036] Every second contact element 30a is configured to be powered by a power station 15. The contact elements 30a configured to be powered form a first set of contact elements 30a. The contact elements of the first set of contact elements 30a are electrically isolated from the housing 20. The power station 15 may e.g. be located at the side of the road. The power station 15 may be connected to the electric road track modules 100 via conductors 15a, 15b. Hence, the power station 15 is configured to provide supply voltage to the electric road track modules 100. Upon being powered by a positive potential a contact element 30a from the first set of contact elements 30a forms a positive pole. Alternatively, a contact element of the first set of contact element 30a may be powered by a negative potential and thus form a negative pole.

[0037] The other contact elements 30b form a second set of non-powered contact elements 30b. The non-powered contact elements 30b is set to have the same potential as ground. Typical ly, the nonpowered contact elements 30b are electrically connected to the housing 20. Hence, the housing 20 and the non-powered contact elements 30b are typically having the same potential.

[0038] Upon powering one of the contact elements 30a of the first set of contact elements, a voltage difference is created between the powered contact element 30a and the non-powered contact elements 30b. Hence, the electric road track module 100 is segmented into a plurality of contact elements 30a, 30b arranged to provide alternating potentials. In other words, the plurality of contact elements 30a, 30b are consecutively arranged along a single track line to provide alternating potentials.

[0039] The contact elements 30a, 30b are arranged such that, at any moment during travelling, at least one of the power collectors 14a, 14b, 14c is in connection with a contact element 30a of the first set of contact elements 30a and at least one other of the power collectors 14a, 14b, 14c is in connection with a contact element 30b of the second set of contact elements 30b. Thus, continuous collection of power from the electric road track module 100 may be achieved upon the contact elements 30a of the first set of contact elements 30a are being powered. Each electric road track module 100 preferably comprises a plurality of first type contact elements 30a and a plurality of second type contact elements 30b.

[0040] The contact elements 30a, 30b are typically formed from a respective elongate sheet of metal. For example, each contact element 30a, 30b may be made of stainless steel. Using stainless steel may reduce spark formation between the contact elements 30a, 30b and the power collectors 14a, 14b, 14c arranged at the vehicle. The contact elements 30a, 30b have a length, along an extension in a traveling direction 13 of the vehicle 12, being shorter than a length of the vehicle 12. According to a non-limiting example the length of the contact elements 30a, 30b are around lm long. The electrically isolating element 17 may be about 10-30cm long. A plurality of electrical road tracks modules 100 can be arranged after each other forming the electrical road track 10.

[0041] The electrical road track system 300 may further comprise a control server 200. The control server 200 may be arranged in the power station 15 and / or in one or more of the electric road track modules 100 and / or as a remote server such as a cloud-based server. The control server 200 may be formed by a single unit or as a distributed unit over several units. The control server 200 is configured to carry out overall control of functions and operations of one or several electric road track modules 100. The control server 200 may further be configured to carry out control of individual powering of the contact elements 30a of the first set of contact elements. Such control of individual powering of the contact elements 30a of the first set of contact elements is typically performed via switch controllers arranged within the electric road track modules 100.

[0042] As mentioned above, the contact elements 30a of the first set of contact elements 30a are configured to be powered by power from the power station 15. In order to provide supply voltage to the first set of contact elements 30a they are interconnected via a supply power. The supply power is a power line 16 arranged within the housing 20. The power line 16 is made of an electrically conductive material, typically copper. The power line 16 is to be dimensioned so that it can conduct currents in the order of 1000 - 2000 A. The power line 16 is provided with power via the power supply 15. In order to distribute power to a plurality of electric road track modules 100 they are conductively interconnected via conductive contact arrangements 150 arranged at a respective interface between two neighboring electric road track modules 100. Hence, a conductive contact arrangement 150 is configured to conductively interconnect power lines 16 of two neighboring electric road track modules 100. Hence, one function for such a conductive contact arrangement 150 may be to interconnect power lines 16 of two neighboring electric road track modules 100. The conductive contact arrangement 150 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0043] Further, as also mentioned above, the contact elements 30b of the second set of contact elements 30b are configured to be forming a set of non-powered contact elements 30b. Hence, the contact elements 30b of the second set of contact elements 30b are set to have a same potential, typically they are set to be having ground potential. This is achieved by having the non-powered contact elements 30b electrically connected to the housing 20. Hence, the housing 20 and the nonpowered contact elements 30b are typically having the same potential. In order to interconnect the housings 20 of two neighboring electric road track modules 100 the conductive contact arrangement 150 may be configured to provide a conductive connection between the housings 20 of two neighboring electric road track modules 100.

[0044] The conductive contact arrangement 150 will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Figs 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b. In line with the discussion above in the background section, an important aspect of the conductive contact arrangement 150 is that it shall accommodate thermal, longitudinal expansion of the electric road track modules 100. The conductive contact arrangement 150 comprises a first contact pin 111, a second contact pin 112 and a hollow coupling cylinder 113.

[0045] The first contact pin 111 is fixedly arranged at a first end of a first electric road track module

[0046] 100. The first contact pin 111 having a rod shape having a main extension along a longitudinal direction of the electric road track module 100. The main extension of such a first contact pin 111 is typically in the order of 8 to 12 cm. According to one non-limiting example the main extension of the first contact pin 111 is 10 cm. The first contact pin 111 is made of an electrically conductive material, typically it is made of copper. In order to increase the conductivity of the first contact pin 111 it may be silver- plated. The first contact pin 111 has a circular cross section. The diameter of the circular cross section may be in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm. This so that the first contact pin 111 will be capable to conduct currents of 1000-2000 A. The first contact pin 111 has one free end portion Illa facing out from the first end of the first electric road track module 100. The free end portion Illa of the first contact pin 111 may have a tapered end structure. The first contact pin 111 further has one connected end portion 111b, opposite the free end portion Illa. The connected end portion 111b being fixedly connected to the power line 16 of the first electric road track module 100. The connection between connected end portion 111b and the power line 16 may be made through a screw connection. However, other kind of connections may as well be used as long as it is safeguarded that the connection between the connected end portion 111b and the power line 16 is electrically conductive.

[0047] The second contact pin 112 is fixedly arranged at a second end of a second electric road track module 100, the second electric road track module 100 is neighboring the first electric road track module 100 upon the first and second electric road track module 100 is forming part of an electric road track 10 of the electric road track system 300. The second contact pin 112 having a rod shape having a main extension along a longitudinal direction of the electric road track module 100. The main extension of such a second contact pin 112 is typically in the order of 5 to 12 cm. The second contact pin 112 may be shorter than the first contact pin 111, this since the second contact pin 112 does not need to accommodate the hollow coupling cylinder 113 upon the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is in its first position, see below regarding more details on the first position of the hollow coupling cylinder 113. According to one example the main extension of the second pin 112 is 8 cm. The second contact pin 112 is made of an electrically conductive material, typically it is made of copper. In order to increase the conductivity of the second contact pin 112 it may be silver-plated. The second contact pin 112 has a circular cross section. The diameter of the circular cross section may be in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm. This so that the second contact pin 112 will be capable to conduct currents of 1000- 2000 A. The second contact pin 112 has one free end portion 112a facing out from the second end of the second electric road track module 100. The free end portion 112a of the second contact pin 112 may have a tapered end structure. The second contact pin 112 further has one connected end portion 112b, opposite the free end portion 112a. The connected end portion 112b being fixedly connected to the power line 16 of the second electric road track module 100. The connection between the connected end portion 112b and the power line 16 may be made through a screw connection. However, other kind of connections may as well be used as long as it is safeguarded that the connection between the connected end portion 112b and the power line 16 is electrically conductive. The hollow coupling cylinder 113 is made of an electrically conductive material, typically copper. The hollow coupling cylinder 113 is movably arranged to slide along the longitudinal direction of the electric road track modules 100. Particularly, the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is movably arranged to slide between a first position and a second position. At the first position, being schematically illustrated in Fig 2a, the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is solely housing the first contact pin 111 of the first electric road track module 100. At the second position, being schematically illustrated in Fig 2b, the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is housing both the first contact pin 111 of the first electric road track module 100 and the second contact pin 112 of the second electric road track module 100. It is stressed that the second electric road track module 100 is an electric road track module 100 neighboring the first electric road track module 100 upon the first and second electric road track modules 100 are arranged next to each other and being interconnected to form part of an electric road track. In this context, solely housing the first contact pin 111, in the first position, mean that the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is housing the first contact pin 111 and is not housing the second contact pin 112. Of course, in the first position the hollow coupling cylinder 113 may in addition to house the first contact pin 111 also house an "empty" space of air, such housing of both first contact pin 111 and an "empty" space of air is to be seen as solely housing the first contact pin 111.

[0048] As being illustrated in Figs 2a and 2b, the hollow coupling cylinder 113 may further comprise inside grooves 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d arranged on an inside of the hollow coupling cylinder (113). Each such inside groove 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d is a loop track running along the full inner diameter of the hollow coupling cylinder 113. In each such inside groove 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d a respective circular coil spring 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d may be arranged. A first inside groove 115a is arranged at a first end portion 113a of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 and a second inside groove 115b is arranged at a second end portion 113b of the hollow coupling cylinder 113. The second end portion 113b of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 being opposite the first end portion 113a of the hollow coupling cylinder 113. A respective circular coil spring 114a, 114b is arranged in each respective inside groove 115a, 115b. The circular coil springs 114a, 114b are made of electrically conductive material and provide for making conductive electrical contact between the hollow coupling cylinder 113 and the first and second contact pins 111, 112. Examples of material for the circular coil springs 114a, 114b are stainless steel, a copper-based alloy, e.g. beryllium copper or zirconium copper or titanium. The circular coil springs 114a, 114b may be plated with e.g. silver in order to increase the conductivity. The circular coil springs 114 may have a cross sectional thickness of 2-5 mm. The thread of the circular coil springs 114 may have a thickness of in the range of 0.1-1 mm. The circular coil springs 114a, 114b also facilitate movement of the hollow coupling cylinder 113. Moreover, the circular coil springs 114a, 114b may compensate for a misalignment between the first and second contact pins 111, 112. In order increase the contact between the hollow coupling cylinder 113 and the first and second contact pins 111, 112, the contact arrangement may comprise additional circular coil springs 114c, 114d. That is a third inside groove 115c may be arranged at the first end portion 113a of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 and a fourth inside groove 115d may be arranged at the second end portion 113b of the hollow coupling cylinder 113. The third inside groove 115c may be arranged in close proximity to the first inside groove 115a. The fourth inside groove 115d may be arranged in close proximity to the second inside groove 115b. A respective circular coil spring 114c, 114d may then be arranged in the third and fourth inside grooves 115c, 115d. In this context, close proximity is in the range of a few millimeters. For example, the third inside groove 115c and the first inside groove 115a, likewise the fourth inside groove 115d and the second inside groove 115b, may be spaced apart with a distance of 2-5 mm.

[0049] Instead of arranging the circular coil springs 114 in inside grooves 115 of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 such circular coil springs 114 may be arranged in outside grooves 117 arranged at the first and second contact pins 111, 112. This is illustrated in connection with Figs. 3a and 3b. Each such outside groove 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d is a loop track running along the full outer diameter of the respective first and second contact pin 111, 112. In each such outside groove 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d a respective circular coil spring 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d may be arranged. A first outside groove 117a is arranged at the first end portion Illa of the first contact pin 111 and a second outside groove 117b is arranged at the first end portion 112a of the second contact pin 112. The first end portion 112a of the second contact pin 112 is facing the first end portion Illa of the first contact pin 111. A respective circular coil spring 114a, 114b is arranged in each respective outside groove 117a, 117b. As discussed above, the circular coil springs 114a, 114b are made of electrically conductive material and provide for making conductive electrical contact between the hollow coupling cylinder 113 and the first and second contact pins 111, 112. Examples of material for the circular coil springs 114a, 114b are stainless steel, a copper-based alloy, e.g. beryllium copper or zirconium copper or titanium. The circular coil springs 114a, 114b may be plated with e.g. silver in order to increase the conductivity. The circular coil springs 114 may have a cross sectional thickness of 2-5 mm. The thread of the circular coil springs 114 may have a thickness of in the range of 0.1-1 mm. Just as discussed above, the circular coil springs 114a, 114b facilitate movement of the hollow coupling cylinder 113. Moreover, the circular coil springs 114a, 114b may compensate for a misalignment between the first and second contact pins 111, 112. As also being discussed above, in order increase the contact between the hollow coupling cylinder 113 and the first and second contact pins 111, 112, the contact arrangement 150 may comprise additional circular coil springs 114c, 114d. That is a third outside groove 117c may be arranged at the first end portion Illa of the first contact pin 111 and a fourth outside groove 117d may be arranged at the first end portion 112a of the second contact pin 112. The third outside groove 117c may be arranged in close proximity to the first outside groove 117a. The outside inside groove 117d may be arranged in close proximity to the second outside groove 117b. A respective circular coil spring 114c, 114d may then be arranged in the third and fourth outside grooves 117c, 117d. In this context, close proximity is in the range of a few millimeters. For example, the third outside groove 117c and the first outside groove 117a, likewise the fourth outside groove 117d and the second outside groove 117b, may be spaced apart with a distance of 2-5 mm.

[0050] The operation of the conductive contact arrangement 150 will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Figs 2a / 3a and 2b / 3b. In Figs 2a / 3a an open connection of the conductive contact arrangement 150 is illustrated. In the open connection of the conductive contact arrangement 150 the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is being positioned in its first position. In Figs 2b / 3b a closed connection of the conductive contact arrangement 150 is illustrated. In the closed connection of the conductive contact arrangement 150 the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is being positioned in its second position. From the above it is to be remembered that in the first position the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is solely housing the first contact pin 111 of the first electric road track module 100 and at the second position the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is housing both the first contact pin 111 of the first electric road track module 100 and the second contact pin 112 of the second electric road track module 100 neighboring the electric road track module 100. That is, the second end portion 113b of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is always housing the first contact pin 111. With other words, the second end portion 113b of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is housing the first contact pin 111 both upon the hollow coupling cylinder 113 being positioned in the first position, as in Figs 2a / 3a, and upon the hollow coupling cylinder 113 being positioned in the second position, as in Figs 2b / 3b. Further, as being illustrated in connection with Figs 2b / 3b, upon the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is positioned in its second position, the first end portion 113a of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is arranged to house the second contact pin 112 of the neighboring electric road track module 100. Hence, upon the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is positioned in its second position it engages with the second contact pin 112 of the neighboring electric road track module 100. That is, conductive electrical contact is made between the first contact pin 111 of one electric road track module 100 and the second contact pin 111 of a neighboring electric road track module 100 via the hollow coupling cylinder 113. As discussed above, the conductive electrical contact may be enhanced by the circular coil springs 114, see Figs 2b / 3b. This kind of conductive electrical coupling allow for longitudinal expansion of the electric road track module 100. This since the second contact pin 112 is free to slide within the hollow coupling cylinder 113 along a longitudinal direction of the electric road track modules 100. Further, as being illustrated in connection with Figs 2a / 3a, upon the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is positioned in its first position, the first end portion 113a of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is arranged not to house the second contact pin 112. That is, upon the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is positioned in its first position, the hollow coupling cylinder 113 does not engage with the second contact pin 112 of the neighboring electric road track module 100. This allow for the electric road track module 100 to be moved vertically, i.e. be put in place by lowering the electric road track module 100 towards the road during installation or be removed for replacement of maintenance by lifting the electric road track module 100 upwards, without the conductive contact arrangement 150 hindering such vertical movement of the electric road track module 100.

[0051] An end portion electric road track module 100 comprising a portion of a conductive contact arrangement 150 as have been discussed above is illustrated in connection with Figs 4a and 4b. Further, the portion of the contact arrangement 150 illustrated in Figs 4a and 4b comprises connection structures for forming four different connections in the contact arrangement 150. The upper most and lower most connection structures are used for interconnecting power lines 16 of two neighboring electric road track modules 100. The two middle connection structures are used for interconnecting the houses 20 of two neighboring electric road track modules 100.

[0052] The top most connection structure of the contact arrangement 150 comprises a first contact pin 111 and a hollow coupling cylinder 113 for interconnecting power lines 16 of two neighboring electric road track modules 100. The first contact pin 111 is connected to a power line 16 of the electric road track module 100. In line with what has been discussed above, the hollow coupling cylinder 113 in the top most connection structure is configured to connect with a second contact pin 112 of a neighboring electric road track module 100. In Fig. 4a the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is in its first position solely housing the first contact pin 111. In Fig. 4b the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is moved to its second position, that is it is moved to extend out from the end portion of the electric road track module 100 so that is can engage with the second contact pin 112 of the neighboring electric road track module 100. For simplicity and understanding the neighboring electric road track module 100 and its second contact pin 112 are not illustrated in Figs 4a and 4b. It is to be noted that upon the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is solely housing the first contact pin 111 it is typically not extending out from the end portion of the electric road track module 100. Further, upon the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is extending out from the end portion of the electric road track module 100 it is partly extending out from the first contact pin 111. Movement of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is governed by an actuator 116. The actuator 116 is configured to move the hollow coupling cylinder 113 between its first and second positions. The actuator 116 is configured to move the hollow coupling cylinder 113 from its first to its second position. Further, the actuator 116 is configured to move the hollow coupling cylinder 113 from its second to its first position. The actuator 116 may be a linear actuator. The actuator 116 may be any kind of actuator configured to move a hollow cylinder. The actuator 116 may be an electrically driven and / or hydraulically driven piston actuator.

[0053] The lower most connection structure of the contact arrangement 150 comprises a second contact pin 112 configured to interact with a hollow coupling cylinder 113 of a neighboring electric road track module 100. The second contact pin 112 is connected to a power line 16 of the electric road track module 100.

[0054] Among the two connection structures in the middle, the upper most of them comprises a first contact pin 111 and a hollow coupling cylinder 113 for interconnecting housings 20 of two neighboring electric road track modules 100. The first contact pin 111 is connected to the housing 20 of the electric road track module 100. In line with what has been discussed above, the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is configured to connect with a second contact pin 112 of a neighboring electric road track module 100. In Fig. 4a the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is in its first position solely housing the first contact pin 111. In Fig. 4b the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is moved to its second position, that is it is moved to extend out from the end portion electric road track module 100 so that is can engage with the second contact pin 112 of the neighboring electric road track module 100. For simplicity and understanding the neighboring electric road track module 100 and its second contact pin 112 are not illustrated in Figs 4a and 4b. Just as discussed above, movement of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is governed made by an actuator 116. In order to avoid undue repletion reference is made to the above. The actuator 116 may be configured to move hollow coupling cylinders 113 of different connection structures jointly, this is what is illustrated in Figs 4a and 4b. Alternatively, each hollow coupling cylinders 113 may be moved individually by a dedicated actuator.

[0055] Among the two connection structures in the middle, the lower most of them comprises a second contact pin 112 configured to interact with a hollow coupling cylinder 113 of a neighboring electric road track module 100. The second contact pin 112 is connected to the housing 20 of the electric road track module 100.

[0056] The hollow coupling cylinder 113 of a contact arrangement 150 may further comprise an outer insulating layer 118. The insulating layer is configured to enclose the hollow coupling cylinder 113 to electrically insulate an outside of the hollow coupling cylinder 113 from its surroundings. The insulating layer 118 is configured to move together with the hollow coupling cylinder 113 upon the hollow coupling cylinder 113 is being moved. In the in Figs 4a and 4b illustrated example it is only the hollow coupling cylinder 113 used for the top most connection structure, i.e. the connection structure used to connect power lines 16 of two neighboring electric road track modules 100 that comprises an insulating layer 118. However, it is readily understood that also the hollow coupling cylinder 113 used for the connection structure connecting housings 20 of two neighboring electric road track modules 100 may comprise an insulating layer 118.

[0057] In Figs 5a and 5b an alternative end portion of an electric road track module 100 is illustrated. Many of the features of this alternative end portion of an electric road track module 100 are similar as the once discussed above in connection with Figs 4a and 4b. In order to avoid undue repletion reference is made to the above. In addition to the what was discussed above, this alternative end portion of an electric road track module 100 comprises an actuator 116 that have dual functionality. Hence, the actuator 116 may have two alternative ways of operating it. The actuator 116 may be a mechanically operated actuator based on a cogwheel 116a operating on a gear rail 116b. The actuator 116 may be a piston-based actuator 116c. It is also understood that the actuator 116 in other embodiments may be a mechanically operated actuator based on a cogwheel 116a operating on a gear rail 116b without having the piston-based actuator 116c included. Further, in the in Figs 5a and 5b alternative end portion of an electric road track module 100 all four connection structures are based on having a respective first contact pin 111 and a respective hollow coupling cylinder 113.

[0058] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to what is explicitly described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0059] For example, the first electric road track module 100 comprises a second end opposite the first end thereof. Typically, the second end of the first electric road track module 100 comprises a second contact pin 112 of another conductive contact arrangement 150. The another conductive contact arrangement 150 being configured to connect the first electric road track module 100 to a third electric road track module 100 neighboring the first electric road track module 100 on the opposite side thereof as compared to the second electric road track module 100. Likewise, the second electric road track module 100 comprises a first end, opposite the second end of the second electric road track module 100. Typically, the first end of the second electric road track module 100 comprises a first contact pin 111 of yet another conductive contact arrangement 150. The yet another conductive contact arrangement 150 being configured to connect the second electric road track module 100 to a fourth electric road track module 100 neighboring the second electric road track module 100 on the opposite side thereof as compared to the first electric road track module 100. Through the conductive contact arrangement 150, the another conductive contact arrangement 150 and the yet another conductive contact arrangement 150, the power lines 16 of the first, second, third and fourth electric road track modules 100 are interconnected.

[0060] Additionally, variations can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electric road track module (100) configured to form part of an electric road track (10), the electric road track module (100) comprising: components of a conductive contact arrangement (150), the components of the conductive contact arrangement (150) comprising: a first contact pin (111) fixedly arranged at a first end portion of the electric road track module (100), the first contact pin (111) having a rod shape having a main extension along a longitudinal direction of the electric road track module (100), a hollow coupling cylinder (113) enclosing the first contact pin (111) and being movably arranged to, in relation to the first contact pin (111), slide along the longitudinal direction of the electric road module (100) between a first position where the hollow coupling cylinder (113) solely is housing the first contact pin (111) and a second position where the hollow coupling cylinder (113) is partly extending out from the first contact pin (111) to allow the hollow coupling cylinder (113) to house both the first contact pin (111) and a second contact pin (112) of an neighboring electric road track module (100) of the electric road track (10), the second contact pin (112) of an neighboring electric road track module (100) being another component of the conductive contact arrangement (150), and a linear actuator (116) configured to move the hollow coupling cylinder (113) between its first and second positions.

2. The electric road track module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the conductive contact arrangement (150) further comprises: a first coil spring (114a) arranged in a first inside groove (115a) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113), the first inside groove (115a) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113) being arranged at a first end portion (113a) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113); and a second coil spring (114b) arranged in a second inside groove (115b) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113), the second inside second groove (115b) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113) being arranged at a second end portion (113b), opposite the first end portion (113a), of the hollow coupling cylinder (113).

3. The electric road track module (100) according to claim 2, wherein the conductive contact arrangement (150) further comprises:a third coil spring (114c) arranged in a third inside groove (115c) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113), the third inside groove (115c) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113) being arranged at the first end portion (113a) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113); and a fourth coil spring (114d) arranged in a fourth inside groove (115d) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113), the fourth inside groove (115d) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113) being arranged at the second end portion (113b) of the hollow coupling cylinder (113).

4. The electric road track module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the conductive contact arrangement (150) further comprises: a first coil spring (114a) arranged in a first outside groove (117a) of the first contact pin (111), the first outside groove (117a) of the first contact pin (111) being arranged at a first end portion (Illa) of the first contact pin (111); and a second coil spring (114b) arranged in a second outside groove (117b) of the second contact pin (112), the second outside groove (117b) of the second contact pin (112) being arranged at a first end portion (112a) of the second contact pin (112), the first end portion (112a) of the second contact pin (112) facing the first end portion (Illa) of the first contact pin (111).

5. The electric road track module (100) according to claim 4, wherein the conductive contact arrangement (150) further comprises: a third coil spring (114c) arranged in a third outside groove (117c) of the first contact pin (111), the third outside groove (117c) of the first contact pin (111) being arranged at the first end portion (Illa) of the first contact pin (111); and a fourth coil spring (114d) arranged in a fourth outside groove (117d) of the second contact pin (112), the fourth outside 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 1-5, wherein the conductive contact arrangement (150) further comprises an insulating layer (118) enclosing the hollow coupling cylinder (113) to electrically insulate an outside of the hollow coupling cylinder (113) from its surroundings.

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

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

9. The electric road track module (100) according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising: a housing (20); a power line (16); and a plurality of first contact elements (30a) configured to be powered, wherein the plurality of first contact elements (30a) are connected to the power line (16); wherein the power line (16) and the plurality of first contact elements (30a) are housed in the housing (20); wherein the first contact pin (111) is fixedly arranged to and in electric contact with the power line (16); wherein the contact arrangement (150) further comprises: an additional first contact pin (111) fixedly arranged to and in electric contact with the housing (20) at the first end portion of the electric road track module (100), the additional first contact pin (111) having a rod shape having a main extension along a longitudinal direction of the electric road track module (100), and an additional hollow coupling cylinder (113) enclosing the additional first contact pin (111) and being movably arranged to slide along the longitudinal direction of the electric road module (100) between a first position where the additional hollow coupling cylinder (113) solely is housing the additional first contact pin (111) and a second position where the additional hollow coupling cylinder (113) is partly extending out from the additional first contact pin (111) to allow the additional hollow coupling cylinder (113) to house both the additional first contact pin (111) and an additional second contact pin (112) of a neighboring electric road track module (100) of the electric road track (10).

10. A conductive contact arrangement (150) configured to conductively connect a first electric road track module (100) of an electric road track (10) to a second electric road track module (100) of the electric road track (10), wherein the conductive contact arrangement (150) comprises: a first contact pin (111) fixedly arranged at an end portion of the first electric road track module (100), the first contact pin (111) having a rod shape having a main extension along a longitudinal direction of the electric road track (10);a second contact pin (112) fixedly arranged at an end portion the second electric road track module (100), the second contact pin (112) having a rod shape having a main extension along the longitudinal direction of the electric road track (10); a hollow coupling cylinder (113) being movably arranged to slide along the longitudinal direction of the electric road track (10) between a first position where the hollow coupling cylinder (113) solely is housing the first contact pin (111) and a second position where the hollow coupling cylinder (113) is housing both the first contact pin (111) of the first electric road track module (100) and the second contact pin (112) of the second electric road track module (100); and a linear actuator (116) configured to move the hollow coupling cylinder (113) between its first and second positions.

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