Power supply system for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply system for providing electrical power for an electrically driveable vehicle, comprising a power supply line extending along a route for the vehicle and at least one current collector of the vehicle, the current collector being designed to make contact with the power supply line. According to the invention, the power supply line runs along the side of the route and comprises at least two rigid conductor rails running parallel to each other. The at least one current collector also comprises at least one sliding block which is designed to make electrically conductive contact with one of the conductor rails from the side and to slide on the conductor rail. According to the invention, the power supply line has a modular design and comprises a large number of carrier modules which each comprise a base body that can be set down on the ground and a carrier extending vertically starting from the base body and which are connected to each other via the conductor rails. Holding elements in which the conductor rails are releasably held are arranged on the carriers. The invention also relates to an electrically driveable vehicle comprising a current collector of the power supply system according to the invention and also to a power supply line.

Description

[0001] Energy supply system for a vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to an energy supply system for an electrically driven vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 as well as to an energy supply line and a corresponding vehicle.

[0003] Recently, there has been increasing focus on the problem and the desired reduction of environmental impacts and global warming. For this reason, the electrification of vehicles, especially large construction machinery for moving general and bulk materials, is becoming an increasingly important topic. This also applies to mining and open-pit mining, where constant transport routes are traveled with the highest possible frequency. In particular, dump trucks with a loading volume of over 100 tons are predominantly powered by diesel-electric drives. These drives consist of a conventional combustion engine that drives an integrated generator, which in turn supplies the electrical energy for the electric traction motors. Therefore, solutions are being sought that make it possible to replace such diesel-electric drives or at least limit their operation as much as possible without compromising productivity.One option is to replace the diesel-electric drive with batteries that supply energy to the traction drives. However, such batteries are expensive and have a comparatively low energy density, which is why they must be charged very quickly or during extended driving periods.

[0004] In open-cast mining, where dump trucks typically travel long, straight routes from the loading point to their destination, they have recently been increasingly supplied with power via overhead line systems on selected sections. For this purpose, the dump trucks are equipped with appropriate current collectors, such as pantographs or current collector rods, which contact the overhead line from below and collect the energy to operate the electric traction drives and, if necessary, to charge batteries. In addition to the significant savings in diesel consumption and CO2 emissions, this can also optionally increase performance and reduce travel times.

[0005] For predominantly straight lines, it is common practice to install pantographs as current collectors, as they allow for simple and quick mechanical contact with the overhead line, even during movement. A disadvantage of this technology, however, is that this type of pantograph requires a straight line and is therefore unsuitable for lines with tight curves, as is often the case in mining with winding mountain roads. Alternatively, actively adjustable pantographs can be used, as described, for example, in WO 2021 063 586 A1. This makes overhead line operation possible even on curved lines.

[0006] Both solutions are based on overhead line systems, meaning the overhead line runs above the roadway or the supplied vehicles, and the pantographs contact these from below. The required height of the overhead line system's masts, as well as the need to route the current-carrying lines above the roadway via arms that extend far outwards, require the masts to 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 is based on the object of providing an energy supply system for such vehicles equipped with pantographs, which is easy to install and flexible to use.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a power supply system having the features of claim 1, by a power supply line having the features of claim 17, and by a vehicle having the features of claim 18. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

[0009] Accordingly, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a power supply system for providing electrical energy for an electrically driven vehicle is proposed. The power supply system comprises a power supply line extending along a route or roadway for the vehicle and at least one vehicle-mounted current collector, in particular a pole current collector, which is designed to contact the power supply line. The term "power supply line" is to be interpreted broadly and is intended generally to refer to the external system that provides the energy for tapping by the current collector. The term "power supply line" is therefore not limited to the actual electrical lines; the support structure for the electrical conductors is also part of the power supply line.

[0010] According to the invention, the power supply line does not run above the track as in previous overhead line systems, but rather laterally along the track, particularly at the level of the vehicles collecting the power. This results in a lower power supply line height and makes installation easier. Furthermore, the electrical conductors of the power supply line are not formed by flexible wires, but by at least two rigid conductor rails that run parallel to each other along the track. These not only give the power supply line greater stability and rigidity overall, but can also be designed to transmit very high currents with a comparatively small number of feed-in points. The conductor rails can, in principle, be of any shape, as long as sufficient current-conducting contact is ensured by the current collector.

[0011] According to the invention, the at least one current collector has at least one sliding shoe designed to make electrically conductive contact with the conductor rail from the side and to slide thereon as the vehicle passes the power supply line. The sliding shoe can be or comprise a replaceable contact strip made of an electrically conductive material, e.g., a carbon contact strip. References to "the current collector" (singular) in the following always refer to the at least one current collector.

[0012] According to the invention, the power supply line has a modular structure and comprises a plurality of support modules to which the conductor rails are or can be attached. Each of the support modules comprises a base body that can be placed on the ground and a support that extends upwards from the base body (especially vertically on a flat, horizontal surface). The support modules are therefore preferably not anchored in the ground, but simply placed on the ground, whereby the ground can be suitably prepared for this purpose. This allows the power supply line according to the invention to be installed quickly and easily and, in particular, can be converted for other purposes or used at a different location.

[0013] 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, particularly precast concrete elements. Optionally, the base bodies can also include connecting elements to connect them to the ground or anchor them in the ground if necessary.

[0014] The support modules are connected to each other via the conductor rails, which are detachably attached or attachable to retaining elements arranged on the supports. The retaining elements are arranged, in particular, on the sides of the supports. The conductor rails, thanks to their rigid design, ensure the necessary stability of the power supply line, preventing it from tipping over or vibrating when a pantograph of a passing vehicle presses against the conductor rails. This is advantageous because the power supply line is not firmly anchored in the ground via foundations, but is simply placed on the ground via the support modules.

[0015] The conductor rails thus fulfill a dual function in the power supply line according to the invention. On the one hand, their rigid design makes them suitable for providing high currents. On the other hand, they represent rigid connecting elements for the carrier modules, thus ensuring sufficient stability and rigidity of the power supply line.

[0016] Tapping the electrical power from the side instead of the top also offers the advantage that the power supply line can be designed for different vehicle types and / or requirements without having to provide different support structures. For example, several pairs of conductor rails can be provided on the supports, providing different voltages and / or positioned appropriately for contacting the pantographs of differently dimensioned vehicles. With an overhead line, however, all vehicles in operation must reach the same height to tap the power.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the carrier modules are connected to each other only via the conductor rails. The carrier modules are therefore not connected to each other via any other connecting elements. The conductor rails represent the only connecting elements of the carrier modules. This results in a particularly simple structure for the power supply line.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the conductor rails can be fixedly connected to the supports. These are, in particular, firmly anchored in the support's retaining elements. This results in a stable structure for the power supply line.

[0019] In another possible embodiment, the base bodies are not anchored in the ground, but are merely set on the ground and are preferably prefabricated components, particularly precast concrete components. The precast concrete components can be, for example, concrete barriers for road closures or concrete blocks with interlocking projections and recesses, similar to a clamping block. The supports can be designed as steel beams.

[0020] The supports can be permanently connected to the base body, for example, cast into a concrete block serving as the base body. Alternatively, the supports can be connected to the base body in an adjustable manner, for example, using screws and / or bolts. This allows the height and / or verticality of the supports to be adjusted and adapted to uneven ground, for example. Height adjustability could also be achieved using telescopic supports.

[0021] In a further possible embodiment, the power supply line comprises at least one guide aid for easily establishing a coupling between conductor rails and current collectors, which guide aid runs continuously along the conductor rails. The guide aid facilitates the coupling of current collectors to conductor rails. Because it runs continuously along the conductor rails, the coupling can be established at any location and not just at defined coupling points. Preferably, the guide aid extends substantially along the entire length of the power supply line. The guide aid is preferably composed of several interconnected individual segments. The guide aid can be made of an insulating material such as a glass fiber reinforced plastic.

[0022] The guide aid can have an opening area that widens towards the roadway side (i.e. the side on which the vehicles drawing the power travel), which allows the current collector to be coupled at any position on the power supply line. The opening area that widens towards the vehicle or the current collector allows easy coupling without the current collector having to hit the conductor rails exactly. The current collector is preferably guided to the conductor rails by guide surfaces in the opening area, which are arranged above and below the conductor rails and are inclined accordingly. The guide aid can have an essentially V-shaped cross-section. The profiling of the guide aid can increase the stability or rigidity of the power supply line.

[0023] The conductor rails and the guide aid can each be composed of several individual segments, whereby the guide aid segments preferably extend over the connection points of the conductor rail segments in order to further increase stability (staggered arrangement of the segments).

[0024] Alternatively or in addition to a guide aid, which enables easier coupling between current collector(s) and conductor rail(s) at any point along the power supply line, the power supply line can comprise at least one feed aid, which is arranged at a specific point, in particular at one end of the conductor rail(s), and is designed to guide the current collector to the conductor rail(s) when contact is made between the current collector and conductor rail(s). The feed aid preferably forms a feed channel that is open towards the roadway side and preferably tapers in a funnel shape or conically towards the associated conductor rail(s). The current collector and feed aid can be designed such that the wall of the feed aid is contacted by at least one sliding block of the current collector or by a separating device arranged between two sliding blocks.The at least one feeder can be attached to a support, directly to one or more conductor rails, and / or to a holding element. Preferably, the at least one feeder is made of an insulating material, such as a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0025] In another possible embodiment, the conductor rails have a contact surface facing the roadway side, which can be contacted by a sliding block of the current collector. Preferably, the conductor rails have a first contact surface that tapers toward the roadway side, and the sliding blocks have a complementary second contact surface that widens or opens toward the conductor rails. The taper can be achieved via appropriately beveled surfaces and / or via a curved surface of the conductor rails.

[0026] In a further possible embodiment, the conductor rails each have a hollow profile. The conductor rails can be extruded metal profiles. Preferably, the first contact surface is formed, among other things, by a conductor wire anchored or clamped in the hollow profile. This makes it possible to provide a defined contact surface for the sliding block of the current collector. Preferably, current is transmitted not only via the conductor wire, but via the entire hollow profile of a conductor rail. The sliding block comprises, in particular, a correspondingly shaped contacting groove that accommodates the conductor wire. However, the conductor wire is not mandatory. Alternatively, the conductor rail could be a closed hollow profile.

[0027] In another possible embodiment, the entire hollow profile is made of a conductive material, in particular metal (e.g., an aluminum alloy). The conductor rails are also 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 track sections and curved segments for curved sections), so that a power supply line suitable for the respective track layout can be assembled in a modular manner. This allows for the full benefits of a modular design.

[0028] The aforementioned connecting means are preferably also made of a conductive material and designed to form a conductive bridge between the connected individual segments. The connecting means can comprise connecting plates that can be connected, in particular screwed, to the end regions of the individual segments. For better current transmission between the individual segments, connecting plates can be provided not only on the outside but also inside the hollow profile. These connecting plates have a suitable thickness to ensure good current transmission.

[0029] In a further possible embodiment, the supports have a first side on which at least one holding element with a receiving area for receiving and fastening at least one, preferably two conductor rails is arranged. This allows a first pair of conductor rails to be attached to the first side of the power supply line, with this first side facing the roadway side. The conductor rails are connected to the respective supports via the holding elements, in particular electrically insulated. The holding elements are preferably constructed in such a way that they allow uncomplicated installation of the conductor rails. The holding elements can comprise a body made of a dielectric material and electrically insulates the conductor rails from the support.

[0030] The retaining elements preferably comprise an opening area that widens toward the roadway side and / or a fastening section for attaching the aforementioned guide aid. The opening area can itself constitute such a guide aid. However, a guide aid extending continuously between the support modules is preferably connected, for example, by screwing, to the retaining elements (in particular to the aforementioned fastening sections).

[0031] In a further possible embodiment, at least two holding elements, namely at least a first and a second holding element, are arranged one above the other on the first side of each support, each comprising a receiving area for receiving and fastening two conductor rails. This allows more than one pair of conductor rails to be arranged simultaneously on the first side of the power supply line, for example, two pairs of conductor rails. Different vehicle types can be supplied with power simultaneously via the at least two pairs of conductor rails (e.g., different construction machines with different current collector heights and / or with different tapped currents or voltages).This is where the fact that pairs of conductor rails can be attached at different heights to the vertically aligned supports of the power supply line comes into play, so that the power supply system can be flexibly adapted to different construction machines or different requirements.

[0032] It is also conceivable for the supports to have at least two support elements arranged one above the other, but with only a single pair of conductor rails on the first side. These can be mounted, for example, in the first (e.g., lower) or second (e.g., upper) support elements, depending on the vehicle type to be supplied. The unoccupied support elements can remain free.

[0033] In a further possible embodiment, the supports have a second side opposite the first side, on which at least one holding element with a receiving area for receiving and fastening at least one, preferably two, conductor rails is arranged. This configuration is suitable for use of the power supply line for two parallel lanes on which vehicles with suitable current collectors travel in different directions. In this case, the power supply line is designed to be arranged between the two lanes. On each of the two sides, the power supply line has at least one pair of conductor rails, which are contacted by current collectors of vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

[0034] On a level section of track, vehicles traveling in both directions can thus be supplied with energy from the power supply line. On an inclined section, however, the vehicles travel uphill on one side, while those traveling downhill on the opposite side. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicles traveling downhill can feed energy, generated, for example, by an integrated generator during downhill travel, into the power supply line and use this energy to supply the vehicles traveling uphill on the other side and / or to feed it into an energy source connected to the power supply line.

[0035] In another possible embodiment, each support module comprises only one base element and only one support. The support modules can preferably be arranged at different distances from one another and connected to the conductor rails at different locations, resulting in a particularly flexible structure.

[0036] In a further possible embodiment, it is provided that the at least one current collector is actively adjustable both horizontally and vertically. For example, the current collector can be actively pivoted about a vertical first pivot axis. In addition, the current collector can be actively pivoted about a second pivot axis running perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The current collector is adjusted in particular with the aid of different actuators, for example via hydraulic cylinders, although electric or pneumatic actuators or cylinders are also conceivable. The active adjustment of the current collector is carried out in particular to establish and release the coupling to the power supply line. During electrical line operation (= coupled state), the actuators are preferably deactivated. This preferably takes place automatically via a corresponding control unit.

[0037] The at least one current collector preferably further comprises a spring arrangement by means of which the current collector is passively pressed against the power supply line in the coupled state to ensure a consistently stable, current-conducting contact and to compensate for relative movements between the vehicle and the power supply line. Preferably, the actuators by which the current collector is actively adjustable are deactivated in the coupled state or during line operation of the vehicle, so that only the "passive adjustment" of the current collector remains active.

[0038] In a further possible embodiment, the at least one pantograph comprises a compensating device that exerts an uprighting force on the pantograph that counteracts gravity. This prevents the pantograph, which is pivotally mounted at one end in particular as a single-armed lever, from sagging downward under its own weight. The compensating device can comprise or represent a spring element, although other elastic elements such as tension bands are also conceivable. The spring element can be a tension or compression spring. Alternatively or additionally, the compensating device can comprise or represent a counterweight.

[0039] In a further possible embodiment, the power supply system comprises at least one pair of current collectors, each with a sliding shoe for contacting a conductor rail. The vehicle in question therefore does not have a single current collector that contacts both conductor rails simultaneously, but rather two separate current collectors, each of which contacts one of the conductor rails of a conductor rail pair of the power supply line via a sliding shoe. One of the current collectors contacts the negative pole (or the "negative conductor rail"), and the other current collector contacts the positive pole (or the "positive conductor rail"). The current collectors of a current collector pair are preferably arranged one above the other and can be movable independently of one another or together.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the at least one current collector comprises two sliding shoes for contacting one of the conductor rails. In this embodiment, the vehicle in question therefore has only a single current collector with two sliding shoes, a first and a second sliding shoe, which simultaneously contacts both conductor rails (positive conductor rail and negative conductor rail). The sliding shoes are preferably mounted so that they can move relative to one another, for example, they are pivotally and / or linearly displaceably mounted, so that deviations in the distance between the two conductor rails can be compensated for. For this purpose, both sliding shoes or just one of the two sliding shoes can be movably mounted on a head of the current collector.The current collector comprises a first electrical conductor connected to the first sliding block and a second electrical conductor connected to the second sliding block, which are electrically insulated from each other by an insulator. The current collector preferably has a separating device made of an electrical insulator, which is arranged between the two sliding blocks and prevents a short circuit. The separating device can optionally be configured to contact a feed aid as described above and to guide the current collector or the sliding blocks to the associated conductor rails.

[0041] In another possible embodiment, the at least one sliding shoe is movably mounted on a head of the current collector. This allows the sliding shoe to compensate for relative movements between the vehicle and the power supply line to maintain a conductive contact. Preferably, the bearing of the sliding shoe is also made of a conductive material, thus forming part of the electrical connection between the sliding shoe and the vehicle's power electronics. The bearing preferably enables the sliding shoe to rotate about more than one axis of rotation, so that it can optimally follow the respective conductor rail. The bearing can, in particular, be designed as a ball joint.

[0042] In a design with two sliding shoes, each of the sliding shoes can be mounted on the head of the current collector via a bearing, for example a ball bearing, so that both sliding shoes are movably mounted independently of one another via the bearings. Alternatively, the head can be movably connected to an arm or pole rod of the current collector via a bearing, for example a ball bearing, with both sliding shoes being connected to the head. In the latter design variant, the sliding shoes can also be mounted on the head so that they can move relative to one another, for example about one axis each, about two axes each, or each pivot and / or move linearly via their own ball bearing in order to compensate for deviations in the relative distance between the two conductor rails.

[0043] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a power supply line for a power supply system according to the invention. This obviously results in the same advantages, properties, and possible embodiments as for the power supply system according to the invention, which is why a repetitive description is omitted here. The power supply line according to the invention preferably has a modular structure, as described above. The power supply line can have straight and / or uneven sections, with the conductor rails being designed to be straight and / or curved accordingly.

[0044] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to an electrically driven vehicle having at least one current collector of the energy supply system according to the invention. The properties, advantages, and embodiments previously mentioned with regard to the at least one current collector thus apply accordingly to the vehicle according to the invention. The vehicle further comprises an electric drive system, which, in an electrical line mode (here also referred to simply as line mode), taps electrical energy from the energy supply line according to the invention via the current collector.

[0045] The vehicle according to the invention can be a rail-bound vehicle or a road vehicle. In particular, the vehicle can be a construction machine, for example, for moving piece goods and bulk materials. The vehicle according to the invention can be a dump truck, for example, a rigid frame dumper or an off-road haul truck.

[0046] In one possible embodiment, the at least one current collector is arranged on one side of the vehicle, i.e., mounted on the side of the vehicle. Preferably, the current collector is mounted in the area of ​​a driver's cab of the vehicle.

[0047] Alternatively, the at least one current collector can be arranged on a support device that is attached to the front of the vehicle. The support device can have a structure known from WO 2021 063 586 A1, wherein the current collector can be mounted laterally on such a support device.

[0048] In another possible embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a control unit by means of which the at least one pantograph can be actively adjusted. The control unit actuates corresponding actuators that adjust the pantograph. The pantograph is actively adjustable, in particular, in the horizontal and vertical directions. The control unit can be the vehicle control system or a separate control unit.

[0049] The control unit is preferably configured to automatically control the at least one current collector to establish contact with the power supply line, particularly while driving. As soon as the current collector is in contact with the power supply line and the vehicle is drawing power from it, the control unit preferably deactivates the actuators so that the current collector can follow the power supply line. In this state, the current collector is preferably pressed passively against the power supply line, for example, via spring elements.

[0050] In a further possible embodiment, the vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel-electric drive, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to switch from internal combustion operation, in particular diesel-electric operation, to electrical line operation when the at least one current collector is in contact with the power supply line, and vice versa. The switchover preferably occurs automatically.

[0051] In an alternative possible embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle comprises at least one energy storage device, in particular at least one battery or battery pack, and at least one electric drive. The at least one electric drive can be supplied with energy in battery operation via the at least one energy storage device, for example when there is no connection to a power supply line according to the invention. In addition, the at least one drive can be supplied with electrical energy in line operation via the at least one current collector. In line operation, the energy storage device can be rechargeable. The vehicle further comprises a control unit which is configured to switch from battery operation to line operation when the at least one current collector is in contact with the power supply line, and vice versa. The switching preferably takes place automatically.

[0052] Alternatively or in addition to an energy storage device, the vehicle can comprise at least one fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, which supplies the at least one electric traction motor with electrical energy in fuel cell mode, wherein a preferably automatic switching between fuel cell mode and line mode occurs via the control unit. The present invention further relates to a set comprising a power supply line according to the invention and at least one vehicle according to the invention. This obviously results in the same advantages, properties, and possible embodiments as for the power supply system according to the invention, which is why a repeated description is omitted here.

[0053] A method for installing the power supply line according to the invention could comprise the following steps (removal can be carried out in reverse order):

[0054] Preparing the subsoil, e.g. by stabilising and / or levelling the ground;

[0055] Erection of the support modules by placing the base bodies on the prepared ground, whereby preferably no anchoring of the support modules to the ground takes place;

[0056] Inserting a first conductor rail into the holding elements of the carrier modules;

[0057] Inserting a second conductor rail into the holding elements of the carrier modules, wherein the second conductor rail is preferably arranged above the first conductor rail;

[0058] Fastening the ladder rails in the holding elements;

[0059] Connecting the conductor rails to an external energy source, preferably at several feed points;

[0060] Preferably, the conductor rails are constructed from several individual segments, which are connected to each other and / or to the support modules. The power supply line preferably comprises a guide aid and / or at least one feed aid as described above. The guide aid can be attached to the holding elements before or after installation of the conductor rails and can also be constructed from several individual elements. The conductor rails can be installed manually by human personnel. A method for establishing an electrical connection between a vehicle's current collector and the power supply line could comprise the following steps:

[0061] Approaching the vehicle to the power supply line, preferably in diesel-electric mode, battery mode or fuel cell mode as previously described, until a defined maximum distance is exceeded (which is determined in particular by the length and design of the pantograph), preferably at any point on the power supply line;

[0062] Initiating a coupling sequence, wherein the current collector is moved by actuators, in particular pivoted out, until it contacts the conductor rail(s); preferably: adjusting power electronics of the vehicle to control a current flow from the current collector to an electric traction motor and / or to a battery of the vehicle;

[0063] Moving the vehicle in an electrical line operation in which current is taken from the power supply line;

[0064] Reaching a desired end position (e.g. the end of the power supply line);

[0065] Initiating a decoupling sequence, wherein the pantograph is moved by means of actuators, in particular pivoted in, until it no longer contacts the conductor rail(s) and optionally reaches a parking position; preferably: continued travel in diesel-electric operation, battery operation, or fuel cell operation.

[0066] The coupling and uncoupling sequence can be performed either at a standstill or while driving. The execution and, if necessary, also the initiation can be performed automatically by a control unit of the vehicle (e.g., a vehicle control system). Alternatively, the initiation can be performed by the driver.

[0067] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments explained with reference to the figures. In the figures: Fig. 1: a perspective view of the vehicle according to the invention in

[0068] Contact with the power supply line according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0069] Fig. 2: a front view of the vehicle according to the invention according to Figure 1;

[0070] Fig. 3a-b: Partial views of the vehicle according to the invention with two alternative embodiments of the power supply line;

[0071] Fig. 4: a perspective view of the vehicle according to the invention in

[0072] Contact with the power supply line according to the invention according to a second embodiment;

[0073] Fig. 5: another perspective view of the vehicle according to Figure 4 with the pantograph in a parking position;

[0074] Fig. 6a-c: perspective views of an embodiment of the power supply line according to the invention in different construction stages;

[0075] Fig. 7: a perspective view of the rear of the power supply cable with holding element;

[0076] Fig. 8: a sectional view through the holding element and conductor rails according to an embodiment of the power supply line according to the invention;

[0077] Fig. 8a, 8b: a second embodiment of the electrical contacts of the stationary power supply station;

[0078] Fig. 9: a section through an embodiment of a conductor rail; Fig. 10: a side view of an embodiment of a current collector of the vehicle according to the invention;

[0079] Fig. 11 : a perspective view of the current collector according to Fig. 10;

[0080] Fig. 12: a longitudinal section through the head area of ​​the current collector according to Fig. 11;

[0081] Fig. 13: a perspective view of the current collector according to Fig. 11 on

[0082] Vehicle according to Fig. 1 in contact with the power supply line;

[0083] Fig. 14: an enlarged view of the head of the current collector according to Fig. 13 in contact with the conductor rails;

[0084] Fig. 15: an enlarged view of a sliding shoe of the current collector according to Fig. 14; and

[0085] Fig. 16: a schematic representation of the electrical components of the energy supply system according to the invention according to an embodiment.

[0086] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the vehicle 10 according to the invention and the power supply line 20 according to the invention according to a first exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 shows a corresponding front view. In this exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 according to the invention is an electrically driven dump truck 10, which belongs in particular to the category of so-called small or mid-size trucks with a loading volume of approximately 100 l. The dump truck 10 has a trough 12 that can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis. A vehicle platform, on which a driver's cab is located, is provided at the front of the vehicle above the radiator. A flat surface of the trough 12 projects over the platform in the form of a canopy. The dump truck 10 has at least one electric motor as a traction motor or traction drive for the rear axle, which is supplied with energy via a battery (or a battery pack) of the dump truck 10 in battery operation.At least two electric drive motors are preferred. Raising and lowering the trough 12 can be done hydraulically or via electric actuators.

[0087] Alternatively, the dump truck 10 could be based on a diesel-electric principle, in which an installed diesel engine drives a generator in diesel-electric mode, which in turn powers the electric motors (drive motors) of the rear axle of the dump truck 10. In this case, the dump truck 10 can preferably have a branch transmission connected to an output of the diesel engine and drives the hydraulics of the dump truck 10, among other things for raising and lowering the trough 12.

[0088] The dump truck 10 can be supplied with electrical energy via an external power supply system, which can be used to drive the electric drive units and optionally to charge one or more installed batteries. The dump truck 10 can be operated in line-powered mode using only the power supply system and in battery mode using the internal battery (or, when using a diesel generator, in diesel-electric mode).

[0089] The power supply system according to the invention comprises a power supply line 20 and one or more current collectors 40 of the dump truck 10. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1-2, the dump truck 10 has a single two-pole current collector 40, which contacts the power supply line 20 and draws power therefrom. Alternatively, two single-pole current collectors could be provided.

[0090] According to the invention, the power supply line 20 is not arranged as an overhead line above the roadway, but rather laterally next to the roadway, so that the electrical energy for the line operation of the dump truck 10 is tapped from the side and not from below.

[0091] According to the invention, the power supply line 20 has a modular design and comprises a plurality of support modules 25 that carry the electrical lines that provide the current for tapping via the current collector 40. The electrical lines are not flexible as in the case of a conventional overhead line, but are designed as rigid conductor rails 21, 22, which run parallel to one another laterally at the level of the dump truck 10 and are electrically contacted by the current collector 40.

[0092] The support modules 25 have a base body 24 that can be placed on the ground and, as shown in Fig. 1, can be constructed as a precast concrete component. The support modules 25 further comprise an upright support 26, which can be formed, for example, by a steel support that is permanently embedded in the base body 24 or connected to the base body 24 in an adjustable, particularly vertically adjustable, manner via a screw-nut or bolt connection.

[0093] Located on the sides of the supports 26 are holding elements 30 (see Fig. 2 for a possible embodiment), in which the conductor rails 21, 22 are accommodated. One of the conductor rails of a conductor rail pair 21, 22 can represent the negative pole, and the other conductor rail can represent the positive pole.

[0094] This modular design allows the power supply line 20 to be quickly and easily installed and flexibly adapted to the desired route. The power supply line 20 is, in particular, simply placed on the ground via the base body 24, eliminating the need for complex anchoring in the ground via foundations. This also makes it possible to continually adapt the power supply line to the regularly changing route layouts in open-cast or mining operations. Furthermore, the power supply line 20 can be easily dismantled and deployed in a different configuration on a different route. The design of the holding elements 30 and the conductor rails 21, 22 allows the spacing of the support modules 25 from one another to be varied, preferably flexibly.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the support modules 25 are connected to one another only by the rigid conductor rails 21, 22, the latter rigidly connecting the support modules 25 to one another and providing the necessary stability to the power supply line 20 as a whole. This prevents vibrations of the power supply line 20 when contacted by a vehicle 10 and prevents the support modules 25 from tipping over. Overall, this results in a stable yet quickly and flexibly convertible design of the power supply line 20. Optionally, the base bodies 24 can have fastening elements to anchor them to the ground if necessary.

[0096] The conductor rails 21, 22 are preferably constructed from several interconnected (in particular, screwed) individual segments. In addition to the straight rail segments shown, curved segments may be present, so that the power supply line 20 can be used not only in straight track sections but also in curves, for example, in mining.

[0097] As can be seen in Figure 2, the holding elements 30 are located on a first side of the supports 26, which faces the roadway or the dump truck 10 (roadway side). The holding elements 30 are preferably located approximately at the height of the driver's cab of the dump truck 10 or at the height of the mounting of the current collector 40 on the dump truck 10. This allows the supports 26 to be lower than the support masts in conventional overhead line systems. This simple, low construction of the power supply line 20 saves material and eliminates the need for anchoring using concrete foundations.

[0098] Furthermore, this design of the power supply line 20 allows for significantly more flexible use than with known overhead lines, which can only supply certain, suitable vehicle types. Figures 3a-b show two further embodiments of the power supply line 20, again in a front view with the dump truck 10 only partially visible.

[0099] In the embodiment of Figure 3a, the supports 26 have two holding elements 30, 30' arranged one above the other on the first side. A first pair of conductor rails 21, 22 is fastened in the lower holding elements 30, while a second pair of conductor rails is received in the upper holding elements 30'. The partially displayed dump truck 10 contacts the lower pair of conductor rails 21, 22 in the illustrated embodiment. With this configuration, for example, different vehicle types can be supplied with different voltages. The same support structure of the power supply line 20 can be used for this, with only further pairs of conductor rails being added. More than two pairs of conductor rails can be arranged on one side of the support modules 25.

[0100] Figure 3b shows a further embodiment in which a second pair of conductor rails is arranged on the (second) side of the supports 26 opposite the first side. For this purpose, the supports 26 have corresponding second holding elements 30 on the second side. These can, as shown in Figure 3b, be arranged at the same height as the holding elements 30 on the first side. The second pair of conductor rails can provide the same voltage as the first pair of conductor rails. The power supply line 20 can be arranged in the middle between two lanes on which dump trucks 10 travel in different directions. This configuration allows the dump trucks 10 to be supplied with electrical energy in both directions via the power supply line 20, with the same support structure being used for both directions of travel.

[0101] Such a configuration can be used on any route. If there is an incline where the dump trucks 10 travel downhill in one direction and uphill in the other direction, it can optionally be provided that the downhill dump trucks 10 generate energy and feed it into the power supply line 20 via their pantographs 40, while the uphill dump trucks 10 on the other side draw energy via the power supply line 20.

[0102] The embodiments of Figures 3a and 3b can of course be combined with each other, ie several pairs of conductor rails can be arranged on both sides in order to supply different vehicle types with different voltages in both directions of travel.

[0103] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1-3b, the dump truck 10 has a support device 14 at the front of the vehicle, on which the current collector 40 is mounted laterally (in the embodiment shown, on the right side of the dump truck 10). The support device 14 can, as shown in Figure 1, comprise four longitudinal rods that converge diagonally upwards from the front of the vehicle and are connected there to a bracket on which the current collector 40 is mounted. The bracket is located in particular at the level of the conductor rails 21, 22. The longitudinal rods are connected to one another via several cross struts in order to increase the stability of the support device 14.

[0104] An alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 4 and 5. The dump truck 10 is essentially identical to the embodiment of Figures 1-3b, with the current collector 40 not mounted on a front support device 14, but rather laterally in the area of ​​the driver's cab (in the embodiment shown, on the left side of the dump truck 10).

[0105] In Figure 5, the current collector 40 is in a parked position, folded diagonally downwards, in which it is not in contact with the power supply line 20. This parked position can also represent a maintenance position, in which one or more sliding shoes 44 of the current collector 40 can be replaced from the ground. Using appropriate actuators, the current collector 40 can be actively moved between the operating position, in which the current collector can be brought into contact with the power supply line 20 (see Fig. 4), and the parked position (see Fig. 5). For this purpose, the dump truck 10 can have a suitable holding device (not shown) in which the current collector 40 can be placed or held in the parked position. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1-3b, the current collector 40 can also have a parked position, and here too, the dump truck 10 can have a suitable holding device (not shown).

[0106] Figures 6a-c show a section of the power supply line 20 according to the invention according to an exemplary embodiment in different construction stages. Figure 6a shows three support modules 25 without mounted conductor rails 21, 22 directly after installation. The holding elements 30 each have a receiving area for receiving and fastening the conductor rails 21, 22 of a conductor rail pair. The receiving area has an opening area that widens towards the roadway side, from which contact is made via the current collector 40. During assembly, the conductor rails 21, 22 are inserted into the receiving area of ​​the holding elements 30 through this opening area.

[0107] Figure 6b shows the three support modules 25 after a first, lower conductor rail 21 has been inserted into the holding elements 30 and secured therein. A second, upper conductor rail 22 can then be installed and secured in the holding elements 30 (see Fig. 6c). The reverse sequence, in which the upper conductor rail 22 is installed first and then the lower conductor rail 21, is of course also possible.

[0108] Figure 7 shows one of the holding elements 30 with both inserted conductor rails 21, 22 obliquely from the side with a view of the rear sides of the conductor rails 21, 22. The supply of current into the power supply line 20, i.e. into the conductor rails 21, 22, takes place via a power source 23, which is only shown schematically as a box in Figure 7 and is preferably connected to the conductor rails 21, 22 via a plurality of feed points along the power supply line 20.

[0109] In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the power supply line 20 comprises a guide aid 32 to ensure a simple and correct mechanical coupling between the current collector 40 and the conductor rails 21, 22. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the guide aid 32 extends along the entire length of the power supply line 20, so that a mechanical coupling can take place at any desired location. In particular, there are no designated coupling points; rather, contact between the current collector 40 and the conductor rails 21, 22 can occur at any desired location along the power supply line 20.

[0110] Alternatively, one or more feed aids forming a feed channel can be provided, which are arranged, for example, at one end of the conductor rails 21, 22.

[0111] Figure 8 shows a cross-section through a holding element 30 with the two inserted conductor rails 21, 22 according to one exemplary embodiment. The guide aid 32 comprises two guide surfaces which are connected (e.g. screwed) to corresponding fastening sections 34 of the holding elements 30. The guide surfaces 32 are arranged above and below the conductor rails 21, 22 and form a V-shaped opening or contact area for the current collector 40, which opens towards the driver's side. Due to the bevelled guide surfaces, the current collector 40 is automatically deflected or guided towards the conductor rails 21, 22 in the event of suboptimal contact. The guide aid 32 is preferably made of an electrically insulating or dielectric material such as a glass fibre reinforced plastic.Preferably, the guide aid 32 is constructed from several individual segments which are connected to one another and / or to the holding elements 30 at the fastening sections 34.

[0112] Alternatively, the conductor rails 21, 22 can have flat or curved contact surfaces (without conductor wire) on the side facing the vehicle 10, which form the electrical contacts. A possible embodiment is shown in side views in Figures 8a and 8b. Figure 8a shows the power supply station with base body 24 and support 26, to which the conductor rails 21, 22 and a guide aid are attached. Figure 8b shows an enlarged illustration of the conductor rails 21, 22 and the guide aid 32.

[0113] In this exemplary embodiment, the conductor rails 21, 22 are arranged at an angle to one another and have flat or slightly curved contact surfaces that run obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the support 26. The contact surface of the upper conductor rail 22 points obliquely upwards and the contact surface of the upper conductor rail 21 points obliquely downwards. The conductor rails 21, 22 are fastened to the support 26 via insulator elements. In this case, the guide aid 32 can comprise two guide surfaces, each of which can be fastened between the conductor rail 21, 22 and the insulator element. When coupling the current collector, a current collector head, preferably a dielectric separator arranged thereon between contacts or sliding shoes, slides along the guide surfaces of the guide aid 32 to the conductor rails 21, 22.

[0114] It should be noted at this point that in Figures 1, 4, 5, 13, and 14, the guide aid 32 is only partially or transparently shown. However, the guide aid 32 extends, in particular, along the entire length of the power supply line 20 and does not have to be made of a transparent material.

[0115] Figure 9 shows a preferred embodiment of a conductor rail 21, 22 in cross-section. The conductor rail 21, 22 comprises a rigid hollow profile 60 with solid side walls, which can transmit high currents of, for example, several thousand amperes, depending on the design. The conductor rail 21, 22 has a first contact surface 61 facing the roadway side, which is formed by contact sections 66 converging towards the roadway side. Clamped between these contact sections 66 is a conductor wire 64 which extends parallel to the conductor rail 21, 22 along the entire length of the power supply line 20. The outer sides of the contact sections 66 and of the conductor wire 64 form the first contact surface 61, which is contacted by a corresponding second contact surface 62 of a sliding shoe 44 of the current collector 40.The hollow profile 60 is made of an electrically conductive material, particularly a metal, so that the current is transmitted not only through the conductor wire 64, but through the entire conductor rail 21, 22. Due to the solid construction of the conductor rails 21, 22, the power feed points can be spaced apart. For example, feed points for the external power source 23 can be provided every 500 to 1,000 meters.

[0116] On the sides, the conductor rails 21, 22 have bulges 63, which are delimited by laterally projecting projections and the side walls of the hollow profile 60. As can be seen in Figure 8, the receiving areas of the holding elements 30 have corresponding projecting holding sections 36, onto which the conductor rails 21, 22 can be placed or inserted via their bulges 63.

[0117] The holding elements 30 of the exemplary embodiment shown here preferably comprise a body 31 made of a dielectric material, which electrically insulates the supports 26 from the conductor rails 21, 22. The holding sections 36 can be formed from the same dielectric material as the body 31 and, in particular, can be formed integrally therewith. The holding elements 30 preferably comprise a holder 35 welded to the support 26 (this holder can be made of metal), into which the body 31 is inserted. The holder 35 can have or form the aforementioned fastening sections 34 for the guide aid 32. The holding elements 30 preferably comprise fastening means for releasably fastening the conductor rails 21, 22 (not shown). The fastening can preferably be effected by means of screws.

[0118] The individual segments of the conductor rails 21, 22 can be connected to one another or to the support modules 25 at the holding elements 30. Alternatively or additionally, the individual segments of the conductor rails 21, 22 can also be connected to one another between the holding elements 30. For this purpose, suitable connecting plates can be provided, for example, which can be screwed to the end regions of the conductor rail segments. To ensure the transmission of current between the individual segments, inner plates can be provided at the connecting regions, which are located within the hollow profile 60 when connected. According to an alternative exemplary embodiment not shown in the figures, the holding elements could comprise individual clamp elements, in which the conductor rails 21, 22 are each fastened or clamped (for example via clamp parts that can be screwed to one another) and which are preferably each connected to a support 26 (orwith a fastening element attached to the carrier 26).

[0119] Preferably, the conductor rails 21, 22 are made of a lightweight material, such as an aluminum alloy. This ensures good power transmission while keeping the weight of the conductor rails 21, 22 low, allowing them to be easily installed and handled manually by human personnel.

[0120] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a double-pole current collector 40 for contacting the power supply line 20 of the illustrated embodiment. The current collector 40 is designed as a rod current collector with a pole rod 41, at the free end of which is a head or current collector head 42 with two sliding shoes 44. The head 42 is shown in more detail in Figure 11. Figure 12 shows a longitudinal section through the pole rod 41 in the area of ​​the head 42.

[0121] The current collector 40 is movably mounted on the dump truck 10. The current collector 40 can be actively adjusted in the vertical and horizontal directions via actuators not shown (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or electric actuators). This allows the current collector 40 to be actively brought into contact with the conductor rails 21, 22 in order to transition from battery operation (or, if applicable, from diesel-electric operation) to line operation (and, conversely, the current collector 40 can be moved from the operating position to the parking position). Preferably, the current collector 40 is pivotally mounted about a vertical first axis. Furthermore, the current collector 40 can be pivotally mounted about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Figure 13 shows the current collector 40 of the dump truck 10 in contact with the conductor rails 21, 22 (line operation). In this state, the aforementioned actuators are preferably deactivated.To ensure constant and secure contact between the conductor rails 21, 22, even on uneven roads or when the distance between the dump truck 10 and the power supply line 20 changes, the current collector 40 has, in particular, a spring arrangement 50 that passively presses the current collector 40 against the conductor rails 21, 22 when the actuators are deactivated. In the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 13, the current collector 40 has two springs 50 that pull it outward, i.e., toward the power supply line 20. Alternatively, compression springs could be used.

[0122] As can be seen in Figure 10, the current collector 40 can further comprise a compensating device 52, which prevents the current collector 40 from sagging downward due to gravity or exerts an upward righting force on the current collector 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the compensating device 52 is formed by a compression spring. Alternatively or additionally, the compensating device 52 could comprise or represent a tension spring and / or a counterweight.

[0123] Figure 14 shows the sliding shoes 44 of the current collector 40 in conductive contact with the two conductor rails 21, 22. A detailed view of an individual sliding shoe 44 is shown in Figure 15. The sliding shoes 44 can also be referred to as contact shoes.

[0124] The sliding shoes 44 are movably mounted on the head 42 via bearings 43 to allow for compensation in the event of relative movement between the dump truck 10 and the power supply line 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding shoes 44 are mounted on the head 42 via ball joints 43. The ball joints 43 are preferably made of an electrically conductive material (particularly metal), so that during line operation, the current flows through the ball joints 43. This results in a particularly compact design. The current collector head 42 can be made of a dielectric material or comprise a carrier made of such a material to which the sliding shoes 44 are attached.

[0125] The head 42 preferably includes centering elements 47 that center the movably mounted sliding blocks 44 and deflect them into a normal position. The centering elements 47 can be formed, for example, by flexible rings that surround the ball joints 43 and contact the back of the sliding blocks 44, and in particular are made of a dielectric material (e.g., polyurethane rings). Due to the flexible design, movements of the sliding blocks 44 relative to the head 42 are still possible to compensate for relative movements.

[0126] A separating device 46 is preferably formed on the head 42 between the two sliding blocks 44 and ensures that the sliding blocks 44 do not come into contact with each other or with the respective other conductor rail 21, 22. This prevents short circuits. The separating device 46 can be a partition wall made of a dielectric material formed on the head 42 (see Fig. 14).

[0127] As can be seen in the detailed view of Figure 15, the sliding shoes 44 have a second contact surface 62 complementary to the first contact surface 61 of the conductor rails 21, 22. This second contact surface 62 can be substantially U-shaped or V-shaped. The second contact surface 62 can have a contacting groove 65, which receives the conductor wire 64 of the corresponding conductor rail 21, 22 during contacting.

[0128] In the embodiments shown here, the dump truck 10 has a single two-pole current collector 40. In other words, the current is tapped via a single current collector 40 with two sliding shoes 44, one of the sliding shoes 44 contacting the negative conductor rail and the other sliding shoe 44 contacting the positive conductor rail. For this purpose, the current collector 40 can have a compact design as shown in Fig. 12. The interior of the pole rod 41 forms a first electrical conductor 74, for example, a solid or hollow inner conductor rod 74. This is electrically connected to a first connector 71, which in turn is electrically connected to the corresponding sliding shoe 44 via cable 48 (see Figs. 11 and 14). The inner conductor rod 74 may be surrounded by an electrically conductive outer hollow tube 75, which forms a second electrical conductor 75, which is connected to the other sliding shoe 44 via a second connector 72 and corresponding cables 48.The outer conductor tube 75 is electrically insulated from the inner conductor rod 74 by insulation layers 73 (e.g., fiberglass layers). This results in a particularly compact design of the two-pole current collector 40. Alternatively, separate cables could run along the pole rod 41 to the dump truck 10. Alternatively, two separate electrically conductive conductor rods could be provided.

[0129] According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the two-pole current collector 40 can have a head 42 connected to the pole rod 41 via a ball joint, so that both sliding shoes 44 can be pivoted together via the ball joint. Additionally, the sliding shoes 44 can be mounted on the head 42 so that they can move relative to one another (in particular, pivot and / or translate) in order to compensate for deviations in the distance between the conductor rails 21, 22. The head 42 can be made of a dielectric material and simultaneously function as a separating device 46.

[0130] Instead of a single two-pole current collector 40, two separate single-pole current collectors 40, each with a single sliding shoe 44, could also be provided. These can be mechanically coupled to one another and actively adjustable together, or they can be independently movable and actively adjustable via separate actuators.

[0131] Figure 16 shows a schematic representation of the electrical components of the energy supply system according to the invention according to one exemplary embodiment. The power for charging internal batteries 18 and / or for driving the electric traction motors 16 of the dump truck 10 is provided via the current collector 40, which taps the current provided by the energy source 23 at the conductor rails 21, 22 of the power supply line 20. Power electronics 17 of the dump truck 10 is located between the traction motors 16 and, if applicable, batteries 18 and the current collector 40.

[0132] In the previously described embodiments, designs with two conductors are shown, 21 and 22. Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to add a third rail for grounding.

[0133] In a usual manner, an introduction or connecting tunnel for the current collectors can also be provided at the beginning of the conductor rails, which serves to establish the connection between the current collectors and the conductor rails.

[0134] The energy supply system according to the invention is suitable both for fully autonomously operated vehicles 10, in which the vehicle 10 can be kept precisely at a predetermined distance from the energy supply line 20, and for semi-autonomous or manually controlled vehicles 10, in which appropriate assistance systems can be installed to assist the driver in maintaining predetermined limits regarding the distance from the energy supply line 20 (e.g., a 1 m permitted deviation). For example, a visual assistance aid could show the driver the limits or the permitted distance range from the energy supply line 20 on a display unit in the driver's cab.

[0135] List of reference symbols:

[0136] 10 vehicles (dump trucks)

[0137] 12 trough

[0138] 14 Carrier device

[0139] 16 Electric drive

[0140] 17 Power electronics

[0141] 18 Battery

[0142] 20 Power supply line

[0143] 21 First conductor rail

[0144] 22 Second conductor rail energy source

[0145] Base body

[0146] Carrier module

[0147] carrier

[0148] Holding element

[0149] Body

[0150] Management assistance

[0151] Fastening section

[0152] bracket

[0153] holding section

[0154] pantograph

[0155] Pole rod

[0156] Head

[0157] warehouse

[0158] sliding shoe

[0159] carrier

[0160] Separating device

[0161] Centering element

[0162] Cable

[0163] Spring arrangement

[0164] compensation device

[0165] hollow profile

[0166] First contact surface

[0167] Second contact surface

[0168] bulge

[0169] Conductor wire

[0170] Contacting groove

[0171] Contact section

[0172] First connector

[0173] Second connector

[0174] Insulator (insulating layer)

[0175] First electrical conductor 75 Second electrical conductor

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Energy supply system for providing electrical energy for an electrically driven vehicle (10), comprising an energy supply line (20) extending along a travel route for the vehicle (10) and at least one current collector (40) of the vehicle (10) which is designed to contact the energy supply line (20), characterized in that - that the power supply line (20) runs laterally along the track and comprises at least two rigid conductor rails (21, 22) running parallel to one another, - that the at least one current collector (40) comprises at least one sliding shoe (44) which is designed to contact one of the conductor rails (21, 22) from the side in a current-conducting manner and to slide on this, - that the power supply line (20) has a modular structure and comprises a plurality of support modules (25), each of which comprises a base body (24) which can be placed on the floor and a support (26) which extends upwards from the base body (24) and which are connected to one another via the conductor rails (21, 22), wherein holding elements (30) in which the conductor rails (21, 22) are detachably received are arranged on the supports (26).

2. Energy supply system according to claim 1, wherein the support modules (25) are connected to one another only via the conductor rails (21, 22) and / or wherein the conductor rails (21, 22) are immovably connected to the supports (26).

3. Energy supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base bodies (24) are not anchored to the ground, but are merely placed on the ground and are preferably prefabricated parts, in particular prefabricated concrete parts.

4. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy supply line (20) comprises at least one guide aid (32) for establishing a coupling between conductor rails (21, 22) and current collector (40), which guide aid runs continuously along the conductor rails (21, 22) and in particular substantially along the entire length of the energy supply line (20), wherein the guide aid (32) preferably has an opening region which widens towards the roadway side and is formed in particular by guide surfaces arranged above and below the conductor rails (21, 22), which allows coupling of the at least one current collector (40) at any position on the energy supply line (20).

5. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor rails (21, 22) have a contact surface facing the roadway side, which contact surface can be made by a sliding shoe (44) of the at least one current collector (40), wherein preferably the conductor rails (21, 22) comprise a first contact surface (61) tapering towards the roadway side and the sliding shoes (44) comprise a second contact surface (62) complementary thereto and widening towards the conductor rails (21, 22).

6. Energy supply system according to the preceding claim, wherein the conductor rails (21, 22) each have a hollow profile (60), wherein preferably the first contact surface (61) is formed, inter alia, by a conductor wire (64) anchored in the hollow profile (60) and the sliding shoe (44) in particular comprises a contacting groove (65) receiving the conductor wire (64).

7. Energy supply system according to the preceding claim, wherein the entire hollow profile (60) is made of a current-conducting material, in particular of metal, wherein the conductor rails (21, 22) are composed of several individual segments which are detachably connected to one another via connecting means, wherein the connecting means are preferably also formed of a current-conducting material and are designed to form a current-conducting bridge between the connected individual segments.

8. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supports (26) have a first side on which at least one holding element (30) with a receiving area for receiving and fastening at least one, preferably two conductor rails (21, 22) is arranged, wherein the holding elements (30) in particular comprise an opening area which increases towards the roadway side and / or a fastening section (34) for fastening a guide aid (32) for establishing a coupling between the conductor rails (21, 22) and the current collector (40).

9. Energy supply system according to the preceding claim, wherein on the first side of each carrier (26) a first and a second holding element (30, 30') are arranged one above the other, each comprising a receiving area for receiving and fastening two conductor rails (21, 22), wherein a single pair of conductor rails (21, 22) for supplying energy to a first vehicle type is fastened in the first or the second holding elements (30, 30') or two pairs of conductor rails (21, 22) for supplying different vehicle types simultaneously are fastened in the first and second holding elements (30, 30').

10. Energy supply system according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the supports (26) have a second side opposite the first side, on each of which at least one holding element (30") with a Receiving area for receiving and fastening at least one, preferably two conductor rails (21, 22), wherein the power supply line (20) is designed to be arranged between two carriageways and at the same time to be contacted on the first and second sides, on each of which at least one pair of conductor rails (21, 22) runs, by vehicle-side current collectors (40) of vehicles (10) traveling in opposite directions.

11. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each carrier module (25) comprises only one base element (24) and only one carrier (26), wherein preferably the carrier modules (25) can be arranged at different distances from one another and the conductor rails (21, 22) are designed to be connected to the carrier (26) at different locations.

12. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one current collector (40) is actively adjustable in the horizontal and vertical directions, in particular by means of two different actuators, wherein the at least one current collector (40) preferably comprises a spring arrangement (50) by means of which the current collector (40) is passively pressed against the energy supply line (20) in the coupled state.

13. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one current collector (40) comprises a compensating device (52) which exerts an uprighting force on the current collector (40) counteracting the force of gravity, wherein the compensating device (52) preferably comprises a spring element and / or a counterweight.

14. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one pair of two current collectors (40), each with a sliding shoe (44) for contacting a conductor rail (21, 22), wherein the current collectors (40) of a pair are arranged one above the other and are preferably movable independently of one another.

15. Energy supply system according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one current collector (40) comprises two sliding shoes (44) for contacting one of the conductor rails (21, 22) in each case, wherein the current collector (40) comprises a first electrical conductor (74) connected to a first sliding shoe (44) and a second electrical conductor (75) connected to a second sliding shoe (44), which are electrically insulated from one another by means of an insulator (73), wherein the current collector (40) preferably has a separating device (46) made of an electrical insulator, which is arranged between the two sliding shoes (44).

16. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sliding shoe (44) is movably mounted on a head (42) of the current collector (40), in particular by means of at least one current-conducting bearing (43), wherein the sliding shoe (44) and / or the head (42) is preferably mounted rotatably about a plurality of axes, in particular via a ball joint (43).

17. Power supply line (20) for a power supply system according to one of the preceding claims.

18. Electrically driven vehicle (10), in particular a dump truck, with an electric drive (16) and at least one current collector (40) of an energy supply system according to one of claims 1-16.

19. Vehicle (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one current collector (40) is arranged on a side of the vehicle (10) or on a support device (14) fastened to the front of the vehicle.

20. Vehicle (10) according to one of claims 18 to 19, comprising a control unit by means of which the at least one current collector (40) is actively adjustable, in particular in the horizontal and vertical directions, wherein the control unit is preferably designed to control the at least one current collector (40) in an automated manner in order to establish contact with a power supply line (20) according to claim 17, in particular while driving.

21. Vehicle (10) according to one of claims 18 to 20, comprising an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel-electric drive, and a control unit which is configured to switch from an internal combustion operation, in particular a diesel-electric operation, to an electrical line operation when the at least one current collector (40) is in contact with a power supply line (20) according to claim 17, and vice versa.

22. Vehicle (10) according to one of claims 18 to 20, comprising at least one energy storage device and at least one electric drive, which can be supplied with electrical energy in battery operation via the at least one energy storage device and in line operation via the at least one current collector (40), wherein the vehicle (10) further comprises a control unit which is configured to switch from battery operation to line operation when the at least one current collector (40) is in contact with a power supply line (20) according to claim 17, and vice versa.

23. Set comprising at least one vehicle (10) according to one of claims 19-22 and a power supply line (20) according to claim 17.

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