Positioning apparatus and charging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a positioning apparatus (11) for a charging system (10) for electrically driven vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, and to a method for establishing contact with a charging system, wherein the charging system comprises a charging contact apparatus (12) which can be arranged on the vehicle floor (14) of a vehicle (15), and a contact apparatus (13) that can be arranged on an underlying surface (16) below the vehicle, wherein the contact apparatus has contacts (21) with each of which a charging contact (19) of the charging contact apparatus can be contacted in order to form a contact pairing (24), wherein the contact apparatus can be positioned relative to the charging contact apparatus at least in a vertical direction in a contact position (23) by means of a positioning device of the positioning apparatus, in such a way that an electrically conductive connection can be formed between the vehicle and a stationary charging station in the contact position, wherein the positioning apparatus comprises a safety device (25), wherein the safety device has a shielding unit (28) formed from a plurality of members (27) arranged in a row (26) for shielding the charging contacts and the contacts in the contact position, wherein the respective members extend in the vertical direction and are designed to be movable independently of one another.

Description

[0001] Positioning device and loading system

[0002] The invention relates to a positioning device for a charging system for electrically powered vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, as well as a charging system and a method for contacting a vehicle, wherein the charging system comprises a charging contact device that can be arranged on a vehicle floor of a vehicle and a contact device that can be arranged on or at least partially in a surface that can be driven on with the vehicle below the vehicle, wherein the contact device has contacts with which a charging contact of the charging contact device can be contacted in order to form a contact pair, wherein by means of a positioning device of the positioning device the contact device can be positioned relative to the charging contact device at least in a vertical direction in a contact position, such thatthat an electrically conductive connection can be formed between the vehicle and a stationary charging station in the contact position.

[0003] Such positioning devices and charging systems are already known from the prior art and are regularly used for the rapid charging of electrically powered vehicles, for example at a stopping point or charging station. Contact with the vehicle can be made in the area of ​​a roof of the vehicle or a floor of the vehicle. For example, WO 2019 / 223906 A1 discloses a charging system in which the charging system is arranged beneath the floor of a vehicle. In this case, a contact device is attached directly to a surface and can be driven over and contacted by the vehicle in question. The disadvantage here is that the vehicle or its charging contact device must be positioned very precisely above the contact device.Since such precise positioning is difficult to achieve by the vehicle alone, a positioning device can also be provided underneath the vehicle. This device aligns a contact device relative to a charging contact device and brings them together to form a contact pair. The positioning device can be installed either on the vehicle or on or beneath a subsurface. A pit or similar recess can then be formed in the subsurface, within which part of the charging system is housed.

[0004] In contrast, a charging system consisting of a simple plug-and-socket connection can only transmit low currents, which increases charging times. Furthermore, manual coupling always requires leaving the vehicle. If the contact device and charging contact device are brought together using a positioning device, this connection can also be automated. It is essential that the contact device and charging contact device are designed to be positively connected, ensuring correct positioning. Alternatively, the contact device and charging contact device can also be equipped with sensors or similar devices that monitor and control the correct positioning of the contact device.Therefore, contacts and charging contacts can be designed large enough to ensure that the desired contact pairings are always formed with sufficient reliability, even if the contact device and charging contact device are out of position in a contact position. Vehicle movements during a contacting process or a charging process can also easily lead to an interruption of the process if the contact device is slightly displaced relative to the charging contact device. It is therefore more advantageous to design the contacts and charging contacts with comparatively large, opposing contact surfaces or charging contact surfaces.

[0005] In such charging systems, a gap or space is therefore usually formed in the contact position between the contact device and the charging contact device, in which the contacts and charging contacts are in contact with each other. In particular, the contacts and charging contacts are each surrounded by housing parts of the contact device or the charging contact device made of a dielectric material. The space or gap is then formed between these housing parts, since the contacts and / or charging contacts must always protrude from the respective housing parts in order to be able to form contact pairs at all.

[0006] In these charging systems, comparatively high currents are transmitted at equally high voltages, for example 500 to 700 volts, which is why the current transmission in the contact position poses a significant risk. This is less relevant when contacting is made in the area of ​​a vehicle roof, as the live parts are at a sufficient height that is out of reach of people. Although a contact pair beneath the vehicle floor is difficult to reach even for people, it cannot be ruled out that people could go under the vehicle floor during a charging process, for example to carry out repairs. In addition, even small people, such as children, can easily get under a vehicle and access the respective contact pairs.Furthermore, while the vehicle is parked for an extended period of time during a charging process, an animal, such as a cat or rodent, may move underneath the vehicle and reach a contact pair. The formation of an arc or direct contact can result in the death of the animal, interruption of the charging process, and damage to the charging system.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a positioning device, a charging system and a method for contacting electrically powered vehicles, which enables rapid contacting and a safe charging process.

[0008] This problem is solved by a positioning device having the features of claim 1, a loading system having the features of claim 13 and a method having the features of claim 14.

[0009] In the positioning device according to the invention for a charging system for electrically powered vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, the charging system comprises a charging contact device that can be arranged on a vehicle floor of a vehicle and a contact device that can be arranged on or at least partially in a surface that can be driven over by the vehicle below the vehicle, wherein the contact device has contacts with which a charging contact of the charging contact device can be contacted in order to form a contact pair, wherein by means of a positioning device of the positioning device, the contact device can be positioned relative to the charging contact device at least in a vertical direction in a contact position such that an electrically conductive connection can be formed between the vehicle and a stationary charging station in the contact position,wherein the positioning device comprises a safety device, wherein the safety device has a shielding unit formed from a plurality of members arranged in a row for shielding the charging contacts and the contacts in the contact position, wherein the respective members extend in the vertical direction and are designed to be movable independently of one another.

[0010] Because the positioning device can be arranged underneath the vehicle, it is essentially within the reach of people and animals during a contact-making process, and large currents at high voltages can be transmitted. At the same time, it is possible that a person driving the vehicle does not position it very precisely at the charging station. The contact device and charging contact device are brought together automatically using the positioning device. For this purpose, the positioning device moves the contact device relative to the charging contact device in the vertical direction and possibly also in a horizontal direction relative to the ground or a contact plane in the contact position. The movement in the respective directions can take place simultaneously or in successive movement sections or successively. Furthermore, the positioning device orthe contact device may be arranged in a storage position on the substrate, partially in the substrate or completely in the substrate.

[0011] According to the invention, the positioning device comprises the safety device by means of which the charging contacts and the contacts can be shielded in the contact position in such a way that persons or animals cannot go underneath the vehicle and reach the contacts or charging contacts there. For this purpose, the safety device has the shielding unit, which in turn is formed from the plurality of links arranged in a row. The respective links are designed such that they extend in the vertical direction, i.e. towards the opposite charging contact device or contact device. Furthermore, the links are designed to be movable independently of one another, so that the movement of one link does not significantly influence or hinder the mobility or position of another link.The elements arranged in the row can thus form a shield for the charging contacts and the contacts in the contact position, which, in particular due to the movable design of the elements, can be adapted to the opposite charging contact device or to the contact device or the charging contacts or the housing parts surrounding the contacts. By means of the shielding unit, possible accessibility of the charging contacts and contacts in the contact position can then be made significantly more difficult. At the same time, it is also not necessary for the contact device and the charging contact device to be aligned very precisely relative to one another in the contact position. Rather, a positional deviation of the contact device and the charging contact device in a horizontal direction is also possible without the shielding of the charging contacts and the contacts being affected by the shielding unit.A charging process can thus be carried out particularly safely and reliably without the sequence or speed of a contacting process being influenced by the safety device.

[0012] In the contact position, a space that is enclosed against humans, mammals, or animals of a comparable size can be created by means of the shielding unit between a contact element carrier, on which the contacts can be arranged, and a charging contact element carrier, on which the charging contacts can be arranged. The space can therefore be located between housing parts of the contact element carrier and housing parts of the charging contact element carrier. The shielding unit then surrounds the space in the horizontal direction to such an extent that the charging contacts and the contacts cannot be reached through the shielding unit by humans, for example by means of body parts or fingers, or by mammals, for example dogs, cats, rodents, birds, or the like, as well as other animals of a comparable size, such as reptiles or the like.Otherwise, a voltage flashover between two phases could easily be triggered by, for example, a mouse entering the space between the contact element carrier and the charging contact element carrier. The safety device can be designed in such a way that the requirements of ISO 20653 and / or DIN EN 602529, in the version valid on the priority date, regarding contact protection are met.

[0013] In the contact position, the row of links can at least partially, preferably completely, surround the contact pairs. Preferably, the row of links is designed such that the row of links is completely closed. In this case, it can be provided that the row of links surrounds all contact pairs or, alternatively, each contact pair is surrounded by a specially provided row of links. However, it is also possible for the row of links to not be completely closed if a contact element carrier and a charging contact element carrier are designed in such a way that this is not necessary. Several rows of links arranged one behind the other can also be provided.

[0014] The row of links, relative to a horizontal plane, can form a partially open or closed contour, as well as a round, polygonal, angular, square, or rectangular contour. The row of links can thus be adapted to the position of the respective contacts or charging contacts on a contact element carrier or charging contact element carrier. Several contours arranged one behind the other, relative to a horizontal plane, can also be provided.

[0015] The links can each be formed by a round pin, a rod, a strip, a plate, a wavy plate, a triangle, a free-form plate, a fork, a comb, or a lamella. A round pin, for example, can be guided and moved particularly easily in a bore so as to be longitudinally movable. A strip or a plate can cover a comparatively larger section of a horizontal extension of the shielding unit. The same applies to a lamella, which does not necessarily have to have a square shape, but can also be rounded or free-form. A fork or a comb can be formed with a plurality of lamellae, rods, or pins.

[0016] The links can be designed to be linearly movable in the vertical direction or pivotable about an axis. Pin-, rod-, or strip-shaped links can be arranged particularly easily for linear movement. Alternatively, plate- or lamella-shaped links, for example, can be pivotably mounted about an axis, so that these links can also be moved vertically and horizontally. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a linear guide for the respective links.

[0017] Adjacent links can be arranged adjacent to one another in the row and / or spaced apart from one another to form a gap. If the links are arranged adjacent to one another in the row, a complete closure of a space between a contact element carrier and a charging contact element carrier can in principle be made possible by means of the shielding unit. If this is not necessary, and cooling of the contact pairs by air circulation is also desired, the links can also be arranged at a distance from one another, so that gaps or other openings are formed between the links. The size of a gap can then be dimensioned such that the contact pairs are not easily accessible through the gap.Furthermore, it is also possible for the row of links to be designed with different distances between the links or with links that are spaced apart from one another and the links lying adjacent to one another. Spaced-apart links can be arranged with a ratio of a distance between the links to a length of the links and a width of the links. The longer the links, the wider the links can be to ensure sufficient stability of the links. A length of the links can be 5 mm to 2000 mm. A width of the links and / or a diameter of the links can be 2 mm to 1000 mm. With a width of 1000 mm, for example, an individual link can be designed in the manner of a rising wall. If an individual link is designed as a wall, it can have a width > 1000 mm. The distance between links can be 0 mm to 100 mm. This means that links can have no distance from one another.The links can then touch at one point or along their entire length. A link spacing of 100 mm is also possible. The ratio of a distance to a link length can be 100:1 to 1:100. Maximum values ​​for these ratios can be, for example: A spacing of 100 mm with a link length of 1 mm. A spacing of 0 mm or 0.1 mm with a link length of 10 mm. Links can be extended with a length of 1 mm up to 1000 mm. Even with an extended link length of 1 mm, minimal contour differences can be represented. The range specified here up to 1000 mm can cover all vehicle underbodies, although the loading system could also be mounted higher, for example directly below the loading area of ​​a vehicle.

[0018] The shielding unit can have a pressure device for generating a pressure force for moving the links in the vertical direction. The pressure device can then exert the pressure force on the links such that the links are displaced in the vertical direction, i.e., in a distal direction. The pressure device can also enable the displacement of the links in a proximal direction, for example, when a contacting process is terminated. It is essential that the pressure force applies or presses the links against a surface of an opposing contact element carrier or an opposing charging contact element carrier of the charging system. The pressure device can also be configured such that the pressure force is generated by a mechanical resistance against which the links are moved.For example, the links can be fixed by means of teeth or friction surfaces and can be moved and fixed again by overcoming the force or form fit of the teeth or friction surfaces.

[0019] The pressure device can comprise springs that preload the links with the pressure force. Each link can comprise a spring, or alternatively, a number of links can be preloaded with a single spring. The spring then causes the movement of the respective links in the vertical direction as a result of a spring force that essentially corresponds to the pressure force. The spring can be a mechanical spring, such as a tension spring, compression spring, leaf spring, roller spring, or the like. Furthermore, the spring can also be a pneumatic spring, such as a piston or bellows.

[0020] The positioning device can have a drive unit for applying a driving force to the contact device and the charging contact device in the contact position, wherein the driving force can be greater than the pressing force. If the pressing force of all links is less than the driving force of the drive unit, the contact device and the charging contact device can always be brought together in the contact position. Otherwise, the pressing force of all links would prevent complete joining. Advantageously, the driving force can therefore be many times greater than the pressing force, for example, in a ratio of 10:1.

[0021] The shielding unit can have at least one holding segment on which the links can be held so as to be movable independently of one another. The shielding unit can have a feed device for moving and positioning the holding segment in the vertical direction. If the links are, for example, rods, the holding segment can hold the links adjacent to one another, adjacent to one another, or at a distance from one another, whereby the links can then each be held so as to be movable individually on the holding segment. The holding segment can in turn be displaced in the vertical direction by means of the feed device. The displacement of the holding segment then takes place by means of the feed device. In particular, the holding segment can then be moved independently of the contact element carrier or the contact device and the charging contact element carrier or the charging contact device by means of the feed device.The feed device then makes it possible to move the holding segment toward an opposite contact element carrier or a charging contact element carrier when contact is made. The links can also be moved in this direction. The holding segment, together with the feed device, can enable complete or partial storage of the links or the shielding unit on a contact element carrier or a charging contact element carrier in such a way that the shielding unit is protected from contamination and damage when not in use and in a storage position. Furthermore, it is also possible to bridge larger distances between the contact element carrier and the charging contact element carrier, so that the links do not have to be overly long or overly large.The shielding unit may have a plurality of holding segments, for example four holding segments if the row has a square contour.

[0022] The contact device or the charging contact device can be arranged on the positioning device, wherein the shielding unit can be arranged on the contact device or the charging contact device. In principle, it is also possible for the shielding unit to be arranged on the contact device and for the charging contact device to also have a shielding unit. Elements of the respective shielding units can then interlock or overlap to such an extent that the charging contacts and the contacts are also shielded in the contact position, without the respective shielding units interfering with each other in the contact position. In this way, different contact devices and charging contact devices can also be compatible with one another, regardless of whether the contact device and / or the charging contact device has a shielding unit.The contact device and charging contact device can be brought together by means of the positioning device using a device specifically designed for this purpose. The contact device and charging contact device can also be brought together using, for example, a lowerable vehicle or chassis.

[0023] The charging system according to the invention for electrically powered vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses, or the like, comprises a charging contact device that can be arranged on a vehicle floor of a vehicle and a contact device that can be arranged on or at least partially in a surface underneath the vehicle that can be driven over by the vehicle. The contact device has contacts with which a charging contact of the charging contact device can be contacted to form a contact pair. The charging system comprises a positioning device according to the invention. Further advantageous embodiments of the charging system emerge from the feature descriptions of the subclaims that refer back to claim 1.

[0024] In the method according to the invention for contacting electrically powered vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, with a charging system, the charging system comprises a charging contact device arranged on a vehicle floor of a vehicle and a contact device arranged on or at least partially in a surface below the vehicle that can be driven on by the vehicle, wherein the contact device has contacts with which a charging contact of the charging contact device is contacted in order to form a contact pair, wherein by means of a positioning device of the positioning device, the contact device is positioned relative to the charging contact device at least in a vertical direction in a contact position such that an electrically conductive connection is formed between the vehicle and a stationary charging station in the contact position,The charging contacts and the contacts in the contact position are shielded by a plurality of elements of a shielding unit of a safety device of the positioning device arranged in a row, the respective elements extending in the vertical direction and being moved independently of one another. For the advantages of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the description of the advantages of the positioning device according to the invention.

[0025] The movement of the links can be carried out in the vertical direction before, after or during a movement of the contact device relative to the charging contact device from a storage position to the contact position or vice versa. For example, it can be provided that the links are moved in the vertical direction and only then is the contact device brought together with the charging contact device for contacting. The links are then moved to an end position and moved back a short distance when brought together, since the links can adapt to the respective topography of a surface of a contact element carrier or a charging contact element carrier. Furthermore, it is possible to first move the contact device and the charging contact device into the contact position and then, for example before a charging current flows via the contact pair, to move the links to the opposite surface.It's also possible to perform both movements simultaneously, allowing for even faster and more reliable contact.

[0026] During movement into the contact position, the links can be adapted to the topography of the contact device or the charging contact device by resting the links on the contact device or the charging contact device. The topography or contour of the contact device or the charging contact device can in principle be designed as desired, since the movable links can rest or nestle against the respective surface and thus adapt to the topography. Furthermore, a uniform movement of all links can take place up to the respective end positions of the links on the contact device or the charging contact device. This means that the movement of the links can be carried out simultaneously until an end position of the respective link is reached. Optionally, it is also possible for the links to be moved successively.

[0027] Further advantageous embodiments of the method emerge from the descriptions of the features of the subclaims which refer back to claim 1.

[0028] In principle, the invention can be used for any type of electric vehicle that is powered by batteries or accumulators that need to be recharged.

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] They show:

[0031] Fig. 1a to 1d show a partial sectional view of a charging system during a contacting process;

[0032] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a contact device;

[0033] Fig. 3 a partial sectional view of another charging system.

[0034] Figs. 1a to 1d show a charging system 10 with a positioning device 11, a charging contact device 12, and a contact device 13. The charging contact device 12 is arranged on a vehicle floor 14 of a vehicle 15, which is only partially shown here. The contact device 13 is arranged in a subsurface 16 over which the vehicle 15 can travel, in particular in a pit 17. A charging contact element carrier 18 with charging contacts 19 is formed on the charging contact device 12. The contact device 13 has a contact element carrier 20 with contacts 21.A positioning device 22 of the positioning device 11 enables a movement of the contact device 13 and the contact element carrier 20 a little way out of the pit 17 in the vertical direction towards the charging contact device 12 into a contact position 23 such that the charging contacts 19 form contact pairs 24 with the contacts 21, which then enable a transmission of a current for charging the vehicle 15 by the charging system 10.

[0035] The positioning device 11 further comprises a safety device 25, which has a shielding unit 28 formed by a plurality of links 27 arranged in a row 26 for shielding the charging contacts 19 and the contacts 21 in the contact position 23. The respective links 27 extend in the vertical direction relative to the base 16 and are designed to be movable independently of one another. The links 27 are designed here as a rod 29 and are linearly movable in the vertical direction and arranged at a distance from one another, forming a gap 30. Furthermore, the shielding unit 28 shown here has a pressure device (not shown) for generating a pressure force and for the independent movement of the links 27 in the vertical direction against a surface 31 of the charging contact element carrier 18.In addition, the shielding unit 28 has a feed device (not shown here) for moving the members 27 in the vertical direction.

[0036] The links 27 can thus be transferred from a storage position 32 shown in Fig. 1a into the contact position 23 and back. The links 27 are first extended evenly by means of the feed device so that their respective ends 33 are located in a horizontal plane 34 and then come to rest on the surface 31. The links 27 adapt to a topography 35 of the surface 31 and thus form a space 36 between the charging contact element carrier 18 and the contact element carrier 20 in the end position 37 of the links 27 shown here. After this, as shown in Fig. 1d, the contact element carrier 20 can be extended in the vertical direction until the contact pairs 24 are formed.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a contact device 31 for contacting a charging contact device (not shown in detail here). The contact device 31 has a contact element carrier 39, which can be moved or extended and retracted orthogonally to the plane of the illustration by means of a positioning device 40 of a positioning device 41. A shielding unit 42 of a safety device 43 of the positioning device 41 is arranged on the contact element carrier 39. Contacts 44 for forming contact pairs with charging contacts (not shown here) of the charging contact device are arranged on the contact element carrier 39.

[0038] The shielding unit 42 is formed from a plurality of members 46 arranged in a row 45. The row 45 of members 46 forms a square contour 47 that extends around the contacts 44. The members 46 are also movable in a vertical direction orthogonal to the plane of the illustration, such that a space 48 can be formed within the contour 47, which shields the contacts 44 in a contact position. The members 46 are strip-shaped and spaced from one another such that a gap 49 is formed between the respective members 46. In particular, the members 46 are movable independently of one another.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a charging system 50 with a positioning device 51, a charging contact device 52, and a contact device 53 in a contact position 54. Charging contacts 55 of the charging contact device 52 are in contact with contacts 56 of the contact device 53 or form contact pairs 57. The charging contact device 52 is arranged on a vehicle floor 58 of a vehicle 59, only partially shown here. The contact device 53 is arranged offset somewhat relative to the charging contact device 52, such that a vertical axis 60 of the contact device 53 is not exactly aligned with a vertical axis 61 of the charging contact device 52.

[0040] A shielding unit 62 of a safety device 63 of the positioning device 41 is arranged on the contact device 53. The

[0041] The shielding unit comprises a plurality of elements 65 arranged in a row 64, which form a space 66. The elements 65 are extended vertically to such an extent that their respective ends 67 rest against the vehicle floor 58. The elements 65 adapt to a topography 68 of the vehicle floor 58. This is particularly advantageous here, since the relative offset of the vertical axes 60 and 61 prevents the elements 65 from being evenly seated against the vehicle floor 58.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Positioning device (11, 41, 51) for a charging system (10, 50) for electrically powered vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, wherein the charging system comprises a charging contact device (12, 52) that can be arranged on a vehicle floor (14, 58) of a vehicle (15, 59) and a contact device (13, 38, 53) that can be arranged on or at least partially in a surface (16) that can be driven over by the vehicle below the vehicle, wherein the contact device has contacts (21, 44, 56) with which a charging contact (19, 55) of the charging contact device can be contacted in order to form a contact pair (24, 57), wherein by means of a positioning device (22, 40) of the positioning device, the contact device can be positioned relative to the charging contact device at least in a vertical direction in a contact position (23, 54), such thatthat an electrically conductive connection between the vehicle and a stationary charging station can be formed in the contact position, characterized in that the positioning device comprises a safety device (25, 43, 63), wherein the safety device comprises one of, a shielding unit (28, 42, 62) formed from a plurality of members (27, 46, 65) arranged in a row (26, 45, 64) for shielding the charging contacts and the contacts in the contact position, wherein the respective members extend in the vertical direction and are designed to be movable independently of one another.

2. Positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the contact position (23, 54) between a contact element carrier (20, 39) and a charging contact element carrier (18) by means of the shielding unit (28, 42, 62) a space (36, 48, 66) which is closed off from humans, mammals or animals of comparable size can be formed.

3. Positioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the contact position (23, 54) the row (26, 45, 64) of the links (27, 46, 65) surrounds the contact pairs (24, 57) at least partially, preferably completely.

4. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the row (26, 45, 64) of the links (27, 46, 65) forms, with respect to a horizontal plane (34), a partially open or closed and a round, polygonal, angular, square or rectangular contour (47).

5. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the members (27, 46, 65) are each formed by a round pin, a rod (29), a strip, a plate, a wave-shaped plate, a triangle, a free-form plate, a fork, a comb or a lamella.

6. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the members (27, 46, 65) are each designed to be linearly movable in the vertical direction or to be pivotable about an axis.

7. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that adjacent members (27, 46, 65) in the row (26, 45, 64) are arranged adjacent to one another and / or spaced from one another to form a gap (30, 49).

8. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding unit (28, 42, 62) has a pressure device for forming a pressure force for moving the members (27, 46, 65) in the vertical direction.

9. Positioning device according to claim 8, characterized in that the pressure device has springs which pretension the members (27, 46, 65) with the pressure force.

10. Positioning device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the positioning device (22, 40) comprises a drive unit for forming a driving force on the contact device (13, 38, 53) and the charging contact device (12, 52) in the contact position. on (23, 54), wherein the driving force is greater than the pressing force.

11. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding unit (28, 42, 62) has at least one holding segment on which the members (27, 46, 65) are held so as to be movable independently of one another, wherein the shielding unit has a feed device for moving and positioning the holding segment in the vertical direction.

12. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact device (13, 38, 53) or the charging contact device (12, 52) is arranged on the positioning device (22, 40), wherein the shielding unit (28, 42, 62) is arranged on the contact device and / or the charging contact device.

13. Charging system (10, 50) for electrically powered vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, wherein the charging system comprises a charging contact device (12, 52) which can be arranged on a vehicle floor (14, 58) of a vehicle (15, 59) and a contact device (13, 38, 53) which can be arranged on or at least partially in a surface (16) which can be driven over by the vehicle below the vehicle, wherein the contact device has contacts (21, 44, 56) with which a charging contact (19, 55) of the charging contact device can be contacted in order to form a contact pair (24, 57), wherein the charging system comprises a positioning device (11, 41, 51) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. A method for contacting electrically powered vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, with a charging system (10, 50), wherein the charging system comprises a charging contact device (12, 52) arranged on a vehicle floor (14, 58) of a vehicle (15, 59) and a contact device (13, 38, 53) arranged on or at least partially in a surface (16) that can be driven over by the vehicle below the vehicle, wherein the contact device has contacts (21, 44, 56) with which a charging contact (19, 55) of the charging contact device is contacted in order to form a contact pair (24, 57), wherein by means of a positioning device (22, 40) of the positioning device, the contact device is positioned relative to the charging contact device at least in a vertical direction in a contact position (23, 54), such thatthat an electrically conductive connection is formed between the vehicle and a stationary charging station in the contact position, characterized in that with a plurality of members (27, 46, 65) of a shielding unit (28, 42, 62) of a safety device (25, 43, 63) of the positioning device arranged in a row (26, 45, 64), the charging contacts and the contacts are shielded in the contact position, wherein the respective members extend in the vertical direction and are moved independently of one another.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the movement of the members (27, 46, 65) in the vertical direction is carried out before, after or during a movement of the contact device (13, 38, 53) relative to the charging contact device (12, 52) from a storage position (32) to the contact position (23, 54) or vice versa.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that during the movement into the contact position (23, 54) an adaptation of the members (27, 46, 65) to a topography (35, 68) of the contact device (13, 38, 53) or the charging contact device (12, 52) takes place by placing the members on the contact device or the charging contact device.

17. Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that a uniform movement of all links (27, 46, 65) takes place up to respective end positions (37) of the links on the contact device (13, 38, 53) or the charging contact device (12, 52).

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