Oht system with loopbox

Abstract

The invention relates to a primary conductor assembly for an inductive energy transmission system, having a first and a second primary conductor (2, 3), each primary conductor (2, 3) having respective forward and return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) for an inductive energy transmission and the forward and return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) being parallel to one another and extending longitudinally in the direction (R) of an energy transmission path. The first primary conductor (2) forms a first portion (A1) of the energy transmission path, and the second adjacent primary conductor (3) forms a second energy portion (A2) of the energy transmission path. The ends (E2a, E2b; E3a, E3b) of the forward and return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) of the first and of the second primary conductor (2, 3) are aligned with one another and at a first distance (A) to one another in the direction (R) of the energy transmission path.

Description

[0001] OHT system with loop box

[0002] The present invention relates to a primary conductor arrangement for an inductive energy transfer system, comprising at least a first and a second primary conductor, wherein each primary conductor has a forward and a return conductor for inductive energy transfer, and the forward and return conductors are arranged parallel to each other and extend longitudinally in the direction of an energy transfer path, such that the first primary conductor forms a first section of the energy transfer path and the second adjacent primary conductor forms a second section of the energy transfer path, wherein the ends of the forward and return conductors of each primary conductor are electrically connected to each other by means of a connecting conductor, and the ends of the forward and return conductors of the first and the second primary conductor are aligned with each other and arranged at a first distance from each other in the direction of the energy transfer path.

[0003] The invention also relates to an energy transmission system with at least one energy transmission line, which has at least one first and at least one second line section, and with at least one consumer that can travel along the energy transmission line, and with two crossing areas between the first and the second line section that can be crossed by the consumer in order to travel from the first line section to the second line section or vice versa.

[0004] Inductive power transfer systems are available in numerous designs. For example, overhead hoist transfer (OHT) systems exist for transporting containers or other objects from one location to another in warehouses or factory halls. In these systems, loads move along a power transfer path and are inductively powered by one or more primary conductors along the way. The loads are equipped with contactless pickups for this purpose. The primary conductor is typically powered by an energy source and forms a resonant circuit, with both ends connected to the energy source, usually a transformer or inverter. The energy source can be a current or voltage source.The primary conductor thus forms a ring circuit, the two halves of which are often referred to as the outgoing and return conductors, as they are usually arranged parallel to each other along the power transmission path. If a load only inductively couples energy from the outgoing or return conductor, the load typically has a C-shaped pickup that only encompasses the outgoing or return conductor. However, there are also configurations where the load pickups are H- or E-shaped and simultaneously couple energy from both the outgoing and return conductors.

[0005] Depending on the specific requirements of the energy transmission link, the energy transmission system can vary in complexity. For example, the energy transmission link may consist of several subsections, each of which is supplied with energy via its own power feed. The primary conductors of each subsection form a closed circuit. At the transition points, where a consumer moves from one subsection to the next, the energy supply is interrupted. To ensure a continuous energy supply to the consumer, the primary conductors of the subsections must be relatively close to each other. Consequently, the magnetic fields of the adjacent primary conductors cause mutual inductive coupling between the circuits, resulting in mutual interference.The two adjacent primary conductors, or rather the generated magnetic fields, influence each other. This phenomenon is referred to here and in the following as inductive coupling of the adjacent path segments. This inductive coupling is particularly strong when the primary conductors form a ring circuit as described above, whose forward and return conductors must be connected at the end of the power transmission path by means of a connecting conductor. A corresponding arrangement is shown in Figure 1. Such an arrangement is also called a loop box. Figure 1 shows a primary conductor arrangement PA1 according to the prior art. The primary conductor arrangement PA1 has a first primary conductor PA2 and a second primary conductor PA2, which extend in the direction R of a power transmission path T.The two primary conductors PA2 and PA3 are each supplied by a power input (not shown) and each form a ring circuit. Each primary conductor PA2 and PA3 thus forms its own section PAB1 and PAB2 of the power transmission path T. Along the power transmission path, the primary conductors each have parallel outgoing and return conductors PA2a, PA3a, PA3a, and PA3b. The pickups (not shown) move between the outgoing and return conductors PA2a, PA3a, PA3a, and PA3b. For the pickups, or the load, to move from the first section PAB1 to the second section PAB2, the outgoing and return conductors PA2a, PA3a, PA3a, and PA3b must not be connected in the plane E that they themselves define. The forward and return conductors PA2a, PA3a, PA3a, PA3b are therefore each connected to each other via connecting lines PAVL2, PAVL3, which form a passage opening PAD1, PAD2, so that the pick-ups orA consumer can move from the first section PAB1 to the second section PAB2 without the connecting lines that close the ring circuits obstructing the passage. The passage of the pickups from one subsection to the other is therefore not blocked by the connecting lines. In the arrangement shown, the two connecting lines PAVL2 and PAVL3 each form a conductor loop with a corresponding magnetic field. The inductive coupling between the first primary conductor PA2 and the second primary conductor PA3 is thus comparatively strong. This makes synchronization / coordination of the two power feeds or energy sources absolutely necessary, which entails disadvantages.

[0006] This leads to various problems. For example, inductive reasoning can...

[0007] Coupling the track sections can induce an unwanted current in each other section. In the worst case, the induced current can exceed the permissible system current. This can lead to damage to the track and / or the equipment, or worse.

[0008] The current practice involves coordinating and synchronizing the different energy sources or feeds of the subsections to ensure that the induced current does not exceed the permissible system current. However, this approach is complex and makes the energy transmission system inflexible with regard to expansions or reductions, as the energy sources / feeds must be re-coordinated with each added or removed subsection. Furthermore, the synchronization of the energy sources / feeds represents an additional potential source of error that could compromise the smooth operation of the energy transmission system. This technical problem affects not only OHT systems but, in principle, all inductive energy transmission systems that use multiple adjacent primary conductors.

[0009] One object of the present invention is therefore to simplify the design of such energy transmission systems, to make them more flexible and to increase their operational reliability and reliability.

[0010] This problem is solved by the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention with the features of claim 1 in that the connecting conductors have, at least in certain areas, a second distance from each other that is greater than the first distance. Further advantages will become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0011] The connecting conductors, which each link the outgoing conductor to the return conductor, typically form a current-carrying loop that induces a current in the opposite primary conductor or in the corresponding loop. According to the invention, by spacing the connecting conductors further apart than the ends of the outgoing and return conductors of the primary conductors, this inductive coupling is advantageously reduced. This reduces the undesired currents induced in the opposite primary conductor or section of the line. Among other things, this reduces the risk of the induced currents exceeding the system current.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting lines each form a passage opening. For example, the connecting lines, which link the supply and return conductors, can run above the supply and return conductors and define a contour that is adapted as precisely as possible to the passing pickup truck, chassis, or other part of a consumer moving along the power transmission path. Of course, it is also possible for the entire consumer to be able to drive through the passage opening.

[0013] In the simplest case, the connecting cables can take the form of a circular, square, or rectangular conductor loop. Naturally, the magnetic field, and thus the undesired inductive coupling, also depends on the size of the conductor loop. Therefore, a compromise must be found regarding the size of the conductor loop. It is thus advantageous and feasible for the conductor loop—similar to the clearance gauge of a railway tunnel—to have a more complex outer contour, which is precisely adapted to the existing conditions and the specific moving device.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the two connecting lines have conductor sections that run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the forward and return conductors.

[0015] For example, a rectangular conductor loop can be formed where the upper strut runs exactly perpendicular to the primary conductor, so that the two corresponding conductor loops run parallel to each other. In this and other embodiments, the two conductor loops generated in this way can be arranged exactly opposite each other. This relatively simple geometry is easy to manufacture, and the mutual influence can be readily calculated and predicted. The two opposing conductor loops can, in principle, be the same size and aligned with each other. However, configurations are also conceivable and possible in which the two conductor loops are arranged and designed differently. This is the case, for example, if the path of the energy transmission line has special characteristics or if the energy level in the adjacent sections of the path is not identical.

[0016] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the forward and / or return conductor(s) have a conductor section at their end(s) which is bent, angled, curved or antiparallel to the end region of the forward and / or return conductor and / or extends away from the respective conductor end in the plane spanned by the forward and return conductor(s).

[0017] In this embodiment, for example, the outgoing conductor can have a conductor section that runs in the direction of the opposite primary conductor. This conductor section is bent outwards at a certain distance from the opposite primary conductor and then bends back again at a certain distance, thus running antiparallel to the outgoing conductor. This conductor section can, for example, have a U-shaped path and lie in the same plane as the outgoing and return conductors. Of course, other geometries are also conceivable; for example, the conductor section can run at an angle (instead of being bent) and describe a triangle. Square or rectangular paths are also possible and can be advantageous depending on the application. Furthermore, the conductor section does not have to lie in the plane spanned by the outgoing and return conductors. For example, it is possible for the conductor section to be angled upwards or downwards.Of course, the return conductor or the outgoing and return conductors can also have such a conductor section.

[0018] Crucially, the conductor section allows the connecting wires to run at a greater distance from the opposite primary conductor. The connecting wires can then connect to this conductor section and, for example, form a conductor loop that is partially or completely further away from the opposite primary conductor or the opposite connecting wires than the previously described conductor section. In this way, the two inductors are further apart than the outermost ends of the primary conductors. This significantly reduces unwanted inductive coupling.

[0019] In one embodiment, a magnetic field generated by the aforementioned conductor section weakens a magnetic field generated by the forward and return conductors only slightly or not at all.

[0020] This has the advantage that the power supply through the outgoing and return conductors is hardly affected, if at all. For example, in the U-shaped embodiment described above, the two legs of the "U" can be spaced apart so that the magnetic fields of the two parallel short conductor sections only have a negligible influence on each other. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the specific dimensioning and implementation depend on various factors such as current, conductor thickness, frequency, etc., and that the ideal geometry must always be determined on a case-by-case basis. The crucial point is that the power supply along the entire length of the conductor is not significantly affected.

[0021] In another embodiment, the two connecting lines with their conductor sections electrically connect the respective ends of the forward and return conductors of a primary conductor and form or span the passage opening.

[0022] The first distance within the meaning of the invention is understood to be the distance between the foremost point of the forward or return conductor of the first primary conductor or of the aforementioned angled or bent conductor section in the direction of the energy transmission path and the opposite aligned end of the forward or return conductor of the corresponding second primary conductor.

[0023] Naturally, the exact location of the gap can be influenced by the design of the conductor section. For example, the conductor section may be bent so that its outermost point directly aligns with the opposite end of the outgoing or return conductor. However, it is also possible, and equally within the scope of the invention, for the conductor section to have a gentle curve, which shifts the outermost point of the conductor section towards the apex of the curve.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, either only the outgoing conductor or only the return conductor of a primary conductor has such a conductor section as described above. In this embodiment, for example, either the outgoing conductor or the return conductor can protrude further at its outermost end than the other conductor, while the connecting conductors still run transversely to the primary conductor. However, it is also possible that the outgoing and return conductors protrude to the same extent at their outermost ends and that the conductor loop formed by the connecting conductor runs obliquely to the primary conductor.

[0025] In this way, the primary conductor arrangement can be adapted to different conditions. For example, an offset between the distances of the two primary conductors can be created, or the connecting line or the magnetic field can be adapted to very tight curves.

[0026] In another embodiment, the end of the forward conductor and the end of the return conductor of a primary conductor are arranged offset from each other with respect to the direction of the energy transmission path.

[0027] This embodiment can, but does not have to, be implemented together with the embodiment described above. The crucial point is that the distances in the direction of travel of a consumer are not at the same height, so that, for example, with two parallel pickups, the power supply is continuously ensured, since one of the pickups is always supplied with energy.

[0028] In all the embodiments described above, the first primary conductor can be supplied by a first power supply and the second primary conductor by a second power supply. This ensures that both electrically separated power transmission sections are each supplied with energy via their own power supply. The power supplies, or the energy sources used for them, can be coupled or synchronized with each other. This is done, for example, to compensate for the reduced, but potentially still present, inductive coupling. However, due to the low inductive coupling according to the invention, embodiments in which the power supplies, or the energy sources used for them, are not coupled or synchronized with each other are also advantageously possible and preferred.

[0029] The object of the invention is also achieved with an energy transmission system having the features of claim 11 in that the crossing areas are formed by a primary conductor arrangement of the type described above.

[0030] The first section of track can, for example, be the main section of a power transmission system, and the second section can be one or more subsections, with the sections being electrically separated. To allow an electrical consumer to travel from the first section to the second, the second section is connected to the first by means of two crossover sections.

[0031] Since there are at least two electrically separate circuits, the crossing area according to the invention advantageously allows for a significantly lower mutual inductive interference between the circuits compared to energy transmission systems known from the prior art. The primary conductor that forms or supplies the first section of the path can, for example, be the first primary conductor of the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention, and the primary conductor that forms or supplies the second section of the path can, for example, be the second primary conductor of the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention. The same applies to the second crossing area or the second primary conductor arrangement according to the invention.

[0032] If several subsections are connected to a main section, it is of course also possible that the primary conductor forming or supplying the first section is the first primary conductor of several primary conductor arrangements according to the invention, wherein each of the several primary conductor arrangements according to the invention has a second primary conductor, which is the primary conductor of a second subsection or supplies it with energy. It should be noted that the designations "first" and "second" primary conductor are essentially arbitrary and merely indicate that they are different, separate primary conductors. Naturally, the primary conductor of the second section can also be designated as the first primary conductor of the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention, and the primary conductor of the first section can correspondingly be designated as the second primary conductor.Crucially, each section of the route is supplied with energy by at least one primary conductor, with the primary conductors of different sections being galvanically isolated from each other.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second section of the transmission path has a first primary conductor which has a forward and a return conductor for inductive energy transfer, wherein the forward and return conductors are arranged parallel to each other and extend longitudinally in the direction of an energy transfer path, wherein the primary conductor forms a first section of the energy transfer path and a second section of the energy transfer path, wherein the forward conductor in the first section is arranged on a first side of the energy transfer path and the return conductor in the first section is arranged on a second side of the energy transfer path, and that the forward conductor in the second section is arranged on the second side of the energy transfer path and the return conductor in the second section is arranged on the first side of the energy transfer path.and that the outgoing conductor of the first and second sections is electrically connected by means of a first connecting line, and that the return conductor of the first and second sections is electrically connected by means of a second connecting line.

[0034] In this embodiment, for example, the second track section can be a subsection connected to a main section via transition zones. The transition zones are designed according to the aforementioned inventive method and ensure reduced inductive coupling. The subsection is connected to the main section at both ends, so that the primary conductor supplying energy to the subsection is one of the primary conductors of the transition zones. In the present embodiment, this primary conductor is divided into two sections, with the point where the first section ends and the second section begins being defined by the crossing of the forward and return conductors, which are thus reversed with respect to the other section.

[0035] This has the significant advantage that the phase angle of the current in the first section is rotated by 180° compared to the second section. For the primary conductor arrangements or crossing sections according to the invention, this means that the already reduced inductive coupling at one crossing section is essentially the same in magnitude but inversely proportional to the sign of the similarly reduced inductive coupling at the other crossing section. This results in the mutual influence of the primary conductors almost or completely canceling each other out. The effective influence of the two path sections with respect to the overall system is therefore close to or equal to zero.

[0036] This embodiment thus offers significant advantages over known energy transmission systems. For example, an existing system with a main section can be easily expanded by one or more subsections. Furthermore, such an energy transmission system can be operated without synchronizing the energy feeds or energy sources, since the system current is hardly or not at all affected by the subsections. Thus, each section with its own energy feed can be operated independently of the other sections. The coordination of the sections and the expansion of the system are therefore possible even during operation of the energy transmission system. Overall, this embodiment of an energy transmission system according to the invention is extremely flexible, simple, robust, and reliable.

[0037] It should be noted that the outgoing and return conductors of the primary conductor of the second track section must cross exactly once to achieve current inversion. A double crossing would cancel the inversion by a 360° rotation. In principle, any other number of crossings is conceivable and potentially advantageous, as long as the number is odd. It should also be noted that the primary conductor of the adjacent connected track section should not be crossed, since the two crossing areas are already inverted if the inductive coupling acts on the same phase of the adjacent primary conductor.

[0038] The connecting lines according to the invention each form a passage opening, in particular for at least one pickup, a chassis, or part of a consumer that can travel along the energy transmission path – or for the entire consumer. These passage openings can be, in principle, the same as, similar to, or different from the passage openings of the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention, which are arranged at the ends of the outgoing and return conductors. The crucial point is that the pickup(s) or the chassis of the consumer, or a part thereof, fits through all the passage openings.

[0039] The movable consumer can have one or more energy pickups. If the consumer has two pickups, these can be arranged offset from each other with respect to the direction of the energy transmission path.

[0040] The distance between the two pickups of one consumer in the direction of travel should or can be so large and adapted to the crossing area that it is ensured that at least one of the pickups is always in the area of ​​a forward or return conductor of one of the adjacent primary conductors.

[0041] These can be, for example, C-, H-, or E-type pickups. Crucially, they run between the supply and return conductors, and the staggered arrangement of the pickups ensures a continuous power supply. At the points where the pickups cross over, a brief interruption inevitably occurs in the supply and return conductors, resulting in a drop in power. With appropriate dimensioning, the staggered arrangement of the pickups ensures that at least one pickup can still draw power even when another pickup crosses the interruption. By carefully adjusting the offsets, a particularly reliable power supply can be achieved, and the drop in power supply can be advantageously minimized. The invention is described below using several exemplary embodiments.

[0042] They show:

[0043] Figure 1 shows a primary conductor arrangement according to the prior art;

[0044] Figure 2a shows a first embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention in a first view;

[0045] Figure 2b shows a first embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention in a top view;

[0046] Figure 2c shows a first embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention in a side view;

[0047] Figure 3a shows a second embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention in a first view;

[0048] Figure 3b shows a second embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention in a top view;

[0049] Figure 3c shows a second embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention in a side view;

[0050] Figure 4a shows the first embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention with pick-ups in a first view;

[0051] Figure 4b shows the first embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention with pick-ups in a top view;

[0052] Figure 4c shows the first embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention with pick-ups in a side view;

[0053] Figure 5a shows a section of the second route segment in a first view;

[0054] Figure 5b shows a section of the second section of the route in a top view; Figure 5c shows a section of the second section of the route in a side view;

[0055] Figure 6a shows a schematic representation of an energy transmission system according to the invention with several subsections;

[0056] Figure 6b shows a section of an energy transmission system according to the invention with a subsection;

[0057] Figure 2a shows a first embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement 1 according to the invention in an isometric view. Two primary conductors 2, 3 extend along one direction of a power transmission path T, each forming a path segment Al, A2 of the power transmission path T. The two primary conductors 2, 3 each have forward and return conductors 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b running parallel to each other. The forward and return conductors 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b each have ends E2a, E2b, E3a, E3b aligned with the opposite forward and return conductors 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b.

[0058] The ends E2a, E2b, E3a, E3b of the forward and return conductors 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b of a primary conductor 2, 3 are each connected via a connecting line VL2, VL3, wherein the connecting line VL2 connects the ends E2a, E2b of the forward and return conductor 2a, 2b of the first primary conductor 2 together and the connecting line VL3 connects the ends E3a, E3b of the forward and return conductor 3a, 3b of the second primary conductor 3 together.

[0059] In this embodiment, the connecting lines VL2 and VL3 each have conductor sections VL2a, VL2b, VL2c, VL3a, VL3b, and VL3c, which run transversely to the outgoing and return conductors 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b. The corresponding opposing conductor sections VL2a, VL2b, VL2c, VL3a, VL3b, and VL3c of the two connecting lines VL2 and VL3 run parallel to each other, with VL2a running parallel to VL3a, VL2b parallel to VL3b, and VL2c parallel to VL3c. In this embodiment, the connecting lines VL2 and VL3 thus form an approximately rectangular opening D2 and D3 for the (not shown) pickups of a load. Of course, the opening can be configured differently, for example, to allow part or all of a load to pass through. In principle, the connecting lines VL2, VL3 can form any technically sensible clearance profile, as long as their function is guaranteed.

[0060] The ends E2a, E3a of the outgoing conductors 2a, 3a are each connected to the connecting conductors VL2, VL3 via a conductor section VL2d, VL3d, which is bent away from the outgoing conductors 2a, 3a in a plane E spanned by the outgoing and return conductors 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b. A section of the conductor section VL2d, VL3d runs parallel to an end region 2a', 3a' of the outgoing conductor 2a, 3a. The foremost point of each conductor section VL2d, VL3d is located at a distance A in the direction R from the opposite end E2b, E3b or the conductor section VL2c, VL3c, respectively. It is self-evident that the outermost point of the conductor sections VL2d, VL3d depends on the geometry of the conductor section. Thus, depending on the angle and shape of the conductor sections VL2d, VL3d, this outermost point can be moved outwards or inwards, or inwards towards the ends E2b, E3b (inwards) or inwards towards the conductor sections VL3c (outwards).

[0061] The conductor section VL2d, VL3d, together with the end section 2a', 3a', forms an approximate "U" shape. The legs of the "U" are spaced far enough apart that the generated magnetic fields of the parallel conductor sections do not influence each other, or only to a negligible extent. Of course, other shapes are also possible. It is also possible for both the outgoing and return conductors, or only the return conductor, to have such a conductor section. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaps between the conductor section VL3d and the outermost end of the return conductor E2b, and between the conductor section VL2d and the outermost end of the return conductor E3b, are offset from each other in the direction of R.

[0062] This U-shaped section allows the connecting lines VL2 and VL3 to be offset rearward in the direction R relative to the outermost ends E2a and E3a of the outgoing conductors 2a and 3a. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting lines VL2 and VL3 are arranged at a distance B from each other, where distance B is greater than distance A. In this embodiment, the connecting lines VL2 and VL3 each form a conductor loop that generates a magnetic field. Because distance A is smaller than distance B, the gap A, which interrupts the power supply along the energy transmission path T, is minimized, while simultaneously reducing the inductive coupling of the connecting lines VL2 and VL3 and thus their mutual interference.

[0063] Figures 2b and 2c show the same embodiment from different perspectives. The top view in Figure 1b clearly shows that the distance A is significantly smaller than the distance B between the connecting lines VL2 and VL3. The side view in Figure 2c also clearly shows that there is no continuous interruption of the power supply along the power transmission path T and perpendicular to direction R, since sections VL2d and VL3d overlap in direction R, resulting in offset distances A. Thus, even when using two parallel pickups, a continuous power supply is ensured, as at least one pickup is always energized.

[0064] Figure 3a shows a further embodiment of a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention. A difference from the embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2c is that both the outgoing and return conductors of both primary conductors 2, 3 each have or are connected to an outwardly bent conductor section VL2d, VL3d. Accordingly, the distance A is a distance between the corresponding and opposite conductor sections VL2d, VL3d. Another difference lies in the design of the conductor sections VL2d, VL3d, which are not U-shaped but wedge-shaped and angled outwards. They therefore do not have any sections running parallel to the outgoing and return conductors.

[0065] The difference between distances A and B is greater in this embodiment than in the embodiment shown in Figures 2a-2c, which further reduces the inductive coupling. However, in this embodiment, the gaps A in the direction of R are at the same height, so that at least with parallel pickups, there is an interruption in the power supply. This is particularly evident in Figures 3b and 3c. This problem can be countered, for example, by staggering the pickups.

[0066] Figures 4a to 4c show the same embodiment as Figures 2a to 2c. Two pickups Pi and P2 are arranged along the primary conductors 2 and 3. These are C-type pickups that move between the outgoing and return conductors, at least partially encircling them from the inside out. The passage openings D2 and D3 are dimensioned to allow the pickups and a component of a load (not shown) to pass through them. The pickup openings face outwards so that they do not collide with the connecting lines VL1 and VL2. Figure 4b clearly shows that the distance AP between the pickups Pi and P2 is greater than the offset AA between the gaps A between the primary conductors 2 and 3. Thus, at least one of the two pickups is always available for energy transmission.

[0067] Figure 5a shows a section of a second section A2 of an energy transmission system according to the invention. Section A2 is connected, as described above, to a first section Al (also not shown) via a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention (not shown). Accordingly, the section shown is formed from the primary conductor 3 of the second section and has the parallel outgoing and return conductors 3a, 3b. Section A2 thus forms a subsection TSUB of the energy transmission line T. The subsection TSUB is divided into a first section TSUBI and a second section TSUB2. The two sections differ in that the outgoing conductor 3a in the first section TSUBI is arranged on a first side S1 (right in the image) of the primary conductor 3, and that the outgoing conductor 3a in the second section TSUB2 is arranged on the opposite side S2 (left in the image).The same applies conversely to the return conductor 3b. This means that the outgoing and return conductors cross once along subsection TSUB. Since the pickups (not shown) operate between the outgoing and return conductors 3a and 3b, the crossing occurs via connecting lines VLCLI and VLCL2, which are similar to connecting lines VL1 and VL2. Connecting lines VLCLI and VLCL2 also each form a passage opening Dc2 and Dc23 for the pickups, or for a part or chassis of a consumer, or even for the entire consumer.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the two connecting lines VLCLI, VLci_2, unlike the connecting lines VL1, VL2, are not arranged at a distance B from each other, but are essentially directly adjacent to each other or in contact with each other. The crossing of the outgoing and return conductors occurs at the upper section of the connecting lines VLCLI, VLCL2a. As a result, the current in the first section TSUBI on the right side S1 has a phase that is 180° reversed compared to the right side S1 in the second section TSUB2. The same applies to the other side S2. Figures 5b and 5c show the same section from different perspectives.

[0069] Figure 6a shows a schematic of an embodiment of an energy transmission system E according to the invention. The energy transmission system comprises a first section Al and four second sections A2 of fundamentally identical design. The sections Al and A2 together form an energy transmission line T, wherein the section Al forms a main section TSUB and the sections A2 each form a subsection TMAIN. Each section Al and A2 is supplied via its own independent energy supply Q1 and Q2. Of course, more or fewer second sections A2 are also possible. The energy supplies Q2 can be, but need not be, identical.

[0070] Section Al is formed by a first primary conductor 2. Sections A2 are each formed by a second primary conductor 3. For clarity, the primary conductors 2 and 3 are indicated by a simple line in the figure. However, as described above, they each have a forward and a return conductor.

[0071] The subsections TSUB are connected to the main section TMAIN via crossover sections 1. The crossover sections 1 are formed by a primary conductor arrangement 1 according to the invention, as shown in Figures 2a-5c. Accordingly, the inductive coupling between the main section TMAIN and the subsections TSUB is advantageously reduced. The subsections TSUB are each divided along their length into a first section TSUBI and a second section TSUB2. The point at which the division occurs is the point where the forward and return conductors are interchanged, i.e., where the connecting lines VLci and Lc2 cross. This point is marked with a cross in the figure. Because the forward and return conductors are interchanged at crossover section 1 of section TSUBI compared to crossover section 1' of section TSUB2, the inductive coupling at crossover section 1 and crossover section 1' cancels each other out.This means that the effective inductive coupling between the main section TMAIN and the subsections TSUB is effectively close to or equal to zero. It is important to ensure that the main section has no (or an even number of) points where the outgoing and return conductors cross. It is also important that the outgoing and return conductors cross exactly once (or an odd number of times), as otherwise the phase shifts will cancel each other out.

[0072] This makes the energy transmission system E according to the invention extremely flexible and simple, since the energy inputs Q1 and Q2 do not need to be coupled or synchronized. Furthermore, the main section TMAIN is straightforward and easily extendable by additional subsections TSUB. Naturally, existing subsections TSUB can also be removed without significant effort. In operation, it is also ensured that the induced current through the coupling does not exceed the permissible system current. The energy transmission system is therefore particularly safe.

[0073] Figure 6b shows a further embodiment of an energy transmission system E according to the invention, comprising an energy transmission path T with a main section TMAIN and a subsection TMAIN. The open ends of the energy transmission path T indicate that the energy transmission system can, in principle, be extended as desired. Otherwise, the preceding descriptions and reference numerals apply.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Primary conductor arrangement (1) for an inductive power transmission system, comprising at least one first and one second primary conductor (2, 3), wherein each primary conductor (2, 3) has a forward and a return conductor (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) for inductive power transmission, and the forward and return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) are arranged parallel to each other and extend longitudinally in the direction (R) of a power transmission path (T), such that the first primary conductor (2) forms a first section (A1) of the power transmission path (T) and the second adjacent primary conductor (3) forms a second section (A2) of the power transmission path (T), wherein the ends (E2a, E2b; E3a, E3b) of the forward and return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) of each primary conductor (2, 3) are electrically connected to each other by means of a connecting line (VL2, VL3). are, and the ends (E2a, E2b; E3a, E3b) of the forward and return conductors (2a, 2b;3a, 3b) of the first and second primary conductors (2, 3) are aligned with each other and arranged at a first distance (A) in the direction (R) of the energy transmission path (T), characterized in that the connecting lines (VL2, VL3) have at least in some areas a second distance (B) from each other which is greater than the first distance (A).

2. Primary conductor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting lines (VL2, VL3) each form a passage opening (D2, D3), in particular for at least one pick-up (P), a chassis or a part of a consumer movable along the energy transmission path (T).

3. Primary conductor arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two connecting conductors (VL2, VL3) have conductor sections (VL2a, VL2b, VL2c; VL3a, VL3b, VL3c) which run parallel to each other and transverse to the forward and return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b).

4. Primary conductor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the forward and / or return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) have at their end(s) (E2a, E2b; E3a, E3b) a conductor section (VL2d; VL3d) which is bent, angled, curved or antiparallel relative to the end region (2a', 2b'; 3a', 3b') of the forward and / or return conductor (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) and / or extends away from the respective conductor end (E2a, E2b; E3a, E3b) in the plane (E) spanned by the forward and return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b).

5. Primary conductor arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that a magnetic field generated by the conductor section (VL2d; VL3d) weakens only slightly or not at all a magnetic field generated by the forward and return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b).

6. Primary conductor arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the two connecting lines (VL2, VL3) with their conductor sections (VL2a, VL2b, VL2c, VL2d; VL3a, VL3b, VL3c, VL3d) electrically connect the respective ends (E2a, E2b; E3a, E3b) of the forward and return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) of a primary conductor (2, 3) and span or form the passage opening (D2, D3).

7. Primary conductor arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the first distance (A) is a distance between the foremost point of the conductor section (VL2d; VL3d) in the direction (R) of the energy transmission path (T) and the opposite aligned end (E2a, E2b; E3a, E3b) of the forward or return conductor (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) of the corresponding primary conductor (2, 3).

8. Primary conductor arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that either only the forward conductor (2a; 3a) or only the return conductor (2b; 3b) of a primary conductor (2, 3) has a conductor section (VL2d; VL3d).

9. Primary conductor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end (E2a; E3a) of the forward conductor (2a; 3a) and the end (E2b; E3b) of the return conductor (2b; 3b) of a primary conductors (2, 3) are arranged offset from each other with respect to the direction (R) of the energy transmission path (T).

10. Primary conductor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first primary conductor (2) is supplied by a first energy supply (Q1) and that the second primary conductor (3) is supplied by a second energy supply (Q2).

11. Energy transmission system (E) with at least one energy transmission line (T) comprising at least one first (Al) and at least one second line section (A2), and with at least one consumer movable along the energy transmission line (T), and with two crossing areas (1) between the first (Al) and the second line section (A2) which can be crossed by the consumer in order to move from the first line section (Al) to the second line section (A2) or vice versa, characterized in that the crossing areas (1) are formed by a primary conductor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Energy transmission system (E) according to claim 11, characterized in that the second section (A2) has a first primary conductor (3) which has a forward and a return conductor (3a, 3b) for inductive energy transmission, wherein the forward and return conductors (3a, 3b) are arranged parallel to each other and extend longitudinally in direction (R) of an energy transmission path (TSUB), wherein the primary conductor (3) forms a first section (TSUBI) of the energy transmission path (TSUB) and a second section (TSUBZ) of the energy transmission path (TSUB), wherein the forward conductor (3a) is arranged in the first section (TSUBI) on a first side of the energy transmission path (TSUB) and the return conductor (3b) is arranged in the first section (TSUBI) on a second side of the energy transmission path (TSUB).and that the forward conductor (3a) in the second section (TSUBZ) is located on the second side of the power transmission path (TSUB) and the return conductor (3b) in the second section (TSUBZ) is located on the first side of the power transmission path (TSUB), and that the forward conductor (3a) of the first and second sections (TSUBI, TSUBZ), that the first and second sections (TSUBI, TSUBZ) are electrically connected by means of a first connecting line (VLci), and that the return conductor (3b) of the first and second sections (TSUBI, TSUBZ) is electrically connected by means of a second connecting line (VLcz).

13. Energy transmission system (E) according to claim 12, characterized in that the connecting lines (VLci, VLc2) each form a passage opening (Dci, DC2), in particular for at least one pick-up (P), a chassis or a part of a consumer that can travel along the energy transmission path (TSUB).

14. Energy transmission system (E) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the movable consumer has at least two pick-ups (Pi, P2) for receiving energy, wherein the at least two pick-ups (Pi, P2) are arranged offset from each other with respect to the direction (R) of the energy transmission path (T).

15. Energy transmission system (E) according to claim 14, characterized in that the distance (AP) of the two pick-ups (Pi, P2) of one consumer in the direction of travel is so large and adapted to the crossing area (1) that it is ensured that at least one of the pick-ups (Pi, P2) is always in the area of ​​a forward or return conductor (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) of one of the adjacent primary conductors (2, 3).

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