Oht system with crossing box

Abstract

The invention relates to a primary conductor assembly (PL) of an inductive energy transmission system, comprising a first primary conductor (3), which has a forward and return conductor (3a, 3b) for an inductive energy transmission, the forward and return conductors (3a, 3b) being parallel to each other and extending longitudinally in the direction (R) of an energy transmission path (TSUB). The primary conductor (3) forms a first portion (TSUB1) of the energy transmission path (Tsuß) and a second portion (TSUB2) of the energy transmission path (TSUB), the forward conductor (3a) in the first portion (TSUB1) being provided on a first side (S1) of the energy transmission path (TSUB) and the return conductor (3b) in the first portion (TSUB1) being provided on a second side (S2) of the energy transmission path (TSUB).

Description

[0001] OHT system with crossing box

[0002] The present invention relates to a primary conductor arrangement for an inductive energy transfer system, comprising a first primary conductor which 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, 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.

[0003] The present invention also relates to an energy transmission system with at least one energy transmission line, which has at least a first and at least a second line section, and with at least one consumer that can be moved along the energy transmission line.

[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 forward 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 forward or return conductor, the load typically has a C-shaped pickup that only encompasses the forward or return conductor. However, there are also configurations where the load pickups are H- or E-shaped and simultaneously couple energy from both the forward and return conductors.

[0005] Depending on the specific requirements of the energy transmission line, the energy transmission system can vary in complexity. For example, the energy transmission line 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 coupling between the circuits, resulting in mutual interference.The two adjacent primary conductors, or rather the magnetic fields they generate, influence each other. This phenomenon is referred to here and in the following as inductive coupling of the adjacent path segments.

[0006] This inductive coupling is particularly strong when the primary conductors form a ring circuit as described above, the outgoing and return conductors of which must be connected to each other 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 referred to as a loop box. Figure 1 shows a crossing area PA1 according to the prior art. The crossing area PA1 has a first primary conductor PA2 and a second primary conductor PA3, which extend in the direction of a power transmission path T. The two primary conductors PA2, PA3 are each supplied by a power supply (not shown) and each form a ring circuit. Each primary conductor PA2, PA3 thus forms its own section PAB1, PAB2 of the power transmission path T.The primary conductors along the power transmission path each have parallel outgoing and return conductors PA2a, PA3a, PA3a, PA3b. The pick-ups (not shown) move between these outgoing and return conductors PA2a, PA3a, PA3a, PA3b. To allow the pick-ups, or the load, to move from the first section PAB1 to the second section PAB2, the outgoing and return conductors PA2a, PA3a, PA3a, PA3b must not be connected in the plane E they themselves define. Therefore, the outgoing and return conductors PA2a, PA3a, PA3a, PA3b are each connected to each other via connecting lines PAVL2, PAVL3, which each form a passage opening PAD1, PAD2, allowing the pick-ups, or a load, to move from the first section PAB1 to the second section PAB2 without the connecting lines closing the ring circuits obstructing the passage. The passage of the pickup trucks 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 therefore comparatively strong. This makes synchronization / coordination of the two power feeds or energy sources absolutely necessary, which entails disadvantages.

[0007] This leads to various problems. For example, the inductive coupling of the track sections can induce an unwanted current in the 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 with the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention with the features of claim 1 in that the forward conductor in the second section is arranged on the second side of the energy transmission path and the return conductor in the second section is arranged on the first side of the energy transmission path, and that the forward 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.

[0011] In a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention, a first and a second end of the primary conductor, which is in particular designed as a ring conductor, can thus be defined, wherein the forward and return conductors are interchanged at one end compared to the other end. This means that the phase angle of the current in the first section or at the first end is rotated by 180° compared to the second section or at the second end. If the energy transmission path formed by the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention is integrated into an inductive energy transmission system, that is, if it is connected to another energy transmission path which is also formed by one or more primary conductors, then inductive coupling occurs as described above, and thus the energy transmission paths mutually influence each other.With the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention, it is possible to connect the energy transmission path to the other energy transmission path at both its first and second ends, with the outgoing and return conductors being reversed in the connection sections. This has the significant advantage that the inductive coupling induced by the phase-shifted current is exactly or essentially inversely proportional to each other at both ends. Consequently, the mutually induced currents cancel each other out. The effective influence of the two path sections on the overall system is therefore close to or equal to zero.

[0012] 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 negate the inversion, resulting from a 360° rotation. In principle, any other number of crossings is conceivable and potentially advantageous, as long as the number is odd.

[0013] It is also pointed out 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 should act on the same phase angle of the adjacent primary conductor.

[0014] The connecting lines each form a passage opening, in particular for at least one pickup truck, chassis, or part of a consumer unit that can travel along the energy transmission line. Naturally, the passage openings can also be designed so that the entire consumer unit can drive through them.

[0015] In this embodiment, the pick-ups can be arranged between the outgoing and return conductors in a space-saving manner. Since the primary conductor is typically a ring, the outgoing and return conductors must not cross in the plane they span. When the pick-ups move between the outgoing and return conductors, the conductors can, for example, be angled outwards, forming a loop or loops above the plane of the outgoing and return conductors, which constitute the passage openings. In this way, the outgoing and return conductors can cross, and the pick-ups can still move between them and pass through the passage openings.

[0016] In another embodiment, the two connecting lines have conductor sections that run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the forward and return conductors.

[0017] 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 created in this way can be arranged directly next to each other. This relatively simple geometry is easy to manufacture and can be arranged in an extremely compact and therefore space-saving manner. The two corresponding conductor loops or connecting lines 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, when the path of the power transmission line has geometric peculiarities.

[0018] The object of the invention is also achieved by an energy transmission system with the features of claim 4 in that the at least one second section of the path has a primary conductor arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one first section of the path does not have such an arrangement.

[0019] The energy transmission system according to the invention has the advantages described above, namely that the second section can be divided into two sections, with the phase of the current in one section being reversed relative to the other section. Thus, for example, two ends can be defined with which the second section can be connected to a first section.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, exactly two crossing areas are arranged between the first and the second track section, which can be crossed by the consumer in order to drive from the first track section to the second track section or vice versa.

[0021] In this embodiment, for example, the second track section can be a subsection connected to a main section via transition areas. The subsection is connected to the main section at both ends, so that the primary conductor supplying the subsection with energy is one of the primary conductors of the transition areas. According to the invention, this primary conductor is divided into two sections, the point at which the first section ends and the second section begins being defined by the fact that the outgoing and return conductors cross and are thus interchanged with respect to the other section.

[0022] This has the significant advantage described above that the phase angle of the current in the first section is rotated by 180° compared to the second section. For the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention, this means that the inductive coupling at one crossing area is essentially equal in magnitude but inversely proportional to the sign of the inductive coupling at the other crossing area. 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the crossing areas each have at least one first and one 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 line, 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.where the connecting lines have at least in some areas a second distance from each other that is greater than the first distance.

[0025] The connecting conductors, which each link the outgoing conductor to the return conductor, form a current-carrying conductor loop as described in the prior art. This loop induces a current in the opposite primary conductor or in the corresponding conductor loop. Because the connecting conductors are spaced further apart than the ends of the outgoing and return conductors of the primary conductors, the inductive coupling is advantageously reduced. This reduces the unwanted currents induced in the opposite primary conductor or section of the line.

[0026] In combination with the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention, which reverses the phase of the current during the second section of the route, an extremely interference-free energy transmission system is obtained, in which the inductive coupling is reduced by the special crossing areas and in which, on the other hand, the inductive coupling of the two crossing areas is mutually compensated by the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention in the second section of the route.

[0027] In another embodiment, the connecting lines of the drive-over areas each form a passage opening, in particular for at least one pickup truck, a chassis, or part of a consumer that can travel along the energy transmission path. Naturally, it is also possible for the entire consumer to be able to drive through the passage opening.

[0028] The passage openings can be designed in the same way or differently from the passage openings of the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention. In the simplest case, the connecting conductors can have 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 with regard to the size of the conductor loop. It is thus advantageous and possible for the conductor loop—similar to the clearance profile of a railway tunnel—to have a more complex outer contour, which is or can be precisely adapted to the prevailing conditions or the respective movable device.

[0029] In another embodiment, the connecting lines have conductor sections that run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the forward and return conductors.

[0030] For example, as in one embodiment of the primary conductor arrangement according to the invention, a rectangular conductor loop can be formed in which the upper strut runs exactly transversely 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 thus generated can be arranged exactly opposite each other. This comparatively 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 of 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.For example, this occurs when the path of the energy transmission line has geometric features such as tight curves or inclines / declines, or when the energy level in the adjacent sections of the path is not identical. In another embodiment, the outgoing and / or return conductors have a conductor section at their end(s) that is bent, angled, curved, or antiparallel to the end region of the outgoing and / or return conductor, and / or extends away from the respective conductor end in the plane spanned by the outgoing and return conductors.

[0031] In this embodiment, for example, the outgoing conductor can have a conductor section that runs towards the opposite primary conductor. This 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 conceivable and possible; 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 necessarily 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.

[0032] 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. The undesired inductive coupling is thus significantly reduced. In one embodiment, a magnetic field generated by the aforementioned conductor section weakens only slightly or not at all a magnetic field generated by the outgoing and return conductors.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The first distance is understood to be the distance between the foremost point of the forward or return conductor of the first primary conductor or the previously described 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.

[0036] Naturally, the precise 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, shifting its outermost point towards the apex of the curve. In a further preferred embodiment, either only the outgoing conductor or only the return conductor of a primary conductor has such a conductor section as described above.

[0037] For example, either the outgoing or the return conductor may protrude further at its outermost end than the other conductor, while the connecting wires still run perpendicular to the primary conductor. However, it is also possible that the outgoing and return conductors protrude equally at their outermost ends and that the loop formed by the connecting wire runs diagonally to the primary conductor.

[0038] In this way, the crossing area can be adapted to different conditions. For example, an offset between the distances between the two primary conductors can be created, or the connecting line or the magnetic field can be adapted to very tight curves.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In all embodiments, the first primary conductor can be supplied by a first energy input and the second primary conductor by a second energy input. This ensures that both electrically or galvanically isolated energy transmission path sections are each supplied with energy via their own energy input. The energy inputs, or the energy sources used for them, can be coupled or synchronized. However, due to the inductive coupling compensation according to the invention, energy transmission systems are also advantageously possible and preferred in which the energy inputs, or the energy sources used for them, are not coupled or synchronized, and in particular, do not need to be.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] These can be, for example, C-, H-, or E-type pickups. The crucial point is that they run between the live and return conductors, and that 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 live and return conductors, resulting in a drop in power supply. 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 effectively minimized.

[0045] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments.

[0046] They show:

[0047] Figure 1 shows a crossing area according to the state of the art;

[0048] Figure 2a shows a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention in a first view;

[0049] Figure 2b shows a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention in a top view; Figure 2c shows a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention in a side view;

[0050] Figure 3a shows a drive-over area of ​​an energy transmission system in a first view;

[0051] Figure 3b shows a drive-over area of ​​an energy transmission system in a top view;

[0052] Figure 3c shows a drive-over area of ​​an energy transmission system in a side view;

[0053] Figure 4a shows a drive-over area of ​​an energy transmission system with pick-ups in a first view;

[0054] Figure 4b shows a drive-over area of ​​an energy transmission system with pick-ups in a top view;

[0055] Figure 4c shows a drive-over area of ​​an energy transmission system with pick-ups in a side view;

[0056] Figure 5a shows a variant of a drive-over area of ​​an energy transmission system in a first view;

[0057] Figure 5b shows a variant of a drive-over area of ​​an energy transmission system in a top view;

[0058] Figure 5c shows a variant of a drive-over area of ​​an energy transmission system in a side view;

[0059] Figure 6a shows a schematic representation of an energy transmission system according to the invention with several subsections;

[0060] Figure 6b shows a section of an energy transmission system according to the invention with a subsection; Figure 1 shows a crossing area PA1 according to the prior art. The crossing area PA1 has a first primary conductor PA2 and a second primary conductor PA3, which extend in the direction of an energy transmission path T. The two primary conductors PA1 and PA2 are each supplied by an energy 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 energy transmission path T.

[0061] The primary conductors PA2 and PA3 each have parallel outgoing and return conductors PA2a, PA3a, PA3a, and PA3b along the power transmission path T. The pick-ups (not shown) move between the outgoing and return conductors PA2a, PA3a, PA3a, and PA3b. For the pick-ups, 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 or a consumer can move from the first section PAB1 to the second section PAB2 without the connecting lines PAVL2, PAVL3, which close the ring lines, preventing passage.

[0062] 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 therefore comparatively strong. This makes synchronization / coordination of the two power feeds or energy sources absolutely necessary, which brings with it the disadvantages described above.

[0063] Figure 2a shows a section of a second track section A2 with a primary conductor arrangement PL according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, track section A2 is connected to a first track section Al (also not shown) via a crossing area (not shown). The second track section Al shown is formed from a primary conductor 3 and has parallel forward and return conductors 3a, 3b. The track section forms a subsection TSUB of a power transmission line T, which is part of a power transmission system according to the invention.

[0064] Subsection TSUB is divided into a first section, TSUBI, and a second section, TSUB2. The two sections, TSUBI and TSUB2, differ in that the outgoing conductor 3a in the first section, TSUBI, is located on one side, S1, of the primary conductor 3, while in the second section, TSUB2, the outgoing conductor 3a is located on the opposite side, S2. The return conductor 3b is located in reverse. 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 LCLI and LCL2, respectively. Connecting lines VLCLI and VLCL2 each form a passage opening, DCi and DC2, for the pickups, for a part or chassis of a consumer, or for the entire consumer.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the two connecting lines VLci and VLc2 are essentially directly adjacent to each other or are in contact with each other. The crossing of the outgoing and return conductors occurs at the uppermost line section VLcia and VLc2a of the connecting lines VLci and VLc2, respectively. As a result, the current in the first section TSUBI on the right side S1 has a phase shifted by 180° compared to the right side S1 in the second section TSUB2. The same applies to the other side S2. Figures 2b and 2c show the same section from different perspectives.

[0066] Figure 3a shows an isometric view of a crossing area 1 of an embodiment of an energy transmission system according to the invention. Two primary conductors 2, 3 extend along a direction R of an energy transmission path T, each forming a path section Al, A2 of the energy transmission path T. The two primary conductors 2, 3 each have parallel forward and return conductors 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b. 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. Integrated into an energy transmission system according to the invention, the primary conductor 3 corresponds to the primary conductor 3 of section A2 shown in partial view in Figures 2a to 2c. The primary conductor 3 thus has a primary conductor arrangement PL according to the invention (not shown).

[0067] The ends E2a, E2b, E3a, E3b of the forward and return conductors 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b of the 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.

[0068] In this example, the connecting lines VL2 and VL3 each have conductor sections VL2a, VL2b, VL2c, VL3a, VL3b, and VL3c, which run perpendicular 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 example, 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.

[0069] 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 VL2d, VL3d. Thus, depending on the angle and shape of the conductor sections VL2d, VL3d, this outermost point can be shifted outwards or inwards, or inwards towards the ends E2b, E3b (inwards) or inwards towards the conductor sections VL3c (outwards).

[0070] 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 A 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 R.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Figures 3b and 3c show the same crossing area 1 from different perspectives. The top view in Figure 3b 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 3c also clearly shows that there is no continuous interruption of the power supply along the power transmission path T and perpendicular to direction R, because sections VL2d and VL3d overlap in direction R, resulting in offset distances A. Therefore, even when using two parallel pickups, a continuous power supply is ensured, as at least one pickup is always supplied with power.

[0073] Figures 4a to 4c show the same crossing area 1 as Figures 3a to 3c. 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 2 and 3, 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 openings of the pickups 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.

[0074] Figure 5a shows a variant of a drive-over area for an energy transmission system according to the invention. A difference from the variant shown in Figures 3a-4c 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.

[0075] The difference between distances A and B is greater in this embodiment than in the variant shown in Figures 3a-4c, which further reduces 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 5b and 5c. This problem can be solved, for example, by staggering the pickups.

[0076] 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 TMAIN and the sections A2 each form a subsection TSUB. Each section Al and A2 is supplied with energy 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The subsections TSUB are connected to the main section TMAIN via crossing areas 1. The crossing areas 1 are formed as shown in Figures 3a-5c. Accordingly, the inductive coupling between the main section TMAIN and the subsections TSUB is advantageously reduced.

[0079] The subsections TSUB are each subdivided along their length into a first section TSUBI and a second section TSUB2, and each has a primary conductor arrangement according to the invention. The point at which the subdivision into sections TSUBI and TSUB2 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 crossing area 1 of section TSUBI compared to crossing area 1' of section TSUB2, the inductive coupling at crossing area 1 and crossing area 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 TMAIN does not (or does not) have any (or any)It has an even number of points where the outgoing and return conductors cross. It is also important to ensure that the outgoing and return conductors cross exactly once (or an odd number of times), otherwise the phase shifts will cancel each other out.

[0080] 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 E is therefore particularly safe.

[0081] 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 TSUB. The open ends of the energy transmission path T indicate that the energy transmission system E can, in principle, be extended as desired. Otherwise, the preceding descriptions and reference numerals apply.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Primary conductor arrangement (PL) for an inductive power transmission system, comprising a first primary conductor (3) having a forward and a return conductor (3a, 3b) for inductive power transmission, and the forward and return conductors (3a, 3b) being arranged parallel to each other and extending longitudinally in the direction (R) of a power transmission path (TSUB), wherein the primary conductor (3) forming a first section (TSUBI) of the power transmission path (Tsuß) and a second section (TSUBZ) of the power transmission path (TSUB), wherein the forward conductor (3a) is arranged on a first side (S1) of the power transmission path (TSUB) in the first section (TSUBI) and the return conductor (3b) is arranged on a second side (S2) of the power transmission path (TSUB) in the first section (TSUBI), characterized in thatthat the forward conductor (3a) in the second section (TSUBZ) is located on the second side (S2) of the power transmission line (TSUB) and the return conductor (3b) in the second section (TSUBZ) is located on the first side (Sl) of the power transmission line (TSUB), and that the forward conductor (3a) of the first and second sections (TSUBI, TSUBZ) is 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 (VLci).

2. Primary conductor arrangement (PL) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting lines (VLci, VLcz) each form a passage opening (Dci, Dez), in particular for at least one pick-up (Pl, P2), a chassis and / or a part of a consumer that can be moved along the energy transmission path.

3. Primary conductor arrangement (PL) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two connecting conductors (VLci, VLcz) have conductor sections (VLcia, VLcza) that run parallel to each other and transversely to the forward and return conductors (3a, 3b).

4. Energy transmission system (E) with at least one energy transmission line (T) comprising at least one first and at least one second line section (Al, TMAIN, A2, TSUB) and with at least one consumer movable along the energy transmission line (T), characterized in that the at least one second line section (A2, TSUB) has a primary conductor arrangement (PE) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one first line section (Al, TMAIN) does not have such an arrangement.

5. Energy transmission system (E) according to claim 4, characterized by exactly two crossing areas (1, 1') arranged between the first and the second track section (Al, TMAIN, A2, TSUB) which can be crossed by the consumer in order to travel from the first track section (Al, TMAIN) to the second track section (A2, TSUB) or vice versa.

6. Energy transmission system (E) according to claim 5, characterized in that the crossing areas (1, 1') each have 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 energy transmission, and the forward and return conductors (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) are arranged parallel to each other and extend longitudinally in direction (R) of an energy transmission path (T), such that the first primary conductor (2) forms a first section (Al, TMAIN) of the energy transmission path (T) and the second adjacent primary conductor (3) forms a second section (A2, TSUB) of the energy 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), 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) from each other, wherein 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).; 7. Energy transmission system (E) according to claim 6, 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 and / or a part of a consumer that can be moved along the energy transmission path (T).

8. Energy transmission system (E) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the connecting lines (VL2, VL3) have line 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).

9. Energy transmission system (E) according to one of claims 6 to 8, 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).

10. Energy transmission system (E) according to claim 9, 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 conductor (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b).

11. Energy transmission system (E) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the two connecting lines (VL2, VL3) with their line 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).

12. Energy transmission system (E), according to claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the first distance (A) is a distance between the foremost point in the direction (R) of the energy transmission path (T) line section (VL2d; VL3d) 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).

13. Energy transmission system (E) according to claims 9 to 12, 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).

14. Energy transmission system (E) according to one of claims 6 to 13, 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 conductor (2, 3) 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 one of claims 4 to 14, characterized in that the first section of the route (Al, TMAIN) is supplied by a first energy supply (Q1) and that the second section of the route (A2, TSUB) is supplied by a second energy supply (Q2).

16. Energy transmission system (E) according to one of claims 4 to 15, 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).

17. Energy transmission system (E) according to claim 16, 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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