Stationary power supply system for an electricallly driveable vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a stationary power supply system for providing electrical power for at least one electrically driveable vehicle, comprising a stationary power supply station having electrical contacts which are connected to a power source; at least one current collector of a vehicle, which current collector is designed to contact the electrical contacts of the power supply station and to transmit electrical power provided by the power source via the electrical contacts to the vehicle, the electrical contacts of the power supply station being arranged and designed such that they are contactable from the side by the current collector in order to establish an electrical connection; and a protective device having a protective conductor for dissipating electrical power, the protective device comprising a first protective contact, which is connected to the protective conductor, and a vehicle-side second protective contact and being designed to establish a connection between the protective contacts independently of and in particular before a connection is established between the current collector and electrical contacts of the power supply station. The invention also relates to a method for providing electrical power for an electrically driveable vehicle by means of a stationary power supply system according to the invention.

Description

[0001] 01812-25 La / DMS

[0002] Liebherr Mining Equipment Colmar SAS FR-68025 Colmar Cedex

[0003] Stationary energy supply system for an electrically powered vehicle

[0004] The present invention relates to a stationary energy supply system for an electrically powered vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for providing electrical energy to an electrically powered vehicle by means of such a system.

[0005] Recently, the focus has increasingly shifted to the problem of reducing environmental impacts and global warming. The electrification of vehicles, especially large construction machinery for moving general cargo and bulk materials, is therefore becoming an increasingly important issue. This also applies to mining and open-pit mining, where constant transport routes are used with the highest possible frequency. Dump trucks with a loading capacity of over 100 tons, in particular, are predominantly powered by diesel-electric drives. These drives comprise a conventional combustion engine that powers an integrated generator, which in turn supplies the electrical energy for the electric drive motors. Therefore, solutions are being sought that will allow such diesel-electric drives to be replaced by fully electric solutions without compromising productivity.One possibility is to replace diesel-electric drives with batteries that supply energy to the drive systems. To supply the batteries and / or the drive systems with electrical energy while driving, it is known to provide the energy via power supply lines located above or to the side of the roadway and contacted, for example, by pantographs with sliding shoes. An example of this is known from WO 2021 063 586 A1.

[0006] Depending on usage and transport cycle, the vehicles' batteries need to be recharged regularly. To minimize productivity loss due to charging time, the vehicle must either charge stationary at high power or dynamically over a longer period at reduced power, i.e., while driving.

[0007] When charging batteries at a fixed location, an additional challenge arises: due to the vehicle's potential accessibility, a connection to a protective earth (PE) conductor is necessary to safely dissipate fault currents, such as those caused by a short circuit. Equipping the power supply line positioned along the roadway to allow vehicles to charge at any point along the route increases the vehicle's weight and infrastructure costs. Conversely, providing a dedicated charging station typically requires manually connecting the power supply lines and the protective earth conductor, which is both time-consuming and inefficient.

[0008] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide a simple and cost-optimized energy supply system that enables safe and efficient stationary charging of the batteries of such vehicles. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a stationary energy supply system with the features of claim 1, by an energy supply system with the features of claim 14, and by a method with the features of claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] Accordingly, a stationary power supply system for providing electrical energy to an electrically powered vehicle is proposed. The power supply system comprises a stationary power supply station with electrical contacts connected to a power source. The power source provides the necessary energy via the electrical contacts, in particular for charging one or more energy storage devices of the vehicle. The power supply station is preferably designed to provide high power outputs, especially in the megawatt range.

[0010] A stationary power supply station is, in particular, a spatially defined station that a vehicle can approach for the purpose of stationary power supply while the vehicle is stationary. Specifically, a stationary power supply station is not part of a power supply line extending along a route that supplies vehicles with power while they are in motion.

[0011] The stationary power supply station can be permanently installed, for example, anchored in the ground. However, it is preferably a "mobile" stationary power supply station in the sense that, although it occupies a fixed, stationary position when installed, it can be easily dismantled and reassembled in a different location.

[0012] For this purpose, the power supply station can, for example, be housed in or attached to a container. Alternatively, the power supply station can comprise at least one base unit that can be placed on the ground and at least one support extending upwards from the base unit, with the electrical contacts for the power supply installed on the latter. The support units can be made of steel and can be permanently or detachably connected to a concrete block serving as the base unit. The base unit can be designed to have a high weight suitable for the stability of the power supply station. The base unit can be a precast element, e.g., a precast concrete element. This could be, for example, a concrete barrier for road closures or a concrete block with interlocking projections and recesses, similar to a building block.

[0013] When drawing power from the power supply station, the vehicle is in particular stationary, i.e., not in ferry operation.

[0014] The stationary power supply system further comprises at least one vehicle-side pantograph, in particular a pole pantograph, which is designed to contact the electrical contacts of the power supply station and to transfer the electrical energy supplied by the power source via the electrical contacts to the vehicle, in particular to charge one or more energy storage devices. The electrical contacts of the power supply station are arranged and designed such that they can be contacted from the side by the at least one pantograph to establish an electrically conductive connection.

[0015] According to the invention, a current collector of the vehicle is used to transmit the high power typical of the stationary power supply process. This is preferably the same current collector that serves the power supply during travel via a dynamic power supply system. This reduces the number of components required for the power supply (during travel / stationary), thus saving weight and costs. Preferably, the electrical contacts of the power supply station are arranged on electrical conductors, in particular on rigid conductor rails, with the same conductors being used both for the power supply line running along the route for the dynamic power supply and for providing the electrical contacts of the power supply station for the stationary power supply.The energy from both energy supply systems can be tapped using the same current collectors.

[0016] Preferably, the power supply station comprises a first electrical conductor with a first electrical contact (positive pole) and a second electrical conductor with a second electrical contact (negative pole). A single two-pole pantograph or two single-pole pantographs can be provided for each vehicle.

[0017] Since stationary charging carries the risk of a dangerous voltage building up on the vehicle body or other parts of the vehicle due to a fault such as a short circuit, which can lead to a life-threatening situation if touched by a person, the vehicle, unlike dynamic power supply, must be grounded, i.e., connected to a protective earth conductor.

[0018] According to the invention, the stationary power supply system comprises a protective device with a protective conductor for dissipating electrical energy, in particular a fault current. The protective device comprises a first protective contact connected to the protective conductor and a second protective contact arranged on the vehicle and is designed to establish a connection between the protective contacts independently of the establishment of a connection between the current collector and the electrical contacts of the power supply station.

[0019] This means that the protective conductor or the first protective contact is not positioned in the vicinity of the electrical contacts of the power supply station in such a way that the pantograph head connects to both the electrical contacts and the first protective contact simultaneously. Instead, the connection of the protective contacts to the vehicle's earthing can be established independently and, in particular, before the closing of the energy-carrying connection between the pantograph and the electrical contacts of the power supply station. This is important because, for safe operation, it must be ensured that energy transfer via the electrical contacts of the power supply station only occurs when the vehicle is connected to the protective conductor, i.e., earthed.

[0020] The power supply station may include a control unit designed to control and / or regulate the energy supplied to the vehicle via the at least one pantograph, in particular the current or power. Alternatively, such a control unit may be located in the vehicle.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, the current collector comprises at least one sliding shoe designed to make conductive contact with a power supply line from the side while the vehicle is in motion and to slide along it. Thus, energy is drawn via the same sliding shoe for stationary power supply as for dynamic power supply during travel. The electrical contacts of the power supply station are arranged and designed such that they can be contacted from the side by the at least one sliding shoe of the current collector, particularly as in dynamic power supply. The sliding shoe can be or comprise a replaceable, electrically conductive contact strip.

[0022] In another possible embodiment, the power supply station comprises two rigid conductor rails, which are parallel to each other and have electrical contacts for connection to the pantograph. These electrical contacts face laterally, so that contact is preferably established by pivoting the vehicle's pantograph sideways. Due to their rigid design, the conductor rails are particularly suitable for supplying high currents or power (for example, in the megawatt range).

[0023] The conductor rails preferably each comprise a first contact surface that tapers towards the current collector when connected to it, and the current collector preferably comprises at least one second contact surface that is complementary to this and widens towards the conductor rail. The tapering can be achieved by means of appropriately chamfered surfaces and / or a curved surface of the conductor rails. Alternatively, the conductor rails and the current collector can each comprise flat contact surfaces to establish an electrically conductive connection.

[0024] In another possible embodiment, the conductor rails are provided to have a hollow profile made of a preferably electrically conductive material (in particular metal, e.g., an aluminum alloy). The conductor rails can be extruded metal profiles.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the first contact surface is formed, among other things, by a conductor wire anchored or clamped in the hollow profile. This provides a defined contact surface for a sliding shoe of the current collector. Preferably, current is transmitted not only via the conductor wire but via the entire hollow profile of a conductor rail. In this case, the sliding shoe particularly includes a suitably shaped contact groove that receives the conductor wire. Alternatively or additionally, the first contact surface can be formed by an outer section of the hollow profile that is at least partially planar. The current collector can have a suitably designed current collector head with two sliding shoes that, when coupled, contact the conductor wires. A separating piece, preferably made of a dielectric material, can be arranged between them to prevent a short circuit.In another possible embodiment, the conductor rails can be arranged at an angle to each other and have contact surfaces that can be partially flat and / or partially curved, forming the electrical contacts. The contact surface of a lower conductor rail can point obliquely upwards, and the contact surface of an upper conductor rail can point obliquely downwards. The current collector can have a correspondingly designed current collector head with two sliding shoes that, when coupled, contact the angled contact surfaces of the conductor rails. A separating piece, preferably made of a dielectric material, can be arranged between them to prevent a short circuit. This separating piece can preferably be conical and / or rounded to facilitate the coupling process.

[0026] In another possible embodiment, the power supply station includes a cooling device by means of which the electrical contacts and / or the at least one current collector can be cooled, at least partially, by means of a coolant. The coolant can be a gas, for example air, or preferably a liquid, in particular water. Such cooling may be necessary because very high power levels are usually transferred during stationary charging, which generates heat that must be dissipated.

[0027] Preferably, the electrical contacts are formed on conductor rails, each of which has at least one coolant channel and, in particular, coolant connections. The conductor rails are preferably liquid-cooled. The coolant channels can be formed by hollow profiles of the conductor rails themselves and / or by specially provided or formed channels that run in or on the rails.

[0028] The cooling device can include at least one heat exchanger designed to cool the coolant. In a further possible embodiment, the power supply station includes at least one guide for establishing or facilitating a connection between the electrical contacts and the current collector. The guide can be made of an insulating or dielectric material, such as a glass fiber reinforced plastic.

[0029] The guide aid preferably has an opening formed by guide surfaces arranged above and below the electrical contacts, and in particular funnel-shaped, which enables the current collector to be coupled to the electrical contacts. A widening opening towards the vehicle or the current collector allows for easy coupling without having to precisely align the current collector with the electrical contacts. During coupling, the guide surfaces automatically direct the current collector to the electrical contacts. The guide aid can have a substantially V-shaped cross-section.

[0030] In another possible embodiment, the protective device comprises a signal line and a first signal contact connected to the signal line, as well as a second signal contact on the vehicle side. In addition to grounding the vehicle via a protective conductor, the protective device in this case thus serves to establish one or more signal connections, for example, to establish a communication link between the vehicle and the power supply station in order to provide the correct required power via the pantograph (so-called "Control Pilot," CP). The protective device can include multiple signal lines and corresponding signal contacts.

[0031] Preferably, the protective device is designed to establish a connection between the signal contacts and the protective contacts simultaneously. For this purpose, the vehicle-side protective and signal contacts are arranged in a fixed position relative to each other, so that a connection with the stationary contacts of the protective device always occurs simultaneously. When the following exemplary embodiments refer to an arrangement or design of the protective contacts, corresponding signal contacts may also be provided.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, wireless signal exchange can be provided, for example, to initiate a connection sequence for establishing the connection between the protective contacts and / or the pantograph and the electrical contacts of the power supply station. For this purpose, the power supply system can include a vehicle-side control unit and a stationary control unit that communicate wirelessly with each other. The latter can, for example, be part of the protective device or part of the power supply station.

[0033] In another possible embodiment, the protective device comprises a stationary support structure with a movable arm on which the first protective contact is arranged. The arm is designed to establish contact with a contact device of the vehicle, which has the second protective contact, by moving from a parked position to a coupled position. In this process, the first and second protective contacts make contact, thus establishing protective grounding of the vehicle. Preferably, a connection between signal contacts is simultaneously established to create a signal link.

[0034] The arm is preferably designed as a pivoting current collector, which in particular has an identical or similar design to the current collector of the vehicle that contacts the power supply station. However, instead of supplying power, this current collector serves to establish a connection to the protective conductor of the protective device. The use of a second current collector to establish the connection to the protective conductor (and preferably to connect signal contacts) reduces the number of different components of the power supply system and thus increases cost efficiency. Preferably, the arm can be pivoted laterally to swivel its head, which has the first protective contact, towards the contact device of the vehicle.

[0035] The coupling of the arm and coupling device can be automated, for example after initiation by the driver of the vehicle or due to automatic detection of a correct loading position of the vehicle by one or more sensors.

[0036] Preferably, the vehicle-side contact device has a guide for guiding the arm to the second protective contact. This facilitates coupling the arm to the contact device and can have a design similar to that previously described for the guide of the power supply station.

[0037] The support structure to which the arm is movably mounted can be permanently installed, e.g., anchored in the ground. Preferably, however, it is a "mobile" support structure in the sense that, although it occupies a fixed, stationary position when installed, it can be easily dismantled and reassembled in a different position. For this purpose, the support structure can, for example, be housed in or attached to a container. Alternatively, the support structure can comprise a base body that can be placed on the ground and a support extending upwards from the base body, as previously described in relation to the power supply station.

[0038] In another possible embodiment, the second protective contact is arranged on the at least one pantograph. The protective device further comprises a stationary contact device with the first protective contact, which is arranged such that the protective contacts automatically come into contact with each other when the vehicle or pantograph is in a charging position relative to the power supply station. The second protective contact is preferably not located on a pantograph head that contacts the electrical contacts of the power supply station and may, for example, include one or more sliding shoes, since the connection of the protective contacts should occur independently of the contacting of the electrical contacts of the power supply station and, in particular, before this, so that power transmission via the pantograph is only initiated when protection is provided via the protective conductor.

[0039] The second protective contact is preferably arranged on a pole of the current collector. The stationary contact device can be located at the stationary power supply station and may, for example, comprise a contact arm mounted on a support to which the electrical contacts, e.g., several conductor rails, are also attached. The contact arm may be spring-mounted or include a spring element to ensure gentle and reliable coupling of the protective contacts, even in a vehicle end position that deviates slightly from the charging position. Alternatively, the contact arm may be mounted on its own support device. The contact arm may have a V-shaped head with the first protective contact. Alternatively, an actively actuated gripper with the first protective contact may be arranged at the end of the contact arm.

[0040] It is also conceivable that the second protective contact is not located on the pantograph, but at a position on the vehicle spaced apart from the pantograph, for example, on a side mounting bracket on which the pantograph is movably mounted, or in a lower area at the front of the vehicle. The stationary contact device preferably comprises at least one contact arm on which the first protective contact is arranged and which is located at a height above the ground corresponding to the position of the second protective contact on the vehicle, so that the protective contacts automatically come into contact with each other when the vehicle approaches the charging position. The at least one contact arm is preferably spring-mounted or includes a spring element.In the embodiments described above, in addition to the second protective contact, at least one signal contact is preferably also located on the pantograph or at a position on the vehicle that is spaced away from the pantograph.

[0041] In another possible embodiment, the power supply system comprises an arm mounted on the vehicle independently of the pantograph, in particular a pivotable arm, on which the second protective contact is arranged, wherein the protective device includes a stationary contact device with the first protective contact. In this embodiment, the additional arm is thus not mounted on a stationary support device, but also on the vehicle. The arm is designed to establish contact with the first protective contact by moving from a parked position to a coupled position. This preferably occurs automatically.

[0042] The movable arm can be positioned anywhere on the vehicle, for example, at the bottom of the front. In its simplest form, the contact device can consist of a base plate or a contact anchored in the ground, to which the movable arm is brought in the charging position to connect the protective contacts.

[0043] Preferably, the additional arm is designed as a current collector and is positioned in the area of ​​the current collector responsible for contacting the power supply station, e.g., above or below it. Preferably, after the power supply station is started up, the current collector with the second protective contact is first pivoted to establish a connection with the protective conductor. Subsequently, the other current collector is pivoted to contact the electrical contacts of the power supply station.

[0044] In another possible embodiment, the power supply system comprises a permanently connected cable with a cable-side connection that can be connected to a vehicle-side connection. The cable can be part of the protective device and include the protective conductor and the first protective contact, the latter being located at the cable-side connection. The vehicle-side connection includes the second protective contact. To connect the protective contacts, an operator guides the cable to the vehicle and connects the terminals. The cable can include at least one signal line, and the terminals can include corresponding signal contacts.

[0045] Alternatively, the cable can be designed as a charging cable and include power transmission lines connected to a power source, as well as associated electrical contacts. The connections can be, for example, familiar MCS, QCC, or Paxos connectors. Thus, the power supply can be provided via the charging cable in addition to, or as an alternative to, the power supply via the current collector. This ensures that a power supply is available even if the current collector malfunctions or fails.

[0046] The stationary power supply system can include several cables, for example a cable with a protective conductor and possibly at least one signal line, as well as a charging cable with corresponding power transmission lines.

[0047] In another possible embodiment, the current collector is actively adjustable in the horizontal and / or vertical direction. For example, the current collector can be actively pivoted about a first vertical pivot axis. Additionally, the current collector can be actively pivoted about a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis. Adjustment of the current collector is achieved, in particular, by means of various actuators, e.g., hydraulic cylinders. The active adjustment of the current collector is used, in particular, to establish and disconnect the coupling with the electrical contacts of the power supply station. During electrical operation (i.e., the coupled state), the actuators can preferably be deactivated. This is preferably done automatically via a corresponding control unit.The current collector preferably comprises a spring assembly by which the current collector is passively pressed against the electrical contacts in the coupled state to ensure a consistently stable, current-conducting contact. Preferably, the actuators by which the current collector is actively adjustable are deactivated in the coupled state or during electrical operation of the vehicle, so that only the "passive adjustment" of the current collector is active.

[0048] Optionally, the pantograph may include a compensating device that exerts a righting force on the pantograph, counteracting the force of gravity. This prevents the pantograph, which is pivotally mounted at one end, particularly as a single-arm lever, from sagging downwards due to its own weight. The compensating device may include or be a spring element, although other elastic elements such as tension bands are also conceivable. The spring element may be a tension, compression, or torsion spring. Alternatively or additionally, the compensating device may include or be a counterweight.

[0049] In the embodiments described above, in which the protective device comprises an arm mounted on a stationary support device or on the vehicle, which is also designed as a current collector, said current collector may have one or more of the features described above.

[0050] In another possible embodiment, the power supply system comprises at least one electrically powered vehicle with an electric drive system, wherein the vehicle includes at least one pantograph for contacting the electrical contacts of the power supply station and a second protective contact. Preferably, the pantograph is arranged on one side of the vehicle or on a support structure attached to the front of the vehicle. The support structure may have a design known from WO 2021 063 586 A1, wherein the pantograph may be mounted laterally on such a support structure. The vehicle may be a rail vehicle or a road vehicle. In particular, the vehicle may be a construction machine, for example, for moving individual items or bulk materials. The vehicle may be a dump truck.

[0051] The vehicle may include a control unit that actively adjusts the pantograph and is configured to automatically control it to establish contact with the electrical contacts of the power supply station. The control unit may be connected to a control unit of the power supply station via one or more signal lines from the protective device to control the transmitted energy or power. Alternatively, the signal transmission may be wireless.

[0052] Preferably, the vehicle has a battery management system that can regulate the energy, in particular the current or power, flowing through the pantograph, especially to ensure proper charging of at least one electrical energy storage device. The aforementioned control unit can be part of this battery management system.

[0053] Several stationary energy supply stations may be provided, located in different positions.

[0054] The invention further relates to an energy supply system which, in addition to the stationary energy supply system described above, by means of which a vehicle can be charged or supplied with energy at high power while stationary, comprises an energy supply line which can be contacted by the pantograph during the vehicle's journey and thus provides a dynamic energy supply during the vehicle's movement.

[0055] Preferably, the power supply station and the power supply line each comprise at least two conductors that have the electrical contacts for transmitting the energy, wherein the electrical conductors of the power supply line and the electrical conductors of the power supply station have the same shape or construction. In particular, the electrical conductors can be designed as busbars, as described above.

[0056] This means that in steady-state operation, energy is drawn via the same conductors and current collector as in dynamic operation, i.e., while driving. Therefore, no different components are required for steady-state power supply; the same current collector can be used for power draw-off.

[0057] Preferably, the power supply line does not run above the track, as in many known overhead line systems, but laterally along the track, specifically at the level of the vehicle drawing power. This results in a lower power supply line height and simplifies installation. The electrical contacts of the power supply station are also located at the level of the vehicle drawing power and are contacted from the side by the pantograph.

[0058] Preferably, the electrical conductors of the power supply line are not formed by flexible wires, but by at least two rigid conductor rails running parallel to each other along the track. These not only give the power supply line greater stability and rigidity, but can also be designed to transmit very high currents with a comparatively small number of feed points.

[0059] The power supply line can comprise a plurality of support modules, each with a base body that can be placed on the ground and a support extending upwards from the base body, which are interconnected via the conductor rails. Preferably, the power supply line has at least one guide for easily establishing a connection between the conductor rails and the current collector, which runs continuously along the conductor rails. The guide can be designed like the optional guide of the power supply station described above and can extend substantially along the entire length of the power supply line.

[0060] The invention further relates to a method for supplying electrical energy to an electrically powered vehicle by means of the stationary power supply system. In a first step, an electrically conductive connection is established between the first and second protective contacts of the protective device so that the vehicle or its current-carrying components are connected to the protective conductor. In a second step, after successful establishment of the connection between the protective contacts, an electrically conductive connection is established between the electrical contacts of the power supply station and the current collector of the vehicle, which is preferably pivoted laterally for this purpose.

[0061] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments explained below with reference to the figures. The figures show:

[0062] Fig. 1: A first embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0063] Energy supply system of a stationary vehicle supplied with energy in a perspective view;

[0064] Fig. 2: the embodiment of Figure 1, with some parts of the vehicle hidden;

[0065] Fig. 3: the embodiment of Figure 1 in a front view;

[0066] Fig. 4: a second embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0067] Energy supply system of a stationary vehicle supplied with energy in a front view; Fig. 5: a third embodiment of a system based on the invention

[0068] Energy supply system of a stationary vehicle supplied with energy in a front view;

[0069] Fig. 6: a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0070] Energy supply system of a stationary vehicle supplied with energy in a front view;

[0071] Fig. 7: a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0072] Energy supply system of a stationary vehicle supplied with energy in a front view;

[0073] Fig. 8: an embodiment of an energy supply line for the dynamic energy supply of a vehicle with a current collector of the energy supply system according to the invention;

[0074] Fig. 9: a first embodiment of the electrical contacts of the stationary power supply station;

[0075] Figs. 10-11: a second embodiment of the electrical contacts of the stationary power supply station; and

[0076] Fig. 12: a schematic representation of the process of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0077] Figure 1 shows an example of a vehicle 10 which is supplied with energy by means of a first embodiment of the stationary energy supply system according to the invention.

[0078] The vehicle 10 shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 and also in the other figures is an electrically driven dump truck. The dump truck 10 has a body 12 that can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis. A vehicle platform can be provided at the front of the vehicle above the radiator, on which a driver's cab is located. A flat surface of the body 12 can project over the platform in the form of a canopy. Instead of such a dump truck, other vehicles that are at least partially electrically powered can also be operated or supplied by means of the energy supply system according to the invention, for example, bulldozers or loaders, mobile cranes, wheel loaders, special foundation engineering equipment, or excavators.

[0079] The vehicle 10 has at least one electric drive and at least one electric energy storage device, in particular at least one traction battery for supplying at least one electric drive.

[0080] To enable the rapid charging of the at least one electrical energy storage device in the stationary state, i.e., when the vehicle 10 is at rest, a stationary energy supply station 20 is provided. This station comprises two electrical contacts connected to an energy source (not shown) to supply energy to the vehicle 10. For power pickup, the vehicle 10 has a current collector 30, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is mounted laterally and preferably in the area of ​​the front vehicle platform.

[0081] The power supply station 20 is preferably not permanently anchored in the ground, but placed on the ground to allow for easy and quick relocation. For this purpose, the power supply station 20 preferably comprises one or more base bodies 24 placed on the ground and one or more connected, in particular vertically extending, supports 26. Electrical conductors are attached to these supports, which have the electrical contacts for tapping by the current collector 30.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the electrical conductors are formed as two parallel, rigid conductor rails 21, 22 arranged one above the other, on which the electrical contacts are located (the outer surfaces of the conductor rails 21, 22 can form the electrical contacts). The conductor rails 21, 22 can be mounted on two supports 26, in particular via electrical insulators. The base bodies 24 can be designed as stackable precast concrete elements.

[0083] A front view of the vehicle 10 of this embodiment is shown in Figure 3. Here it can be seen that the power supply station 20 may have a guide aid 23 (this is not shown in Fig. 1), which may have a V-shaped opening area facing the vehicle 10. This opening area may be formed by guide plates arranged obliquely above and below the conductor rails 21, 22. The guide aid 23 facilitates the coupling of the current collector 30 to the conductor rails 21, 22 by guiding a current collector head, which may have two conductive sliding shoes with contact surfaces complementary to the electrical contacts on the conductor rails 21, 22, along the guide plates to the conductor rails 21, 22.This makes coupling the pantograph 30 simple and safe, which is achieved by laterally pivoting and preferably automatically via corresponding control of actuators by a control unit of the vehicle 10. Instead of a single two-pole pantograph 30, two single-pole pantographs could also be provided for each of the conductor rails 21, 22.

[0084] When stationary, the vehicle 10 is accessible to human personnel. This creates the risk that, in the event of a fault such as a short circuit, a dangerous current could flow if the vehicle's exterior surface is touched. Therefore, the energy supply system according to the invention provides a protective measure, which consists of connecting the vehicle 10 to a protective conductor before energy transmission, thus diverting fault currents.

[0085] For this purpose, a protective device 40 is provided, which includes a protective conductor, a connected first protective contact, and a second protective contact on the vehicle side. The protective contacts must be closed and the vehicle thus safely grounded before current can flow through the power supply station 20 and the pantograph 30.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the protective device 40 comprises a stationary support structure on which a movable arm 42 in the form of a second current collector is mounted. This arm can be identical to the vehicle-side current collector 30. The support structure can also comprise one or more base bodies 44 and one or more supports 46 anchored therein, on which the arm 42 is held.

[0087] In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 has a contact device 50 on its side, which is more clearly visible in Figure 2, where some components of the vehicle 10 are obscured compared to Figure 1. The contact device 50 is also visible in Figure 3. This device comprises the second protective contact on the vehicle side, while the first protective contact is located at the head of the arm 42 and can, for example, be formed by a sliding shoe. To facilitate coupling of the arm 42 to the second protective contact, the coupling device 50 can also include a guide with a V-shaped opening area that opens towards the arm 42.

[0088] The arm 42 can be located above the pantograph 30 (as shown in Figs. 1-3) or vice versa. The pantograph 30 and the contact device 50 are located, in particular, on the same side of the vehicle 10.

[0089] In addition to the protective contacts and the protective conductor, the protective device 40 preferably comprises at least one signal line, for example, for communication between a control unit of a battery management system of the vehicle 10 and a control unit of the power supply station 20 for controlling and / or regulating the transmitted energy. In this case, a signal contact (e.g., in the form of another sliding shoe) is arranged at the head of the arm 42 next to the first protective contact, and a further signal contact is arranged on the contact device 50. When the protective contacts are connected, the signal contacts are also connected to each other, thus closing the signal line.

[0090] A second embodiment of the stationary power supply system is shown in Figure 4, which again depicts the vehicle 10 in a front view. In contrast to the first embodiment, the protective device here has two contacts 52 arranged on a pole of the pantograph 30, comprising the second protective contact and a signal contact. A stationary contact device (not shown) carries the first protective contact and a signal contact, which automatically come into contact with the contacts 52 on the pantograph 30 when the vehicle 10 reaches a defined charging position relative to the power supply station 20 or to the stationary contact device.

[0091] The stationary contact device can comprise a contact arm on which the first protective contact and the signal contact are arranged at a height above the ground corresponding to the position of the contacts 52. The contact arm can be attached to the ground, to the power supply station 20, or to a stationary support device. Preferably, the contact arm includes a spring element or is spring-mounted to ensure gentle and reliable coupling with the contacts 52 on the vehicle 10.

[0092] As an alternative to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the contacts 52 can be arranged at a different location on the pole of the pantograph 30. The closer the contacts 52 are to the bearing point of the pantograph 30 on the vehicle 10, the less weight is placed on the pantograph 30, since the signal and protective conductors from the vehicle 10 only need to be routed as far as the contacts 52 on or in the pantograph 30. If the contacts 52 are located further towards the pantograph head, the contact arm can advantageously be attached to a support 26 of the power supply station 20 near the conductor rails 21, 22. Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the stationary power supply system. In this embodiment, the contacts 52 are not located in the area of ​​the pantograph 30, but rather in a lower area at the front of the vehicle.Corresponding contact arms 43, one of which has the first protective contact and the other a signal contact, are arranged such that they automatically contact the contacts 52 when the vehicle 10 assumes the charging position. The contact arms 43 are preferably spring-mounted or have spring elements. Alternatively, the contacts 52 could be arranged at another location on the vehicle 10.

[0093] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the stationary power supply system, in which a movable arm 54 with a second protective contact and a signal contact is arranged on the vehicle 10. The arm 54 can be mounted in a lower area at the front of the vehicle or in another area of ​​the vehicle 10 and is preferably moved into a coupling position by one or more actuators when the charging position is reached. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the arm 54 can be pivoted downwards, where the first protective contact and a signal contact are located. The pivoting of the arm 54 preferably occurs automatically when the charging position is reached, but can also be initiated by the driver.

[0094] Alternatively, it would be conceivable to provide a second pantograph on vehicle 10 in the area of ​​the current collector 30, the pantograph head of which has the second protective contact and a signal contact. This second pantograph can be identical to the first pantograph 30 and, after extension, in particular after lateral pivoting, contact corresponding contacts on a stationary support device of the protective device 40. Likewise, the first protective contact and the signal contact could be arranged at the power supply station 20. A particularly simple embodiment results if the first protective contact and the signal contact are also arranged as conductor rails, preferably with a corresponding guide, in the area of ​​the conductor rails 21, 22 for the power supply at the power supply station 20, for example above or below on the same supports 26.

[0095] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the stationary power supply system, in which the protective device 40 comprises a cable 47. A cable-side connection 48 has the first protective contact and a signal contact, while a corresponding vehicle-side connection 58 with the second protective contact and a corresponding signal contact is located at any point on the vehicle 10, for example, on the same side as the pantograph 30 or on the front of the vehicle. To close the protective and signal contacts, the cable 47 is manually connected to the vehicle 10.

[0096] Preferably, the vehicle 10 can be supplied with energy not only when stationary at the power supply station 20, but also while in motion via a power supply line extending along the roadway. It is particularly preferred if the electrical conductors of the power supply line are designed in the same way as the electrical conductors of the power supply station 20. In this case, the same pantograph 30 can be used for both stationary and dynamic power supply.

[0097] An embodiment of such a power supply line 1 is shown in a perspective view in Figure 8. The power supply line 1 comprises several support modules 2, each of which includes a base body 3 that can be placed on the ground and an upright support 4. Rigid conductor rails 21, 22 are connected to the supports 4 via retaining elements and thus stabilize the support modules 2. These are the same conductor rails 21, 22 that are also installed in the stationary power supply station 20. These are contacted by the same current collector 30 as in the stationary case.

[0098] The power supply line 1 is not arranged as an overhead line above the roadway, but rather laterally next to the roadway, so that the electrical energy for the electric operation of the vehicle 10 is drawn from the side and not from below, just as is the case at the power supply station 20. The power supply line 1 may also have a guide, which is not shown in Fig. 8.

[0099] The conductor rails 21, 22 are preferably constructed from several interconnected individual segments. In the simplest case, two of these individual segments of the conductor rails 21, 22 can be installed at the power supply station 20, so that no specially designed parts for the power supply station 20 need to be used.

[0100] Figure 9 shows a cross-section through the conductor rails 21, 22 according to a first embodiment. The conductor rails 21, 22 can be mounted in one or more retaining elements 28 made of a dielectric material, in particular. Two guide surfaces of a guide aid 23 can be arranged at an angle and form a V-shaped opening area.

[0101] The conductor rails 21, 22 preferably comprise a rigid hollow profile with solid side walls, capable of transmitting high currents, for example, several thousand amperes. The conductor rails 21, 22 can have a first contact surface facing the vehicle 10, formed by converging contact sections. A conductor wire extending parallel to the conductor rail 21, 22 can be clamped between these contact sections. The outer surfaces of the contact sections and the conductor wire can form the aforementioned electrical contacts, which are contacted by a corresponding contact surface of the current collector 30, in particular a sliding shoe. The hollow profile is preferably made of metal, so that the current is transmitted not only through the conductor wire but through the entire conductor rail 21, 22.

[0102] The hollow profile can be flushed with a coolant to cool the conductor rails 21, 22. Alternatively or additionally, special coolant channels can be arranged on or in the conductor rails 21, 22. Alternatively, the conductor rails 21, 22 can have flat or curved contact surfaces (without conductor wire) on the side facing the vehicle 10, which form the electrical contacts. A possible embodiment is shown in side views in Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 shows the power supply station with base body 24 and support 26, to which the conductor rails 21, 22 and a guide 23 are attached. Figure 11 shows an enlarged view of the conductor rails 21, 22 and the guide 23.

[0103] In this embodiment, the conductor rails 21 and 22 are arranged at an angle to each other and have flat or slightly curved contact surfaces that run obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the support 26. The contact surface of the lower conductor rail 22 points obliquely upwards, and the contact surface of the upper conductor rail 21 points obliquely downwards. The conductor rails 21 and 22 are connected by insulator elements.

[0104] 29 is attached to the support 26. In this case, the guide aid 23 can comprise two guide surfaces, each of which can be attached between conductor rail 21, 22 and insulator element 29. When the current collector 30 is coupled, a current collector head, preferably a dielectric separator arranged thereon between contacts or sliding shoes, slides along the guide surfaces of the guide aid 23 to the conductor rails 21, 22.

[0105] The pantograph 30 is movably mounted on the vehicle 10. The pantograph 30 can be actively adjusted vertically and horizontally by means of actuators (e.g., electric cylinders) not shown. This allows the pantograph 30 to be actively brought into contact with the conductor rails 21, 22. Preferably, the pantograph 30 is pivotably mounted about a vertical first axis. Furthermore, the pantograph 30 can be pivotably mounted about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Preferably, the pantograph has

[0106] 30 a spring arrangement which passively presses the current collector 30 against the conductor rails 21 , 22 when the actuators are deactivated.

[0107] The energy supply system according to the invention is suitable both for fully autonomous vehicles 10, in which the vehicle 10 is moved autonomously and precisely into a charging position and the connections of the protective contacts and the electrical contacts are made automatically (for this purpose the vehicle can have corresponding sensors such as cameras), and for semi-autonomous or manually controlled vehicles 10, in which corresponding assistance systems can be installed to assist the driver in taking up the charging position and / or in making the various connections.

[0108] In the case of an assistance system, different methods are possible, for example in the simplest case:

[0109] Grooves in the ground to stop the vehicle 10 in the correct longitudinal position (loading position);

[0110] A type of telescopic sight or iron sight arrangement to obtain correct lateral alignment;

[0111] A laser pointer with a target on the vehicle 10.

[0112] One advantage of embodiments where the protective device includes an adjustable arm on the vehicle or on a stationary device is that such a stationary power supply system is compatible with fully autonomous vehicles. By automatically pivoting the respective current collectors / arms, protective earthing can be established automatically, and subsequently, the current collector can be automatically moved to the electrical contacts.

[0113] The stationary energy supply system according to the invention allows the at least one vehicle to be designed with lower weight and simpler components. This offers a significant advantage in vehicle fleets with a large number of vehicles, for example, in a mine with several mining trucks. In such scenarios, the automatic energy supply stations, which are fewer in number than the vehicles, integrate the maximum efficiency of the other components.

[0114] Figure 12 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the inventive method for providing electrical energy to the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 drives to the energy supply station 20 and reaches a charging position where the various connections can be made (step 1).

[0115] 51). This can be done manually by the driver, fully autonomously, or with the assistance of an assistance system.

[0116] The coupling or connection sequence (establishing the connections to the power supply station 20 and the protective device 40) can be initiated by the driver, by ground personnel, or autonomously by the vehicle or by a control unit of the vehicle 10, which preferably communicates wirelessly with the power supply station 20 and / or the protective device 40 (step

[0117] 52).

[0118] First, the protective contacts are connected (step S3) to ensure that vehicle 10 is safely grounded. During this step, one or more signal connections can be made simultaneously.

[0119] Only after it has been ensured that the protective conductor has been correctly connected (this is preferably done automatically by the vehicle 10 and / or the protective device 40 and / or the power supply station 20), the pantograph 30 is moved to the electrical contacts of the power supply station 20 (step S4).

[0120] The energy is then transferred to the vehicle 10 (step S5). The temperature at the electrical contacts is preferably constantly monitored, particularly by means of appropriate sensors. The temperature at the pantograph 30 can also be monitored. Preferably, the conductor rails 21, 22 are cooled by a cooling device. The cooling capacity can be, for example, constant or variable based on the temperature measurement.

[0121] In one possible scenario, one or more energy storage devices of the vehicle 10, in particular traction batteries for electric drives, are charged via the energy supply station 20. It may be provided that a decoupling sequence, in which, among other things, the pantograph 30 is disconnected from the energy supply station 20, is initiated automatically when the energy storage device(s) are fully charged. Alternatively, the connections to the energy supply station 20 and the protective device 40 can be disconnected by the driver or by ground personnel.

[0122] Here, the connection between current collector 30 and power supply station 20 is first disconnected (step S6) and only then is the connection of the protective contacts disconnected (step S7).

[0123] Reference symbol list:

[0124] 1 Energy supply line

[0125] 2 Carrier module

[0126] 3 basic bodies

[0127] 4 carriers

[0128] 5 conductor rails

[0129] 10 vehicles (dump trucks)

[0130] 12 troughs

[0131] 20 Stationary power supply stations

[0132] 21 First conductor rail

[0133] 22 Second conductor rail

[0134] 23 Guidance

[0135] 24 basic bodies

[0136] 26 carriers

[0137] 28 retaining element

[0138] 29 Insulator element

[0139] 30 current collectors

[0140] 40 Protective device

[0141] 42 Arm (current collector)

[0142] 43 Contact arm

[0143] 44 Base body Carrier Cable Cable-side connection Vehicle-side contact device Contacts Arm Vehicle-side connection

Claims

01812-25 La / DMS Liebherr Mining Equipment Colmar SAS FR-68025 Colmar Cedex Stationary energy supply system for an electrically powered vehicle Patent claims 1. Stationary power supply system for providing electrical energy to at least one electrically powered vehicle (10), comprising: - a stationary power supply station (20) with electrical contacts which are connected to a power source; - at least one pantograph (30) of a vehicle (10) which is designed to contact the electrical contacts of the power supply station (20) and to transmit electrical energy supplied by the power source via the electrical contacts to the vehicle (10), wherein the electrical contacts of the power supply station (20) are arranged and designed in such a way that they can be contacted from the side by the pantograph (30) to establish an electrical connection; - a protective device (40) with a protective conductor for discharging electrical energy, which includes a first protective contact connected to the protective conductor and a second protective contact on the vehicle side and is designed to establish a connection between the protective contacts independently of and in particular before the establishment of a connection between the current collector (30) and the electrical contacts of the power supply station (20).

2. Stationary power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the current collector (30) comprises at least one sliding shoe which is designed to make conductive contact with a power supply line (1) from the side during the movement of the vehicle (10) and to slide on it, wherein the electrical contacts of the power supply station (20) are arranged and designed such that they can be contacted from the side by the at least one sliding shoe of the current collector (30).

3. Stationary power supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply station (20) comprises two rigid and, in particular, parallel conductor rails (21, 22) which have electrical contacts for connection with the current collector (30), wherein the electrical contacts point to the side, wherein preferably the conductor rails (21, 22) each comprise a first contact surface which tapers towards the current collector (30) in the connected state and the current collector (30) comprises at least one second contact surface which is complementary to this and which widens towards the conductor rails (21, 22) or the conductor rails (21, 22) and the current collector (30) each comprise flat contact surfaces for producing an electrically conductive connection.

4. Stationary power supply system according to the preceding claim, wherein the conductor rails (21, 22) have a hollow profile made of a particularly electrically conductive material, wherein the first contact surface is preferably formed, among other things, by a conductor wire anchored in the hollow profile and the sliding shoe comprises a contact groove receiving the conductor wire and / or is formed by an outer section of the hollow profile that is at least partially planar.

5. Stationary power supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply station (20) comprises a cooling device by means of which the electrical contacts and / or the current collector (30) can be cooled at least section by means of a coolant, wherein the electrical contacts are preferably formed on conductor rails (21 , 22), each of which has at least one coolant channel and in particular coolant connections.

6. Stationary power supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply station (20) comprises at least one guide aid (23) for establishing a coupling between the electrical contacts and the current collector (30), which preferably has an opening area formed by guide surfaces arranged above and below the electrical contacts and in particular funnel-shaped, which enables the current collector (30) to be coupled to the electrical contacts.

7. Stationary power supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective device (40) comprises a signal line and a first signal contact connected to the signal line as well as a second signal contact on the vehicle side, wherein the protective device (40) is preferably configured to establish a connection of the signal contacts simultaneously with the connection of the protective contacts.

8. Stationary energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective device (40) comprises a stationary support device with a movable arm (42), in particular designed as a pivotable current collector, on which the first protective contact is arranged, wherein the arm (42) is designed to establish contact with a vehicle-side contact device (50) having the second protective contact by moving from a parked position to a coupled position, wherein the vehicle-side contact device (50) preferably comprises a guide aid for guiding the arm (50) to the second protective contact.

9. Stationary power supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second protective contact is connected to the at least one current drain. The current collector (30) is arranged, in particular on a pole rod of the current collector (30), or at a position on the vehicle (10) spaced apart from the current collector (30), and the protective device (40) comprises a stationary contact device (48) with the first protective contact, which is arranged such that the protective contacts automatically come into contact with each other when the vehicle (10) is in a charging position relative to the power supply station (20).

10. Stationary energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an arm (54) mounted on the vehicle (10) independently of the pantograph (30) in a movable, in particular pivotable, manner, bearing on which the second protective contact is arranged, wherein the protective device (40) comprises a stationary contact device (48) with the first protective contact, wherein the arm (54) is designed to establish contact with the first protective contact by moving from a parked position to a coupled position.

11. Stationary power supply system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a stationary cable (47) with a cable-side connection (48) which can be connected to a vehicle-side connection (58) of the vehicle (10), wherein the cable (47) comprises power transmission lines connected to a power source and associated electrical contacts, or wherein the cable is part of the protective device (40) and comprises the protective conductor and the first protective contact, and preferably at least one signal line and an associated signal contact.

12. Stationary power supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the current collector (30) is actively adjustable in the horizontal and / or vertical direction, in particular by means of two different actuators, wherein the current collector (30) preferably comprises a spring arrangement by means of which the current collector (30) is passively pressed against the electrical contacts in the coupled state.

13. Stationary energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one electrically driven vehicle (10), in particular a dump truck, with an electric drive, wherein the vehicle (10) comprises at least one pantograph (30) for contacting the electrical contacts of the energy supply station (20) and a second protective contact, wherein the pantograph (30) is in particular arranged on one side of the vehicle (10) or on a support device attached to the front of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle (10) preferably comprises a control unit by means of which the pantograph (30) is actively adjustable and which is configured to automatically control the pantograph (30) in order to establish contact with the electrical contacts of the energy supply station (20).

14. Energy supply system comprising a stationary energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims and an energy supply line (1) which can be contacted by the pantograph (30) during the journey of the vehicle (10), wherein the energy supply station (20) and the energy supply line (1) preferably comprise at least two conductors having electrical contacts, in particular conductor rails (21, 22), all of which have the same shape.

15. Method for providing electrical energy to an electrically powered vehicle (10) by means of a stationary energy supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps: - Establishing an electrically conductive connection between the first and second protective contacts of the protective device (40); and - Establishing an electrically conductive connection between the electrical contacts of the power supply station (20) and the current collector (30), preferably by pivoting the current collector (30) laterally after the connection of the first and second protective contacts has been established.

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