Rapid charging system comprising a transport device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/054348
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-02-27
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-03
Smart Images
Figure EP2026054348_03092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] February 18, 2026
[0002] Schunk Transit Systems GmbH G / SBI-081-WO 35435 Wettenberg Scu / Kaf / bet
[0003] Fast charging system with a transport device
[0004] The invention relates to a fast-charging system for electrically powered vehicles, in particular electric buses or the like, for forming an electrically conductive connection between a vehicle and a charging station, wherein the charging station comprises a contact device, a positioning device, and a transport device, and wherein the contact device allows electrical contact to be made with a charging contact device of a vehicle in a contact position, and wherein the positioning device allows the contact device to be positioned relative to the charging contact device at least in the vertical direction. The invention further relates to a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a charging station of a fast-charging system and a vehicle.
[0005] Such fast-charging systems, charging stations, and procedures are known from the prior art and are regularly used in electrically powered vehicles. These vehicles can be electric buses, but also other vehicles, such as trains or trams, that are not permanently connected to an overhead line or similar infrastructure. In these vehicles, the electrical energy storage system is recharged during a break in travel at a stop or depot using a fast-charging system. The vehicle is electrically connected to the fast-charging system's charging station at the depot, and the vehicle's energy storage system is recharged, for example, overnight.To establish an electrically conductive connection between the vehicle and the charging station, a contact device can be used. This device is mounted on a positioning device above the vehicle at a parking space of the fast-charging system in the vehicle depot. One or more contact elements of the contact device are then moved by the positioning device toward a charging contact surface, which may be located on the vehicle's roof, thus establishing an electrical connection between the charging contact device and the contact device. For example, a contact device can have at least four contact elements, with two typically serving as energy transfer elements, one as a grounding conductor, and one for data transmission. Each contact element can be assigned to a specific charging contact surface to form an electrical connection.
[0006] In existing vehicle depots, when converting a fleet to electric vehicles, charging stations are often installed in halls or on outdoor areas of the depot, above parking spaces and driving lanes. Positioning devices, such as those used on bus stop poles, are also employed for this purpose. Since the vehicle depot facilities are existing infrastructure or buildings, the charging stations used at bus stops, and especially their positioning devices, cannot be readily and effectively relocated to a hall, for example. Thus, the charging stations designed for use at bus stops...Positioning devices are designed to be extremely robust against environmental influences and are therefore comparatively heavy. This not only increases the manufacturing costs of the positioning device but also places a significant static load on the vehicle depot, where, by design, each parking space is assigned a charging station. Furthermore, known charging stations and positioning devices are relatively large, as sufficient space is usually available at bus stops. However, this is disadvantageous in a vehicle depot where each parking space is to be assigned a charging station. It is also disadvantageous for both newly constructed and existing vehicle depots that a charging station is permanently installed for each parking space, meaning that at least one contact device and one positioning device must be provided at each parking space.This results in a high level of effort in the construction and installation of the fast charging system and is also associated with high maintenance costs.
[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a fast charging system and a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a charging station and a vehicle, which enables flexible charging of a vehicle in a vehicle depot efficiently and with low maintenance, while also minimizing the effort required to provide the fast charging system.
[0008] This problem is solved by a fast charging system having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 13.
[0009] The fast-charging system according to the invention for electrically powered vehicles, in particular electric buses or the like, enables the formation of an electrically conductive connection between a vehicle and a charging station. The fast-charging system comprises a positioning device, and the charging station of the fast-charging system has a contact device and a transport device. The contact device allows a charging contact device of a vehicle to be electrically contacted in a contact position in order to charge the electrically powered vehicle. In the fast-charging system according to the invention, the contact device can be positioned relative to the charging contact device, or vice versa, at least in the vertical direction, by means of the positioning device. The positioning device can therefore be arranged on the vehicle or on the charging station, in particular on the transport device of the charging station.Accordingly, the charging contact device or the contact device can be moved vertically using the positioning device. Preferably, the contact device can be positioned relative to the charging contact device, at least in the vertical direction, using the positioning device. In other words, the contact device can be moved with the charging station relative to a charging contact surface of a charging contact device and lowered onto the charging contact surface to bring the contact device into the contact position in which the contact device and the vehicle's charging contact device are electrically connected. Preferably, the contact device is arranged above the vehicle's charging contact device before it is positioned with the positioning device, so that it can be brought together with the vehicle's charging contact device in the simplest possible way using the positioning device.To transfer the contact device of the charging station to a position above the charging contact device of the vehicle, the contact device can be transported to a vehicle at least in a horizontal direction by means of the transport device, wherein the contact device can subsequently be lowered in the direction of the charging contact device of the vehicle by means of the positioning device, so that the contact device of the charging station can be brought into the contact position by means of the transport device and / or the positioning device.
[0010] The charging station is therefore a component of the fast-charging system, comprising at least one contact device and one transport device. Preferably, the charging station also includes a positioning device. The transport device and the positioning device serve to move the contact element(s) of the charging station's contact device onto a charging contact surface of a vehicle's charging contact device, which is preferably located on the vehicle's roof, and to establish electrical contact with it. This makes it possible, for example, to supply the vehicle with electrical energy in a vehicle depot and store this energy in the vehicle. The movement of the contact element(s) of the contact device onto the respective charging contact surface can be carried out by the positioning device, which is preferably connected to a support structure or ceiling structure of a building above the vehicle.Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized that movements of the contact device, particularly in the horizontal direction, can only be effected within a very limited working space using the positioning device. Therefore, the contact device, preferably together with the positioning device, can be transported at least in the horizontal direction by means of the transport device. Thus, the contact device, preferably together with the positioning device, can be moved within a depot or an outdoor surface, for example, above the vehicles on a support structure or ceiling structure, and transported to a vehicle to be charged. Once the contact device is positioned above the vehicle to be charged by means of the transport device, it can be lowered by means of the positioning device to electrically contact the vehicle's charging contact device.However, it is also conceivable that the charging contact device is lifted by means of the positioning device in order to electrically contact the charging contact device of the vehicle. According to the invention, it is then possible in a simple manner to supply vehicles with electrical energy even in a relatively large vehicle depot or over a relatively large area using only a small number of contact devices and positioning devices, since the positioning device and / or contact device can be transported by means of the transport device to different locations in the vehicle depot and / or successively to several vehicles.Thus, it is no longer necessary, as is customary in this type of system, to have a contact device and a positioning device for each vehicle in the depot. Instead, a positioning device and a contact device attached to it can be moved by the transport device in such a way that they can be used for a large number of vehicles. In this way, a movable positioning device with an attached contact device can be used to automatically charge several vehicles sequentially, for example, overnight. In other words, several vehicles share a positioning device with an attached contact device. Advantageously, sequential charging is enabled with the fast-charging system according to the invention.
[0011] Within the scope of the invention, the contact device can have at least one contact element, wherein the contact element, in the contact position, can be electrically contacted with a charging contact surface of the charging contact device to form a contact pair. The charging contact device is arranged on a vehicle, preferably on the roof of a vehicle. The contact device is preferably arranged on the positioning device so that the latter can be positioned by means of the positioning device at least in a vertical direction, and preferably also in a horizontal direction. The contact element can be designed as a busbar. The charging contact surface can be designed as a busbar. It is also conceivable that the contact device is designed as a CCS connector, which can be inserted into a charging contact device designed as a CCS socket for contacting. In this context, the abbreviation CCS stands for Combined Charging System.It is also conceivable that the charging contact device is designed as a CCS connector, which can be inserted into a contact device designed as a CCS socket for contacting. Within the scope of the invention, the transport device relates to a device by means of which the contact device, preferably together with the positioning device, can be transported in the area of the charging station. The transport device allows the contact device, together with the positioning device, to be moved to a vehicle or between several vehicles and thus preferably positioned above a vehicle, in particular above a vehicle's charging contact device.
[0012] The charging station of the fast-charging system can be easily and cost-effectively installed or retrofitted in existing depots or on open spaces. Furthermore, the combination of a transport device and a positioning device allows the charging station to be used flexibly for charging various electric vehicles, particularly those of different heights. Due to the charging station's compact design and the ability to transport the positioning device and the contact device within the station to the vehicles being charged, the charging station can also be flexibly integrated into existing structures, such as roof structures. This is because the charging station according to the invention is significantly lighter than conventional charging stations that require a separate positioning device and contact device for each vehicle.Thus, the static requirements of the fast charging system according to the invention are significantly lower than is the case with charging systems of the generic type, so that the effort required to retrofit or build a new fast charging system is significantly lower.
[0013] Overall, the fast-charging system according to the invention, and in particular the charging station of the fast-charging system according to the invention, can be advantageously used in a vehicle depot without significant effort due to its cost-effective manufacturing. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Furthermore, all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims, and / or the figures fall within the scope of the invention. It is understood that the embodiments given for the fast-charging system relate equivalently to the method according to the invention, without being specifically mentioned for the latter.It is understood in particular that linguistic transformations or a meaningful substitution of respective terms within the framework of usual linguistic practice, especially the use of synonyms supported by generally accepted linguistic literature, are included in the present disclosure content without being explicitly mentioned in their respective formulation.
[0014] The charging station of the fast-charging system can have several parking spaces, each for one vehicle, with the contact device being transportable between the parking spaces of the charging station by means of the transport device. Within the scope of the invention, the term "parking space" refers to any area that allows a vehicle to be parked. For example, the charging station according to the invention can have a parking area with several parking spaces, the individual parking spaces being separated by parking space boundaries. The parking spaces can be designed for different vehicles, but in particular for passenger cars, trucks, or buses. Preferably, the charging station can have two to twelve parking spaces. More preferably, the charging station has four to eight parking spaces.Because the charging station has a large number of parking spaces, preferably defined at least in terms of their size, the contact device can be easily moved between the vehicles arranged in these spaces. It is conceivable that the occupancy status of a parking space can be detected, varying between free and occupied. The parking spaces of the charging station ensure that the vehicles are correctly and safely positioned, for example, within the depot. Furthermore, if the parking spaces are of known size, particularly standardized dimensions, the positioning device and the contact device can be transported more efficiently using the transport device, thus preventing damage.For example, if the route between several parking spaces is known, the transport speed can be adjusted, or the transport speed can be reduced when driving over parked vehicles to minimize the risk of damage. Furthermore, providing parking spaces allows for efficient use of space, which is particularly advantageous where space resources are limited.
[0015] The transport device can comprise at least one support rail assembly and a carriage, the carriage being movably mounted on the support rail assembly. The contact device and / or the positioning device can be arranged on the carriage. Preferably, the contact device and the positioning device are arranged on the carriage so that the transport device can transport the contact device and the positioning device together to a vehicle to be charged. The support rail assembly can be mounted on the ceiling of a building or on stands so that the vehicles to be charged can pass underneath the support rail assembly. This keeps the floor area clear for the traffic of electric vehicles, in particular for parking spaces for electric vehicles.Using a transport device comprising a support rail arrangement and a carriage, the contact device can be easily moved in a low-traffic area, particularly the ceiling area of a vehicle depot, and positioned above a vehicle to be charged. After positioning the contact device above the vehicle to be charged using the transport device, it can be lowered towards the vehicle using the positioning device, thus making contact with the vehicle's charging contact device. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the transport device, comprising a support rail arrangement and at least one carriage, can be designed modularly and is therefore flexible in its application.In particular, additional carriages can be arranged to move along the support rail assembly, allowing multiple contact devices and / or positioning devices to be moved by means of the plurality of carriages, preferably with one contact device and one positioning device being moved by one carriage each. Furthermore, the transport device comprising a support rail assembly and a carriage can advantageously be extended almost indefinitely by extending the support rail assembly. Preferably, the transport device comprising at least one support rail assembly and one carriage is designed as an electric monorail. The electric monorail consists of a support rail assembly and at least one electrically driven carriage that moves on the rails of the support rail assembly. Advantageously, the speed and acceleration of the electrically driven carriages can be easily adjusted.The electrically driven carriages can be powered via a conductor rail running along the track of the support rail system, eliminating the need for a separate power supply. Alternatively, or in addition, inductive power transfer to the carriages is possible, or the carriages can incorporate energy storage devices such as batteries. Due to its design, the maintenance requirements for an electric monorail system are relatively low. Furthermore, personnel costs are also reduced compared to other transport solutions, as the electric monorail is ideally suited for automated operation.
[0016] The fast-charging system can include a detection device designed to recognize the position of a vehicle's charging contact device. Based on the position detected by the detection device, the contact device can be moved into the contact position by means of the transport device and the positioning device. Preferably, the charging station includes the detection device; that is, the detection device is an integral part of the charging station. The detection device can comprise an optical and / or magnetic and / or electromagnetic and / or imaging sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor. For example, a camera sensor and / or a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor can be included in the detection device.The detection device advantageously offers the possibility of detecting the position of the charging contact device in space, whereby, based on the position data detected by the detection device, the contact device can be moved by means of the transport device to a position above the known position of the charging contact device and subsequently the contact device can be lowered by means of the positioning device and contacted with the charging contact device.
[0017] The detection device can comprise a camera sensor and an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to analyze the images captured by the camera sensor so that at least one feature of the charging contact device can be detected. For example, the evaluation unit can analyze the images captured by the camera sensor for optical markings on the charging contact devices that could represent a feature of the charging contact device. The camera sensor can capture images within the area of the fast-charging system; in particular, the camera sensor can capture images of the vehicles being charged, and the position data of a charging contact device can be determined based on the captured images.This advantageously allows the precise position of the charging contact device in space and at least one feature of the charging contact device to be determined, so that the charging station's contact device can be precisely guided to the charging contact device by means of the transport and positioning devices, and the contact device can then be made to the charging contact device. The detectable feature of the charging contact device could be, for example, markings on the charging contact device, geometric features of the charging contact device that can be detected by the camera sensor, and / or structural indicators that allow conclusions to be drawn about the charging contact device.According to the preferred embodiment of the detection device, which comprises a camera sensor and an evaluation unit, at least one image, preferably a plurality of images, can be captured within the fast-charging system, which is arranged, for example, in a vehicle depot or in an open area. The evaluation unit can perform image analysis of the captured images, and based on the known position of the camera sensor and / or the known position of other objects within the fast-charging system, the evaluation unit can deduce the position of the charging contact device, which is detectable by recognizing at least one feature of the charging contact device.This offers the advantage that the transfer of the contact device to the contact position where the contact device and charging contact device are in contact can be automated using the transport device and the positioning device, since the position data of the charging contact device determined by the detection device can be used for the automated positioning of the contact device and positioning device. It is conceivable that the detection device and / or the evaluation unit are part of a control device of the fast charging system. The detection device can additionally or alternatively include an ultrasonic sensor that interacts with an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the measured values acquired by the ultrasonic sensor so that at least one position of the charging contact device and / or the contact device can be detected.For example, the evaluation unit can analyze the markings detected by the ultrasonic sensor on the charging contact devices, determining the position data of the charging contact device based on these markings. This advantageously allows the precise position of the charging contact device to be determined, enabling the charging station's contact device to be guided precisely to the charging contact device using the transport and positioning devices, and for the contact device to be made contact with the charging contact device. The detectable marking on the charging contact device and / or the contact device could, for example, be an anchor that also serves as a reference point.The anchors interact with one or more ultrasonic sensors, which can also be referred to as "tags," in such a way that, preferably by triangulation, the position of the ultrasonic sensors, and thus the position of the charging contact device and / or the contact device, can be determined. In this context, ultrasonic sensors are preferably ultrasonic transmitters and receivers movable in space together with the element to be located, while the anchors are fixed reference points for position determination. According to the preferred embodiment of the detection device, which comprises an ultrasonic sensor and an evaluation unit, the position of the charging contact device can be deduced from the known position of the ultrasonic sensor and / or the known position of the anchors within the fast-charging system using the evaluation unit.This offers the advantage that the transfer of the contact device to the contact position, where the contact device and charging contact device are in contact, can be automated using the transport device and the positioning device, since the position data of the charging contact device determined by the detection device can be used for the automated positioning of the contact device and positioning device. The fast-charging system can include a control device designed to prioritize a number of electrically powered vehicles, wherein the control device, depending on the prioritization, establishes an electrically conductive connection between one of the vehicles and the charging station. The control device is preferably an integral part of the charging station. The control device can perform prioritization based on one or more parameters.Suitable parameters for this include the parking duration of the vehicles to be charged, the energy demand of the vehicles to be charged, the charging time required for further use of the vehicle, the energy sources available for charging, the type of charging request (e.g., fast charging or standard charging), the planned departure time, the usage priority or urgency of charging, the battery state of charge, the pricing model for energy procurement or the electricity tariff, the battery health (state of health), the battery temperature, the grid load, and / or the availability of renewable energies. Within the scope of the invention, fast charging can refer to charging with a current of 500 A to 1000 A, and standard charging to charging with a current of 150 A to 300 A.Depending on the prioritization, the control device establishes an electrically conductive connection between a specific vehicle and the charging station, preferably by controlling the transport and positioning device, which moves the contact device into the contact position. Advantageously, the control device is suitable for planning the charging processes of the fast-charging system, enabling the majority of electrically powered vehicles to be charged as required by the fast-charging system's charging station, particularly when there are more vehicles to be charged than the charging station has contact devices. Since the idle time of electrically powered vehicles typically exceeds the required charging time many times over, the fast-charging system with the control device according to the invention can be operated significantly more economically compared to conventional solutions.Within the scope of the invention, the term "prioritization" essentially refers to establishing the most efficient sequence for charging the majority of electrically powered vehicles. In other words, the control device can decide which vehicle should be charged first and which vehicles should be charged subsequently, and in what order. This allows for optimal utilization of resources, particularly the charging contacts, and increases the efficiency of the fast-charging system.
[0018] The positioning device of the fast-charging system can comprise a positioning unit and a drive unit for driving the positioning unit, wherein the contact device can be positioned between a contact position for current transmission and a retraction position for current interruption by means of the positioning unit, and wherein the drive unit has an adjustment drive for generating an adjustment force acting on the positioning unit. Thus, by means of the positioning unit, a contact element of the contact device can be moved towards a charging contact surface of a vehicle's charging contact device, which is preferably arranged on a vehicle roof, and electrically contacted with it. The movement of the contact element(s) onto the respective charging contact surface is carried out by the positioning unit, which is arranged above the vehicle on the transport device. The contact device or...The contact elements are arranged at a lower end of the positioning device and can be moved from an upper insertion position to a lower contact position for current transmission or contacting the charging contact surfaces. In the contact position, a defined contact force is exerted on the respective charging contact surfaces.
[0019] The contact device or contact elements are moved by the positioning device, which can be actuated by the adjustment drive of the drive unit. The combination of the positioning device and the drive unit for the positioning device advantageously allows a defined contact force to be exerted on the charging contact surface(s) in the contact position, that is, in the position where the vehicle's charging contact device and the charging station's contact device are in contact.
[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the positioning device can comprise a pantograph or a rocker arm by means of which the contact device can be positioned vertically relative to the charging contact device. It is conceivable that the contact device can also be positioned horizontally relative to the charging contact device within the working area of the positioning device by means of the pantograph or rocker arm. Within the scope of the invention, the working area of the positioning device is significantly smaller in terms of spatial extent than the working area of the transport device. Within the scope of the invention, the working area with the positioning device or the transport device refers to the spatial area in which the contact device can be moved with the positioning device or the transport device.
[0021] A supplementary linkage mechanism can be provided for a swing arm, which stabilizes the contact device relative to the charging contact device or aligns it in the relevant direction. A pantograph or a swing arm, or a corresponding mechanical drive, is particularly easy and inexpensive to manufacture.
[0022] The drive unit of the positioning device can have a spring unit that mechanically interacts with the adjustment drive, wherein the spring unit comprises at least one contact spring, and wherein a contact force can be generated by the adjustment drive and the contact spring on a charging contact surface of the charging contact device, and wherein the positioning device comprises a fixed bearing and an upper segment arranged linearly movable on the fixed bearing in a vertical adjustment direction and a lower segment arranged linearly movable in the upper segment in the vertical adjustment direction, wherein the contact spring is coupled to the fixed bearing and the upper segment, and wherein the upper segment is movable relative to the lower segment by means of the adjustment drive.The adjustment drive exerts an adjustment force on the positioning device, interacting with the spring assembly so that the contact force is generated by the adjustment drive on the contact spring of the spring assembly and then on the loading contact surface. The fixed bearing of the positioning device can be mounted immovably on the transport device. An upper segment is arranged on this fixed bearing, and a lower segment of the positioning device is attached to the upper segment. The lower segment is linearly movable along the upper segment in the vertical adjustment direction. The lower segment is thus coupled to the upper segment, and the upper segment is coupled to the fixed bearing, and the lower segment is movable between the retracted position and the contact position in the manner of a telescopic guide. Furthermore, the contact spring is coupled to the fixed bearing and the upper segment, and the upper segment can be moved relative to the lower segment by means of the adjustment drive.Movement of the lower segment by the adjustment drive relative to the upper segment causes the lower segment to move towards the contact position or the retracted position, and thus a corresponding movement of the contact device or contact elements. If the charging contact rests on the charging contact surface, further movement of the adjustment drive can be converted into the generation of the contact force due to the contact spring between the fixed bearing and the upper segment. The upper segment then moves relative to the fixed bearing when the lower segment can no longer move due to the contact element being in contact with the bearing contact surface. Retracting the contact device to the retracted position with the positioning device occurs accordingly in reverse. A positioning device designed in this way is particularly easy to manufacture and can be made comparatively compact compared to positioning devices with articulated arms.Nevertheless, depending on the arbitrarily adjustable length of the upper and lower segments, a corresponding distance between the entry position and the contact position can be bridged, allowing the positioning unit to be easily adapted for different vehicle and transport device heights. Due to the compact design of the positioning device and its associated reduced weight, it can also be flexibly transported using a transport device.
[0023] Overall, the positioning device is therefore advantageous not only because of its cost-effective manufacturing but also because it requires no excessive effort in dimensioning the transport device.
[0024] The adjustment drive can be connected to a position sensor or displacement sensor, preferably used to determine the spring travel of the contact spring and / or the travel of the contact elements, and / or a force sensor, which can determine the contact force. The force sensor can monitor and limit the contact force acting on the charging contact surface. This limitation can be achieved by switching off the adjustment drive when a specific contact force is reached, for example, by means of the control device. Additionally or alternatively, the contact force can be limited by switching off the adjustment drive when a specific position is reached or after a specific distance has been traveled. Furthermore, the position sensor or displacement sensor of the adjustment drive can determine the position of the contact elements and provide this information to the control device.Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized that a complete retraction of the contact elements into the insertion position is not strictly necessary for moving the contact device between the charging station's parking spaces; in many cases, a partial retraction is sufficient. For example, the contact device can be moved away from the charging contact device of one vehicle by a distance detectable by the displacement sensor and then moved to the next vehicle. This saves time and effort, as the entire distance between the contact position and the fully inserted position does not need to be traversed every time the charging contact device and the contact device are separated. As a result, the efficiency of the fast-charging system can be increased, and damage to the positioning device, the contact device, or the charging contact device can be easily prevented.
[0025] The positioning drive can comprise an electric motor or a pneumatic drive that can be controlled by the control device. It has proven advantageous if the electric motor or pneumatic drive can be controlled by the control device depending on the spring travel, spring force, and / or contact force. The electric motor can be a linear motor, preferably a spindle drive. Depending on the design of the positioning device, the electric motor can be fixed to the upper or lower segment of the positioning device. Optionally, the spindle drive can be designed to be self-locking, depending on the spindle pitch. The positioning device can then be easily moved to a desired position and fixed without additional aids. The linear drive can also include a displacement sensor that can be used to limit the range of motion of the positioning device.For example, an incremental encoder or an absolute encoder can be used as a position sensor. This makes it possible to determine the precise operating position of the linear actuator and, depending on the operating position of the linear actuator, the position of the contact device. The operating position of the linear actuator, and in particular the position of the contact device, can be transmitted to the control device to enable automated loading and, especially, the precise movement of the contact device between multiple vehicles.
[0026] The adjustment drive of the positioning device of the fast-charging system can be designed such that the torque of the electric motor can be detected by the control device, whereby the contact force can be regulated by the control device as a function of the electric motor's torque. Control electronics for the control device can be integrated directly into the electric motor for this purpose. Preferably, the control device regulates the electric motor such that the defined contact force is applied from the electric motor to the charging contact surface via the positioning device and the contact element. It is then possible to actively adjust an indirect force effect on the positioning device and, if applicable, on the contact elements, optionally also depending on various influencing factors. Thus, it becomes possible to adjust the force regardless of the relative distance between the charging contact surface and the positioning device.to maintain a constant contact force on the charging contact surface regardless of the vehicle's height. This is particularly advantageous when a large number of electrically powered vehicles, even different ones, are to be charged within the fast-charging system according to the invention, preferably automatically, using the same contact device and positioning device.
[0027] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a charging station and a vehicle, in particular an electric bus or the like, wherein the charging contact device of the charging station can be electrically contacted in a contact position with the charging contact device of the vehicle, and wherein the contact device is moved relative to the charging contact device by means of a transport device and a positioning device. Furthermore, the contact device is transported to a vehicle at least in a horizontal direction by means of the transport device and is also positioned at least in a vertical direction by means of the positioning device such that the contact device is brought into the contact position.
[0028] The method is particularly suitable for operating the fast-charging system described elsewhere. It has proven advantageous that the positioning device, together with the contact device, is first moved horizontally relative to the charging contact device by means of the transport device. Subsequently, the contact device can be moved vertically towards the charging contact device by means of the positioning device and made contact with it. To make contact between the charging contact device and the contact device in the contact position, the contact elements of the contact device are brought into contact with a charging contact surface of the charging contact device, which is preferably arranged on the roof of the vehicle to be charged.
[0029] According to one embodiment of the method, the contact device can be positioned vertically above the vehicle, particularly above the vehicle's charging contact device, by means of the transport device, and subsequently lowered into the contact position by means of the positioning device. Accordingly, the movement of the contact device to transfer it into the contact position can comprise the following steps:
[0030] a. Method of placing the contact device by means of the transport device in a horizontal direction and arrangement of the contact device by means of the transport device in a vertical direction above the vehicle, in particular above the charging contact device;
[0031] b. Lowering the contact device into the contact position using the positioning device;
[0032] c. and simultaneously forming the contact force of the contact elements of the contact device on the charging contact surface of the vehicle's charging contact device.
[0033] After step c, step d, the execution of the charging process, can follow. After the charging process in step d of the method has been carried out, the contact device can be disconnected from the charging contact device in step e of the method in order to then repeat the process, starting again with step a, to charge another vehicle. Within the scope of the invention, the term "vertically above" refers to an arrangement above an object. For example, when arranged vertically above the vehicle, the contact device is positioned above the vehicle.
[0034] To position the contact device vertically, an upper segment of the positioning device can be linearly moved in a vertical adjustment direction at a fixed bearing of the positioning device, and a lower segment of the positioning device can be linearly moved in the vertical adjustment direction at the upper segment, wherein the contact spring is coupled to the fixed bearing and the upper segment, and wherein the upper segment is moved relative to the lower segment by means of the adjustment drive. Thus, the contact device can be positioned between a contact position in which the contact elements of the contact device make contact with the charging contact surfaces in the contact direction of the vehicle, and a retraction position in which the contact elements of the contact device and the charging contact surfaces of the charging contact device are spaced apart to interrupt the current.The contact device can be moved along a type of telescopic guide by moving the lower and upper segments relative to each other. Advantageously, a defined, and in particular not excessive, contact force can be exerted on the respective charging contact surfaces of the charging contact device in the contact position by means of the contact spring and the adjustment drive, so that reliable contact is ensured, but damage to the contact device and the charging contact device can be ruled out. Further advantageous embodiments of the method result from the feature descriptions of the dependent claims relating back to device claim 1.
[0035] A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0036] They show:
[0037] Fig. 1 shows a fast charging system according to the invention with a plurality of electrically powered vehicles in perspective view;
[0038] Fig. 2 shows a section of a charging station according to the invention in a perspective view; and
[0039] Fig. 3 shows a section of the transport device according to the invention with a positioning device and contact device arranged thereon.
[0040] Fig. 1 shows a fast charging system 10 according to the invention, comprising a charging station 11 whose contact device 12 can be contacted with a charging contact device 15 arranged on a vehicle 30 for charging an electrically powered vehicle 30. The charging station 11 has several parking spaces 16, each of which can accommodate a vehicle 30. The positioning device 13 and the contact device 12 are transported to the vehicle 30 to be charged by means of the transport device 14 and are initially arranged above the vehicle 30 to be charged, in particular above the charging contact device 15 of the vehicle 30 to be charged.Subsequently, the contact device 12 can be lowered vertically onto the charging contact device 15 using the positioning device 13, thus bringing the contact device 12 into contact position and establishing an electrical connection between the charging contact device 15 and the contact device 12 for charging the vehicle 30. Figure 1 further shows that the transport device 14 comprises a support rail arrangement 17 and a carriage 18 for transporting the positioning device 13 and the contact device. Transport by means of the transport device 14 preferably takes place in the horizontal direction hR. In addition to the horizontally extending support rails, the support rail arrangement 17 can also include masts for holding the support rails. The carriage 18 is movable along the support rails and is preferably driven by an electric motor.Once the first vehicle 30 has been charged as required, the control device (not shown here) can determine the order in which the other vehicles 30 parked in the remaining parking spaces 16 are to be charged. Based on the prioritization established by the control device, the contact device 12 and the positioning device 13 are transported to the next vehicle 30 to be charged by means of the transport device 14, and another charging process is started.
[0041] Fig. 2 shows a section of the transport device 14, which, as already described in relation to Fig. 1, has at least one support rail assembly 17 and a carriage 18. The positioning device 13 and the contact device 12, which are not shown in Fig. 2, can be arranged on the carriage 18. The carriage 18 is movable along the support rail assembly 17 by an electric motor. As shown in Fig. 2, the electric motor can be supplied with energy by an energy storage device, here a battery. Furthermore, it can be seen in Fig. 2 that a detection device 19 is arranged on the transport device 14, in this case on the carriage 18 of the transport device.The detection device 19 can include at least one camera sensor and an evaluation unit and serves to detect the charging contact device 15 on the roof of a vehicle 30, so that the contact device 12 can be reliably and automatically transported to the charging contact device 15 and made contact with it. Figure 3 shows a section of a charging station 11 of a fast charging system 10, wherein the contact device 12 and the positioning device 13 are arranged on the transport device 14 and can be moved by means of the transport device 14. For this purpose, the transport device 14 has a support rail arrangement 17 and a carriage 18 on which the positioning device 13 and the contact device 12 are arranged.It is evident that the positioning device 13 is arranged directly on the carriage 18, while the contact device 12 is arranged on the positioning device 13 and thus, via the positioning device 13, on the carriage 18. By means of the positioning device 13, the contact device 12 can be lowered in the vertical direction vR towards the charging contact device 15 of a vehicle 30 in order to bring the contact elements of the contact device 12 into contact with the charging contact surfaces of the charging contact device 15.
[0042] With a positioning device 13, which is configured according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the electrical contact elements of the contact device 12 can be moved relative to charging contact surfaces (not shown) on the roof of the vehicle and contacted with them. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the positioning device 13 comprises a positioning unit 20 and a drive unit 21 for driving the positioning unit 20. The contact elements are positioned by means of the positioning unit 21 between a contact position for current transmission and a retraction position for current interruption. The contact elements are part of the contact device 12, which is arranged on the positioning unit 20.
[0043] The drive unit 21 comprises an adjustment drive (not shown in detail here) for generating an adjustment force acting on the positioning device 20 and a spring unit 22 that mechanically interacts with the adjustment drive. The spring unit 22 includes contact springs 23, whereby a contact force can be generated by the adjustment drive and the contact springs 23 on the respective charging contact surfaces. The positioning device 20 further comprises a fixed bearing 24, an upper segment 26 arranged on the fixed bearing so as to be linearly movable in a vertical adjustment direction, and a lower segment 25 arranged on the upper segment 26 so as to be linearly movable in the vertical adjustment direction. The fixed bearing 24, the upper segment 25, and the lower segment 24 can each be formed from profiles. The contact device 12 is attached to a lower end of the lower segment 25.The fixed bearing 24 forming profile is, at least indirectly, attached to the transport device 14, in particular to the slide 18.
[0044] A linear guide is arranged between the profile 27 and the profile 28 of the upper segment 26, so that the profile 27 can be moved easily relative to the profile 28 in the vertical adjustment direction vR.
[0045] Furthermore, a linear guide is formed between the profile 28 of the upper segment 26 and the profile 29 of the lower segment 25, by the fact that the profile 29 surrounds the profile 28 and rests against it in a longitudinally slidable manner. The contact springs 23 are coupled to the profile 27 of the fixed bearing 24 and the upper segment 26 and are formed by tension / compression springs.
Claims
February 18, 2026 Schunk Transit Systems GmbH G / SBI-081-WO 35435 Wettenberg Scu / Kaf Patent claims 1. Fast charging system (10) for electrically powered vehicles (30), in particular electric buses or the like, for forming an electrically conductive connection between a vehicle (30) and a charging station (11) with a positioning device (13) arranged on the vehicle (30) and / or the charging station (11), wherein the charging station (11) of the fast charging system (10) has a contact device (12) and a transport device (14), and wherein the contact device (12) can be electrically contacted with a charging contact device (15) of a vehicle (30) in a contact position, and wherein the contact device (12) can be positioned relative to the charging contact device (15) or the charging contact device (15) relative to the contact device (12) at least in the vertical direction (vR) by means of the positioning device (13). since you are marked, that the contact device (12) can be transported to a vehicle (30) at least in the horizontal direction (hR) by means of the transport device (14) and the contact device (12) can be brought into the contact position by means of the transport device (14) and / or the positioning device (13).
2. Fast charging system according to claim 1 characterized by this , that the charging station ( 1 1 ) has several parking spaces ( 16 ) for each of a vehicle (30 ), wherein the contact device (12 ) can be transported between the parking spaces (16) of the charging station ( 1 1 ) by means of the transport device ( 14 ).
3. Fast charging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this , that the transport device ( 14) has at least a support rail arrangement ( 17) and a carriage ( 18) which is movably arranged on the support rail arrangement (17), wherein the contact device ( 12) and / or the positioning device ( 13) are arranged on the carriage ( 18).
4. Fast charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a detection device (19), preferably an optical detection device, is included, which is designed to detect a position of the charging contact device (15), wherein, based on the position detected by the detection device (19), the contact device (12) can be brought into the contact position by means of the transport device (14) and the positioning device (13).
5. Fast charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the detection device (19) comprises a camera sensor and an evaluation unit, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the images captured with the camera sensor, such that at least one feature of the charging contact device (15) is detectable.
6. Fast charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that includes a control device designed to prioritize a plurality of electrically powered vehicles (30), wherein the control device, depending on the prioritization, effects an electrically conductive connection between one of the vehicles (30) and the charging station.
7. Fast charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the positioning device ( 13) has a positioning device (20) and a drive device (21 ) for driving the positioning device, wherein the contact device ( 12) can be positioned between a contact position for current transmission and a retraction position for current interruption by means of the positioning device ( 13 ), and wherein the drive device (21 ) has an adjustment drive for generating an adjustment force acting on the positioning device (20).
8. Fast charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the positioning device (20) comprises a pantograph or a rocker arm by means of which the contact device (12) can be positioned in a vertical direction relative to the charging contact device (15).
9. Fast charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drive device (21) has a spring unit (22) that mechanically interacts with the adjustment drive, wherein the spring unit (22) comprises at least one contact spring (23), wherein the adjustment drive and the contact spring (23) can exert a contact force on a charging contact surface of the charging contact device, and wherein the positioning device (20) comprises a fixed bearing (24) and an upper segment (25) arranged linearly movable on the fixed bearing (24) in a vertical adjustment direction (vR) and a lower segment (26) arranged linearly movable on the upper segment (25) in the vertical adjustment direction (vR), wherein the contact spring (23) is coupled to the fixed bearing (24) and the upper segment (25), wherein the upper segment (25) is movable relative to the lower segment (26) by means of the adjustment drive.
10. Fast charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adjustment drive of the positioning device ( 13) has a position sensor or displacement sensor, with which preferably a spring travel of the contact spring (23) can be determined, and / or a force sensor, with which the contact force can be determined.
1. Fast charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adjustment drive has an electric motor or a pneumatic drive which can be controlled by means of the control device, in particular depending on the spring travel of the contact spring (23) and / or the contact force.
12. Fast charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adjustment drive is designed such that a torque of the electric motor can be detected by the control device, wherein the contact force can be controlled by the control device as a function of the torque of the electric motor.13.Method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a charging station (11) and a vehicle (30), in particular an electric bus or the like, wherein a charging contact device (15) can be electrically contacted in a contact position by means of a contact device (12), and wherein the contact device (12) is moved relative to the charging contact device (15) by means of a transport device (14) and a positioning device (13), wherein the contact device (12) is transported to a vehicle (30) at least in a horizontal direction (hR) by means of the transport device (14) and positioned at least in a vertical direction (vR) by means of the positioning device (13) such that the contact device (12) is brought into the contact position.
14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the contact device (12) is arranged in a vertical direction (vR) above the vehicle (30), in particular above the charging contact device (15), by means of the transport device (14), and is subsequently lowered into the contact position by means of the positioning device (13).
15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, for positioning the contact device (12) in a vertical direction (vR), an upper segment (25) of the positioning device (13) is linearly moved in a vertical direction (vR) on a fixed bearing (24) of the positioning device (13), and a lower segment (26) of the positioning device (13) is linearly moved in the vertical direction (vR) on the upper segment (25), wherein a contact spring (23) of a spring unit (22) is coupled to the fixed bearing (24) and the upper segment (25), wherein the upper segment (25) is moved relative to the lower segment (26) by means of the adjustment drive.