Power supply unit for vehicles
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/055120
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-11
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-17
Smart Images
Figure EP2026055120_17092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 202413950
[0002] 1
[0003] Description
[0004] Power supply unit for vehicles
[0005] The invention relates to a power supply device for vehicles, in particular for motor vehicles or for rail vehicles, which is designed for the transmission of electrical current between an infrastructure facility and a vehicle and for supplying the vehicle with electrical current, comprising at least a first contact device and a second contact device, which can be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with each other to form an electrical connection and can be separated from each other to break the electrical connection, wherein the first contact device can be connected to the vehicle and the second contact device can be connected to the infrastructure facility or the first contact device can be connected to the infrastructure facility and the second contact device can be connected to the vehicle.
[0006] Regulations and standards relating to automated connection devices (ACDs), in particular DIN EN 50696 (DIN standard, European standard) and SAE J3105 (standard of SAE International), describe basic requirements for electrical and mechanical connections between charging current collectors or charging current transmitters on the one hand and contact partners on the other.
[0007] Depending on the properties of the contact materials, the contact geometry, and the magnitude of the contact forces, temperature-related limits to power transmission must be considered. The smaller the contact area over which current is transmitted, the greater the heating of the contact area for current transmission. Contact elements or contact rails (such as those for inverted current collectors according to DIN EN 50696 and SAE J3105 / 1) can, for example, be rounded (e.g., with radii between 4 mm and 100 mm), resulting in small contact zones for current transmission (e.g., especially when contact rails cross over each other for current transmission). Charging current collector systems are gaining in importance (e.g., in road vehicles such as battery buses or hybrid rail vehicles, etc.).), whereby, in order to shorten charging times, there is a need to transmit increasingly higher electrical power at constant nominal electrical voltages. This in turn results in increasingly higher electrical currents (of, for example, up to 1000 A). However, an electric current flowing, for example, through the conductor material of a contact element of a charging current collector system leads to this heating.202413950
[0008] 2
[0009] Conductor material. Limit values with regard to a maximum permissible heating of the conductor material, an insulating device of the conductor material and / or components arranged in a vicinity of the conductor material, etc., therefore often necessitate a time-dependent current limit or a local distribution of the current transmission over a plurality of contact elements, etc.
[0010] A strong temperature development between contact elements can also be significant for current collectors for rail vehicles (e.g. between a contact strip and an overhead line, etc.).
[0011] For example, WO 2017 / 216260 A1 is known from the prior art, which describes a charging device for an electric vehicle with a plurality of electrical contacts of an inverted pantograph. The inverted pantograph is connected to a stationary charging station. Each contact element of the plurality of electrical contacts can contact a defined contact surface on the roof of the electric vehicle for electrical current transmission.
[0012] Furthermore, DE 102019214708 A1 discloses a stationary charging station for charging the electrical energy storage system of an electric vehicle. The vehicle has a retractable pantograph on its roof, which can be connected to charging contacts of the charging station to supply the electrical energy storage system with electrical energy. The charging contacts have contact bodies with deformable pads at their lower ends, which are encased in electrically conductive sleeves. The pads can be filled with a gel, granules, powder, or gas. The contact bodies are arranged to project laterally from the base bodies of the charging contacts.
[0013] The invention is based on the objective of providing a power supply device with an enlarged contact surface that is further developed compared to the prior art and enables precise positioning of contact devices relative to each other.
[0014] According to the invention, this problem is solved with a power supply device according to claim 1, wherein at least the first contact device comprises at least a first section and a second section, wherein the second section is arranged as a contact section for the mechanical and electrical contacting of the second contact device, wherein the second section has a lower stiffness than the first section and is arranged in alignment with the first section, and wherein the second section is designed as a flexible fabric which is configured as a cover, cushion or pocket or the202413950
[0015] 3
[0016] The second section has a plurality of fibers or bands, the fibers or bands having different lengths.
[0017] High stability for forming the mechanical and electrical contact is achieved by making the first section stiffer than the second. This can be advantageous, for example, if the first contact device needs to be inserted into a recess (e.g., a charging port cover). The lower stiffness of the second section, in turn, allows the first contact device to flexibly adapt to the surface of the second contact device. This results in a larger contact area between the first and second contact devices, enabling the transmission of high currents and thus, for example, high charging power, without the need for a distribution of the current across multiple contact devices.
[0018] The first section can, for example, be designed as the base body of the first contact device, and the second section as a flexible extension body of the first contact device connected to the base body, etc. The first section of the first contact device can, for example, be bolt-shaped or spherical (e.g., as a contact element of a contact head of an e-bus pantograph, etc.). However, it is also conceivable that the first section of the first contact device is rail-shaped or strip-shaped (e.g., as a contact rail in a docking device of a charging hood of a charging station for an e-bus, as a contact rail on an e-bus for contact with an inverted pantograph connected to a charging station, or as a contact strip for a pantograph for rail vehicles, etc.).
[0019] The second section is aligned with the first, thus preventing, for example, the second section from laterally protruding beyond the first. This allows for precise contact between the second and second contact devices. Furthermore, this arrangement ensures a uniform transmission of contact force from the second to the first section when they make contact.
[0020] For example, a current can flow from the second contact device through the second section of the first contact device into the first section of the first contact device, or vice versa.
[0021] If the second section is designed as a flexible fabric and is designed as a cover, cushion, or pocket, it can be filled (for example, with a heat-resistant material). The fabric could, for example, be a metallic fabric (such as a copper fabric). 202413950
[0022] 4
[0023] The second section can also contain multiple fibers or tapes of varying lengths. The flexibility of the second section can be adjusted, for example, by selecting and bundling the fibers or strands of the tapes as needed. The fibers or tapes can be made of a metal (e.g., copper). If the fibers or tapes are pressed together at their ends in two spaced-apart receptacles, the longer fibers or tapes can form a curved contour. This ensures that when, for example, the second contact device exerts a contact force on the first, individual layers of the fibers or tapes are compressed, thus creating a larger contact area.The orientation of the contact surface can be influenced, for example, by the direction of the contact force, which means that even if, for example, there is an inclination between the first contact device and the second contact device, a stable electrical contact can be formed between the first contact device and the second contact device.
[0024] Further advantageous embodiments of the power supply device according to the invention are set out in the dependent claims.
[0025] It can be advantageous to arrange the fibers or tapes in multiple layers. By selecting a number of layers of fibers or tapes appropriate for a specific application, the compliance of the second section can be adjusted as needed.
[0026] A preferred solution with regard to a flexible adaptation of a contact surface of the first contact device to a counter-contact surface of the second contact device is achieved if the second section is encased in a filler comprising a granule, a powder or a gel.
[0027] The filler can be heat-resistant, for example. The granules or powder can be, for example, sand. The gel can be plastically or elastically deformable; its viscosity and elasticity can be adapted to the expected contact forces between the first and second contact devices, etc. Due to the filler, the second section can, for example, have a convex shape.
[0028] The filling material can be encased in a flexible cover, etc. The second section can be designed to encase the filling material, for example as an envelope, cushion, or bag, etc. 202413950
[0029] 5
[0030] To cool the first contact device and a contact area between the first contact device and the second contact device during contact between the first contact device and the second contact device, it may be advantageous if the second section is encased in a container filled with a coolant.
[0031] The coolant can be a liquid (e.g., water). It's possible that the coolant is contained within the vessel without inlets or outlets. Alternatively, the coolant could flow through the vessel, which could be designed as a flexible channel or hose, etc.
[0032] It is advantageous if the power supply device includes a charging current collector for vehicles and a docking device for the charging current collector, wherein the first contact device is designed as the first charging contact of the charging current collector and the second contact device is designed as the second charging contact of the docking device.
[0033] The charging current collector can be connected to the vehicle or, as an inverted charging current collector, to the infrastructure (e.g., a charging station). The first contact device can be, for example, a bolt-shaped contact on a contact head of the charging current collector, the second contact device a contact rail of a docking device of the infrastructure, etc. However, it is also possible, for example, if the charging current collector is designed as an inverted charging current collector, that both the first and second contact devices are designed as contact rails that can, for example, cross over each other, etc.
[0034] However, it may also be advisable if the power supply unit includes a charging current collector for vehicles and a docking device for the charging current collector, wherein the first contact device is designed as the first charging contact of the docking device and the second contact device is designed as the second charging contact of the charging current collector.
[0035] The charging current collector can, for example, be connected to the vehicle or, as an inverted charging current collector, to the infrastructure (e.g., a charging station). The second contact device can, for example, be a bolt-shaped contact on a contact head of the charging current collector, the first contact device a contact rail of a docking device of the infrastructure, etc.
[0036] Advantages in terms of an increased contact area and the transmission of high currents between the first contact device and the second contact device can be realized in the railway vehicle sector if the 202413950
[0037] 6
[0038] The power supply device comprises a pantograph for rail vehicles and a conductor rail or overhead line as the infrastructure facility which can be contacted by the pantograph, wherein the first contact device is designed as a contact piece or contact strip of the pantograph and the second contact device is designed as the conductor rail or overhead line.
[0039] For example, a rail vehicle can have a battery as an electrical energy storage device, which can be supplied with electrical energy via the conductor rail or overhead line as well as via the pantograph, etc. 202413950
[0040] 7
[0041] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments.
[0042] They show, for example:
[0043] Fig. 1: A schematic side view of an exemplary first embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, comprising a first contact device with a bolt-shaped first section and a second section, wherein a filling medium is encased by the second section.
[0044] Fig. 2: A schematic oblique view of an exemplary second embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention with a first contact device having a rail-shaped first section and a second section, wherein the second section is designed as a metallic fabric and is permeated by a coolant,
[0045] Fig. 3: A schematic side view of an exemplary third embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, comprising a first contact device with a spherical first section and a second section.
[0046] Fig. 4: A schematic oblique view of an exemplary fourth embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, comprising a first contact device with a strip-shaped first section and a second section, wherein the second section comprises copper strips of different lengths in a multi-layer arrangement,
[0047] Fig. 5: A schematic side view of an exemplary fifth embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention with a charging current collector on the roof of a vehicle and a docking device of an infrastructure device for the charging current collector designed as a contact hood, wherein contact devices of the charging current collector each have two sections of different stiffness,
[0048] Fig. 6: A schematic side view of an exemplary sixth embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention with a charging current collector on the roof of a vehicle and a als202413950
[0049] 8
[0050] Contact hood designed docking device of an infrastructure facility for the charging current collector, wherein contact devices of the docking device each have two sections of different stiffness, and
[0051] Fig. 7: A schematic side view of an exemplary seventh embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, comprising a pantograph on the roof of a rail vehicle and an infrastructure device designed as an overhead line for supplying power to the rail vehicle, wherein the contact devices of the pantograph, designed as contact strips, each have two sections of different stiffness. 202413950
[0052] 9
[0053] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary first embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention with a first contact device 1 having a cylindrical, bolt-shaped first section 3 and a second section 4, wherein a heat-resistant filler 5 is encased by the second section 4.
[0054] The power supply unit is intended for vehicles, in particular motor vehicles or rail vehicles, and is designed to transmit electrical current between an infrastructure facility (for example, a charging station) and a vehicle and to supply the vehicle with electrical current.
[0055] The first contact device 1 can be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with a second contact device 2 of the power supply unit to form an electrical connection with the second contact device 2, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5, and can be separated to break the electrical connection from the second contact device 2. The first contact device 1 can be connected to the vehicle, for example via a contact head 6 of a charging current collector 7, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5. The second contact device 2 can be connected, for example, to a docking device 8 of the infrastructure unit, designed as a charging hood, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5.
[0056] However, according to the invention it is also conceivable that the first contact device 1 is connected to the infrastructure facility and the second contact device 2 is connected to the vehicle, etc.
[0057] The first contact device 1 and the second contact device 2 are made of metal and are electrically conductive.
[0058] The first section 3 is designed as the base body of the first contact device 1, the second section 4 as the flexible attachment body of the first contact device 1 connected to the base body.
[0059] The second section 4 is arranged as a contact section for the mechanical and electrical contacting of the second contact device 2, has a lower stiffness than the first section 3, and is aligned with the first section 3.
[0060] The first section 3 is solid copper and the second section 4 is formed as a flexible copper mesh.
[0061] The second contact device 2 is made entirely of copper.
[0062] The first section 3 is aligned with the second section 4 in such a way that the second section 4 does not laterally extend beyond the first section 3. 202413950
[0063] 10
[0064] The second section 4 is designed as a cushion, which encases the filling material 5. The filling material 5 is in turn arranged in a compliant, flexible casing made of heat-resistant plastic and is in the form of sand.
[0065] However, according to the invention, it is also conceivable that the filler 5 is designed as a gel or granules, etc.
[0066] The copper fabric has a first fabric layer 9 and a second fabric layer 10, which are pressed together.
[0067] The first fabric layer 9 and the second fabric layer 10 are pressed together by means of a first fastening band 11 and a second fastening band 12, which are arranged parallel to each other. According to the invention, however, other joining techniques are also conceivable.
[0068] The filler 5 is arranged between the first tissue layer 9 and the second tissue layer 10.
[0069] The second section 4 has no openings and is screwed to the first section 3 via the first fastening strap 11 and the second fastening strap 12.
[0070] Figure 2 shows a schematic oblique view of an exemplary second embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, comprising a first contact device 1 with a rail-shaped first section 3 and a second section 4. The power supply device is intended for vehicles, in particular motor vehicles or rail vehicles, and is designed for transmitting electrical current between an infrastructure facility (for example, a charging station) and a vehicle and for supplying the vehicle with electrical current.
[0071] A second contact device 2 of the power supply device can be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with the first contact device 1 to form an electrical connection and can be separated from the first contact device 1 to separate the electrical connection.
[0072] The first contact device 1 can be connected to a docking device 8 of the infrastructure facility designed as a contact hood, as shown by way of example in Fig. 6, the second contact device 2, as shown by way of example in Fig. 6, to a contact head 6 of a charging current collector 7 connected to the vehicle, as shown by way of example in Fig. 6.
[0073] However, according to the invention, it is also conceivable that the first contact device 1 is connected to the vehicle and the second contact device 2 to the infrastructure facility, etc. 202413950
[0074] 11
[0075] The first contact device 1 and the second contact device 2 are made of metal and are electrically conductive.
[0076] The first section 3 is designed as the base body of the first contact device 1, the second section 4 as the flexible attachment body of the first contact device 1 connected to the base body.
[0077] The second section 4 is arranged as a contact section for mechanical and electrical contact by the second contact device 2, has a lower stiffness than the first section 3, and is aligned with the first section 3. The first section 3 is made of solid copper, and the second section 4 is formed as a flexible copper mesh, which is only partially shown in Fig. 2. The second contact device 2 is made of solid copper. The first section 3 is aligned with the second section 4 such that the second section 4 does not project laterally beyond the first section 3.
[0078] The second section 4, which is designed as an envelope, encloses a flexible container 14 filled with a coolant 13 and designed as a flexible hose. The coolant 13, which is a low-viscosity silicone oil, flows through the second section 4. The power supply unit includes a liquid cooling circuit (not shown in Fig. 2) comprising cooling lines, a pump, and a heat exchanger. The container 14 is part of this cooling circuit.
[0079] The copper fabric has a first fabric layer 9 and a second fabric layer 10, which are pressed together.
[0080] The first fabric layer 9 and the second fabric layer 10 are pressed together by means of a first fastening band 11 and a second fastening band 12, which are arranged parallel to each other. According to the invention, however, other joining techniques are also conceivable.
[0081] The container 14 is arranged between the first tissue layer 9 and the second tissue layer 10.
[0082] The second section 4 has openings on a front and a back side, through which the container 14 passes, and is screwed to the first section 3 via the first fastening strap 11 and the second fastening strap 12. 202413950
[0083] 12
[0084] Fig. 3 reveals a schematic side view of an exemplary third embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, comprising a first contact device 1 with a first section 3 and a second section 4.
[0085] The exemplary third embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention is similar in terms of design and functional principles as well as in terms of possible areas of application to that exemplary first embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, as shown in Fig. 1.
[0086] In contrast to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows a variant in which the first section 3 is spherically shaped.
[0087] The first section 3 is designed as a metallic, solid copper base body of the first contact device 1, the second section 4 as a flexible attachment body of the first contact device 1 connected to the base body.
[0088] The second section 4, which is designed as a copper braid, has a lower stiffness than the first section 3. The second section 4 follows a rounded contour of the first section 3 and is aligned with the first section 3, whereby the maximum width of the first section 3 is not exceeded by the second section 4.
[0089] The first contact device 1 can be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with a second contact device 2 of the power supply unit via the second section 4. The second contact device 2 is shown by way of example in Fig. 5.
[0090] Fig. 4 shows a schematic oblique view of an exemplary fourth embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, comprising a first contact device 1 with a first section 3 and a second section 4.
[0091] The exemplary fourth embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention is similar, with regard to its design and functional principles as well as its possible areas of application, to that of the exemplary first embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, as shown in Fig. 1.
[0092] 13
[0093] In contrast to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 shows a variant in which the first section 3 is formed in the shape of a strip and the second section 4 comprises a plurality of copper fibers which are interwoven to form copper strips.
[0094] The strips are multi-layered and arranged extending between two parallel side edges of the first section 3. The strips are pressed together with the first section 3 in the area of these side edges.
[0095] The first section 3 is designed as a metallic, solid copper base body of the first contact device 1, the second section 4 as a fibrous and flexible attachment body of the first contact device 1 connected to the base body.
[0096] The second section 4 has a lower stiffness than the first section 3 and is aligned with the first section 3, whereby the maximum width of the first section 3 is not exceeded by the second section 4.
[0097] The individual strips have different lengths. Since all strips are connected to the first section 3 in the area of the parallel side edges of the first section 3, the longer strips are curved with respect to a top surface of the first section 3. The power supply device has a second contact device 2, as shown by way of example in Fig. 7. The first contact device 1 and the second contact device 2 can make mechanical and electrical contact with each other via the second section 4. If a contact force acts between the first contact device 1 and the second contact device 2, the curved strips of the second section 4 are pressed down in the direction of the first section 3. This creates a compliant contact area between the first contact device 1 and the second contact device 2.
[0098] Fig. 5 reveals a schematic side view of an exemplary fifth embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, comprising a charging current collector 7 on the roof 15 of a vehicle and a docking device 8 designed as a contact hood for the charging current collector 7. The docking device 8 is associated with an infrastructure device of the power supply device designed as a charging station for the vehicle.
[0099] The pantograph 7 has a linkage 16 and a contact head 6 and is pivotably connected to the roof 15 via the linkage 16. A first rotary drive 17 and a second rotary drive 18, as well as a first return spring 19 and a second return spring 20, are coupled to the linkage 16.
[0100] 14
[0101] The contact head 6 is connected to an electrically conductive first contact device 1, which consists of a solid, bolt-shaped first section 3 made of copper and a second section 4 formed of a flexible copper mesh. The first contact device 1 is designed as the first charging contact of the charging current collector 7.
[0102] The first contact device 1 is designed as described in connection with Fig. 1. A metallic, rail-shaped, electrically conductive second contact device 2 is connected to the docking device 8 and serves as the second charging contact of the docking device 8. Further contact devices are connected to the contact head 6 and the docking device 8.
[0103] For power transmission from the infrastructure to the vehicle via the second contact device 2 and the first contact device 1, the first contact device 1 and the second contact device 2, as well as the other contact devices, can be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with each other. For this purpose, the contact head 6 can be inserted into the docking device 8.
[0104] To disconnect an electrical connection between the first contact device 1 and the second contact device 2 and between the further contact devices, the charging current collector 7 can be lowered and the contact head 6 can be led out of the docking device 8.
[0105] Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary sixth embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention with a charging current collector 7 on a roof 15 of a vehicle and a docking device 8 designed as a contact hood for the charging current collector 7, wherein the docking device 8 is assigned to an infrastructure facility designed as a charging station for the vehicle.
[0106] The exemplary sixth embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention is similar to the exemplary fifth embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5. Therefore, some of the same reference numerals are used in Fig. 6 as in Fig. 5.
[0107] In contrast to Fig. 5, Fig. 6 shows a variant in which a rail-shaped, electrically conductive first contact device 1 is connected to the docking device 8 of the infrastructure equipment and a bolt-shaped, electrically conductive second contact device 2 is connected to a contact head 6 of the charging current collector 7, wherein the first contact device 1 is the first charging contact of the docking device 8 and the second contact device 2 is the second.
[0108] 15
[0109] The charging contact of the charging current collector 7 is designed as follows. The first contact device 1 has a first section 3 and a second section 4 and is designed as described by way of example in connection with Fig. 2. The second contact device 2 is designed as a solid, metallic body made of copper.
[0110] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary seventh embodiment of a power supply device according to the invention, wherein the power supply device comprises a pantograph 21 of a rail vehicle designed as a single-arm pantograph and an overhead line of an infrastructure facility.
[0111] The pantograph 21 is designed as a rail vehicle charging pantograph and comprises a linkage 16 and a lifting drive 22 coupled to the linkage 16, by means of which the pantograph 21 can be raised and lowered. The pantograph 21 is connected to a roof 15 of the rail vehicle. A rocker arm 23 with a first contact device 1 and a second contact device, designed as contact strips, is connected to the linkage 16. The overhead line acts as the second contact device 2. In the state shown in Fig. 7, the contact strips make mechanical and electrical contact with the overhead line while the rail vehicle is stationary, thereby supplying electrical energy to an electrical energy storage device of the rail vehicle, designed as an accumulator, via the overhead line and the pantograph 21.
[0112] To disconnect an electrical connection between the contact strips and the overhead line, the pantograph 21 can be lowered.
[0113] The first contact device 1 has a metallic solid first section 3 made of copper and a flexible second section 4 comprising copper strips and is designed as described by way of example in connection with Fig. 4.
[0114] According to the invention, it is also conceivable that the power supply device comprises, for example, a side current collector with a contact piece and a busbar to which the contact piece can be attached for charging an energy storage device, wherein the contact piece and the busbar are designed as contact devices.
[0115] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a given term, persons with male, female, or other gender identities are included. 202413950
[0116] 16
[0117] Reference symbol list
[0118] 1 First contact device
[0119] 2 Second contact device
[0120] 3 First Section
[0121] 4 Second Section
[0122] 5 Fillers
[0123] 6 Contact head
[0124] 7 charging current collectors
[0125] 8 Docking device
[0126] 9 First tissue layer
[0127] 10 Second tissue layer
[0128] 11 First fastening strap
[0129] 12 Second fastening strap
[0130] 13 Coolant
[0131] 14 containers
[0132] 15 Roof
[0133] 16 poles
[0134] 17 First rotary drive
[0135] 18 Second rotary drive
[0136] 19 First return spring
[0137] 20 Second return spring
[0138] 21 current collectors
[0139] 22 Lifting drive
[0140] 23 seesaw
Claims
202413950 17 Patent claims 1. Power supply device for vehicles, in particular for motor vehicles or for rail vehicles, which is designed for the transmission of electrical current between an infrastructure facility and a vehicle and for supplying the vehicle with electrical current, comprising at least a first contact device (1) and a second contact device (2), which can be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with each other to form an electrical connection and can be separated from each other to break the electrical connection, wherein the first contact device (1) can be connected to the vehicle and the second contact device (2) can be connected to the infrastructure facility, or the first contact device (1) can be connected to the infrastructure facility and the second contact device (2) can be connected to the vehicle, characterized in thatthat at least the first contact device (1) comprises at least a first section (3) and a second section (4), wherein the second section (4) is arranged as a contact section for the mechanical and electrical contacting of the second contact device (2), wherein the second section (4) has a lower stiffness than the first section (3) and is arranged in alignment with the first section (3), and wherein the second section (4) is designed as a flexible fabric configured as a cover, cushion or pocket, or the second section (4) comprises a plurality of fibers or tapes, wherein the fibers or tapes have different lengths.
2. Power supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fibers or tapes are arranged in multiple layers.
3. Power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second section (4) encloses a filler (5) comprising a granulate, a powder or a gel.
4. Power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a container (14) filled with a coolant (13) is encased by the second section (4).
5. Power supply device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first section (3) serves as the base body of the first 202413950 18 The contact device (1) is formed and the second section (4) is formed as a flexible attachment body of the first contact device (1) connected to the base body.
6. Power supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first section (3) is bolt-shaped.
7. Power supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first section (3) is spherically shaped.
8. Power supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first section (3) is designed in the form of a rail or a strip.
9. Power supply device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first contact device (1) and the second contact device (2) are electrically conductive.
10. Power supply device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the power supply device comprises a charging current collector (7) for vehicles and a docking device (8) for the charging current collector (7), wherein the first contact device (1) is designed as the first charging contact of the charging current collector (7) and the second contact device (2) is designed as the second charging contact of the docking device (8).
11. Power supply device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the power supply device comprises a charging current collector (7) for vehicles and a docking device (8) for the charging current collector (7), wherein the first contact device (1) is designed as the first charging contact of the docking device (8) and the second contact device (2) is designed as the second charging contact of the charging current collector (7).
12. Power supply device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the power supply device comprises a current collector (21) for rail vehicles and a conductor rail or overhead line as the infrastructure facility which can be contacted by the current collector (21), wherein the first contact device (1) is a contact piece or contact strip of the 202413950 19 current collector (21) and the second contact device (2) is designed as the conductor rail or overhead line.