Energy supply device for a rail vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/057678
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-04-17
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-22
Smart Images

Figure EP2026057678_22102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 2025ID00086 16.04.2025
[0002] 1
[0003] DESCRIPTION
[0004] Power supply device for a rail vehicle
[0005] The present approach refers to a power supply device for a rail vehicle and to a rail vehicle with such a power supply device.
[0006] Electrical energy storage devices are known that can be detachably attached to a power tool. For example, a cordless screwdriver can have a detachable lithium-ion battery with a built-in battery management system. In existing consumer applications of replaceable batteries, ease of replacement is usually the primary consideration. In the railway sector, however, batteries used, for example, in regional trains or trams, may be permanently installed or difficult to replace, as they are very rarely replaced, for example, only during overhauls or similar procedures.
[0007] Against this background, the task of the present approach is to create an improved power supply device for a rail vehicle and an improved rail vehicle.
[0008] This problem is solved by an energy supply device for a rail vehicle and by a rail vehicle according to the main claims.
[0009] The advantages achievable with the presented approach lie particularly in the fact that two separate modules can be provided, the housings of which can be designed according to the specific requirements of the elements they contain. Thus, for example, a separation of an electronics module and a storage module can be achieved through a clear and simple external interface in the form of the connecting elements. In particular, a division of electronic components and electrical energy storage into two easily 2025ID00086 2
[0010] Detachable modules of the power supply device can offer advantages in terms of balancing fire protection, explosion protection (ATEX), installation space, cost, and battery lifespan. A special or proprietary, robust contact or contactless interface can be used for the connecting elements, enabling battery replacement with minimal or no wear over a long service life, for example, 35 years or more. A further advantage of a separate or removable battery can be ease of maintenance during operation and a clear interface between the modules, which can offer a high degree of flexibility and modularity, such as the ability to use the storage module for other applications.
[0011] A power supply device for a rail vehicle is presented, wherein the power supply device has the following features:
[0012] an electronic module with a first housing for receiving electronic components of the power supply device, wherein the first housing is designed to be attachable to the rail vehicle, wherein the electronic module acts as an interface to the rail vehicle;
[0013] a storage module with a second housing separate from the first housing for accommodating an electrical energy storage device of the power supply unit; and
[0014] Connecting means comprising a first connecting device and a second connecting device, wherein the first connecting device is arranged on the electronic module and the second connecting device is arranged on the storage module, wherein the connecting means are configured to provide a mechanical connection for attaching the storage module to the electronic module and a power transmission connection for transferring electrical energy between an electrical energy storage device housed in the second housing and electronic components housed in the first housing, wherein the connecting devices can be coupled and uncoupled from each other without tools. 2025ID00086 3
[0015] The rail vehicle can also be referred to as a railway vehicle. The rail vehicle can be a wagon, a freight car, or another rail vehicle without a motor or pantograph. The power supply device can serve as a power supply for railway vehicles, specifically for electrified freight cars or digital freight cars. The electronic components can include electronic components, power electrical components, and additionally or alternatively, control components for managing the power supply. The connecting elements can be designed to create a positive-locking connection as a mechanical connection and additionally or alternatively, a friction-locking connection. The connecting elements can be designed to maintain the mechanical connection permanently under cyclic loading.The connecting elements can be designed to maintain the mechanical and power transmission connections over a predefined operating period of the rail vehicle. "Tool-free" can refer to the application of force by the user or operator with bare hands to the storage module and, additionally or alternatively, to the connecting elements, whereby a coupling force or a decoupling force can be exerted. The power supply device can be configured to provide electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage device via the connecting elements and electronic components to supply electrical power to electrical consumers in the rail vehicle. The storage module can be easily and quickly disconnected from the electronic module for charging, replacement, or other purposes.
[0016] In the form of the energy supply device, a power supply system can thus be provided for a rail vehicle, for example, which includes various electronic and electrical components as well as control components, with a separate battery module that is coupled in an easily removable manner, e.g. without the use of tools.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the second housing can be shaped to accommodate, in addition to the electrical energy storage device, operating electronics for the 2025ID00086 4
[0018] to accommodate electrical energy storage. The operating electronics may include a balancing board, sensors, battery management devices, battery monitoring devices, a voltage converter to provide a stable voltage at the second connection device, and / or a battery charger.
[0019] According to one embodiment, the first housing can be shaped to seal a receiving space enclosed by the first housing for receiving the electronic components against moisture. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the electronic components can be housed in a watertight manner.
[0020] The first housing can also be made of aluminum, sheet metal, or additionally or alternatively, die-cast. Such a design offers the advantage of creating a particularly lightweight and stable housing.
[0021] Furthermore, it can facilitate the dissipation of heat from the electronic components.
[0022] Furthermore, the first housing can have cooling fins to dissipate heat from the enclosed electronic components to the environment. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the heat dissipation from the electronic components can be improved by using a plurality of cooling fins.
[0023] Furthermore, the electronic module can include electronic components. These electronic components can be housed within the first enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic components can include power electronics. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the electronic components can be arranged in a module specifically designed for their requirements.
[0024] According to one embodiment, the second housing can be shaped to seal a receiving space enclosed by the second housing for receiving the energy storage device against moisture and dust, to thermally insulate it, and to comply with predefined fire protection and explosion protection regulations. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the energy storage device is waterproof, dustproof, shielded against ambient temperature fluctuations, and 2025ID00086 5
[0025] so that the energy storage unit can be safely housed with regard to the risk of fire and explosion.
[0026] The second housing can also have an outer shell and an absorption layer enclosed by the outer shell. The outer shell can be made of stainless steel. Additionally or alternatively, the absorption layer can be made of a fibrous material. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the outer shell provides reliable fire protection as well as water and dust tightness, while the absorption layer also reliably provides explosion protection and thermal insulation.
[0027] Furthermore, the second housing can have a handle for holding the memory module when connecting and disconnecting the connection devices. This design offers the advantage of safe and robust user handling of the memory module. It also allows the memory module to be quickly removed and connected.
[0028] Furthermore, the storage module can include the electrical energy storage device. The electrical energy storage device can be housed in the second casing. Additionally or alternatively, the energy storage device can include at least one battery and / or at least one supercapacitor. The storage module can also include the operating electronics for the electrical energy storage device, which can be housed in the second casing. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the electrical energy storage device can be arranged in a module specifically designed for its requirements.
[0029] According to one embodiment, the connecting devices can be mechanically coupled to one another by means of a plug connection in order to establish the mechanical connection and the power transmission connection. For the plug connection, the connecting devices can be designed as complementary contacts, in particular as a socket or terminal and complementary plug, flat plug or slide plug. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that both a robust mechanical connection and a reliable
[0030] Electrical connections can be established by means of mutually contacting connecting devices.
[0031] Alternatively, the connecting devices can be designed to couple to each other via electromagnetic induction in order to establish the energy transmission connection. For inductive energy transmission, the connecting devices can be designed as induction coils. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that potential wear of energy transmission contacts due to coupling processes can be avoided, thus enabling a permanently reliable, contactless energy transmission connection.
[0032] Furthermore, the connecting elements can be designed to establish a data transmission link for wireless data transfer between an electrical energy storage device housed in the second enclosure and electronic components housed in the first enclosure. This also allows for wireless data transfer between the storage module and the electronic module, thus avoiding contact problems over the device's lifetime.
[0033] The connecting means may also include at least one locking element, which may be designed to establish or reinforce the mechanical connection. The at least one locking element may be designed to create a positive-locking connection and, additionally or alternatively, a friction-locking connection. The at least one locking element may be designed to establish the mechanical connection if the connecting devices are designed to couple to each other by means of electromagnetic induction in order to establish the power transmission connection. The at least one locking element may be designed to reinforce the mechanical connection if the connecting devices are designed to couple to each other mechanically by means of a plug connection in order to establish both the mechanical connection and the power transmission connection.Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a stable hold of the memory module on the electronic module2025ID00086 7.
[0034] This can also be achieved reliably and permanently during the operation of the rail vehicle.
[0035] Furthermore, the connecting elements can be designed to lock the connecting devices against disconnection when coupled. The connecting elements can include a lockable mechanism. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of also providing protection against theft of the storage module.
[0036] Furthermore, the power supply device can include at least one additional storage module. Optionally, either the storage module or the at least one additional storage module can be coupled to or connected to the electronic module. The storage module and the at least one additional storage module can be identical, at least with regard to their connecting means. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of enabling quick and easy replacement or exchange of storage modules coupled to the electronic module.
[0037] A rail vehicle with an embodiment of a power supply device mentioned herein is also presented.
[0038] The power supply device can be advantageously used to provide power to the rail vehicle or railway vehicle, in particular to an electrified freight wagon.
[0039] Examples of the approach presented here are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures. These show:
[0040] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a rail vehicle with a power supply device according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0041] Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a power supply device for a rail vehicle;2025ID00086 8
[0042] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a power supply device for a rail vehicle;
[0043] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a power supply device for a rail vehicle; and
[0044] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a power supply device for a rail vehicle.
[0045] In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present approach, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and which have a similar effect, without repeating these elements.
[0046] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a rail vehicle 100 with a power supply device 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. The rail vehicle 100 is a wagon, in particular a freight wagon. The power supply device 110 is arranged, attached, or fastened to the rail vehicle 100.
[0047] The power supply device 110 comprises an electronic module 120, a storage module 130, and connecting means 140. The electronic module 120 is attached to the rail vehicle 100. The storage module 130 is detachably coupled to the electronic module 120 via the connecting means 140. The connecting means 140 are designed to provide a mechanical connection for attaching the storage module 130 to the electronic module 120 and a power transmission connection for transferring electrical energy between the modules 120 and 130. The power supply device 110 is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.
[0048] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a power supply device 110 for a rail vehicle. The2025ID00086 9
[0049] Power supply device 110 corresponds to or is similar to the power supply device shown in Fig. 1. Thus, power supply device 110 comprises the electronic module 120, the storage module 130, and the connecting means 140. Power supply device 110 is intended for use with the rail vehicle shown in Fig. 1 or a similar rail vehicle.
[0050] The electronics module 120 comprises a first housing 222. The first housing 222 is shaped to accommodate electronic components E of the power supply device 110. The first housing 222 is shaped to be attachable or fixed to the rail vehicle. The electronics module 120 functions as an interface between the power supply device 110 and the rail vehicle, in particular as a mechanical and electrical interface.
[0051] The storage module 130 comprises a second housing 232, which is separate from the first housing 222. The second housing 232 is shaped to accommodate an electrical energy storage device S of the power supply unit 110.
[0052] The connecting means 140 comprise a first connecting device 242 and a second connecting device 244. The first connecting device 242 is arranged on the electronic module 120, and the second connecting device 244 is arranged on the memory module 130. Thus, the first connecting device 242 is also part of the electronic module 120, and the second connecting device 244 is also part of the memory module 130. In other words, the electronic module 120 also includes the first connecting device 242, and the memory module 130 also includes the second connecting device 244. The connecting devices 242 and 244 can be coupled and uncoupled without tools. The connecting means 140 are designed to create a mechanical connection for attaching the memory module 130 to the electronic module 120.The connecting means 140 are also designed to provide a power transmission connection for transmitting electrical energy and / or a data transmission connection for transmitting digital data between one in the second housing 2322025ID00086 10.
[0053] to produce the electrical energy storage device S and the electronic components E included in the first housing 222.
[0054] According to one embodiment, the first housing 222 is shaped to seal a receiving space enclosed by the first housing 220 for receiving the electronic components E against moisture. In other words, the first housing 222 is shaped to be watertight. For example, the first housing 222 is shaped from aluminum, in particular by means of a die-casting process.
[0055] Thus, according to one embodiment, the first housing 222 is designed as an aluminum die-cast housing. According to one embodiment, a plurality of cooling fins 224 are arranged on the first housing 222. The cooling fins 224 are arranged and shaped to dissipate heat from the electronic components E to the surroundings of the power supply device 110 or the electronic module 120. According to one embodiment, the electronic module 120 also includes the electronic components E. The electronic components E are housed in the first housing 222. The electronic components E are, for example, power electronics, control electronics, electrical equipment, and the like.
[0056] According to one embodiment, the second housing 232 is designed to seal a receiving space enclosed by the second housing 232 for receiving the energy storage device S against moisture and dust, to provide thermal insulation, and to comply with predefined fire protection and explosion protection regulations. According to one embodiment, the second housing 232 comprises an outer shell 234 and an absorption layer 236. The absorption layer 236 is enclosed by the outer shell 234. In other words, the absorption layer 236 is arranged internally with respect to the outer shell 234, which is arranged externally with respect to the absorption layer 236. For example, the outer shell 234 is made of stainless steel. In particular, the absorption layer 236 comprises a fibrous material, more precisely, a fibrous material that absorbs temperature fluctuations and explosions.According to a further embodiment, a handle 238 is provided on the second housing 232 for holding the memory module 130 when coupling and uncoupling the 2025ID00086 11.
[0057] Connecting devices 242 and 244 are arranged. According to one embodiment, the storage module 130 also includes the electrical energy storage device S. The electrical energy storage device S is housed in the second housing 232, more precisely surrounded by the absorption layer 236 and the outer shell 234. The energy storage device S comprises, for example, at least one battery and / or at least one supercapacitor. According to another embodiment, the storage module 130 further comprises operating electronics B for the electrical energy storage device S. The operating electronics B are housed in the second housing 232, more precisely surrounded by the absorption layer 236 and the outer shell 234.
[0058] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the connecting elements 242 and 244 of the connecting elements 140 are designed to be mechanically coupled to one another by means of a plug connection. In the illustration, the connecting elements 242 and 244 are shown mechanically coupled to one another by means of the plug connection, or in a coupled state. The connecting elements 242 and 244 are designed to establish the mechanical connection and the energy transmission connection. Optionally, the connecting elements 140 are additionally designed to lock the connecting elements 242 and 244 against disconnection from one another in the coupled state, in particular against unwanted or intentional disconnection.
[0059] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a power supply device 110 for a rail vehicle. The power supply device 110 corresponds to the power supply device from Fig. 2, except that the connecting means additionally include a locking element 346. The locking element 346 is designed to reinforce the mechanical connection of the connecting devices 242 and 244. Optionally, the connecting means 140 are also designed to lock the connecting devices 242 and 244 against disconnection from each other in the coupled state, in particular against unwanted or intentional disconnection. 2025ID00086 12
[0060] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a power supply device 110 for a rail vehicle. The power supply device 110 corresponds to the power supply device from Fig. 3 except that the connecting devices 242 and 244 are designed to be coupled to each other by means of electromagnetic induction, wherein the connecting devices 242 and 244 are inductively coupled to each other to establish the power transmission connection, and the locking element 346 is designed to establish the mechanical connection.
[0061] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a power supply device 110 for a rail vehicle. The power supply device 110 corresponds to the power supply device from one of the figures described above, except that the power supply device 110 further comprises at least one additional storage module 530. Thus, the power supply device 110 includes the electronic module 120, the connecting means 140, the storage module 130, and the at least one additional storage module 530. Either the storage module 130 or the at least one additional storage module 530 can be coupled to or is coupled with the electronic module 120. This interchangeability is indicated in the illustration by two arrows.
[0062] With reference to the figures described above, exemplary embodiments and advantages as well as background information on exemplary embodiments are briefly explained again below in other words and in summary.
[0063] The power supply device 110 includes, for example, various electronic, power electrical and control components E, which are installed in a housing that is as light and cost-effective as possible, i.e., the first housing 222. The electrical energy is stored in a battery or supercapacitor cells as an electrical energy storage device S.
[0064] Unlike conventional supply systems, according to exemplary embodiments, there is no risk of hazards caused by battery-specific potential, 2025ID00086 13
[0065] Elaborate enclosure of the entire device can be dispensed with in order to comply with fire and explosion protection regulations and to provide appropriate protection against dust or moisture. The second enclosure 232 can be specifically designed to address potential hazards emanating from the energy storage unit S, in particular the risk of fire and explosion.
[0066] It is also advantageous that, according to exemplary embodiments, a complete enclosure of the entire device, as may be necessary in conventional solutions, can be dispensed with, thus improving heat dissipation and battery lifespan. The second housing 232 can also be designed for optimal thermal management of the energy storage system, e.g., through insulation.
[0067] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments, it is unnecessary to open a housing completely surrounding the device and to remove the battery, which should be regularly replaced or charged in an external charger. This allows the respective splash and dust protection class to be maintained in a cost-effective, simple, and tool-free manner by simply disconnecting the storage module 130. The first housing 222 can be optimized for entirely different properties, such as lightweight construction, cost, good heat dissipation or cooling, and the like, compared to the second housing 232.
[0068] The aforementioned challenges can be overcome by deliberately separating the electronic components E, or electronic module 120, from the energy storage itself, i.e., the storage module 130. A further advantage of the separate storage module 130 is its ease of maintenance during operation and the clear interface between poles 120 and 130, which offers a high degree of flexibility and modularity, for example, allowing the storage module 130 to be used in other applications or environments.
[0069] According to the exemplary embodiments, the two modules 120 and 130 are thus separated by a clear and simple external interface in the form of the connecting means 140. This interface can be implemented as a plug or with 2025ID00086 14
[0070] Inductive power transfer, optionally lockable, is possible. The second enclosure, 232, is optimized for fire and explosion protection, good thermal insulation, robustness, and ergonomic handling. The first enclosure, 222, is optimized for other properties such as good cooling, a longer service life of, for example, 35 years or more, lightweight construction, and low cost.
[0071] According to one embodiment, the electronics or electronic components E are arranged in a cost-effective, lightweight first housing 222, for example, an aluminum die-cast housing, with cooling fins 224 for efficient heat exchange, while the energy storage device S is arranged in the explosion-proof and thermally insulated second housing 232, which is equipped with a handle 238 and has an outer shell 234 made of stainless steel, thus meeting stringent fire protection requirements. Both modules 120 and 130 are mechanically and electrically connected by means of connecting elements 140, which feature a proprietary, robust flat connector, to allow for easy disassembly of the energy storage device S, for example, for external charging. Alternatively, contactless energy transfer via induction coils and contactless data transmission, e.g., via radio, can also be used.Both modules 120 and 130 can be easily detached from each other, yet remain securely connected. The connection can be locked to prevent accidental removal of the energy storage unit S.
[0072] If an embodiment includes an "and / or" connection between a first feature and a second feature, this is to be interpreted as meaning that the embodiment, according to one embodiment, has both the first feature and the second feature, and according to another embodiment, either only the first feature or only the second feature. 2025ID00086 15
[0073] REFERENCE MARK LIST
[0074] 100 rail vehicles
[0075] 110 Power supply device 120 Electronic module
[0076] 130 memory module
[0077] 140 fasteners
[0078] 222 first case
[0079] 224 cooling fin
[0080] 232 second case
[0081] 234 Outer shell
[0082] 236 Absorption layer
[0083] 238 Handle
[0084] 242 First connection device 244 Second connection device B Operating electronics
[0085] E Electronic component
[0086] S electrical energy storage
[0087] 346 Locking element
[0088] 530 additional memory module
Claims
2025ID00086 16 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Power supply device (110) for a rail vehicle (100), wherein the power supply device (110) has the following features: an electronic module (120) with a first housing (222) for receiving electronic components (E) of the power supply device (110), wherein the first housing (222) is designed to be attachable to the rail vehicle (100), wherein the electronic module (120) functions as an interface to the rail vehicle (100); a storage module (130) with a second housing (232) separate from the first housing (222) for receiving an electrical energy storage device (S) of the power supply device (110); and Connecting means (140) with a first connecting device (242) and a second connecting device (244), wherein the first connecting device (242) is arranged on the electronic module (120) and the second connecting device (244) is arranged on the storage module (130), wherein the connecting means (140) are designed to provide a mechanical connection for attaching the storage module (130) to the electronic module (120) and an energy transmission connection for transferring electrical energy between an electrical energy storage device (S) housed in the second housing (232) and electronic components (E) housed in the first housing (222), wherein the connecting devices (242, 244) can be coupled and uncoupled from each other without tools.
2. Energy supply device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the second housing (232) is designed to accommodate operating electronics (B) for the electrical energy storage device (S) in addition to the electrical energy storage device (S).
3. Power supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing (222) is shaped to provide a receiving space enclosed by the first housing (222) for receiving the 2025ID00086 17 to seal electronic components (E) against moisture, and / or wherein the first housing (222) is made of aluminium, sheet metal and / or by die casting.
4. Power supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing (222) has cooling fins (224) for dissipating heat from incorporated electronic components (E) to an environment.
5. Power supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic module (120) comprises the electronic components (E), wherein the electronic components (E) are contained in the first housing (222) and / or wherein the electronic components (E) comprise power electronics.
6. Energy supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing (232) is shaped to seal a receiving space enclosed by the second housing (232) for receiving the energy storage device (S) against moisture and dust, to thermally insulate it and to comply with predefined fire protection and explosion protection regulations.
7. Energy supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing (232) has an outer shell (234) and an absorption layer (236) enclosed by the outer shell (234), in particular wherein the outer shell (234) is made of stainless steel and / or the absorption layer (236) has a fibrous material.
8. Power supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing (232) has a handle (238) for holding the storage module (130) when coupling and uncoupling the connecting devices (242, 244).
9. Energy supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage module (130) comprises the electrical energy storage device (S), wherein the electrical energy storage device (S) is located in the second housing (232)2025ID00086 18 is included and / or has at least one battery and / or at least one supercapacitor.
10. Energy supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting devices (242, 244) are designed to be mechanically coupled to one another by means of a plug connection in order to establish the mechanical connection and the energy transmission connection.
11. Energy supply device (110) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting devices (242, 244) are designed to be coupled to each other by means of electromagnetic induction in order to establish the energy transmission connection.
12. Power supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (140) are configured to establish a data transmission connection for wireless transmission of data between an electrical energy storage device (S) housed in the second housing (232) and electronic components (E) housed in the first housing (222).
13. Energy supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (140) have at least one locking element (346) configured to establish or reinforce the mechanical connection, and / or wherein the connecting means (140) are configured to lock the connecting devices (242, 244) in a coupled state against decoupling from each other.
14. Power supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one further storage module (530), wherein optionally the storage module (130) or the at least one further storage module (530) can be coupled or is coupled to the electronic module (120). 2025ID00086 19 15. Rail vehicle (100) with a power supply device (110) according to one of the preceding claims.