HK1163616B - Connection system for charging an electric vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The Commission has already adopted a proposal for a directive.

The present invention relates to the technical field of devices for charging/recharging electric energy storage devices in a vehicle with an electric motor.

The state of the art

Measures have already been developed to recharge the energy storage facilities of an electrically driven vehicle.

One approach is to equip the vehicle with a power cord with a free-end connector capable of cooperating with an additional connector connected to an external electrical power source. Alternatively, the power cord is connected to the electrical power source and connects to a connector provided on the vehicle. However, this requires the user to step out of their vehicle to manually connect the electrical power source to the storage media using the cord. This is tedious and poses a risk of electrocution if handled improperly.

To overcome this drawback, US 6 265 261 has a self-powering device for an electric vehicle. This powering device can be implemented on a ground rail connected to an electric power source. To ensure precise positioning of the vehicle in relation to the rail, the device includes, on the side of the vehicle, an inverted U-shaped element whose sidewalls are designed to come from both sides of the rail so that the inverted U-shaped element secures the rail.

US 5 461 298 also contains a power supply device which uses information on the alignment of the vehicle with respect to the electrical energy source to enable the vehicle to be precisely moored to this energy source.

To overcome these drawbacks, US 5 523 666 proposes an electrical power supply device comprising a vehicle-side contact element intended to come into contact with an additional element placed on the electrical power source. A vehicle-side transmitter allows the transmission to the power source of data regarding the instantaneous height position of the contact element of the vehicle.

To overcome the constraints on vehicle positioning, US 5 431 264 proposes an induction power supply system. However, this type of induction power supply system has many disadvantages. In particular, a strong electromagnetic field is generated to allow the vehicle to be charged. Such an electromagnetic field may harm the physical integrity of the user or other persons in the vicinity of the magnetic field.

JP63234803 describes a current collector device comprising a roller mounted on a vehicle and intended to come into contact with an electrically conductive rail mounted on the ground.

USRE29994E describes a vehicle electrical connection device with a pole on the roof of the vehicle and a rubber band at the distal end of the band, the rubber band being intended to come into contact with a pair of overhead wires for the electrical connection of the vehicle.

Document DE2519976 describes a power transmission system for electric vehicles comprising an arm and a roller at the distal end of the arm, the roller being designed to come into contact with electrically conductive rods extending on the ground.

One purpose of the present invention is to propose a device for automatic charging of electrical energy storage devices to overcome the above disadvantages.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a recharging device that is more secure and robust than previously available devices.

The invention is described in detail in the following table:

For this purpose, an electrical connection system of an electrically driven motor vehicle complying with claim 1 is proposed.

The proposed solution has considerable advantages, in particular that it can be used in environments where the overhead cable solution is not suitable, such as indoor spaces, and that it can also be used to charge vehicles at any height, and that it allows for a high tolerance of the positioning of the vehicle in relation to the electrical contacts in the ground.

Preferred but not limited aspects of the system according to the invention are: the protective devices are removable from the vehicle chassis,the protective devices include at least a hood suitable for rotating around a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar,the pivot axis is located between the longitudinal axis of the bar and a side of the vehicle,the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis are located vertically from each other,the bar is removable from the chassis,or each bar body has a protective body on which a driver part is mounted,and in which the bar (s) is (are) movable between a working position where the said conductive part is turned downwards and cleared and a non-working position where the said conductive part is sheltered,the protective body is either electrically insulating or electrically isolated from the conductive part,the bar (s) is (are) movable by pivoting around an axis parallel to its major axis,each bar has cylindrical faces which are confused with its pivot axis,and is housed in a chamber with walls adjacent to said cylindrical faces,the pivot axis is located along a stop of the bar so that the working position,the conductive part is turned downwards and unlocked and in the non-use position the said conductive part is turned upwards,the system also includes means to allow an angular play of the bar so as to allow a flat contact between the bar and the plate,at least one end of the electrically conductive bar or bars includes a spatula,the system consists of a single bar consisting of two electrically conductive segments connected by an electrically insulating portion,each electrically conductive segment being electrically connected to a respective terminal of the storage means,the system consists of two electrically conductive bars connected to the respective terminals of the storage means,the two bars are parallel to each other,the system includes switching means Tprinc1, Tprinc2 to connect the storage means either to the bars or to the vehicle engine,the system includes switching means T1-T6 to achieve a serial or parallel coupling of the storage means.

The invention also relates to an electrically driven motor vehicle with electric energy storage devices, the vehicle also having a connection system having the above characteristics.

A brief description of the figures

Other features, purposes and advantages of the present invention are further shown by the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limitative and must be read in the light of the drawings annexed to it: Figure 1 is a schematic representation in perspective of a connection set according to the invention,Figure 2a is a schematic representation in perspective of a mode of implementation of the connection system and coupling system according to the invention;Figure 2b is a more detailed schematic representation of the means of coupling illustrated in Figure 2a;Figures 3a, 3b, 3a to 3c, 4a to 4d, 4a, 4b and 5a, 5b, 5c are schematic representations of portions of the connection system according to the invention;Figures 6 to 9 are schematic representations according to different modes of implementation of the coupling system according to the invention;Figures 10a to 10b are schematic representations of two different modes of implementation of the coupling system according to the invention;Figures 11 and 17 are examples of schematic representations of the various modes of implementation of the coupling system according to the invention.

Detailed description of preferred forms of realization of the invention

The present invention will be described in more detail by reference to Figures 1 to 17 which are schematic representations of different embodiments of the invention.

General principle of the invention

A method of making the electrical connection assembly of the invention for charging energy storage devices of an electrically driven motor vehicle 2 has been illustrated by reference to Figure 1.

The electrical connection set includes: A vehicle-side electrical connection system and a coupling system at a ground level where the vehicle can be brought in.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the electrical connection system consists of two electrically conductive 10a, 10b rods extending below the vehicle, near the ground, between the front 23 and rear 24 regions of the vehicle. The electrically conductive rods extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. These electrically conductive rods are electrically connected to respective terminals of the vehicle's electrical energy storage means (not shown), such as lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, a combination of the two.

The coupling system consists of two electrically conductive contact plates 30a, 30b. These electrically conductive 30a, 30b are arranged on the ground. Specifically, the 30a, 30b plates in this example are mounted on an electrically insulating plot 33 protruding upwards from the ground. Alternatively, each plate could be mounted on its own plot. The 30a, 30b plates are electrically connected to a charging device for electrically charging the vehicle's energy storage means.

The general principle of operation of the connection assembly according to the invention is as follows.

To charge and/or recharge the vehicle, the vehicle shall be moved to come over the electrically conductive plates 30a, 30b.

The upper surface of plates 30a, 30b shall preferably be above the ground at a vertical distance from the ground greater than the vertical distance between the lower surface of the connecting system bars and the ground when the vehicle is not in the connecting position.

When the vehicle is above plot 33, the bars 10a, 10b come into contact with the electrically conductive plates 30a, 30b. In this example, the vehicle is suspended and has a variable ground guard and it is the variation of its floor thus permitted that makes it possible to compensate for the difference in height between the lower surfaces of the bars 10a, 10b and the upper surfaces of the plates 30a, 30b.

When the lower surfaces of the bars 10a, 10b are in contact with the upper surfaces of the plates 30a, 30b, the vehicle is immobilized. The charging device is then electrically contacted with the vehicle storage media via the connection assembly according to the invention. The charging device is then put into operation to allow the vehicle storage media to be charged/recharged.

One advantage of the connection assembly described above is that it allows for a high tolerance to the positioning of the vehicle in relation to the electrical contacts in the ground, both in length and width due to the dimensions and orientations of the bars and plates, and in height due to variations in the vehicle's platform.

The following is a more detailed description of the various ways of making the connection according to the invention.

Connection system

A variant of the design of the connection system according to the invention is shown in Figure 2 in which each electrically conductive rod has a spatula at one (or both) ends.

These spatulas 11, 41 allow the passage of the bars 10a, 10b on the plates 30a, 30b when the vehicle moves to bring the bars above the plates. Thus, if a height (relative to the ground) of the upper surface of the plates 30a, 30b is chosen that is slightly higher than the distance of the lower surface of the bars 10a, 10b from the ground, then the spatulas are able to gradually create an elevation of the vehicle platform to easily perform a self-adjustment of the height.

In an unillustrated embodiment, the bars 10a, 10b may be mounted in a moveable manner below the vehicle (e.g. with a servo motor, compensating springs, etc.) in such a way as to cancel the height differences between the upper surface of plates 30a, 30b and the lower surface of bars 10a, 10b.

Other ways of making the connection system of the invention are illustrated in Figures 3a, 3b and 3a to 3c.

In these embodiments, the connection system includes protective means to block access to electrically conductive bars and to protect them (from shocks, dirt, accidental electrical contact, etc.) when not in use.

In these different embodiments, the protective means are removable from the vehicle chassis, which simplifies the connection between the storage means and the bar. In particular, it is not necessary to have flexibility in the connecting cables between the energy storage means and the bar, unlike in the case where the bar is removable from the vehicle chassis.

Means of protection to block access to electrically conductive bars may include at least a hood.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 3a, 3b, the means of protection consist of two hoods 61, 62 each associated with a bar 10a, 10b. In another embodiment, each bar is associated with two hoods 61. Each hood can move between an open position and a closed position by pivoting around a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the associated bar and located adjacent to it.

The movement of the hood (s) is ensured by means of drive which may be of any type known to the professional such as a motor connected directly to the axis of rotation of the hood or a motorised pebble.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the pivot axis of each bonnet is located between the bar and a side of the vehicle.

When the vehicle is unladen, each bonnet 61 and 62 shall be in the closed position to cover its associated bar, as shown in Figure 3a.

When the vehicle is loaded, each bonnet shall be in the open position to form a skirt that descends from the vehicle body towards the ground to limit the risk of access to the steering wheel and associated plate, as shown in Figure 3b.

This reduces the risk of untimely contact with plates or bars in use.

Where the vehicle comprises a single bar with two electrically conductive segments, the protective devices may also comprise two hoods with pivoting axes on either side of the bar to cover the bar when the vehicle is unloaded and to form a skirt when the vehicle is loaded.

In reference to Figures 3a to 3c, the protective means include housing 80 between the vehicle and bar 10a. This housing is generally rectangular in shape and has two side walls 82 and a bottom 86. The bottom 86 of the housing includes a slot 87 for the passage of the bonnet 61. This housing 80 is intended to receive the bonnet (s) when it is in the open position (loading position of the vehicle).

In the pattern shown in Figures 3a to 3c, the bonnet 61 is longitudinally extended and curved along its longitudinal axis.

Bar 10a is fixed to one side of housing 80 facing the road by means of a flexible fastener 81 so as to allow an angular play of bar 10a along its longitudinal axis.

The hood 61 is fixed to housing 80 by legs 83 connected by pivot to the side walls 82 of housing 80.

In the case of legs 83 connected by pivoting on the outer faces of sidewalls 82, slots are made in sidewalls 82 for the passage of hood 61 between the open and closed positions.

Preferably, the legs 83 are connected by pivoting on the outer surfaces of the side walls 82 This ensures the watertightness of the housing since it is no longer necessary to make cracks in the side walls 82 of the housing 80.

The bottom 86 of housing 80 also contains L-shaped bolts 84 arranged on either side of bar 10a. These bolts 84 are arranged so that, when closed, the hood 61 is in the immediate vicinity - i.e. at a distance of 0 to 1 centimetre - of the free end of each bolt 84. Each bolt 84 may be metal. Each bolt 84 may include at its free end a lip seal to ensure that the bolt and the hood are sealed when closed.

The hood also comprises a skirt 85 at its side edges.

The 84 scratches, the 82 sidewalls of housing 80 and the 85 skirt of hood 61 ensure that the device is sealed when the hood is closed.

In reference to Figures 4a to 4d, another embodiment in which the bar is removable from the chassis is shown.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 4a to 4d, each electrically conductive bar 10a or 10b is mounted on a support plate of 12 respectively.

The length of the cylindrical support 12 may be greater than or equal to the length of the bar 10a to which it is attached.

The support 12 is capable of rotating around its longitudinal axis D-D' by being subjected to drive means (not shown) capable of being controlled.

In the model shown in Figures 4a to 4c, the support 12 is cylindrical, mounted in a frame 40 with a longitudinal opening in which the bar 10a or 10b extends considerably along its horizontal diameter.

In the clear position shown in Figure 4b, the bar (in 10a) extends to the base of the support 12 and may come into contact with its respective plate (load position).

In the recessed position shown in Figure 4c, bar 10a is located on the top of the support 12 which has been turned 180°. In this position the cylindrical support 12 and the frame 40 help to protect bar 10a from various shocks, gravel and projections (rolling position).

Naturally, the controls rotate the 12 supports associated with bars 10a and 10b at appropriate times.

It is also advantageous to attach a rack to the 40 frame so that the electrically conductive bar 10a or 10b can be cleaned by friction with each rotation of the support.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 4a to 4d, the rods can be connected to the storage media using helical cables as shown in Figures 4a and 4b. This allows for sufficient flexibility in the connecting cables while limiting the space of the device.

In the pattern shown in Figures 3a to 3c, each bar 10a is mounted with degrees of freedom rotating about two horizontal axes.

This allows flat contact between the lower surfaces of the bars and the upper surfaces of the plates when the bars are applied to the plates, in particular to avoid electric arcing and/or overheating of the connection assembly during current flow, especially if this current was carried over a single edge or point of contact.

Different ways can allow this angular play of the bars. For example, in one embodiment, each bar 10a is mounted on a ball so as to allow its rotational mobility. In another embodiment, each bar 10a is mounted on a rubber block giving it sufficient mobility to ensure a good alignment of the top and bottom surfaces of the bar 10a and plate 30a during contacts.

In the pattern of Figures 3a to 3c, the angular fit of the bar is provided by the flexible fastener (e.g. rubber) between bar 10a and the bottom of housing 80.

Alternatively, the flexible fastener may be replaced by bearings 89 at the ends of bar 10a defining an axis of angular pivot of the bar, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b.

The advantage is that the means of ensuring an angular play of the bar can be combined with stops.

In reference to Figure 3c, such buttresses are illustrated. Specifically, the housing base consists of electrically insulating buttresses 87 extending longitudinally over the housing base 86. These buttresses 87 provide electrical insulation between the bar and the housing (and more generally the vehicle).

In another embodiment shown in Figure 5a, the connection system also includes detection means 63 to detect intrusion and/or presence of a foreign element under the vehicle during loading.

This increases the safety of the assembly of the connection according to the invention by preventing a possible risk of electrocution of a person during charging.

The detection means 63 may include one (or more) volumetric, optical, etc. sensors and/or one (or more) video camera (s) and/or one (or more) motion detector (s).

The detection means 63 are connected to control means (not shown) to command the power supply to be cut off when a foreign element is detected under the vehicle during charging.

The connection system may also include switching means for connecting storage means 42: either at the rods 10a, 10b in a first position (loading position) or at the vehicle engine in a second position (rolling position).

It is therefore understood that in this embodiment the storage means 42 are disconnected from the rods 10a, 10b in the rolling position in order to avoid the risk of electrocution.

The switching means include, for example, two switches controlled by Tprinc1, Tprinc2 as shown in Figures 5b and 5c. In the load position, the switches controlled by Tprinc1, Tprinc2 switch to the first position as shown in Figure 5b. In the rolling position, the switches controlled by Tprinc1, Tprinc2 switch to the second position as shown in Figure 5c.

The connection system may also include switching means for serial or parallel coupling of storage means 42. The parallel coupling of storage means 42 allows them to be charged at a low safety voltage (e.g. a continuous voltage below 60 volts) to ensure the protection of natural persons when charging the vehicle, while their serial coupling allows the vehicle engine to be powered at a higher voltage and with a lower current.

The coupling means include, for example, a plurality of controlled switches T1 to T6 capable of switching between open and closed positions, as shown in Figures 5b and 5c.

When the vehicle is in the load position, the control switches T1 and T2 are opened and the control switches T3 to T6 are closed so that the storage devices are connected in parallel (Figure 5b).

When the vehicle is in the driving position, the control switches T1, T2 are closed and the switches T3 to T6 are opened so that the storage media 42 are connected in series (Figure 5c).

The coupling system

A variant of the coupling system in which plates 30a and 30b are mounted with degrees of freedom rotating around two horizontal axes A-A' and B-B' is shown in Figure 6.

This allows flat contact between the lower surfaces of the bars and the upper surfaces of the plates when the bars are applied to the plates, in particular to avoid electric arcing and/or overheating of the connection assembly during current flow, especially if this current was carried over a single edge or point of contact.

Different means can allow these degrees of freedom for the plates of the coupling system. e.g. in one embodiment, each plate 30a, 30b is mounted on a roller in such a way as to allow its pivoting mobility as shown in Figure 2.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, each plate 30a, 30b is mounted on a rubber block 32 giving it sufficient mobility to ensure a smooth alignment of the upper and lower surfaces of plate 30a, 30b and the respective bar 10a, 10b when in contact.

Of course, bars 10a and 10b can also be fitted to the vehicle with the appropriate degrees of freedom.

The coupling system may include means 22 to adjust the height of the plates according to the vehicle type. Such means of adjustment are shown in Figure 2b. For example, they may include a telescopic arm 14 associated with a pin 15 to block plates 30a, 30b to a given height.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the coupling system comprises 34 means capable of moving plates 30a, 30b between a recessed position (Figure 8b) and a position clear of the ground (Figure 8a).

When the vehicle is above plates 30a, 30b, they shall be brought into the clear position and shall be removed again when the loading is completed to release the vehicle.

The means of travel 34 include, for example, linear actuators such as propellers operating between the floor 31 and the respective plate 30a, 30b or a support thereof.

The fixed part of the linear actuator - e.g. the cylinder body - is preferably housed in a groove 35 in the ground; the movable part of the actuator - e.g. the cylinder piston - is capable of moving out of the groove to deploy the respective plate 30a or 30b.

A protective element 36 mounted on the cylinder piston and rotating may be attached to each plate 30a, 30b. This protective element 36 covers the recess 35 in which the cylinder is housed when plates 30a, 30b are displaced, to prevent danger.

In another embodiment shown in Figures 8a to 8c, each protective element is mounted pivoting at ground level 31 and capable of moving between a horizontal position (when the vehicle is absent) and a vertical position (when the vehicle is loaded above the plates) to limit access to the connection assembly during loading.

The coupling system consists of a support 38 comprising side walls 381 to 384 and a bottom 385. The support 38 can be placed in a recess in the ground 31. The side walls 381 to 384 of the support 38 include at their opposite ends at the bottom a collar 386 extending outwards perpendicular to it. This ensures that the support 38 touches the ground no matter how deep the recess 35.

The coupling system consists of a linear actuator comprising a fixed part and a movable part. The linear actuator is for example a cylinder including a cylinder body 391 fixed to the bottom 385 of the support 38, and a cylinder piston 392 inside the cylinder body 391. An electric pump 393 is fixed to the bottom of the support and connected to the cylinder body 392 to feed the cylinder.

The plate 30a, 30b is connected to the end of the cylinder piston 392 by means of a flexible coupling element 395 to allow the plate 30a to rotate around at least one axis.

One of the 383 side walls has a metal square 387 protruding into the support 38 at its opposite end to the bottom 385. This metal square 387 serves as a base for a hinge 361 of the protective element 36.

The protective element 36 is connected to the cylinder piston 392 by means of 394 bolts extending between the free end of the protective element 36 and the end of the cylinder piston 392 carrying plate 30a. This allows the movement of the protective element 36 by the cylinder piston 392. Thus, the movement of plate 30a and the protective element 36 are synchronized.

The advantage of the connection system is that it can include 396 movable side protection panels inside the support 38 In the embodiment shown in Figures 8a to 8c, the device has three movable side protection panels facing the three side walls 381, 382, 384 of the support 38 not including the hinge 361 These movable side protection panels 396 prevent falling objects (gravel, debris, etc.) inside the support 38 when the plates are not in the deflected position, for example when the cylinder piston is deployed (respectively from retraction) to bring the plate into the deflected position (deflection).

The three movable side protection panels 396 are connected to plate 30a by means of 395 pins, which allows for the synchronous movement of plate 30a, the protective element 36 and the movable side protection panels 396 by means of a single drive train consisting of the cylinder piston 392 powered by the electric pump 393.

The principle of operation of the embodiment described in Figures 8a to 8c is as follows: When the vehicle is above plates 30a, 30b, the cylinder piston 392 is deployed upwards to bring plates 30a, 30b into the clear position (Figure 8c). The 394 bolts connected between the cylinder piston 392 and the protective element 36 induce the movement of the protective element 36. This movement of the protective element 36 induces the movement of the 396 movable side panels by means of the 395 bolts connected between the 36 protective element and the 396 movable protective panels. The 396 movable protective panels are coiled along the upper wall of the protective element 36 in a synchronous manner.

When the vehicle is completed, the cylinder piston 392 retracts downwards to bring the plates 30a, 30b into the recessed position (Figure 8b). The movement of the cylinder piston 392 causes the protective element 36 to move downwards to close the support 38.

Figure 8d shows a variant of the method of manufacture of Figures 8a to 8c in which the connection system consists of two protective elements 36 In this variant, each protective element is connected to the cylinder piston by means of 394 handles Each protective element is mounted by rotation on a side wall 281, 383 respectively to the support by a hinge 361 The device consists of two movable side protective panels 396 arranged at the level of the side walls 382, 384 of the support 38 not including the hinges.

Err1:Expecting ',' delimiter: line 1 column 90 (char 89)

The device consists of four movable side-guards 396 on three of which is fixed a tray 397 extending perpendicular to the movable side-guards 396.

The plate 30a is fixed to the plate 397 by means of a flexible coupling element 395.

The movable side protection panels 396 are joined to the free end of the cylinder piston 392 by means of a horizontal bar 398 extending perpendicular to the movable side protection panels.

The protective element 36 is in the form of an inverted L in section. The protective element 36 has two walls 362, 363, one 362 (hereinafter cover ) being intended to cover plate 30a when the system is in the recessed position, and the other (hereinafter partition ) extending perpendicular to the cover and being intended to come into the extension of one 381 of the 396 movable side protective panels when the system is in the recessed position.

The protective element 36 is mounted pivoting on the 396 movable side-protection panels at the level of a 364 joint whose axis 365 is fixed in two opposite movable side-protection panels.

The device also includes an elastic medium 366 - for example a spring - arranged around the axis of the 365 joint. One end 367 of the elastic medium 366 rests on the plate 397 at a notch (not shown). The other end 368 of the elastic medium 366 rests on the partition 363.

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As shown in Figure 9, the coupling system may also include sensors 73 similar to the sensors 63 described above in reference to the coupling system.

As described above, each plate 30a, 30b is electrically connected to the charging device.

As shown in Figures 10a to 10c, the charging device may include a floating-potential isolation transformer 51 with a primary winding and a secondary winding to increase the safety of the device.

The charging device also includes a voltage rectifier 52 to convert alternating voltage from an electrical grid into direct voltage.

The charging device may also include cut-offs 53 to allow the mechanical separation of plates 30a and 30b from the electrical power supply when the vehicle is not in the charging position, to ensure the safety of persons moving near plates 30a and 30b when the vehicle is not in the vehicle.

The charging device may also include an electric accumulator 54 to store electrical energy and return it when charging the vehicle's storage devices. When the vehicle moves over plates 30a, 30b and the electrically conductive rods 10a, 10b come into contact with plates 30a, 30b, the electric accumulator 54 returns the accumulated electrical energy.

This allows the vehicle storage to be charged with more electric power than the electrical grid (in particular supercapacitors) if necessary. When no vehicle is charged, the electric accumulator 54 accumulates electric energy from the grid. In one embodiment, the charging device includes contact control and communication means, as shown in Figure 10c under references 55 and 56.

These means are suitable for analysing the contact quality between bars 10a, 10b and plates 30a, 30b, for example by measuring the impedance between bars and plates.

If the contact between the bars and plates is correctly established, the control means command the charging of the load assembly; conversely, if the contact between the bars and plates is not correctly established, the control means prohibit charging.

This prevents the load assembly from being turned on when the necessary conditions are not met.

The means of communication 55, 56 allow data to be transmitted between the vehicle and the charging device when the vehicle's energy storage devices are charged.

According to another variant, the coupling system may comprise more than two electrically conductive 30a, 30b plates, the shape and position of which may otherwise vary.

For example, the storage system may comprise six plates 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, the main axes of which are arranged parallel to each other and aligned in two groups of three, as shown in Figures 11a and 11b.

In the variant shown in Figure 11a, the plates are paired, each plate of one pair being intended to come into contact with a respective electrically conductive bar of the connection system.

Multiplied plates allow the vehicle to be charged with more electrical power.

Connection set

The following is a more detailed description of the various possible geometrical arrangements for the connection set (essentially bars and plates) according to the invention.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the spacing between the connecting system bars and the coupling system plates shall meet the following conditions.

As shown in Figure 12, the distance b between the electrically conductive plates 30a, 30b is preferably greater than the width a of a bar of the connection system.

In addition, the width d (dimension transversely in the direction of travel of the vehicle) of a plate 30a, 30b is less than the distance c between the bars 10a, 10b. This prevents the two bars 10a, 10b from coming into contact with the same plate, which could cause a short circuit and possible deterioration of the vehicle storage facilities.

Finally, the sum of the plates lengths is preferably chosen to be higher than the vehicle positioning dispersion, which increases the tolerance in the positioning of the vehicle with respect to the plates in the ground.

In an embodiment shown in Figure 13, the connection system consists of a single bar. This bar has two conductive bar 10a, 10b segments connected to each other by an insulating bar 13 portion. Each bar 10a, 10b segment is electrically connected to a respective terminal of the storage media.

The coupling system is then adapted to allow each electrically conductive segment 10a, 10b to be connected to a respective coupling plate 30a, 30b. In particular in this embodiment, the coupling plates 30a, 30b are spaced in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

Alternatively, as shown in Figures 14a and 14b, the insulating portion may be replaced by an empty space between the two bar segments 10a and 10b. In this embodiment, the two bar segments 10a and 10b are aligned and separated by a distance j.

Of course, the conductive bar may comprise more than two electrically conductive segments, depending on the needs (control contact, need for two voltage levels, polyphase alternating power supply, etc.).

Figure 15 shows a method of making the connection assembly according to the invention which is remarkable in that it allows for a recharging in rolling when the vehicle is running on a protected charging track 71.

This track has a succession of pairs of plates 30a, 30b which are electrically powered when the vehicle is above them.

The plates are then either fixed (near the ground surface) or moveable by rising above the ground as the vehicle passes.

The electrical power supply control of the plates and their possible elevation movement are synchronised with the movement of the vehicle, which can be detected by any appropriate technology, including optical, magnetic, radio control, etc.

In this design, the width of the plates transversely to the track is chosen so that contact is ensured with the corresponding steering bar even if the vehicle deviates from the ideal path in the centre of the track.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 16, the connecting system bars can be fixed to the sides of the vehicle. This is appropriate when the vehicle is high, for example a rolling bridge of a container ship port facility. The plates 30a, 30b, 30c of the coupling system are then arranged vertically on side piles 65. The side bars of the vehicle are intended to come into contact with the plates 30a, 30b, 30c of a pillar 65 to reload the storage means of the wagon. This embodiment allows a large tolerance as to the height positioning of the bars on the sides of the wagon, determined in particular by the height of the plates.

It will be noted that the trolley here comprises three conductive bars 10a, 10b, 10c intended to come into contact with three respective plates 30a, 30b, 30c of the coupling system.

In the above description, the connection system and coupling system have generally been described with reference to charging at standstill.

It has also been shown that the connection system and coupling system of the invention could be used as a variant for charging the moving vehicle.

In this variant, and again with reference to Figure 15, the vehicle-side connection system thus comprises at least one electrically conductive bar positioned along the length of the vehicle and the coupling system comprises a plurality of electrically conductive plates along the track, preferably positioned along the width of the vehicle.

The positioning of the bars and plates in the height direction can be ensured by means of supporting the bar on the plate.

In addition or as an alternative, means may be provided for support between each bar and the associated plates, for example by means of an elastic force (at the bar and/or plate level) or by means of a magnetization between each bar and the plates.

The lower face of each bar and the upper face of each plate are made of materials which can rub against each other without compromising the quality of contact and without excessive wear.

As has also been shown, plates 30a, 30b are arranged in pairs, and two successive pairs of plates are preferably separated by a distance of less than the length of a bar 10a, 10b to ensure that the vehicle connection system is always in electrical contact with at least one pair of plates.

The control of the power supply of the pairs of plates is preferably such that the load voltage is applied to a pair of plates rather than when the vehicle completely covers it.

It is advantageous to have a broom in the front (or both ends) of the vehicle to repel debris that may accumulate on the plates.

A further design of the connection system and coupling system of the invention, again suitable for continuous supply of a drawbridge, is shown in Figure 17.

In this embodiment, the connection system consists of two electrically conductive 10a, 10b bars arranged on one side of the drawbridge. The coupling system consists of a plurality of plates. The plates are arranged in pairs along the route of the drawbridge. Each pair of plates is fixed on a 37-pin support. The plates of the coupling system are intended to come into contact with the connecting system bars to allow the electrical power to be supplied to the drawbridge. The supports are spaced at a horizontal distance less than the length of a 10a, 10b bar of the connection system. This ensures that the 10a, 10 bars of the drawbridge are always in contact with at least one of the drawbridge's plates.

Many modifications can be made to the present invention. For example, the coupling system may comprise a single mechanical unit incorporating the two (or more) conductive plates and an insulating element separating the plates so as to define two distinct conductive portions, each portion being electrically connected to a terminal of an electrical power supply.

Claims (20)

1. Electric connection system for an electric drive vehicle (20) to allow the electric connection of electric energy storage means of the vehicle with an electric source for the purpose of charging thereof, characterized in that it comprises:

   - at least one electrically conductive bar (10a, 10b) extending so that it is accessible from underneath the vehicle between front (23) and rear (24) regions thereof, the or each electrically conductive bar extending parallel to a direction of travel of the vehicle and comprising an electrically conductive active surface electrically connected to the electric energy storage means of the vehicle, the active surface being intended to come into contact with mating means of the electric source,

   - protection means to protect the active surface of the electrically conductive bar, the bar and the protection means being capable of moving relative to one another between a so-called charging position, in which the active surface of the bar is released from the protection means, and a so-called non-charging position in which the active surface of the bar is covered by the protection means.
2. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the protection means are movable relative to the chassis of the vehicle.
3. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protection means comprise at least one cover adapted so that it can move by pivoting about a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis lie vertical to each other.
5. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover extends longitudinally and comprises a skirt (85) at each of its longitudinal ends, the system further comprising a housing comprising side walls (82) attached to the vehicle and a bottom part (86) on which the bar (10a) is attached, the bottom part including scrapers either side of the bar arranged so as to come into contact with the cover in the non-charging position.
6. The system according to claim 3, wherein the pivot axis is positioned between the longitudinal axis of the bar and a side face of the vehicle.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the bar is movable relative to the chassis.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the or each bar has a protective body on which a conductive part is mounted, and wherein the or each bar is movable between an in-use position in which said conductive part is released and faces downwardly, and a non-use position in which said conductive part is sheltered.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the protective body is either electrically insulating or is electrically insulated from the conductive part.
10. The system according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the or each bar is movable by pivoting about an axis parallel to its major axis.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein each bar has cylindrical faces whose axes merge with its pivot axis, and is housed in a chamber having walls which come to lie close to said cylindrical faces.
12. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means permitting angular play of the bar so as to allow flat contacting between the bar and the plate.
13. The system according to the preceding claim, further comprising electrically insulating abutments between the bar and the floor of the vehicle.
14. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the ends of the, or of each electrically conductive bar comprises a spatula (11).
15. The system according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises a single bar having two electrically conductive segments (10a, 10b) connected together by an electrically insulating portion (13), each electrically conductive segment being electrically connected to a respective terminal of the storage means.
16. The system according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises two electrically conductive bars (10a, 10b) connected to respective terminals of the storage means.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the two bars (10a, 10b) extend parallel to each other.
18. The system according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises switching means (Tprinc1, Tprinc2) to connect the storage means (42) either to the bars (10a, 10b) or to the motor of the vehicle.
19. The system according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises switching means (T1-T6) to achieve coupling in series or in parallel of the storage means (42).
20. An electric drive vehicle comprising electric energy storage means, characterized in that it comprises a connection system according to any of claims 1 to 19.