In order to reduce noise current leaking out from a frame to which semiconductor devices constituting a three-level power conversion circuit are attached to the outside of a power conversion device, the frame to which the semiconductor devices constituting the three-level power conversion circuit with which the power conversion device is equipped are attached is configured to be electrically connected to a neutral point of the three-level power conversion circuit. The noise current leaking out from the frame is thereby drawn back to the neutral point of the three-level power conversion circuit to suppress the flowing out of the noise current to the outside of the power conversion device and reduce the noise current.

In order to reduce noise current leaking out from a frame to which semiconductor devices constituting a three-level power conversion circuit are attached to the outside of a power conversion device, the frame to which the semiconductor devices constituting the three-level power conversion circuit with which the power conversion device is equipped are attached is configured to be electrically connected to a neutral point of the three-level power conversion circuit. The noise current leaking out from the frame is thereby drawn back to the neutral point of the three-level power conversion circuit to suppress the flowing out of the noise current to the outside of the power conversion device and reduce the noise current.

The present invention relates to a method for activating a segment for enabling electrical power delivery to vehicles, the segment being one of a plurality of segments consecutively arranged along a single track line of an electric road system that further comprises a base station, the method comprising: receiving, at the base station, identification data transmitted from a vehicle, the identification data identifying the vehicle; associating an activation key with the identification data with each other; transmitting the activation key from the base station to the segment; receiving, at the segment and via short range radio communication, an activation request sent from the vehicle, wherein the activation request comprises an identification key associated with the identification data; confirming, at the segment, that the received identification key is associated with the received activation key; and upon positive confirmation, activating the segment for enabling power delivery to the vehicle.

The present invention relates to a method for activating a segment for enabling electrical power delivery to vehicles, the segment being one of a plurality of segments consecutively arranged along a single track line of an electric road system that further comprises a base station, the method comprising: receiving, at the base station, identification data transmitted from a vehicle, the identification data identifying the vehicle; associating an activation key with the identification data with each other; transmitting the activation key from the base station to the segment; receiving, at the segment and via short range radio communication, an activation request sent from the vehicle, wherein the activation request comprises an identification key associated with the identification data; confirming, at the segment, that the received identification key is associated with the received activation key; and upon positive confirmation, activating the segment for enabling power delivery to the vehicle.

Electrified roadway systems include a roadway, and vehicles configured to operate on the roadway. The roadway has a base, and two electrically-conductive rails mounted on the base. One of the rails is electrically connected to a source of electric power, and the other rail is electrically connected to an electrical ground. The vehicles include non-electrically-conductive tires, and an electric motor mechanically connected to, and configured to rotate at least one of the tires to propel the vehicle along the roadway. The vehicles draw electric power from the roadway via two electrical pickups that contact the respective rails, and a retracted position at which the pickups are out of contact with the rails. A wear-resistant cover can be positioned on each of the rails. The wear resist covers can have features that maximize the contact area and the contact force between the covers and the rails.

Electrified roadway systems include a roadway, and vehicles configured to operate on the roadway. The roadway has a base, and two electrically-conductive rails mounted on the base. One of the rails is electrically connected to a source of electric power, and the other rail is electrically connected to an electrical ground. The vehicles include non-electrically-conductive tires, and an electric motor mechanically connected to, and configured to rotate at least one of the tires to propel the vehicle along the roadway. The vehicles draw electric power from the roadway via two electrical pickups that contact the respective rails, and a retracted position at which the pickups are out of contact with the rails. A wear-resistant cover can be positioned on each of the rails. The wear resist covers can have features that maximize the contact area and the contact force between the covers and the rails.

A vehicle includes a frame, an electric motor coupled to the frame and configured to selectively receive power from at least one battery pack and operable in a first operation mode and a second operation mode that is different from the first operation mode. A wheel assembly is coupled to the frame and driven by the motor. A control device is operable by a user to control operation of the vehicle. The control device is moveable between a first position relative to the frame corresponding to a riding configuration in which a user is able to operate the control device while seated on a seat on the frame, and a second position relative to the frame corresponding to a walking configuration in which a user is able to operate the control device while walking adjacent the vehicle. Movement of the control device from the second position to the first position triggers conversion from operation of the motor in the second operation mode to operation of the motor in the first operation mode. Movement of the control device from the first position to the second position triggers conversion from operation of the motor in the first operation mode to operation of the motor in the second operation mode.

A vehicle includes a frame, an electric motor coupled to the frame and configured to selectively receive power from at least one battery pack and operable in a first operation mode and a second operation mode that is different from the first operation mode. A wheel assembly is coupled to the frame and driven by the motor. A control device is operable by a user to control operation of the vehicle. The control device is moveable between a first position relative to the frame corresponding to a riding configuration in which a user is able to operate the control device while seated on a seat on the frame, and a second position relative to the frame corresponding to a walking configuration in which a user is able to operate the control device while walking adjacent the vehicle. Movement of the control device from the second position to the first position triggers conversion from operation of the motor in the second operation mode to operation of the motor in the first operation mode. Movement of the control device from the first position to the second position triggers conversion from operation of the motor in the first operation mode to operation of the motor in the second operation mode.

An apparatus for restricting a contact head of a catenary grounding device unintentionally falling from a catenary in use that is connectable to the contact head. The apparatus forming part of a contact head of a catenary grounding device for restricting the contact head unintentionally falling from a catenary in use.

An apparatus for restricting a contact head of a catenary grounding device unintentionally falling from a catenary in use that is connectable to the contact head. The apparatus forming part of a contact head of a catenary grounding device for restricting the contact head unintentionally falling from a catenary in use.