DE102013223925B4 - System and method for the efficient operation of transport vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

System for operating transport vehicles in a transport vehicle fleet (1), the transport vehicles each being driven by an electric drive unit which draws electrical energy from an energy store (3), the operating parameters of which are monitored by an energy store monitoring module (6) coupled to the energy store (3). are detected, wherein the energy store monitoring module (6) receives a vehicle identification of the transport vehicle (2) from a vehicle identification module (4) provided on the transport vehicle (2) and during a charging process of the energy store (3) the detected operating parameters of the energy store (3 ) together with the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle (2) to an analysis unit (16), with the analysis unit (16) receiving data from various charging devices (9; 10) of transport vehicles (2) in the transport vehicle fleet and for determining operating indicators of the respective transport vehicles ( 2 ) and/or evaluates the entire transport vehicle fleet as a function of user requirements, with the transport vehicles in the transport vehicle fleet being operated on the basis of the operating indicators determined; andwherein the operating parameters of the energy store (3) are recorded by the energy store monitoring module (6) by means of sensors during ongoing operation of the transport vehicle (2) decoupled from the charger (9; 10) and stored in a data store of the energy store monitoring module (6). will.

Description

The present invention relates to a system and a method for the efficient operation of transport vehicles, particularly in the field of logistics.

Logistics primarily concerns the control and provision of goods, in particular production parts, in a company's value chain. Transport logistics relates to the physical transfer of goods between different locations in a logistics network. Depending on the type of activity, a distinction can be made between warehouse logistics, packaging logistics and transport logistics. In this context, the term intralogistics is often used, which summarizes the complete logistical processes at one company location and, depending on the company, represents a combination of transport logistics, warehouse logistics and packaging logistics.

For the physical transport of goods, such as raw materials, intermediate products or production parts, within the site of a company, transport vehicles are used, in particular industrial trucks that are controlled by a driver. Furthermore, autonomously driving vehicles can also be used to transport goods or products. Industrial trucks represent a means of transport primarily for the horizontal transport of goods, which are mostly used internally on one level. Examples of industrial trucks commonly used are forklifts for lifting, stacking and storing loads, which can independently pick up and set down loads. Other examples of industrial trucks are hoists such as cranes, shelf conveyors, but also rail-bound industrial trucks.

Means of transport that are used in a company's intralogistics are usually powered electrically. The reason for this is, among other things, that such transport vehicles mostly move in closed workshops, so that the formation of exhaust gases should be avoided. Conventional transport vehicles, in particular forklift trucks, therefore have an electric drive unit that draws its electrical energy from at least one exchangeable energy store. The exchangeable energy store is usually an exchangeable battery unit. This battery unit consists of several battery cells for generating an electrical supply voltage for an electric motor of the transport vehicle. In order to avoid a standstill of the transport vehicle or to increase the operating time of a transport vehicle, the exchangeable energy stores of the transport vehicles are exchangeable. The transport vehicle, whose energy storage is running low, drives to a charging station and replaces the almost empty battery unit with a charged or recharged battery unit. The charging station at the company's location usually has several charging devices, each of which is suitable for charging an energy storage device. The chargers can come from different manufacturers. The empty energy store is connected to a charger and charged in one charging process. After the discharged battery has been set down, the means of transport, for example a fork lift truck, is operated with an energy storage unit which has been charged by a charger and is connected to the means of transport.

Conventional battery units sometimes have battery controllers that provide data regarding the battery status of the battery unit, which data can be evaluated by an evaluation unit.

the DE 10 2011 008 675 A1 describes a method for charging a battery of a vehicle, the vehicle being connected to a charging station for charging the battery. On the vehicle side, a charging profile for the battery of the vehicle is determined as a function of a maximum nominal power of the charging station, a target state of charge and a specified charging period.

US 2010/0 211 340 A1 describes a system and a method for operating electric vehicles. Corresponding software is configured to provide data about the electric vehicles, including a name of a driver.

In the DE 10 2009 006 440 A1 a method for operating a battery-powered industrial truck is described in order to prevent the industrial truck from failing. For this purpose, the industrial truck has a control unit that reads data from a battery controller regarding the battery status of the battery unit and forwards this data to a higher-level computing unit. Based on the current battery status, the higher-level processing unit compiles transport orders for the industrial truck, which can be carried out by the industrial truck with the current battery status without recharging the battery.

With this conventional system it is possible to determine a maximum possible driving distance corresponding to the current battery state of the battery unit or a maximum duration of use as parameters. These determined parameters can then be taken into account when compiling the transport orders. The determined parameters always refer to the battery unit or the replaceable energy storage device itself.

In this conventional system, it is not taken into account in which transport vehicle of an available fleet of transport vehicles the respective battery unit or the respective energy store is used. A connection between the monitored operating behavior of the battery storage unit and the various transport vehicles in which the replaceable battery storage unit is used sequentially one after the other during its lifetime is therefore not taken into account in this conventional system. Consequently, parameters of the transport vehicle and parameters of the driver of the transport vehicle are not taken into account when evaluating the data supplied by the battery controllers and cannot be used to increase the efficiency of the transport vehicle fleet.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a system and a method in which the efficiency when operating transport vehicles in a transport vehicle fleet is increased compared to conventional intralogistics systems, i. H. an optimization of an energy flow is achieved on the basis of operating indicators.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a system having the features specified in patent claim 1 .

The system according to the invention is thus characterized, among other things, by the fact that a vehicle identification module is provided on each transport vehicle in the transport vehicle fleet, which transmits a vehicle identification of the transport vehicle to the energy storage monitoring module attached to the replaceable energy storage. Accordingly, the operating parameters for this transport vehicle are preferably temporarily stored during operation. After connecting the energy store to a charger (after operation), not only the recorded operating parameters of the energy store, but also the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle are transmitted via the charger to a data evaluation unit of the system. There is therefore a connection between the detected operating parameters of the energy storage device and the transport vehicle or transport vehicles in which the energy storage device was previously used and is currently being used. The system according to the invention offers the possibility of optimally configuring a unit made up of transport vehicle, energy store and charging device.

The operating parameters of the energy storage device are recorded by the energy storage device monitoring module using sensors while the transport vehicle is being operated while it is being decoupled from the charging device, and are stored in a data storage device of the energy storage device monitoring module.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, operating parameters of the energy store are also recorded by the energy store monitoring module using sensors during a charging process or a filling process of the energy store and stored in a data store of the energy store monitoring module.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the energy storage monitoring module contains a programmable data processing unit which processes the operating parameter sensor data recorded by the sensors before the data is transmitted to the analysis unit.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the operating parameter sensor data recorded by the sensors are provided with time stamps which are generated by a timer contained in the energy storage monitoring module.

This means that the precise time of events that affect the operating parameters of the energy store can be determined and, for example, related to the driving behavior of the transport vehicle.

In one possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the exchangeable energy store has an electrically chargeable battery unit consisting of battery cells.

• eine von allen Batteriezellen der Batterieeinheit gelieferte elektrische Gesamtspannung der Batterieeinheit,
• eine Lade-/Entladespannung der Batterieeinheit,
• ein Lade-/Entladestrom der Batterieeinheit,
• mindestens eine mittig zwischen Batteriezellen der Batterieeinheit abgegriffene Spannung,
• einen Füllstand der Batterieeinheit,
• eine räumliche Lage der Batterieeinheit,
• mindestens eine auf die Batterieeinheit wirkende Beschleunigungskraft und
• eine sich zeitlich verändernde Position der Batterieeinheit.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the energy storage monitoring module comprises the following operating parameters of the battery unit, which are detected by sensors:

• a total electrical voltage of the battery unit supplied by all battery cells of the battery unit,
• a charge/discharge voltage of the battery unit,
• a charge/discharge current of the battery unit,
• at least one voltage tapped in the middle between battery cells of the battery unit,
• a filling level of the battery unit,
• a spatial position of the battery unit,
• at least one acceleration force acting on the battery unit and
• a time-varying position of the battery pack.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the replaceable energy storage device has a fuel unit consisting of fuel cells, which is supplied with fuel gas that originates from a fuel gas tank that can be filled.

• eine von den Brennstoffzellen der Brennstoffeinheit gelieferte elektrische Gesamtspannung,
• einen Lade-/Entladedruck des Brenngastankes,
• eine Lade-/Entlademenge des Brenngastankes,
• eine räumliche Lage der Brennstoffeinheit,
• mindestens eine auf die Brennstoffeinheit wirkende Beschleunigungskraft und
• eine sich zeitlich verändernde Position der Brennstoffeinheit.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the energy storage monitoring module comprises the following operating parameters of the fuel unit, which are detected by sensors:

• a total electrical voltage supplied by the fuel cells of the fuel unit,
• a charging/discharging pressure of the fuel gas tank,
• a charge/discharge quantity of the fuel gas tank,
• a spatial position of the fuel unit,
• at least one acceleration force acting on the fuel unit and
• a time-varying position of the fuel unit.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the energy store of the transport vehicle is charged via a connectable charging cable, with the detected operating parameters of the energy store together with the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle being transmitted via the charging cable by means of power line communication (PLC) from the energy store monitoring module via the charger to the transmitted to the analysis unit of the system.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the detected operating parameters of the energy store are transmitted together with the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle via a separate data line from the energy store monitoring module via the charger to the analysis unit of the system.

In this case, the separate data line can be embedded, for example, in a sheathing of the charging cable.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the detected operating parameters of the energy store are transmitted together with the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle via a wireless interface to the charger and from there to the analysis unit of the system.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the vehicle identification module provided on the transport vehicle can be programmed with a vehicle identification.

This can be done, for example, by means of a portable programming device, which writes a vehicle identification into the vehicle identification module using Near Field Communication (NFC).

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the energy storage monitoring module receives, in addition to the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle, other vehicle parameters of the transport vehicle from the vehicle identification module and/or from the transport vehicle itself.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the energy storage monitoring module receives not only the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle but also driver parameters of a driver driving the transport vehicle from the vehicle identification module or from another unit of the transport vehicle.

The received vehicle identification of the transport vehicle, the other vehicle parameters of the transport vehicle and the driver parameters of the transport vehicle are preferably transmitted to the analysis unit of the system when the energy store is connected to a charging device via this charging device.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the analysis unit of the system evaluates the data received via different charging devices from different transport vehicles in a transport vehicle fleet, in particular operating parameters of the energy storage devices of the transport vehicles, vehicle identifications of the transport vehicles, vehicle parameters of the transport vehicles and driver parameters of the drivers of the transport vehicles to determine operating key figures respective transport vehicles and/or the entire transport vehicle fleet.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, a control unit, in particular a central control unit of the system, is provided which, on the basis of the operating figures determined by the analysis unit, of all transport vehicles in the transport vehicle fleet and/or a group of transport vehicles in the transport vehicle fleet and/or individual transport vehicles in the transport vehicle fleet and/or directly controls several transport vehicles during operation and/or transmits corresponding instructions to their drivers.

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the analysis unit evaluates the operating key figures for planning repair, maintenance and replacement measures on transport vehicles in the transport vehicle fleet and/or their energy stores.

The invention also creates a method for the efficient operation of transport vehicles with the features specified in patent claim 17 .

Possible embodiments of the system according to the invention and the method according to the invention for the efficient operation of transport vehicles are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

• 1 ein Diagramm zur Darstellung eines möglichen Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems zum effizienten Betreiben von Transportfahrzeugen;
• 2 zeigt ein Signaldiagramm zur Erläuterung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems und des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum effizienten Betreiben von Transportfahrzeugen;
• 3 zeigt exemplarisch ein Ladeprofil zum Laden eines austauschbaren Energiespeichers, das bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren und System verwendet und ausgewertet werden kann;
• 4 zeigt exemplarisch eine mögliche Datenauswertung bei dem erfindungsgemäßen System;
• 5 zeigt exemplarisch eine weitere mögliche Datenauswertung bei dem erfindungsgemäßen System;
• 6 zeigt eine weitere exemplarische Darstellung einer möglichen Datenauswertung bei dem erfindungsgemäßen System;
• 7 zeigt exemplarisch Ladezyklen eines Energiespeichers als beispielhafte Datenauswertung bei dem erfindungsgemäßen System.
• 8 zeigt ein Blockschaltbild zur Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Energiespeicher-Überwachungsmoduls wie es bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren und System eingesetzt werden kann.

Show it:

• 1 a diagram to show a possible embodiment of a system according to the invention for the efficient operation of transport vehicles;
• 2 shows a signal diagram to explain the system according to the invention and the method according to the invention for the efficient operation of transport vehicles;
• 3 shows an example of a charging profile for charging an exchangeable energy store, which can be used and evaluated in the method and system according to the invention;
• 4 shows an example of a possible data evaluation in the system according to the invention;
• 5 shows an example of another possible data evaluation in the system according to the invention;
• 6 shows a further exemplary representation of a possible data evaluation in the system according to the invention;
• 7 shows an example of charging cycles of an energy store as an example of data evaluation in the system according to the invention.
• 8th shows a block diagram to represent an embodiment of an energy storage monitoring module as it can be used in the method and system according to the invention.

how to get out 1 can recognize, a system 1 for the efficient operation of transport vehicles 2 in the exemplary embodiment shown has a large number of exchangeable energy storage devices 3 . Through these each electric drive units are driven. An electric drive unit includes an electric motor that converts electrical energy into kinetic energy. At the in 1 Transport vehicle 2 shown is an industrial truck, in particular a forklift, for transporting goods within a logistics chain of a company. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport vehicle 2 is controlled by a driver. In an alternative embodiment, the transport vehicle 2 can also be an autonomously driving, remote-controlled vehicle.

A vehicle identification module 4 from which a vehicle identification (vehicle ID) of the transport vehicle 2 can be read is attached to the transport vehicle 2 . In one possible embodiment, the vehicle identification module 4 contains a data memory for storing a vehicle identification or vehicle ID of the transport vehicle 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the transport vehicle 2 has the associated vehicle identification no. 4005088. This vehicle identification provides a truck ID for the forklift 2 represent, the in 1 is shown. In one possible embodiment, the transport vehicle identification module 4 attached to a transport vehicle 2 is programmable with the vehicle identification (vehicle ID). This can be done using a portable programming device 5, with the vehicle identification module 4 being programmed accordingly via a wireless interface. The wireless interface is, for example, an NFC (Near Field Communication) interface, as shown in 1 shown.

An energy storage monitoring module 6 that has one or more sensors is attached to the exchangeable energy storage 3 . At the in 1 In the example shown, the energy storage monitoring module 6 has a sensor system, in particular a current sensor 8 , which is connected via a line 7 . The energy store monitoring module 6 is attached to the replaceable energy store 3, ie it is located on the housing of the replaceable energy store 3 or is integrated into its housing. The energy storage monitoring mo module 6 is firmly placed on the energy store 3 and is electrically connected to it.

Each or almost every replaceable energy store 3 in the system has an associated energy store monitoring module 6. A possible exemplary embodiment of such an energy store monitoring module is shown in FIG 8th shown schematically. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the energy store monitoring module 6 has a power pack 6A and a microcontroller 6B. The power pack 6A is, for example, a wide-range power pack from 18 to 180 volts DC, which supplies the energy store monitoring module 6 with an electrical supply voltage that is emitted by the replaceable energy store 3 . The microcontroller 6B of the energy store monitoring module 6 coordinates the peripheral units connected to it, in particular a power line communication, PLC, communication interface 6C, a memory 6D and, for example, a dual interface EEPROM 6E. The data memory 6D can on the one hand be provided for permanent data storage and for data storage of update files. For example, the data memory 6D is a 16 megabyte flash memory. The Dual Interface 6E allows easy parameterization for a user, for example via an NFC interface, and does not require its own power supply. Furthermore, the energy store monitoring module 6 in the exemplary embodiment shown has a display unit 6F for visualizing the operating state of the respective replaceable energy store 3. For example, the display unit 6F of the replaceable energy store 6 contains one or more LEDs for various operating parameters of the replaceable energy store 3.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the energy store monitoring module 6 has evaluation units for various sensor data which are recorded by various sensors attached to the energy store monitoring module 6 . In the illustrated embodiment, the energy store monitoring module 6 has a processing unit 6G for a sensor-detected battery current, a data processing unit 6H for data processing of sensor-detected battery voltages and a data processing unit 61 for data processing of sensor-detected battery temperatures T of the energy store 3, a data processing unit 6J for processing Sensor data that indicate an electrolyte filling level of a battery unit 3 and a data processing unit 6K for data processing of sensor data that originates from acceleration sensors or yaw rate sensors. In the 8th The data processing units 6G, 6H, 6I, 6J, 6K shown symbolically can also be implemented as processing algorithms in the microprocessor 6B of the energy storage monitoring module 6.

At the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the replaceable energy store 3 is a battery unit that includes a plurality of electrically chargeable battery cells. For example, several battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery unit with a total voltage of 48 V.

Various operating parameters of the battery unit 3 can be recorded and monitored by the energy storage monitoring module 6 . In one possible embodiment, the operating parameters of the battery unit 3 include a fill level of the battery unit 3, a spatial position of the battery unit 3, various acceleration forces acting on the battery unit 3 in different directions. Furthermore, a total voltage of the battery unit 3 supplied by all battery cells of the battery unit 3 or partial voltages supplied by battery cell groups can be detected by sensors as operating parameters of the battery unit 3 and reported to the energy storage monitoring module 6 .

The replaceable energy store 3 or the replaceable battery unit 3 can be connected to chargers 9, 10 from different charger manufacturers. At the in 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the charger 9 is a conventional charger and the charger 10 is a charger specially designed for the system 1 according to the invention.

In one possible embodiment, the energy store monitoring module 6 can also use sensors to detect a charge/discharge voltage of the replaceable energy store 3 and a charge/discharge current of the energy store 3 as operating parameters and temporarily store them in a data store of the energy store monitoring module 6, for example in the data store 6D .

In a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, the energy store monitoring module 6 has a timer 6L which generates a time stamp TS (time stamps). In one possible embodiment, the operating parameter sensor data recorded by the sensors are provided with time stamps TS, which are generated by the timer 6L contained in the energy storage monitoring module 6 . The energy storage monitoring module 6 may contain one or more programmable data processing units, which by process the operating parameter sensor data recorded by the sensors.

A unique identification of the associated energy store 3 is permanently stored in the data store 6D of the energy store monitoring module 6 . At the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the replaceable energy storage 3 by an energy storage no. 4005089 identified. In one possible embodiment, the energy store identification, ES-ID, of the replaceable energy store 3 can be programmed using the portable programming device 5 . The programming can be done, for example, using an NFC (Near Field Communication) interface, as in 1 shown.

After inserting the exchangeable energy store 3 in the transport vehicle 2, the electric drive unit of the transport vehicle 2 draws electrical energy from the exchangeable energy store 3 via a line 11. A plug of the line 11 is preferably detachably connected to a coupling of the energy store 3. In one possible embodiment, a power line communication, PLC, can take place via the electric line 11 between a control unit of the transport vehicle 2 and the energy store monitoring module 6 of the energy store 3 . The energy storage monitoring module 6 receives a vehicle identification (vehicle ID) of the transport vehicle 2 from the vehicle identification module 4 provided on the transport vehicle 2. For example, the energy storage monitoring module 6 reads the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle 2 via the PLC communication interface 6C from a data memory of the Vehicle Identification Module 4 off. The read vehicle identification of the transport vehicle 2 can be temporarily stored in the data memory 6D, for example. After connecting the energy store 3 via a charging cable or a charging line 12 to a charger 9 or a charger 10 (whereby this takes place after operation when the energy store 3 is essentially empty) as in 1 shown, data from the data memory 6D of the energy storage monitoring module 6 is read out by the charger 9, 10 or transmitted to the charger 9, 10.

At the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the charger 9 is a conventional charger, which is not specially designed for the system 1 according to the invention. For such a charging device 9, an associated transceiver module 13 is provided in the system 1 according to the invention, which, when the energy storage device 3 is connected to the charging device 9, receives the data provided by the energy storage device monitoring module 6 of the energy storage device 3 and forwards it to a backend system. At the in 1 illustrated embodiment of the system 1, the transceiver 13 for the charger 9 and the charger 10 is connected via a data line or a data bus 14 to a server 15, which forwards the data received from the various chargers or their transceivers to a main server 16 of the backend system . Terminals or devices 17, 18 for different users are also connected to the main server 16. The main server 16 has a data evaluation unit or forms a data evaluation unit for evaluating the data received from the energy storage monitoring module 6 via its chargers. Some of the data has already been expediently processed by data processing units of the monitoring modules 6 .

After connecting the replaceable energy store 3 to a charger 9, 10, the data present in the energy store monitoring module 6 with regard to the operating parameters of the vehicle ID and, if applicable, the driver of the transport vehicle 2 are transmitted in a first embodiment via the charging cable 12 using Powerline Communication, PLC , transferred to the charger 10 and forwarded from there automatically via the server 15 to the main server 16. Alternatively, the data transmission can also take place via a separate data line between the energy store monitoring module 6 and the charging device 10 or wirelessly via a radio interface. If the energy store 3 is connected to a conventional charger 9, the data is transmitted from the energy store monitoring module 6 via the associated charge transceiver 13 and the server 15 to the main server 16.

In one possible embodiment, the transceiver 13 can be programmed via a radio interface, for example an NFC radio interface, using the portable programming device 5, as in 1 shown. The main server 16 has a data evaluation unit or analysis unit and has access to a central database. The analysis unit or data evaluation unit 16 or the main server analyzes the data received via the various charging devices 9, 10. This data includes in particular the operating parameters, ES-BP, of the various energy stores 3 of the transport vehicles 2, the corresponding vehicle identifications (vehicle IDs) of the transport vehicles 2, vehicle parameters, TF-BP, of the transport vehicles 2 and, if applicable, driver parameters, F-BP, of those Driver F, which steer the transport vehicles 2.

The analysis unit 16 of the system 1 evaluates the information data received in order to determine operating key figures of the respective transport vehicles 2 or of the entire fleet of transport vehicles. In one possible embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention, a control unit is also provided which, on the basis of the operating figures determined by the analysis unit 16, of all transport vehicles 2 in the transport vehicle fleet or a group of transport vehicles in the transport vehicle fleet or individual transport vehicles 2, directly monitors individual or different transport vehicles 2 during ongoing operation controls or whose driver F transmits corresponding instructions. In one embodiment, the transport vehicles 2 are autonomous transport vehicles that are not controlled by a driver and are controlled directly. Alternatively, the control unit can transmit corresponding control instructions or control commands to the transport vehicle 2, preferably wirelessly, which are displayed to the respective driver F of the transport vehicle 2 after receipt, for example via a display unit of the transport vehicle 2.

Wired or wireless terminals 17, 18, for example PCs or mobile laptops or cell phones, are connected to the main server 16. The users can, for example, be employees of the respective company or the manufacturer of the chargers or the replaceable energy storage devices 3 . In one possible embodiment, the main server or the data evaluation unit 16 records the received information data, in particular the vehicle identifications (vehicle IDs) of the transport vehicles 2, and evaluates the transmitted operating parameters, ES-BP, of the replaceable energy storage devices 3 and, if necessary, the vehicle parameters, TF- BP, as well as driver parameters, F-BP, for planning repair, maintenance and replacement measures on the transport vehicles 2 of the transport vehicle fleet and/or their energy stores 3. The evaluation is carried out in particular to determine operating indicators of the respective transport vehicles 2 and/or the entire transport vehicle fleet, with the operating indicators or operating functions being able to be evaluated depending on the requirements of the user. Thus, each user, such as B. a logistician, buyer, facility, service, loading area manager / loading space operator, etc. carry out an individual evaluation or analysis.

The energy store monitoring module 6 of an energy store 3 preferably has a sensor system that includes in particular a battery current, battery voltages, a battery temperature, an electrolyte fill level, a 3D acceleration and a 3D yaw rate (gyrometer). 2 FIG. 12 shows a signal diagram that represents an example of sensor data that is temporarily stored or processed by an energy storage monitoring module 6 . The various sensor data that the energy storage monitoring module 6 receives from the sensors can be provided with time stamps TS. At the in 2 In the example shown, the sensor data are supplied by various sensors of an energy store 3 which is provided in an industrial truck, FFZ, in particular a forklift truck 2 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the energy store monitoring module 6 receives sensor data with regard to the charging and discharging current of the energy store 3 and acceleration data with regard to a transverse and longitudinal acceleration which acts on the energy store 3 . In the 2 Curve I shown shows a current supplied or received by an energy store, in particular a battery unit 3 . If energy is drawn from a drive unit of the transport vehicle 2 , electricity is drawn from the energy store 3 . This current consumption is called positive current in 2 shown. If, for example, electricity or electrical energy is obtained during a braking process, this can be stored in the energy store 3 . A current generated in this way is shown in the signal diagram according to 2 shown as a negative current. At the in 2 illustrated example, the transport vehicle 2 is a forklift that can lift a load by means of a stacking device. At time t1, in the example shown, the power demand of the forklift truck 2 rises sharply because the forklift truck is lifting a load. The electric motor for lifting the load consumes electricity and draws electricity from the energy store 3, as in 2 shown. Lifting the load causes strong oscillations during longitudinal acceleration due to the weight of the load, as can be seen from curve II.

At time t2, the forklift 2 lifts the load beyond a free lift. This further increases the power requirement, since there is an additional power requirement due to the weight of the mast. At the same time, there is an increase in vibration during longitudinal acceleration, as can be seen from curve II.

At time t3, the forklift 2 sets down the load. Since the lowering is a hydraulic process, there is no power requirement here, as can be seen from curve I. At the same time, there is a decrease in the longitudinal acceleration (curve II) due to the reduced mechanical vibrations.

At time t4, the forklift 2 accelerates backwards briefly. Due to the acceleration of the forklift truck 2, the power requirement rises sharply and the longitudinal acceleration also increases for a short time.

At time t5, in the example shown, forklift truck 2 brakes and drives around a curve. Due to recuperation, i.e. electrical energy generated by the braking process, the current briefly becomes negative. Furthermore, in the example shown, the transverse acceleration (curve III) increases.

At time t6, the forklift accelerates sharply and runs straight. As a result, the power requirement of the electric motor increases rapidly and then drops exponentially, as shown in the signal diagram 2 recognizable. The longitudinal acceleration (curve II) is negative.

Finally, at time t7, the forklift truck 2 brakes sharply and turns again. Due to the braking process and the current generated as a result, the current shown is negative. There is also a change in the longitudinal and lateral acceleration (curve II, curve III).

In the 2 In one possible embodiment, the sensor data shown are recorded or temporarily stored in a data memory, for example the data memory 6D, of the energy storage monitoring module 6 and, if necessary, already processed by a corresponding data processing unit of the energy storage monitoring module 6 for the subsequent final data evaluation by the analysis unit 16. The sensor data are preferably provided with time stamps TS, which are generated by the timer 6L of the energy storage monitoring module 6 .

After the energy store 3 has been connected to a charging device 9, 10, the temporarily stored and possibly processed sensor data are transmitted together with the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle 2, i.e. the forklift, preferably via the charging device to the analysis unit or data evaluation unit 16.

In one possible embodiment, in addition to the operating parameter data or the sensor data obtained during the decoupled normal operation of the transport vehicle 2 , additional information data are supplied to the analysis unit 16 which are determined during the charging process of the energy store 3 .

3 shows a charging profile for charging a battery storage unit 3. A charging process with different charging phases can be seen. During a bulk charging process, the battery unit 3 is charged with a relatively high constant current, with the voltage increasing until it reaches a certain voltage level. After that, the charging current drops. The energy store 3 is then trickle charged. During the charging process, a voltage-time profile and a current-time profile can thus be recorded and transmitted to the analysis unit 16 by the charging device or its transceiver. This transmitted charging profile data can be transmitted to the analysis unit 16 together with the vehicle identification number (vehicle ID) and the operating parameter data of the connected energy store 3 . As a result, the analysis unit 16 offers a holistic view of the charging profile data of the energy store 3 and the correspondingly recorded operating parameter data of the energy store 3 and also of the associated transport vehicle 2 via the vehicle identification number Transport vehicles 2 for the analysis unit 16 transparent or visible. The analysis unit 16 can calculate or ascertain different operating indicators for the various transport vehicles 2 and/or their energy stores 3 . Furthermore, causal or functional relationships between the driving behavior of the transport vehicle 2 and the replaceable energy store 3 used therein can be determined or recognized by appropriate evaluation programs. Furthermore, the influence of the driver's behavior on the state of the energy store 3 and the charging process associated therewith can be made recognizable by means of a thorough analysis. Furthermore, based on the optionally transmitted vehicle parameters, TF-BP of the transport vehicle 2, for example the vehicle type, it can be analyzed which individual energy store 3 or which type of energy store 3 is suitable for the respective transport vehicle 2 in an individual case or in general. Furthermore, an appropriate evaluation can be used to analyze why certain energy stores 3 require more charging processes than other energy stores 3. One reason for this can be, for example, that energy stores 3, in particular battery units, age due to their lifetime and therefore require an increased number of charging processes. However, another possible reason can lie in the driving behavior of the driver F of the transport vehicle 2, for example. Another possible reason can be, for example, that the transport vehicle or the type of transport vehicle is hardly suitable or not suitable for the respective energy storage type of the energy storage device 3 . The analysis unit 16 can take into account the analysis results obtained when planning repairs, maintenance and spare parts measures on the transport vehicles 2 of the transport vehicle fleet and/or the energy store 3 . For example, the purchase of new energy storage 3 can be made dependent on wel cher energy storage type has proven to be particularly efficient for the existing fleet of vehicles or the existing transport vehicles 2 of the existing transport vehicle fleet. Since the various information data depending on the energy stores 3 with different energy store types for different transport vehicles 2 with different transport vehicle types and, if applicable, driver parameters of the driver F driving the transport vehicles 2 are available to the analysis unit or calculation unit 16 in their entirety, and at the same time the data due to the Vehicle identification number (vehicle ID) can be assigned to the individual transport vehicles 2, the analysis unit or data evaluation unit 16 is able to calculate meaningful operating figures as well as causal and functional relationships that can be used, for example, in investment decisions, repair planning, maintenance and spare parts planning. For example, a user or employee of the respective company can precisely plan or predict the future need for energy storage devices 3 of a specific type. Furthermore, it is possible to maximize the efficiency of the energy store 3 used by appropriate control measures. For example, the service life of the battery storage units 3 used can be optimized. This is possible in particular because suitable charging profiles can be set in a targeted manner by a charger 9, 10 of the system 1 depending on the determined key figures or characteristic functions of the energy store 3 connected to it. If, for example, the data evaluation unit or the main server 16 recognizes that a battery unit 3 connected to a charger 10 is already very old, it can control the charger 10 in such a way that this relatively old battery unit 3 is charged with a correspondingly gentle charging profile. Furthermore, the analysis unit 16 can use the information data received, in particular the sensor data and the charging profile data, to identify whether an energy store 3, in particular a battery unit 3, and/or the charging device 9, 10 is defective.

In a further possible embodiment, the main server 16 has, in addition to the data evaluation unit, a control unit which, on the basis of the operating indicators or functional relationships determined by the analysis unit 16, generates control signals or control instructions which can be transmitted to the charging devices of the system 1 via the server 15 . With the help of these control commands, for example, the charging profiles for charging the energy store 3 can be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, these control instructions or control commands can also be transmitted to the energy store monitoring module 6 of the energy store 3, for example by means of PLC communication, as long as the energy store 3 is connected to the charger 9, 10 of the system 1. If the energy store 3 is in the transport vehicle 2 during the charging process, these control signals or control commands can be forwarded to a control unit of the transport vehicle 2 via the PLC via the line 11 . The control commands or control signals generated by the main server 16 can thus be sent via the server 16 to the charger 10 or the transceiver 13 of the charger 9 and from there via a charging line 12 to the energy storage monitoring module 6 of the energy storage 3 and finally from there via the electrical line 11 to a control unit of the transport vehicle 2 are transmitted. The control unit of the transport vehicle 2 can optionally display the transmitted control commands to the driver F of the transport vehicle 2 via a display unit of the transport vehicle 2 . In this embodiment, the data transmission is bidirectional in the backend system, i.e. the main server 16 receives, for example via an Ethernet, the information data collected by the server 15 with regard to the energy storage devices 3 and the transport vehicles 2 and transmits corresponding control signals or control commands in the opposite direction for controlling the charging devices 9 , 10 of the energy storage monitoring modules and the control units contained in the transport vehicles 2 . In this way, for example, the driving behavior of the transport vehicle 2 and/or the driving behavior of the driving driver can be controlled in order to optimize the efficient operation of the transport vehicle 2 . The transmitted control commands or control data are preferably stored in a data memory of the control unit of the transport vehicle 2, so that they are also available after the energy store 3 of the transport vehicle 2 has been uncoupled from the charger 9, 10. In this embodiment variant, the control signals and control commands are transmitted from the main server 16 during the loading process by means of PLC transmission. In an alternative embodiment, control signals and control commands can also be transmitted to the control unit of the transport vehicle 2 when the transport vehicle 2 or its energy store 3 is uncoupled from the charging device 9, 10. In this embodiment, for example, the control signals are transmitted via a radio interface, for example a mobile radio network. For example, the transport vehicles 2 or their control units can be controlled in such a way that the driving behavior is optimized to save energy, so that the energy storage unit 3 for the operation of the transport vehicle 2 lasts for a long time. This can reduce the number of loading processes required. This in turn means that the transport vehicles 2 with the available standing current capacity can be operated for as long as possible. As a result, the transport vehicles 2 are used particularly efficiently within the company.

Furthermore, the analysis unit 16 can use the information data to determine whether charging operations in an energy store 3 that was previously used in a transport vehicle 2 were actually necessary. For example, if a driver decides to go to a charging station even though the energy store 3 of his transport vehicle 2 still has enough energy available, an employee of the company can be informed accordingly, for example by means of a terminal 17 that is connected to the main server 16, and the driver indicate the unnecessary loading process. As can be seen from these examples, the system 1 according to the invention can be used in a variety of ways and offers a wide range of possible applications for the company's intralogistics.

The analysis unit 16 can calculate a large number of different operating indicators or operating functions and display them to different users inside or outside the company via the terminals 17, 18. For this purpose, the analysis unit 16 has one or more processors.

4 shows, for example, an evaluation for transport vehicles 2 with regard to standing and driving time. The standing and travel times for two transport vehicles TF1, TF2 are shown in the diagram shown. For example, in the transport vehicle TF1, a first battery B1 is charged between the time t1 and the time t2, and a second battery B2 is charged between the times t3 and t4. During the charging process for the two batteries B1, B2, the vehicle is stationary in the example shown. This makes it possible to calculate a ratio between the driving time and the standing time for the respective transport vehicle 2 and, for example, to display this graphically to a user at a terminal 17, for example as a pie chart. This also makes it possible to compare different transport vehicles 2, in particular of the same transport vehicle type, with one another in terms of their driving behavior. If, for example, in the case of a transport vehicle 2 the ratio between standing time and travel time is particularly bad or low, further evaluations can be used to determine what the possible cause of this is. A possible cause is, for example, that the battery unit 3 used in the transport vehicle 2 is particularly old and requires a particularly large number of charging cycles and may have to be replaced. An alternative cause can be that the battery unit 3 used is not suitable for the vehicle type of the transport vehicle 2 . Another possible cause may be that the driving behavior of the driver F driving the transport vehicle 2 is such that the battery unit 3 empties particularly quickly. The data evaluation unit 16 can use appropriate analysis calculations to determine in a targeted manner the causes of the noticeably long idle times of a transport vehicle 2 .

Furthermore, with the system 1 according to the invention, an efficiency or degree of utilization of the energy store 3 can be determined or calculated. This is schematic in 5 shown.

Furthermore, charging processes can be examined at different charging devices or charging stations, as shown in the example in 6 shown.

In addition, it is possible to record or store a history for each energy store 3 over its lifetime. A separate log can be kept for each energy store or each battery unit 3 within the system 1 in order to track the development of the energy store 3 during its lifetime within the system 1 . For example, it is possible to record and evaluate the energy stored in ampere hours over the various charging cycles of the energy store 3 .

how to get in 7 can see, the storage capacity of a battery unit 3 decreases with its lifetime or increasing number of charging cycles. This makes it possible for a user to plan the future exchange of energy stores 3, for example if the energy storage capacity of the energy store 3 drops below a predetermined threshold value. Furthermore, the main server 16 can set charging profiles for the energy store 3 according to the recorded logbook in order to achieve the longest possible service life for the energy store 3 . Furthermore, the main server 16 can control the charging station in such a way that old or weak batteries or battery units 3 are only used for transport vehicles 2 that have a relatively low energy requirement or that have a lower priority.

In one possible embodiment, a charging station contains a large number of charging devices 9, 10, with a display unit being provided at the entrance to the charging station, which shows the respective driver F of the transport vehicle 2 which charging device he should use to set down his energy storage device 3 and which one Charger he should pick up a replaceable charged energy storage 3. For example, a driver F of a transport vehicle 2 is shown that he is placing his energy storage device 3 on charger A of the charging station and that on charger C connected, charged energy store 3 absorbs for further operation. In one possible embodiment, the control unit of the main server 16 controls this display unit of the charging station in order to prompt the driver of the transport vehicle 2 to pick up the most suitable energy storage device 3 for his transport vehicle 2 from the charging device 9, 10.

Further variants of the system 1 according to the invention are possible. At the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the energy store 3 is a battery unit. In an alternative embodiment, the energy store 3 can also be a fuel cell unit. In this embodiment, the energy store 3 is a fuel cell stack that consists of fuel cells and is supplied with fuel gas that originates from a fuel gas tank that can be filled. In this embodiment, the combustible gas tank can be filled up via a valve using a charger or filling device. The various operating parameters of this replaceable fuel unit are recorded by an associated energy storage monitoring module 6 . These operating parameters include, in particular, a charging/discharging quantity of the fuel gas filled into the fuel gas tank or fuel gas removed from the fuel gas tank, a charging/discharging pressure of the fuel gas contained in the fuel gas tank, a spatial position of the fuel unit and acceleration forces that have acted on the fuel unit. In addition, position data of the fuel unit can optionally be recorded during operation. In a possible embodiment variant, this position data can be supplied by a GPS unit of the transport vehicle 2 .

The transport vehicle 2 is in 1 illustrated embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention by an industrial truck FFZ. Other transport vehicles can also be used in the system 1 according to the invention. For example, it is possible for the transport vehicles 2 to be electrically operated transport vehicles for transporting goods or people. The transport vehicles 2 can be bus vehicles from a transport vehicle company, which are electrically driven and have replaceable energy stores 3 . Furthermore, the transport vehicles 2 can also be electrically powered rail vehicles. A combination of transport vehicles of different types, for example rail vehicles and road vehicles, is also possible.

With the system 1 according to the invention, it is possible due to the extensive analysis options to plan the entire intralogistics of a company in a targeted manner, in particular to coordinate the behavior of the transport vehicles 2 and the replaceable energy storage devices 3 that can be used therein. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the charging behavior of the chargers to the existing energy stores 3 and transport vehicles 2 or to optimize their charging behavior to increase efficiency. The system 1 according to the invention has the particular advantage that it can be used universally, regardless of the vehicle types of the transport vehicles 2 and the energy storage types of the energy storage devices 3 and the charger types of the chargers 9, 10, in order to maximize or increase the efficiency of intralogistics within a company . The system 1 according to the invention offers extensive information compression as well as comprehensive analysis and control options.

Claims (17)

System for operating transport vehicles in a transport vehicle fleet (1), the transport vehicles each being driven by an electric drive unit which draws electrical energy from an energy store (3), the operating parameters of which are monitored by an energy store monitoring module (6) coupled to the energy store (3). are recorded, wherein the energy store monitoring module (6) receives a vehicle identification of the transport vehicle (2) from a vehicle identification module (4) provided on the transport vehicle (2) and during a charging process of the energy store (3) the detected operating parameters of the energy store (3) together with transmits the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle (2) to an analysis unit (16), wherein the analysis unit (16) receives data from various charging devices (9; 10) of transport vehicles (2) in the transport vehicle fleet and evaluates it to determine operating indicators of the respective transport vehicles (2) and/or the entire transport vehicle fleet depending on user requirements, with the transport vehicles of fleet of transport vehicles are operated on the basis of the determined operating figures; and wherein the operating parameters of the energy store (3) are recorded by the energy store monitoring module (6) by means of sensors during ongoing operation of the transport vehicle (2) decoupled from the charging device (9; 10) and stored in a data store of the energy store monitoring module (6). will. system after claim 1 , The operating parameters of the energy store (3) being recorded by the energy store monitoring module (6) by means of sensors during a loading or filling process of the energy store (3) and in the data memory of the energy storage monitoring module (6) are stored. system after claim 1 or 2 , wherein the energy storage monitoring module (6) contains a programmable data processing unit which processes the operating parameter sensor data detected by the sensors before it is transmitted to the data evaluation unit (16). system after claim 2 or 3 , The operating parameter sensor data of the energy store (3) detected by the sensors being provided with time stamps which are generated by a timer (6L) contained in the energy store monitoring module (6). System according to any of the foregoing Claims 1 until 4 , wherein the replaceable energy store (3) has an electrically chargeable battery unit consisting of battery cells. system after claim 5 , wherein the operating parameters of the battery unit detected by sensors by the energy storage monitoring module (6) include: - a total voltage of the battery unit supplied by all battery cells of the battery unit, - a charging/discharging voltage of the battery unit, - a charging/discharging current of the battery unit, - at least a voltage tapped between battery cells of the battery unit, - a fill level of the battery unit, - a spatial position of the battery unit, - at least one acceleration force acting on the battery unit and - a position or movement of the battery unit. System according to any of the foregoing Claims 1 until 4 , wherein the replaceable energy store (3) has a fuel unit consisting of fuel cells, which is supplied with fuel gas which is taken from a refillable fuel gas tank of the energy store (3). system after claim 7 , wherein the operating parameters of the fuel unit detected by sensors by the energy storage monitoring module (6) include: a total voltage supplied by the fuel cells of the fuel unit, a charging/discharging pressure of the fuel gas tank, a charging/discharging quantity of the fuel gas tank, a spatial position of the fuel unit, at least an acceleration force acting on the fuel unit; and a position or movement of the fuel unit. System according to any of the foregoing Claims 1 until 8th , wherein the energy store (3) of the transport vehicle (2) is charged via a connectable charging or filling cable (12) by the charger (9; 10), the detected operating parameters of the energy store (3) together with the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle ( 2) via the charging cable (12) using Powerline Communication, PLC, via a separate data line or wirelessly from the energy storage monitoring module (6) directly or via the charger (9; 10) to the analysis unit (16) of the system (1). will. System according to any of the foregoing Claims 1 until 9 , The vehicle identification module (4) provided on the transport vehicle (2) being programmable with a vehicle identification. System according to any of the foregoing Claims 1 until 10 , wherein the energy store monitoring module (6), in addition to the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle (2), receives further vehicle parameters of the transport vehicle (2) and/or driver parameters of a driver of the transport vehicle (2) and when the energy store (3) is connected to a charger (9; 10) transmits the vehicle identification, the vehicle parameters and/or the driver parameters via the charger (9; 10) to the analysis unit (16) of the system (1). System according to any of the foregoing Claims 1 until 11 , wherein the analysis unit (16) the various chargers (9; 10) of transport vehicles (2) of a transport vehicle fleet received data, in particular operating parameters of the energy storage (3) of the transport vehicles (2), vehicle identification of the transport vehicles (2), vehicle parameters of the transport vehicles ( 2) and evaluates driver parameters of drivers of the transport vehicles (2) to determine operating indicators of the respective transport vehicles (2) and/or the entire transport vehicle fleet. system after claim 12 , wherein a control unit - is provided in the system (1), which on the basis of the operating indicators determined by the analysis unit (16) of all transport vehicles (2) of the transport vehicle fleet or a group of transport vehicles (2) of the transport vehicle fleet or individual transport vehicles (2) of the Transport vehicle fleet controls one or more transport vehicles (2) directly during operation and / or transmits appropriate instructions to the driver. system after claim 12 , The analysis unit (16) having various chargers (9; 10) of transport vehicles (2) of the transport vehicle vehicle fleet received data for planning repair, maintenance and / or replacement measures on the transport vehicles (2) of the transport vehicle fleet and / or their energy storage (3) evaluates. System according to any of the foregoing Claims 1 until 14 , wherein the transport vehicles (2) comprise goods and/or passenger transport vehicles. System according to any of the foregoing Claims 1 until 15 , wherein the transport vehicles (2) have driver-steered and/or driverless autonomous transport vehicles. Method for the efficient operation of transport vehicles (2) in a fleet of transport vehicles, the transport vehicles each being driven by an electric drive unit which draws electrical energy from an energy store (3), the operating parameters of which are monitored by an energy store monitoring module (6 ) are recorded, wherein the energy store monitoring module (6) receives a vehicle identification of the transport vehicle (2) from a vehicle identification module (4) provided on the transport vehicle (2) and during a charging process of the energy store (3) the detected operating parameters of the energy store (3) together with transmits the vehicle identification of the transport vehicle (2) to an analysis unit (16), wherein the analysis unit (16) receives data from various charging devices (9; 10) of transport vehicles (2) in the transport vehicle fleet and evaluates it to determine operating indicators of the respective transport vehicles (2) and/or the entire transport vehicle fleet depending on user requirements, wherein the transport vehicles of the transport vehicle fleet are operated on the basis of the determined operating indicators, and wherein the operating parameters of the energy store (3) are recorded by the energy store monitoring module (6) by means of sensors during ongoing operation of the transport vehicle (2) decoupled from the charging device (9; 10) and stored in a data store of the energy store monitoring module (6). will.

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