WO2010139367A1

WO2010139367A1 - Vehicle transfer and charging system

Info

Publication number: WO2010139367A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/056902
Authority: WO
Inventors: Florian Krass; Peter Grauer
Original assignee: Sincono Ag
Priority date: 2009-06-04
Filing date: 2009-06-04
Publication date: 2010-12-09

Abstract

A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) with a transfer and connection unit (20) comprising a vehicle transfer device and a first electric connector part (23), said vehicle transfer and charging system (10) further comprising a second electric connector part (43), said second electric connecting part (43) being complementary to said first electric connecting part (23), wherein said vehicle transfer device, when activated, transfers the vehicle (30) from a driving position into a stationary, predefined charging position followed by a stabilization of the vehicle (30) with respect to said charging position, said first electric connector part (23) engaging said second electric connector part (43) when the vehicle has been stabilized in said charging position, creating an electric contact enabling an energy storage device (31) of the vehicle (30) to be charged from an external power source.

Description

Vehicle transfer and charging system

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle transfer and charging system for transferring a vehicle from a driving position into a transport and charging position.

Background of the invention

[0002] As electric or hybrid vehicles start to become more and more common, the charging of their energy storage is becoming a widely debated and imminent subject. Furthermore, since the purely electric, emission-free range of current electric or hybrid vehicles is somewhat limited, the idea of transporting these vehicles on long distances on some sort of transport vehicle, like a cartrain or ferry, and to unload them at the destination area only becomes a very ecological and meaningful solution.

[0003] On one hand, several charging stations, plugs, etc have become available which allow electric or hybrid vehicles to be charged from an electrical outlet, either at home, in parking and charging stations, etc. [0004] On the other hand, various car transportation vehicles are known which are used to transport vehicles on large distances, though tunnels, lakes or overseas. However, most of the currently available car transport vehicles are designed so that all cars are loaded/ unloaded on a first-in first-out fashion by loading all cars sequentially over the length of the car transport vehicles, thus facilitating mainly the transportation of vehicles between two terminal stations only, since unloading of a random vehicle would be difficult. A vehicle loading/ unloading system that solves this problem is disclosed in the German Patent Application DE 3502226 Al, which allows cars to be individually loaded/unloaded at a given time in any desired order. This allows the transportation of vehicles on regular routes as opposed to the conventional transportation of vehicles between two terminal stations only.

[0005] However, there is currently no efficient solution available that offers a quick means to load an electric or hybrid vehicle on a transportation vehicle, charge it while being transported and unload the vehicle at any desired stop of the transportation vehicle fully charged and ready to be used.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a quick, reliable and efficient means to transport and charge a vehicle at the same time.

[0007] A further objective of the present invention is to be able to deliver an electric or hybrid vehicle fully charged ready to be used at a desired destination area.

[0008] An even further objective of the present invention is to minimize the need of human interaction needed during the transfer and transportation/ charging, thus maximizing the comfort of the user and thus ensuring the easy adoption of this new "cargooroo" mobility concept.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The above-identified objectives of the present invention are solved by a vehicle transfer and charging system with a transfer and connection unit comprising a vehicle transfer device and a first electric connector part, said vehicle transfer and charging system further comprising a second electric connector part, said second electric connecting part being complementary to said first electric connecting part, wherein said vehicle transfer device, when activated, transfers the vehicle from a driving position into a stationary, predefined charging position followed by a stabilization of the vehicle with respect to said charging position, said first electric connector part engaging said second electric connector part when the vehicle has been stabilized in said charging position, creating an electric contact enabling an energy storage device of the vehicle to be charged from an external power source.

[0010] The objectives of the present invention are also solved by a method for handling a vehicle comprising the steps of: providing a vehicle transfer and charging system with a transfer and connection unit comprising a vehicle transfer device and a first electric connector part; activating said vehicle transfer device thus transferring the vehicle from a driving position into a stationary, predefined charging position; stabilizing the vehicle with respect to said charging position; engaging the first electric connector part with a second electric connector part creating an electric contact enabling an energy storage device of the vehicle to be charged from an external power source.

Advantageous effects

[0011] The "cargooroo" mobility concept according to the present invention has multiple advantages, mainly that an electric or hybrid vehicle can be made available fast and conveniently ready to be used in a fully emission-free electric operation mode while at the same time providing a comfortable long-distance means of transportation combined with an efficient way of recharging the electric or hybrid vehicle while being transported.

[0012] The basic concept of the "cargooroo" mobility concept according to the present invention is the combination of mobility provided by a passenger car with the comfortable and hassle-free transportation provide with high-speed public transportation while at the same being environment friendly, producing virtually no emissions either during operation of the passenger car, nor during its transportation recharging. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will in the following be described in detail by means of the description and by making reference to the drawings. Which show: Fig. IA A schematic side-view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle in a driving position;

Fig. IB A schematic side-view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle in a transfer position;

Fig. 2 A schematic top-view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle shown both in a transfer position and the final transport and charging position, depicting a lateral longitudinal transfer of the vehicle;

Fig. 3A A schematic front-view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle shown in a driving position;

Fig. 3B A schematic front-view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle shown in an initial transfer position;

Fig. 3C A schematic front-view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle being laterally transferred onto the transport and charging palette;

Fig. 3D A schematic front-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle being placed on the transport and charging palette in its transport and charging position; Fig. 3E A schematic front-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle shown in a driving position, wherein the transfer and connection unit is embedded in a transfer platform and/ or in the transport and charging palette;

Fig. 3F A schematic front-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle shown in an initial transfer position, wherein the transfer and connection unit is embedded in a transfer platform and/ or in the transport and charging palette;

Fig. 3G A schematic front-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle being laterally transferred onto the transport and charging palette, wherein the transfer and connection unit is embedded in a transfer platform and/ or in the transport and charging palette;

Fig. 3H A schematic front-view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle being placed on the transport and charging palette in its transport and charging position, wherein the transfer and connection unit is embedded in a transfer platform and/ or in the transport and charging palette;

Fig. 4A A schematic side-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle in a driving position;

Fig. 4B A schematic side-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle in a transfer position;

Fig. 5A A schematic top-view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle shown both in a transfer position and the final transport and charging position, depicting a rotational transfer of the vehicle;

Fig. 4C A schematic side-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle in a driving position;

Fig. 4D A schematic side-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle in a transfer position and/or transport and charging position, wherein said and charging position is a tilted position designed to reduce the longitudinal space occupied by a vehicle.

Fig. 5B A schematic top-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle shown both in a transfer position and the final transport and charging position, depicting a rotational transfer of the vehicle;

Fig. 5C A schematic top-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle both in an initial and in a final position, depicting a rotational transfer movement using counter- rotated wheels;

Fig. 5D A schematic top-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle both in an initial and in a final position, depicting a rotational transfer movement using individually rotated wheels;

Fig. 6A A schematic side-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle in a transfer position, depicting the first electric connector part and the second electric connector part in a disengaged position;

Fig. 6B A schematic side-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle in a transport and charging position, depicting the first electric connector part and the second electric connector part in an engaged position when electrical energy is provided for a storage device of the vehicle from a external power source of the transport vehicle;

Fig. 7 A A schematic side-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle positioned on the transport and charging palette the vehicle not being in a transport and charging position yet;

Fig. 7B A schematic side-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle in a transport and charging position, said position being achieved by lowering the vehicle until the bottom of the vehicle rests on a support surface of the transport and charging palette;

Fig. 8A A schematic figure depicting the details of the first a first electric connector part connected to the energy storage device of the vehicle and the second electric connector part connected to an remote power source, in a disengaged position;

Fig. 8B A schematic figure depicting the details of the first a first electric connector part connected to the energy storage device of the vehicle and the second electric connector part connected to an remote power source, in an engaged position, creating an electric contact enabling the energy storage device to be charged;

Fig. 9 A schematic side-view of the transport vehicle loaded with several vehicles, each in a transport and charging position on a transport and charging palette, each with its first electric connector part engaged with the second electric connector part of a corresponding transport and charging palette, all being connected to a external power source of the transport vehicle and ultimately to a remote power source.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0014] Certain terms will be used in this patent application, the formulation of which should not be interpreted to be limited by the specific term chosen, but as to relate to the general concept behind the specific term.

[0015] The term "vehicle" is used in the present application to refer to various types of vehicles, such as passenger vehicles, trucks, buses etc. The term "transport vehicle" is used in the present application to refer to various types of transport vehicles, such as various cartrains, ferries or other means of transportation, suitable for carrying vehicles. The term "energy storage device" is used in the present application to refer to various types of electrical energy storages like accumulators, capacitors or the like. The term "remote power source" is used in the present application to refer to various types of commonly available power sources, such as the conventional power grid, the power lines of a train, tram or the like. The driving position refers to a position in which a vehicle is ready to be driven, i.e. it is not fixed, its wheels or other means of moving are in their corresponding position ready to be used. This position corresponds to the state a vehicle 30 is conventionally used. For example if the vehicle 30 is a passenger car, the driving position would be when all four wheels touch the ground being free to rotate, the chassis is not fixed to the floor or any additional support and all charging (for electric and/or hybrid electric vehicles) connections are disengaged. The term "transfer position" refers to the position of a vehicle while being transferred from an initial position into a final position. The term "transport position" refers to the position of the vehicle when is transported on a transport vehicle. It is to be emphasized that the two terms "transfer" and "transport" are essentially different. "Transfer" refers to a transfer from one position to the other while "transport" refers to the transportation from one geographical location to the other without any essential transition in its relative position to the transport vehicle. The term "charging position" refers to a state of the vehicle where it can be charged, i.e. all conditions such as charging cables attached, vehicle stopped, etc. are fulfilled.

[0016] The basic concept of the "cargooroo" mobility concept is a vehicle transfer and charging system 10 with a transfer and connection unit 20 comprising a vehicle transfer device 21 and a first electric connector part 23, said vehicle transfer and charging system 10 further comprising a second electric connector part 43, said second electric connecting part 43 being complementary to said first electric connecting part 23, wherein said vehicle transfer device 21, when activated, transfers the vehicle 30 from a driving position into a stationary, predefined charging position followed by a stabilization of the vehicle 30 with respect to said charging position, said first electric connector part 23 engaging said second electric connector part 43 when the vehicle has been stabilized in said charging position, creating an electric contact enabling an energy storage device 31 of the vehicle 30 to be charged from an external power source 51.

[0017] In the following, preferred embodiments of the inventions will be described with reference to the drawings, these preferred embodiments being characterized in that the vehicle transfer and charging system 10 further comprises a transport and charging palette 40 integrating said second electric connecting part 43 and defining said charging position of the vehicle 30.

Furthermore, the embodiments presented hereafter are characterized in that said the charging position of the vehicle is at the same time a transport position as well.

[0018] Figure IA shows a schematic side-view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system with the vehicle 30 in a driving position. The system comprises two main units, a transfer and connection unit 20 and a transport and charging palette 40. The two interact in order to form together the vehicle transfer and charging system 10.

[0019] The transfer and connection unit 20 comprises a vehicle transfer device 21 designed to transfer the vehicle 30 from a driving position in a transfer position and finally into a transport and charging position.

[0020] In the depicted example, the transfer and connection unit 20 comprises a lifting device 22 for vertically lifting the vehicle 30. This lifting device 22 is used to lift the transfer and connection unit 20 up to a point where the vehicle 30 itself doesn't touch the ground anymore so that it can be freely maneuvered/ transferred. The transfer and connection unit 20 further comprises transfer means 24 for transversally and/or rotationally transfer the vehicle 30 in a transport and charging position.

[0021] In the embodiment depicted on figure IA through 2, the lifting device 22 is a hydraulic and/or electro-mechanic jack. The lifting device 22 is activated on command as soon as the vehicle is stopped at a transfer location and ready to be transferred onto the transport and charging palette 40. The vehicle 30 is lifted and then the transfer means 24 comes into play. Figure IB shows a schematic side-view of the vehicle 30 in the aforementioned transfer position ready to be transferred onto the transport and charging palette 40. Figure IB shows a first embodiment of the transfer means 24 which comprises a 25 driven by a drive 26, preferably a pair of continuous tracks 25 driven by a pair of drives 26. The drive 26 can be either a dedicated electric motor or the main engine/ motor of the vehicle 30 can be coupled to drive the continuous tracks 25. When engaged, the continuous tracks 25 are driven so that they carry the vehicle 30 transversally into its intended position, at which point the drive 26 is disengaged.

[0022] Figures IA to 4B show embodiments of the transfer means 24 designed for a lateral transfer of the vehicle 30.

[0023] Figure 2 shows a schematic top-view of the same embodiment depicting the vehicle transfer and charging system 10 with the vehicle 30 shown both in a transfer position and the final transport and charging position, depicting a lateral longitudinal transfer of the vehicle 30. The initial position shown with solid lines is the so-called "transfer position" depicted in the lateral view of figure IB. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transfer means 24 comprises a pair of continuous tracks 25 each driven by a dedicated drive 26, thus allowing the continuous tracks 25 to be individually controlled, providing great flexibility in maneuvering the vehicle 30. It can be observed that the lower side of the continuous tracks 25 touch the ground and thus are able to laterally move the vehicle 30 independently of the position/ orientation of the vehicle 30 and its wheels. Figure 2 shows with dashed lines the final position of the vehicle 30 where it is brought during its transfer by the transfer means 24. The transfer shown on this figure is achieved by driving the pair of continuous tracks 25 synchronously in the same direction.

[0024] One may observe that the depicted lateral transfer requires significantly reduced space as compared to a conventional parallel parking that could be performed by a vehicle 30 not fitted with the vehicle transfer and charging system 10.

[0025] The sequence of figures 3A to 3D shows the transfer and connection unit 20 in various steps of its operation :

- on fig. 3A the vehicle transfer and charging system 10 is depicted with the vehicle 30 still in a driving position on a transfer platform 80 and the lifting device 22 in a retracted position;

- on fig. 3B the vehicle 30 is in its transfer position raised from the ground by the lifting device 22 which is in an expanded position;

- fig. 3C shows the vehicle 30 being laterally transferred onto the transport and charging palette 40;

- figure . 3D shows the vehicle 30 being placed on the transport and charging palette 40 in its transport and charging position, with the lifting device 22 retracted again.

[0026] It should be noted that the process shown in the aforementioned sequence 3A to 3D can be carried out in the exact same fashion in a reversed order, thus transferring the vehicle 30 from the transport and charging palette 40 onto the transfer platform 80.

[0027] Figures 3E to 3H show a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, wherein the transfer and connection unit 20 is embedded in the transfer platform 80 and a corresponding second transfer and connection unit 20 is embedded in the transport and charging palette 40. It should be noted that in further embodiment the use of a single transfer and connection unit 20 embedded in either the transfer platform 80 or the transport and charging palette 40 would suffice.

[0028] The sequence of figures 3E to 3H shows this further embodiment with the embedded transfer and connection unit 20 in various steps of its operation :

- on fig. 3E the vehicle transfer and charging system 10 is depicted with the vehicle 30 still in a driving position on a transfer platform 80 and the lifting devices lifting device 22 in retracted positions as being embedded in the transfer platform 80 and transport and charging palette 40 respectively;

- on fig. 3F the vehicle 30 is in its transfer position raised from the ground by the lifting device 22 embedded in the transfer platform 80 which is in an expanded position;

- fig. 3C shows the vehicle 30 being laterally transferred from the continuous track 25 of the transfer means 24 of the transfer and connection unit 20 embedded in the transfer platform 80 onto the continuous track 25 of the transfer means 24 of the transfer and connection unit 20 embedded in the transport and charging palette 40 ;

- figure 3D shows the vehicle 30 being placed on the transport and charging palette 40 in its transport and charging position, with the lifting device 22 of the transfer and connection unit 20 embedded in the transport and charging palette 40 retracted. One can observe that the lifting device 22 of the transfer and connection unit 20 embedded in the transfer platform 80 is also retracted, ready to receive the next vehicle 30.

[0029] It should be noted that the process shown in the aforementioned sequence 3E to 3H can be carried out in the exact same fashion in a reversed order, thus transferring the vehicle 30 from the transport and charging palette 40 onto the remote transfer platform 80.

[0030] Figures 4A and 4B depict a further embodiment of the transfer means 24 wherein, the continuous tracks 25 are replaced by a set of wheels 27 also driven by said drive 26. The set of wheels 27 performs the same function, i.e. when engaged, carry the vehicle 30 transversally into its intended position, at which point the drive 26 is disengaged.

[0031] Fig. 4A shows a schematic side-view of vehicle transfer and charging system 10 with the embodiment of the transfer means 24 comprising a set of wheels 27 with the vehicle 30 in a driving position; [0032] Fig. 4B shows a schematic side-view of vehicle transfer and charging system 10 with the embodiment of the transfer means 24 comprising a set of wheels 27 with the vehicle 30 in a transport and charging position;

[0033] It should be noted that the transfer concept presented in figures

3A to 3H also apply to the further embodiment of the transfer means 24 presented on figures 4A and 4B.

[0034] Figures 4C and 4D depict a schematic side-view of a further embodiment of the present invention wherein the transport and charging position is a vertically tilted position designed to reduce the longitudinal space occupied by a vehicle. In this embodiment, the lifting device 22 is also a tilting device with a flexible joint provided on at least one end allowing the vehicle 30 to tilt in relation to the lifting device 22 and also to the horizontal position by an angleα.

[0035] Figures 5A to 5D depict the vehicle transfer and charging system

10 wherein the vehicle 30 is rotationally transferred from an initial driving position into an intermediate transfer position or into a final transport and charging position.

[0036] Figure 5A illustrates a schematic top-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system 10 with the vehicle 30 shown both in a transfer position and the final transport and charging position, depicting a rotational transfer of the vehicle 30 achieved by driving continuous tracks 25 of the transfer means 24 asynchronously in opposite directions, wherein the continuous tracks 25 are arranged orthogonal to the travelling direction of the vehicle 30. The final position of the vehicle 30 where it is brought during its rotational transfer by the transfer means 24 is shown on the figure with dashed lines.

[0037] Fig. 5B shows a schematic top-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle transfer and charging system 10 with the vehicle 30 shown both in a transfer position and the final transport and charging position, depicting a rotational transfer of the vehicle achieved by driving continuous tracks 25 of the transfer means 24 asynchronously in opposite directions, wherein the continuous tracks 25 are arranged parallel to the travelling direction of the vehicle 30.

[0038] A schematic top-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle 30 both in an initial and in a final position is shown on figure 5C, depicting a rotational transfer movement of the vehicle 30 using counter-rotated wheels. To allow the vehicle 30 to be turned the left and right wheels are rotated in opposite directions.

[0039] Fig. 5C shows a schematic top-view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the vehicle 30 both in an initial and in a final position, depicting a rotational transfer movement using individually rotated and turned wheels. To allow the vehicle 30 to be turned in place, i.e. without lateral relocation, the corresponding front and rear wheels are both turned and rotated in opposite directions. By turning, a deviation in respect to the travelling direction is meant while rotation refers to the rotation of a wheel around its axis of rotation.

[0040] It is to be noted, that the transfer methods depicted on figures

5C and 5D are most advantageous to be applied for vehicles with individual engines/ motors for each driven wheel. Especially advantageous are for this purpose the so-called hub engines since these wheels can be rotated and turned individually since there is no mechanical link transferring the rotation of the engine between the wheels and the body of the vehicle.

[0041] In the following, the second main feature of the present invention, i.e. the automatic charging connectability, will be described with reference to figures 6A to 7B. The main parts enabling this feature are the first electric connector part 23 as part of the transfer and connection unit 20 and the second electric connector part 43 as part of the transport and charging palette 40.

[0042] Fig. 6A shows a schematic side-view of the vehicle transfer and charging system 10 with the vehicle 30 in a transfer position, depicting the first electric connector part 23 and the second electric connector part 43 in a disengaged position. Following the transfer of the vehicle 30 from its driving position, though its transfer position towards its final position above the transport and charging palette 40, the vehicle 30 is precisely positioned so to facilitate the later connection of the first electric connector part 23 and the second electric connector part 43.

[0043] The next stage is shown on figure 6B wherein the vehicle 30 is in its transport and charging position, depicting the first electric connector part 23 and the second electric connector part 43 in an engaged position when electrical energy is provided for a energy storage device 31 of the vehicle 30 from a power source 51 of the transport vehicle 50. After this step is complete, the energy storage device 31 can be charged according to a predefined charging cycle without any human interaction needed.

[0044] Figures 6A and 6B show receiving means 41 provided in the transport and charging palette 40 for aiding in the correct positioning of the vehicle 30. The role of the receiving means 41 is basically to stabilize the vehicle 30 with respect to its charging position. The receiving means 41 are only symbolically represented on these figures as cavities in the transport and charging palette 40. However, more elaborate receiving means 41 may be employed to stabilize the vehicle 30 depending on the particular application, such as hooks, mechanical or magnetic fixations or the like.

[0045] The sequence of figures 7A and 7B show a schematic side-view of a further embodiment of the present invention wherein the transfer and connection unit 20 comprises a lowering device 28 arranged so that when activated it lowers the vehicle 30 down the point where its floor will touch the surface of the transport and charging palette 40. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transport and charging palette 40 is provided with an optional rest pad 44 where the floor of the vehicle 30, when lowered by the lowering device 28, is received. This embodiment has the main advantage that the vehicle 30 will be seated firmly on the transport and charging palette 40 and thus on a transport vehicle 50, thus eliminated unwanted swinging movements of the vehicle 30 while being transported. This is especially advantageous when occupants remain in the vehicle 30 while it is being transported on a transport vehicle 50 which itself already has a swinging motion, such as ferries or tilting trains, and a further softness of a vehicle's suspension system would amplify the swinging of the transport vehicle 50 itself.

[0046] The above-described step of lowering is simultaneous with the coupling of the first electric connector part 23 and the second electric connector part 43, the first being arranged on the lower side of the vehicle 30 so that when the vehicle 30 is lowered, the first electric connector part 23 will extend from the floor of the vehicle 30 just enough to allow the first electric connector part 23 to engage the second electric connector part 43 and create an electrical connection.

[0047] Fig. 8A depicts the details of one particular embodiment of the first electric connector part 23 connected to the energy storage device 31 of the vehicle 30 and the second electric connector part 43 connected to an 70 via the power source 51 of the transport vehicle 50, the first electric connector part 23 and of the second electric connector part 43 being a disengaged position. The first electric connector part 23 comprises an inner connecting ring 23.1 and several connection pins 23.2. The second electric connector part 43 comprises a corresponding outer connecting ring 43.1 and corresponding cavities 43.2 to receive the connection pins 23.2.

[0048] Fig. 8B shows the first electric connector part 23 and 43 of the same embodiment as on figure 8A but in an engaged position, creating an electric contact enabling the energy storage device 31 to be charged.

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner connecting ring 23.1 of the first electric connector part 23 and the outer connecting ring 43.1 of the 43 are of magnetic material. Thus when the first electric connector part 23 approaches the 43, the attractive force of the magnetic material will ensure a prompt and secure fix, without the need to manually push the two connecting parts together. In an even further embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first electric connector part 23 or the 43 is made at least partially of a flexible material, thus allowing a compensation of errors in the relative positioning of the vehicle 30 on the transport and charging palette 40.

[0050] The 70 as symbolically illustrated on figures 8A and 8B can be the common power grid, the power lines of a railway track or any remote power source that can provide sufficient electrical energy to charge the energy storage device 31 of all vehicles 30 on all 40s loaded on that particular transport vehicle 50.

[0051] Fig. 9 is a schematic side-view of a transport vehicle 50 loaded with several vehicles 30, each in transport and charging position on a dedicated transport and charging palette 40, each with its first electric connector part 23 engaged with a 43 of a corresponding transport and charging palette 40, all being connected to a power source 51 of the transport vehicle 50 and ultimately to an 70. The specific example symbolically illustrated on figure 9 comprises a cartrain as a transport vehicle 50 with the railway track and the overhead power lines together forming the power source 51 which in turn are connected to the power grid acting as the 70. According to specific embodiments the 40s can be integral parts of the transport vehicle 50 or can be individual elements which are loaded onto the transport vehicle 50. All-in all it is emphasized that the vehicle transfer and charging system 10 according the present invention allows multiple vehicles 30 to be loaded/unloaded and charged during transportation simultaneously and completely independently.

[0052] It will be understood that many variations could be adopted based on the specific structure hereinbefore described without departing from the "cargooroo" mobility concept as defined in the following claims.

[0053] The present invention can be also defined by a method for handling a vehicle 30 comprising the steps of: providing a vehicle transfer and charging system 10 with a transfer and connection unit 20 comprising a vehicle transfer device 21 and a first electric connector part 23; activating said vehicle transfer device 21 thus transferring the vehicle 30 from a driving position into a stationary, predefined charging position; stabilizing the vehicle 30 with respect to said charging position; engaging the first electric connector part 23 with a second electric connector part 43 creating an electric contact enabling an energy storage device 31 of the vehicle to be charged from an external power source 51.

Reference List:

vehicle transfer and charαinα system 10 transfer and connection unit 20 vehicle transfer device 21 liftinq device 22 first electric connector part 23 inner connectinα rinα 23.1 connection pins 23.2 transfer means 24 continuous track 25 drive 26 set of wheels 27 lowerinα device 28

vehicle 30 enerαy storaαe device 31

transport and charαinα palette 40 receivinα means 41 second electric connector part 43 outer connectinα rinα 43.1 cavities 43.2 rest pad 44

transport vehicle 50 power source 51

remote power source 70 transfer platform 80

Claims

Claims:

1. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) with a transfer and connection unit (20) comprising :

- a vehicle transfer device (21); - a first electric connector part (23); said vehicle transfer and charging system (10) further comprising a second electric connector part (43), said second electric connecting part (43) being complementary to said first electric connecting part (23), wherein said vehicle transfer device (21), when activated, transfers the vehicle (30) from a driving position into a stationary, predefined charging position followed by a stabilization of the vehicle (30) with respect to said charging position, said first electric connector part (23) engaging said second electric connector part (43) when the vehicle has been stabilized in said charging position, creating an electric contact enabling an energy storage device (31) of the vehicle (30) to be charged from an external power source (51).

2. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a transport and charging palette (40) integrating said second electric connecting part (43) and defining said charging position of the vehicle (30).

3. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that said transport and charging palette (40) is comprised within a transport vehicle (50) and said charging position of the vehicle (30) is also a transport position of the vehicle (30) within the transport vehicle (50).

4. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that said external power source (51) is provided by said transport vehicle (50).

5. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the transport vehicle (50) is connected to a remote power source (70).

6. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that said remote power source (70) is an electricity grid also powering said transport vehicle (50).

7. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that said transport and charging palette (40) is comprised in a parking space of a parking lot.

8. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said stabilization of the vehicle (30) is a mechanical fixation of the vehicle (30) followed by a secure locking with respect to the predefined charging position.

9. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the vehicle transfer device (21) comprises a lifting device (22) with transfer means (24) for transversally and/or rotationally transferring the vehicle (30) in said transport and charging position on the transport and charging palette (40).

10. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that said transfer means (24) comprises a continuous track (25) driven by a drive (26) which touches the ground surface when the vehicle (30) is lifted by said lifting device (22), said continuous track (25) being capable of transferring the vehicle (30) into said transport and charging position.

11. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that said transfer means (24) comprises a set of wheels (27) driven by a drive (26) which touch the ground surface when the vehicle (30)is lifted by said lifting device (22), said set of wheels (27) being capable of transferring the vehicle (30) into said transport and charging position.

12. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vehicle transfer device (21) comprises a lowering device (28), which when activated lowers the vehicle (30) so that it touches the transport and charging palette (40).

13. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the transport and charging palette (40) is fitted with a rest pad (44) for receiving the vehicle (30) when lowered.

14. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said first electric connector part (23) and said second electric connector part (43) are automatically engaged during the transferring of the vehicle (30) from said driving position into said transport and charging position.

15. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said first electric connector part (23) is provided with a first magnetic element (23.1) and said second electric connector part (43) is provided with a second magnetic element (43.1), wherein the attractive force between the first magnetic element (23.1) and the second magnetic element (43.1) causes the first electric connector part (23) to engage said second electric connector part (43) creating an electric contact between them.

16. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said first electric connector part (23) and said second electric connector part (43) are provided with flexible adaptors to allow an engagement despite of imprecise alignment of the vehicle (30) on the transport and charging palette (40).

17. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said energy storage device (31) of the vehicle (30) is a battery and/or a supercapacitor.

18. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said transport and charging palette (40) is part of the transport vehicle (50).

19. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said transport and charging palette (40) is part of the vehicle (30).

20. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said transport and charging palette (40) is part of a transfer platform (80) situated along the transport vehicle (50), when said transport vehicle (50) is in a parked/stationary position.

21. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said transport vehicle (50) is a cartrain.

22. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said transport vehicle (50) is a car ferry.

23. A vehicle transfer and charging system (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said transport vehicle (50) is a transport/ storage device of an automated parking system.

24. Method for handling a vehicle (30) comprising the steps:

- providing a vehicle transfer and charging system (10) with a transfer and connection unit (20) comprising a vehicle transfer device (21) and a first electric connector part (23);

- activating said vehicle transfer device (21) thus transferring the vehicle (30) from a driving position into a stationary, predefined charging position;

- stabilizing the vehicle (30) with respect to said charging position;

- engaging the first electric connector part (23) with a second electric connector part (43) creating an electric contact enabling an energy storage device (31) of the vehicle (30) to be charged from an external power source (51).

25. Method for handling a vehicle (30) according to claim 24 characterized in that the vehicle (30) is brought into its predefined charging position comprised in on a transport and charging palette (40).

26. Method for handling a vehicle (30) according to claim 25 characterized in that the transport and charging palette (40) is comprised in a parking space of a parking lot.

27. Method for handling a vehicle (30) according to claim 25 characterized in that said transport and charging palette (40) is comprised within a transport vehicle (50) and said charging position of the vehicle (30) is also a transport position of the vehicle (30) within the transport vehicle (50).