DE102008055881A1 - Method for automatically charging e.g. automated rented passenger car in multi-storey car park, involves connecting charging contact of vehicle with charging contact of charging station at charging place, and controlling place by vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves functionally connecting a charging contact of a vehicle with a charging contact of a charging station at a charging place for electrically charging the vehicle, where the vehicle starts at any starting point in a transfer area. The charging contact of the charging place exists between the vehicle and a charging station, where the charging place is controlled by the vehicle. A direct communication and data exchange between the vehicle and the charging place is carried out by a communication interface over radio frequency identification. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a charging assistance system comprising a transmitting and receiving unit that is connected with a charging place system (2) a charging place comprising a charging station with a charging contact.

Description

Technical area

The The invention relates to a method for automatic loading of complete or partially electrically powered vehicles by means of an autonomous Vehicle movement and an automated charging process, as well as connected devices.

State of the art

Of the Share fully or partially electrically operated Vehicles on the entire vehicle population will increase. A crucial task is the efficient and convenient battery charging. Usually conditional Battery charging Dwell times / charging times at charging points. Own electric vehicles currently usually sockets on the vehicle, comparable the usual tank neck of the vehicles. The driver connects Manually connect the vehicle sockets with the power sockets using a cable or fixed power supply cables at the charging points. Whereby usually the cables for the normal shop (<16 A eg Volladen 7 h) overnight at the place of residence or during the day at the place of work different from the cables and connections for fast charging during the rest on highways with correspondingly high required current protection (eg full load in about 30 minutes with eg 200 A). It is basically the presence of people required to initiate the charging process and perform. This causes the charging process can be complex and expensive.

Of the Invention has the object underlying one or more disadvantages of the prior art to mitigate or avoid.

invention solution

• a) ein Fahrzeug eingesetzt wird, das ausgestattet ist mit: i) Sensoren zur Umgebungserfassung, Navigation und Kollisionsvermeidung; ii) einer Fahrzeugsteuerung zum selbstgesteuerten Fahren des Fahrzeugs; iii) einem Ladesystem zum elektrischen Laden des Fahrzeugs und vi) mindestens einem Ladekontakt, der mit mindestens einem Ladekontakt der Ladestation am Ladeort funktional verbindbar ist;
• b) ein Ladeort verwendet wird, der ausgestattet ist mit mindestens einer Ladestation, die mindestens einen Ladekontakt aufweist, der mit einem Ladekontakt eines zu ladenden Fahrzeugs funktional verbindbar ausgestaltet ist;
• c) das Fahrzeug an einem beliebigen Startpunkt in einem Übergabebereich startet;
• d) das Fahrzeug selbstgesteuert einen ausgewählten Ladeort ansteuert;
• e) am ausgewählten Ladeort zwischen dem Fahrzeug und der Ladestation des Ladeortes ein Ladekontakt besteht;
• f) das Fahrzeug selbstgesteuert den Ladeort verlässt und einen ausgewählten Übernahmebereich anfährt.

The object is achieved by providing a method for the automatic charging of fully or partially electrically operated vehicles, characterized in that:

• a) a vehicle is used, which is equipped with: i) sensors for environmental detection, navigation and collision avoidance; ii) a vehicle controller for self-propelled driving of the vehicle; iii) a charging system for electrically charging the vehicle and vi) at least one charging contact operatively connectable to at least one charging contact of the charging station at the charging location;
• b) a loading location is used, which is equipped with at least one charging station, which has at least one charging contact, which is designed to be functionally connectable to a charging contact of a vehicle to be charged;
• c) the vehicle starts at any starting point in a transfer area;
• d) the vehicle automatically controls a selected loading location;
• e) there is a charging contact at the selected charging location between the vehicle and the charging station of the charging location;
• f) the vehicle leaves the loading location on its own and moves to a selected takeover area.

By the inventive method can significantly longer service lives of complete or partial electrically operated vehicles are used to charge perform. The driver needs to load no longer be involved.

The fully or partially electrically powered vehicles, close to modern vehicle and drive technologies, like pure electric vehicles and all hybrid variants, one that uses power storage, Batteries, accumulators of appropriate capacity work and at least temporarily or in parallel electric drive. there For example, cars, vans, trucks, commercial vehicles and / or buses.

The Vehicles have sensors for environmental detection, in particular to determine your own position. Furthermore, the vehicles own Sensors for autonomous vehicle navigation, which are autonomous allow self-propelled driving of the vehicle, as well as sensors for distance and free space measurement, the collision avoidance serve. In addition to different sensor principles are advantageous Camera- and laser-based measuring principles, supported of in-vehicle odometry procedures in the outdoor and indoor area usable, additionally supported in the outdoor area from satellite-based position determination. Appropriate Technologies are known to the person skilled in the art.

The vehicles have a vehicle control which allows an autonomous, self-controlled movement of the vehicle. Such control systems are already known to the skilled person and exemplified in DE 10 2005 029 336 A1 described.

The vehicles have a charging system for electrically charging the respective vehicle's own storage system. This charging system is functionally connected to charging contacts, which are arranged on the vehicle so that the charging contacts are accessible. The charging contacts are shaped so that they have at least one charging contact the charging station at the charging point are functionally connectable and there is a charging contact, which allows the loading of the on-board storage system.

in the method according to the invention uses a loading location which is equipped with at least one charging station, which at least a charging contact having a charging contact of a to be charged Vehicle is configured functionally connectable. The charging contacts are formed so that it comes to a charging contact, which is the Loading the on-board storage system allowed. The result coming charging contact between charging station and vehicle can be galvanic or be designed inductively. The charging contact at the charging point can punctiform in one place or along a line a driveway or Fahrwegabschnitts be formed. The charging contact between vehicle and charging station can after reaching the charging station be made automatically or on instruction. Of the Charging contact can automatically or after charging be solved again on instruction. In particular, the Charging contact between vehicle and charging station thereby produced be that the charging contacts of the vehicle at and / or after reaching The charging station is automatically extended and functional be connected to the charging contacts of the charging station. The charging contact The vehicle can also be controlled by sensorically controlled robotic Be made by the charging station automatically, where the charging contact of the vehicle is sensory detected and the kinematics is controlled accordingly for contacting.

Of the Loading location can be designed to have one or more loading points. or waiting lines. On a loading or waiting line can find several vehicles. The loading line or waiting line is designed so that they have a starting position and an end position has, with the self-controlled vehicle anfährt the approach position, then autonomously self-controlled to the fore vehicle on a first Minimum distance increases and then each so long on sensory Minimum distance to the fore vehicle advances until the end position the line is reached.

in the The method according to the invention can be the vehicle at any starting point in a transfer area start. A transfer area can be any area, located in such a way to the loading location used that the to be loaded Vehicle with autonomous self-controlled drive from the transfer area can reach the selected loading location. The transfer area is a virtually defined area that can vary and may for example depend on the vehicle type and / or state of charge. As a rule, the transfer area is the area in which the driver turns off the vehicle before initiating a charge becomes. In the transfer area, the driver can leave the vehicle. There gives the driver direct control over the vehicle from. Preferably, the transfer area is not simultaneous Loading place.

The The vehicle now autonomously and autonomously controls a selected one Loading location. Systems that perform such a self-propelled drive of a vehicle from a standpoint to a particular destination under use the given road and road conditions and under Avoid collisions and safety hazards allowed, are known in the art. There are sensors of the vehicle for use. In particular, the selection of a loading location, which self-controlled by the vehicle is approached after definable Criteria are made. The loading location is preferred according to specification the charging requirement, the specified residence time and / or the vehicle parameters.

At the Arrived loading location, the vehicle moves self-controlled in one Charging position relative to the charging station of the charging location, so a charging contact is trained. At the selected loading place exists between the vehicle and the charging station of the charging location a charging contact. It will allow a charge. A charging contact can for example, by driving or starting from the automatic Movement out to be trained. Preferably, the preparation contact for automated conductive or inductive charging of the vehicle by the vehicle, z. B. by the startup on contacts or by extending contacts at the bottom of the Vehicle in the direction of floor area to corresponding punctiform or line-shaped safe conductive or inductive power supply facilities of the charging stations and their Connection to the store. Alternatively, the contact is made for automated conductive or inductive charging of the vehicle by control commands of the charging station at the robotic device at the charging station, the connector or the contact location sensory determined and contact by mechanical motion conductive or inductively manufactured and according to instruction of the control accordingly releases again. With this solution are constructive different charging contacts and different contact locations treatable. On instruction of the vehicle control takes place after the loading process the disconnection and the release of the conductive or inductive Contacts from the charging station.

Of the Charging contact, for example, via a predetermined or an indefinite period of time or on call.

To Solution of the charging contact leaves the vehicle self-controlled loading location and drives autonomously self-controlled a selected transfer area. A takeover area can be any area that is so to the loading location used is located that the loading vehicle at autonomous self-controlled Drive to reach the selected takeover area can. The basically selectable takeover area is a virtually defined area that can and can vary For example, depending on the vehicle type and / or state of charge. As a rule, the takeover area is the area that the driver sets to receive the vehicle again. The transfer area is preferably not the same loading location.

In the takeover area the driver can climb the vehicle again. There wins the Driver again direct control of the vehicle. Especially After completion of the charging process, after the expiration of a pre-determined residence time and / or at the direction of the driver or Leave the loading location independently and move to a selected takeover area.

The inventive method can be configured be that either the handover area or the takeover area or both the transfer and the transfer area not simultaneous loading site is / are.

Of the Loading location and the used vehicle can each one Communication interface, which is a direct communication and a direct data exchange between vehicle and loading location allowing communication via radio, optical, RFID or the like can be designed. Especially can be the communication interface of the vehicle and the place of loading be configured such that a communication with various Loading locations and / or with different vehicles possible is. In particular, the loading location can have a loading location system and / or the vehicle used comprises a charging assistance system.

In a preferred form of the method according to the invention can the vehicle's electricity storage with consent and in the frame the requirements of the current order also as current buffer be used by network energy by existing charging or existing Power contact a charging location system according to the power availability decides when and how long for each vehicle or uploaded, d. H. whether electricity is taken from the grid or into the grid is fed. The execution takes place over the Vehicle charging control.

• a) eine Sende- und eine Empfangseinheit, die eine Kommunikation mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Ladeassistenzsystem erlaubt;
• b) eine Speichereinheit; und
• c) eine Recheneinheit, die eingehende Daten eines Ladeassistenzsystems erkennt, verrechnet und ein Ergebnis ausgibt, dass in Daten bestehen kann, die an das Ladeassistenzsystem zurückgesendet werden oder an eine Ladestation übermittelt werden.

The present invention also relates to a port system, comprising:

• a) a transmitting and a receiving unit, which allows communication with a charging assistance system according to the invention;
• b) a storage unit; and
• c) a computing unit that recognizes incoming data of a charging assistance system, charges and outputs a result that may consist in data that is returned to the charging assistance system or transmitted to a charging station.

Especially can the charging system according to the invention additionally have a guidance control, which with a vehicle control for self-controlled driving a vehicle to be loaded so functional that can communicate the vehicle to a selected one Loading location is passed.

• a) eine Sende- und eine Empfangseinheit, die eine Kommunikation mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Ladeortsystem erlaubt;
• b) eine Anzeigeeinheit, auf der dem Benutzer Daten optisch und/oder akustisch angezeigt werden;
• c) eine Eingabeeinheit, mit der der Benutzer Daten in das Ladeassistenzsystem eingeben kann;
• d) eine Recheneinheit, die unter Berücksichtigung vorgebbarer Parameter Ladeorte auswählt.

In addition, the invention also relates to a charging assistance system, comprising:

• a) a transmitting and a receiving unit, which allows communication with a Ladeortsystem invention;
• b) a display unit on which the user data is visually and / or acoustically displayed;
• c) an input unit with which the user can enter data into the charging assistance system;
• d) an arithmetic unit which selects loading locations taking into account predefinable parameters.

Especially can the charging assistance system according to the invention, be characterized in that via the input unit a default is adjustable, in particular a time specification to the the vehicle should be at a specified place of takeover and / or a range indication, which after the loading process at least is reachable.

The Loading assistance system according to the invention can be such be configured that a Ladeortsystem vehicle parameters, in particular Vehicle dimensions, type, charging contact type, state of charge and / or desired residence time are communicated.

The The invention also relates to a charging system comprising an inventive Ladeortsystem and an inventive vehicle side Ladeassistenzsystem, the so functionally coordinated are that a direct communication between a site system and a charging assistance system is possible.

The The invention also relates to a vehicle with complete or partial electric drive, comprising an inventive Loading assistance system.

The Finally, the invention also relates to a loading location of the equipped is with at least one charging station that has at least one charging contact having, with a charging contact of a vehicle to be charged is configured functionally connectable and of an inventive Loading system has.

On Reason for the driver, the vehicle in the transfer area a charging location, the charging requirement, the state of charge and the vehicle / charging parameters to communicate with the charging system via the charging assistance system. The loading location system or the loading assistance system can accordingly determine a suitable charging station. The site system can then according to the selection of the place of loading, the navigation data to communicate with the vehicle, as a prerequisite for autonomous startup the charging station. In a particular embodiment, the Driver by closing the vehicle of the transfer agree with the vehicle controller to the Leitsteuerung the Ladeortsystems. The loading location system then takes over the control of the Vehicle and the vehicle thereby enters the autonomous mode. The Vehicle can then be considered by the vehicle control the specifications of the master control autonomous to that of the loading point system drive for the vehicle specific charging station. After this Loading or after expiry of the dwell time or after call or on instruction of the control system leaves the vehicle independently the charging station and drives independently to the desired transfer area of the loading location. With takeover by the driver in the takeover area the loading point system transfers control via the main control the vehicle control and the vehicle leaves the autonomous mode.

Especially the driver can go to the loading system before or during the transfer a planned, estimated, and / or desired Dwell time and / or a planned takeover date report. By means of this data, the loading location system can start the loading process cost-effective optimization.

The Loading system can be controlled by the control based on the Loading requirements, the requirements, the timing and / or the vehicle parameters and load parameters transmitted by the vehicle a suitable charging station or a waiting station or a Maneuvering or repositioning the vehicle and select optimize the loading process according to the task.

Of the Driver can always have a dialogue with the loading system, preferably via a charging assistance system of the vehicle charging system and / or directly or indirectly, for example via a terminal or a dialog interface in the vicinity of the loading location or via Mobile terminals from any distance to the place of loading.

Of the Driver can use the loading system or directly from the loading assistance system at least the current state of charge or the available Request range.

Of the Driver can change the residence time or takeover time at any time communication with the loading site system and indirectly with the loading assistance system influence and / or change. The loading location system can Set the charging process to it and, especially if it is immediate early recall of the vehicle, the driver over the consequences, for example, about the current state of charge and the available current range, inform.

The Communication interface and the communication protocol of the Charging system between the Ladeortsystem and the charging system of the vehicle They can be designed to be load-independent is, d. h. that the instructions, the data exchange and / or the Commands of the LOC system for each vehicle unique are understandable.

For example is the place of delivery conveyed map information for Every vehicle understands that with it always be able to clearly determine his own vehicle position can communicate with the loading point system and automatically Navigation can use.

Of the Driver can authorize the vehicle control on delivery passed to the loading point system and its leading control, so then the communication and / or any data exchange between the Vehicle control and the loading point system authorized.

To Reaching the charging station, the charging contact can charge the battery the vehicle automatically, by the vehicle charging system and / or by the loading system or at their direction automatically getting produced. The charging contact can automatically after charging be solved again. The charging contact can be galvanic or be designed inductively.

The Vehicle can be taken over by the loading system Safety can be measured, if necessary, differences of the current dimensions to determine the communicated vehicle parameters. It can Sensory be determined, whether persons, living beings or dangerous Goods, insofar as they can be detected by sensory means, in or on the vehicle are located.

The vehicle control has access to the Actuators for steering, braking and accelerating, the so-called drive-by-wire technology required for autonomy and assistance functions. The vehicle control is used, among other things, for infrastructure planning, control of driving behavior. The vehicle charging system is used, among other things, to control the charging and to control the charging contacts.

The Vehicles are also equipped with a communication system, with transmitting and receiving unit for direct communication with the Loading system equipped.

One Ladeassistenzsystem serves as a human-machine interface in the vehicle the dialogue with the driver, in particular the interactive presentation the vehicle and state of charge, the respective range and the Navigation information and the dialog with the loading site system.

The Loading sites with a loading system include at least one charging station and can charge areas with the local ones Conditions adapted arrangements of charging stations and / or Have charging lines.

The Charging assistance system informs the driver in the vehicle the state of charge and the remaining range of the vehicle. at a long-distance journey, the loading locations are available to the driver with available offered free charging stations along the route. The driver decides based on the information and its needs which charging location to charge the power storage he select wants and receives the navigation information with which he is to a transfer area of the chosen Loading location is performed. Facilities with loading locations, such as Rest areas, shopping centers, etc. can their Position data and loading location data, the map data of the navigation systems provide.

Of the Driver can interact with the vehicle's charging assistance system for optimized loading the estimated length of stay or the desired takeover time, the minimum reach to be loaded and / or determine the desired charging mode. The requirements are activated by the charging assistance system of the vehicle charging system the loading location system communicates.

The Loading system sends a confirmation / offer as feedback. In advance of the place of loading, the offer can be made as a reservation of the charging station be used at the place of loading.

In the transfer area the driver confirms the offer and chooses it the autonomy mode. The autonomy mode starts after exiting in the transfer area with the locking of the vehicle.

The Autonomy starts in the transfer area (entrance with driver - approach the loading location driverless, autonomous) and ends in the transfer area (Driving from the loading point without driver autonomous - exit with driver).

The Loading system sends directional control instructions for autonomous driving to the assigned charging station and the required Navigation data to the vehicle. The main control is the High-level control, the mission control.

The Vehicle starts autonomously along a planned route / trajectory with independent control and autonomous collision avoidance in the direction of the charging station, either directly to the specified charging station or via predetermined intermediate stations, if necessary with conversion and after loading, if necessary via waiting position or waiting loop.

To the desired or updated time hits the vehicle autonomously on the desired transfer area. By opening the vehicle with the key / key / driverident becomes the autonomous Mode ended. The driver takes over the loaded vehicle.

The Optimization of the charging process depends on the degree of expansion the infrastructure of the place of loading, the functionality and Number of available charging stations and demand, d. H. the associated best possible coordination the demand of all vehicles at the place of loading. The optimization in the interest of the customer then represents a quality feature and a marketing argument of the respective loading location.

requirement changes the desired takeover time are over at any time Remote call or on-site via mobile, and / or over the internet or via service terminals etc. possible. These changes may lead to changes the charging process, according to the remaining residence time or the remaining available charging time and lead to calculate the consequences of the changes concerning the expected state of charge and the expected range with appropriate message to the driver in dialogue with request for confirmation. In general, the goal remains that at the time of takeover a full load and thus maximum Range is available.

Upon handover, the driver receives the authorized communication access to the charging point system for the purpose of querying the state of charge and range and, if desired, further operating and charging data of the own vehicle, for changes or call of the vehicle. Conversely, the Ladeortsys receives If desired, the communication access to the mobile terminal of the user for optional completion notification of the charging process.

at Premature call, the driver a desired new takeover time pretend that this is feasible. With immediate vehicle call becomes the driver the earliest possible takeover time communicated, d. H. it calculates the time the vehicle is possibly for switching off, undocking and returning to the takeover area This will give the driver the time of arrival in the takeover area calculated. The driver can also change that He at the earliest possible date a desired Range (possibly with appropriate reserve), for example 100 km plus 10%, would like to load, whereupon the loading system if necessary, a fast charge for the differential charge plans and the driver the earliest possible takeover time calculated. If the driver accepts the site system changes the procedure accordingly.

The Design of the charging contacts may differ structurally. A standard for charging systems is desirable but not yet given. Differences result from different ones Functionalities such as fast charging with heavy current, normal shop with household electricity, from different standards, manufacturer standard, constructive arrangements / designs on the vehicle. different Charging contacts on vehicles are treatable on the one hand by universal Charging stations or by assigning specialized charging stations through the loading site system. With the invention automated Solution remains this problem for the driver invisible. Heterogeneous charging systems can be integrated by the charging system. in the Exceptional cases may include special stations with service personnel be useful to treat special cases and incidents.

Of the Power storage of the vehicle can with consent and in the context of Requirements of the current current order also as a cache be used by network energy by existing charging or existing Mains contact the master control of the charging point system according to current availability decides when and how long for each vehicle or uploaded, d. H. whether electricity is taken from the grid or ins Network is fed. The execution takes place over the vehicle charge control.

A Waiting line in the takeover area preferably has a larger one automates organized vehicle clearance to the manual Disengagement of the vehicle after being taken over by the driver facilitate.

The automated provision of the vehicle for takeover by the driver, the pick-up in the desired time window, takes place, for example, by autonomously moving up the vehicles in a transfer line or loop in the takeover area with a distance of the vehicles the comfortable bypassing, getting in, Loading and ultimately manual skipping of the vehicle for relieved the driver. The released gap is from the still waiting vehicles by autonomous movement with this distance, closed again. For long waiting If necessary, vehicles can be contacted by the user and if necessary, a retraction of the vehicle in the waiting loop respectively. It can reset or implement, for example take place in a circular loop of the vehicle.

through The sensor technology is used when approaching and accessing a vehicle its stoppage or its arrest and, consequently, that of the advancing autonomist Vehicles ensured.

Prefers can take over the opening of the vehicle by the driver for takeover from the autonomous mode only in the designated takeover area and in the presence of the authorized driver without third party access usually done only with opening the vehicle Leave the autonomous mode by the driver and switch to manual mode becomes. The driver gets in, loads the vehicle if necessary and driver-controlled leaves the transfer loop, the vehicles provided move up automatically.

By the autonomy of the vehicles and the uniform interface of the Communication between charging and vehicle control and the loading point system with uniform definition of instructions and uniform definition The navigation data are any organizational forms of the loading locations with different handover / takeover and Loading areas and variable arrangement of the charging stations possible. Thus, efficient, optimal conditions are given customizable forms of organization of the shop possible.

The uniform communication interface is independent of charging point, Extendable in your command language with basic commands and understandable for every vehicle, for example Drive to place A; Drive to line B; Make / release charging contact, Etc.

The automated solution according to the invention ensures that vehicles turn off automatically tight and space-saving, according to the arrangements of the charging stations with the respectively required minimum safety distance automatically, z. B. in dense lanes with vehicles close together as a block, z. B. 10 lanes a 10 vehicles out one behind the other with line-shaped charging contacts.

Prefers the entire loading logistics can remain hidden from the driver. The Driver-side interfaces and behavioral routines remain the same.

Premature picking up blockwise dense arrangement is carried out automatically by autonomous implementation of the vehicles z. B. over Rangierschleife, comparable to a ring buffer. The vehicle in the first position of the line in question drives the loop and drives close to the last vehicle, the other vehicles follow until the desired vehicle has arrived in the first position of the loading line and can leave them. The following vehicles move up and continue charging. An example arrangement as a block with Rangierschleifen) for the autonomous resorting of vehicles is in 2 shown. This solution offers high flexibility and efficiency and can be expanded as required.

The Vehicles are shipped from the loading system according to the loading order and the planned takeover time logistically pre-sorted. The functional and constructive design of the charging contacts of each Vehicle requires the choice of the right charging station through the charging point system.

The Invention also allows variable organization by the loading location system to the effect that a fully loaded vehicle if necessary also to a Place without charging station can be implemented, d. H. to have to not necessarily overcapacity at charging stations to be available.

One Vehicle for an urgent fast charge is prioritized charged to the corresponding higher normal rate. A scheduled longer stationary vehicle can save at a lower cost be charged, if necessary, at more remote charging stations or at other loading locations.

Prefers If required, decentralized transfer / transfer locations be arranged distributed near loading locations, z. B. distributed access to shopping centers, d. H. the place of delivery may be different from the takeover location, or he may be from Users can be changed later when the service offered by the loading system and then via the loading system and the lead control is organized.

at Long-distance trips are usually fast full loads of electricity storage on the way, often in places that the Drivers are unfamiliar or unknown, e.g. B. at service areas, Car stations on highways or highways, too Parking garages in cities. The quick charges are required for long-distance travel of pure electric vehicles or desirable and ecologically sensible in hybrid vehicles. The fast loading At a rest stop then takes place for example during a driving break of the driver. The driverless autonomous operation of the vehicle does not count as a driving time but as a rest period of the Driver.

at Local trips that do not require fast cargoes will be optimized Full loads organized with regard to anticipated planned stay times.

preferred Loading locations are at or near car parks and / or places, at places of residence, at places of work, in inner cities, at shopping centers, restaurants, Sports facilities, recreational facilities, tourist or cultural facilities, park & ride facilities, on public transport of the public Local transport etc.

There the inventive solution is a uniform, variable and Scalable usage allows, advantageously, in the individual private area to be installed a minimal loading system if necessary, several private charging stations managed. In extreme cases the private loading system can also be taken over by the vehicle loading system, if it is, for example, the "home" loading place and the map information of the loading location in the vehicle loading system is stored. By means of achieved position data (eg GPS) the card information is activated. Using current data of the Vehicle sensors and their comparison with the map information is for example, from the transfer area on the doorstep calculated the trajectory to the charging station and approached autonomously. The card information can also be used in the private sector with vehicle sensors once in the initial manual operation by driving off the track from the usual place of delivery to the selected one Loading location (transfer transfer area to loading location and charging stations) are stored (taught).

The also includes loading sites with multiple heterogeneous "dense densely arranged charging stations, wherein the spatially separate transfer / takeover areas before the Front door, the lift, in multi-level garages, underground garages, etc. can lie.

For example the driver drives to his front door, gets out, closes the vehicle door driving the vehicle autonomous to the loading site (garage, carport, underground parking, etc.) and loads the vehicle battery overnight. The driver calls or orders the vehicle at the desired time on your doorstep, The vehicle docks in time at the charging station, drives autonomously to the front door, the driver opens the vehicle door and takes over the vehicle.

at other regularly used loading locations must have the Map information is also not necessarily completely transmitted every time become. Changes can then be communicated as an update.

The Invention is also suitable for an automated rental car or car sharing service of complete or partial electrically powered vehicles as a simplified and convenient interface between public and private transport suitable, including vehicle order (Place, transfer area and time) via mobile terminals, Provision of fully charged electric vehicles in the desired takeover area at exits directly in front of hotels, train stations, airports etc. and ultimately after the individual use return in a transfer area also directly in front of the entrances desired destinations without additional shuttle service. Then automated startup of a loading location and Preparation for the next user. Wait Charging station possibly also as current buffer. About that In addition, the place of loading system can process the vehicle in integrate the automated process, especially the regular ones or sensory-induced washing, a robotic Cleaning, the automated optical and vehicle inspection.

About that In addition, even with private use at certain loading places through the loading point system beyond the loading process further Service processes in the automated process flow on Load location, such as automated washes, Refueling (eg in hybrid vehicles), goods and unloading in shopping centers, also controlled by the control system, if the site system offers it and if desired by the user becomes.

The inventive method can be used in inner-city freight traffic with complete or partially electrically powered vehicles come. In distribution centers logistics centers or customers with multiple loading ramps The combination of loading and unloading stations, ramps with charging stations in which then the approach of these stations in the same way with is automated.

The inventive method also offers the flexibility for the incorporation of conveyorized automated systems or semi-automated parking facilities / car parks as loading areas of a loading location, especially in inner city Area, with this involvement hidden to the user remains and thus just the previous shortcomings of this automated parking garage technology can be eliminated, especially the rigid "manual" handover, acquisition principles, where congestion and waiting for the driver and others Road users arise. With the inclusion in the invention Automated solution on the one hand, the aforementioned shortcomings eliminates such systems, on the other hand, an appreciation as loading locations in the sense of the invention. The temporal Throughput for the user is improved and waiting times are avoided.

The Integration takes place through the control system, preferably when planned longer shutdown time. In this case are then at the parking spaces Charging contacts for automated contact with the power supply intended. The relevant process sequence (eg: control the conveyor technology) is by the Leitsteuerung in the Integrated whole process.

For the driver is the entire Ladeortorganisation invisible.

In First, it is assumed that the areas in which move the vehicles autonomously, especially the loading areas, for a mixed operation are not provided, since space saving without Driver and without boarding at the charging stations "tight docked on tightly "automatically. It exists on the other hand no reason for mixed operation or autonomous operation in public excluded. In these special areas will be then with this technical solution in addition to the Requirements for compliance with collision avoidance and speed limit during autonomous driving automatically correspondingly larger Safety distances at adequate driving speed guaranteed.

These Variant is particularly advantageous when handover takeover areas the loading locations directly in front of the inputs and outputs of the respective Destinations are placed, for. B. in front of home, hotel, company entrance etc. and thereby at least a short-term autonomous drive in public back to the entrance to the loading areas and after loading he follows. In this case, the transfer takes place in the transfer area a larger clearance around the vehicle secured than in the space-saving organized loading areas. This will be also facilitates getting in and out as well as loading and unloading.

Particular advantages of the invention

The advantages of the solution described lie in the increase in the comfort of use and thus in the increase in the acceptance of use of fully or partially electrically powered vehicles by automated charging processes of electricity storage. This indirectly increases the share of vehicles based on renewable energy Accelerates energy and ultimately achieves a reduction in fossil energy and a reduction in CO ₂ emissions.

The In particular, the use of electric vehicles is facilitated by Avoiding the difficulty of being regular necessary to locate charging stations and the manual uncomfortable, annoying and partly "dirty" arrival and Decoupling of the vehicle, in principle between each trip, achieved, both in the passenger car and in the commercial vehicle sector.

By the autonomous function according to the invention is omitted for the driver the regularly time-consuming Looking for a free and matching charging station with appropriate Driving and walking paths and the risky and stressful Docking at charging stations especially in space-saving densities Arrangements of charging stations. Advantage for the driver / user is the achieved stress-free and time-saving.

One important advantage in this context is the avoidance of damage by the automated solution according to the invention. In contrast, with constant "manual" starting from charging stations (parking) in tight parking garages either with self-inflicted damage or with damage in conflict with other road users on vehicles, persons or the infrastructure. Of these, especially older road users benefit, who are particularly dependent on mobility and which are virtually predestined as users electrically powered vehicles.

By the invention automatically organized permanent Charging the vehicle batteries at the charging stations on any storage location and therefore the high availability The storage capacity on the network firstly results in a considerable Cost savings for the user due to the usability of surplus Renewable energies (Spartarife, at night especially wind or stored energy during the day solar energy). Second, optional, if allowed by the user, results for him another Benefit and ultimately an economic benefit through the potential of efficient intermediate current storage of energy peaks regenerative Energies and later re-feeding into the network with appropriate remuneration of the feed-in power to the battery / vehicle owner.

Space-saving Use of areas for dormant traffic: Because the vehicle automatically drives to the loading location without a driver Consequently, the vehicle can save space in a narrower space for loading be turned off. The advantage is the saving of traffic areas for the dormant traffic.

Standardized Universal solution with high flexibility Adaptation to any loading locations with variable arrangements of charging stations and the inclusion of variable / heterogeneous charging interfaces.

The The system according to the invention also offers the advantage to include automated or semi-automated parking garage conveyor technology into an automated total solution, thereby achieving their shortcomings of rigid "manual" handover, takeover principles, where traffic jams and waiting times for the driver arise can, eliminate and provide a flexible universal solution to reach.

For Car sharing, and rental car concepts can be combined with the According to the invention automated solution a cost reduction (personnel costs, damage avoidance) and Quality improvement as well as a future- and customer-oriented Reward reaching up to the higher acceptance of public Means of transport by improving the interface between public and individual transport.

characters

1 Schematic representation of a method for charging fully or partially electrically powered vehicles.

2 Schematic representation of a loading location in relation to the transfer / takeover area.

3 Schematic representation of selected automated charging contacts

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102005029336 A1 [0008]

Claims (16)

A method of automatically charging fully or partially electrically operated vehicles, characterized in that: a) a vehicle is used which is equipped with: i) sensors for environmental detection, navigation and collision avoidance; ii) a vehicle controller for self-propelled driving of the vehicle; iii) a charging system for electrically charging the vehicle and vi) at least one charging contact operatively connectable to at least one charging contact of the charging station at the charging location; b) a loading location is used, which is equipped with at least one charging station, which has at least one charging contact, which is designed to be functionally connectable to a charging contact of a vehicle to be charged; c) the vehicle starts at any starting point in a transfer area; d) the vehicle automatically controls a selected loading location; e) there is a charging contact at the selected charging location between the vehicle and the charging station of the charging location; f) the vehicle leaves the loading location on its own and moves to a selected takeover area. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle used and the loading location each having a communication interface, which is a direct communication and data exchange between vehicle and loading location, Preferably, the communication via radio, optical and / or RFID. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driver by closing the vehicle in the transfer area a self-controlled Approaching a loading location by the vehicle triggers. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle after completion of the charging process, after expiration of a pre-determined retention period and / or on instruction the driver or a loading point system independently the loading location leaves and a selected takeover area starts up. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that according to the loading requirement, the set residence time and / or the vehicle parameters Determined loading location and approached by the vehicle self-controlled becomes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication interfaces of Vehicle and the loading location are designed such that a Communication with different loading locations and / or different Vehicles is possible. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging contact between the vehicle and Charging station is designed galvanically or inductively and / or automatically or is produced robotically. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging contact on the vehicle and / or at the charging point punctiform and / or linear is trained. Cargo location system, comprising: a) a transmission and a receiving unit that communicates with a charging assistance system allowed according to claim 11; b) a storage unit; c) an arithmetic unit, the incoming data of a charging assistance system recognizes, settles and outputs a result that exists in data can be returned to the charging assistance system or transmitted to a charging station. Loading location system according to claim 9, characterized in that the loading site system additionally has a master control, with a vehicle control for self-driving a can be functionally communicate to be loaded vehicle that the vehicle is directed to a selected loading location. Loading assistance system, comprising: a) a transmission and a receiving unit that communicates with a charging system allowed according to claim 9 or 10; legs Display unit, on which the user data visually and / or acoustically are displayed; c) an input unit with which the user Enter data into the loading assistance system; d) a computing unit, taking account of specifiable parameters of loading locations selects. Loading assistance system according to claim 11, characterized in that that a specification can be set via the input unit, in particular, a time limit for the vehicle at a specified pickup location should be and / or a range indication, after the loading process at least achievable. Loading assistance system according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the charging assistance system is designed such that a Ladeortsystem vehicle parameters, ins special vehicle dimensions, type, charging contact type, state of charge and / or desired residence time can be communicated. Charging system comprising a Ladeortsystem after a of claims 9 to 10 and a vehicle-side loading assistance system according to one of claims 11 to 13, which are so functional are coordinated, that is a direct communication between a loading point system and a loading assistance system possible is. Vehicle with complete or partial electric A drive comprising a loading assistance system according to any one of the claims 11 to 13. Loading location equipped with a charging station, having at least one charging contact with a charging contact a vehicle to be loaded is configured functionally connectable and a cargo location system according to any one of claims 9 or 10 has.