DE102012205400A1 - Method for contactless charging e.g. energy storages, which supply electrical energy to electric motor of e.g. electric scooter, involves completing charging process if charging process is actively aborted or energy storage is fully-charged - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves providing a stationary charging station (11), which is utilized to emit electromagnetic radiation. A converter unit (14) is provided at a vehicle (10), and the electromagnetic radiation is converted into electrical energy to store in an energy storage (13) by the converter unit. The storage is charged by directing the electromagnetic radiation to the converter unit if a presence sensor detects that the vehicle is in a detection area of the charging station. A charging process is completed if the charging process is actively aborted or the storage is fully-charged. The converter unit is designed as a photovoltaic module. The presence sensor is designed as Lidar-, ultrasonic-, infrared- or induction sensors. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a vehicle (2) a network for stationary charging station (3) a system for charging a vehicle.

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a method for the contactless charging of an energy store, which supplies an electric motor of a vehicle. The invention further relates to a vehicle, a network of charging stations and a system for non-contact charging of an energy store.

Electric, hydraulic or hybrid vehicles usually have one or more drive units, such as electric or hydraulic motors, which are mechanically connected to at least one drive wheel. Such drive units are powered by an energy storage, which is regularly charged and discharged. A disadvantage in connection with electric vehicles is their range, since the previous energy storage are severely limited in their performance and must be charged regularly.

Typically, the energy supply of the energy storage via charging stations, which require an active action of the user. Thus, the user must drive to a charging station before the complete discharge of the energy storage, which are usually equipped like a petrol station with electricity dispensers. However, the density of such charging stations is still severely limited. With the limited capacity of the energy storage so that the use of electric vehicles is limited and longer distances can be covered only with difficulty. As a result, the concept of the pure electric vehicle under these conditions is only partially usable. There is therefore a need to provide alternative ways of charging the energy storage devices which are inexpensive to allow a high density of charging stations, and provide greater comfort in operating an electric vehicle.

An alternative to traditional charging stations for electric vehicles is from the WO-A 2001/006884 known. There, the electric vehicle is charged without contact by an inductive charging station. To position the vehicle existing sensors such as radar, laser, Lidar-, ultrasonic, infrared, satellite or induction sensors and the parking aids based thereon are used to detect the inductive charging station in the vicinity and the vehicle in the computer-aided shunting operation with a coil on the vehicle floor sufficiently accurately to position over the coil of the charging station. After positioning, the energy storage is charged by inductive energy transfer, whereby an energy exchange is initiated without user intervention and without further queries within the framework of the user's preferences.

Disclosure of the invention

• a) Bereitstellen mindestens einer stationären Ladestation, die eingerichtet ist, elektromagnetische Strahlung auszusenden;
• b) Bereitstellen einer Wandlereinrichtung am Fahrzeug, die elektromagnetische Strahlung in elektrische Energie zum Speichern im Energiespeicher umwandelt;
• c) Aufladen des Energiespeichers durch Ausrichten der elektromagnetischen Strahlung auf die Wandlereinrichtung, wenn ein Anwesenheitssensor das Fahrzeug im Erfassungsbereich der Ladestation detektiert; und
• d) Beenden des Ladevorganges, wenn dieser aktiv abgebrochen wird oder der Energiespeicher vollgeladen ist.

According to the invention, a method for contactless charging of at least one energy store, which supplies an electric motor of a vehicle, is proposed with the following steps:

• a) providing at least one stationary charging station, which is set up to emit electromagnetic radiation;
• b) providing a converter device on the vehicle, which converts electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy for storage in the energy store;
• c) charging the energy storage by aligning the electromagnetic radiation to the transducer means when a presence sensor detects the vehicle in the detection area of the charging station; and
• d) Ending the charging process, if it is actively aborted or the energy storage is fully charged.

In the context of the invention, non-contact charging means a charging process which is carried out without an active action of the user, for example the plug-in of a charging cable by the driver. The charging process can be initiated automatically or by pressing a confirmation means without driver interaction. For example, the driver can control the charging process via a confirmation means, such as a button or voice control, from inside the vehicle without having to leave the vehicle.

As energy storage for electric vehicles, for example, at least partially electrically powered cars, electric bikes, electric vehicles or electric scooters, various concepts can be used in the invention. Typical energy storage for electric vehicles, that is vehicles that is at least partially powered by electrical energy, are rechargeable lithium-based batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries or lithium-air batteries. Other typical embodiments of rechargeable batteries include sodium nickel chloride cells, lead-cadmium or nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, and nickel-metal hybrid rechargeable batteries. However, other powerful energy storage devices that can be used to operate electric vehicles are also conceivable.

In one implementation of the invention, the charging station comprises at least one laser beam source which emits electromagnetic radiation in the near to medium infrared range. The wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation can between 900 and 13000 nm, preferably between 1000 and 2000 nm. Examples are gas lasers, such as carbon dioxide lasers, or helium-neon lasers, and solid-state lasers whose laser medium are crystals. Also, doped yttrium-aluminum garnet lasers (YAG lasers) are suitable for emitting infrared radiation in the range from 900 nm to 3000 nm. Typical dopants are neodymium, erbium or ytterbium. Particularly preferred are lasers whose wavelength is between 1500 and 2000 nm. In this wavelength range, different high-performance and brilliant laser beam sources are available on the market, which are safer for the human eye (eye-safe laser).

Such stationary charging stations based on laser beam sources may be provided on the roadway, wherein the laser beam sources may be embedded in particular in the roadway. Additionally or alternatively, stationary charging stations may be mounted elevated above the vehicle on roadside equipment such as traffic signs, street lights, traffic lights, tunnels, bridges, or the like.

In a further realization of the invention, the converter device is designed as a photovoltaic module with at least one photovoltaic cell. Such cells are electrical components that convert electromagnetic radiation energy directly into electrical energy. Typical transducers are based on silicon, which may be incorporated in monocrystalline, polycrystalline, microcrystalline or tandem cells. In particular, tandem cells, which comprise layered cells, such as polycrystalline and amorphous cells, can be tuned to the wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation, preferably monochromatic laser radiation in the wavelength range of 900 and 13000 nm, due to the different materials.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transducer means is mounted on the underbody of the vehicle to cooperate with a loading station provided on the carriageway and preferably recessed in the carriageway. In this case, the converter device or, alternatively, the stationary charging station may further comprise a protective mechanism, wherein, for example, a laser curtain or a fold-out cover surrounds the converter device or the stationary charging station. Preferably, the screening mechanism is designed so that during the charging process, no electromagnetic radiation penetrates into the environment of the vehicle. For this purpose, a laser curtain or a fold-out cover can enclose the space between the converter device and the charging station during the charging process.

In another implementation, the transducer means may be mounted on the roof or on the sides of the vehicle to cooperate with a stationary charging station provided elevated above the vehicle. In this embodiment, the stationary charging station may additionally comprise optical elements, such as pivotable mirrors or lenses, with which the electromagnetic radiation can be deflected. Thus, the electromagnetic radiation can be aligned via the optical elements to the transducer device on the vehicle.

In order to detect the presence of a vehicle in the detection area of the charging station, a presence sensor can furthermore be provided. The detection range of the charging station encompasses the area in which electromagnetic radiation emitted by the stationary charging station can be directed onto the converter device of the vehicle. The presence sensor may, for example, represent a communication means provided on the vehicle and on the charging station. The communication means can be configured as a one-way or two-way system.

For example, the locations where charging stations are located may be provided to an electronic unit on the vehicle, for example via a memory or a database. With a GPS sensor, a vehicle position can then be compared with the positions of the stationary charging stations. As soon as the vehicle approaches such a stationary charging station, the vehicle can send data wirelessly or wirelessly to the charging station and thus initiate the charging process. Another possibility is the direct communication between the vehicle and the charging station in the context of a two-way communication means. Thus, the presence of the vehicle can be detected, for example, via ultrasound, radar, or motion sensors.

Another possibility to realize a presence sensor is to use an optical sensor for video-based detection of a vehicle in the detection area of the stationary charging station. In this case, an optical sensor, such as a mono or stereo camera, may be mounted in the region of the charging station such that the detection range of the optical sensor comprises the charging station. In this way, vehicles which are located in the detection area of the charging station can be detected and a corresponding signal can be transmitted wirelessly from an evaluation unit coupled to the optical sensor to the charging station in order to start the charging process. Furthermore, vehicle-specific data, such as the license plate, can be extracted from the data of the optical sensor. At inpatient Charging stations on the roadway may additionally serve a weight measurement to detect the presence of a vehicle in the detection area of the stationary charging station.

In a particularly preferred realization of the solution proposed here, a network of charging stations is provided, wherein the charging stations are provided at locations in which the vehicle comes to a halt due to the traffic infrastructure or can be tracked with the emitted electromagnetic radiation in the detection area of the charging station. In this case, the infrastructure includes in particular those places where the vehicle comes to a halt due to the traffic flow. Such places are traffic lights, intersections, railroad crossings, parking lots, parking spaces or the like. In this embodiment, the charging stations are preferably provided on the roadway to cooperate with a transducer means at the bottom of the vehicle.

If the vehicle is to be tracked in the detection area of the charging station, the stationary charging stations are preferably mounted elevated above the vehicle in order to interact with a converter device on the roof or on the sides of the vehicle. For this purpose, the elevated stationary charging station preferably comprises optical means for being able to deflect the electromagnetic radiation variably in different directions. Thus, vehicles can be tracked in particular on straight stretches of the electromagnetic radiation.

According to the invention, a vehicle comprising at least one energy store which supplies an electric motor is also proposed, wherein the vehicle comprises a converter device which converts electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy for storage in the energy store. In this case, the converter device may comprise a photovoltaic module with at least one photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell is preferably configured as described above. Furthermore, the converter device can be mounted on the roof, laterally and / or under the vehicle. Preferably, the transducer means under the vehicle comprises a privacy shield mechanism configured as a laser curtain or flip-top cover as described above. Furthermore, the vehicle may include sensors with at least one sensor that allows communication with charging stations in the vicinity of the vehicle. For example, the sensor system may comprise at least one sensor that detects charging stations in the surroundings of the vehicle and, as soon as the vehicle enters the detection area of a charging station, sends a signal to a charging station in order to initiate the charging process.

The invention also provides a network of charging stations which are set up to emit electromagnetic radiation and are provided at locations in which the vehicle comes to a halt due to the traffic infrastructure or can be tracked in the detection area of the stationary charging station. The stationary charging station may be provided in the first mentioned locations on the road and in particular be embedded in the road. In this embodiment, the charging station is configured as described above to cooperate with a transducer device under the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the charging station may be mounted in a position elevated above the vehicle and comprise means for aligning the electromagnetic radiation. In this embodiment, vehicles in the detection area of the charging station can be tracked by the orientation of the electromagnetic radiation.

Another object of the invention is a system comprising at least one vehicle, as described above, and the previously described network of charging stations.

Advantages of the invention

The invention enables a non-contact charging of electric vehicles while driving or during use-related breaks. The charging process takes place without active action by the user and energy can be transmitted automatically and without contact. Furthermore, no complicated positioning between the vehicle and the beam source is required because the beams of the beam source can be adjusted accordingly.

Furthermore, in contactless charging by means of electromagnetic radiation, objects in the environment, in particular pedestrians, can be protected by using appropriate visual protection mechanisms. The use of so-called eye-save lasers (eye-safe lasers) in a certain wave range is also suitable for significantly reducing the damage potential of tissue.

Ultimately, the proposed solution for energy transmission by means of electromagnetic radiation allows a cost-effective way to transmit energy contactlessly over long distances. As a result, the charging of the energy storage during operation or use-related breaks in the electric vehicle is possible, which increases the operating time and thus the range of such vehicles. In addition, the proposed solution according to the invention provides a cost-effective system Contactless charging of electric vehicles ready. In addition, by using photovoltaic modules, the vehicle weight is minimized, which also has a positive effect on the range.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and are explained in more detail in the following description.

Show it:

1 An embodiment of a system according to the invention of charging station and electric vehicle in a schematic representation,

2 An embodiment of an electric vehicle according to the invention for docking to a charging station according to the invention in the bottom view,

3 a further embodiment of the system according to the invention of charging station and electric vehicle in side view,

4 the electric vehicle according to 3 with protective cover in the bottom view,

5 An embodiment of the inventive system of charging station and electric vehicle, which is designed for loading from above,

6 an embodiment of the inventive system of charging station and electric vehicle, which is configured for loading while driving.

Embodiments of the invention

1 schematically shows the structure of a charging station according to the invention 11 in combination with an at least partially electrically powered vehicle 10 , Typically, drivers of electric vehicles 10 , due to the limited power of energy storage forced to the electric vehicle 10 to charge regularly. For this purpose, a user drives to a charging station to a charging cable to the vehicle 10 connect and initiate the charging process. Charging the electric vehicle 10 is therefore very similar to the refueling of typical internal combustion engine vehicles. However, the energy storage is severely limited in capacity, resulting in more frequent loading of electric vehicles 10 results. As of today, electric vehicles can cover a range of up to 500 km. In contrast, vehicles with internal combustion engines have ranges of over 900 km. To make matters worse, the density of charging stations for electric vehicles is still low.

With the stationary charging station according to the invention 11 the energy transfer during the journey or in case of usage-related breaks can take place. Thus, no active action of the user is more necessary, and the energy can be transmitted automatically and contactlessly. 1 shows a charging station 11 which is a beam source 16 provides for the emission of electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the beam source 16 designed as a powerful and brilliant laser beam source. Lasers that emit radiation in the wavelength range between 1500 and 2000 nm and are particularly suitable for significantly reducing the damage potential of tissue are particularly suitable as the laser beam source.

The energy transport according to the present invention takes place via the beam source 16 in the roadway 17 is admitted on a photovoltaic module 14 that under the vehicle 10 is appropriate. The from the beam source 16 emitted electromagnetic radiation is on the underside of the vehicle 10 directs and transmits energy by the photovoltaic module 14 the electromagnetic radiation converts into electrical energy and the energy storage 13 of the electric vehicle 10 provides. In this way, the electric motor 15 from the energy store 13 be energized and the vehicle 10 drive.

To position the vehicle is under the vehicle 10 a transmitter 18 attached to the beam source 16 to signal that a vehicle is 10 over the beam source 16 wants to be "refueled". This transmitter 18 For example, as in 2 shown next to the photovoltaic module 14 at the bottom of the vehicle 10 to be appropriate.

For the realization of the transmitter 18 Different designs are conceivable. For example, a radar, lidar, ultrasonic, infrared or induction sensor can be used as the presence sensor. In addition, the transmitter can send an identification signal to a corresponding sensor of the charging station 11 For example, this is advantageous for the purpose of cost allocation and can be used to position the vehicle 10 be used.

Alternatively, a camera-based vehicle detection can be realized, whereby the presence of the vehicle 10 and the vehicle registration number are detected. Desire the vehicle 10 To refuel, can be manual by the driver or automated depending on the state of charge of the energy storage 13 be reported via the on-board electronics. If this request is present and confirm further safeguards, for example, the measurement of the vehicle weight over the beam source 16 or a camera-based one Vehicle identification the presence of a vehicle ready to receive 10 , the refueling process begins. This is terminated when the transmitter 18 from the beam source 16 Removed because the car continues or the on-board electronics stop charging because the battery is fully charged.

Particularly advantageous in the proposal according to the invention is that charging stations 11 are placed in such positions, where there is a use-related break. So can such charging stations on street equipment 12 such as traffic lights, railroad crossings, parking garages, parking lots or the like, be provided to vehicles 10 to be able to charge during standstill due to, for example, a red traffic light or parking. This increases the range of electric vehicles 10 and operating an electric vehicle 10 is more comfortable. Furthermore, no complicated positioning between the vehicle 10 and the charging station 11 necessary, since only the overlap between the photovoltaic module 14 and beam source 16 must be operated or the electromagnetic radiation via optical elements, such as adjustable mirrors, can be aligned accordingly.

In the 3 and 4 is a further embodiment of the charging station according to the invention 11 for electric vehicles 10 shown in a similar way as in the 1 and 2 is shown shown. In contrast to the in the 1 and 2 embodiment shown here are further protection mechanisms 20 intended. As protection against laser radiation for pedestrians, for example, different visual protection mechanisms 20 be installed. In the 3 and 4 is an exemplary privacy mechanism in the form of laser curtains or fold-out receiver protection 20 shown. The receiver protection surrounds it 20 the photovoltaic module 14 at the bottom of the vehicle 10 , When refueling the vehicle 10 in a charging station 11 with the beam source 16 becomes the recipient protection 20 unfolded, so no laser radiation in the environment of the vehicle 10 can penetrate. In this way, the receiver protection fulfills a dual function by the photovoltaic module 14 is protected while driving with the receiver protection folded in and when the vehicle is at a standstill 10 is unfolded and thus a direct view of the laser beam source 16 and the laser radiation between the beam source 16 and the photovoltaic module 14 shielded from all sides.

In addition to the in 1 to 4 illustrated embodiments of the charging station 11 and the vehicle 10 , can the charging of the vehicle 10 also from above, that is to say from a position above the vehicle. Is a vehicle 10 for example, on a road sign 12 , can be corresponding with a beam source 16 in the field of the road sign 12 attached charging stations 11 to be used for recharging. So can the charging station during use-related breaks 11 the electric vehicle 10 charge. For this purpose, electromagnetic radiation, in particular laser light, from the beam source 16 on the photovoltaic module 14 directed on the roof of the vehicle 10 is appropriate. This is due to the directional beam source 16 above the vehicle 10 the photovoltaic module 14 energized without requiring any elaborate positioning or active action of the user of the electric vehicle 10 necessary is. Another advantage is that the photovoltaic module 14 Energy through the targeted "laser refueling" and by the constant solar radiation can absorb.

In 6 is another embodiment of the charging station 11 shown. In this embodiment, the charging station 11 additionally with optical elements 24 . 26 designed. The beam source directs 16 electromagnetic radiation, in particular laser light, on the optical elements 24 . 26 which act as a laser scanner, and thus can direct the directional beam in different directions. A vehicle with at least one photovoltaic module 14 On the roof or on the sides can be refueled while driving. The positioning of the radiation on the vehicle 10 is via stationary beam sources 16 with beam positioning systems 24 . 26 realized. Such beam sources may be provided at different locations along busy roads, for example, street lamps, tunnels or bridges are suitable for such beam sources 16 combined with beam positioning systems 26 . 24 provided.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein with aspects highlighted therein, but rather within the scope of the appended claims a variety of modifications are possible, which are within the skill of the art.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2001/006884 A [0004]

Claims (13)

Method for the contactless charging of at least one energy store ( 13 ), which has an electric motor ( 15 ) of a vehicle ( 10 ), comprising the following steps: a) providing at least one stationary charging station ( 11 ) arranged to emit electromagnetic radiation; b) providing a converter device ( 14 ) at the vehicle ( 10 ), the electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy for storage in the energy storage ( 13 ) converts; c) charging the energy store ( 13 ) by directing the electromagnetic radiation to the transducer device ( 14 ), if a presence sensor ( 18 ) the vehicle ( 10 ) in the detection area of the charging station ( 11 ) detected; and d) terminating the charging process, if it is actively aborted or the energy storage ( 13 ) is fully loaded. Method according to claim 1, wherein the stationary charging station ( 11 ) at least one laser beam source ( 16 ) and the converter device ( 14 ) is designed as a photovoltaic module with at least one photovoltaic cell. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein during charging the stationary charging station ( 11 ) on a roadway ( 17 ) and one under the vehicle ( 10 ) mounted transducer device ( 14 ) interact. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein when charging an elevated above the vehicle ( 10 ) stationary charging station ( 14 ) and a converter device ( 14 ) on the roof and / or sides of the vehicle ( 10 ) interact. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the presence sensor ( 18 ) Means of communication on the vehicle ( 10 ) and at the charging station ( 11 ) or an optical sensor for video-based recording of vehicles ( 10 ). Vehicle ( 10 ) comprising at least one energy store ( 13 ), which has an electric motor ( 15 ), characterized in that the vehicle ( 10 ) a converter device ( 14 ), the electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy for storage in the energy storage ( 13 ) converts. Vehicle ( 10 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the transducer device ( 14 ) comprises a photovoltaic module with at least one photovoltaic cell, which is mounted on the roof, laterally and / or under the vehicle. Vehicle ( 10 ) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the vehicle ( 10 ) a communication means for communication with charging stations ( 11 ). Vehicle ( 10 ) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the converter device ( 14 ) a visual protection mechanism ( 20 ), which is designed as a laser curtain or fold-out cover. Network of stationary charging stations ( 14 ) which are adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation and which are provided at locations in which vehicles ( 10 ) due to the transport infrastructure ( 12 ) or in the detection area of the stationary charging station ( 14 ) can be tracked. Network of stationary charging stations ( 14 ) according to claim 10, wherein the stationary charging station ( 14 ) is provided on the roadway or mounted in a position elevated above a road surface. Network of stationary charging stations ( 14 ) according to claim 10, wherein the stationary charging station ( 14 ) Medium ( 24 . 26 ) for aligning the electromagnetic radiation. System for charging at least one vehicle ( 10 ) according to one of claims 6 to 9 via a network of charging stations ( 14 ) according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

Images