DE102019206478A1 - Mobile loading platform - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile charging platform (10) for conveying and electrically charging at least one motor vehicle (16), the charging platform (10) having at least one charging area (12) with a charging device (14) for transmitting electrical energy to a charging area ( 12) positioned motor vehicle (16), wherein the loading platform (10) is designed to move while the motor vehicle (16) is being charged. The loading platform (10) has a motor vehicle access area (20) and a motor vehicle departure area (22), which are arranged at opposite ends (18) of the loading platform (10) with respect to an intended direction of travel (F) of the loading platform (10), the at least a loading area (12) is arranged with respect to the intended direction of travel (F) of the loading platform (10) between the motor vehicle access area (20) and the motor vehicle departure area (22), and wherein the motor vehicle access area (20) and the motor vehicle departure area (22) are designed such that a motor vehicle can be driven onto the loading platform (10) via the motor vehicle access area (20) and can be driven down from the loading platform (10) via the motor vehicle exit area (22).

Description

The invention relates to a mobile charging platform for transporting and electrically charging at least one motor vehicle, the charging platform having at least one charging area in which a motor vehicle can be positioned, the at least one charging area being assigned a charging device which, in the event that a motor vehicle is at least its charging area is positioned, can be coupled to a motor vehicle-side charging device for transmitting electrical energy to the motor vehicle positioned in the charging area. Furthermore, the loading platform is designed to move while the motor vehicle positioned in the at least one loading area is being charged.

By means of such a mobile loading platform, motor vehicles can advantageously also be transported at the same time while they are being charged, as a result of which they can be brought a little closer to their destination and the loading time can be used meaningfully.

In this context, the DE 10 2016 003 532 A1 an energy transmission device for a transport vehicle for transmitting electrical energy from the transport vehicle to vehicles transported by the latter. In order to create an improved energy transmission device, it is provided there that electrical energy can also be transmitted from the transported vehicles to the transport vehicle by means of the energy transmission device. Conversely, however, energy can also be transferred from the transport vehicle to the vehicles for charging the transported vehicles. The energy transmitted to the transported vehicles can in turn be obtained from the transport vehicle via an external supply line, in particular an overhead line. The transport vehicle can be designed as a truck which can transport a plurality of vehicles in two rows arranged one above the other.

It would be desirable to be able to use such a mobile charging platform or such a transport vehicle as efficiently as possible for charging motor vehicles. However, so far, numerous factors have prevented such efficient use. For example, loading such a transport vehicle with numerous motor vehicles and unloading these motor vehicles after these motor vehicles have been loaded would be very time-consuming. If this process takes too long, however, so that this time disadvantage can no longer be made good by being transported while charging, then such a transport vehicle naturally turns out to be very inefficient and unprofitable. Furthermore, in principle, only all motor vehicles can be loaded and unloaded at the same time. For example, if a motor vehicle has finished the charging process earlier than others, and this motor vehicle is in an unfavorable position on the transport vehicle, the other vehicles in the way would first have to be removed from the transport vehicle in order to be able to unload the fully loaded motor vehicle from the transport vehicle . However, this would delay the transport even further, at least for the other vehicles still to be charged. Conversely, if, on the other hand, all vehicles could only be unloaded from the transport vehicle at the same time, users whose vehicles are first fully charged would have to accept further waiting times and, depending on the payment system, unnecessary additional costs. This greatly reduces the efficiency of the comfort of use of such a transport vehicle, which in turn could discourage many users from wanting to use such a transport vehicle. If, on the other hand, very few motor vehicles are transported by the transport vehicle so that not all available loading spaces are occupied, then such a transport vehicle is just as energetically inefficient.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a mobile charging platform that is as efficient as possible for conveying and electrically charging at least one motor vehicle, in particular with regard to at least one of the above-mentioned factors.

This object is achieved by a mobile loading platform with the features according to independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description and the figures.

A mobile charging platform according to the invention for conveying and electrically charging at least one motor vehicle has at least one charging area in which a motor vehicle can be positioned. The at least one charging area is assigned a charging device which, in the event that a motor vehicle is positioned in the at least one charging area, can be coupled to a motor vehicle-side charging device for transmitting electrical energy to the motor vehicle positioned in the charging area, the charging platform also being designed for this purpose to move while the motor vehicle positioned in the at least one charging area is being charged. Furthermore, the loading platform has a motor vehicle access area and a motor vehicle exit area, which are arranged at opposite ends of the loading platform with respect to a designated direction of travel of the loading platform are, wherein the at least one loading area is arranged with respect to the intended direction of travel of the loading platform between the motor vehicle access area and the motor vehicle departure area. The motor vehicle access area and the motor vehicle exit area are designed such that a motor vehicle can be driven onto the loading platform via the motor vehicle access area and can be driven down from the loading platform via the vehicle exit area.

As a result, a roll-on roll-off platform can be provided, so to speak, which enables motor vehicles to be transported and charged particularly easily to be loaded and unloaded. Via the motor vehicle access area, motor vehicles that want to use the mobile loading platform can drive onto them, for example at corresponding entry and exit stations, preferably while the mobile loading platform is at a standstill there. In a corresponding manner, motor vehicles transported and charged by the mobile charging platform can easily drive down from the charging platform again, in particular automatically, at such stations via the motor vehicle departure area. Because the motor vehicle entrance area and the motor vehicle exit area are also located at opposite ends of this mobile loading platform, other vehicles can in turn drive onto the loading platform at the same time while vehicles are moving down from the loading platform. This makes it particularly time-saving to pick up new motor vehicles on the loading platform and to unload motor vehicles that have already been transported and charged, for example. This allows the efficiency of such a charging platform to be significantly increased compared to previous solutions. In combination with the fact that the motor vehicles can be moved through the mobile charging platform during charging, the mobile charging platform according to the invention provides a particularly time-efficient charging option for charging motor vehicles.

The movement of the loading platform is preferably not rail-bound. The loading platform preferably has wheels, so that conventional roads and paths can be used as transport routes by the mobile loading platform. Such mobile loading platforms can then be used in a particularly advantageous manner, for example on motorways or other main traffic arteries, and corresponding entry and exit stations can be provided, for example, at rest areas or rest stations that are usually present in sufficient frequency along motorways anyway. As a result, the usage logistics of such mobile charging platforms can also be designed particularly easily and efficiently. Similar to the way passenger buses transport people and stop at appropriate stops according to their timetable, the corresponding transport of motor vehicles can also be implemented using the mobile loading platform, for example.

Furthermore, the motor vehicles that can be transported by the mobile loading platform are preferably passenger cars, two-wheelers, three-wheelers or minibuses.

The charging device provided at the at least one charging area can also be designed as a galvanically isolated charging device for contactless charging of a corresponding motor vehicle-side charging device, such as an inductive or capacitive charging device or charging plate, or also as a conductive charging device that is used for charging with the motor vehicle-side Charging device must be galvanically connected to this, for example in the form of a charging plug or the like.

In addition, several different such charging devices that provide different coupling or energy transmission principles, such as those just described, can also be assigned to the at least one charging area. This offers a particularly high degree of flexibility with regard to the available charging options.

Furthermore, the loading platform can have a longitudinal axis, wherein the loading platform can be designed to move in the direction of its longitudinal axis, for example both forwards and backwards. This longitudinal axis can then also define the intended direction of travel at the same time when the loading platform is moving. The longitudinal axis of the loading platform can for example be defined analogously to the longitudinal axis of a motor vehicle.

The fact that the motor vehicle access area and the motor vehicle departure area are arranged at opposite ends of the loading platform with respect to the intended direction of travel can therefore be understood to mean that these two motor vehicle access and vehicle departure areas are arranged at opposite ends of the loading platform with respect to the longitudinal axis of the loading platform that has just been defined.

Also viewed with respect to this longitudinal axis, the at least one loading area then lies between the motor vehicle access area and the motor vehicle departure area.

The motor vehicle entrance area and the motor vehicle departure area do not have to be necessarily differ from one another in some structural way. For example, the mobile charging platform can also be used bidirectionally, so to speak. For example, it can be designed so that on the one hand its direction of travel can also be reversed in any way without having to turn the loading platform and without changing the driving or transport properties of the loading platform, such as its maximum achievable speed. For example, the motor vehicle entrance area can also be used as a motor vehicle exit area and, conversely, the motor vehicle departure area as a motor vehicle entrance area. As a result, the mobile charging platform can provide a particularly high level of flexibility, which in turn benefits the efficiency of this charging platform. In this way, turning maneuvers by heart can also be avoided or significantly simplified. The entry and exit areas of the loading platform can be provided, for example, by corresponding ramps arranged on both sides of the loading platform, as will be described in more detail below.

Accordingly, it represents a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention when the motor vehicle access area has a first ramp which is designed such that a motor vehicle, at least when the first ramp is in a certain position of use, from a surface on which the mobile loading platform is located is currently located, can be driven onto the loading platform via the first ramp, and / or wherein the motor vehicle departure area has a second ramp which is designed such that a motor vehicle, at least when the second ramp is in a certain position of use, can move from the loading platform via the The first ramp can be lowered onto a surface on which the mobile loading platform is currently located. Such a ramp advantageously enables motor vehicles to move up and down automatically, which in turn enables particularly fast and efficient loading of the loading platform with motor vehicles and unloading of motor vehicles, for example loaded motor vehicles, from the loading platform. The direct integration of such ramps on the loading platform in turn enables a particularly high degree of flexibility in the possible uses of the loading platform. As an alternative or in addition, such ramps could also be provided at the entry and exit stations mentioned above, which can then be approached in a suitable manner to the loading platform for loading and unloading this loading platform, in particular to the opposite ends of the loading platform described above, which also the opposing vehicle entrance and vehicle exit areas are provided. If, on the other hand, such ramps are integrated directly on the loading platform, the mobile loading platform is advantageously not dependent on the presence of such ramps at corresponding entry and exit stations. In principle, the mobile loading platform can therefore use any holding facility to load and / or unload motor vehicles there.

Furthermore, such a ramp can be designed in the mentioned position of use so that one end of it touches the ground on which the loading platform is currently located, or one end is positioned on this and is supported on it, so that when driving up or down of a motor vehicle, a certain proportion of the resulting force acting on the ramp can be absorbed by the ground. This enables a simpler and more economical design of such a ramp. However, such a ramp can also be designed in such a way that it does not necessarily have to contact the ground even in the position of use but, for example, there is a small gap between the ground and the lower end of the ramp, which nonetheless allows vehicles to drive up or down unhindered Motor vehicles allows. In principle, the mobile loading platform could then also move while at the same time motor vehicles drive up or down onto the loading platform. Also, the ramp would then not necessarily have to be designed to be movable, but can, for example, also remain in its position of use while driving or during the transport of motor vehicles, even though it is also unused, for example. Mechanics or other components for providing the possibility of moving the ramp can be saved as a result. In addition, times for moving up or down the ramp or moving in or out of the ramp can be saved.

Nevertheless, it is preferred that the first and / or second ramp is designed to be movable between the specific position of use and a stowage position different from the position of use. In order to bring such a ramp from the position of use into the stowed position, it can for example be folded up and / or retracted, or the like. The ramp is preferably designed in such a way that it does not contact the ground, at least in the stowed position. This allows the mobile loading platform to move unhindered when the ramp is in the stowed position. The ramp is also designed in such a way that it is at a greater distance from the ground in the stowed position than in its use position. Even if, for example, the ramp does not touch the ground in the position of use, as well as this above has been described, it is nevertheless preferred that this gap between the ramp and the ground is enlarged in the stowed position of the ramp so that greater ground clearance is created for the movement of the mobile loading platform. By providing such a stowage position for the at least one ramp, i.e. the first and / or second ramp, the movement of the mobile loading platform when the ramp in question is in the stowed position is advantageously made significantly easier, safer and can also be optimized with regard to their aerodynamic properties. The effective length of the mobile loading platform can also be reduced by the mobility of the first and / or second ramp when the relevant ramp is in the stowed position, which also has a positive effect on the surrounding traffic while the mobile loading platform is moving For example, this loading platform on a motorway can overtake it much more easily. In other words, the at least one ramp can be moved in such a way that the mobile loading platform is shorter in the direction of its longitudinal axis defined above when the at least one ramp is in the stowed position than when the at least one ramp is in the use position.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading platform has an assistance system which is designed to drive the loading platform autonomously. The assistance system can, for example, have an autonomy level of at least 3, preferably an autonomy level of at least 4 or even 5. Accordingly, only one person can be present to monitor the charging platform, especially while driving, but while the charging platform is in use, except in the event of unforeseen errors , takes over all driving tasks and other tasks automatically. It can even be provided, as is the case, for example, with an autonomy level of 5, that no monitoring personnel at all is required. In such a configuration, the mobile charging platform is particularly efficient in several respects. On the one hand, this can save drivers. Above all, however, a type of driver's cab can be saved, which would otherwise usually have to be located in the front area of the loading platform in order to allow the relevant driver or supervisor an adequate view of the road. In order to still enable a motor vehicle access area and a motor vehicle exit area at the ends opposite the longitudinal axis of the loading platform, such a driver's cab would either have to be arranged above such an area, which would require more structural height, or, on the other hand, be arranged in some way next to this entrance or exit area be what would increase the installation space in the lateral direction. Without the need for a driver or the like, such a driver's cab is also dispensed with and the entire front area can be used to provide the motor vehicle entry area or motor vehicle departure area. At the same time, a particularly low overall height can be achieved, which is particularly beneficial for driving through bridges or tunnels or the like and in turn increases the application possibilities of the mobile loading platform. The installation space perpendicular to the direction of travel can also be minimized or otherwise used significantly more efficiently, for example by not only providing a loading lane, but also lanes arranged next to one another in the direction of travel on the loading platform, in which either, on the one hand, charging options can also be provided or which can be used otherwise can, so that motor vehicles that want to leave the platform at a stopping station or entry and exit station can do so unhindered without all other motor vehicles also having to leave the loading platform. Incidentally, such an additional passing lane for the simplified loading and unloading of motor vehicles, especially if several loading areas are provided one behind the other in the direction of travel on the loading platform, can also be provided again by an extendable widening that is only extended, for example, when the mobile Loading platform is at a standstill and / or at such an entry and exit station, but can be retracted while driving, so that the mobile loading platform does not have an excess width for conventional lanes.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the loading platform has at least one pantograph which can be coupled to an infrastructure-side overhead line, and via which the mobile charging platform can be supplied with electrical energy when coupled to the overhead line. Since the mobile charging platform requires a lot of electrical energy not only for its own movement but also for charging the vehicles being transported, such overhead line operation of the mobile charging platform is particularly advantageous because the charging platform itself can be made particularly light and inexpensive and does not have large storage options must be provided to provide the electrical energy. Intermittent charging of such storage options can also be saved, which in turn saves an enormous amount of time for the operation of such a mobile charging platform. In connection with trucks in particular, tests are currently being made with vehicles powered by overhead lines. It is accordingly to be expected that there will be a corresponding expansion of the infrastructure, especially in the Area of highways, will come to provide such overhead line-powered operation of trucks. Such supply lines designed as overhead lines can then be used in the same way by the mobile charging platform in order to obtain energy, in particular electrical energy, and to use this optionally for its own operation and, above all, for charging the transported vehicles or their energy stores .

Especially in combination with such an operation of the mobile charging platform that is powered by overhead lines, it is particularly advantageous if it is designed for autonomous driving, since the lane with respect to the overhead line can be kept much more reliably and more accurately in this way. For this purpose, the mobile charging platform, as is already known in connection with autonomous motor vehicles, can also have a suitable environment sensor system, such as cameras and / or radars and / or laser scanners, and / or ultrasonic sensors, as well as a corresponding control and Actuators for autonomous operation, in particular safe autonomous operation, and in particular also a suitable track guidance system in order to be able to operate reliably in the area of the overhead line.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mobile charging platform has at least two mechanically completely decoupled charging platform units comprising at least one main unit, at least the main unit having a central control device for controlling autonomous driving of the charging platform and / or a pantograph for Coupling with an infrastructure-side overhead line for supplying the charging platform with electrical energy, and / or a communication module for communication with motor vehicles and / or a higher-level external control center. At least the main unit can accordingly have all of the components necessary for operating the mobile charging platform. Optionally, however, the further loading platform units can also have these components, so that a respective one of the loading platform units can also be designed for independent and autonomous operation independently of the respective other one of the loading platform units. In other words, for example, several such mobile charging platforms can be coupled together and thereby provide a larger mobile charging platform. However, it is particularly advantageous if only one of these loading platform units, namely that which is designed as the main unit mentioned, has the components necessary for operating the mobile loading platform, in particular the components necessary for moving the mobile loading platform, while the remaining loading platform units can be designed as a trailer, so to speak. The intelligence required to control the movement of the mobile charging platform, as well as the optional pantographs or the communication module described in more detail later, can only be installed in a single unit, the main unit, the mobile charging platform, which makes the mobile charging platform particularly efficient and can be designed cost-effectively. This is because the mobile charging platform can be expanded with additional charging areas simply by coupling further such charging platform units and thus adapted particularly efficiently depending on demand. In other words, if, for example, a particularly large number of motor vehicles would like to be placed on the mobile loading platform at an entry and exit station, a corresponding number of loading platform units can be coupled to the main unit in accordance with this demand. However, if the demand is very low, only the main unit, if it has at least one loading area, can move with a single transported motor vehicle, or only a correspondingly few loading platform units can be coupled to this main unit. This means that the mobile charging platform can always be used efficiently and fewer or no empty charging areas are unnecessarily transported. This possibility of adaptation and expansion can also be provided in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner, since all central and expensive components can be relocated to the individual main unit, so that the remaining loading platform units can be configured particularly inexpensively. The aforementioned central control device can be, for example, the central control device of the above-described assistance system for autonomous driving of the loading platform. The environment sensors provided for autonomous driving, such as those already described above, on the other hand, can be provided not only on the main unit, but also on the other loading platform units, so that, for example, when several loading platform units are coupled, a good all-round view by means of these environment sensors enable mobile charging platform. The pantograph mentioned here can also represent the at least one pantograph described above for coupling to the overhead line.

It is also particularly advantageous if the loading platform has a communication module for communication with motor vehicles and / or a higher-level external control center. The communication with the motor vehicles can be used, for example, to carry out corresponding identification, registration and / or authorization processes as well as payment processes or the like. For example, such communication can be used so that motor vehicles before the Using the loading platform, you can reserve them, for example. The charging processes can also be coordinated and controlled via such communication, for example, and charging process-specific data can be exchanged between the charging platform and the relevant motor vehicle which is to be charged by the charging platform. Such charging data represent, for example, the required type of charging, for example inductive or conductive, the maximum charging power, the current state of charge of the motor vehicle battery or other charging parameters. A communication option with a higher-level external control center can also be provided by this communication module and is particularly advantageous because this enables higher-level coordination. This allows, for example, a central control and administration of several such charging platforms. Via such a superordinate external control center, which can be designed, for example, as a central data processing device, for example as an internet server or cloud server, for example the routes to be traveled can be determined and these can be transmitted to the loading platform, which then according to these specifications moves. Route changes, for example due to traffic jams or other obstacles, can also be determined by the external control center and communicated to the loading platforms. The external control center can also plan and coordinate at which entry and exit stations should be stopped, as well as which or how many vehicles should be loaded or unloaded at the corresponding stations and corresponding control signals can be sent from the external control center to the relevant loading platforms for implementation be transmitted.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading platform has a positioning device which is designed to position a motor vehicle located on the loading platform relative to at least part of the loading device assigned to the at least one loading area. Such a positioning device can be designed, for example, as a type of conveyor belt or turntable or the like. This can be the case in particular if the positioning device is designed to move the motor vehicles located on the loading platform in order to bring them into the correct position with respect to their associated loading device, if necessary. Conversely, however, the loading devices of the loading platform themselves could also be moved in order to bring them into the correct position with respect to the motor vehicles to be charged. This enormously facilitates correct positioning of the motor vehicle and charging device with respect to one another and offers a great deal of convenience for any users of the motor vehicles. It is also conceivable that other autonomously driving vehicles without users or drivers currently present can be transported and charged on the mobile charging platform. Such motor vehicles can then also be correctly positioned with respect to their assigned loading devices by means of the positioning device without having to be designed for this themselves.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the loading platform has a fixing device assigned to the at least one loading area, which is designed to fix a motor vehicle located in the loading area in its position at least for a predeterminable period of time. Above all, this makes it possible to increase safety when transporting motor vehicles. Such fixing devices can be provided, for example, as a type of tire claw or towing claw and / or raise the drive axle of the relevant motor vehicle by means of a cheek lifter, so that the drive wheels of the relevant motor vehicle no longer come into contact with the ground. This can efficiently prevent drivers from inadvertently moving their vehicles away from the relevant loading area while the mobile loading platform is in motion or the respective vehicles, for example when no gear is engaged and / or the handbrake is not activated, automatically, for example by Roll away, move away.

The predefinable time period can be defined, for example, as the transport time period for which the relevant motor vehicles are transported by the mobile loading platform. For example, it can be provided that the mobile charging platform only starts moving when all the vehicles are in the secured state by the fixing device and the relevant fixing devices of the mobile charging platform are only released again when the mobile charging platform is at least back is at a standstill and / or, for example, at the intended location for loading and unloading motor vehicles.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the loading platform has a comfort device which has at least one movable component, in particular a comfort box, wherein the comfort device is designed to automatically move the movable component to a predetermined position relative to one on the To move the loading platform located motor vehicle in order to deliver certain goods to a user of the motor vehicle and / or in order to pick up certain objects which can be delivered to the movable component by the user of the motor vehicle. Such a convenience box can for example be designed as a catering box, by means of which food and / or luxury items, such as snacks, drinks, food or Have something similar to the motor vehicles currently located on the loading platform transported, for example when the corresponding user orders. The comfort box can also be designed as a waste disposal box, post box or the like. A number of such boxes can also be provided for the different purposes. Such a comfort box can then, for example, pivot in front of the side window of the transported motor vehicle and deliver or receive the corresponding goods and / or objects to the users of the motor vehicles concerned. As a result, the comfort of the respective user can be significantly increased during transport and the resulting increased acceptance of such a charging platform also in turn increases its efficiency. Further comfort devices can also be provided on the mobile loading platform. For example, especially for two-wheeler users, but also for other motor vehicle users, a suitable living area, for example a house or the like, can be provided so that interaction options and more degrees of freedom of movement are also given for the users concerned. The mobile charging platform can also be designed in the manner of a driving drive-in cinema or the like in order to provide more entertainment options for the users concerned.

The invention also includes the combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer mobilen Ladeplattform gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung; und
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer mobilen Ladeplattform mit mehreren koppelbaren Ladeplattformeinheiten gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a mobile loading platform according to an embodiment of the invention; and
• 2 a schematic representation of a mobile loading platform with a plurality of couplable loading platform units according to a further embodiment of the invention.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another and that also develop the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

In the figures, the same reference symbols denote functionally identical elements.

1 shows a schematic representation of a mobile loading platform 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The loading platform 10 is in this example as a single loading platform unit 10a , especially in the form of a main unit 10a designed. The mobile charging platform 10 but can also have additional loading platform units 10b (see. 2 ) that are in the form of trailers with the main unit 10a can be coupled as follows 2 is described in more detail.

In general, this has mobile charging platform 10 at least one loading area 12 , in this example two loading areas 12 , on, with a respective loading area 12 one or at least one charging device 14th is assigned with a relevant, in this assigned loading area 12 positioned motor vehicle 16 can be coupled to this motor vehicle 16 or to charge its energy store, in particular with electrical energy. These charging devices 14th corresponding to the respective loading areas 12 assigned can be used as inductive or conductive charging devices 14th be trained. In particular, in a respective loading area 12 a selection of various different charging options by the relevant charging devices 14th be provided. In 1 are an example of a conductive charging device 14th shown, which corresponds to the loading area shown on the left 12 is assigned, as well as an inductive charging device 14th , which is designed as a loading plate and the loading area shown on the right 12 assigned. In the respective loading areas 12 positioned motor vehicles 16 can thus advantageously while driving the mobile charging platform 10 via the corresponding charging facilities 14th Loading. This makes charging particularly efficient, since the more or less tedious charging time can be used efficiently to charge the motor vehicles in question 16 still to be transported further and thus bring their actual goal a little closer. Albeit a loading in the respective loading areas 12 positioned motor vehicles 16 while driving the mobile charging platform 10 is provided, these vehicles can nevertheless also be charged 16 take place while also the mobile charging platform 10 is at a standstill.

It is now particularly advantageous that this mobile charging platform 10 as a roll-on roll-off platform 10 is trained. For this purpose are on opposite ends 18th the loading platform 10 each a vehicle access area 20th and an automobile departure area 22nd intended. This entrance and exit area 20th , 22nd can at the with respect to a longitudinal axis L of the loading platform 10 opposite ends 18th the loading platform 10 be arranged. This longitudinal axis L can also be an intended direction of travel F of the mobile loading platform 10 define. In other words, the mobile charging platform can 10 move parallel to its longitudinal axis L to move. The mobile charging platform 10 can also be used for bidirectional travel, i.e. both in and against the in 1 be formed as an example of the direction of travel F shown.

Advantageously, they are now still in the respective entrance and exit areas 20th , 22nd respective ramps 24 arranged. Such access and exit ramps 24 enable the respective motor vehicles to be driven up and down particularly easily 16 for example at appropriately designated entry and exit stations. These ramps 24 can also be designed to be movable. This means that they can be moved between a use position G and a stowed position V. An example is in 1 the driveway area 20th assigned ramp 24 shown in its position of use G, in which one end of the ramp 24 on an underground 25th rests on which the loading platform is 10 currently located while the the downhill area 22nd assigned ramp 24 is shown in their stowed position V. The loading and unloading of motor vehicles 16 can through the in the respective entrance and exit areas 20th , 22nd existing ramps 24 be designed to be infrastructure-independent, so that a particularly high degree of flexibility is provided, which at the same time enables motor vehicles to be loaded and unloaded particularly quickly, or to drive them up and down 16 is made possible. The vehicles being transported or to be transported 16 can then drive up and down forwards, in particular without on the loading platform 10 having to turn.

In addition to the route infrastructure described below, vehicles can be loaded and unloaded 16 preferably also entry and exit stations are set up along the large long-distance routes, for example motorways. For example, existing rest stations and parking spaces or rest areas can be used for this purpose. The distance between such entry and exit stations is preferably dimensioned so that an empty battery vehicle 16 during transport on the platform 10 can be fully charged again. The distances can, however, also be made shorter, so that at least partial loading is possible. For example, such stations can be located at a distance of between 15 and 30 minutes by car, which can correspond to a full charge of an energy store, especially with the fast charging options that are available or can be made available nowadays.

Also includes the mobile charging platform 10 preferably at least one pantograph 26th , via which the mobile charging platform 10 electrical energy from an overhead line 28 , which is provided on the infrastructure side. This related electrical energy can then be used to charge the relevant motor vehicle 16 can be used, as well as, if necessary, to drive the mobile charging platform 10 himself too. The mobile charging platform has accordingly 10 preferably also an electric drive unit not explicitly shown here. Furthermore, the mobile charging platform 10 or its drive unit designed so that the mobile loading platform 10 can reach at least truck speed, for example at least 100 km / h, possibly also higher speeds. Furthermore, it is preferred that the mobile charging platform 10 is trained for autonomous driving. For this purpose, the mobile charging platform can have a corresponding assistance system 29 with a central control unit 30th , or several control units 30th , exhibit. This assistance system can also 29 several environmental sensors 32 have, of which two are shown here by way of example, and which can be designed, for example, as cameras, ultrasonic sensors, radars and / or laser scanners. The one from the environment sensors 32 The captured environment data can then be used in a corresponding manner, as is also known from autonomous driver assistance systems in connection with conventional motor vehicles, from the control device 30th be evaluated, and based on this evaluation, the central control device 30th driving the mobile loading platform 10 Taxes. In this way, sensors and actuators for safe autonomous operation, and in particular also a suitable lane guidance system, can thus also be provided for the mobile charging platform, for example in order to be reliable in the area of the overhead contact line 28 to be able to operate.

In addition, the loading platform 10 , especially for a particular loading area 12 also a suitable fixing device 34 , for example in the form of an automatic locking mechanism, to the transported vehicles 16 to be fixed safely while driving and to hold in their respective positions. Such a fixing device 34 is in 1 for the sake of clarity only for one motor vehicle as an example 16 or a loading area 12 shown. Furthermore, the loading platform 10 also have a guidance and positioning system, which is also not explicitly shown here, to guide vehicles moving up and down 16 in a suitable manner to their loading areas 12 to manage or correctly with regard to the respective charging facilities 14th to position and / or a guided shutdown of the motor vehicles 16 from the loading platform 10 after loading the vehicles 16 to enable. For this purpose, as part of such a guidance and positioning system, the appropriate Charging facilities 14th or at least parts thereof be designed to be movable in their position, so that by moving these parts of the loading devices 14th an optimal position relative to the motor vehicles 16 that by means of these charging devices 14th to be electrically charged, can be set. Such a guidance and positioning system can, however, also comprise a type of conveyor belt, as is also used, for example, in connection with washing systems or the like, and on which the motor vehicles 16 can be positioned, and can be transported to their respective predetermined positions without driving automatically. Then you need a motor vehicle 16 only, for example via the ramp 24 of the driveway 20th onto the loading platform 10 drive up, is then automatically on such a conveyor belt, and then the motor vehicle in question 10 without having to continue driving automatically, by the conveyor belt to its correct loading position in the assigned loading area 12 transported while on the ramp 24 similar to other motor vehicles 16 can drive up in a corresponding manner. The departure of the respective motor vehicles 16 can be completely analogous.

Furthermore, the loading platform 10 also have a system for extended comfort functions, such as an automatic in front of a side window 16a of the vehicles being transported 16 swiveling comfort box 36 , which can be designed, for example, as a catering box, as a waste disposal box, post box, etc. With such a convenience device, drinks, snacks or other goods can then advantageously be ordered, for example by the respective user of the motor vehicle 16 , to the respective motor vehicles 16 be delivered and at the same time also garbage via such a box 36 be disposed of. The user comfort that can be increased in this way can in turn increase the willingness to use such a mobile charging platform, and thus in turn the efficiency of such a mobile charging platform 10 . Other comfort facilities can also be found on the loading platform 10 or through this loading platform 10 to be provided. For example, vehicle occupants can either be in the transported vehicle during the transport and / or charging process 16 remain or even in one on the loading platform 10 designated area, which is particularly advantageous for two-wheeler users. As a result, shelter can be provided, for example in bad weather, and additional amenities such as entertainment and seating can also be provided. Such a lounge area can, for example, be a small house on the platform surface of the mobile loading platform 10 to be provided. You can also use the mobile charging platform 10 passengerless autonomous vehicles can also be transported and charged. In addition, the mobile charging platform can also be a means of communication 31 have, for example, with the transported motor vehicles 16 or other motor vehicles 16 to communicate, as well as with the environment, such as a higher-level system control that acts as an external central data processing device 38 can be designed to implement a higher-level coordination and organization as well as route planning or the like. Such means of communication 31 can for example in the form of a communication module 31 as part of the control device 30th be designed.

2 shows another example of a mobile charging platform 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. This mobile charging platform 10 now includes multiple loading platform units 10a , 10b which, for example, can be coupled or decoupled depending on the request and the load status, whereby particularly flexible and efficient adaptation options can be provided to the current demand, for example at an entry and exit point or an entry and exit station. The individual loading platform units 10a , 10b can be designed in the same way, so that each of these units 10a , 10b again an autonomous and independent mobile charging platform 10 can provide. But it can also be provided, as well as this in 2 illustrated is that a main unit 10a is provided, for example like the main unit 10a or the entire loading platform 10 like this too 1 has been described, can be formed, while the further loading platform unit 10b like this in 2 is shown, is designed in a significantly simplified manner. For example, the components described, such as the central control device 30th , the pantograph 26th , the communication module 31 only in this main unit 10a be provided. This allows the additional loading platform unit 10b only as a trailer with corresponding additional loading areas 12 , assigned charging devices 14th , as well as the comfort facilities described 36 , as well as any sensors 32 be designed. This allows the mobile charging platform 10 expand in a particularly flexible and, at the same time, particularly cost-effective way. Especially with regard to autonomous driving and the evaluation of the respective environment sensors 32 provided data by the central control device 30th it is advantageous if the additional loading platform units are also attached to these 10b provided environment sensors 32 with the central control device 30th can communicate or their data to the central control device 30th can transmit.

For coupling and decoupling of the respective loading platform units 10a , 10b can also use a corresponding coupling device 40 intended his. This can be part of just one or each of the loading platform units 10a , 10b his. In addition, it can be provided that at least one of the two ramps 24 , such as the driveway area 20th the main unit 10a assigned ramp 24 can be moved in such a way that the further loading platform unit 10b unhindered with the main unit 10a can be coupled. The downhill area can also be used in a corresponding manner 22nd this further loading platform unit 10b assigned ramp 24 be movable or stowable in a corresponding manner.

Via the coupling device 40 In addition, a transmission option for the transmission of electrical energy can also be provided, so that the overhead line 28 and the pantograph 26th from the main unit 10a drawn electrical energy to the other charging platform units 10b to the respective charging devices 14th is forwardable or feasible. Corresponding power lines from the main unit 10a and the other loading platform units 10b can, for example, via a suitable plug device of the coupling device 40 be connected to each other.

Overall, the examples show how a mobile charging platform can be provided which, thanks to its design as an autonomously driving roll-on roll-off platform for one or more passenger vehicles, enables a significant increase in efficiency in many respects.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102016003532 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Mobile charging platform (10) for conveying and electrically charging at least one motor vehicle (16), the charging platform (10) having at least one charging area (12) in which a motor vehicle (16) can be positioned, the at least one charging area (12) a charging device (14) is assigned which, in the event that a motor vehicle (16) is positioned in the at least one charging area (12), with a motor vehicle-side charging device for transmitting electrical energy to the motor vehicle (12) positioned in the at least one charging area (12). 16) can be coupled, wherein the loading platform (10) is designed to move while the motor vehicle (16) positioned in the at least one loading area (12) is being charged, characterized in that the loading platform (10) has a vehicle access area (20) and a Motor vehicle departure area (22), which with respect to an intended direction of travel (F) of the loading platform (10) on opposite lying ends (18) of the loading platform (10) are arranged, the at least one loading area (12) being arranged between the motor vehicle access area (20) and the motor vehicle departure area (22) with respect to the intended direction of travel (F) of the loading platform (10), and wherein the motor vehicle access area (20) and the motor vehicle exit area (22) are designed in such a way that a motor vehicle can be driven onto the loading platform (10) via the motor vehicle access area (20) and can be driven down from the loading platform (10) via the vehicle exit area (22). Mobile loading platform (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the motor vehicle access area (20) has a first ramp (24) which is designed such that a motor vehicle (16) at least when the first ramp (24) is in a certain use position (G), from a The surface (25) on which the mobile loading platform (10) is currently located, can be driven onto the loading platform (10) via the first ramp (24), and / or wherein the motor vehicle departure area (22) has a second ramp (24), which is designed in such a way that a motor vehicle (16), at least when the second ramp (24) is in a certain position of use (G), moves from the loading platform (10) via the first ramp (24) onto a ground (25), on which the mobile loading platform (10) is currently located, can be moved down. Mobile loading platform (10) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the first and / or second ramp (24) is designed to be movable between the specific use position (G) and a stowage position (V) different from the use position (G). Mobile loading platform (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading platform (10) has an assistance system (29) which is designed to drive the loading platform (10) autonomously. Mobile charging platform (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging platform (10) has at least one pantograph (26) which can be coupled to an infrastructure-side overhead line (28) and via which the mobile charging platform (10) is connected the overhead line (28) coupled state can be supplied with electrical energy. Mobile loading platform (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile loading platform (10) has at least two mechanically completely decoupled loading platform units (10a, 10b) comprising at least one main unit (10a), at least the main unit (10a) has: - a central control device (30) for controlling autonomous driving of the loading platform (10); and / or - a current collector (26) for coupling to an infrastructure-side overhead line (28) for supplying the loading platform (10) with electrical energy; and / or - a communication module (31) for communication with motor vehicles (16) and / or a higher-level external control center (38). Mobile charging platform (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging platform (10) has a communication module (31) for communication with motor vehicles (16) and / or a superordinate external control center (38). Mobile loading platform (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading platform (10) has a positioning device which is designed to move a motor vehicle (16) located on the loading platform (10) relative to at least part of the at least one To position the loading device (14) assigned to the loading area (12). Mobile loading platform (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the loading platform (10) has a fixing device (34) assigned to the at least one loading area (12), which is designed to fix a motor vehicle (16) located in the loading area (12) in its position at least for a predeterminable period of time. Mobile loading platform (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading platform (10) has a comfort device which has at least one movable component (36), in particular a comfort box (36), wherein the comfort device is designed to Movable component (36) automatically to a predetermined position relative to a motor vehicle (16) located on the loading platform (10) in order to deliver certain goods to a user of the motor vehicle (10) and / or to order certain goods from the user of the motor vehicle ( 16) to receive objects which can be transferred to the movable component (36).

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