DE112019004359T5 - Charging arrangement for a vehicle and vehicle with such a charging arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging arrangement (100) for a vehicle (1), the vehicle (1) having at least one energy storage unit (20) and the charging arrangement (100) a housing (110), a solar cell device (120) and a cooling arrangement (130) ), wherein the solar cell device (120) has a solar cell panel (122) and cooling fins (124) which are arranged on a rear side (126 ") of the solar cell panel (122), the solar cell device (120) being set up for an electrical connection with the at least one energy storage unit (20), wherein the charging arrangement (100) is set up to be arranged on the vehicle (1) in such a way that the solar cell panel (122) faces away from the vehicle (1) and in such a way that the cooling fins (124) are extend into a space (140) which is partially delimited by the housing (110), and wherein the cooling arrangement (130) is set up to allow a cooling fluid (131) in the space (140) to take effect around the solar cells device (120) to cool.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a charging arrangement for a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle which has such a charging arrangement.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles with energy storage units (batteries), for example to supply a drive unit with power, usually have to charge the energy storage unit at a charging station. Electric vehicles and electric hybrid vehicles are becoming more and more popular and the batteries that power such vehicles have to be charged frequently. This can cause problems because there are areas where public charging stations are rare and public charging stations often only have a few charging devices and thus only a relatively small number of vehicles can be charged at the same time. An increase in the number of charging stations or charging devices is often opposed to cost and space reasons.

Electric vehicles are currently usually charged in so-called plug-in devices (plug-in devices), the vehicle, ie the vehicle's battery, being connected to a power source. Other solutions are also available. The document US2016 / 0207418 A1 shows, for example, a vehicle with a solar panel mounted on a cabin frame. The solar panel charges the vehicle's battery.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Despite known solutions in this area, there is a need for a technique for charging vehicle batteries that at least partially overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

One aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a new and advantageous charging arrangement which enables vehicle batteries to be charged efficiently and reliably. Another aim is to provide a new and advantageous vehicle that enables efficient and reliable charging of vehicle batteries. These goals are achieved with a charging arrangement and a vehicle according to the independent patent claims.

Accordingly, according to one embodiment of the present description, a charging arrangement for a vehicle is provided, the vehicle having a cargo space for goods and / or passengers and at least one energy storage unit, and wherein the charging arrangement has: a housing; a solar cell device; and a cooling arrangement, wherein the solar cell device has a solar cell panel and cooling fins on the rear side of the solar cell panel, wherein the solar cell device is set up for an electrical connection to the at least one energy storage unit, wherein the charging arrangement is set up for an arrangement on the top of the vehicle in such a way that the Solar cell panel is directed away from the vehicle and such that the cooling fins extend into a space that is partially delimited by the housing, wherein the cooling arrangement is set up to guide a cooling fluid into the space in order to cool the solar cell device.

According to a further embodiment of the present description, a vehicle with a loading space for goods and / or passengers is provided. The vehicle has the charging arrangement described here.

By equipping a vehicle with a solar cell device, the at least one energy storage unit of the vehicle can be charged in a simple manner. The vehicle thus carries the charging arrangement with it and can be charged at any location. The vehicle no longer needs to go to a stationary charging station to charge the energy storage unit. This achieves a time-efficient charging of the energy storage unit. Solar panels that generate electricity can heat up, reducing the efficiency of the solar panel. By equipping the charging arrangement with a cooling arrangement which brings a cooling fluid into the space, it is achieved that the cooling fluid flows through channels which are formed by the cooling fins, whereby the cooling fins and thus the solar cell panel are cooled. The efficiency of the solar cell device can thus be increased. Reliable and efficient charging of energy storage units in a vehicle is thus achieved with the charging arrangement according to the present description.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of details and also from practice of the invention. Although exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below, it goes without saying that it is not restricted to the details described. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings herein, will recognize further applications, modifications, and uses in other fields that are within the scope of the invention.

Figure list

• 1 zeigt schematisch eine Ladeanordnung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2 zeigt schematisch ein Fahrzeug gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 3 zeigt schematisch ein Fahrzeug gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel; und
• 4 zeigt schematisch ein Fahrzeug gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

For a more thorough understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and advantages thereof, the following is a description of details, which are to be understood together with the accompanying figures, wherein the same reference numbers designate corresponding parts in the different figures:

• 1 shows schematically a charging arrangement according to an embodiment;
• 2 shows schematically a vehicle according to an embodiment;
• 3rd shows schematically a vehicle according to an embodiment; and
• 4th shows schematically a vehicle according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF DETAILS

Vehicles with an energy storage unit must charge the energy storage unit in good time. A large number of charging stations only have a limited number of charging devices and there can be long waiting times before charging. To improve the charging process for the energy storage units of a vehicle, charging arrangements for vehicles have been developed. The present description relates to all types of vehicles with devices that come into contact with the ground, be it via wheels or rails. The description also relates to heavy-duty vehicles, such as buses, trucks, etc. In particular, the present description relates to vehicles for use on public roads.

According to one embodiment of the present description, a charging arrangement for a vehicle is provided, the vehicle having a cargo space for goods and / or passengers and at least one energy storage unit, the charging arrangement having a housing; a solar cell device and a cooling arrangement, wherein the solar cell device has a solar cell panel and cooling ribs on the rear side of the solar cell panel, the solar cell device is furthermore set up for an electrical connection with at least one energy storage unit, wherein the charging arrangement is set up to be arranged on the top of the vehicle in such a way that the solar cell panel is facing away from the vehicle and such that the cooling fins extend into a space that is partially delimited by the housing, wherein the cooling arrangement is configured to convey a cooling fluid into the space in order to cool the solar cell device.

The housing can have a top, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back. The charging arrangement can be set up to be arranged on the vehicle in such a way that the top of the housing forms the top of the vehicle. The charging arrangement can be set up to be arranged on the vehicle in such a way that the front of the housing is essentially aligned with the front of the vehicle, while the rear of the housing is essentially aligned with the rear of the vehicle. The front of the housing can thus be designed so that it points forward of the vehicle in the direction of travel. The solar cell device can be arranged on the housing. In one example, the solar cell device is arranged on the housing in such a way that the rear side of the solar cell panel abuts against an outer surface of the upper side of the housing. The cooling fins can extend through the top of the housing into said space. On the other hand, the solar cell device can be integrated into the housing. The solar cell device can thus be arranged in such a way that the solar cell panel forms at least part of the top of the housing.

The solar cell panel can have a plurality of photovoltaic cells which are set up to generate electrical energy in accordance with conventional solar cell panels. The solar cell panel can thus have a top side with the photovoltaic cells. The solar cell panel can be set up for an arrangement such that the top side of the solar cell panel faces away from the vehicle. The top can be configured to face upwards in the direction of the sky. The back of the solar cell panel then points in the direction of the vehicle, i.e. away from the sun. The solar cell device can have a connection box for electronic devices corresponding to conventional solar cell panels. The solar cell device can be set up for an electrical connection to the at least one storage unit via the connection box. In this way, electrical energy can be transmitted from the solar cell device to the at least one energy storage unit. The solar cell device can also transmit electrical energy directly to consumers in the vehicle. The electrical energy of the solar cell device therefore does not necessarily have to charge the energy storage unit; rather, it can be transmitted directly to power consumers, such as a lamp, a fan or the like.

The cooling ribs can also be referred to as disks, which extend from the rear of the solar cell panel. The surface area of the fins increases the rate of heat transfer between the solar cell panel and the cooling fluid by increased convection. The cooling ribs can comprise aluminum.

According to one example, the cooling arrangement has an inlet and an outlet to / from the room, configured to allow ambient air to flow through the room. The cooling fluid can thus be ambient air. The inlet and the outlet can be arranged in the housing of the loading arrangement. The inlet can be designed to allow ambient air to enter the room. If ambient air has entered the room and flows through the channels formed by the cooling ribs, the heat transfer from the solar cell panel into the ambient air causes the ambient air to be heated. The outlet can be configured to remove the heated air from the room. The outlet can be set up to guide the heated air into the surroundings of the vehicle. In this example, the cooling arrangement can furthermore have a first valve element which is controllable to open or close the inlet and a second valve can be configured to open and control the outlet. By controlling the first valve element to an open position, ambient air can enter the room. By controlling the first valve element to a closed position, ambient air is prevented from entering the room. In a similar way, heated air can escape from the room by controlling the second valve element in the open position. Controlling the second valve element in a closed position prevents heated air from leaking out of the room. In particular, by controlling the second valve element in the closed position, it is possible to prevent heated air from escaping into the surroundings of the vehicle. The first valve element can be configured to be controlled in an open position in accordance with the temperature of the solar cell panel and the temperature of the ambient air. If the ambient air has a higher temperature than the solar cell panel, the solar cell module cannot be cooled by the ambient air. The first valve element can therefore be designed to be controlled in the closed position when the ambient air has a higher temperature than the solar cell panel. In a corresponding manner, the first valve element can be set up to be controlled into the open position when the ambient air has a lower temperature than the solar cell panel.

The charging arrangement can have a control device. The control device can be implemented as a separate unit or it can also be distributed over two or more technical units. The control device can have one or more computers. The control device can thus be implemented or realized by a control device with a processor and a memory, the memory containing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the control device to carry out certain method steps. The control device can be set up to control the first valve element and the second valve element. The charging arrangement can furthermore have sensor devices for determining the temperature of the ambient air, the temperature in the cargo space and the temperature of the solar cell panel. The control device can be set up for communication with such sensor devices. If the charging arrangement is used to charge a plurality of energy storage units, the control device can be set up to determine how the electrical energy provided by the solar cell device is distributed to the energy storage units. The control device can be set up to distribute the electrical energy provided on the basis of the current state of charge (SOC) of the various energy storage units. The control device can thus be set up to communicate with the energy storage units in order to be able to determine the current state of each energy storage unit.

According to one example, the cooling arrangement has a fan device which is set up to generate a forced air flow through the room. According to one example, the cooling arrangement has both the above-mentioned inlet and the outlet and also a fan device for generating a forced air flow. The cooling fluid can thus contain both ambient air and a forced air flow. In another example, the cooling arrangement does not have the inlet and the outlet, but has the fan device. The cooling fluid can thus then have the forced (that is to say conveyed by the fan) air flow. The fan device can be arranged in the room or be in fluid communication with the room. The fan device can have several fans.

The cooling arrangement can also have at least one radiator (cooler). The at least one radiator can be connected to the fan device. The at least one radiator can be set up, for example, to cool an energy storage unit and operates in accordance with conventional radiators that are used for cooling. Further components, cooling systems and the like can also be arranged in the space of the charging arrangement.

According to one example, the charging arrangement is configured to be removably arranged on the roof of the vehicle, whereby the space is formed between the housing and the vehicle roof. In this way, the charging arrangement can be placed on any vehicle if necessary. This increases the number of possibilities of use. The housing of the charging arrangement can thus be designed to be detachably attached to the vehicle roof. The housing can thus also be referred to as a cap, hood or cover. The housing can be aerodynamically shaped. When arranged on the vehicle roof, the top, left side, right side, front and rear of the housing enclose the space together with the vehicle roof. The vehicle roof thus forms the floor of the space mentioned. In this example, the at least one energy storage unit can be arranged in the named space of the charging arrangement. The charging arrangement can thus have the energy storage unit. The charging arrangement can furthermore have connection devices for an electrical connection between the energy storage unit and at least one component in the vehicle that consumes electrical energy. In this way, the charging arrangement can be designed as a separate module which provides electrical energy by means of the solar cell device and which stores the electrical energy in an energy storage unit.

According to a further example, the charging arrangement is integrated into the vehicle. The housing of the charging arrangement can form part of the body of the vehicle. The top of the housing can form the vehicle roof. In this example, the loading arrangement can further comprise a partition wall element which is adapted to be arranged between the housing and the cargo space of the vehicle, said space being formed between the partition wall element and the housing. The partition wall element can be an interior panel which forms part of the interior roof lining of the vehicle. The partition wall element can form a bottom side of the envelope of said space.

According to one example, the loading arrangement has a third valve element which is set up to allow heated air to enter the loading space of the vehicle from said space. In this way, warmed-up cooling fluid can be used to efficiently heat the cargo space. The third valve element is thus in fluid communication with the space and with the cargo space. The third valve element can be controllable to open and close an access to the cargo space. The third valve element can be controllable by a control device. The third valve element can be arranged in the vehicle roof if the space is delimited by the vehicle roof, or it can be arranged in the partition wall element if the space is delimited by the partition wall element. On the other hand, the third valve element can also be arranged in the housing, whereby a line can be arranged outside the vehicle between the third valve element and an opening into the cargo space. The third valve element can be set up for a control in such a way that heated air enters the cargo space as a function of the temperature in the cargo space. The control device can thus be set up to determine the current temperature in the cargo space and to determine whether air that has been warmed up in the room is to be fed into the cargo space. The control device can be set up to control the third valve element in an open position when the current temperature in the cargo space is lower than a predetermined temperature. In this way, heated air is led from the room into the hold and the temperature in the hold is increased. The predetermined temperature can be stored in the control device.

According to one example, the second valve element can be controlled to open and close the outlet from the space and to open and close an inlet into the cargo space. The second valve element can thus be set up to ensure that in the open position heated air is discharged from the room into the environment and heated air is prevented from entering the cargo space, while in the closed position heated air is prevented from entering the environment to be handed in and instead led into the hold. The second valve element can thus be controllable into the closed position when the current temperature in the cargo space is lower than a predetermined temperature.

The charging arrangement can furthermore have a fourth valve element which is designed to remove air from the cargo space of the vehicle. If heated air from the room is used to heat the hold, the air should also be removable from the hold. The fourth valve element is thus in fluid communication with the cargo space and the surroundings of the vehicle. In this way, air is circulated in the hold. The fourth valve element can be controllable by the control device.

The first valve element, the second valve element, the third valve element and the fourth valve element can comprise throttles, flaps, ventilators and the like. The first valve element, the second valve element, the third valve element and the fourth valve element can communicate with the control device.

According to one embodiment of the present description, a vehicle is provided with a cargo space for goods and / or passengers. The vehicle also has the charging arrangement described here.

According to one example, the vehicle has a modular structure with a functional module and at least one drive module, the at least one drive module having: a pair of wheels; and a drive unit connected to the wheels; wherein the drive module is set up for autonomous operation to drive the vehicle, the functional module having the charging arrangement. The charging arrangement can thus be arranged on the roof of the functional module or the charging arrangement can be integrated into the functional module. The housing of the charging arrangement can thus form at least part of the roof of the functional module.

The at least one energy storage unit that is to be charged by means of the charging arrangement can be arranged in the functional module and / or in the at least one drive module. The charging arrangement, which is arranged in the functional module, can be set up to charge an energy storage unit in at least one drive module.

The vehicle can be assembled from a set of modules, the set of modules comprising at least one functional module and at least one drive module. The module set can have several drive modules and several functional modules. The various drive modules can be the same or, for example, they can be assigned to different types / sizes of wheels, different wheel suspensions, different power levels and / or different loading capacities. In one example, the drive module has a body with a pair of wheels on opposite sides of the drive module. In one example, the drive module has only one pair of wheels. The drive module has at least one drive unit which is connected to the pair of wheels. The drive unit can be an electric machine that interacts with the wheels. The pair of wheels of the drive module can thus also be referred to as a pair of drive wheels. In one example, the drive module has two electrical machines, one each connected to a wheel. The electrical machines can each be arranged in the rim of the wheel. The wheels of the drive module can thus be driven independently of one another. The electric machines can also work as generators and produce electrical energy when the wheels are braked. The drive module can also have a steering system connected to the wheels. The drive module can be steered in this way. The drive module can also have a braking system for braking the wheels. The brake system suitably has a wheel brake for each wheel of the drive module. Redundancy is achieved in that the drive module can be controlled by means of the electrical machines and / or the wheel brakes if the steering system fails. In one example, the drive module furthermore has at least one energy storage unit in order to supply the drive unit with energy. The energy storage unit can be an electric battery. The electric battery can be rechargeable by means of the charging arrangement described here. If the drive module is described here as being set up for autonomous operation, this means that the drive module has a first control unit and several sensors and systems for steering and driving the drive module automatically as an independent unit according to conventional methods. According to one example, the drive module has a navigation system and sensors for detecting objects in the vicinity of the drive module. Furthermore, the drive module can be set up for communication with a control center, i.e. the first control unit can be set up for communication with a control center. The control center can also be referred to as an off-board system and it can be arranged for fleet organization, vehicle assembly / disassembly and / or the like. The control center is thus geographically positioned at a distance in relation to the modules and the assembled vehicle or vehicles. The first control unit can be set up to receive instructions from the control center and the drive module is controlled in accordance with these commands.

Each functional module is set up to carry out a predetermined function as part of the assembled vehicle. In one example, the functional module is set up to receive and support a load. The at least one functional module can be set up to accommodate passengers and can thus form a bus, together with at least one drive module. On the other hand, the at least one functional module can also be set up to transport goods and thus form a truck, together with at least one drive module. The at least one functional module can be, for example: a garbage truck body, a loading space, a fork body for a forklift truck or a snow plow. The functional module can also have running wheels that are not driven or controlled. A function module cannot perform any movement on its own, but needs a connection to at least one drive module in order to move and thus function as a vehicle to execute. The functional module can have an energy storage unit. The energy storage unit can be charged by one of the charging arrangements described here. The functional module can also have a second control unit. The second control unit of the function module can be set up for communication with the first control units of the drive modules and with the control center.

Each module of the set of modules can also have interfaces for electrical or physical connection with other modules.

According to one example, the control center receives information relating to at least one requested function and / or mission to be carried out of an assembled, modular vehicle. In one example, the control center receives information relating to the at least one function and / or mission to be carried out from an operator via a user interface, such as a touch-sensitive screen, a keyboard or the like. In another example, the information relating to the function and / or mission is automatically obtained from the control center by means of, for example, artificial intelligence on the basis of requested functions and / or missions (tasks) to be carried out. If the control center has information on the function / task to be performed, the control center can determine which type of vehicle is required for the function / task. The control center can select modules for the formation of the assembled vehicle based on the function to be performed with the assembled vehicle. The control center then sends signals to the modules with instructions for assembly. The control center can also give instructions to the modules for an electrical connection of the same. If the assembled vehicle has fulfilled the mission / function, the owner of the vehicle can determine that the vehicle is dismantled, for example in order to use one or the other of the modules again for the assembly of a different type of vehicle.

The assembly of a vehicle from a module set enables dynamic (changing) use of a vehicle depending on the given task or function to be performed. In this way, a truck, garbage truck, bus or snow plow, for example, can be assembled from a set of modules. Not only does this provide increased versatility, but it can also significantly reduce the cost to the vehicle owner compared to having a plurality of different vehicles for different applications. An autonomously operated drive module means that no physical work is required to assemble the vehicle. The assembly of the vehicle is therefore less labor-intensive and time-consuming. Since the assembly is carried out autonomously and is thus made easier and faster, the assembly and also the disassembly of a vehicle can be carried out more frequently. In this way, several different vehicle types can be assembled from one module set during one day. For example, during the day at least one drive module can be connected to a function module to build a vehicle that is used as a bus, while at night, when there is no need for a bus, the same drive module can be used to assemble a vehicle that is used as a bus Garbage truck is used. Since one and the same module can be used for different types of vehicles, the use of the modules is optimized. In the event of errors, damage or defects, the defective module can be easily removed from the vehicle and repaired / replaced. The faulty module can be quickly replaced with a functioning module and the assembled vehicle can continue to operate. The time in which the vehicle is not in use (“vehicle off road”; VOR) can thus be reduced and the operating times of vehicles can be improved.

The modules of an assembled vehicle can communicate with each other and / or with the control center via 4G, 5G, V2I (vehicle to infrastructure), Wi-Fi or any other type of wireless communication medium.

The present description will now be elaborated with reference to the accompanying figures.

1 shows schematically a charging arrangement 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment. The vehicle (not shown) has a cargo space for goods and / or passengers, as in the 2a-b , 3rd and 4th is shown. The loading arrangement 100 has a housing 110 , a solar cell device 120 and a cooling arrangement 130 . The solar cell device 120 is set up for an electrical connection with at least one energy storage unit 20th in the vehicle, so the at least one energy storage unit 20th to charge.

The solar cell device 120 has a solar panel 122 and cooling fins 124 on the back (bottom) 126 " of the solar panel 122 . The solar panel 122 can have a plurality of photovoltaic cells which are set up to generate electrical energy, corresponding to conventional solar cell panels.

The photovoltaic cells can be on the front (upper side) 126 'of the solar cell panel 122 be arranged. The solar cell device 120 can be set up for an arrangement on a vehicle, such that the front 126 ' of the solar panel 122 away from the vehicle, i.e. upwards towards the sky. The backside 126 " of the solar panel 122 can thus be oriented towards the vehicle, i.e. away from the sun. The solar cell device 120 also be designed so that it can be arranged such that the cooling fins 124 into a room 140 extend which is at least partially delimited by the housing 110 . The solar cell device 120 can still have a connection box 128 for electronic components.

The case 110 can have: an upper side 112 , a left side 114 , a right side 116 , a front 118 and a back 119 . The solar cell device 120 can on the case 110 be arranged. In one example, the solar cell device is 120 on the case 110 arranged so that the back 126 " of the solar panel 122 to an outer surface of the top 112 of the housing 110 bumps. The cooling fins 124 can get through the top 112 of the housing 110 in the room 140 extend. On the other hand, the solar cell device 120 in the housing 110 be integrated. The solar cell device 120 can thus be arranged so that the solar cell panel 122 at least part of the top 112 of the housing 110 forms.

The cooling arrangement 130 is set up a cooling fluid 131 in the room 140 promote to the solar cell facility 120 to cool. The cooling arrangement 130 is further based on the 2a-b , 3rd and 4th explained.

The loading arrangement 100 can also be a control device 500 exhibit. The control device 500 can be configured to control the cooling arrangement 130 . The loading arrangement 100 can also have a sensor device 150 have to determine the temperature of the ambient air, the temperature of the solar cell panel 120 and / or the temperature in the cargo area of the vehicle. The control device 500 can be set up with such sensor devices 150 to communicate. The control device 500 can be configured to control the cooling arrangement 130 based on information from the sensor devices 150 . The control device 500 may be configured to determine how the electrical energy is to be used by the solar cell device 120 is delivered to the multiple energy storage units 20th is to be distributed. The control device 500 can be set up, the electrical energy provided on the basis of the current state of charge (SOC) of the various energy storage units 20th to distribute. The control device 500 can thus be in communication with the energy storage units 20th . In the figure there are two energy storage units 20th shown. It is understood, however, that any number of energy storage units 20th with the loading arrangement 100 are chargeable according to the present description.

The 2a and 2 B show schematically a vehicle 1 with a charging arrangement 100 according to an embodiment. The loading arrangement 100 can the in 1 correspond to the charging arrangement shown. The vehicle 1 has a vehicle body 2 , a hold 4th for goods and / or passengers and at least one energy storage unit 20th . 2a shows a side view of the vehicle 1 and 2 B shows a section along the line C in 2a .

The loading arrangement 100 is on the top 3rd of the vehicle arranged. In this example the loading arrangement is 100 removable on the top of the vehicle roof 6th arranged. The case 110 the loading arrangement 100 can therefore be removed from the vehicle roof 6th arranged so that the room 140 between the housing 110 and the vehicle roof 6th is formed. The loading arrangement 100 is on the vehicle 1 arranged so that the top 112 of the housing 110 thus the top of the vehicle 1 forms. The loading arrangement 110 can be on the vehicle 1 be arranged so that the front 118 of the housing 100 with the front of the vehicle 1 aligns while the back 118 of the housing 110 with the back of the vehicle 1 flees. The front 118 of the housing 110 can thus move the vehicle forward 1 be aligned.

In the figure is the solar cell device 120 shown so that they are on the case 110 is arranged such that the back 126 " of the solar panel 122 against an outer surface on the top 112 of the housing 110 abuts and in such a way that the cooling fins 124 through the top 112 of the housing 110 in the room 140 extend. It goes without saying, however, that the solar cell device 120 in the housing 110 can be integrated in such a way that the solar cell panel 122 part of the top 112 of the housing 110 forms.

The cooling arrangement 130 has an inlet 132 and an outlet 134 in and out of the room 140 that are set up, ambient air through the room 140 to let flow. The cooling fluid 131 is represented by an arrow and it can therefore be air from the environment. In this figure is the inlet 132 in the front 118 of the housing 110 arranged and the outlet 134 is on the top 112 of the housing 110 shaped. However, the inlet can 132 and the outlet 134 also in one of the pages 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 119 of the housing 110 be arranged. The inlet 132 can be set up to allow ambient air to enter the room 140 to enable. Is ambient air in the room 140 entered and flows around the cooling fins 124 , it is heated. The cooling fins 124 form channels 125 , how 2 B shows. The ambient air thus flows through the channels 125 and cools the solar cell panel 122 . The outlet 134 is set up to allow the heated air to escape from the room 140 in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 to enable. The cooling arrangement 130 can furthermore have a first valve element 133 have which is controllable to the inlet 132 to open or close, as well as a second valve element 135 which can be controlled to open or close the outlet 134 . The first valve element 133 and the second valve element 135 can through the control device 500 being controlled. In the open position of the first valve element 133 can ambient air into the room 140 enter. In the open position of the second valve element 135 can get heated air out of the room 140 in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 step out. The first valve element 133 and / or the second valve element 135 can be configured to be controlled to an open position based on the temperature of the solar cell panel 122 and the temperature of the ambient air.

The cooling arrangement 130 can still use a blower device 136 have, which is set up, a forced (promoted) air flow through the room 140 to effect. The blower device 136 is here than in the room 140 shown arranged, but it can also be in fluid communication with the space 140 stand. The blower device 136 may have multiple fans.

The loading arrangement 100 can also have a third valve element 160 have, which is set up, heated cooling fluid in the room 140 to allow in the hold 4th of the vehicle 1 to enter. In this way, warmed-up cooling fluid can be used to heat the hold 4th . The third valve element 160 can be controllable to an inlet 162 in the hold 4th to open and close. In this example are the third valve element 160 and the inlet 162 in the hold 4th in the vehicle roof 6th arranged. In the open position of the third valve element 160 can warm air into the hold 4th enter. The third valve element 160 can through the control device 500 be controllable. The third valve element 160 can be set up based on the temperature in the cargo space 4th to be controlled. The third valve element 160 can be arranged to be controlled to an open position when the current temperature in the hold 4th is below a predetermined temperature value.

The loading arrangement 100 can also have a fourth valve element 170 have which is configured to remove air from the cargo space 4th of the vehicle 1 . Is heated air from the room 140 used for heating the cargo space 4th , the air can out of the hold 4th in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 step out. The fourth valve element 170 can through the control device 500 being controlled. The fourth valve element 170 may be located in the vehicle body, in fluid communication with the cargo space 4th and with the environment.

3rd shows schematically a vehicle 1 with a charging arrangement 100 according to an embodiment. The loading arrangement 100 can the in 1 shown. The vehicle 1 has a vehicle body 2 , a hold 4th for goods and / or passengers and at least one energy storage unit 20th .

The loading arrangement 100 is on the top 3rd of the vehicle 1 arranged. In this example the loading arrangement is 100 in the vehicle 1 integrated. The case 110 the loading arrangement 100 thus forms part of the vehicle body 2 . The top 112 of the housing 110 thus forms at least part of the vehicle roof 6th . In the figure is the solar cell device 120 shown so that they are on the case 110 is arranged such that the back 126 " of the solar panel 122 against an outer surface on the top 112 of the housing 110 abuts and in such a way that the cooling fins 124 through the top 112 of the housing 110 in the room 140 extend. However, it is also possible that the solar cell device 120 so in the case 110 that the solar cell panel is integrated 122 part of the top 112 of the housing 110 forms and thus part of the vehicle roof 6th .

The loading arrangement 100 can also be a partition wall element 180 have which between the housing 110 and the hold 4th of the vehicle 1 is arranged so that the room 140 is formed between the partition wall element 180 and the case 110 . The partition wall element 180 can be a panel of the interior lining of the vehicle 1 be, so form the vehicle roof of the vehicle.

The cooling arrangement 130 has an inlet 132 and an outlet 134 in / out of the room 140 to allow ambient air to flow through the room 140 flows. The cooling fluid 131 can thus have ambient air. In this figure is the inlet 132 in the front 118 of the housing 110 arranged and the outlet 134 is on the top 112 of the housing 110 arranged. However can the inlet 132 and the outlet 134 in each of the pages 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 119 of the housing 110 be arranged. The inlet 132 can be set up to allow ambient air to enter the room 140 to enter. Is ambient air in the room 140 entered and flows around the cooling fins 124 , it is heated. The cooling fins 124 form channels 125 , as in 2 B is shown. The ambient air thus flows through the ducts 124 and cools the solar cell panel 122 . The outlet 134 can be set up to take heated air from the room 140 escaping into the vicinity of the vehicle 1 to enable. The cooling arrangement 130 can furthermore have a first valve element 133 have which is controllable to open and close the inlet 132 and a second valve element 135 which is controllable to open and close the outlet 134 . The first valve element 133 and the second valve element 135 can through the control device 500 be controllable. In an open position of the first valve element 133 can ambient air into the room 140 enter. In an open position of the second valve element 135 gets warmed air out of the room 140 dissipated into the surroundings of the vehicle. The first valve element 133 and / or the second valve element 135 can be set up in an open position based on the temperature of the solar cell panel 122 and the temperature of the ambient air to be controlled.

The second valve element 135 can also be controllable to open and close an inlet 162 in the hold 4th . The inlet 162 into the cargo space can through the partition element 180 be educated. The second valve element 135 can thus be set up that in its open position heated air in the room 140 can be discharged into the environment and heated air is prevented from entering the hold 4th to enter, while in the closed position heated air is prevented from being discharged into the environment and instead into the hold 4th to be led. The second valve element 135 can thus be set up for control in the closed position when the current temperature in the hold 4th is less than a predetermined temperature.

The loading arrangement 100 can also have a fourth valve element 170 have, which is set up to remove air from the cargo space 4th of the vehicle 1 . Is heated air from the room 140 used for heating the cargo space 4th , can air out of the hold 4th in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 be discharged. The fourth valve element 170 can through the control device 500 being controlled. The fourth valve element 170 can be used in the vehicle body 2 be arranged in fluid communication with the cargo space 4th and the environment.

Although it is not shown in the figure, the cooling arrangement can 130 a blower device 136 exhibit, as they are in the 2a-b is shown to increase airflow through the room 140 to achieve.

4th shows schematically a vehicle 1 with a charging arrangement 100 according to an embodiment. The loading arrangement 100 can accordingly 1 configured. The vehicle 1 has a hold 4th for goods and / or passengers and at least one energy storage unit 20th .

In this example, the vehicle is 1 a modular vehicle with a functional module 40 and two drive modules 30th . The vehicle 1 can be made from a module set with a plurality of drive modules 30th and a plurality of functional modules 40 be assembled. A vehicle 1 which is assembled from a set of modules can also be referred to as a modularized vehicle, which is "tailor-made" for a specific task or function to be performed. The various drive modules 30th of the set of modules can be the same or the drive modules 30th can be provided for different types / sizes of wheels, different wheel suspensions, different powers and / or different loading capacities.

In this example, each drive module has 30th a pair of wheels 8th on opposite sides of the drive module 30th . The drive modules 30th can only do one pair of wheels 8th exhibit. Every drive module 30th has at least one drive unit 6th that are with the pair of wheels 8th connected is. The drive unit 6th can be an electric machine with wheels 8th connected is. The drive modules 30th can each have two electrical machines 6th have, one with a wheel 8th connected is. The drive modules 30th are set up for autonomous operation to drive the vehicle 1 . The drive modules 30th can also have a first control unit 200 exhibit. The first control unit 200 can be set up for communication with a control center 600 . The control center 600 can also be referred to as an off-board system and it can be set up for so-called fleet management, vehicle assembly / disassembly and / or the like. The control center 600 is thus geographically distant from the modules 30th , 40 and the assembled vehicle 1 . The first control unit 200 can be arranged to receive instructions from the control center 600 and according to these instructions the drive module 30th and the operation of the vehicle 1 being controlled.

The functional module 40 is set up to perform a predetermined function as part of the assembled vehicle 1 . The functional module 40 has a vehicle body 2 and a hold 4th for goods and / or passengers. The functional module 40 still has the charging arrangement 100 . The loading arrangement 100 is on the top 300 of the vehicle 1 arranged. The example shown in the figure shows a charging arrangement 100 that are removable on the roof 6th of the function module 40 is arranged. However, the charging arrangement 100 also just as well in the function module 40 be integrated and the housing 110 the loading arrangement 100 can thus at least part of the roof 6th of the function module 40 form. The functional module 40 can have a second control unit 300 exhibit. The second control unit 300 can be set up for communication with the first control units 200 the drive modules 30th and with the control center 600 . The first control units 200 the drive modules 30th and / or the second control unit 300 of the function module can be in the control device 500 the loading arrangement 100 be included. On the other hand, the control device 500 the loading arrangement 100 also be a separate unit in the function module 40 .

The functional module 40 and each of the drive modules 30th can also interfaces 14th have for an electrical or a mechanical connection with other modules 30th , 40 . The functional module 40 can thus physically and / or electrically with the two drive modules 30th by means of the interfaces 14th be connected.

The functional module 40 and / or one or more of the drive modules 30th can at least one energy storage unit 20th like an electric battery. The at least one electrical storage unit 20th can be set up to provide energy for the drive units 6th of the drive module 30th . The at least one energy storage unit 20th can with the charging arrangement 100 be connected to charge the energy storage unit 20th .

In this example, the solar cell device is 120 in the housing 110 integrated. The solar cell device 120 is thus on the housing 110 arranged that the solar cell panel 122 at least part of the upper side 112 of the housing 110 forms. However, it is also possible that the solar cell device 120 on the case 110 is arranged such that the back 126 " of the solar panel 122 to an outer surface of the top 112 of the housing 110 abuts, and such that the cooling fins 124 through the top 112 of the housing 110 in the room 140 extend. The cooling arrangement 130 can be a blower device 136 have, which is set up, a promoted air flow through the room 140 to effect. The cooling fluid 131 can thus have a promoted air flow. Although it is not shown in the figure, the cooling arrangement can 130 also the inlet 132 and / or the outlet 134 , the first valve element 133 and / or the second valve element 135 according to the 2a and 3rd exhibit. The cooling fluid 131 can thus contain both ambient air and a conveyed air flow. The cooling arrangement 130 can also have at least one radiator 138 have that with the fan device 136 is linked. The at least one radiator 138 can through the control device 500 being controlled.

The loading arrangement 100 can also have a third valve element 160 have, which is set up, heated cooling fluid in the room 140 to allow in the hold 4th of the vehicle 1 to enter. In this way, the heated cooling fluid can be used to effectively heat the hold 4th . The third valve element 160 can be controllable so that there is an inlet 162 in the hold 4th opens or closes. In this example are the third valve element 160 and the inlet 162 in the hold 4th In the roof 6th of the function module 40 arranged. In an open position of the third valve element 160 can warm air into the hold 4th enter. The third valve element 160 can through the control device 500 being controlled. The third valve element 160 can be set up according to the temperature in the hold 4th to be controlled. The third valve element 160 can be arranged to be controlled to an open position when the current temperature in the hold 4th is below a predetermined temperature value.

The loading arrangement 100 can also have a fourth valve element 170 have which is configured to remove air from the cargo space 4th of the vehicle 1 . If heated air from the room 140 is used to heat the cargo space 4th , the air can out of the hold 4th in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 be drained. The fourth valve element 170 can through the control device 500 being controlled.

The fourth valve element 170 can be in the vehicle body 2 of the function module 40 be arranged in fluid communication with the cargo space 4th and the environment.

The above description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. It does not claim to be complete and does not limit the invention to the variants described. A variety of modifications and changes will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. The Exemplary embodiments have been selected and described in more detail in order to be able to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications and thus to enable persons skilled in the art to understand the invention for use in various embodiments and with various modifications according to the intended purpose.

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

• US 2016/0207418 A1 [0003]

Claims (14)

Charging arrangement (100) for a vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle (1) has a loading space (4) for goods and / or passengers and at least one energy storage unit (20), and wherein the charging arrangement (100) has: a housing (110); a solar cell device (120); and a cooling arrangement (130), wherein the solar cell device (120) has a solar cell panel (122) and cooling fins (124) which are arranged on a rear side (126 ") of the solar cell panel (122), the solar cell device (120) being set up for a electrical connection to the at least one energy storage unit (20), wherein the charging arrangement (100) is set up to be arranged on the upper side (3) of the vehicle (1) in such a way that the solar cell panel (122) is directed away from the vehicle (1) and such that the cooling fins (124) extend into a space (140) which is partially delimited by the housing (110), and wherein the cooling arrangement (130) is set up, a cooling fluid (131) in the space (140) become effective to let to cool the solar cell device (120). Loading arrangement (100) according to Claim 1 wherein the cooling arrangement (130) has an inlet (132) and an outlet (134) into / from the space (140) such that ambient air can flow through the space (140). Loading arrangement (100) according to Claim 2 , wherein the cooling arrangement (130) further comprises a first valve element (133) which is controllable to open and close the inlet (132) and a second valve element (135) which is controllable to open and close the outlet (134). The charging arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling arrangement (130) has a fan device (136) which is set up to bring about a conveyed air flow through the space (140). The charging arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging arrangement (100) is adapted to be removably arranged on the vehicle roof (6), the space (140) being formed between the housing (110) and the vehicle roof (6) . Loading arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , wherein the charging arrangement (100) is integrated in the vehicle (1). Loading arrangement (100) according to Claim 6 , further comprising: a partition wall element (180) which is configured to be arranged between the housing (110) and the cargo space (4) of the vehicle (1), the space (140) being formed between the partition wall element (180) and the housing (110). The charging arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a third valve element (160) which is set up to enable cooling fluid heated in the space (140) to enter the cargo space (4). The charging arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a fourth valve element (170) configured to remove air from the cargo space (4). The charging arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling arrangement (130) has at least one radiator (138). Vehicle (1) with a loading space (4) for goods and / or passengers, the vehicle (1) having a loading arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle (1) according to Claim 11 wherein the vehicle (1) is a modular vehicle with a functional module (40) and at least one drive module (30), the at least one drive module (30) having: a pair of wheels (8); and a drive unit (6) connected to the wheels (8); wherein the drive module (30) is set up to be operated autonomously to drive the wheels (1), and wherein the functional module (40) has the charging arrangement (100). Vehicle (1) according to Claim 12 , wherein the at least one energy storage unit (20) is arranged in the functional module (40). Vehicle according to one of the Claims 12 or 13th , wherein the at least one energy storage unit (20) is arranged in the at least one drive module (30).

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