WO2023194513A1

WO2023194513A1 - System for inductive energy transfer

Info

Publication number: WO2023194513A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/059095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mike Böttigheimer
Original assignee: Mahle International Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-04-07
Filing date: 2023-04-06
Publication date: 2023-10-12

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) for inductive energy transfer, in particular to a mobile application (100), which system comprises: a stationary induction charging device (2, 2a) having a stationary energy coil (3, 3a); and a mobile induction charging device (2, 2b) having a mobile energy coil (3, 3b). Precise and reliable determination of the relative position of the energy coils (3) in relation to one another is achieved by means of a positioning device (4) which has, in one of the induction charging devices (2), at least four transmission coils (5) and, in the other induction charging device (2), at least one receiver (6), wherein the transmission coils (5) generate mutually distinguishable positioning fields (60) which interact with the at least one receiver (6), wherein the ratio between the positioning fields (60) is used to determine whether the energy coils (3) overlap one another. The invention also relates to an induction charging device (2) of this kind and to a mobile application (100), in particular a motor vehicle (101), having a mobile induction charging device (2, 2b) of this kind.

Description

System for inductive energy transfer

The present invention relates to a system for inductive energy transmission with a stationary induction charging device and a mobile induction charging device, which interact with one another in a charging operation for inductive energy transmission. The invention also relates to such an induction charging device and a mobile application with such an induction charging device.

A system for inductive energy transfer usually has a stationary induction charging device and a mobile induction charging device. In a charging operation, a power coil of one of the induction charging devices functions as a primary coil and the power coil of the other induction charging device functions as a secondary coil. Such systems are usually used for inductive energy transfer to a mobile application, for example to a motor vehicle, the mobile application having the mobile induction charging device. In mobile applications, the energy coil of the mobile induction charging device is usually the secondary coil during charging operation. For inductive energy transfer, the primary coil generates an alternating magnetic field, which induces a voltage in the secondary coil. In order to enable inductive energy transfer and to increase the efficiency of inductive energy transfer, the primary coil and the secondary coil and thus the energy coils of the induction charging devices must be positioned accordingly relative to one another. For this purpose, it is conceivable to equip the system with a corresponding positioning device.

A corresponding system is known, for example, from EP 2 727 759 B1. The system has a positioning device for a motor vehicle having the mobile induction charging device, around the motor vehicle to be able to navigate. The induction charging device has a transmitter and a receiver.

The DE 10 2012 205 283 A1 shows a system with a positioning device which has an even number of detector coil elements which are wound in opposite pairs and form a detector pair.

The system shown in EP 3 347 230 B1 comprises a positioning device which has a transmission unit in the mobile induction charging device, which emits a transmission signal of a predetermined frequency during operation. The positioning device also has a receiving unit on the stationary induction charging device, which also receives the transmission signal and determines a signal part of the transmission signal. Depending on the signal part determined, a relative position is determined.

DE 10 2017 215 932 B3 describes a method for determining position information of a motor vehicle on a surface. The motor vehicle has a mobile induction charging device. By energizing the energy coil of the mobile induction charging device, at least one magnetic structure arranged in or on a surface traveled by the motor vehicle is magnetized. The structure is stored in a digital map together with a position information of the respective structure, with the position of the motor vehicle being determined based on the magnetized structure.

The present invention is concerned with the task of providing improved or at least different embodiments for a system of the type mentioned, for an induction charging device of the system and for a mobile application with a mobile induction charging device of the system, which in particular eliminate disadvantages from the prior art. In particular, the present invention is concerned with the task for the system Induction charging device as well as improved or at least different embodiments for mobile use, which are characterized by increased precision and / or increased robustness of the detection of the relative positioning of the energy coils of the system.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the subjects of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The present invention is therefore based on the general idea of arranging four transmitting coils relative to one of the energy coils in a system with two energy coils that interact inductively in a charging mode, which generate fields that can be distinguished from one another, and of arranging at least one receiver of the fields relative to the other energy coil, whereby for Detecting the relative position of the energy coils to one another by means of the at least one receiver, the relationship between at least two of the fields generated by the transmitting coils is determined. Due to the fixed arrangement of the transmitter coils to the associated energy coil and the fixed arrangement of the at least one receiver to the other energy coil, the ratio changes depending on the relative position of the energy coils to one another. Thus, the energy coils are arranged to overlap one another, for example, in a predetermined ratio of the fields to one another. In this way, the relative position of the energy coils and in particular an overlapping arrangement of the energy coils relative to one another can be determined in a simple and effective manner. Since ratios of the fields are used to detect the relative position of the energy coils to one another, a reliable determination of the relative position is provided, particularly in comparison to determinations of absolute values known from the prior art. This is due in particular to the fact that the ratio of the received fields does not change or changes only slightly as the distance changes in the height direction. Thus can For example, mobile induction charging devices in associated applications can be installed or arranged at different heights and/or stationary induction charging devices at different heights or depths and the relative position of the energy coils to one another can still be recognized without further calibration. With the idea according to the invention, the detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another is simplified.

As explained, using the ratio to detect the relative position of the energy coils to one another has the particular advantage that repeated calibration of induction charging devices that inductively transmit energy to one another can be dispensed with. This means that at least one ratio can be specified in advance, whereby when such a ratio is determined from the received fields, it is recognized that there is a corresponding relative position of the energy coils to one another. In this way, it is possible in particular to transfer said predetermined ratios either from the induction charging device generating the fields once, preferably before positioning starts, to the receiving induction charging device in order to determine the relative position of the energy coils to one another. Alternatively and preferably, the ratios are predetermined, so that the predetermined ratio is stored in the receiving induction charging device and therefore no transmission to the receiving one

Induction charging device is necessary. In particular, this allows the relative position between energy coils of different stationary induction charging devices and different mobile induction charging devices to be determined in a simple and robust manner without prior calibration.

According to the idea of the invention, the system has a stationary induction charging device with an energy coil and a mobile induction charging device with a mobile energy coil. In charging mode System, one of the energy coils generates an alternating magnetic field, which induces a voltage in the other energy coil for energy transmission. The induction charging devices, in particular the energy coils, are spaced apart from one another in a height direction during charging operation. The system also has a positioning device for detecting the relative position of the energy coils to one another. The positioning device has four transmitter coils in one of the induction charging devices and a receiver in the other induction charging device. The transmission coils are spaced apart from one another, with two of the transmission coils being arranged opposite each other, such that the transmission coils delimit a virtual frame. The frame defines a virtual frame volume that extends in the height direction from the frame. The energy coil of the associated induction charging device is at least partially arranged in the virtual frame volume. The positioning device is designed in such a way that the transmitting coils in a positioning operation each generate fields that can be distinguished from one another, which are also referred to below as positioning fields. In addition, the at least one receiver is designed in such a way that it interacts with the positioning fields generated by the transmission coils during positioning operation. Furthermore, the positioning device is designed such that, during positioning operation, it determines the relationship between at least two of the positioning fields by means of the at least one receiver and, based on the at least one ratio, detects whether the energy coil of the induction charging device having the receiver is located within the virtual frame volume and depending on this outputs a positioning signal.

The determined ratio expediently corresponds to the local ratio of the positioning fields.

The positioning can involve bringing the energy coils closer to one another as well as precise positioning of the energy coils relative to one another, hereinafter also referred to as Referred to as near field positioning, include. The positioning device described here is expediently used for near-field positioning. The near-field positioning is advantageously used when the energy coils are at a distance of less than 1.0 m, preferably less than 0.5 m, from one another in order to position them precisely relative to one another. At least one proximity field can be used to bring the energy coils closer to one another.

The respective energy coil preferably has at least one winding. In the context of the present invention, in particular with regard to the extent of the energy coil, the entire area spanned by the at least one winding is to be understood. In the case of a flat coil, the central area in which there can be no winding is also part of the energy coil.

With the respective transmitter coil, a positioning field of a magnetic and/or electromagnetic type is generated during operation. This means that the respective positioning field is a magnetic and/or electromagnetic field.

It is conceivable, for example, to generate at least one of the positioning fields as an electromagnetic positioning field in the ultra-broadband range.

In preferred embodiments, at least one of the at least one transmission coils, preferably the respective transmission coil, generates a magnetic positioning field during positioning operation. A magnetic positioning field has the advantage over an electromagnetic positioning field that the receiver receives the positioning field more simply and reliably. In addition, in this way it is possible to forego calibration, which, for example, is necessary in the case of transit time differences, such as are usually required in electromagnetic and/or acoustic fields. With the The magnetic positioning field enables a simplified and robust determination of the conditions and thus the relative position of the energy coils to one another. In particular, the elimination of the calibration carried out during the respective positioning also means that the positioning can be carried out between different induction charging devices. In other words, the use of magnetic positioning fields makes it possible to easily implement positioning with different induction charging devices.

A main axis of the respective positioning field preferably runs along the height direction. The respective positioning field is therefore at least predominantly prepared in or along the height direction and can therefore only be received locally transversely to the height direction in the area of the associated transmission coil and energy coil, that is to say essentially on or in the immediate vicinity of the energy coil. The positioning fields are therefore used to determine the relative position locally and thus close to the stationary induction charging device, that is, when the mobile induction charging device has already approached the stationary induction charging device. On the one hand, such main axes have the advantage that the relative position is determined more precisely, in particular because the respective volume is defined more precisely. On the other hand, in this way, overlaps between positioning fields of induction charging devices adjacent transversely to the height direction, for example of adjacent stationary induction charging devices, are prevented or at least reduced. The latter leads to a more precise determination of the relative position as well as a simplified, interference-reduced and reliable operation of several neighboring induction charging devices, for example neighboring stationary induction charging devices. The main axis of a positioning field, which runs along the height direction, is advantageously achieved in that the associated transmitter coil is wound around a winding axis which runs parallel or essentially parallel to the height direction. The transmitter coil therefore has at least one conductor track through which flows during operation, which is wound around the winding axis which runs parallel or essentially parallel to the height direction.

If the energy coil of the induction charging device having at least one receiver is located within the frame volume, this means that the energy coils are arranged one above the other in the height direction and overlap one another transversely to the height direction.

The ratio, which means an arrangement of the energy coil of the induction charging device having at least one receiver within the frame volume, is expediently predetermined in advance. Preferably, the predetermined ratio is stored, so that based on a comparison of the ratio determined by means of the at least one receiver, hereinafter also referred to as the determined ratio, with the stored ratio, it is recognized whether the energy coil of the induction charging device having the at least one receiver is within the frame volume located.

As explained above, the frame is limited by the transmission coils. The frame is a surface, where the surface defines the frame volume. The frame volume extends from the surface in the height direction. Accordingly, the energy coil of the induction charging device having the transmitting coils is arranged either in the frame or offset from the frame in the height direction. During charging operation, one of the energy coils acts as a primary coil that generates the alternating field and the other energy coil acts as a secondary coil in which the alternating field induces the voltage.

Typically, the energy coil of the stationary induction charging device serves as the primary coil and the energy coil of the mobile induction charging device serves as the secondary coil. Variants are also conceivable in which the mobile induction charging device inductively transfers energy to the stationary induction charging device. Bidirectional transmission of energy is also conceivable.

In particular, the system transfers energy inductively to a mobile application that has the mobile induction charging device. The voltage induced in the energy coil of the mobile induction charging device during charging operation can be used to charge a battery. For this purpose, a rectifier can be provided between the energy coil and the battery.

In particular, the system is used to inductively transmit energy to a motor vehicle as a mobile application, for example to charge a battery of the motor vehicle.

In particular in a mobile application, the positioning signal can be used to specify a relative movement of the mobile induction charging device to the stationary induction charging device such that the energy coils are both arranged in the frame volume. The positioning signal can therefore be used to navigate the mobile induction charging device or associated application.

For this purpose, for example, a person, in particular a motor vehicle driver, can be given instructions depending on the positioning signal Moving, especially driving, should be given to the application. For this purpose, for example, optical and/or acoustic signals can be output. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to carry out an autonomous movement of the application, in particular of the motor vehicle, depending on the positioning signal in order to achieve the arrangement of both energy coils in the frame volume.

In advantageous embodiments, the positioning device is designed such that a virtual target area is limited within the frame. The target area defines a virtual target volume within the frame volume, which extends in the height direction starting from the target area, and in which the energy coil of the induction charging device having the transmission coils is at least partially arranged. Furthermore, the positioning device is designed such that it detects based on the at least one ratio whether the energy coil of the induction charging device having the at least one receiver is located within the target volume. The target volume is therefore a partial volume of the frame volume. In this way, the detection of the relative position of the energy coils is improved and more precise. In addition, when both energy coils are arranged in the target volume, a larger overlap of the energy coils and thus a higher efficiency in charging operation is achieved than when both energy coils are arranged in the frame volume and outside the target volume.

The frame volume and target volume are advantageously selected in such a way, that is, the transmitting coils are arranged in such a way and/or the positioning fields are generated in such a way that an efficiency of at least 90% is achieved when the energy coils in the frame volume and/or in the target volume overlap during charging operation.

In principle, the system can have two or more receivers. In preferred embodiments, the system has a single receiver. The system is therefore simplified and cost-effective.

The respective at least one receiver can in principle be designed in any way.

In particular, at least one of the at least one receiver is a coil, which is also referred to below as a receiving coil.

During operation, the positioning fields induce a voltage in the at least one receiving coil, which is output as an output signal of the receiving coil in order to determine the ratio of at least two of the positioning fields.

In particular, at least one of the at least one receiving coils can be designed as a flat coil.

In principle, at least one of the at least one receiving coils can correspond to the energy coil of the induction charging device having the receiving coil.

It is also conceivable that the energy coil of the induction charging device having the at least one receiver is different from the energy coil of the associated induction charging device.

The respective positioning field advantageously has a location-dependent intensity curve with an intensity edge leading to the intensity maximum. It is understood that the at least one receiver has a lower threshold for interaction with the positioning fields. This leads in particular to the at least one receiver interacting with the positioning fields below a predetermined distance. In principle, the positioning device, in particular the transmitting coils, can be in permanent operation. It is conceivable to initiate the positioning operation when the corresponding distance between the at least one receiver and the positioning fields, in particular between the induction charging devices, is undershot. This can be done in particular by the mobile induction charging device sending out a ping signal, upon receipt of which by the stationary induction charging device, the transmitting coils generate the positioning fields.

Embodiments are considered advantageous in which the respective transmitting coil generates a positioning field with an intensity maximum during positioning operation, the transmitting coils being arranged at a distance from one another and/or the positioning device being operated in such a way that the intensity maxima of the positioning fields are spaced apart from one another and the positioning fields of at least two of the opposite transmitting coils in the frame volume, in particular in the target volume, coincide, i.e. in particular are present in a measurable manner. The coincidence of the positioning fields allows a simplified and reliable determination of the associated ratio and thus a simplified and robust detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another.

In preferred embodiments, the positioning device is designed such that the frame volume, advantageously the target volume, is arranged in a predetermined ratio range between the intensity maxima of the positioning fields of the opposite transmission coils. The ratio range is therefore assigned to the opposite transmission coils, so that if the ratio is determined, it is within the associated one Ratio range an overlap of the energy coils along the opposite transmission coils can be detected. In this way, it is not only possible to detect an overlap of the energy coils with one another, but also a direction in which the energy coils overlap transversely to the height direction. This results in a more precise detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another. Furthermore, it is possible in this way to output positioning signals which result in navigation of the mobile induction charging device or the associated application in such a way that the energy coils overlap one another.

The at least one ratio range is specified in advance, analogous to the ratio. The at least one ratio range is preferably stored so that a comparison of the determined ratio to the associated ratio range can be used to determine whether there is an overlap of the energy coils along the associated opposite transmission coils and/or whether there is an offset along the associated opposite transmission coils.

The corresponding ratio ranges can be assigned to the frame volume and the target volume. The at least one ratio range assigned to the target volume is expediently narrower than the at least one ratio range assigned to the frame volume.

For example, at least one of the at least one ratio range assigned to the target volume can be between 1:0.1 and 0.1:1.

For example, at least one of the at least one ratio range assigned to the frame volume can be between 10:0.05 and 0.05:10. The idea according to the invention also offers the advantage that, due to the detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another on the basis of the at least one ratio, even with stationary induction charging devices and mobile induction charging devices that are spaced differently from one another in the height direction, a simplified detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another is made possible. that conditions and/or ratio ranges adapted to the different distances in the height direction can be specified and taken into account in advance.

In preferred embodiments, at least one of the predetermined ratios, preferably the respective ratio, is spaced from the intensity maxima of the associated positioning fields. Particularly preferably, at least one of the predetermined ratio ranges, preferably the respective ratio range, is spaced from the intensity maxima of the associated positioning fields. Since the intensity maximum of the respective positioning field has a local course in the manner of a double hump, it is avoided that determined relationships between the two humps are used. As a result, distortions in the detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another are prevented or at least reduced.

Embodiments are advantageous in which the frame volume, in particular the target volume, is arranged between successive intensity edges of the positioning fields generated by the opposing transmission coils. This means that the frame volume or target volume is spaced from the intensity maxima. As a result, the disadvantage described above, which occurs due to the double-hump shape of the intensity maxima, is prevented within the entire frame volume or target volume. In advantageous embodiments, the transmitting coils are arranged at a distance from one another and/or the positioning device is operated in such a way that the intensities of at least two of the positioning fields generated by the opposing transmitting coils correspond to one another centrally to the energy coil of the induction charging device having the transmitting coils. In other words, the ratio of at least two of the positioning fields generated by the opposing transmission coils in the center to the associated energy coil is 1:1. An arrangement of the energy coils centered in the direction of the opposite transmission coils relative to one another can thus be recognized in a simple and robust manner.

The transmitter coils can in principle be designed in any way. It is particularly conceivable that at least two of the transmission coils are designed differently.

It is conceivable that one of the transmission coils of the energy coil corresponds to the induction charging device having the transmission coils.

In preferred embodiments, the transmission coils are different from the energy coil of the induction charging device having the transmission coils.

In preferred embodiments, the transmission coils are designed the same. The system can therefore be manufactured in a simplified manner. At the same time, the same intensity curves of the positioning fields can be easily implemented.

It is preferred if the transmitter coils each generate the same intensity curves during positioning operation. This makes it easier to determine the conditions and specify them in advance. The same applies to the ratio ranges. Advantageously, at least two of the positioning fields are generated and/or transmitting coils are arranged in such a way that the positioning fields are symmetrical to one another.

The transmission coils are preferably designed and/or the positioning device is operated in such a way that an overall intensity profile of the positioning fields generated by the transmission coils is symmetrical. The symmetry applies here preferably with respect to the opposite transmission coils and/or with respect to the energy coil of the induction charging device having the transmission coils. In this way, the detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another is simplified.

In preferred embodiments, two of the transmitter coils are arranged opposite one another in a longitudinal direction running transversely to the height direction. These transmission coils are also referred to below as longitudinal transmission coils. It is also preferred if two of the transmitter coils are arranged opposite each other in a transverse direction running transversely to the height direction and transversely to the longitudinal direction. An overlap or offset of the energy coils relative to one another can thus be detected both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction by means of the respective associated ratios or ratio ranges. This leads to increased precision in determining the relative position of the energy coils to one another. In addition, in this way the navigation of the mobile induction charging device, in particular the application, to the stationary induction charging device in order to achieve an overlap of both energy coils in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction can be carried out in a simplified and more precise manner.

Embodiments in which the transmission coils are arranged such that the frame is a square are advantageous. There is therefore a clear limitation frame and thus a clear definition of the frame volume. The same applies to the target area and the target volume.

The frame is preferably a rectangle and/or the transmission coils are arranged in corners of a rectangle. Thus, with the four transmission coils, two transmission coils opposite each other in the longitudinal direction and opposite transmission coils in the transverse direction are realized. As a result, with a cost-effective design of the system, there is increased precision and robustness in detecting the relative position of the energy coils to one another. In addition, in this way the frame volume, and preferably also the target volume, has the shape of a cuboid.

The positioning fields that can be distinguished from one another can in principle be implemented in any way.

The positioning device is advantageously designed in such a way that the transmitting coils are operated at different frequencies in positioning mode and the positioning fields, in particular the magnetic positioning fields, can therefore be distinguished. This means that the respective transmitter coil is operated at an associated frequency or in an associated frequency band, with the frequencies or frequency bands of the transmitter coils differing from one another.

It is conceivable to operate the transmitter coils in positioning mode with frequencies in the MHz range.

The transmitter coils are advantageously operated in positioning mode with frequencies in the range between 5 kHz and 150 kHz. The transmitter coils are preferably operated in positioning mode with frequencies between 110 kHz and 148.5 kHz, particularly preferably between 120 kHz and 145 kHz. The frequencies associated with the transmitter coils are preferably as close to one another as possible so that the entire frequency spectrum required is small. The frequencies are, for example, 5 kHz or 1 kHz or 100 Hz or 1 or a few hearts apart. For example, the frequencies are 500 Hz apart.

The positioning fields that can be distinguished from one another can alternatively or additionally be achieved by different scanning lines of the transmitting coils. This means that the positioning device is designed in such a way that the transmitting coils are operated in positioning mode with respective duty cycles, also known to those skilled in the art as “duty cycles”, and the positioning fields can therefore be distinguished. The use of duty cycles means that the transmitter coils can be operated overall with the same frequency or frequency band. A smaller frequency spectrum is therefore required to operate the system or the positioning device. This also leads in particular to a reduced influence of the positioning device on the components located in the vicinity.

In preferred embodiments, the stationary induction charging device has the transmitting coils and the mobile induction charging device has at least one receiver. Since a relative movement of the mobile induction charging device to the stationary induction charging device takes place in order to align the energy coils with one another, the determination of the at least one ratio and the detection of whether there is an overlap of the energy coils can take place in the mobile induction charging device. In comparison to a corresponding determination in the stationary induction charging device and a transfer to the mobile induction charging device or the associated application, the results are therefore available in the mobile induction charging device or in the application. In other words, latency in detecting the relative position of the energy coils to one another is prevented or at least reduced. This leads in particular to smooth navigation of the mobile induction charging device or the application having the mobile induction charging device.

The transmitter coils are preferably each designed as a flat coil.

At least one of the induction charging devices, preferably the respective induction charging device, has a magnetic flux guiding unit for guiding magnetic fields. The magnetic flux guide unit advantageously has at least one magnetic flux guide element, preferably at least one ferrite element.

Preferably, the induction charging devices having the transmitting coils have such a magnetic flux guide unit, wherein at least one of the transmitter coils, preferably the respective transmitter coil, is arranged above the magnetic flux guide unit, so that the magnetic flux guide unit has the positioning fields generated by the transmitter coils on the side facing away from the other induction charging device during charging operation shielded and reinforced towards the other induction charging device. The result of this is that the positioning fields are strengthened towards the other induction charging device, in particular have an increased range, and at the same time interference from other components is prevented or at least reduced.

It is preferred if the induction charging device having the transmitting coils comprises a flat coil as an energy coil, which is larger than the transmitting coils, and a magnetic flux guiding unit with magnetic flux guiding elements, in particular with ferrite plates, for guiding the alternating field generated by the stationary energy coil during charging operation. The transmitter coils overlap the energy coil and are in corners Square, advantageously a rectangle, arranged in a plane parallel to the energy coil.

The transmitter coils can be arranged between the energy coil and the magnetic flux guide unit or on the side of a coil carrier carrying the energy coil that is remote from the energy coil.

Embodiments are preferred in which at least one of the at least one transmission coils, advantageously the respective transmission coil, is designed as a flat coil. The positioning device can therefore be made compact.

The flat coil and thus in particular the transmitter coil can in principle be designed in any way.

The respective compartment coil expediently extends transversely to the height direction, preferably in a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

The respective transmitter coil designed as a flat coil preferably has a circuit board. The circuit board is advantageously round or substantially round or has a round basic shape. A conductor track is applied to at least one side of the circuit board.

For example, the conductor track has between seven and twenty-one turns, in particular between ten and eighteen turns, on at least one side of the circuit board, advantageously on the respective side of the circuit board. A conductor track with fourteen turns is preferably applied to the respective side of the circuit board, so that the flat coil has a total of twenty-eight turns. The turns are advantageously circular or essentially circular.

The outer diameter of the outermost turn is in particular between 36 mm and 108 mm, for example between 54 mm and 90 mm, in particular 72 mm.

The respective circuit board can be shaped and/or dimensioned as desired. The respective circuit board preferably has a round shape with an outer diameter between 40 mm and 120 mm, in particular from 60 mm to 100 mm, preferably from 80 mm.

A web for electrically contacting the at least one conductor track can protrude laterally from the circuit board. The web advantageously has a length such that it projects laterally beyond the magnetic flux guide unit, so that electrical contacts on the web are accessible at least on one side, preferably on both sides, for electrical contacting in the height direction. For example, the web can have a length between 10 mm and 40 mm, for example 20 mm or 25 mm.

The electrical current flowing through the respective transmitter coil during operation can in principle be of any level

The electrical current flowing through the respective transmitter coil, preferably the effective value, is in particular between 350 mA and 1050 mA, for example between 525 mA and 875 mA, preferably 700 mA.

The system can of course also include two or more stationary induction charging devices and/or two or more mobile induction charging devices, each of which can transmit energy inductively during charging operation after being positioned accordingly to one another. This means in particular that a stationary induction charging device can also be made available to two or more mobile induction charging devices in order to inductively transmit energy with them during charging operation.

For example, a stationary induction charging device in the form of a charging point can be used for charging various applications, in particular motor vehicles, with the applications each having such a mobile induction charging device.

The stationary induction charging devices and/or the mobile induction charging devices are preferably each designed in the same way.

The idea according to the invention allows positioning of the mobile induction charging device in different motor vehicles at different heights, that is to say with different distances in the height direction, to be taken into account in a simplified manner, in particular without recalibration, preferably without calibration.

It goes without saying that the system can also have five or more transmission coils, which each generate positioning fields that can be distinguished from one another during operation.

The positioning device advantageously has, in addition to the four opposite transmission coils, a further transmission coil, which is also referred to below as an additional transmission coil. Preferably, the positioning device has the additional transmission coil in addition to the longitudinal transmission coils and transverse transmission coils. The additional transmitter coil is therefore arranged closer to at least one of the four opposing transmitter coils than the opposing transmitter coils are relative to one another. The same applies to the intensity curve of the positioning field generated with the additional transmitter coil.

The receiver is in the area of the double bump of the positioning field one of the four opposite transmitter coils and the intensity of the positioning fields of the remaining three of the four opposite transmitter coils on the receiver is reduced, the intensity of the positioning field of the additional transmitter coil is preferably simplified and better received by the receiver due to the closer arrangement to the receiver. Under such a constellation, the received positioning field of the additional transmitter coil can be used to detect the relative position of the energy coils to one another more reliably and accurately. Thus, the accuracy and reliability of the detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another is improved. The positioning field associated with the double hump or its intensity is preferably disregarded or ignored when determining the ratio.

The reduced intensity of the positioning fields of the remaining three transmitter coils on the receiver can occur in particular when the receiver is arranged close to the transmitter coils in the height direction. This means that with small height differences between the transmitter coils and the receiver, said reductions in the received intensities appear more pronounced. Thus, the provision of the additional transmitter coil at such low distances between the receiver and the transmitter coils leads to a marked improvement in the detection and reliability of the detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another.

Embodiments in which the additional transmitter coil is arranged within the frame volume are considered advantageous. The four opposite transmission coils, in particular the longitudinal transmission coils and transverse transmission coils, thus define the frame volume, with the additional transmission coil being arranged in the frame volume. The additional transmitter coil is therefore arranged close to the four transmitter coils, so that the intensity of the positioning field of the additional transmitter coil is in the area of the double hump of the respective four opposite transmission coils can be received more easily using the receiver. In this way, a corresponding ratio and consequently determination of the relative position of the energy coils to one another is still made possible, or at least in a simplified manner, for the four opposite transmitter coils with the same additional transmitter coil. In other words, in this way, the reliability and accuracy of relative position detection is easily improved.

The additional transmitter coil is preferably arranged within the frame. This allows an improved and precise detection of the relative position of the energy coils and also a compact design of the positioning device and thus of the induction charging device having the transmitting coils.

It is conceivable that the positioning device has two or more such additional transmission coils.

The positioning device preferably has a single such additional transmitter coil. In this way, the assembly and manufacture of the positioning device is simplified and more cost-effective with improved and more precise detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another.

In particular, the virtual frame and thus the frame volume can be defined exclusively by means of the four opposite transmission coils, in particular by means of the longitudinal transmission coils and transverse transmission coils. The positioning device can only have such an additional transmission coil.

Embodiments in which the additional transmitter coil is arranged along a line running between two of the opposite transmitter coils are considered advantageous. The line preferably runs centrally between the longitudinal Transmission coils or the transverse transmission coils. The additional transmission coil is therefore arranged along the line, with the line either running in the transverse direction and being arranged in the longitudinal direction between the longitudinal transmission coils, in particular centrally between the longitudinal transmission coils, or with the line running in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction between the Transverse transmission coils, in particular centrally between the transverse transmission coils, is arranged. This leads to an optimized distance between the additional transmitter coil and the corresponding opposite transmitter coils, so that the intensity of the positioning field of the additional transmitter coil in the area of the double hump of the respective opposite transmitter coils is sufficiently high. In other words, in this way, using the same additional transmitter coil, the accuracy and reliability of relative position detection is improved.

The line preferably runs parallel to a direction of travel of a motor vehicle as an application.

The respective transmitter coil, in particular the additional transmitter coil, can be arranged anywhere relative to the energy coil of the associated induction charging device.

Preferably, at least one of the transmission coils, preferably the respective transmission coil, is arranged adjacent to the winding of the associated energy coil in the height direction. In particular, at least one of the transmission coils, in particular the additional transmission coil, is spaced transversely to the height direction in the case of an energy coil designed as a flat coil from the central area in which no winding is present. As a result, there is a reduced coupling of the energy coil to the transmitter coil. A voltage induced in the transmitting coil by means of the energy coil is thus avoided or at least reduced. Consequently, damage and impairment of the transmitter coil and components electrically contacted with the transmitter coil, for example an inverter and the like, are avoided or at least to reduce. In other words, this results in improved protection for the at least one transmitter coil and the components. In this way, special measures to protect the transmitter coil and/or the components can be dispensed with or at least implemented in a simplified manner. This results in a simplified and cost-effective design of the associated induction charging device.

The system according to the invention can be used to detect the relative position of the energy coils to one another at any desired distance. In particular, the system can be used for navigation and alignment of the energy coils to one another in any distance range.

The system is advantageously used for detecting the relative position and/or for navigation in the so-called near field, i.e. at distances of less than 1.5 m, preferably less than 1.0 m, in particular less than 0.5 m.

It is also conceivable to continue to operate the positioning device even after the relative positioning of the energy coils in order to detect relative movements of the energy coils to one another. In this way, a relative movement of the mobile induction charging device and thus the associated mobile application, in particular the associated motor vehicle, can be detected relative to the stationary induction charging device. If such a movement is detected, the energy transfer between the energy coils can be interrupted and safety can thus be improved. The energy transfer can be interrupted either immediately after the movement is detected or when the movement exceeds a predetermined range, in particular when the target volume or the frame volume is left. If there is no movement and the energy coils are aligned with one another, in particular if they are arranged in the frame volume or target volume, the inductive energy transfer of the energy coils can be resumed. The detection of the relative movement by means of the positioning device can also be used for other measures to secure the mobile application. In particular, a parking brake or parking brake of the associated motor vehicle can be activated upon such detection.

It goes without saying that, in addition to the system, an induction charging device of the system, that is to say the stationary induction charging device and the mobile induction charging device, are also part of the scope of this invention as such.

The scope of this invention also includes a mobile application, in particular a motor vehicle, with the mobile induction charging device of the system.

Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, with the same reference numbers referring to the same or similar or functionally the same components.

Show it schematically 1 is a highly simplified representation of a system for inductive energy transmission,

2 is a schematic representation of virtual volumes,

3 shows a simplified top view of a stationary induction charging device of the system,

4 shows a section through the stationary induction charging device,

5 is a diagram with positioning fields,

6 shows a simplified top view of transmission coils and a receiver of the system,

7 is a diagram with position fields received from the receiver,

Fig. 8 is a diagram with others received by the receiver

position fields,

9 is a flowchart for explaining the detection of the relative position of a mobile induction charging device of the system to the stationary induction charging device,

10 is an exploded view of parts of the stationary induction charging device,

11 shows the illustration from FIG. 10 in another exemplary embodiment, Fig. 12 is a detailed view from Fig. 11,

13 is a top view of a transmission coil of the system,

14 is a top view of an energy coil of the system,

15 shows the section indicated by C-C in FIG. 14,

16 is an enlarged view of the area designated XII in FIG. 15,

17 shows the view from FIG. 16 in another exemplary embodiment,

18 shows the view from FIG. 14 in a further exemplary embodiment,

19 shows the section indicated by AA in FIG. 18,

20 shows the section from FIG. 18 in another exemplary embodiment,

21 shows a part of the section indicated by C-C in FIG. 18 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 19,

22 shows a part of the section indicated by C-C in FIG. 15 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 20

23 shows the view from FIG. 18 in a further exemplary embodiment,

24 shows the view from FIG. 2 in a further exemplary embodiment,

Fig. 25 shows the view from Figure 18 in another exemplary embodiment. A system 1, as shown in a highly simplified manner in FIG. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the application 100 is a motor vehicle 101. For this purpose, the system 1 has two inductive charging devices 2 that interact inductively with one another in a charging operation, namely a stationary induction charging device 2, 2a and a mobile induction charging device 2, 2b for the application 100 up. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a is arranged purely as an example on an unspecified roadway. Of course, the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a can also be at least partially accommodated in the road and in particular be flush with the road. For inductive energy transfer during charging operation, the respective induction charging device 2 has an associated coil 3. These coils 3 are also referred to below as energy coils 3. Thus, the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a has a stationary energy coil 3, 3a and the mobile induction charging device 2, 2b has a mobile energy coil 3, 3b. One of the energy coils 3 is used for charging purposes as a primary coil 12, which generates an alternating magnetic field which induces a voltage for energy transmission in the other energy coil 3, which serves as a secondary coil 13. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the energy coils 3 are each designed as a flat coil 7. The respective energy coil 3, designed as a flat coil 7, has a winding 18. As can be seen in particular from Figure 25, a central area 22 of the energy coil 3 designed as a flat coil 7 is free from the winding 18.

During charging operation, the induction charging devices 2 are spaced apart from one another in a height direction 200. In order to enable charging operation and to achieve high efficiencies in charging operation, the energy coils 3 are relative to one another positioned transversely to the height direction 200, i.e. in a longitudinal direction 201 running transversely to the height direction 200 and in a transverse direction 202 running transversely to the height direction 200 and transversely to the longitudinal direction 201. For this purpose, the system 1 has a positioning device 4, by means of which the relative position of the energy coils 3 to one another is determined in a positioning operation. The positioning operation advantageously takes place before the charging operation in order to achieve an optimal relative positioning of the energy coils 3 to one another and thus increased efficiency.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, energy is transferred from the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a to the mobile induction charging device 2, 2b during charging operation in order to charge a battery 102 of the motor vehicle 101. Accordingly, during charging operation, the stationary energy coil 3, 3a serves as the primary coil 12 and the mobile energy coil 3, 3b serves as the secondary coil 13. As can be seen from Figure 1, the mobile induction charging device 2, 2a in the exemplary embodiment shown has a connection between the secondary coil 13 and the battery 102 connected rectifier 14 to convert the alternating voltage induced in the secondary coil 13 into a rectified voltage. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the height direction 200 corresponds to the Z direction of the motor vehicle 101. In addition, the longitudinal direction 201 and the transverse direction 202 correspond, purely by way of example, to the X direction and the Y direction of the motor vehicle 101.

To detect the relative positioning of the energy coils 3 to one another, the positioning device 4 has at least four coils 5, each of which generates a field 60 in a positioning operation, which are explained below with reference to FIG. 2. These coils 5 are also referred to below as transmission coils 5. These fields 60 are also referred to below as positioning fields 60. The positioning fields 60 are created in such a way that they can be distinguished from one another. In those shown in Figures 2 to 23 According to exemplary embodiments, the positioning device 4 has exactly four transmission coils 5, namely a first transmission coil 5, 5a, a second transmission coil 5, 5b, a third transmission coil 5, 5c and a fourth transmission coil 5, 5d. Consequently, a total of four positioning fields 60 that can be distinguished from one another are generated, namely a first positioning field 60, 60a, a second positioning field 60, 60b, a third positioning field 60, 60c and a fourth positioning field 60, 60d (see Figures 7 and 8). In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective transmitter coil 5 generates a magnetic positioning field 60. In the view shown in FIG. 1, only two of the transmitter coils 5 are visible. The positioning device 4 also has at least one receiver 6, which interacts with the positioning fields 60 during positioning operation. Due to the difference between the positioning fields 60, a distinction can be made between the positioning fields 60 using the at least one receiver 6. One of the induction charging device 2 has the transmitter coils 5 and the other induction charging device 2 has the receiver s. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a has the transmitting coils 5 and the mobile induction charging device 2, 2b has at least one receiver 6. In the exemplary embodiments shown, a single receiver 6 is provided purely as an example. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the at least one receiver 6 is designed as a coil 15, which is also referred to below as a receiving coil 15. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the transmission coils 5 are different from the first energy coil 3, 3a. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the at least one receiving coil 15 is different from the second energy coil 3, 3b, purely by way of example. As shown, for example, in Figure 7, the transmission coils 5 are spaced apart from one another and two of the transmission coils 5 are arranged opposite each other.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the transmission coils 5 are of the same design, i.e. identical parts. 13, the respective transmitter coil 5 is a flat coil 7. The flat coil 7 has at least one conductor track 21, which is wound around an associated winding axis (not shown) which runs parallel to the height direction 200. The respective positioning field 60 thus has a main axis running along the height direction 200, is therefore at least predominantly in or along the height direction 200 and can therefore only be received locally transversely to the height direction 200. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective transmitter coil 5 designed as a flat coil 7 has, for example, a circuit board 19, which in the exemplary embodiments shown has a round basic shape from which a web 20 protrudes. The circuit board 20 can have an outer diameter of 80 mm and the web 20 can have a length of 20 mm to 25 mm. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective transmitter coil 5, which is designed as a flat coil 7, has a conductor track 21 on both sides of the circuit board 20, with only a single conductor track 21 being visible in the view of FIG. The respective conductor track 21 can, as can also be seen in FIG. 13, be wound in a substantially circular shape with fourteen turns. The transmitting coil 5, designed as a flat coil 7, therefore has a total of twenty-eight turns. The outer diameter of the outermost turn can be 72 mm. The respective transmitter coil 5, designed as a flat coil 7, can be operated with an effective current of 700 mA during operation.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the positioning fields 60 are generated so that they can be distinguished from one another, for example, by generating the respective positioning field 60 with an associated frequency. This means that the respective transmitter coil 5 is operated with an associated frequency, so that the positioning fields 60 can be distinguished from one another. The frequencies are in particular in the range between 120 kHz and 145 kHz and are spaced apart from one another, for example by a few Hz to kHz. For example The frequencies can be 5 kHz or 1 kHz or 100 Hz or less apart. For example, the frequencies are 500 Hz apart. A distinction is also possible using duty cycles.

As can be seen from Figures 2 and 24, the arrangement of the four transmission coils 5 is such that the transmission coils 5 delimit a virtual frame 50. The frame 50 is therefore a virtual area delimited by the transmission coils 5. The virtual frame 50 defines a volume 51 that extends from the frame 50 in the height direction 200, which is also referred to below as the frame volume 51. The energy coil 3 of the associated induction charging device 2, i.e. the stationary energy coil 3, 3a in the exemplary embodiments shown, is at least partially arranged in the virtual frame volume 51. The energy coil 3 of the associated induction charging device 2 is thus either at least partially offset in the frame 50 or in the height direction 200 to the frame 50 and is therefore arranged in the frame volume 51. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the transmission coils 5 are spaced apart in the height direction 200 from the energy coil 3 of the associated induction charging device 2 and thus from the stationary energy coil 3, 3a. In the exemplary embodiments shown, two of the transmitter coils 5 are arranged opposite each other in the longitudinal direction 201 and in the transverse direction 202. The transmission coils 5 opposite in the longitudinal direction 201 are also referred to below as longitudinal transmission coils 5, 5x and the transmission coils 5 opposite in the transverse direction 202 are also referred to below as transverse transmission coils 5, 5y. Following this, the positioning fields 60 generated by the longitudinal transmission coils 5, 5x are subsequently also referred to as longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x relative to one another and the positioning fields 60 generated by the transverse transmission coils 5, 5y are subsequently also referred to as transverse positioning fields 60, 60y relative to one another designated. As shown, for example, in FIG. The frame volume 51 is therefore cuboid. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the frame 50 has the shape of a square 56. Due to the arrangement of the transmission coils 5 in the corners 57 of the rectangle 55, the respective transmission coil 5 is both a longitudinal transmission coil 5, 5x and a transverse transmission coil 5, 5y. Thus, with the 4 transmission coils 5, there are two pairs of transmission coils 5 opposite each other in the longitudinal direction 201 and in the transverse direction 202. Analogously to this, the respective positioning field 60 is both a longitudinal positioning field 60, 60x and a transverse positioning field 60, 60y. During positioning operation, the ratio 62 (see FIG. 5) between at least two of the positioning fields 60 is determined by means of the at least one receiver 6. Based on the at least one ratio 62, it is further recognized whether the energy coil 3 of the induction charging device 2, which has at least one receiver 6, is within the virtual frame volume 51 and, depending on this, a positioning signal is output. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the at least one ratio 62 is used to determine whether the mobile energy coil 3, 3b is located within the frame volume 51 and is therefore arranged above the stationary energy coil 3, 3a in the height direction 200 and also at least partially transverse to the height direction 200 the stationary energy coil 3, 3a overlaps. The ratio 62 is specified accordingly in advance.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the positioning device 4 is designed such that a virtual target area 52 is defined within the frame 50. The target area 52 is therefore smaller than the frame 50. The target area 52 defined within the frame volume 51 a virtual volume 53 extending in the height direction 200, which is also referred to below as the target volume 53 and in Figure 2 is shown in dashed lines. The energy coil 3 of the induction charging device 2 having the transmitting coils 5, i.e. the stationary energy coil 3, 3a in the exemplary embodiments shown, is at least partially arranged in the target volume 53. The positioning device 4 is further designed in such a way that it detects based on the at least one determined ratio 62 whether the energy coil 3 of the induction charging device 2 having the receivers 6 is located within the target volume 53. Accordingly, at least one ratio 62 is predetermined. The frame volume 51 and the target volume 53 are defined in such a way that a high efficiency in charging operation, for example at least 90%, is achieved with a corresponding arrangement of the energy coils 3 in the frame volume 51 and in the target volume 53. The target volume 53 is selected such that the efficiency with an overlap in the target volume 53 is greater than an overlap in the frame volume 51. As indicated in Figure 3, the target volume 53 in the projection in the height direction 200 and thus the target area 52 is smaller than that associated induction charging device 2, shown in the

Embodiments smaller than the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a.

5 can also be seen, in the exemplary embodiments shown for the overlap of the energy coils 3 along the opposite transmission coils 5, not a single ratio 62, but an associated ratio range 63 is defined. This means that an overlap of the energy coils 3 is detected when the determined ratio 62 lies within the associated ratio range 63. Ratio range 63 is specified in advance. The respective ratio range 63 is specified in advance by a fixed specification, so that the ratio range 63 is stored and calibration is not necessary. The positioning signal can be used to move the application 100 manually or to move the application 100 autonomously. In the exemplary embodiment of the motor vehicle 101, the positioning signal can therefore be used to signal to a vehicle driver, not shown, whether there is a desired alignment of the energy coils 3 relative to one another. For this purpose, the motor vehicle 101, as indicated in FIG. 1, can have an output device 103 which outputs corresponding signals.

The detection of the overlap of the energy coils 3 is explained with reference to FIG. 5. Figure 5 shows the course of two positioning fields 60, which are generated by means of two transmission coils 5 opposite in the longitudinal direction 201 or two in the transverse direction 202. In Figure 5, the positioning fields 60 shown are either longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x or transverse positioning fields 60, 60y. One of the positioning fields 60 is shown in dashed lines for better differentiation. Figure 5 shows the intensity curve 64 of the longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x along the longitudinal direction 201 or that of the transverse positioning fields 60, 60y along the transverse direction 202. According to Figure 5, the positioning fields 60 of the opposite transmitting coils 5 coincide in the target volume 53. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the positioning fields 60 have the same intensity curves 64. This means that the positioning fields 60 are each generated with the same field distribution. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the transmission coils 5 are designed and the positioning fields 60 are generated in such a way that an overall intensity curve 66 of the positioning fields 60 generated by the transmission coils 5 is symmetrical between the opposite transmission coils 5 and thus intensity maxima 61 as well as with respect to the stationary energy coil 3, 3b is symmetrical.

As can also be seen from FIG. 5, the respective positioning field 60 has an intensity curve 64 leading to an intensity maximum 61 Intensity edges 65. As can also be seen from FIG. 5, the intensity maxima 61 are spaced apart from one another. The transmission coils 5 are arranged accordingly and/or the positioning fields 60 are generated. As can also be seen from FIG. 5, the intensity maximum 61 of the respective positioning field 60 is shaped in the manner of a double hump. This is due in particular to the fact that the receiver 6 perceives a transition of the magnetic field lines, not shown, when positioned accordingly. As indicated in Figure 5, the respective ratio range 62 is arranged between successive intensity edges 65 of the positioning fields 60 generated by means of the opposite, associated transmission coils 5 and spaced from the intensity maxima 61. An associated longitudinal ratio range 63, 63x is predetermined for the longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x with intensity maxima 61 opposite in the longitudinal direction 201 and an associated transverse ratio range for the transverse positioning fields 60, 60y with intensity maxima 61 opposite in the transverse direction 202 63, 63y predetermined. The predetermined ratio ranges 63 are preferably stored, so that a simple comparison between the determined ratio 62 and the associated ratio range 63 determines whether there is a corresponding overlap between the energy coils 3.

This means that the longitudinal transmission coils 5, 5x are arranged in such a way and the longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x are generated in such a way that the intensity maxima 61 of two longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x are arranged opposite one another in the longitudinal direction 201. An associated longitudinal ratio range 63, 63x is predetermined for at least two of the longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x. From the longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x received by the receiver 6, a longitudinal ratio 62, 62x between at least two of the longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x is determined. An overlap of the energy coils 3 within the target volume 53 in the longitudinal direction 201 becomes recognized when the determined longitudinal ratio 62, 62x lies within the associated predetermined longitudinal ratio range 63, 63x. The same applies to the overlap in the transverse direction 202. This means that the transverse transmitter coils 5, 5y are arranged and/or the transverse positioning fields 60, 60y are generated in such a way that the intensity maxima 61 of two transverse positioning fields 60, 60y in the transverse direction 202 are arranged opposite each other. Furthermore, an associated transverse ratio range 63, 63y is predetermined for at least two of the transverse positioning fields 60, 60y. In positioning operation, a transverse relationship 62, 62y between at least two of the transverse positioning fields 60, 60y is determined from transverse positioning fields 60, 60y received by means of the receiver 6. An overlap 3 of the energy coils 3 within the target volume 53 in the transverse direction 202 is detected if the determined transverse ratio 62, 62y lies within the associated predetermined transverse ratio range 63, 63y. An overlap of the energy coils 3 in the longitudinal direction 201 and in the transverse direction 202 occurs when both at least one of the longitudinal ratios 62, 62y within the longitudinal ratio range 63, 63y and at least one of the transverse ratios 62, 62y within the transverse Ratio range is 63, 63y.

For example, for an overlap within the frame volume 51, a ratio range 63 between 10:0.05 to 0.05:10 and for an overlap within the target volume 53, a ratio range 63 between 1:0, 1 to 0.1:1 .

Figure 6 shows a simplified top view in the height direction 200 of the transmitter coils 5. It is assumed that the receiver 6 moves in the longitudinal direction 201 along the first transmitter coil 5, 5a and the second transmitter coil 5, 5b. Figure 7 shows the positioning fields 60 of the first transmitting coil 5, 5a and the second transmitting coil 5, 5b received by the receiver 6 during this movement along the longitudinal direction 201 and thus the first positioning field 60, 60a and the second positioning field 60, 60b. Figure 8 shows the This movement of the receiver 6 along the longitudinal direction 201 receiving positioning fields 60, the third transmitting coil 5, 5c and the fourth transmitting coil 5, 5b and thus the fourth positioning field 60, 60c and the fourth positioning field 60, 60d. The first positioning field 60, 60a and the second positioning field 60, 60b are longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x to one another. Analogously to this, the third positioning field 60, 60c and the fourth positioning field 60, 60d are longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60 x to one another. As a comparison of Figures 7 and 8 shows, the double-hump shape of the positioning fields 60 received by the receiver 6 is more pronounced for the positioning fields 60 close to the receiver 6 than for the positioning fields 60 further away from the receiver 6. In the example described, the double hump shape for the received first positioning field 60, 60a and second positioning field 60, 60b is more pronounced than for the received third positioning field 60, 60c and fourth positioning field 60, 60d. 8, the double-hump shape of the more distant positioning fields 60, i.e. the example of the third positioning field 60, 60c and the fourth positioning field 60, 60d, is not shown for better understanding. Accordingly, the ratio 62 of both of the positioning fields 60 having the opposite intensity maxima 61 is advantageously determined and, if the ratios 62 deviate above a predetermined limit value, the ratio 62 of the positioning fields 60 with the lower intensity is used to detect the relative position. As a result, those positioning fields 60 are used whose determined ratio 62 is further apart from the intensity maxima 61. This in particular prevents the double-hump shape of the intensity maxima 61 described above from leading to incorrect recognition of the position. If, on the other hand, the two ratios 62 essentially correspond to one another, i.e. if the ratios 62 are essentially the same or within a predetermined value range, the two ratios 62 are averaged to recognize the relative position. If the determined ratio 62 deviates from the associated ratio range 63 towards an intensity maximum 61 of one of the associated positioning fields 60, there will also be an offset of the energy coil 3 of the receiving and thus the receiver 6

Induction charging device 2 is recognized towards the intensity maximum 61 and thus towards the transmitter coil 5 generating the intensity maximum 61, towards which the ratio 62 is shifted. In other words, if the determined longitudinal ratio 62, 62x is shifted from the associated longitudinal ratio range 63, 63x towards one of the intensity maxima 61 of one of the associated longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x, this means that there is an offset of the mobile energy coil 3, 3b the target volume 53 along the longitudinal direction 201 towards the longitudinal transmitter coil 5, 5x which generates the longitudinal positioning field 60, 60x with the intensity maximum 61 to which the determined length ratio 62, 62x is shifted. The same applies to the determined transverse ratio 62, 62y. That is, if the determined transverse ratio 62, 62y is shifted from the associated transverse ratio range 63, 63y towards one of the intensity maxima 61 of one of the associated transverse positioning fields 60, 60y, this means that there is an offset of the mobile energy coil 3, 3b the target volume 53 along the transverse direction 202 towards the transverse transmitter coil 5, 5y which generates the transverse positioning field 60, 60y with the intensity maximum 61 towards which the determined transverse ratio 62, 62y is shifted. Navigation of the mobile induction charging device 2, 2a can thus be realized in such a way that an overlap of the two energy coils 3 in the target volume and thus both in the longitudinal direction 201 and in the transverse direction 202 is achieved. 1, this can be done by means of the output device 103 in order to output whether and in which direction a relative movement of the mobile induction charging device 2, 2b relative to the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a is necessary in order to ensure an overlap of the energy coils 3 in the longitudinal direction 201 and to reach 202 in the transverse direction. In the one shown in Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment, this is done purely as an example visually by displaying arrows indicated in Figure 1. It is also conceivable that the output device 103 emits an acoustic signal. It is also conceivable to implement the result autonomously, so that the motor vehicle 101 is driven autonomously in order to achieve an overlap of the energy coils 3.

Maximized efficiency in charging operation is achieved with a corresponding relative position of the energy coils 3 to one another, which is also referred to below as a centered arrangement. The centered arrangement is assigned a ratio 63 within the ratio ranges 63. This means that with a predetermined centering-length ratio in the longitudinal ratio range 63, 63x there is a mutually centered arrangement of the energy coils 3 in the longitudinal direction 201. In addition, with a predetermined centering-transverse ratio in the transverse ratio range 63, 63y, the energy coils 3 are arranged centered relative to one another in the transverse direction 202. An overall centered arrangement is therefore present if both at least one of the determined length ratios 62, 62x corresponds to the associated centering length ratio and at least one of the determined transverse ratios 62, 62y corresponds to the associated centering transverse ratio. The respective centering ratio in the exemplary embodiments shown is 1:1, as indicated in Figure 5. Analogous to the explanation above, it is possible to implement navigation in such a way that an overall centered arrangement of the energy coils 3 is present.

Figure 9 shows a flowchart to explain the detection of the relative position of the energy coils 3 to one another. The positioning operation is initiated when the application 100 and thus the mobile induction charging device 2, 2b approaches the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a. This is the case, for example, if a distance between the induction charging devices 2 from one another transversely to the height direction 200 is less than 1.5 m, in particular less than 1 m, preferably less than 0.5 m. The positioning operation can be initiated, for example, by means of a ping signal emitted by the mobile induction charging device 2, 2b, upon receipt of which the mobile induction charging device 2, 2a generates the positioning fields 60 with the transmitting coils 5. 9, in a procedural measure 300, which is also referred to below as reception measure 300, the positioning fields 60 are received with the receiver 6 and separated from one another in a subsequent procedural measure 301, such that the intensity of the positioning fields 60 can be distinguished from one another. In the procedural measure 301, in particular, a Fourier transformation of the signals received by means of the receiver 6 takes place, in the case of a receiving coil 15, that is, the voltages induced in the receiving coil 6 with the positioning fields 60. Procedural measure 301 is also referred to below as separation measure 301. The result of the separation measure 301 is therefore an associated value for the respective positioning field 60, so that there are a total of four values. From these values, associated length ratios 62, 62x and transverse ratios 62, 62y are determined in a procedural measure 302 for the longitudinal positioning fields 60, 60x and for the transverse positioning fields 60, 60y. In this case, an average is advantageously taken over several values, for example over the last ten values determined, in order to increase the accuracy of the method and/or reduce the susceptibility to errors. Procedural measure 302 is also referred to below as proportional measure 302. The ratios 62 determined in the ratio measure 102 are compared in a procedural measure 303 with the corresponding predetermined ratio ranges 63 and, based on the comparison, it is determined whether there is a corresponding overlap of the energy coils 3, i.e. the arrangement of the mobile energy coil 3, 3b within the target volume 53 . Procedural measure 303 is also referred to below as comparative measure 303. The comparison measure 303 outputs at least one positioning signal, as indicated in FIG. 9. The As explained above, the positioning signal is preferably used to navigate the mobile application 100. Accordingly, the positioning signals can be made available to the output device 103. If the energy coils 3 are aligned relative to one another, the positioning device 4 can determine relative movements of the induction charging devices 2 to one another in the manner described here, which mean a corresponding relative movement of the mobile application 100 to the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a. If such a movement is detected, the energy transfer between the energy coils 3 can be interrupted.

To carry out the recognition of the relative position, a correspondingly designed control device 16, shown in simplified form in FIG. 1, can be used. The control device 16 can be part of the positioning device 4, the system 1 or the application 100. The method can be carried out using a computer program product.

4, the induction charging device 2 having the transmitting coils 5, in this case the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a in the exemplary embodiments shown, has a flat coil 7 as the energy coil 3, which is larger than the transmitting coils 5. In addition, the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a has a magnetic flux guide unit 8 for guiding the alternating field generated by the stationary energy coil 3, 3a during charging operation. For this purpose, the magnetic flux guide unit 8 in the exemplary embodiments shown has magnetic flux guide elements 9, which are designed as ferrite plates 10. The transmitter coils 5 overlap the stationary energy coil 3, 3a and are arranged in corners 57 of a rectangle 55 (see, for example, FIG. 2) and in a plane running parallel to the stationary energy coil 3, 3a. Furthermore, the transmission coils 5 are arranged above the magnetic flux guide unit 9. Figure 4 shows possible relative positions of the transmitter coils 5 to the stationary energy coil 3, 3a. Correspondingly, the transmitting coils 5 can be positioned in the height direction 200 between the stationary energy coil 3, 3a and the magnetic flux guidance unit 8, on the side of the magnetic flux guidance unit 8 facing away from the stationary energy coil 3, 3a or on the side of a foreign object detection device 17 facing the stationary energy coil 3, 3a the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a can be arranged.

The exemplary embodiments of Figures 10 to 12 and 14 to 17 show a stationary induction charging device 2 with magnetic flux guide elements 9 arranged in a pyramid-like manner (see Figure 12), which is designed in particular according to the current SAE/ISO. Figure 14 shows a top view of the stationary energy coil 3, 3a, in which the position of the transmitter coils 5 are visible. Accordingly, the transmission coils 5, as explained above, can be arranged between the energy coil 3 and the magnetic flux guide unit 8, as shown in Figures 10 and 16. Alternatively, the transmitting coils 5 can be arranged on the side of the stationary energy coil 3, 3a facing away from the magnetic flux guide unit 8, as shown in Figures 11 and 17.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17, the transmitter coils 5 are arranged on the side of a coil carrier 11 which carries the mobile energy coil 3, 3a and which faces away from the magnetic flux guide unit 8. The thickness of the respective transmitting coil 5 in the height direction 200 is preferably a maximum of 1 cm.

Figures 18 to 22 show further exemplary embodiments of the stationary induction charging device 2, 2a, for example according to SAE 2016. Figure 18 shows a top view of the stationary energy coil 3, 3a, in which the position of the transmitting coils 5 is shown. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the transmission coils 5 are arranged between the energy coil 3, 3a and the magnetic flux guide unit 8. In the one in Figures 20 and 22 shown embodiment, the transmitter coils 5 are arranged on the side facing away from the magnetic flux guide unit 8 of a coil carrier 11 carrying the mobile energy coil 3, 3a. The thickness of the respective transmitting coil 5 in the height direction 200 is preferably a maximum of 1 cm.

Figure 23 shows a further exemplary embodiment, which differs from the above exemplary embodiments in that the transmitting coils 5 are arranged offset inwards.

The exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 24 and 25 differ from the previous exemplary embodiments in that the positioning device 4 has a further transmission coil 5 in addition to the opposite transmission coils 5, in this case in addition to the longitudinal transmission coils 5, 5x and transverse transmission coils 5, 5y which is also referred to below as additional transmission coils 5, 5s. The positioning device 4 thus has a total of five transmission coils 5, namely the first transmission coil 5, 5a, the second transmission coil 5, 5b, the third transmission coil 5, 5c, the fourth transmission coil 5, 5d and the additional transmission coil 5, 5s as the fifth transmission coil 5 , 5e on. As can be seen from Figures 24 and 25, the additional transmitter coil 5, 5s is arranged within the frame volume 51 in the exemplary embodiments shown. If the receiver 6 is located in the area of a double hump of one of the positioning fields 60 of the four opposite transmission coils 5 (see for example Figure 5), in the exemplary embodiments shown, i.e. the first to fourth transmission coils 5, 5a - 5, 5d, this offers the addition -Transmitting coil 5, 5s generated positioning field 60 (not shown) compared to the positioning fields 60 of the other three of the four opposite transmitting coils 5, 5a - 5, 5d, so that it can be received improved and more accurately by means of the receiver 6. This means that more precise and improved conditions for determining the relative position can be achieved using the additional transmitter coil 5, 5s determine and consequently determine the relative position more easily and reliably. This is particularly the case when the receiver 6 is at a small distance from the transmitter coils 5 in the height direction 200.

As can be seen from Figures 24 and 25, the additional transmitter coil 5, 5s is arranged along a line 58 shown as a dashed line in Figure 24 and as a bar in Figure 25. The line 58 runs in the longitudinal direction 201 and thus preferably parallel to the X-direction of a corresponding motor vehicle 101 (not shown in each case). In addition, the line 58 is arranged centrally between the transverse transmission coils 5, 5y opposite each other in the transverse direction 202. 25, the additional transmitter coil 5, 5s, like the other transmitter coils 5, is adjacent to the winding 18 of the associated energy coil 2 in the height direction 200, so that the additional transmitter coil 5, 5s overlaps with the winding 18. In addition, the transmitter coils 5 and thus also the additional transmitter coil 5, 5s are spaced transversely to the height direction 200 from the central area 22 free of the winding 18. The additional transmitter coil 5, 5s can thus be arranged in the sections of line 58 shown hatched and enlarged in FIG. This results in a reduced coupling of the respective transmitter coil 5, in particular the additional transmitter coil 5, 5s, with the associated energy coil 3. Consequently, impairments and damage to the respective transmitter coil 5 and components electrically connected to it are prevented or at least reduced.

25, the line 58 can alternatively run in the transverse direction 202 and be arranged centrally between the longitudinal transmission coils 5, 5x opposite in the longitudinal direction 201.

Claims

Claims system (1) for inductive energy transmission, in particular to a mobile application (100),

- with a stationary induction charging device (2, 2a), which has a stationary energy coil (3, 3a),

- with a mobile induction charging device (2, 2b), which has a mobile energy coil (3, 3b),

- wherein when the system (1) is charging, one of the energy coils (3) generates an alternating magnetic field which induces a voltage for energy transmission in the other energy coil (3),

- wherein the induction charging devices (2) are spaced apart from one another in a height direction (200) during charging operation,

- with a positioning device (4) for detecting the relative positioning of the energy coils (3) to one another,

- wherein the positioning device (4) has at least four transmitting coils (5) in one of the induction charging devices (2) and at least one receiver (6) in the other induction charging device (2),

- wherein four of the at least four transmission coils (5) are spaced apart from one another and two of the transmission coils (5) are arranged opposite each other, such that the transmission coils (5) delimit a virtual frame (50), which defines a virtual frame volume (51), which also extends in the height direction (200), the energy coil (3) of the associated induction charging device (2) being at least partially arranged in the virtual frame volume (51), - wherein the positioning device (4) is designed such that the transmitting coils (5) each generate positioning fields (60) that can be distinguished from one another in a positioning operation,

- wherein the at least one receiver (6) is designed such that, during positioning operation, it interacts with the positioning fields (60) generated by the transmitting coils (5) of the other induction charging device (2),

- wherein the positioning device (4) is designed such that, during positioning operation, it determines the ratio (62) between at least two of the positioning fields (60) by means of the at least one receiver (6) and uses the at least one ratio (62) to detect whether the energy coil (3) of the induction charging device (2), which has at least one receiver (6), is located within the virtual frame volume (51) and, depending on this, outputs a positioning signal. System according to claim 1, characterized in

- that the positioning device (4) is designed such that a virtual target area (52) is delimited within the frame (50), the target area (52) defining a virtual target volume (53) within the frame volume (51), which is in Height direction (200) extends, and in which the energy coil (3) of the induction charging device (2) having the transmitting coils (5) is at least partially arranged,

- that the positioning device (4) is designed in such a way that it detects based on the at least one ratio (62) whether the energy coil (3) has the at least one receiver (6). Induction charging device (2) is located within the target volume (53). System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two longitudinal transmitter coils (5, 5x) in a longitudinal direction (201) running transversely to the height direction (200) and two transverse transmitter coils (5, 5y) in a transverse to the height direction (200 ) and transverse direction (202) running transversely to the longitudinal direction (201) are arranged opposite one another. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the positioning device (4) has an additional transmission coil (5, 5s) in addition to the four opposite transmission coils (5). System according to claim 4, characterized in that the additional transmission coil (5, 5s) is arranged within the frame volume (51). System according to claim 3 and claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the additional transmission coil (5, 5s) is arranged along a line (58),

- which runs in the longitudinal direction (201) and is arranged in the transverse direction (202) between the transverse transmission coils (5, 5y), in particular centrally between the transverse transmission coils (5, 5y), or

- which runs in the transverse direction (202) and in the longitudinal direction (201) between the longitudinal transmission coils (5, 5x), in particular in the middle between the longitudinal Transmission coils (5, 5x) are arranged. System according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the additional transmitter coil (5, 5s) is arranged adjacent to a winding (18) of the energy coil (3) of the associated induction charging device (2) in the height direction (200). System according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the positioning device (4) is designed such that at least one of the transmitting coils (5), in particular the respective transmitting coil (5), generates a magnetic positioning field (60) during positioning operation. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the respective transmitter coil (5) generates a positioning field (60) with an intensity maximum (61) in the positioning operation, the transmitter coils (5) being arranged at a distance from one another and/or the positioning device ( 4) is operated in such a way that the intensity maxima (61) of the positioning fields (60) are spaced apart from one another and the positioning fields (60) of at least two of the transmission coils (5) in the frame volume (51), in particular in the target volume (53), coincide. System according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transmission coils (5) are of identical design. System according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in in that the transmission coils (5) are designed in such a way and/or the positioning device (4) is operated in such a way that the transmission coils (5) each generate the same intensity curves (64) during positioning operation. System according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the positioning device (4) is designed such that the transmitting coils (5) are operated in positioning mode with different frequencies and / or with associated duty cycles and the positioning fields (60) can therefore be distinguished . System according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the four opposite transmission coils (5) are arranged such that the frame (50) is a square (54), in particular a rectangle (55). System according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in

- that the energy coil (3) of the induction charging device (2) having the transmitting coils (5) is designed as a flat coil (7) which has a winding (18) and a central area (22) free of the winding (18),

- that at least one of the transmitter coils (5), in particular the respective transmitter coil (5), is arranged adjacent to the winding (18) of the associated energy coil (3) in the height direction (200) and is spaced from the central area (22) transversely to the height direction (200). is. System according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the positioning device (4) is designed in such a way, in particular Transmission coils (5) are wound in such a way that a main axis of the respective positioning field (60) runs along the height direction (200). System according to claim 15, characterized in that the respective transmitter coil (5) has at least one conductor track (21) which is wound around a winding axis extending at least substantially in the height direction (200), so that the main axis of the positioning field (60) runs along the height direction (200) runs. Induction charging device (2) of a system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16. Mobile application (100), in particular motor vehicle (101), with a mobile induction charging device (2, 2a) of a system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16 .