Inductive charging device for a vehicle charging system

Abstract

The invention relates to an inductive charging device (1) for a vehicle charging system (8), comprising an energy transmission winding (4) and at least one magnetic flux guiding element. The inductive charging device according to the invention has a short-range positioning transmission device (NAH-POS), which is suitable for generating at least one short-range positioning signal (NAH-SIG), and a long-range positioning transmission device (FERN-POS), which is suitable for generating at least one long-range positioning signal (FERN-SIG). The invention further relates to a method for locating a vehicle (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an inductive charging device for a vehicle charging system, a vehicle charging system and a method for positioning a vehicle having a mobile inductive charging device in a defined position relative to a stationary inductive charging device according to the generic nature of the independent patent claims. Background Art

[0002] DE 10 2014 202 747 A1 discloses a double winding system for determining an orientation deviation between a primary coil and a secondary coil of an inductive charging system. The two windings of the double winding system are offset from one another by a certain angle and are wound around a common ferrite element. The magnetic field of the primary coil induces a voltage in the two windings. The two voltages are evaluated by an evaluation unit and the orientation deviation between the primary coil and the secondary coil is calculated therefrom. The double winding system shown is used as a sensor for only one method, which detects an orientation deviation. Such a method may become inaccurate or no longer function adequately in the case of minimum spacing. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention is based on the object of specifying an improved or at least alternative embodiment for an inductive charging device of the type mentioned in the introduction, in particular an embodiment which allows a localization method to be implemented over the greatest possible distance.

[0004] Compared with the conventional conductive charging process, the inductive charging of vehicles has many advantages. First of all, it is worth mentioning that the comfort is improved, because it saves the operation of the sometimes very heavy charging cable and plug. However, it is important for the inductive charging process to position the inductive charging device of the vehicle as accurately as possible relative to the fixed, for example, ground-side inductive charging device. This is difficult to position the vehicle above the fixed inductive charging device purely manually, and the driver needs the support of an auxiliary system, which provides the driver with information about the position deviation between the mobile inductive charging device and the fixed inductive charging device in the vehicle, or it is taken over by an automated positioning system, which directly automates the parking process. A sensor device that can detect the corresponding position deviation is required. It is advantageous that no initial calibration is required between the fixed inductive charging device and the mobile inductive charging device in the vehicle. In addition, the largest possible range of action is advantageous for the positioning system. That is to say, the positioning system should not only be able to accurately determine the position deviation at the largest possible distance between the fixed inductive charging device and the mobile inductive charging device in the vehicle, but should also operate normally until sufficiently accurate positioning.

[0005] In the present case, an inductive charging device for a vehicle charging system is proposed, which has an energy transmission winding and at least one flux conducting element (Flussführungselement) and has a short-range locating transmitting device and a long-range locating transmitting device, wherein the short-range locating transmitting device is suitable for generating at least one short-range locating signal and the long-range locating transmitting device is suitable for generating at least one long-range locating signal.

[0006] In the case of inductive charging, energy is transferred in the form of a magnetic field between two inductive charging devices, mostly between a stationary inductive charging device and a mobile inductive charging device.

[0007] The term "inductive charging device" therefore refers here to only one of the at least two parts that are necessary for the inductive charging process for energy transmission. During the inductive charging process, the energy transmission winding generates an alternating magnetic field in the inductive charging device. This alternating magnetic field induces a voltage in the further energy transmission winding of the further inductive charging device. Thus, for this specific charging process, the further inductive charging device serves as a counterpart. Energy is transmitted wirelessly and received by inducing a voltage.

[0008] The inductive charging device can be used for inductive charging of vehicles. In principle, the inductive charging device according to the invention can be used for any type of land vehicle, water vehicle or aircraft that has an electric drive or a hybrid drive. In particular, passenger cars, buses and trucks are mentioned here.

[0009] The vehicle charging system includes at least one mobile inductive charging device and a further, usually stationary, inductive charging device. The mobile inductive charging device can be installed, for example, on and / or in the vehicle.

[0010] An inductive charging device on and / or in a vehicle is therefore suitable for receiving a magnetic field and providing energy from an energy store of the vehicle, for example a battery or accumulator in the vehicle.

[0011] In principle, the vehicle charging system can also be used for bidirectional charging. Here, the vehicle can also temporarily feed energy from the energy storage device into the power grid via the vehicle charging system.

[0012] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0013] The inductive charging device has an energy transmission winding that can efficiently receive a magnetic field from another energy transmission winding and / or can emit a magnetic field during the charging process. Preferably, a power of 3 kW to 500 kW can be transmitted, particularly preferably a power of 3 kW to 50 kW can be transmitted.

[0014] In general, a coil is defined as a component for generating or receiving a magnetic field. A coil can consist of a winding and optional further elements, such as a magnetic core and a coil carrier. A winding is a wound arrangement of a current conductor. A winding can consist of one or more windings, wherein one winding represents a complete revolution of the conductor. However, in general, a winding can also consist of only less than one winding, such as 0.5 windings. Of course, a non-integer number of windings, such as 2.5 windings, is also possible.

[0015] The energy transmission winding can be designed in various forms and can be composed, for example, of a high-frequency litz wire having a diameter of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, which is preferably composed of copper.

[0016] The flux guidance element is suitable for guiding a magnetic field in a predetermined pattern. The flux guidance element has a high magnetic permeability, wherein μ r >1, preferably μ r >50, particularly preferably μ r >100. The flux guiding element is a magnetic core for the energy transmission winding. In particular, the magnetic field is influenced by the high magnetic permeability in such a way that the largest possible magnetic flux is transmitted to the energy transmission winding. With otherwise identical parameters, the energy transmission winding receives a larger magnetic flux with the flux guiding element than without the flux guiding element. The flux guiding element can be made of a ferromagnetic material, or preferably of a ferrimagnetic material, particularly preferably of a ferrite. The flux guiding element can preferably be implemented in a plate-shaped manner - in the form of a planar core - and can be arranged in the inductive charging device on the side of the energy transmission winding that faces away from the mating side, i.e., away from the other inductive charging device.

[0017] The positioning transmission device is a device that can emit at least one positioning signal. The positioning transmission device can be composed of multiple elements, which can also be separated from each other in space. It is also possible that the positioning transmission device can emit multiple positioning signals. The positioning transmission device is used to generate a positioning signal for a positioning method.

[0018] For an optimal positioning process, it is important, on the one hand, to achieve the highest possible range, i.e. to be able to perform positioning at the greatest possible distance between the two inductive charging devices. On the other hand, it is important to still be able to perform positioning even at a small distance between the two inductive charging devices, to be precise until sufficiently accurate positioning is achieved.

[0019] Here, the distance always refers to the distance with respect to the optimal positioning. In the case of a stationary inductive charging device arranged on or in a base, the optimal positioning can be present when the two center points of the inductive charging device are vertically superimposed on each other in a plane parallel to the base. In this case, the distance is always determined with reference to these center points. Therefore, here, the distance between two inductive charging devices refers to the distance between the two center points of the two inductive charging devices with respect to a plane parallel to the base. Different positioning methods may be optimal for different ranges of the spacing between the two inductive charging devices. For example, in the case of a small distance, a positioning method that achieves the largest possible range, that is, the largest possible distance between the two inductive charging devices, may not be sufficient. A positioning method that provides an exact value in the case of a small distance may have a small range. Therefore, it is advantageous to combine two positioning methods that provide sufficient or optimal values ​​for different ranges of the distance between the two inductive charging devices. In addition, it may be advantageous to use different positioning transmitters for the two positioning methods.

[0020] The expressions "close-range positioning" and "long-range positioning" relate here to two different distance ranges between two inductive charging devices or between two center points thereof. The distance ranges may overlap. The expressions "close-range positioning" and "long-range positioning" explicitly do not relate to the near-field or far-field properties of the electromagnetic waves.

[0021] A short-range locating transmitter is a locating transmitter that can emit a locating signal that is sufficient or optimal for locating at a relatively small distance between two inductive charging devices. The short-range locating transmitter is suitable for emitting a short-range locating signal during a locating process. In particular, the short-range locating transmitter can emit a short-range locating signal that is suitable for locating up to a sufficiently accurate locating.

[0022] Close-range positioning can cover the range up to the maximum distance for close-range positioning. The maximum distance refers to the distance between two inductive chargers. The maximum distance refers to the distance with respect to the optimal positioning. In the case of a stationary inductive charger arranged on or in a base, the optimal positioning is when the two center points of the inductive chargers are one above the other. The maximum distance therefore refers to the distance between the two center points in the travel plane of the two inductive chargers.

[0023] The maximum distance of close-range positioning can be less than two meters. Preferably, the maximum distance can be one meter. Therefore, preferably, close-range positioning covers a range of from several centimeters to one meter of the distance between the center points of two inductive charging devices.

[0024] A long-range locating transmitter is a locating transmitter that can emit one or more locating signals that are sufficient or optimal for locating at a relatively large distance between two inductive charging devices. The long-range locating transmitter is suitable for emitting long-range locating signals during a locating process. In particular, the long-range locating transmitter can emit long-range locating signals that are sufficiently accurate for locating up to a maximum range. The maximum range is the maximum distance between two inductive charging devices, which can be achieved by a combination of a short-range locating method and a long-range locating method.

[0025] Long-distance positioning can cover a range between a minimum distance and a maximum distance for long-distance positioning. The maximum distance for long-distance positioning should be at least as large as the following distance: from this distance, when the driver is driving straight towards the stationary inductive charging device, the driver can no longer see the stationary inductive charging device through the windshield. The maximum distance for long-distance positioning can be several meters. Preferably, the maximum distance for long-distance positioning can be between 5 and 15m, particularly preferably 10m. Long-distance positioning can have a minimum distance, below which positioning can no longer be performed with the help of this method. Advantageously, the minimum distance for long-distance positioning is at least as large as the maximum distance for short-distance positioning. However, it is also possible that the minimum distance for long-distance positioning is smaller than the maximum distance for short-distance positioning. In this case, a short transition area occurs, in which positioning needs to be performed without a positioning method. For example, here, positioning can be simply performed further in the corresponding direction after the last signal of the long-distance positioning that has been analyzed, until the short-distance positioning provides a signal that can be analyzed. Alternatively, it is also possible that the minimum distance for long-distance positioning is greater than the maximum distance for short-distance positioning. In this case, an overlap of the two positioning methods occurs.

[0026] The minimum distance for long-range positioning may be between 20 cm and 1 m. Preferably, the minimum distance for long-range positioning may be about 0.5 m.

[0027] Thus, preferably, the term "far" refers to a distance range between 0.5m and 10m. Thus, preferably, the term "near" refers to a distance range of less than 1m.

[0028] It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively stated combination but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0029] Preferably, the inductive charging device is a mobile inductive charging device that is arranged on and / or in a vehicle, or the inductive charging device is a stationary inductive charging device.

[0030] A stationary inductive charger is the non-mobile part of a vehicle's charging system, ie the part that does not move with the vehicle.

[0031] Preferably, the stationary inductive charging device can be located on, at or in the ground. This can be an inductive charging device applied to a base or an inductive charging device sunk into a base or into the ground. The ground can be a driveway, a parking lot surface, a garage floor, a floor in a parking garage or other building. However, as an alternative, the stationary inductive charging device can also be located on a wall or the like.

[0032] It is also possible that this is a stationary inductive charging device for a dynamic inductive charging process. In the case of a dynamic inductive charging process, the energy storage device of the vehicle can be charged while the vehicle is moving. For example, in this case, the stationary inductive charging device can extend along the roadway, under, in or on the roadway surface.

[0033] The mobile inductive charging device can be arranged on and / or in the vehicle. Quite generally, this is to be understood as the part of the vehicle charging system that moves with the vehicle.

[0034] Advantageously, the short-distance locating transmission device has a plurality of short-distance transmitting windings, preferably at least four short-distance transmitting windings, which are arranged at a distance from one another and are each suitable for generating a short-distance locating signal.

[0035] The short-distance transmission winding is a transmission coil or a part of a transmission coil, which can generate a short-distance positioning signal. Here, the short-distance positioning signal can be an alternating magnetic field and has a certain frequency or a certain frequency band. The frequency of the short-distance positioning signal can be in the range of 5kHz to 150kHz, preferably in the range of 110kHz to 148.5kHz, and particularly preferably in the range of 120kHz to 145kHz. For example, the frequency used can be a plurality of the following frequencies: 111.483kHz and 111.982kHz and 112.994kHz and 113.507kHz and 116.009kHz. The transmission coil can be implemented to be significantly smaller than the energy transmission winding, and can also be implemented to be smaller than the sensor winding. For example, the short-distance transmission winding can be implemented in the form of a flat coil. The short-distance transmission winding can be arranged spaced apart from the energy transmission winding and spaced apart from one or more magnetic flux guiding elements. Alternatively, the short-distance transmission winding can also be arranged in the area of ​​the energy transmission winding and / or in the area of ​​the magnetic flux guiding element. In principle, the short-distance transmission winding can be arranged in every plane of the inductive charging device. In the case of an inductive charging device arranged parallel to the driving plane, this corresponds to an arrangement at different heights. The short-distance transmission winding can be arranged between at least one flux guiding element and the energy transmission winding. Alternatively, the short-distance transmission winding can be located in a plane with the energy transmission winding. In another alternative embodiment, the short-distance transmission winding can be closer to another inductive charging device than the energy transmission winding and than the flux guiding element, and the other inductive charging device forms a matching piece during the inductive charging process. In other words, the short-distance transmission winding can be arranged on the side of the energy transmission winding facing away from the flux guiding element. It is also possible that the short-distance transmission winding is arranged spatially spaced apart from the inductive charging device and is only functionally assigned to the inductive charging device. By using multiple short-distance transmission windings, a simpler method for positioning can be achieved.

[0036] If the received signal can be assigned to each positioning signal of the close-range transmission winding, the relative distance or absolute distance to the corresponding close-range transmission winding can be determined and positioning can be achieved thereby. For example, the relative distances to two adjacent close-range transmission windings can be compared with each other.

[0037] The use of at least four close-range transmission windings is advantageous. For example, the close-range transmission windings can be arranged in a rectangular form around the target area. By simply comparing the strengths of the corresponding different positioning signals, positioning can be performed not only in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, but also perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Another advantage is that there is redundancy in this way, because two ratios are formed along each spatial direction. This is particularly important for the proposed system, because in the case of a very small distance between the close-range transmission winding and the sensor winding, parasitic effects can have an impact, so that the signal no longer has its maximum value directly at the close-range transmission winding in a spatially distributed manner, but there is a clear "dip" there. Here, "dip" refers to a local minimum between two local maxima. That is, the position-related signal has a characteristic variation curve with a "double hump". Such a variation curve leads to falsification of the identified position. Since the effect of the obvious "dip" in the spatial distribution only occurs in the case of a very short distance, the redundancy proposed here is advantageous, because the signal of the close-range transmission winding with a larger distance can always be analyzed and processed here.

[0038] The short-distance transmission winding as part of the electric coil can generate an alternating magnetic field by applying an alternating current. For example, the alternating magnetic field can induce a voltage in another winding arranged far away. As a result, the same physical basic principle as that for energy transmission, namely induction, can also be used to transmit positioning signals. This provides multiple advantages. First and foremost, certain components, such as electronic device components and magnetic flux guiding elements, can be used not only for energy transmission, but also for positioning signal transmission. Here, an alternating current with an effective value between 500mA and 1A can flow through the short-distance transmission winding. Preferably, the effective value of the alternating current is 700mA.

[0039] Particularly advantageously, the short-distance transmission winding is designed with a winding axis perpendicular to the base.

[0040] The close-range transmission winding may be made of copper. The close-range transmission winding may have between 10 and 50 windings. Preferably, the close-range transmission winding has between 20 and 40 windings. Particularly preferably, the close-range transmission winding has 28 windings. The close-range transmission winding may have a diameter between 50 and 100 mm. For example, the close-range transmission winding has a diameter of 72 mm.

[0041] For example, the short-distance transmission winding can be implemented as a flat coil. The flat coil can be a spiral flat coil, especially a circular spiral flat coil or a rectangular spiral flat coil. The spiral flat coil can be wound in the form of an Archimedean spiral. Here, the winding shape can be similar to a circle (circular spiral flat coil), but other shapes, such as square-like or rectangular-like or also similar to a rectangular shape with rounded corners, are also possible (rectangular spiral flat coil). Here, the spiral can be located in a plane. In the case of application in a vehicle, the flat coil is particularly suitable, because in this case, the structural space is particularly limited along the height of the vehicle. The flat coil is advantageous because the flat coil has the smallest possible extension dimension along this direction. The extension dimension along the two dimensions parallel to the base and perpendicular to the height of the vehicle is advantageous because the tolerance range for positioning is the largest, and in this tolerance range, the coupling between the energy transmission windings is still sufficient for energy transmission.

[0042] Alternatively, the short-range transmission winding can be implemented as a cylindrical coil. Here, the cylindrical coil can be implemented quite flat. The corresponding cylindrical coil can be arranged in a manner wound around the winding body and has a height along the winding axis between 5mm and 15mm.

[0043] The short-range positioning signal can be an alternating magnetic field with different frequencies or with the same frequency but different pulse widths.

[0044] In the short-range positioning method, different short-range positioning signals sent and received can be compared, and thus the deviation from the optimal position can be determined. To this end, it is necessary to generate a plurality of short-range positioning signals that can be distinguished from each other. These short-range positioning signals need to be different from each other in terms of the distinguishing criteria. One possible distinguishing criterion is frequency. The spacing between two frequencies can be between 0.1 and 1kHz. For example, the frequencies used can be four or more of the following frequencies: 111.483kHz and 111.982kHz and 112.994kHz and 113.507kHz and 116.009kHz.

[0045] Another possibility is to select only one frequency for all short-range locating signals, but to use different pulse widths for different short-range locating signals as a differentiation criterion.

[0046] Preferably, the long-distance positioning transmitting device has a positioning signal winding, wherein the positioning signal winding is implemented as a solenoid having a winding axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or the longitudinal direction of the target vehicle, the flux guiding element is suitable for guiding the magnetic field during the energy transfer process occurring between the other inductive charging device and the energy transmission winding, the positioning signal winding surrounds at least one of the at least one flux guiding elements, and the positioning signal winding is suitable for generating a long-distance positioning signal, which is an alternating magnetic field.

[0047] The long-distance positioning signal winding can send out a positioning signal during the positioning process.

[0048] The remote locating signal winding can have a plurality of windings, preferably between 10 and 15 windings, particularly preferably 13 windings. For example, the remote locating signal winding can generate an alternating magnetic field with a certain frequency based on an alternating current. The effective current of the alternating current in the remote locating signal winding can be between 100 and 500 mA. Preferably, the effective current of the alternating current is 260 mA.

[0049] In principle, the energy transmission winding can also emit a locating signal, but it is advantageous to use a separate long-distance locating signal winding for generating the locating signal, as proposed here. In particular, the long-distance locating signal winding can generate a magnetic field that is more suitable for locating and can achieve a higher range, especially with the same power. The energy transmission winding is designed in such a way that it is coupled as well as possible to the corresponding counterpart. Therefore, in general, the energy transmission winding does not have a high range with respect to sending or receiving magnetic fields in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or the longitudinal direction of the target vehicle. However, this is crucial for the locating process.

[0050] During positioning, the maximum possible power of the positioning signal or the maximum possible magnetic field is strongly limited. The maximum possible power or the maximum possible magnetic field is significantly smaller than it is during the energy transfer process. During the positioning process, no vehicle is located on the stationary inductive charging device. It is therefore possible, for example, for a person to stand on the stationary inductive charging device. In order to keep the magnetic field harmless for people, the magnetic field must not be greater than a magnetic flux density of 27 μT or 6.25 μT, depending on the frequency range.

[0051] With the proposed long-distance locating signal winding, a locating signal can be generated which complies with limit values ​​or reference values ​​and nevertheless enables a high range.

[0052] Solenoids are also called cylindrical coils or solenoid coils. Solenoids can be wound in the form of a spiral or cylindrical helix. However, the winding shape does not have to be circular, but can also have other shapes, such as square-like or rectangular-like or also rectangular-like with rounded corners. An important difference from a flat coil is that the windings do not lie in one plane, but extend along an axis. However, here, two or more windings can also extend in parallel and therefore lie in the same plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0053] The stationary inductive charging device has a target vehicle longitudinal direction, which is the direction in which the vehicle longitudinal direction should lie after a successful positioning process.

[0054] If the telelocation signal winding is located in a mobile inductive charging device of the vehicle, the winding axis of the telelocation signal winding is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. If the telelocation signal winding is located in a stationary inductive charging device, the winding axis of the telelocation signal winding is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the target vehicle.

[0055] The remote locating signal winding may have an extension along the winding axis of between 10 mm and 60 mm. Preferably, the remote locating signal winding has an extension along the winding axis of 40 mm.

[0056] In the proposed arrangement, the flux guidance element takes over the guidance of the magnetic field for energy transmission during the energy transmission process and takes over the guidance of the magnetic field for positioning during the positioning process. The flux guidance element thus takes over a dual function here, which is particularly advantageous because material and installation space can be used efficiently.

[0057] Particularly preferably, the remote locating signal winding can be arranged around the entire width of the inductive charging device, so that the largest possible area is covered in this way and a magnetic field that is as homogeneous as possible can thus be generated.

[0058] In a variant, the remote locating signal winding is arranged around at least one of the at least one flux guiding elements and around the energy transmission winding. This is advantageous because the remote locating signal winding can be arranged around an otherwise preassembled inductive charging device. In addition, when the remote locating signal winding is arranged around at least one of the at least one flux guiding elements and around the energy transmission winding, a larger area is opened up by the remote locating signal winding than, for example, when the remote locating signal winding is arranged only around one or more flux guiding elements. Thus, with the same power, the local maximum of the magnetic flux density is further reduced, or in other words, while complying with the magnetic flux density reference value or the magnetic flux density limit value, a higher power can be used and thus a higher range can be achieved.

[0059] It is advantageous to use the same basic physical principles for the long-distance locating method as for the energy transmission, since certain components (such as flux conducting elements or electronic components) can be shared. It can be particularly advantageous if not only one or more short-distance locating signals but also one or more long-distance locating signals are alternating magnetic fields. Here, further components can also be shared again. For example, both signal types—long-distance locating signal and short-distance locating signal—can be received by means of the same sensor.

[0060] For example, the alternating magnetic field can be generated by means of a coil or a winding of the coil through which current flows. The alternating magnetic field can have a frequency between 100 and 150 kHz. Preferably, the frequency can be between 110 and 148.5 kHz. For example, the frequency used can be one of the following frequencies: 145.560 kHz, 145.985 kHz, 146.843 kHz, and 147.275 kHz.

[0061] The invention also relates to a vehicle charging system having a mobile inductive charging device and a stationary inductive charging device, wherein:

[0062] The mobile inductive charging device is designed according to the invention and the stationary inductive charging device has a position receiving device, or the stationary inductive charging device is designed according to the invention and the mobile inductive charging device has a position receiving device.

[0063] It is advantageous if the sending and receiving of the locating signals (both long-range locating signals and short-range locating signals) takes place in the corresponding inductive charging device, since the most accurate information about the exact position deviation or position deviation can be obtained here. In this case, one of the two inductive charging devices can be configured according to the invention and can have a long-range locating transmitting device and a short-range locating transmitting device. In this case, the other inductive charging device can have a locating receiving device. The locating receiving device is suitable for receiving short-range locating signals and / or long-range locating signals.

[0064] Advantageously, the inductive charging device having a position detection device has at least one flux conducting element, the position detection device having at least one first sensor winding and at least one second sensor winding.

[0065] In this case, the position determination receiving device serves to receive short-range and / or long-range position determination signals and thus forms a central element of the position determination receiving device.

[0066] The sensor winding according to the invention can be implemented in different forms and can have half a winding, one winding or preferably a plurality of windings. Of course, a non-integer number of windings, for example 2.5 windings, is also possible. For example, the conductor of such a sensor winding can have a diameter between 0.01 and 2 mm. 2 The conductor can be implemented as a stranded wire, a single conductor or in another form, for example in the form of a printed circuit board. In the case of a conductor structure implemented on a printed circuit board, the conductor track can have a cross-section in the order of magnitude of 0.8 mm to 35 μm, for example.

[0067] Preferably, the at least one flux guidance element is suitable for guiding a magnetic field during an energy transfer process taking place between the mobile inductive charging device and the stationary inductive charging device, around which at least one of the at least one flux guidance element the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding are arranged.

[0068] By arranging the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding around at least one of the at least one flux guiding elements, at least one of the at least one flux guiding elements assumes a dual function here. The flux guiding element serves not only as a magnetic core for the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding, but also as a magnetic core or flux guiding element for the energy transmission winding. Thus, no separate flux guiding elements for the sensor windings are required, which leads to simplified production.

[0069] Arranging the sensor winding around the flux guiding element means that at least a portion of the flux guiding element is surrounded by the sensor winding. The first sensor winding and the second sensor winding can be arranged around the same flux guiding element or around two different flux guiding elements or also around a plurality of flux guiding elements.

[0070] The two sensor windings can either be arranged only around one or more flux conducting elements, or else also around further elements, for example around the energy transmission winding and / or around the cooling device and / or around the shielding device.

[0071] Advantageously, the first sensor winding has a first radial longitudinal direction, the second sensor winding has a second radial longitudinal direction, the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction are arranged at least approximately perpendicular to each other, and the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction are arranged at least approximately axisymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or with respect to the longitudinal direction of the target vehicle.

[0072] In general, the winding extends around an axis in at least two dimensions. The main extension direction perpendicular to the winding axis is referred to herein as the radial longitudinal direction. That is, in the case of a winding with a rectangular, rather than a square, cross section, the main extension direction extends along or parallel to the longer sides of the rectangle. In the case of a winding with an elliptical cross section, the radial longitudinal direction extends along or parallel to the main axis of the ellipse. Preferably, the radial longitudinal direction of the sensor winding according to the invention can lie in a plane extending parallel to the base.

[0073] A corresponding arrangement of the angles of the radial longitudinal direction is advantageous for the highest possible sensitivity during detection and for the simplest possible calculation of the positional deviation between the vehicle and the stationary inductive charging device.

[0074] The first sensor winding and the second sensor winding may have an extension along the winding axis of between 10 mm and 60 mm. Preferably, the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding have an extension along the winding axis of 40 mm.

[0075] Preferably, the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding can each have between 10 and 20 windings. Particularly preferably, the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding each have 15 windings.

[0076] If the two angles between the respective radial longitudinal directions of the sensor windings and the vehicle longitudinal direction or the target vehicle longitudinal direction are of approximately the same size, this means that the sensor windings are arranged symmetrically with respect to the direction of travel.

[0077] This is particularly advantageous because the function of the sensor winding is also to detect a left-right position deviation between the inductive charging device in the vehicle and the stationary inductive charging device. Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the sensor winding with respect to the direction of travel, in the case of position deviations to the right or to the left of the same magnitude, the voltages induced in the sensor winding are also symmetrical, and the position deviation can therefore be calculated relatively easily from the induced voltage.

[0078] If the two angles are 45°, the two sensor windings are at an angle of 90° relative to one another, which is ideal for optimal evaluation of the sensor signals.

[0079] Preferably, the first sensor winding has a first radial longitudinal direction, the second sensor winding has a second radial longitudinal direction, the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction are respectively arranged at an angle of 45°+ / -10°, preferably at an angle of 45°, relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction cross at an angle of 70°-110°, preferably vertically.

[0080] Preferably, the first sensor winding has a first radial longitudinal direction and the second sensor winding has a second radial longitudinal direction, the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction intersecting in the region of the area spanned by the energy transmission windings.

[0081] The present invention also includes a method for positioning a vehicle having a mobile inductive charging device in a defined position relative to a stationary inductive charging device, wherein a long-range positioning method is used when a first starting criterion is met and a first end criterion is not met, and a short-range positioning method is used when a second starting criterion is met and a second end criterion is not met.

[0082] For efficient energy transmission, it is necessary to position the mobile inductive charging device as accurately as possible relative to the stationary inductive charging device. That is, the mobile inductive charging device needs to be positioned in a defined position relative to the stationary inductive charging device. The defined position is a predetermined position, in the case of which it is preferably taken into account that the energy transmission can take place with the highest possible efficiency. In this case, it can be taken into account in particular that each of the energy transmission windings in the two inductive charging devices is positioned in a manner with the smallest possible spacing between each other and in a manner opposite to each other with respect to the air gap between them. Since, in general, the two energy transmission windings do not have to be of the same size, symmetrical positioning is also advantageous in this case, in which the winding axes of the two energy transmission windings overlap as much as possible. Usually, for the driver, accurate positioning is difficult or impossible without additional support in the form of a driver assistance system.

[0083] Different positioning methods can be beneficial for different distance ranges. During the positioning process, different positioning methods can be used. For larger distances, long-range positioning methods can be used, and for smaller distances, short-range positioning methods can be used.

[0084] For example, long-range positioning methods may cover distances between 10m and 0.5m.

[0085] The long-range positioning method may be suitable in particular for distances between the edge of the parking lot and 0.5 m in front of the target position.

[0086] The short-distance positioning method can be suitable for a distance less than 1 m. In particular, the short-distance positioning method can be suitable for a distance between 0.5 m in front of the target position and the target position. The short-distance positioning method can end when sufficient positioning is achieved.

[0087] The long-distance positioning method and the short-distance positioning method can be implemented in a similar manner or in a significantly different manner by the components and analysis processes used here. Here, the long-distance positioning method and the short-distance positioning method can be different. For these two positioning methods, there is a starting criterion, from which the detected signal is suitable for and / or is conducive to the positioning method. For these two positioning methods, there is an end criterion, from which the detected signal is no longer suitable for and / or is no longer conducive to the positioning method. When the detected signal can no longer achieve reliable positioning, the end criterion can be met. When other positioning methods are more reliable, the end criterion can be met. When a sufficiently accurate position is reached, the end criterion can be met.

[0088] Preferably, the first start criterion comprises the exceeding of a first signal threshold value of the long-distance locating signal, and the first end criterion comprises the exceeding of a second signal threshold value of the long-distance locating signal.

[0089] The long-distance locating signal can be emitted by an inductive charging device and detected in a further inductive charging device with a certain strength. The strength of the detected long-distance locating signal can increase, in particular monotonically, as the distance between the two inductive charging devices decreases. A first signal threshold can be specified, above which the long-distance locating signal is sufficient for the long-distance locating method. Below the first signal threshold, the received long-distance locating signal is too weak to be reliably evaluated in the long-distance locating method. Therefore, the first signal threshold can be specified as a first starting criterion, above which the long-distance locating method can be started.

[0090] For example, the remote locating signal may induce a voltage into a sensor winding, wherein the signal threshold may refer to the exceeding of a certain induced voltage.

[0091] It is possible that the long-distance locating method no longer functions reliably below a minimum distance to the target position. For example, alternating magnetic fields can be used in long-distance locating methods, wherein in particular the local direction of the magnetic field can be used to determine the direction deviation.

[0092] At a small distance from the source, for example from a coil through which current flows, the alternating magnetic field can have a very strong local curvature and therefore it is no longer possible to reliably infer a directional deviation between the two inductive charging devices from the direction of the magnetic field. Therefore, even if the strength of the remote locating signal is sufficient, the remote locating signal cannot be used for the remote locating method. For this purpose, a second signal threshold can also be specified. When this second signal threshold is exceeded, the remote locating signal is no longer suitable for the remote locating method. Therefore, the exceeding of the second signal threshold can be used as a first end criterion for the remote locating method.

[0093] Particularly preferably, the second start criterion includes the exceeding of a third signal threshold value of one or more close-range locating signals and the second end criterion includes the evaluation of at least one signal value ratio of two close-range locating signals.

[0094] The short-range locating signal can be emitted by the inductive charging device and detected in the other inductive charging device with a certain strength. The strength of the detected short-range locating signal can increase, in particular monotonically, as the distance between the two inductive charging devices decreases. A third signal threshold can be specified, from which the short-range locating signal is sufficient for the short-range locating method. Below this third signal threshold, the received short-range locating signal is too weak to be reliably evaluated in the short-range locating method. Therefore, the third signal threshold can be specified as a second starting criterion, from which the short-range locating method can be started.

[0095] A close-range positioning method may be used until sufficient positioning is achieved. Thus, the second end criterion may be met when the vehicle is positioned sufficiently accurately relative to the stationary inductive charging device.

[0096] For this purpose, in the case of the close-range locating method, one or more ratios of the two close-range locating signals can be formed. In this case, the close-range locating signals can be positioned symmetrically around the optimal position for the sensor device. Adequate positioning can be achieved when one or more of the ratios of the two close-range locating signals is equal to 1 or is within a narrow tolerance range around the value 1.

[0097] Advantageously, a first end criterion is met for a first switching distance between the mobile inductive charger and the stationary inductive charger, and a second start criterion is met for a second switching distance between the mobile inductive charger and the stationary inductive charger.

[0098] The first end criterion and the second start criterion are selected such that, at a certain distance between the mobile inductive charging device and the stationary inductive charging device, the first end criterion and the second start criterion are each met.

[0099] The long-range positioning method no longer provides a sufficiently reliable signal as of a distance at which the first end criterion is met. The short-range positioning method provides a sufficiently reliable signal as of a distance at which the second start criterion is met. It is possible that the distance at which the first end criterion is met is greater than the distance at which the second start criterion is met. In this case, "blind flying" occurs, i.e. a short transition zone in which neither the long-range positioning method nor the short-range positioning method can be analyzed. This situation is not ideal. However, this situation can be remedied, for example, by positioning in the transition zone in the direction of the direction last predetermined by the long-range positioning method.

[0100] It is possible that the distance that meets the first end criterion and the distance that meets the second start criterion are at least approximately the same size. In this case, if the long-range positioning method no longer provides sufficient values, the short-range positioning method can take over.

[0101] It is possible that the distance that meets the first end criterion is smaller than the distance that meets the second start criterion. In this case, in this transition region, there are both reliable signals from the short-range positioning method and reliable signals from the long-range positioning method. Then, in this transition region, either the long-range positioning method or the short-range positioning method can be used, or both the short-range positioning signal and the long-range positioning signal can be evaluated and processed.

[0102] There may be a distance of less than 40 cm, preferably less than 20 cm and particularly preferably less than 10 cm between the first switching distance and the second switching distance, or the first switching distance may be equal to the second switching distance.

[0103] As mentioned above, the first switching distance or the second switching distance can be larger. If the first switching distance is larger, then as mentioned above, a transition region occurs in which no evaluation of the positioning method can be performed. If the second switching distance is larger, then a transition region occurs in which both positioning methods can be reliably evaluated.

[0104] Preferably, the same positioning receiving device is used for the long-range positioning method and the short-range positioning method.

[0105] Here, not only the long-distance positioning signal but also the short-distance positioning signal can be an alternating magnetic field, which can be generated, for example, by different coils. Here, the short-distance positioning method and the long-distance positioning method can be significantly different. For example, in the case of the long-distance positioning method, the direction of the alternating magnetic field at a certain frequency or in a certain frequency range can be analyzed and processed. For example, a directional deviation can be determined thereby. For example, in the case of the short-distance positioning method, the signal strengths at different frequencies or in different frequency ranges can be correlated with each other. For example, a position deviation can be determined thereby. Advantageously, the two positioning methods can be analyzed and processed by means of the same positioning receiving device. As a result, additional components can be saved and therefore also structural space can be saved.

[0106] Advantageously, the mobile inductive charging device and the stationary inductive charging device are part of the vehicle charging system according to the present invention, and the position receiving device is the position receiving device according to the present invention.

[0107] Advantageously, the locating receiver receives and evaluates at least one long-range locating signal during the long-range locating method and receives and evaluates at least one short-range locating signal during the short-range locating method.

[0108] Here, it is also entirely possible that the positioning receiving device sometimes or always also receives other positioning signals, but - for example, depending on the start and end criteria - only evaluates the short-range positioning signals or only evaluates the long-range positioning signals. Here, the evaluation does not need to take place in the structural unit of the sensor device with the positioning signal receiving device, but can also be performed in a computing unit that is spatially separated from the sensor device.

[0109] In an advantageous embodiment, during the long-range locating method, at least one long-range locating signal induces a voltage in at least one first sensor winding and a voltage in at least one second sensor winding, and during the short-range locating method, a plurality of short-range locating signals induce a plurality of voltages in at least one first sensor winding and in at least one second sensor winding.

[0110] Preferably, during the remote positioning method, the strength of the voltage induced in the first sensor winding is compared with the strength of the voltage induced in the second sensor winding, and a direction deviation value between the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the longitudinal direction of the target vehicle is calculated.

[0111] Advantageously, during the short-range positioning method, the strengths of the voltages induced into the positioning receiving device at different frequencies or different pulse widths are compared to calculate a position deviation value between the current position and the target position.

[0112] Preferably, after the close-range positioning method, a position keeping check is also performed, during which it is continuously checked whether the vehicle is still in a suitable position for energy transmission.

[0113] If the vehicle is in a suitable position for energy transmission, the short-range positioning method is terminated.

[0114] However, it may be necessary to continuously check during the entire energy transfer process whether the vehicle is still in a suitable position for energy transfer. For example, it is necessary to prevent the vehicle from rolling away during the energy transfer process and energy transfer continues. This can be checked within the framework of the position retention check. Here, it can be continuously checked whether the second end criterion is still met. If the second end criterion is no longer met at any point in time during the position retention check, an alarm can be triggered. If the energy transfer is terminated, the position retention check can be terminated in the usual way.

[0115] It is possible that a sufficiently accurate positioning for energy transmission that can be achieved by the method according to the invention is only one criterion among a plurality of criteria that are a prerequisite for energy transmission.

[0116] It is possible that, in addition to sufficiently accurate positioning, a communication check also takes place, in which it is ensured that the mobile inductive charging device is communicatively connected to a stationary inductive charging device above which the mobile inductive charging device is positioned sufficiently accurately.

[0117] In principle, such a communication check can take place at any point in time during the method according to the invention, but before the energy transmission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0118] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or components having the same function.

[0119] The accompanying drawings schematically show:

[0120] Figure 1 shows a greatly simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle with an inductive charging device,

[0121] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing an inductive charging device for a vehicle charging system,

[0122] Figure 3 A top view of an inductive charging device according to the present invention is shown, wherein the inductive charging device has a short-distance positioning transmitter and a long-distance positioning transmitter.

[0123] Figure 4 A top view of an alternative inductive charging device according to the invention is shown, which has a short-range position transmitter and a long-range position transmitter,

[0124] Figure 5 A flat coil is shown as a short-distance positioning transmitter for a short-distance positioning transmitting device,

[0125] Figure 6 An inductive charging device for a vehicle charging system according to the present invention is shown, the inductive charging device having a positioning receiving device,

[0126] Figure 7 An inductive charging device for a vehicle charging system according to the present invention is shown, the inductive charging device having a positioning receiving device,

[0127] Figure 8 shows a vehicle having a vehicle charging system according to the invention during a positioning process,

[0128] Fig. 9 A flow chart showing a positioning method according to the present invention is shown.

[0129] Fig.10 A flow chart showing an alternative positioning method according to the invention is shown,

[0130] Fig.11 A flow chart showing a possible station keeping check according to the close range positioning method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0131] Figure 1 The figure shows a mobile inductive charging device 1a which is arranged on vehicle 2 having energy storage device 3 and is positioned above a stationary inductive charging device 1b. During operation, energy can be transferred from stationary inductive charging device 1b to mobile inductive charging device 1a and energy storage device 3 of the vehicle can thereby be charged.

[0132] Mobile inductive charging device 1a and stationary inductive charging device 1b together form vehicle charging system 8 or are part of vehicle charging system 8. In principle, it is also possible to operate vehicle charging system 8 bidirectionally. In this case, energy can be temporarily transferred from mobile inductive charging device 1a to stationary inductive charging device 1b. Alternatively, in Figure 1Stationary inductive charging device 1b arranged on base 35 in the embodiment can also be arranged sunken in the roadway (not shown here). In the case of a sunken arrangement, inductive charging device 1b can be covered by a certain layer of the roadway or can be flush with the roadway surface.

[0133] Figure 2 The lateral section shows an inductive charging device 1 , 1 a which contains a plurality of flux conducting elements 5 and energy transmitting windings 4 , 10 and is mounted on a vehicle 2 .

[0134] A corresponding arrangement exists for stationary inductive charging device 1 b , except that it is not arranged on vehicle 2 , but on a base (not shown).

[0135] Figure 3 The inductive charging device according to the invention is shown in a top view, which has a short-range positioning transmitter NAH-POS and a long-range positioning transmitter FERN-POS. The short-range positioning transmitter NAH-POS is implemented in the form of four short-range transmission windings 13. The long-range positioning transmitter FERN-POS is implemented as a solenoid 42. During the positioning process, the long-range positioning transmitter FERN-POS sends a long-range positioning signal FERN-SIG in the form of an alternating magnetic field. During the positioning process, the short-range positioning transmitter NAH-POS sends a plurality of short-range positioning signals NAH-SIG in the form of an alternating magnetic field, the alternating magnetic field differing, for example, in frequency.

[0136] Figure 4 The top view of an alternative inductive charging device according to the invention is shown, which has a short-distance positioning transmitter NAH-POS and a long-distance positioning transmitter FERN-POS. Here, the short-distance positioning transmitter NAH-POS is also implemented as four short-distance transmission windings 13, and the long-distance positioning transmitter FERN-POS is also implemented as a solenoid 42. This embodiment shows an alternative arrangement of the flux guide element 5, and in addition, the long-distance positioning signal winding 41 does not extend centrally through the center of the inductive charging device 1, but is moved toward the edge.

[0137] Figure 5 A short-distance transmission winding 13 is shown, which is designed as a flat coil 10 .

[0138] Figure 6A further inductive charging device 1 is shown, which has a position receiving device 17, which has two sensor windings 9a and 9b, which are part of the sensor device. This can be a mobile inductive charging device 1a or a stationary inductive charging device 1b. In the present embodiment, eight flux guiding elements 5 are shown, which are arranged in a plane radially around the center 7 of the energy transmission winding 4. There are narrow gaps 32 between the flux guiding elements 5. The gaps also extend radially around the center 7, so that they extend approximately in the main direction of the magnetic field lines (three magnetic field lines 14 are symbolically indicated here), which occur when energy is transmitted into the flux guiding elements 5. The energy transmission winding 4, which is covered by the flux guiding elements 5 in the top view, is marked with a dotted line. The energy transmission winding 4 is a flat coil 10 here.

[0139] In this case, the sensor winding is designed as a solenoid, also called a cylindrical coil.

[0140] In this case, the first sensor winding 9a extends around two flux guidance elements 5 which are arranged diagonally opposite one another with respect to the center 7 of the energy transmission coil 4. Correspondingly, the second sensor winding 9b is wound around two further flux guidance elements 5 which are likewise arranged diagonally opposite one another with respect to the center 7. The first sensor winding 9a is arranged axisymmetrically with respect to the second sensor winding 9b with respect to the longitudinal direction 6 of the vehicle. The first sensor winding 9a and the second sensor winding 9b cross at least approximately in the center 7 of the energy transmission coil 4.

[0141] The first sensor winding 9a has a first radial longitudinal direction 11a and the second sensor winding 9b has a second radial longitudinal direction 11b. An angle 15 between the first radial longitudinal direction 11a and the vehicle longitudinal direction 6 is at least approximately the same size as an angle 16 between the second radial longitudinal direction 11b and the vehicle longitudinal direction 6.

[0142] During the charging process, the vehicle 2 is positioned above the stationary inductive charging device 1b and energy is transferred to the inductive charging device 1a. In this case, the flux guiding element assumes the function of the flux guiding. In the charging state, the field lines of the magnetic field extend in the flux guiding element approximately in the radial direction. Since the first radial longitudinal direction 11a and the second radial longitudinal direction 11b are also oriented radially and therefore at least approximately parallel to the magnetic field lines, only relatively small voltages or even no voltage are induced in the first sensor winding 9a and the second sensor winding 9b. This is important because otherwise the sensor windings could easily be damaged in the case of high powers and therefore high magnetic flux densities of the energy transmission. Therefore, additional costs for preventing damage to the arrangement are also not necessary.

[0143] Figure 7 A further exemplary embodiment of an inductive charging device 1 according to the invention is shown in a top view. Here, there are four sensor windings 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, which have four radial longitudinal directions 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d. Each sensor winding is arranged around a different flux guidance element 5. Two of the flux guidance elements are arranged diagonally opposite one another with respect to the center 7 of the energy transmission coil 4. The four sensor windings 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d also together form a cross-shaped arrangement. Figure 6 The advantage compared to the arrangement in is that here the region around the center 7 of the energy transmission coil 4 is designed without sensor windings 9. Thus, in this case, mechanically required support elements (not shown) can be arranged in addition.

[0144] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The inductive charging device according to the present invention and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The other inductive charging device in the vehicle charging system 8 can be part of the vehicle charging system 8 according to the invention. In this case, a positioning receiving device 17 can receive signals not only from the short-range positioning transmitter NAH-POS but also from the long-range positioning transmitter FERN-POS. This is advantageous because two different positioning methods can be operated with a positioning receiving device 17, which work optimally in two different distance ranges.

[0145] Figure 8a) shows a vehicle 2 during a positioning process above a stationary inductive charging device 1b, the vehicle having a vehicle longitudinal direction 6 and a mobile inductive charging device 1a, the stationary inductive charging device having a target vehicle longitudinal direction 6a. The vehicle 2 is traveling directly toward the stationary inductive charging device 1b, so that the target vehicle longitudinal direction 6a is identical to the vehicle longitudinal direction 6. In addition to the energy transmission winding (not shown), a long-distance positioning signal winding 41 and four short-distance transmission windings 13 are also located in the mobile inductive charging device 1a. The long-distance positioning signal winding 41 has a winding axis 34 and a radial longitudinal direction 11. The four short-distance transmission windings 13 have winding axes perpendicular to the base. In addition to the energy transmission winding (not shown), the stationary inductive charging device 1b also has two sensor windings 9a and 9b. The two sensor windings 9a and 9b each have a radial longitudinal direction 11a and 11b. The two sensor windings 9a and 9b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the target vehicle longitudinal direction 6a. This arrangement of the windings for positioning is particularly advantageous. The long-distance positioning signal winding 41 generates a relatively uniform magnetic field. In the sensor windings 9a and 9b, a voltage is induced by the magnetic field of the long-distance positioning signal winding 41. If the vehicle is traveling vertically toward the stationary inductive charging device 1b as shown in the left figure, the same voltage is induced into the two sensor windings 9a and 9b during the long-distance positioning method FERN_V. From a certain distance, the short-distance positioning method NAH_V is used, and the short-distance positioning signal NAH-SIG emitted by the short-distance transmitting winding 13 is analyzed and processed.

[0146] Figure 8 b) shows the following embodiment: In this embodiment, the long-distance positioning signal winding 41 and the four short-distance transmission windings 13 are arranged in the stationary inductive charging device 1b, and the sensor windings 9a and 9b are arranged in the mobile inductive charging device 1a. In other respects, the working principle of this embodiment is exactly the same. Here, the following situation is shown: In this case, the vehicle 2 does not travel perpendicularly to the stationary inductive charging device 1b, but deviates from the stationary inductive charging device at an angle of approximately 45°. Therefore, the longitudinal direction 6 of the vehicle and the connecting line between the stationary inductive charging device 1b and the mobile inductive charging device 1a are at a 45° direction deviation angle with respect to each other. In this case, the long-distance positioning signal winding 41 generates a magnetic field perpendicular to the first sensor winding 9a. Here, during the long-distance positioning method FERN_V, the maximum voltage is induced into the first sensor winding 9a. In addition, the magnetic field generated by the long-distance positioning signal winding 41 is approximately parallel to the second sensor winding 9b. Here, during the long-distance positioning method FERN_V, a minimum voltage or no voltage is induced. In this case, the short-range positioning method NAH_V can also take over from a certain distance.

[0147] Fig. 9 A flow chart of a positioning method according to the invention is shown, which comprises a long-distance positioning method FERN_V and a short-distance positioning method NAH_V. Firstly, it is continuously checked whether a first start criterion SK_1 is met. This can be, for example, an exceedance of a signal threshold of a voltage sensed in one or more sensor windings. As long as this signal threshold is not reached, the detected signal is not sufficient for the long-distance positioning method FERN_V and the method is in a waiting state WARTE. Positioning is not possible. If the first start criterion SK_1 is met, the long-distance positioning method FERN_V starts and it is continuously checked whether a first end criterion EK_1 is met.

[0148] The first end criterion EK_1 may be the exceeding of a signal threshold value of the voltage induced in one or more sensor windings. This is done against the background that, below a minimum spacing, the long-distance locating method FERN_V no longer functions reliably due to excessive curvature of the magnetic field lines.

[0149] If the first end criterion EK_1 is met, the long-range locating method FERN_V is ended. There are two possibilities here. The first possibility is that the second start criterion for the short-range locating method has not yet been met at this point in time.

[0150] The second start criterion SK_2 may be the exceeding of a signal threshold value of a voltage sensed in one or more sensor windings.

[0151] As long as the second start criterion SK_2 has not yet been met, the long-range positioning method FERN_V can no longer be used and the short-range positioning method NAH_V cannot yet be used. This means that the method is again in the waiting state WARTE. In this case, a brief "blind flight" between the two positioning methods occurs. In this case, for example, it can be indicated that positioning is continued in the last direction specified by the long-range positioning method FERN_V until the short-range positioning method NAH_V can be used. During this waiting state WARTE, it is continuously checked whether the second start criterion SK_2 is met.

[0152] If the second start criterion SK_2 is met, the short-range positioning method NAH_V can be started.

[0153] The second possibility is that, directly, if the end criterion EK_1 is met, the second start criterion SK_2 has been met. In this case, after the long-range locating method FERN_V, the short-range locating method NAH_V can be started directly.

[0154] During the short-range positioning method, it is continuously checked whether the second end criterion EK_2 is met. The second end criterion EK_2 can be met when the vehicle is positioned sufficiently accurately. This can, for example, include that the two voltages induced in the sensor windings are correlated with each other and the value is equal to 1 or lies in a narrow tolerance range around the value 1.

[0155] If the second end criterion EK_2 is met, the short-range localization method NAH_V is terminated and the vehicle is sufficiently localized.

[0156] Fig.10 FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of an alternative positioning method according to the invention. In principle, the positioning method is similar to the one in FIG. Fig. 9 The positioning method described in 1998 operates in the same manner as described in 2001. The difference here is that during the long-range positioning method FERN_V, it is continuously checked whether the first end criterion EK_1 is met and whether the second start criterion SK_2 is met. In this variant, the long-range positioning method FERN_V is ended if one of the two criteria is met. If the second start criterion SK_2 is met, the short-range positioning method NAV_V is started directly, regardless of whether the first end criterion EK_1 is met. If the first end criterion EK_1 is first met and the second start criterion SK_2 has not yet been met, then the same as in 2001 is repeated. Fig. 9 As in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , a waiting state WARTE occurs. If the second start criterion SK_2 is met, the short-range positioning method NAV_V starts.

[0157] Fig.11 A possible intermediate step between the end of the short-range positioning method NAH_V and the end of the complete positioning method FERTIG is shown. Fig. 9 Variations in or Fig.10 In a variation of , this intermediate step can be utilized.

[0158] If the vehicle is sufficiently positioned and the second end criterion EK_2 is thus met, the close-range positioning method NAV_V ends. However, it may be important to also check during the complete charging process whether the second end criterion EK_2 remains met. For example, the vehicle may roll away during the charging process. It must be ensured that this is detected and the corresponding alarm state ALARM is triggered in order to end the charging process immediately. This can be achieved by means of a position keeping check. In this case, it is continuously checked whether the second end criterion EK_2 is still met and the third end criterion EK_3 has not yet been met. If the position is maintained, check If the second end criterion EK_2 is no longer met during this time, the vehicle is no longer in a position suitable for energy transmission and the alarm state ALARM is triggered to end the energy transmission. If the energy transmission is ended in the usual way, the third end criterion EK_3 is met. Therefore, the positioning method ends.

[0159] Reference numerals list

[0160] 1 Inductive charging device

[0161] 1a Mobile inductive charging device

[0162] 1b Fixed inductive charging device

[0163] 2 Vehicles

[0164] 3. Vehicle energy storage

[0165] 4 Energy transfer winding

[0166] 5 Magnetic flux guiding elements

[0167] 6 Vehicle longitudinal direction

[0168] 6a Target vehicle longitudinal direction

[0169] 7 Center of the energy transfer winding

[0170] 8 Vehicle Charging System

[0171] 9 Sensor winding

[0172] 9a First sensor winding

[0173] 9b Second sensor winding

[0174] 9c Third sensor winding

[0175] 9d Fourth sensor winding

[0176] 10 Flat Coil

[0177] 11 Radial longitudinal direction

[0178] 11a First radial longitudinal direction

[0179] 11b Second radial longitudinal direction

[0180] 11c The third radial longitudinal direction

[0181] 11d Fourth radial longitudinal direction

[0182] 12 Positioning signal

[0183] 12a First positioning signal

[0184] 12b Second positioning signal

[0185] 12c Third positioning signal

[0186] 12d Fourth positioning signal

[0187] 13 Short distance transmission winding

[0188] 13a First short distance transmission winding

[0189] 13b Second short distance transmission winding

[0190] 13c Third short distance transmission winding

[0191] 13d Fourth short distance transmission winding

[0192] 14 Main directions of magnetic field lines

[0193] 15 First Angle

[0194] 16 Second Angle

[0195] 17 Positioning signal receiving device

[0196] 32 Gap between flux guiding elements

[0197] 33 Reference Points

[0198] 34 Winding axis

[0199] 35 Base

[0200] 41 Long distance positioning signal winding

[0201] 42 Solenoid

[0202] NAH-POS short-range positioning transmitter

[0203] FERN-POS Long-distance positioning transmitter

[0204] NAH_V Close Range Positioning Method

[0205] FERN_V Long-distance positioning method

[0206] NAH-SIG Close Range Locator Signal

[0207] FERN-SIG Long-range positioning signal

[0208] WARTE Waiting state

[0209] Position keeping check

Claims

1. An inductive charging device (1) for a vehicle charging system (8), the inductive charging device having an energy transmission winding (4) and at least one magnetic flux conducting element (5), the inductive charging device having: - a short-range positioning transmitting device (NAH-POS) adapted to generate at least one short-range positioning signal (NAH-SIG), and A long-range positioning transmitter device (FERN-POS) which is suitable for generating at least one long-range positioning signal (FERN-SIG).

2. The inductive charging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inductive charging device (1) is a mobile inductive charging device (1a), which is arranged on and / or in the vehicle (2), or - The inductive charging device (1) is a stationary inductive charging device (1b).

3. The inductive charging device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the short-distance positioning transmission device (NAH-POS) has a plurality of short-distance transmission windings (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), preferably at least four short-distance transmission windings (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), which are arranged spaced apart from each other, and - The short-range transmission windings (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) are suitable for generating short-range positioning signals (NAH-SIG_a, NAH-SIG_b, NAH-SIG_c, NAH-SIG_d) respectively.

4. The inductive charging device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The short-distance transmission winding (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) is implemented with a winding axis (34) perpendicular to the base (35).

5. The inductive charging device (1) according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that: The short-range positioning signals (NAH-SIG_a, NAH-SIG_b, NAH-SIG_c, NAH-SIG_d) are alternating magnetic fields with different frequencies (f_a, f_b, f_c, f_d) or with the same frequency but different pulse widths.

6. The inductive charging device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The long-distance positioning transmitting device (FERN-POS) comprises a long-distance positioning signal winding (41), wherein: the remote positioning signal winding (41) is implemented as a solenoid (42) having a winding axis (34) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or in the longitudinal direction of the target vehicle, and the flux guiding element (5) is suitable for guiding a magnetic field during an energy transfer process taking place between the further inductive charging device (1) and the energy transfer winding (4), and - the remote positioning signal winding (41) surrounds at least one of the at least one flux guiding elements (5), and - the remote positioning signal winding (41) is suitable for generating the remote positioning signal (FERN-SIG), and - The long-range locating signal (FERN-SIG) is an alternating magnetic field.

7. A vehicle charging system (8), comprising a mobile inductive charging device (1a) and a stationary inductive charging device (1b), wherein: - the mobile inductive charging device (1a) is an inductive charging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the fixed inductive charging device (1b) has a positioning receiving device (17), or The stationary inductive charging device (1b) is an inductive charging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the mobile inductive charging device (1a) has a positioning receiving device (17).

8. The vehicle charging system (8) according to claim 7, wherein: An inductive charging device having the position receiving device (17) has at least one flux conducting element (5), the position receiving device (17) having at least one first sensor winding (9a) and at least one second sensor winding (9b).

9. The vehicle charging system (8) according to claim 8, characterized in that: the at least one flux guiding element (5) is suitable for guiding a magnetic field during an energy transfer process taking place between the mobile inductive charging device (1a) and the stationary inductive charging device (1b), and The first sensor winding (9a) and the second sensor winding (9b) are arranged around at least one of the at least one flux guiding element (5).

10. The vehicle charging system (8) according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that: - the first sensor winding (9a) has a first radial longitudinal direction (11a), the second sensor winding (9b) has a second radial longitudinal direction (11b), - the first radial longitudinal direction (11a) and the second radial longitudinal direction (11b) are arranged at least approximately perpendicular to each other, and / or The first radial longitudinal direction (11a) and the second radial longitudinal direction (11b) are arranged at least approximately axisymmetrically with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction (6) or with respect to the target vehicle longitudinal direction (6a).

11. A method for positioning a vehicle (2) having a mobile inductive charging device (1a) in a defined position relative to a stationary inductive charging device (1b), wherein: - when the first start criterion (SK_1) is met and the first end criterion (EK_1) is not met, applying the long-range positioning method (FERN_V), - When the second start criterion (SK_2) is met and the second end criterion (EK_2) is not met, the close range positioning method (NAH_V) is applied.

12. The method for locating a vehicle (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that - said first start criterion (SK_1) comprises the exceeding of a first signal threshold of the long-range positioning signal (FERN-SIG), The first end criterion (EK_2) comprises the exceeding of a second signal threshold of the long-range positioning signal (FERN-SIG).

13. The method for locating a vehicle (2) according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that: - said second start criterion (SK_1) comprises the exceeding of a third signal threshold of one or more close range positioning signals (NAH-SIG), The second end criterion (EK_2) includes an evaluation of at least one signal value ratio of two close-range positioning signals (NAH-SIG).

14. The method for locating a vehicle (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: - the first end criterion (EK_1) is met when a first switching distance between the mobile inductive charging device (1a) and the stationary inductive charging device (1b) is reached, The second starting criterion (SK_2) is met at a second switching distance between the mobile inductive charging device (1a) and the stationary inductive charging device (1b).

15. The method for locating a vehicle (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that - there is a distance between the first switching distance and the second switching distance of less than 40 cm, preferably less than 20 cm and particularly preferably less than 10 cm, or - The first switching distance is equal to the second switching distance.

16. The method for locating a vehicle (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that: The same positioning receiving device (17) is used for the long-distance positioning method and the short-distance positioning method.

17. The method for locating a vehicle (2) according to claim 16, characterized in that The mobile inductive charging device (1a) and the fixed inductive charging device (1b) are part of a vehicle charging system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, and the positioning receiving device (17) is the positioning receiving device (17) according to claim 7.

18. The method for locating a vehicle (2) according to claim 16 or claim 17, characterized in that: The positioning receiving device (17) - during the long-range locating method, receiving and evaluating the at least one long-range locating signal (FERN-SIG), During the short-range positioning method, the at least one short-range positioning signal (NAH-SIG) is received and evaluated.

19. The method for locating a vehicle (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that - during the remote locating method, the at least one remote locating signal (FERN-SIG) induces a voltage in the at least one first sensor winding (9a) and induces a voltage in the at least one second sensor winding (9b), During the short-range locating method, a plurality of short-range locating signals (NAH-SIG_a, NAH-SIG_b, NAH-SIG_c, NAH-SIG_d) induce a plurality of voltages in the at least one first sensor winding (9a) and in the at least one second sensor winding (9b).

20. The method for locating a vehicle (2) according to claim 19, characterized in that During said remote positioning method, - comparing the intensity of the voltage induced in said first sensor winding (9a) with the intensity of the voltage induced in said second sensor winding (9b), - calculating a direction deviation value between the vehicle longitudinal direction (6) and the target vehicle longitudinal direction (6a).

21. The method for locating a vehicle (2) according to claim 19 or claim 20, characterized in that: During the close proximity positioning method, - comparing the strength of the voltage induced in the sensor windings (9a, 9b) at different frequencies (f_a, f_b, f_c, f_d) or different pulse widths, -Calculate the position deviation value between the current position and the target position.

22. A method for locating a vehicle (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein: After the close range positioning method (NAH_V), a position keeping check is also performed During the position keeping check, it is continuously checked whether the vehicle (2) is still in a position suitable for energy transmission.

Images