Mobile switching unit for introducing battery module

Abstract

There is mainly disclosed an apparatus comprising means configured to: navigate a mobile switching unit to a first location below a vehicle; determining at least one introduction device of the mobile switching unit, wherein the at least one introduction device is configured for introducing the battery module placed on the introduction device into the vehicle; and causing the battery module placed on the determined at least one introduction device to be introduced into the vehicle.

Description

Field of the Technology

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus, a method, a computer program, and a system for introducing at least one battery module into a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] For example, in the field of electric vehicles, a vehicle at least partially driven by an electric motor has one or more rechargeable battery modules. Such battery modules generally need to be charged regularly so that the electric drive means of the vehicle can continue to be used. Here, for example, charging stations can be used, but these charging stations have various disadvantages in actual use. For example, the charging stations are fixedly installed at corresponding locations, such that the vehicle can only use these charging stations at specific locations to charge its battery modules. In addition, the installation of charging stations generally involves relatively high costs.

[0003] An alternative proposes to replace the depleted battery module of the vehicle with a charged battery module at a battery replacement station instead of charging the depleted battery module of the vehicle at a charging station. However, such battery replacement stations are generally also fixedly installed in a certain area, and thus can only provide limited flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the main object of the present disclosure is to simplify the provision of battery modules for vehicles.

[0005] According to the present disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes means, and wherein these means are configured to:

[0006] - Navigate a mobile switching unit to a first position below the vehicle;

[0007] - Determine at least one introduction means of the mobile switching unit, wherein the at least one introduction means is configured to introduce a battery module placed on the introduction means into the vehicle; and

[0008] - Cause the battery module placed on the determined at least one introduction means to be introduced into the vehicle.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a method is also disclosed, wherein the method has the following steps:

[0010] - Navigate a mobile switching unit to a first position below the vehicle;

[0011] - Determine at least one introduction means of the mobile switching unit, wherein the at least one introduction means is configured to introduce a battery module placed on the introduction means into the vehicle; and

[0012] - Cause the battery module placed on the determined at least one introduction means to be introduced into the vehicle.

[0013] For example, the device according to the present disclosure is configured to perform and / or control the method according to the present disclosure, or the device according to the present disclosure includes corresponding means for performing and / or controlling the method according to the present disclosure. Here, either all steps of the method can be controlled, or all steps of the method can be implemented, or one or more steps can be controlled and one or more steps can be implemented. For example, one or more of these means can be constituted by one or more processors.

[0014] In another example, the device according to the present disclosure is a device that includes at least one processor and at least one memory containing program code, where the memory and the program code are configured to cause the device having the at least one processor to at least implement and / or control the method according to the present disclosure. Here, either all steps of the method can be controlled, or all steps of the method can be implemented, or one or more steps can be controlled and one or more steps can be implemented.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a computer program is also disclosed, where the computer program includes instructions that cause a device to perform the steps of the method according to the present disclosure. Here, the device can be, for example, the device according to the present disclosure. In another example, the computer program includes program instructions that, when the computer program runs on a processor, cause the processor to implement and / or control the method according to the present disclosure. "Processor" should be mainly understood as a control unit, a microprocessor, a microcontroller unit (such as a microcontroller), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Here, either all steps of the method can be controlled, or all steps of the method can be implemented, or one or more steps can be controlled and one or more steps can be implemented. The computer program can be distributed, for example, via a network such as the Internet, a telephone network, or a mobile radio network and / or a local area network. The computer program can be at least partially software and / or firmware of a processor. The computer program can also be at least partially implemented as hardware. The computer program can be stored, for example, on a computer-readable storage medium, such as a magnetic, electrical, optical, and / or other form of storage medium. The storage medium can be, for example, a part of the processor, such as the (non-volatile or volatile) program memory of the processor or a part thereof. The storage medium can be, for example, a specific and / or physical storage medium.

[0016] For example, the mobile switching unit can be understood as a vehicle (such as a transport vehicle) that can move forward at least partially automatically and transport one or more battery modules in the process. For example, the mobile switching unit is a driverless vehicle (such as a driverless transport vehicle). For example, the mobile switching unit can be understood as a mobile robot or a mobile robot system. For example, the mobile switching unit can have as low a height as possible so that it can move under other types of vehicles (such as passenger vehicles or heavy-duty vehicles).

[0017] The device according to the present disclosure can be part of a mobile switching unit and can, for example, be understood as a control device of the mobile switching unit, which is connected to the individual components of the mobile switching unit. In another example, the device according to the present disclosure can correspond to the mobile switching unit and include all the individual components of the mobile switching unit.

[0018] As described in more detail below, the mobile switching unit includes at least one introduction device on which, for example, the battery module to be transported by the mobile switching unit can be placed. Here, the mobile switching unit can include a single introduction device or multiple introduction devices, which are arranged, for example, adjacent to each other (such as at the same height) as part of the mobile switching unit.

[0019] In order to enable the mobile switching unit to move forward, the mobile switching unit can include one or more moving devices. The moving devices include, for example, motor drive devices (such as electric motor drive devices), multiple wheels (such as omnidirectional wheels or differential wheels), or chains (such as tracks) and steering devices (such as a steering mechanism for steering the wheels). For example, the mobile switching unit also includes a control device that electrically controls the individual components of the mobile switching unit (such as the introduction device or the moving device) and can thus control the movement of the mobile switching unit to navigate the mobile switching unit.

[0020] "Navigating the mobile switching unit to the first position" can be understood, for example, as follows: the control device of the mobile switching unit controls the moving devices of the mobile switching unit (such as the motor drive device and the steering device) in such a way that the mobile switching unit moves from the current position to the first position. For example, the mobile switching unit moves to the first position at least partially in a remotely controlled or automatically traveling manner, where the mobile switching unit uses sensors such as cameras, ultrasonic sensors, or infrared sensors to identify and bypass obstacles on the way to the first position. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile switching unit can use positioning sensors (such as one or more GPS sensors), for example, to navigate the mobile switching unit to the first position.

[0021] The first position is located under the vehicle, and the mobile exchange unit is designed to be flat enough, for example, so that it can move under the vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, a vehicle in which one or more battery modules are to be replaced. In particular, for example, the battery module transported by the mobile exchange unit is to be introduced into the vehicle to replace the previously discharged battery module of the vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, a passenger vehicle or a heavy goods vehicle and is also at least partially electrically driven. For example, the vehicle can be a vehicle fully powered by battery electricity, a plug-in hybrid vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0022] The first position under the vehicle is, for example, located under the battery module compartment in the bottom of the vehicle, so that when the mobile exchange unit is in the first position, the battery module placed on the introduction device of the mobile exchange unit can be introduced into the vehicle (for example, into the battery module compartment provided therefor). The first position under the vehicle is defined, for example, by the GPS coordinates by which the mobile exchange unit navigates to the first position. In another example, the first position under the vehicle is defined relative to the vehicle (for example, by a predetermined distance from the vehicle or from the battery module compartment of the vehicle). For example, one or more reference marks on the vehicle can be used as reference points relative to the vehicle to define the first position relative to the vehicle (for example, so that a particularly accurate positioning of the mobile exchange unit can be achieved).

[0023] "Determining at least one introduction device of the mobile exchange unit" can be understood, for example, as selecting the introduction device. For example, the mobile exchange unit includes a plurality of introduction devices, and the determination of the introduction device, for example, includes selecting one introduction device from the plurality of introduction devices of the mobile exchange unit. For example, the introduction device is determined according to a predetermined order (for example, the order that all the introduction devices of the mobile exchange unit should follow in sequence). In another example, the introduction device is determined according to the battery module placed on the introduction device. For example, based on the information marked on the battery module to be introduced into the vehicle, the corresponding introduction device on which the marked battery module is placed is determined. For this purpose, information such as which introduction device among the possible plurality of introduction devices of the mobile exchange unit has the corresponding battery module placed on it is stored, for example, in the electronic memory of the device.

[0024] In another example, the determination of at least one introduction device can be based on battery module information. For example, such battery module information can indicate which battery module is placed on which introduction device of the mobile exchange unit. Additionally or alternatively, the battery module information can mark the battery module to be introduced into the vehicle.

[0025] In another example, the determination of at least one introduction device can be based on vehicle information, where the vehicle information marks, for example, the first position under which the mobile switching unit is located, and the vehicle into which the battery module placed on the introduction device of the mobile switching unit should be introduced.

[0026] The mobile switching unit has at least one introduction device, where such an introduction device is configured to introduce the battery module placed on the introduction device into the vehicle at the first position under which the mobile switching unit is located. For example, the introduction device is configured to lift the battery module placed on the introduction device and thus introduce it into the vehicle. Therefore, the introduction device can be understood as a lifting device, for example.

[0027] For example, the introduction device of the mobile switching unit includes a platform on which the battery module can be placed. In addition, the introduction device includes, for example, a lifting mechanism configured to lift the platform and the battery module placed on the platform. Such a lifting mechanism can include, for example, a hydraulic system, an electric motor, a scissor mechanism, a telescopic cantilever, and / or other mechanisms.

[0028] Introducing the battery module into the vehicle includes, for example, placing the battery module into the battery module compartment in the vehicle bottom. As part of or after introducing the battery module into the vehicle, the battery module can be fastened (e.g., fixed) in the vehicle, for example, by guiding the battery module into a holding device (e.g., including a locking mechanism) of the vehicle and holding it there.

[0029] For example, the battery module to be introduced is a charged battery module that replaces a previously depleted battery module in the vehicle. For example, such a depleted battery module is first removed from the vehicle, and then the battery module placed on the introduction device is introduced into the vehicle. For this purpose, the mobile switching unit can have at least one removal device, for example.

[0030] For example, the battery module can be understood as a component of a battery stack (e.g., a battery pack). For example, a single battery module can contain one or more battery cells (e.g., lithium-ion battery cells), and the battery cells provide electrical energy for the drive motor of the vehicle, for example.

[0031] For example, prompting the introduction of the battery module placed on the determined at least one introduction device into the vehicle includes: manipulating the determined introduction device through a device such that, for example, the lifting mechanism of the determined introduction device is activated, and thus prompting the lifting mechanism to lift the battery module placed on the platform of the introduction device and introduce it into the vehicle.

[0032] In an example where more than one introduction device of the mobile switching unit has been determined in a previous step, for each of the determined introduction devices, for example, the battery module placed on the corresponding introduction device is sequentially prompted to be introduced into the vehicle.

[0033] Advantageously, the device according to the present disclosure can thus achieve the introduction of one or more battery modules into the vehicle in an advantageous manner and, for example, replace a previously depleted battery module, without relying on a fixedly installed battery replacement station. Instead, a mobile switching unit that can move under the relevant vehicle is used. Advantageously, during the period of battery replacement, the relevant vehicle can, for example, be parked in a regular parking space (such as a public parking lot). In particular, the relevant vehicle does not have to be parked in a fixedly installed parking space of the battery replacement station for the replacement operation and moved away from such a fixedly installed parking space after the replacement operation.

[0034] For example, when the vehicle is a heavy goods vehicle (LKW), it is not necessary to move the heavy goods vehicle to replace the battery module, so the possible rest time of the heavy goods vehicle driver is advantageously not disturbed. When the mobile switching unit performs multiple battery replacement operations in multiple heavy goods vehicles, these heavy goods vehicles can advantageously be parked in regular parking spaces and, for example, parked at a normal regular distance from each other. In this way, compared with using a fixedly installed battery replacement station or a fixedly installed charging station, space is saved by using the mobile switching unit. For such battery replacement of multiple heavy goods vehicles, a single mobile switching unit is advantageously sufficient. However, in the case of using a conventional charging station or battery replacement station, a large number of charging points are required to avoid moving the heavy goods vehicle before and after charging / replacing the battery module. The installation cost of such conventional charging points is advantageously avoided by means of the mobile switching unit.

[0035] The following describes additional advantages of the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure with the aid of exemplary embodiments, the disclosure of which should equally apply to the device, method, and computer program of the present disclosure.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, the mobile switching unit has a plurality of introduction devices including the at least one introduction device, wherein the introduction devices are respectively configured to introduce the battery module placed on the corresponding introduction device, and wherein the components of the device according to the present disclosure are further configured to:

[0037] - determine at least one additional introduction device from the plurality of introduction devices; and

[0038] - prompt the introduction of an additional battery module placed on the determined at least one additional introduction device into the vehicle.

[0039] For example, as described above, in addition to determining at least one introduction device, at least one additional introduction device can also be determined. Thus, for example, a first introduction device, a second introduction device, and also additional introduction devices can be determined. As described above regarding the determination of the at least one introduction device, the determination of the at least one additional introduction device can also be based on one or more pieces of information (e.g., battery module information or vehicle information).

[0040] For example, the introduction devices among the plurality of introduction devices of the mobile switching unit are arranged one after another and / or adjacent to each other on the mobile switching unit, where these introduction devices are, for example, located in a certain plane on the mobile switching unit. For example, the mobile switching unit includes two, four, six, or even more additional introduction devices on which corresponding battery modules can be placed. For example, all the battery modules placed on the corresponding introduction devices should be introduced into a specific vehicle. In another example, the battery modules placed on the corresponding introduction devices are determined to be for a plurality of vehicles, and the mobile switching unit approaches the plurality of vehicles in sequence to introduce the corresponding battery modules.

[0041] For example, prompting the introduction of the battery module placed on the determined at least one additional introduction device into the vehicle includes: operating the additional introduction device determined in the previous step, such that, for example, the lifting mechanism of the determined additional introduction device is activated, and thus the lifting mechanism is prompted to lift the battery module placed on the platform of the additional introduction device and introduce it into the vehicle.

[0042] By separately introducing a plurality of battery modules into the vehicle by a plurality of corresponding introduction devices, the mobile switching unit can advantageously have as low a height as possible and still transport a plurality of battery modules. Thus, the mobile switching unit can also move under other types of vehicles (e.g., passenger vehicles or freight vehicles), even when the mobile switching unit transports a plurality of battery modules during this process.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the components of the device according to the present disclosure are further configured to:

[0044] - Navigate the mobile switching unit from a first position below the vehicle to a second position after introducing at least one battery module into the vehicle and before introducing at least one additional battery module into the vehicle.

[0045] For example, the mobile switching unit is located in front of the vehicle and at a first position below the vehicle during the introduction of the at least one battery module, such that the determined at least one introduction device is located below the battery module compartment in the vehicle bottom. When the mobile switching unit is, for example, at the first position, the battery module placed on the at least one introduction device of the mobile switching unit can be introduced into the battery module compartment by lifting the platform of the introduction device.

[0046] After introducing the at least one battery module in this way, the mobile switching unit can be navigated to a second position below the vehicle, and then the at least one additional battery module can be introduced into the vehicle. Here, the second position is selected, for example, such that the determined at least one additional introduction device is located below the battery module compartment in the vehicle bottom. When the mobile switching unit is, for example, in the second position, the additional battery module placed on the at least one additional introduction device of the mobile switching unit can be introduced into the battery module compartment by raising the platform of the additional introduction device. For example, in this way, the additional battery module is introduced below the at least one previously introduced battery module within the battery module compartment.

[0047] Similar to the first position, the second position can be defined, for example, by the GPS coordinates by which the mobile switching unit is navigated to the second position. In another example, the second position below the vehicle is defined relative to the vehicle (for example, defined by a predetermined distance from the vehicle or from the battery module compartment of the vehicle). For example, one or more reference marks on the vehicle can be used as reference points relative to the vehicle to define the second position relative to the vehicle (for example, so that a particularly accurate positioning of the mobile switching unit can be achieved).

[0048] Advantageously, by navigating the mobile switching unit from the first position to the second position between introducing the at least one battery module and the additional battery module, the two battery modules can be introduced into the vehicle in such a way that the two battery modules are arranged one above the other within the battery module compartment of the vehicle (for example, in the form of a battery stack). However, the battery modules arranged one above the other in this way are advantageously located on different introduction devices during transportation by the mobile switching unit, so that the overall height of the loaded mobile switching unit can be reduced and movement below the vehicle can be achieved.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the components of the device according to the present disclosure are further configured to:

[0050] - After introducing the at least one battery module, prompt the introduction of at least one additional battery module placed on the determined at least one introduction device into the vehicle.

[0051] For example, when introducing the at least one battery module and also when introducing the additional battery module, the mobile switching unit is located at a first position below the battery module compartment of the vehicle, such that the additional battery module is introduced into the vehicle in this way below the at least one previously introduced battery module within the battery module compartment. For example, after introducing the at least one battery module, the additional battery module is reloaded onto the at least one introducing device, and then the additional battery module is introduced into the vehicle using the at least one introducing device. For example, for this purpose, after introducing the at least one battery module, the mobile switching unit is navigated to a battery module station, where the additional battery module is loaded onto the mobile switching unit, in particular onto the same introducing device on which the previously introduced battery module was placed. For example, subsequently, the mobile switching unit is navigated back to the first position below the vehicle, and then the additional battery module is introduced into the vehicle. For example, in this way, the additional battery module is introduced into the vehicle below the at least one previously introduced battery module within the battery module compartment.

[0052] By introducing multiple battery modules, in particular individually, into the vehicle by the same introducing device, the mobile switching unit can advantageously have as low a height as possible, since only a single battery module is correspondingly placed on the respective introducing device. Thus, the mobile switching unit can also move, for example, under other types of vehicles (e.g., passenger vehicles or heavy goods vehicles), even if the mobile switching unit transports a total of multiple battery modules and introduces them into the vehicle during this process. Advantageously, it is sufficient for this purpose if the mobile switching unit, for example, only has one introducing device. Furthermore, by positioning the mobile switching unit, for example, at the first position below the vehicle when introducing the at least one battery module and the additional battery module, the two battery modules can be introduced into the vehicle in such a way that the two battery modules are arranged one above the other within the battery module compartment of the vehicle (e.g., in the form of a battery stack).

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, the at least one introducing device and / or the plurality of introducing devices in the mobile switching unit are configured to introduce the at least one battery module and the at least one additional battery module into the vehicle such that the at least one battery module and the at least one additional battery module form a single battery stack within the vehicle.

[0054] For example, a battery stack (e.g., a battery pack) can be understood as at least two battery modules arranged one above the other, where the battery modules arranged one above the other are, for example, electrically connected to each other. For example, such a battery stack can be formed within the vehicle (e.g., within the battery module compartment of the vehicle) in such a way that first the at least one battery module is introduced into the vehicle, and subsequently the at least one additional battery module is introduced below the at least one battery module.

[0055] Advantageously, a battery stack composed of a plurality of individual battery modules can meet various power requirements of a vehicle. For example, a single battery module is already sufficient to operate the vehicle, and additional battery modules in the battery stack can also provide additional electrical energy for the vehicle, thereby increasing, for example, the vehicle's range.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, the at least one battery module and the at least one additional battery module within the battery stack are arranged one above the other and / or electrically connected to each other.

[0057] For example, the at least one battery module and the at least one additional battery module are electrically connected to each other in such a way that these battery modules are electrically connected in series or in parallel with each other (for example, to achieve a desired voltage or capacitance). For example, the electrical connection of these two battery modules can be achieved by additional connection structures of these battery modules, which physically connect these battery modules to each other and ensure electrical contact between these battery modules. For example, a vehicle into which a battery module is introduced may include a battery management system that monitors the state of the battery module and controls, for example, the discharge operation.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the device according to the present disclosure is further configured to:

[0059] - Before introducing the at least one battery module and / or the at least one additional battery module into the vehicle, cause the battery module to be removed from the vehicle, wherein the mobile exchange unit has at least one removal device for removing the battery module from the vehicle.

[0060] For example, the removal device is constructed in the same way as the introduction device, such that, for example, the introduction device of the mobile exchange unit can simultaneously be used as the removal device of the mobile exchange unit, and vice versa. For example, the removal device of the mobile exchange unit includes a platform on which the battery module can be placed. In addition, the removal device includes, for example, a lifting mechanism that is configured to lower the platform and the battery module placed on the platform. Such a lifting mechanism can include, for example, a hydraulic system, an electric motor, a scissor mechanism, a telescopic boom, and / or other mechanisms.

[0061] For example, removing the battery module from the vehicle includes removing the battery module from a battery module compartment in the vehicle bottom. As part of or before removing the battery module from the vehicle, the battery module can be released in the vehicle (for example, released from fastening in the vehicle), for example, by removing the battery module from a holding device (for example, including a locking mechanism).

[0062] For example, if the battery module to be introduced is a previously depleted battery module in a vehicle, the depleted battery module is replaced with a charged battery module. For example, such a depleted battery module is first removed from the vehicle, and then the battery module placed on the introducing device is introduced into the vehicle.

[0063] Before prompting the removal, for example, the mobile switching unit is navigated to a removal position below the vehicle so that the battery module is removed when the mobile switching unit is at the removal position.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the components of the device according to the present disclosure are further configured to:

[0065] - Obtain at least one battery module information, where the battery module information represents a battery module, and where the determination of the at least one introducing device is at least partially based on the obtained battery module information.

[0066] The battery module information can be understood as, for example, electronic information encoded in electronic form (e.g., binary). In particular, the battery module information can be obtained by transmitting it from other components (e.g., a communication component or a sensor component) to the components of the device.

[0067] For example, the battery module information represents the battery module in such a way that it contains an identifier of the battery module, where such an identifier (e.g., name or address) of the battery module uniquely identifies the battery module. For example, the battery module represented by the battery module information can be determined (e.g., identified) based on this battery module information. In addition to representing the battery module, the battery module information can also indicate other information (e.g., other parameters).

[0068] In one example, the obtained battery module information represents (such as identifies or marks) the battery module to be introduced into the vehicle. For example, the mobile switching unit has a plurality of introducing devices, and corresponding battery modules are placed on these introducing devices. Thus, the obtained battery module information, for example, represents a specific battery module among the plurality of battery modules that should be introduced into the vehicle. In such an example, the battery modules placed on the remaining introducing devices can be determined, for example, for another vehicle and thus introduced into that other vehicle at a later time point.

[0069] The determination of the at least one introduction device is at least partially based on the acquired battery module information. When the battery module information indicates, for example, a battery module to be introduced into a vehicle, the introduction device on which the battery module indicated by the battery module information is placed is determined, for example, based on the battery module information. In such an example, the determination of the introduction device can also be based on information (e.g., stored in the electronic memory of the device) such as, for the plurality of introduction devices of the mobile switching unit, the information indicating whether there is a battery module and which battery module is placed on the respective introduction device.

[0070] Advantageously, a specific battery module that can subsequently be introduced into a vehicle can be selectively chosen based on the battery module information. When transporting a plurality of battery modules on a mobile switching unit, the introduction of the battery modules placed on different introduction devices does not necessarily have to follow a predetermined order, but can be controlled, for example, in a targeted manner (e.g., remotely) by means of the battery module information.

[0071] In another example, the acquired battery module information indicates (such as an identification or label) the battery module placed on a specific introduction device. In such an example, the battery module information can, for example, indicate the identifier (e.g., name or address) of the battery module and also (e.g., at least implicitly) indicate the identifier (e.g., name or address) of the introduction device on which the battery module is placed. In addition to such battery module information, there can also be information (e.g., stored in the electronic memory of the device) marked with a specific battery module to be introduced into the vehicle. For example, the battery module information then indicates on which introduction device of the mobile switching unit the battery module introduced into the vehicle is placed, so that this introduction device can be determined based on the battery module information.

[0072] Advantageously, for example, for the plurality of introduction devices of the mobile switching unit, the device can thus identify whether there is a battery module and which battery module is placed on the respective introduction device by means of the battery module information.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the device according to the present disclosure further includes sensor devices configured to acquire battery module information of the battery module indicated by the battery module information.

[0074] For example, the battery module information is represented by an optically detectable code (e.g., a barcode or a QR code), which is arranged on the battery module (e.g., printed on the housing of the battery module). Thus, the sensor device of the apparatus can, for example, include a code scanner (e.g., an optical sensor such as a camera), which scans the optically detectable code of the battery module. In another example, the sensor can include an electronic receiver, which receives the battery module information in the form of an electrical signal from the battery module, for example, via near-field radio communication (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, or RFID). For example, the battery module is thus equipped with an electrical transmitter that sends the battery module information so that the battery module information can be received by the sensor device of the mobile switching unit.

[0075] For example, the sensor devices are respectively arranged at the respective inlet devices of the mobile switching unit or at least in the vicinity thereof. For example, a code scanner or an electrical receiver is present on each platform of the inlet device where the corresponding battery module can be placed as part of the sensor device. If a battery module is to be placed on a specific inlet device, the optically detectable code arranged on the battery module, for example, is scanned by the code scanner arranged on the platform of the inlet device and transmitted as battery module information to the apparatus. For example, for this purpose, the following information is stored in the apparatus, namely: which code scanner is arranged on which platform of the respective inlet device. By receiving the battery module information by a specific code scanner on the apparatus, the battery module information also (e.g., at least implicitly) indicates: on which inlet device the battery module represented by the battery module information is placed.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus according to the present disclosure further includes communication devices, which are configured to receive the battery module information from a backend server.

[0077] For example, the battery module information is received by the communication devices of the apparatus via a wireless communication network. For example, the communication devices of the apparatus thus include a mobile radio interface, which can receive the battery module information from the backend server via a mobile radio network. The backend server can, for example, be understood as a management server on which it is determined which battery module should be introduced into which vehicle and / or removed from which vehicle by a mobile switching unit (e.g., from among a plurality of mobile switching units). Thus, the battery module information transmitted from the backend server to the apparatus represents, for example, a battery module that has been previously determined by the backend server and should be introduced into the vehicle.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the devices of the apparatus according to the present disclosure are further configured to:

[0079] - Obtain vehicle information, where the vehicle information represents a vehicle, and where the determination of the at least one introduction device is at least partially based on the obtained vehicle information.

[0080] The vehicle information can be understood as, for example, electronic information encoded in electronic form (e.g., binary). In particular, the vehicle information can be obtained by transmitting it from other devices (e.g., communication devices or sensor devices) to the device. For example, the vehicle information is transmitted from a backend server or from the vehicle (represented by the vehicle information) to the device.

[0081] For example, the vehicle information represents a vehicle by including an identifier of the vehicle, where such an identifier of the vehicle (e.g., name or address) uniquely identifies the vehicle. For example, the vehicle represented by the vehicle information can be determined (e.g., identified) based on this vehicle information. In addition to representing the vehicle, the vehicle information can also indicate other information (e.g., other parameters).

[0082] In particular, the vehicle information represents the vehicle into which the device will introduce at least one battery module after determining the at least one introduction device and below which the first position is located. For example, the vehicle information is obtained together with location information (e.g., received together from a backend server), which indicates the first position and is used to navigate the mobile switching unit to the first position. In another example, the vehicle information is obtained after or during the navigation to the first position.

[0083] For example, the at least one introduction device is determined at least partially based on the vehicle information. For example, the mobile switching unit transports a plurality of battery modules, where these battery modules are determined to be for different vehicles. Then, when the device, for example, obtains vehicle information representing a vehicle, the device can determine which of the transported battery modules is determined to be for this vehicle and needs to be introduced into this vehicle. Subsequently, the device can determine (e.g., based on the battery module information) on which introduction device the battery module to be introduced is placed and thus determine the at least one introduction device. For example, the determination of the at least one introduction device can also be based on the obtained battery module information, for example, when the additional battery module information indicates the battery module that should be introduced into a specific vehicle (e.g., the vehicle represented by the vehicle information).

[0084] Advantageously, the device can identify the specific vehicle into which the battery module should be introduced based on the obtained vehicle information. For example, this is useful when the mobile switching unit drives to a plurality of vehicles in sequence and thus transports a plurality of battery modules, where these battery modules are each determined to be for different vehicles. In such cases, with the help of the vehicle information, the device can, for example, identify which vehicle the battery module is about to be introduced into and thus determine the corresponding battery module for this vehicle.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the device according to the present disclosure further includes communication devices configured to receive vehicle information from a vehicle or a backend server.

[0086] For example, the vehicle information is received by the communication devices of the device from the vehicle via near-field radio communication (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, or RFID), where the vehicle information represents this vehicle. In this case, the communication devices of the device include, for example, a near-field radio communication interface for receiving vehicle information, and the vehicle information is sent from the corresponding near-field radio communication interface of the vehicle.

[0087] For example, the vehicle information emitted by the vehicle can only be received within a limited range of the space around the vehicle, such that, for example, the device only receives the vehicle information when the mobile switching unit is close to the vehicle (e.g., during the mobile switching unit navigating to the first position under the vehicle). Advantageously, the device can then, for example, identify which vehicle the mobile switching unit is approaching and on which vehicle the next introduction of the battery module is to be carried out by means of the vehicle information received from the vehicle. Subsequently, based on the received vehicle information, for example, the battery module to be introduced and the corresponding introduction device can be determined.

[0088] In another example, the vehicle information is received by the communication devices of the device via a wireless communication network. For example, the communication devices of the device then include a mobile radio interface, which can receive vehicle information from a backend server via a mobile radio network. The backend server can be understood, for example, as a management server on which it is determined which battery module should be introduced into which vehicle and / or removed from which vehicle by a mobile switching unit (e.g., from among a plurality of mobile switching units). Thus, the vehicle information transmitted from the backend server to the device represents, for example, the vehicle into which the battery module has been previously determined by the backend server and into which the battery module should next be introduced. Advantageously, the received vehicle information can be used to determine the introduction device, especially when the mobile switching unit transports multiple battery modules simultaneously and thus drives successively to multiple vehicles to introduce the battery modules into the vehicles determined by the backend server.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the device according to the present disclosure further includes:

[0090] - Movement devices for moving the mobile switching unit, the movement devices including motor drive devices and / or a plurality of wheels; and / or

[0091] - The at least one introduction device; and / or

[0092] - The at least one removal device; and / or

[0093] - Communication devices for communicating with the backend server and / or the vehicle.

[0094] The device according to the present disclosure can be part of a mobile switching unit and can be understood, for example, as a control device of the mobile switching unit, which is connected to separate components and different devices of the mobile switching unit. In addition, the device can include at least some or all of the devices of the mobile switching unit. Thus, in addition to the control device of the mobile switching unit, the device can include, for example, the moving devices of the mobile switching unit (such as, motor drive devices and / or multiple wheels), the (multiple) introducing devices, the (multiple) extracting devices, and / or the communication devices (such as, near-field radio communication interfaces and / or mobile radio interfaces). For example, the device can include all the devices of the mobile switching unit and thus, for example, correspond to the mobile switching unit.

[0095] In addition, according to the present disclosure, a system is disclosed, which at least includes the device according to the present disclosure and a mobile switching unit, wherein the system can also include, for example, a vehicle and / or a backend server. If the device according to the present disclosure corresponds to the mobile switching unit, for example, the disclosed system at least includes the device, the vehicle, and / or the backend server.

[0096] The above-described embodiments and exemplary design solutions of the present disclosure should also be understood as being disclosed in all mutual combinations. In particular, the disclosure of the method steps also applies to the disclosure of the device for performing the corresponding method steps. Similarly, the disclosure of the device for performing the method steps also applies to the disclosure of the method steps themselves. Description of the Drawings

[0097] Other advantageous exemplary design solutions of the present disclosure are obtained from the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments, especially in combination with the drawings. However, the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be used to determine the scope of protection of the claims. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and should only exemplarily reflect the overall scheme of the present disclosure. In particular, the features contained in the drawings should in no way be regarded as essential components of the present invention.

[0098] In the drawings:

[0099] Figure 1a and Figure 1b show a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure;

[0100] Figure 2 show a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor device according to the present disclosure;

[0101] Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and Figure 3c show a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure;

[0102] Figure 4 A flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the present disclosure;

[0103] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the present disclosure; and

[0104] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of a storage medium is shown. Detailed embodiments

[0105] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0106] Figure 1a Exemplarily shown is a mobile switching unit 100, which is navigated to a first position below the vehicle 160.

[0107] The mobile switching unit 100 is shown as an unmanned transport vehicle (e.g., a mobile robot), wherein the mobile switching unit 100 mainly includes at least one introducing device 110 on which a battery module 120 is placed. In addition, the mobile switching unit 100 includes a moving device in the form of a plurality of wheels 130 and a communication device 140 (e.g., an antenna) for wireless radio communication. In particular, the mobile switching unit 100 has a control device 150, which is connected to the rest of the components of the mobile switching unit 100. Therefore, the control device 150 can be understood as an example of the apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0108] The introducing device 110 includes a lifting mechanism, which is configured to lift the platform and the battery module 120 placed on the platform. The lifting mechanism is exemplarily shown as a scissor mechanism, but can also be implemented in a different way. For example, introducing the battery module 120 into the vehicle 160 includes placing the battery module 120 into a battery module compartment 165 in the bottom of the vehicle 160. As part of or after introducing the battery module into the vehicle 160, for example, the battery module 120 can be fastened (e.g., fixed) in the vehicle 160 by guiding the battery module 120 into a holding device (e.g., including a locking mechanism) of the vehicle 160 and holding it there. The battery module 120 to be introduced is a charged battery module, which replaces a previously discharged battery module in the vehicle 160. For example, such a discharged battery module is first removed from the vehicle 160, and then the battery module 120 placed on the introducing device 110 is introduced into the vehicle 160. For this purpose, the mobile switching unit 100 may, for example, have at least one removing device ( Figure 1a not shown).

[0109] The vehicle 160 is a vehicle in which one or more battery modules are to be replaced. In particular, the battery modules 120 transported by the mobile exchange unit 100 are to be introduced into the vehicle 160, for example in order to replace a previously exhausted battery module of the vehicle 160. The vehicle 160 is shown by way of example as a load-carrying vehicle which is at least partially electrically driven.

[0110] The communication device 140 can realize, for example, wireless communication between the mobile switching unit 100 and the vehicle 160, in that the communication device provides a wireless communication connection 180 between the mobile switching unit 100 and the vehicle 160. The wireless communication connection 180 is, for example, based on optical transmission and / or communication based on electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic signals or fields, in particular near-field communication (for example based on Bluetooth or WLAN). For example, the control device 150 receives vehicle information from the vehicle 160 via the communication connection 180 with the help of the communication device 140, and the vehicle information contains an identifier of the vehicle 160.

[0111] In addition, Figure 1a A back-end server 170 is shown, which can be understood as a management server, for example. For example, it is determined on the back-end server 170 which battery module should be introduced into which vehicle and / or taken out of the mobile switching unit 100 (for example from a plurality of mobile switching units). Therefore, the battery module information transmitted from the back-end server 170 to the mobile switching unit 100 represents, for example, a battery module 120 that has been previously determined by the back-end server 170 and should be introduced into the vehicle 160. Such battery module information can be received via a wireless communication connection 185 with the aid of the communication device 140 of the mobile switching unit 100. For example, the communication device 140 then includes a mobile radio interface, which can receive battery module information and / or vehicle information from the back-end server 170 via the wireless communication connection 185.

[0112] Figure 1b Show Figure 1a A top view of the vehicle 160 and the mobile exchange unit 100 is shown. In this view, it can be seen by way of example that the mobile exchange unit 100 has two introduction devices adjacent to each other (for example, located at the same height), wherein a battery module 120 is placed on one introduction device, and another battery module 125 is placed on the other introduction device. For example, both battery modules 120 and 125 placed on the corresponding introduction devices should be introduced into the vehicle 160; in another example, these battery modules are each determined to be used for another vehicle, wherein the multiple vehicles are approached by the mobile exchange unit 100 in turn to introduce the corresponding battery modules 120 and 125.

[0113] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor device 210 according to the present disclosure is shown. In particular,​Figure 2 shows a partial view of FIG. 1 (marked with "II" in FIG. 1), and shows therein a mobile switching unit 100, a control device 150, an introducing device 110, and a battery module 120 placed on the introducing device 110. In addition, Figure 2 shows a code scanner 210 as a sensor device (e.g., an optical sensor such as a camera), and a bar code 220 printed on the housing of the battery module 120. For example, the code scanner is connected to the control device 150 or can be understood as part of the control device 150. The battery module information represented by the bar code 220 includes an identifier (e.g., a name or an address) that uniquely identifies the battery module 120. The control device 150 can obtain the battery module information represented by the bar code 220 in such a way that the bar code 220 is electronically detected by the code scanner 210 and then forwarded to the control device 150.

[0114] As an alternative or supplement to the code scanner 210, the sensor device may further include an electronic receiver that can receive battery module information in the form of an electrical signal from the battery module 120 through near-field radio communication (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, or RFID).

[0115] Figure 2 Exemplarily shows a single code scanner 220 and a single battery module 120 placed on the introducing device 110. In addition, the mobile switching unit 100 may include a plurality of introducing devices and a plurality of code scanners (e.g., including a corresponding code scanner for each introducing device). Such code scanners may be respectively arranged at or at least near the corresponding introducing devices of the mobile switching unit 100. For example, there are code scanners on each platform of the introducing device where the corresponding battery module can be placed. If a battery module is to be placed on a specific introducing device (as Figure 2 exemplarily shown for the battery module 120), then the bar code placed on the battery module, for example, is scanned by the code scanner arranged on the introducing device platform and transmitted as battery module information to the control device 150. For example, information about which code scanner is arranged on which corresponding introducing device of the mobile switching unit 100 is stored (e.g., stored in the electronic memory of the control device 150) on the control device 150. By receiving the battery module information by a specific code scanner on the control device 150, the battery module information also (e.g., at least implicitly) indicates on which introducing device the battery module represented by the battery module information is placed.

[0116] Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and Figure 3c shows a schematic diagram according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Figure 3a and Figure 1a Similarly, a mobile switching unit 300 is shown as an unmanned transport vehicle (e.g., a mobile robot), where the mobile switching unit 300 includes an introducing device 310 on which a battery module 320 is placed and another introducing device 315 on which another battery module 325 is placed. In addition, the mobile switching unit 300 includes a moving device in the form of a plurality of wheels 330 and a communication device 340 (e.g., an antenna) for wireless radio communication. In particular, the mobile switching unit has a control device 350, which is connected to the remaining components of the mobile switching unit 300. Thus, the control device 350 can be understood as an example of the device according to the present disclosure.

[0118] Figure 3a Exemplarily, the mobile switching unit 300 is shown, which is navigated by the control device 350 to a first position below the vehicle 360. Figure 3b shown later than Figure 3a the time point of, where the mobile switching unit 300 according to Figure 3b is located at the first position below the vehicle 360, and the battery module 320 is introduced into the vehicle 360 by the introducing device 310. Figure 3c shown later than Figure 3b the time point of, where the mobile switching unit 300 according to Figure 3c is located at a second position below the vehicle 360, and the other battery module 325 is introduced into the vehicle 360 by the other introducing device 315.

[0119] Therefore, after the introduction of the battery module 320 shown in Figure 3b is completed, the mobile switching unit 300 can be first navigated to the second position below the vehicle 360, and then, as shown in Figure 3c , the other battery module 325 is introduced into the vehicle 360. Here, the first position is selected such that the introducing device 310 is located below the battery module compartment 365 in the bottom of the vehicle 360. The second position is selected such that the introducing device 315 is located below the battery module compartment 365 in the bottom of the vehicle 360. When the mobile switching unit 300 is thus located at the second position (see Figure 3c ), the other battery module 325 placed on the other introducing device 315 can be introduced into the battery module compartment 365 by lifting the platform of the introducing device 315, so that the other battery module 325 is introduced below the previously introduced battery module 320 within the battery module compartment 365.

[0120] Advantageously, by navigating the mobile switching unit 300 from the first position to the second position, the two battery modules 320 and 325 can be introduced into the vehicle 360 in such a way that they are arranged one above the other in the form of a battery stack 328 in the battery module compartment 365 of the vehicle 360. However, the battery modules 320 and 325 arranged one above the other in this way are advantageously located on different introduction devices 310 and 315 during transportation by the mobile switching unit 300, such that the overall height of the loaded mobile switching unit 300 is reduced and movement under the vehicle 360 can be achieved.

[0121] Within the battery stack 328, the battery modules 320 and 325 arranged one above the other are electrically connected to each other in such a way that these battery modules are electrically connected in series or in parallel with each other, for example (e.g., to achieve a desired voltage or capacitance). The electrical connection of the two battery modules 320 and 325 can be achieved, for example, by additional connection structures of these battery modules.

[0122] Figure 4 A flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method 400 according to the present disclosure is presented. The method steps 410, 420, and 430 of the method 400 will be described exemplarily with reference to Figure 1a and Figure 1b the exemplary embodiments shown. Here, it is exemplarily assumed that the method steps 410, 420, and 430 are executed by the control device 150 of the mobile switching unit 100.

[0123] Step 410 includes: Navigating the mobile switching unit to a first position below the vehicle.

[0124] For example, the control device 150 controls the movement device 130 of the mobile switching unit 100 in such a way that the mobile switching unit 100 moves from its current position to the first position. The mobile switching unit 100 moves to the first position at least partially in an automatically traveling manner, where the control device 150 uses sensors such as cameras, ultrasonic sensors, or infrared sensors, for example, to identify and bypass obstacles on the way to the first position. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile switching unit 100 can use positioning sensors (e.g., one or more GPS sensors) to navigate the mobile switching unit 100 to the first position.

[0125] Step 420 includes: Determining at least one introduction device of the mobile switching unit, where the at least one introduction device is configured to introduce a battery module placed on the introduction device into the vehicle.

[0126] For example, the control device 150 determines the receiving device 110 of the mobile switching unit 100 by selecting the receiving device 110. The mobile switching unit 100 includes, for example, two receiving devices arranged adjacent to each other, and the determination of the receiving device includes the selection of the receiving device 110. For example, the receiving device 100 is selected according to a predetermined order. In another example, the receiving device 110 is determined based on the battery module 120 placed on the receiving device 110. For example, the corresponding receiving device 110 is determined based on the information identifying the battery module 120 to be introduced into the vehicle 160, on which the marked battery module 120 is placed. For this purpose, the following information is stored, for example, in the electronic memory of the control device 150, that is, which of the two receiving devices of the mobile switching unit has the corresponding battery module placed thereon.

[0127] In another example, the determination of the receiving device 110 in step 420 may be based on the battery module information identifying the battery module 120.

[0128] For example, such battery module information may indicate which battery module is placed on which receiving device of the mobile switching unit 100. For example, the code scanner 210 (see Figure 2 ) of the mobile switching unit 100 scans the bar code 220 printed on the housing of the battery module 120, where the bar code 220 represents the battery module information, which includes the identifier of the battery module 120. Subsequently, the battery module information detected by the code scanner 210 is transmitted to the control device 150. For this purpose, the following information is stored in the control device 150, that is, the code scanner 210 is arranged on the platform of the receiving device 110, so that the battery module information transmitted from the code scanner 210 to the control device 150 also (for example, at least implicitly) indicates that the battery module 120 represented by the battery module information is placed on the receiving device 110. For example, the following information is stored in the control device 150, according to which the battery module 120 should be introduced into the vehicle 160. Therefore, in step 420, the receiving device 110 is determined based on the fact that according to the battery module information, the battery module 120 to be introduced into the vehicle 160 is placed on the receiving device 110.

[0129] The battery module information may also identify, for example, the battery module to be introduced into the vehicle 160. As Figure 1bAs shown, the mobile switching unit 100 has two receiving devices on which the corresponding battery modules 120 and 125 are placed. Thus, the acquired battery module information indicates, for example, that the battery module 120 should be introduced into the vehicle 160. In such an example, the battery module 125 placed on the remaining receiving device can be determined, for example, to be for another vehicle and thus introduced into that other vehicle at a later point in time. Thus, the determination in step 420 is at least partially based on the acquired battery module information. When the battery module information indicates, for example, that the battery module 120 should be introduced into the vehicle 160, the receiving device 110 on which the battery module 120 represented by the battery module information is placed is determined based on the battery module information. In such an example, the determination of the receiving device can also be based on information (e.g., stored in the electronic memory of the control device 150) that indicates, for the two receiving devices of the mobile switching unit 100, whether a battery module and which battery module is placed on the respective receiving device. For example, the battery module information is received by the communication device 140 from the backend server 170 via a mobile radio network, where the backend server 170 can be understood as a management server on which it is determined which battery module should be introduced into which vehicle and / or removed from which vehicle (e.g., from among a plurality of mobile switching units) by the mobile switching unit 100. Thus, the battery module information transmitted from the backend server 170 to the control device 150 represents the battery module 120 that has previously been determined by the backend server 170 and should be introduced into the vehicle 160.

[0130] In another example, the determination of the receiving device 110 in step 420 can be based on vehicle information, where the vehicle information marks, for example, the vehicle 160 under which the mobile switching unit 100 located at the first position is located and into which the battery module 120 placed on the receiving device 110 of the mobile switching unit 100 should be introduced. The vehicle information can be acquired, for example, on the control device 150 from the backend server 170 via a mobile radio network (e.g., via the communication connection 185) or from the vehicle 160 via short-range radio communication (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, or RFID, via the communication connection 180).

[0131] Step 430 includes: causing the battery module placed on the determined at least one receiving device to be introduced into the vehicle.

[0132] For example, the control device 150 controls the introduction device 110 determined in step 420 such that the lifting mechanism of the introduction device 110 is activated, and thus prompts the lifting mechanism to lift the battery module 120 placed on the platform of the introduction device 110 and introduce it into the vehicle 160. In an example where more than one introduction device of the mobile switching unit 100 has been determined in the previous step 420, in step 430, for each of the determined introduction devices, for example, the battery module placed on the corresponding introduction device is sequentially prompted to be introduced into the vehicle.

[0133] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the device 50 according to the present disclosure. For example, the device 50 can be understood as Figure 1a and Figure 1b the control device 150 of the mobile switching unit 100 shown in Figures 3a to 3c or the control device 350 of the mobile switching unit 300 shown in

[0134] The control device 50 includes, for example, a processor 55. For example, the processor should be understood as a microprocessor, a microcontroller unit, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). It should be understood that the control device 50 may also include multiple processors 55.

[0135] The processor 55 executes the program instructions stored in the program memory 51 and stores intermediate results, etc. in the working memory 52, for example. For example, the program memory 51 contains the program instructions of a computer program according to the present disclosure, and the computer program includes such program instructions that when the processor 55 executes the program instructions stored in the program memory 51, these program instructions cause the processor 55 to execute and / or control the method according to the present disclosure (for example, according to Figure 4 method 400).

[0136] In addition, the program memory 51 contains, for example, the operating system of the control device 50, and at least part of the operating system is loaded into the working memory 52 and executed by the processor 55 when the control device 50 is started. In particular, when the control device 50 is started, at least a part of the core of the operating system is loaded into the working memory 52 and executed by the processor 55.

[0137] Examples of operating systems are Windows, UNIX, Linux, Android, Apple iOS, and / or MAC OS operating systems. The operating system can in particular implement data processing using the control device 50. The operating system manages operating components such as the program memory 51 and the working memory 52, for example, and mainly provides functions based on other computer programs through a programming interface and controls the execution of computer programs.

[0138] The program memory is, for example, a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an EEPROM memory (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and / or an optical memory. The working memory is, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, in particular a random access memory (RAM), such as a static RAM memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM memory (DRAM), a ferroelectric RAM memory (FeRAM), and / or a magnetic RAM memory (MRAM).

[0139] The user data memory 53 is used to store the data required when executing the program. Here, these data can be, for example, battery module information and / or vehicle information.

[0140] In addition, the control device 50 can be connected to the communication interface 54 of the mobile switching unit 100 (such as Figure 1a and Figure 1b the communication device 140 shown). For example, the communication interface 54 includes: a mobile radio interface (for example, for receiving battery module information or vehicle information from the backend server 170); and / or a near-field radio communication interface (such as Bluetooth, NFC, or RFID for receiving battery module information from the battery module or vehicle information from the vehicle).

[0141] In addition, the control device 50 is connected to one or more sensors 57, for example. The sensor 57 can include, for example, a code scanner (such as an optical sensor, like a camera), which can scan optically detectable codes. In another example, the sensor 57 can include an electronic receiver, which can receive battery module information in the form of an electrical signal from the battery module through near-field radio communication (such as Bluetooth, NFC, or RFID).

[0142] The control device 50 is also connected to the moving device 56, where the moving device can be, for example, the wheels 130 of the mobile switching unit 100 and the steering mechanism of these wheels. The control device 50 can control the moving device 56 to move the mobile switching unit 100 and, for example, navigate it to a first position below the vehicle 160.

[0143] The control device 50 is also connected to at least one extraction device 58 and at least one introduction device 59. For example, the control device 50 can control the introduction device 59 (e.g., Figure 1a the introduction device 110 in

[0144] such that the lifting mechanism of the determined introduction device 59 is activated, and thus the lifting mechanism is prompted to lift the battery module placed on the platform of the introduction device 59.

[0145] Figure 6 Exemplary embodiments of storage media are shown, on which, for example, a computer program according to the present disclosure can be stored. The storage media can be, for example, magnetic, electrical, optical, and / or other types of storage media. The storage media can be, for example, part of a processor (e.g., Figure 5 the processor 55 in Figure 5 ), for example, the (non-volatile or volatile) program memory of the processor or a part thereof (e.g.,

[0146] the program memory 51 in Figure 5

[0147] ). Examples of storage media are flash memory 60, SSD hard disk 61, magnetic hard disk 62, memory card 63, memory stick 65 (e.g., USB stick), CD-ROM or DVD 65, or floppy disk 66. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described in this specification should also be understood to be disclosed in all combinations with each other. In particular, the description of the features included in the embodiments - as long as not explicitly stated to the contrary - should not be understood as necessary or important for the function of the embodiment. The order of the method steps in the flowcharts listed in the present disclosure is not mandatory, and alternative orders of these method steps are conceivable as long as no other instructions are given. These method steps can be implemented in different ways, and thus it is conceivable to implement these method steps by software (through program instructions), hardware, or a combination of the two.Terms such as "comprising", "having", "including", "containing", etc. used in patent claims do not exclude other elements or steps. The expression "at least in part" includes both the case of "in part" and the case of "fully". The expression "and / or" should be understood as follows: both alternative solutions and combined solutions should be disclosed, that is, "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)". A plurality of units, persons, etc. means a plurality of units, persons, etc. in the context of this specification. The use of an indefinite article does not exclude a plurality. A single device may perform the functions of a plurality of units or devices mentioned in the patent claims. The reference signs given in the patent claims should not be regarded as a limitation on the devices and steps used.

Claims

1. An apparatus (150; 50; 350), comprising a device (51; 52; 53; 55), the device being configured to: - navigating (410) the mobile exchange unit (100; 300) to a first position below the vehicle (160); - determining (420) at least one introduction device (110; 310) of the mobile exchange unit (100; 300), wherein the at least one introduction device (110; 310) is configured to introduce a battery module (120; 320) placed on the introduction device into the vehicle (160); and - causing the battery module (120; 320) placed on at least one determined introduction device (110) to be introduced (430) into the vehicle (160), wherein the device (150; 50; 350) is part of the mobile switching unit (100; 300), The device (51; 52; 53; 55) is further configured to: - acquiring vehicle information, wherein the vehicle information represents the vehicle (160; 360), and wherein the determination of the at least one introduction device (110; 310) is at least partially based on the acquired vehicle information.

2. The device (350; 50) according to claim 1, wherein the mobile exchange unit (300) has a plurality of introduction devices (310; 315) including the at least one introduction device (310), wherein the introduction devices are respectively configured to introduce a battery module (320; 325) placed on the corresponding introduction device (310; 315), and wherein the device (51; 52; 53; 55) of the device (350; 50) is also configured to: - determining at least one further introduction device (315) from said plurality of introduction devices (310; 315); and - prompting the introduction of a further battery module (325) placed on the at least one determined further introduction device (315) into the vehicle (360).

3. The apparatus (350; 50) according to claim 2, wherein the device (51; 52; 53; 55) of the apparatus (350; 50) is further configured to: - after introducing the at least one battery module (320) into the vehicle (360) and before introducing the at least one further battery module (325) into the vehicle (360), navigating the mobile exchange unit (300) from the first position below the vehicle (360) to a second position.

4. The apparatus (150; 50) according to claim 1, wherein the device (51; 52; 53; 55) of the apparatus (150; 50) is further configured to: After the at least one battery module (120) has been introduced, at least one further battery module placed on the at least one determined introduction device (110) is prompted to be introduced into the vehicle (160).

5. The device (150; 350; 50) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one introduction device (110) and / or the multiple introduction devices (310; 315) of the mobile exchange unit (100; 300) are configured to introduce the at least one battery module (120; 320) and the at least one additional battery module (325) into the vehicle (160; 360), so that the at least one battery module (320) and the at least one additional battery module (325) form a single battery stack (328) in the vehicle.

6. The device (150; 350; 50) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one battery module (120; 320) and the at least one further battery module (325) within the battery stack (328) are arranged one above the other and / or are electrically connected to each other.

7. The apparatus (150; 350; 50) according to claim 1, wherein the device (51; 52; 53; 55) is further configured to: - before the at least one battery module and / or the at least one further battery module (120; 320; 325) are introduced into the vehicle (160; 360), the battery module is prompted to be removed from the vehicle (160; 360), wherein the mobile exchange unit (100; 300) has at least one removal device for removing the battery module from the vehicle (160; 360).

8. The apparatus (150; 350; 50) according to claim 1, wherein the device (51; 52; 53; 55) is further configured to: - obtaining at least one battery module information, wherein the battery module information represents a battery module, and wherein the determination (420) of the at least one introduction device (110; 310) is at least partially based on the obtained battery module information.

9. The device (150; 350; 50) according to claim 8, further comprising a sensor device (210; 57), wherein the sensor device is configured to obtain battery module information (220) of the battery module (120) represented by the battery module information.

10. The device (150; 350; 50) according to claim 8, the device (150; 350; 50) further comprising a communication device (140; 340; 54), the communication device being configured to receive the battery module information from a backend server (170; 370).

11. The device (150; 350; 50) according to claim 1, further comprising a communication device (140; 340; 54), wherein the communication device is configured to receive the vehicle information from the vehicle (160; 360) or a back-end server (170; 370).

12. The device (150; 350; 50) according to claim 1, wherein the device (150; 350; 50) further comprises: - movement means (56) for moving the mobile exchange unit (100; 300), the movement means comprising a motor drive and / or a plurality of wheels (130; 330); and / or - said at least one introduction device (110; 310; 315); and / or - said at least one extraction device; and / or - a communication device (140; 340; 54) for communicating with the backend server (170; 370) and / or the vehicle (160; 360).

13. A method (400) performed by an apparatus (150; 50; 350) which is part of a mobile switching unit (100; 300), wherein the method comprises: - navigating (410) the mobile exchange unit (100; 300) to a first position below the vehicle (160); - determining (420) at least one introduction device (110) of the mobile exchange unit (100; 300), wherein the at least one introduction device (110) is configured to introduce a battery module (120; 320) placed on the introduction device into the vehicle (160); and - causing the battery module (120; 320) placed on the determined at least one introduction device (110) to be introduced (430) into the vehicle (160), wherein the method further comprises: - acquiring vehicle information, said vehicle information being representative of said vehicle (160; 360), and wherein the determination of said at least one introduction device (110; 310) is at least partially based on said acquired vehicle information.

14. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a device (150; 350; 50) to perform the method steps (410; 420; 430) according to claim 13.

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