Mobile charging system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile charging system and method. A mobile charging system includes: a charging station; a main charging device including a first energy storage device configured to store electrical energy or release the stored electrical energy, and a first driving unit providing a moving force by using the electrical energy stored in the first energy storage device; at least one auxiliary charging device including a second energy storage device configured to store electrical energy or release the stored electrical energy, and a second driving unit providing a moving force by using the electrical energy stored in the second energy storage device; and the control server is communicatively connected to the main charging device and the at least one auxiliary charging device, and is configured to send a charging command to the main charging device to move the main charging device to the charging demand device and charge the charging demand device. In addition, a mobile charging method using the mobile charging system is provided.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0193587, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 27, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] This application relates to a charging system and a charging method, and more particularly, to a mobile charging system and a charging method using a movable charging device. Background art

[0004] In recent years, the use of eco - friendly vehicles, including electric vehicles, has gradually increased. Eco - friendly vehicles run using the electric energy stored in a battery instead of burning fuel, so the capacity of the battery determines the driving range of the eco - friendly vehicle. In other words, as the battery capacity increases, the driving range of the eco - friendly vehicle also increases.

[0005] Generally, in eco - friendly vehicles, the installation space of the battery is limited, so the capacity of the battery is also limited. Therefore, the driving range of eco - friendly vehicles is relatively short, and the battery needs to be charged relatively frequently. In addition, the charging time of the battery is relatively long, so users hope to charge the battery in a parking lot where the eco - friendly vehicle is not used for a long time.

[0006] However, due to insufficient charging facilities, when other eco - friendly vehicles occupy the charging facilities, the vehicle has to wait a long time to charge, and in some cases, the vehicle has to be used without charging.

[0007] To solve this inconvenience, it has been proposed to provide a movable charging device in a parking lot instead of a fixed charging facility. The movable charging device moves to the vehicle parked in the parking area and charges the vehicle. However, the vehicle needs to be charged using the energy stored in an energy storage system (ESS), so the ESS needs to have a large capacity, and the movable charging device needs to be large enough to accommodate the large - capacity ESS. Therefore, the movement of the movable charging device is restricted in a narrow parking space, and the movement of other vehicles is also hindered. In addition, the number of movable charging devices that can be placed in a narrow parking space is limited, and the movable charging device itself may consume a large amount of energy to move. Moreover, the number of vehicles that can be charged simultaneously is limited by the number of movable charging devices. Therefore, unless the number of movable charging devices is sufficiently increased, it is not enough to solve the inconvenience of typical charging facilities.

[0008] The matters described in the Background Art are provided to enhance the understanding of the background of the present application and may include matters not known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present technology pertains. In other words, the statements in this Background section merely provide background information related to the present application and may not constitute the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present application provides a mobile charging system and a method of charging using the mobile charging system, in which not only can a charging demand device be charged only by a main charging device, but also at least one auxiliary charging device electrically connected to the main charging device and the main charging device can charge the charging demand device together.

[0010] The present application also provides a mobile charging system and a charging method, in which a charging demand device can be charged only by a main charging device capable of automatically moving, and at least one auxiliary charging device capable of automatically moving and electrically connected to the main charging device and the main charging device can charge the charging demand device together.

[0011] An embodiment of the present application provides a mobile charging system. The mobile charging system includes: a charging station fixedly installed at a predetermined position (e.g., a predetermined position in a charging space where a charging demand device can be charged) in a charging space where a charging demand device can be charged; a main charging device including a first energy storage device capable of storing electric energy or releasing stored electric energy, and a first driving unit that provides motive power by using the electric energy stored in the first energy storage device. The main charging device can be connected to the charging station to store the electric energy of the charging station in the first energy storage device, or connected to the charging demand device to charge the charging demand device by using the electric energy stored in the first energy storage device. The mobile charging system further includes at least one auxiliary charging device including a second energy storage device capable of storing electric energy or releasing stored electric energy, and a second driving unit that provides motive power by using the electric energy stored in the second energy storage device. The at least one auxiliary charging device can be connected to the charging station to store the electric energy of the charging station in the second energy storage device, or connected to the main charging device to charge the charging demand device through the main charging device by using the electric energy stored in the second energy storage device. The mobile charging system further includes a control server communicably connected to the main charging device and the at least one auxiliary charging device. The mobile charging system is configured to send a charging command to the main charging device to move the main charging device to the charging demand device and charge the charging demand device.

[0012] The control server may be further configured to: in response to receiving the status of the main charging device from the main charging device, determine whether the main charging device alone can fully charge the charging demand device; in response to determining that the main charging device alone cannot fully charge the charging demand device, send a charging command to at least one auxiliary charging device to move the at least one auxiliary charging device to the main charging device, and charge the charging demand device through the main charging device.

[0013] The control server may be further configured to: before sending a charging command to at least one auxiliary charging device, detect available auxiliary charging devices; determine whether the available auxiliary charging devices can fully charge the charging demand device; in response to determining that the available auxiliary charging devices can fully charge the charging demand device, charge using a simultaneous charging method in which at least one available auxiliary charging device participates in charging simultaneously.

[0014] The control server may be further configured to: in response to determining that the available auxiliary charging devices cannot fully charge the charging demand device, charge using a cyclic charging method in which at least one available auxiliary charging device participates in charging sequentially.

[0015] The mobile charging system may further include a user interface communicatively connected to the control server, configured to send a charging request to the control server and receive charging information from the control server.

[0016] The user interface may be further configured to display the charging information received from the control server.

[0017] The main charging device may further include a first docking unit installed on the main charging device and connectable to a charging station or a charging demand device. The first docking unit may extend from the main charging device. The main charging device may further include a first connection unit provided on the main charging device and spaced apart from the first docking unit so that at least one auxiliary charging device can be connected in a state where the main charging device is connected to the charging demand device through the first docking unit.

[0018] The first docking unit can be automatically or manually connected to a charging station or a charging demand device.

[0019] Each auxiliary charging device may further include a second docking unit, which is installed on the auxiliary charging device and can be connected to a charging station, a main charging device, or another auxiliary charging device. The second docking unit may extend from the auxiliary charging device. Each auxiliary charging device may further include a second connection unit, which is disposed on the auxiliary charging device and spaced apart from the second docking unit, so that another auxiliary charging device can be connected in a state where the auxiliary charging device is connected to the main charging device or another auxiliary charging device through the second docking unit.

[0020] The second docking unit can be automatically or manually connected to a charging station, a main charging device, or another auxiliary charging device.

[0021] The main charging device or the at least one auxiliary charging device can travel automatically.

[0022] Embodiments of the present application provide a mobile charging method. The mobile charging method includes: receiving, by a control server, a charging request including at least one of the location information of a charging demand device or the required charging amount; sending, by the control server, a charging command including at least one of the location information of the charging demand device or the required charging amount to the main charging device to move the main charging device to the charging demand device and dock; determining, by the main charging device or the control server, whether the charging demand device can be fully charged only by the main charging device; in response to determining that the charging demand device cannot be fully charged only by the main charging device, detecting, by the control server, available auxiliary charging devices; and sending, by the control server, a charging command including the location information of the main charging device to the available auxiliary charging devices to charge the charging demand device by using the available auxiliary charging devices and through the main charging device.

[0023] Charging the charging demand device by using the available auxiliary charging devices and through the main charging device includes: determining whether the charging demand device can be fully charged by the available auxiliary charging devices; and in response to determining that the charging demand device can be fully charged by the available auxiliary charging devices, charging by using a simultaneous charging method in which at least one available auxiliary charging device participates in the charging at the same time.

[0024] Charging by using the simultaneous charging method may include: selecting available auxiliary charging devices required to fully charge the charging demand device; and connecting the selected available auxiliary charging devices to the main charging device or another selected available auxiliary charging device so that the main charging device and the selected available auxiliary charging devices can charge the charging demand device at the same time.

[0025] Charging a charging demand device through a main charging device by using an available auxiliary charging device may further include: in response to determining that the charging demand device cannot be fully charged through the available auxiliary charging device, charging is performed by using a cyclic charging method in which at least one available auxiliary charging device participates in charging in sequence.

[0026] Charging by using a cyclic charging method may include: connecting at least one available auxiliary charging device to the main charging device or another available auxiliary charging device connected to the main charging device, so as to charge the charging demand device through the main charging device and at least one available auxiliary charging device; disconnecting at least one available auxiliary charging device from the main charging device or another available auxiliary charging device connected to the main charging device; connecting at least one other available auxiliary charging device to the main charging device or another available auxiliary charging device connected to the main charging device, so as to charge the charging demand device through the main charging device and at least one other available auxiliary charging device.

[0027] The mobile charging method may further include: sending a charging request from a user interface communicatively connected to a control server to the control server; receiving charging information from the control server by the user interface.

[0028] The mobile charging method may further include displaying, by the user interface, the charging information received from the control server.

[0029] The main charging device or the available auxiliary charging device may be capable of autonomous driving.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present application, the charging demand device can be charged only by using the main charging device, or can be charged by using at least one auxiliary charging device electrically connected to the main charging device together with the main charging device. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the capacities of the main charging device and the auxiliary charging device, thereby reducing the sizes of the main charging device and the auxiliary charging device, and improving the mobility in a narrow space (such as a parking lot where multiple vehicles are parked).

[0031] In addition, since the sizes of the main charging device and the auxiliary charging device are not large, even if they are arranged in a narrow space, the numbers of the main charging device and the auxiliary charging device can be increased, thereby increasing the number of vehicles that can be charged simultaneously.

[0032] Furthermore, the main charging device and the auxiliary charging device are combined to charge the vehicle, so that the charging system can operate efficiently through various charging strategies.

[0033] Other effects that can be obtained or expected through the embodiments of the present application will be directly or implicitly disclosed in the specific implementation manners of the present application. In other words, various effects predicted according to the embodiments of the present application have been disclosed in the specific implementation manners given below. Description of the Drawings

[0034] The embodiments of the present application can be better understood by referring to the following description and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same or functionally similar elements.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile charging system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a mobile charging system according to an embodiment of the present application regarding the main charging device.

[0037] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a mobile charging system according to an embodiment of the present application regarding the auxiliary charging device.

[0038] Figure 4 Schematically shows the communication status among components of a mobile charging system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a mobile charging method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a simultaneous charging method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a cyclic charging method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] It should be understood that the attached drawings are not drawn to scale, but are merely appropriately simplified drawings for illustrating the basic principles and various features of the present invention. The specific design features of the present invention disclosed herein, such as specific dimensions, directions, positions, and shapes, will be partially determined by the specific application and usage environment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0043] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless they have a clearly opposite meaning. When used in this specification, the terms "comprising" and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, values, steps, operations, components, and / or assemblies, but it should also be understood that these terms do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, components, assemblies, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0044] As used herein, the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms shall be understood to include typical vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, and passenger vehicles of various commercial vehicles, and including hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-petroleum-based energy sources). As mentioned in this specification, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more power sources, such as a vehicle with gasoline power and electric power. Vehicles according to embodiments of the present application include manually driven vehicles and more or less autonomous and / or self-driving vehicles.

[0045] In addition, it can be understood that one or more of the following methods or aspects thereof can be executed by at least one or more controllers. The term "controller" may refer to a hardware device including a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store program instructions, and the processor is specifically programmed to execute the program instructions to perform one or more processes described in more detail below. The controller can control the operation of the units, modules, components, devices, or the like described herein. Furthermore, it can also be understood that the following methods can be executed by a device including a controller and one or more other components, as recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] Furthermore, the controller of embodiments of the present application can be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, which includes program instructions executable by a processor. Examples of computer-readable recording media include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices, but the computer-readable recording media are not limited thereto. The computer-readable recording media can also be distributed in a computer network to store and execute program instructions in a distributed manner (e.g., telematics servers or controller area network (CAN)).

[0047] When components, units, controllers, servers, devices, elements, equipment, etc. of the present application are described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the components, units, controllers, servers, devices, elements, equipment, etc. should be regarded as "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function in this article. Each component, unit, controller, server, device, element, equipment, etc. can be implemented individually or include a processor and a memory (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) as part of them.

[0048] In the present application, each phrase such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", and "at least one of A, B or C, or a combination thereof" can include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile charging system according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a block diagram of a mobile charging system according to an embodiment of the present application regarding a main charging device, Figure 3 is a block diagram of a mobile charging system according to an embodiment of the present application regarding an auxiliary charging device, Figure 4 schematically shows the communication status between components of a mobile charging system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0051] As Figure 1 and Figure 4 shown, a mobile charging system 10 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a charging station 20, a main charging device 30, at least one auxiliary charging device 50, a user interface 80, and a control server 90. The mobile charging system 10 is configured to receive a charging request and charge a charging demand device 70 using only the main charging device 30 or using a combination of the main charging device 30 and at least one auxiliary charging device 50.

[0052] As used herein, a "main charging device" refers to a charging device directly connected to a charging demand device, and an "auxiliary charging device" refers to a charging device connected to a charging demand device through a main charging device or another auxiliary charging device. The main charging device and the auxiliary charging device can be of the same type of charging device and can be differently named according to the object to which the charging device is connected. In other words, when a charging device is directly connected to a charging demand device, the one charging device can be called a main charging device, and when the charging device is connected to another charging device, the charging device can be called an auxiliary charging device.

[0053] The charging station 20 is a fixed charging facility fixed at a predetermined position in a rechargeable space (such as a parking lot) where a charging demand device can be charged. The charging station 20 can provide one or more charging connectors or chargers to charge the connected devices simultaneously. The main charging device 30, at least one auxiliary charging device 50 or the charging demand device 70 can be connected to the charging station 20 and charged through the charging connectors or charging sockets installed in the charging station 20. The main charging device 30 and at least one auxiliary charging device 50 can be automatically connected to the charging station 20. In other words, when charging is required, the main charging device 30 or at least one auxiliary charging device 50 can be automatically connected to the charging connectors or charging sockets fixedly installed in the charging station 20 through autonomous driving. When charging is completed, the main charging device 30 or at least one auxiliary charging device 50 can be disconnected from the charging station 20 and move to a preset waiting position, etc. A plurality of charging stations 20 can be fixedly installed in the rechargeable space.

[0054] The main charging device 30 can communicate with the control server 90 to receive a charging command and / or a movement command from the control server 90, and send the status of the main charging device 30 (such as the position of the main charging device 30, the remaining power or state of charge (SOC), the connection status with other devices, or charging information) to the control server 90. In response to receiving the charging command and / or the movement command, the main charging device 30 can move to the charging demand device 70, connect to the charging demand device 70, and charge the charging demand device 70.

[0055] As Figure 2 shown, the main charging device 30 includes a first docking unit 32, a first connection unit 33, a first charge / discharge unit 34, a first energy storage device 36, a first drive unit 38, a first processor 40, a first movement / docking control unit 42, and a first communication unit 44.

[0056] The first docking unit 32 is installed on the main charging device 30 and can extend from the main charging device 30. The main charging device 30 can be connected to other devices (such as the charging station 20, the charging demand device 70, another main charging device 30, and the auxiliary charging device 50) through the first docking unit 32 to charge other devices or receive electrical energy from other devices through the first docking unit 32. The first docking unit 32 can be manually or automatically connected to other devices (such as the charging station 20, the charging demand device 70, another main charging device 30, and the auxiliary charging device 50). In one example, the main charging device 30 can automatically connect the first docking unit 32 to another device by autonomous driving. In another example, the main charging device 30 moves to a position close to another device, and the user can pull out the first docking unit 32 from the main charging device 30 to extend the first docking unit 32, and then connect the first docking unit 32 to another device.

[0057] The first connection unit 33 is provided on the main charging device 30, and the first connection unit 33 can be provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the first docking unit 32, so that another device (such as another main charging device 30 or the auxiliary charging device 50) can be connected to the first connection unit 33, while the main charging device 30 is connected to the charging demand device 70 through the first docking unit 32. The main charging device 30 can receive electrical energy from another device (such as another main charging device 30 or the auxiliary charging device 50) through the first connection unit 33, and transmit the received electrical energy to the charging demand device 70 through the first docking unit 32. Optionally, the main charging device 30 can receive electrical energy from the charging station 20 through the first docking unit 32 to charge the main charging device 30 itself and charge other devices connected to the first connection unit 33 at the same time. Therefore, during off-peak hours when the mobile charging system 10 is not widely used, a limited number of charging stations 20 can be used to charge multiple main charging devices 30 and auxiliary charging devices 50 to prepare for the situation where multiple charging demand devices 70 require charging simultaneously.

[0058] The first charge / discharge unit 34 is configured to control the charging or discharging of the first energy storage device 36. When the main charging device 30 is connected to the charging station 20 through the first docking unit 32, the first charge / discharge unit 34 receives electric energy from the charging station 20 through the first docking unit 32 to charge the first energy storage device 36. In this example, when another device (such as another main charging device 30 or the auxiliary charging device 50) is connected to the first connection unit 33, the first charge / discharge unit 34 can transmit electric energy to the other device through the first connection unit 33. When the main charging device 30 is connected to the charging demand device 70 through the first docking unit 32, the first charge / discharge unit 34 can control the first energy storage device 36 to discharge, so as to charge the charging demand device 70 through the first docking unit 32.

[0059] The first energy storage device 36 is installed in the main charging device 30. The first energy storage device 36 is configured to receive electric energy from the charging station 20 to store electric energy under the control of the first charge / discharge unit 34, or is configured to release electric energy to charge the charging demand device 70.

[0060] The first drive unit 38 is installed in the main charging device 30 and receives power from the first energy storage device 36 to move the main charging device 30. The first drive unit 38 may include, but is not limited to, at least one wheel and at least one drive motor connected to the at least one wheel to rotate the at least one wheel. The first drive unit 38 may further include a steering device for steering the main charging device 30.

[0061] The first processor 40 is provided in the main charging device 30 and controls the overall operation of the main charging device 30. For example, in response to receiving a charging command and / or a movement command from the control server 90, the first processor 40 causes the first movement / docking control unit 42 to control the first drive unit 38 and / or the first docking unit 32, and causes the first charge / discharge unit 34 to control the charging or discharging of the first energy storage device 36. In one example, the movement command may include information about the location of the charging station 20 or the charging demand device 70, and the first processor 40 may plan a route to the charging station 20 or the charging demand device 70 to control the first movement / docking control unit 42 to move the main charging device 30 along the planned route. In another example, the movement command may include information about the route to the charging station 20 or the charging demand device 70, and the first processor 40 may control the first movement / docking control unit 42 to move the main charging device 30 along the route.

[0062] The first movement / docking control unit 42 may control the first driving unit 38 to move the main charging device 30 to a target device (e.g., the charging station 20 or the charging demand device 70), and control the first docking unit 32 to connect to the target device (e.g., the charging station 20 or the charging demand device 70).

[0063] The first communication unit 44 communicably connects the main charging device 30 with the control server 90. Accordingly, the main charging device 30 may receive a charging command and / or a movement command from the control server 90, and may send the status of the main charging device 30 (e.g., the position of the main charging device 30, the remaining power or SOC, the connection status with other devices, or charging information) to the control server 90.

[0064] The auxiliary charging device 50 may communicate with the control server 90 to receive a charging command and / or a movement command from the control server 90, and send the status of the auxiliary charging device 50 (e.g., the position of the auxiliary charging device 50, the remaining power or state of charge (SOC), or the connection status with other devices) to the control server 90. In response to receiving the charging command and / or the movement command, the auxiliary charging device 50 may move to the main charging device 30, connect to the main charging device 30, and charge the charging demand device 70 together with the main charging device 30.

[0065] As Figure 3 shown, the auxiliary charging device 50 includes a second docking unit 52, a second connection unit 53, a second charge / discharge device 54, a second energy storage device 56, a second driving unit 58, a second processor 60, a second movement / docking control unit 62, and a second communication unit 64.

[0066] The second docking unit 52 is installed on the auxiliary charging device 50 and may extend from the auxiliary charging device 50. The auxiliary charging device 50 may be connected to other devices (e.g., the charging station 20, the main charging device 30, the charging demand device 70, and another auxiliary charging device 50) through the second docking unit 52 to transmit electrical energy to other devices or receive electrical energy from other devices, so as to charge the auxiliary charging device 50 itself or transmit electrical energy to another device through the second docking unit 52. The second docking unit 52 may be manually or automatically connected to other devices (e.g., the charging station 20, the charging demand device 70, the main charging device 30, and another auxiliary charging device 50). In one example, the auxiliary charging device 50 may automatically connect the second docking unit 52 to another device by autonomous driving. In another example, the auxiliary charging device 50 may move close to another device, and the user may pull out the second docking unit 52 from the auxiliary charging device 50 to extend the second docking unit 52, and then connect the second docking unit 52 to another device.

[0067] The second connection unit 53 is provided in the auxiliary charging device 50. The second connection unit 53 can be provided at a position spaced apart from the second docking unit 52 by a predetermined distance, such that another auxiliary charging device 50 can be connected to the second connection unit 53, while the auxiliary charging device 50 is connected to the main charging device 30 through the second docking unit 52. The auxiliary charging device 50 can receive electric energy from another auxiliary charging device 50 through the second connection unit 53, and transmit the electric energy to the main charging device 30 through the second docking unit 52. Optionally, the auxiliary charging device 50 can receive electric energy from the main charging device 30 or another auxiliary charging device 50 through the second docking unit 52 to charge the auxiliary charging device 50 itself, while charging another auxiliary charging device 50 connected to the second connection unit 53. Therefore, during off-peak hours when the mobile charging system 10 is not heavily used, a limited number of charging stations 20 can be utilized to charge a plurality of main charging devices 30 and auxiliary charging devices 50, in preparation for a situation where a plurality of charging demand devices 70 simultaneously request charging.

[0068] The second charge / discharge device 54 is configured to control the charging or discharging of the second energy storage device 56. When the auxiliary charging device 50 is connected to the charging station 20 through the second docking unit 52, the second charge / discharge device 54 receives electric energy from the charging station 20 through the second docking unit 52 to charge the second energy storage device 56. In this example, when another auxiliary charging device 50 is connected to the second connection unit 53, the second charge / discharge device 54 can transmit the electric energy to another auxiliary charging device 50 through the second connection unit 53. When the auxiliary charging device 50 is connected to the main charging device 30 through the second docking unit 52, the second charge / discharge device 54 can control the second energy storage device 56 to discharge, so as to transmit the electric energy to the main charging device 30 through the second docking unit 52.

[0069] The second energy storage device 56 is installed inside the auxiliary charging device 50. The second energy storage device 56 is configured to receive electric energy from the charging station 20 under the control of the second charge / discharge device 54 to store the received electric energy or release the electric energy to transmit the electric energy to the main charging device 30 or another auxiliary charging device 50.

[0070] The second drive unit 58 is installed in the auxiliary charging device 50 and receives power from the second energy storage device 56 to move the auxiliary charging device 50. The second drive unit 58 can include, but is not limited to, at least one wheel and at least one drive motor connected to at least one wheel to rotate at least one wheel. The second drive unit 58 can further include a steering device for steering the auxiliary charging device 50.

[0071] The second processor 60 is provided in the auxiliary charging device 50 and controls the overall operation of the auxiliary charging device 50. For example, in response to receiving at least one of a charging command or a movement command from the control server 90, the second processor 60 causes the second movement / docking control unit 62 to control at least one of the second driving unit 58 or the second docking unit 52, and causes the second charging / discharging device 54 to control the charging or discharging of the second energy storage device 56. In one example, the movement command may include information about the location of the charging station 20, the main charging device 30, or another auxiliary charging device 50, and the second processor 60 may plan a route to the charging station 20, the main charging device 30, or another auxiliary charging device 50 to control the second movement / docking control unit 62 to move the auxiliary charging device 50 along the planned route. In another example, the movement command may include information about the route to the charging station 20, the main charging device 30, or another auxiliary charging device 50, and the second processor 60 may control the second movement / docking control unit 62 to move the auxiliary charging device 50 along the route.

[0072] The second movement / docking control unit 62 may control the second driving unit 58 to move the auxiliary charging device 50 to a target device (e.g., the charging station 20, the main charging device 30, or another auxiliary charging device 50), and control the second docking unit 52 to connect to the target device (e.g., the charging station 20, the main charging device 30, or another auxiliary charging device 50).

[0073] The second communication unit 64 communicably connects the auxiliary charging device 50 to the control server 90. Thus, the auxiliary charging device 50 can receive at least one of a charging command or a movement command from the control server 90, and can send the status of the auxiliary charging device 50 (e.g., the location of the auxiliary charging device 50, the remaining power or SOC, or the connection status with other devices) to the control server 90.

[0074] As Figure 4 shown, the user interface 80 may be installed in the charging demand device 70, or may be implemented in the form of an application on the user's mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or an electronic notebook computer). The user interface 80 can be communicably connected to the control server 90 such that the user interface 80 sends a charging request to the control server 90 and receives charging information from the control server 90. The charging request may include at least one of the location information of the charging demand device 70, the required charging amount, or the estimated parking time. In addition, the charging information may include the current SOC of the charging demand device 70, the charging amount per hour, the estimated charging completion time, etc. The user interface 80 may include a display and display the charging information on the display.

[0075] The control server 90 is communicably connected to the main charging device 30, the auxiliary charging device 50, and the user interface 80.

[0076] The control server 90 can send a charging command and / or a movement command to the main charging device 30 and can receive the status of the main charging device 30 from the main charging device 30. The charging command may include the required charging amount, the estimated parking time, etc. The movement command may include the location information of the charging demand device 70, the route to the charging demand device 70, etc. In addition, the status of the main charging device 30 may include the location of the main charging device 30, the remaining power and state of charge (SOC), the connection status with other devices (such as the charging station 20, the charging demand device 70, another main charging device 30, and the auxiliary charging device 50), the charging information, etc. Based on the status of the main charging device 30, the control server 90 determines whether to send a charging command and / or a movement command to the auxiliary charging device 50. The charging command and the movement command are described as separate commands, but one of the charging command and the movement command may include the other.

[0077] When the control server 90 determines based on the status of the main charging device 30 that at least one of a charging command or a movement command needs to be sent to the auxiliary charging device 50, the control server 90 can send at least one of the charging command or the movement command to the auxiliary charging device 50 and can receive the status of the auxiliary charging device 50 from the auxiliary charging device 50. The charging command may include the required charging amount, the estimated parking time, the device (main charging device 30 or another auxiliary charging device 50) to which the auxiliary charging device 50 is connected, etc. The movement command may include the location information of the main charging device 30 or another auxiliary charging device 50, or the route to the main charging device 30 or another auxiliary charging device 50. In addition, the status of the auxiliary charging device 50 may include the location of the auxiliary charging device 50, the remaining power and state of charge (SOC), the connection status with other devices (such as the charging station 20, the main charging device 30, another auxiliary charging device 50), the charging information, etc. Based on the status of the auxiliary charging device 50, the control server 90 determines whether to send a charging command and / or a movement command to another auxiliary charging device 50.

[0078] Hereinafter, Figure 5 A mobile charging method according to an embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0079] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a mobile charging method according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a simultaneous charging method according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a cyclic charging method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0080] As shown Figure 5 The mobile charging method according to an embodiment of the present application starts with a user sending a charging request to a control server 90 through a user interface 80. In step S100, the control server 90 receives a charging request including at least one of the location information of a charging demand device 70, the required charging amount, or the estimated parking time. In step S110, the control server 90 sends at least one of a charging command or a moving command to a main charging device 30 to move the main charging device 30 to the charging demand device 70 and dock. The charging command may include the required charging amount, the estimated parking time, etc. The moving command may include the location information of the charging demand device 70 or the route to the charging demand device 70, etc. When the mobile charging system 10 includes a plurality of main charging devices 30, before step S110, the mobile charging system 10 may receive the states of the plurality of main charging devices 30 and select a main charging device 30 for charging the charging demand device 70 based on the states of the plurality of main charging devices 30. However, receiving the states of the plurality of main charging devices 30 and selecting a main charging device 30 for charging the charging demand device 70 is not an essential step but only an optional step.

[0081] When the main charging device 30 and the charging demand device 70 are already docked, in step S120, a first processor 40 detects at least one of the remaining power or the state of charge (SOC) of at least one of the main charging device 30 or the charging demand device 70. In step S130, the first processor 40 determines whether the main charging device 30 alone can fully charge the charging demand device based on at least one of the remaining power or the SOC of at least one of the main charging device 30 or the charging demand device 70 and the required charging amount included in the charging command. For example, the first processor 40 may compare the remaining power of the main charging device 30 with the required charging amount to determine whether the main charging device 30 alone can fully charge the charging demand device 70.

[0082] When it is determined in step S130 that the main charging device 30 alone can fully charge the charging demand device 70, in step S190, the first processor 40 controls a first charge / discharge unit 34 to charge the charging demand device 70 only using the main charging device 30.

[0083] When it is determined in step S130 that the charging demand device 70 cannot be fully charged only by using the main charging device 30, in step S140, the control server 90 detects available auxiliary charging devices 50. For example, the control server 90 can detect the auxiliary charging devices 50 that are not connected to other devices (such as the charging station 20, the main charging device 30, and other auxiliary charging devices 50) based on the states of the corresponding auxiliary charging devices 50 received from the corresponding auxiliary charging devices 50. In this example, additionally or alternatively, the first processor 40 can control the first charge / discharge unit 34 to start charging the charging demand device 70 by using the main charging device 30.

[0084] When the control server 90 detects available auxiliary charging devices 50, in step S150, the control server 90 detects the remaining power and / or SOC of the available auxiliary charging devices 50. For example, the second processor 60 of the available auxiliary charging device 50 can detect the remaining power and / or SOC of the corresponding auxiliary charging device 50 and send the remaining power and / or SOC of the auxiliary charging device 50 to the control server 90, and the control server 90 can detect the remaining power and / or SOC of the available auxiliary charging devices 50.

[0085] In step S160, the control server 90 determines whether the available auxiliary charging devices 50 can fully charge the charging demand device 70 based on at least one of the remaining power or SOC of the available auxiliary charging devices 50. For example, the control server 90 can compare the remaining power of the main charging device 30 with the required charging amount to detect the lacking charging amount, and compare the remaining power of the available auxiliary charging devices 50 with the lacking charging amount to determine whether the available auxiliary charging devices 50 can fully charge the charging demand device 70.

[0086] When it is determined in step S160 that the available auxiliary charging devices 50 can fully charge the charging demand device 70, in step S170, the control server 90 charges the charging demand device 70 by using the simultaneous charging method. The simultaneous charging method means that the main charging device 30 and the required auxiliary charging devices 50 are connected to each other to charge the charging demand device 70 simultaneously. For example, as Figure 6As shown, the control server 90 can detect available auxiliary charging devices 50 required for fully charging the charging demand device 70, send at least one of a charging command or a movement command to the detected auxiliary charging devices 50 to connect the auxiliary charging devices 50 in series or in parallel to at least one of the main charging device 30 or other auxiliary charging devices 50, and charge the charging demand device 70 simultaneously by using the connected main charging device 30 and auxiliary charging devices 50. Therefore, the time required to charge the charging demand device 70 can be reduced.

[0087] When it is determined in step S160 that the charging demand device 70 cannot be fully charged by using the available auxiliary charging devices 50, in step S180, the control server 90 charges the charging demand device 70 by a cyclic charging method. As Figure 7 shown, the cyclic charging method means that in a state where the main charging device 30 is connected to the charging demand device 70 for charging, one auxiliary charging device 50 is connected to the main charging device 30 to charge the charging demand device 70 together, then the one auxiliary charging device 50 is disconnected from the main charging device 30, and another auxiliary charging device 50 is connected to the main charging device 30 to charge the charging demand device 70 together. In other words, when it is determined that the charging demand device 70 cannot be charged by using the available auxiliary charging devices 50 simultaneously, the mobile charging system 10 connects some auxiliary charging devices 50 to the main charging device 30 to charge the charging demand device 70, and at the same time moves other auxiliary charging devices 50 to the charging station 20 to charge the other auxiliary charging devices 50. Thereafter, the mobile charging system 10 disconnects some auxiliary charging devices 50 from the main charging device 30, moves the disconnected auxiliary charging devices 50 to the charging station 20, and connects other auxiliary charging devices 50 to the main charging device 30 to charge the charging demand device 70. The auxiliary charging devices 50 alternately participate in charging the charging demand device 70, so that the time required to charge the charging demand device 70 slightly increases. However, even if multiple charging demand devices 70 require charging simultaneously, the charging demand device 70 can be fully charged by using a limited number of main charging devices 30 and auxiliary charging devices 50.

[0088] Although the present application has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical embodiments, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present application is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mobile charging system, comprising: A charging station, which is fixedly installed at a predetermined position in the charging space where the charging demand device can be charged; A main charging device, comprising: a first energy storage device configured to store electrical energy or release stored electrical energy, a first drive unit that provides a moving force by utilizing electric energy stored in a first energy storage device, Wherein, the main charging device is configured to be connected to a charging station to store the electric energy of the charging station in a first energy storage device, or to be connected to a charging demand device to charge the charging demand device using the electric energy stored in the first energy storage device; At least one auxiliary charging device comprising: a second energy storage device configured to store electrical energy or release stored electrical energy, a second drive unit that provides a moving force by utilizing the electric energy stored in the second energy storage device, Wherein, the at least one auxiliary charging device is configured to be connected to a charging station to store electric energy of the charging station in a second energy storage device, or to be connected to a main charging device to utilize the electric energy stored in the second energy storage device to charge a charging demand device through the main charging device; and The control server is communicatively connected to the main charging device and the at least one auxiliary charging device and is configured to send a charging command to the main charging device to move the main charging device to the charging demand device and charge the charging demand device.

2. The mobile charging system according to claim 1, wherein: The control server is further configured as: In response to receiving a status of the main charging device from the main charging device, determining whether the charging demand device can be fully charged only by the main charging device; In response to determining that the charging demand device cannot be fully charged by the main charging device alone, a charging command is sent to the at least one auxiliary charging device to move the at least one auxiliary charging device to the main charging device and charge the charging demand device by the main charging device.

3. The mobile charging system according to claim 2, wherein: The control server is further configured as: Before sending a charging command to the at least one auxiliary charging device, detecting an available auxiliary charging device; determining whether the charging request device can be fully charged via an available auxiliary charging device; In response to determining that the charging demand device can be fully charged by the available auxiliary charging device, charging is performed in a simultaneous charging method in which at least one available auxiliary charging device simultaneously participates in charging.

4. The mobile charging system according to claim 3, wherein: The control server is further configured to: in response to determining that the charging demand device cannot be fully charged by the available auxiliary charging device, charge in a cyclic charging method in which at least one available auxiliary charging device sequentially participates in charging.

5. The mobile charging system according to claim 1, further comprising: The user interface is communicatively connected to the control server and is configured to send a charging request to the control server and receive charging information from the control server.

6. The mobile charging system according to claim 5, wherein: The user interface is further configured to display charging information received from the control server.

7. The mobile charging system according to claim 1, wherein: The main charging device further comprises: a first docking unit mounted on the main charging device and capable of being connected to a charging station or a charging demand device, wherein the first docking unit is configured to extend from the main charging device; and The first connection unit is provided at the main charging device and is spaced apart from the first docking unit, so that the at least one auxiliary charging device can be connected when the main charging device is connected to the charging demand device through the first docking unit.

8. The mobile charging system according to claim 7, wherein: The first docking unit can be automatically or manually connected to a charging station or a charging demand device.

9. The mobile charging system according to claim 1, wherein: Each auxiliary charging device further comprises: a second docking unit mounted to the auxiliary charging device and capable of being connected to a charging station, a primary charging device, or another auxiliary charging device, the second docking unit being configured to extend from the auxiliary charging device; and The second connection unit is provided at the auxiliary charging device and is spaced apart from the second docking unit so that another auxiliary charging device can be connected in a state where the auxiliary charging device is connected to the main charging device or another auxiliary charging device through the second docking unit.

10. The mobile charging system according to claim 9, wherein: The second docking unit can be automatically or manually connected to a charging station, a primary charging device or another auxiliary charging device.

11. The mobile charging system according to claim 1, wherein: The main charging device or the at least one auxiliary charging device is configured to travel automatically.

12. A mobile charging method, comprising: Receiving, by the control server, a charging request including at least one of location information of a charging request device or a required charging amount; The control server sends a charging command including at least one of the location information of the charging demand device or the required charging amount to the main charging device, so as to move the main charging device to the charging demand device and dock with the charging demand device; The main charging device or the control server determines whether the charging demand device can be fully charged only by the main charging device; In response to determining that the charging demand device cannot be fully charged by only the main charging device, detecting, by the control server, an available auxiliary charging device; The control server sends a charging command including the location information of the main charging device to the available auxiliary charging device, so as to utilize the available auxiliary charging device to charge the charging demand device through the main charging device.

13. The mobile charging method according to claim 12, wherein: Using available auxiliary charging devices, charging of charging demand devices via the main charging device includes: determining whether the charging request device can be fully charged via an available auxiliary charging device; In response to determining that the charging demand device can be fully charged by the available auxiliary charging device, charging is performed in a simultaneous charging method in which at least one available auxiliary charging device simultaneously participates in charging.

14. The mobile charging method according to claim 13, wherein: Charging with the simultaneous charging method includes: selecting an available auxiliary charging device required to fully charge the charging demand device; The selected available auxiliary charging device is connected to the main charging device or another selected available auxiliary charging device so that the main charging device and the selected available auxiliary charging device can charge the charging demand device at the same time.

15. The mobile charging method according to claim 13, wherein: Using the available auxiliary charging device to charge the charging demand device through the main charging device further includes: in response to determining that the charging demand device cannot be fully charged through the available auxiliary charging device, charging using a cyclic charging method in which at least one available auxiliary charging device sequentially participates in charging.

16. The mobile charging method according to claim 15, wherein: Charging by cyclic charging method includes: connecting at least one available auxiliary charging device to the main charging device or another available auxiliary charging device connected to the main charging device to charge the charging demand device through the main charging device and the at least one available auxiliary charging device; disconnecting the at least one available auxiliary charging device from the primary charging device or another available auxiliary charging device connected to the primary charging device; At least one other available auxiliary charging device is connected to the main charging device or another available auxiliary charging device connected to the main charging device to charge the charging demand device through the main charging device and the at least one other available auxiliary charging device.

17. The mobile charging method according to claim 12, further comprising: sending a charging request to the control server by a user interface communicatively connected to the control server; The charging information is received by the user interface from the control server.

18. The mobile charging method according to claim 17, further comprising: The charging information received from the control server is displayed by the user interface.

19. The mobile charging method according to claim 12, wherein: The primary charging device or available auxiliary charging device is configured for autonomous driving.

Images