Vehicle charging system

Abstract

Vehicle charging system (10), comprising: a parking space (20) which has markings (32) that define several parking spaces (34), where the parking lot (20) defines a first channel (40) extending across the parking spaces (34), wherein the parking space (20) further defines a second channel (42) within each of the multiple parking spaces (34) between the markings (32) and oriented substantially perpendicular to the first channel (40), and a wireless charging station (22) mounted below the parking space (20) comprising a primary charging coil (50) and a mechanical conveyor (136, 142) on which the primary charging coil (50) is mounted and which is designed to move the primary charging coil (50) across and between the multiple parking spaces (34), wherein the mechanical conveyor (136, 142) comprises a first section (80) which is arranged within the first channel (40) and is designed to move the primary charging coil (50) across and between the parking spaces (34) and, wherein the mechanical conveyor (136, 142) further comprises a second section (82) which is arranged within at least one of the second channels (42) and is designed to move the primary charging coil (50) longitudinally within a corresponding parking space (34).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle charging system for charging vehicle batteries. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In general, electric vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that they are selectively powered using one or more battery-powered electric motors. Conventional motor vehicles, on the other hand, rely exclusively on an internal combustion engine to power the vehicle. Electric vehicles can use electric motors instead of, or in addition to, internal combustion engines.

[0003] Examples of electric vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles, and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). An electric vehicle's powertrain typically includes a battery that stores electrical energy to power the electric motor. The battery can be recharged by regenerative braking, an internal combustion engine, an electrical grid ("plugging in"), or other energy-harvesting devices, such as photovoltaics.

[0004] Charging stations are typically connected to an electrical grid infrastructure to charge an electric vehicle's battery prior to use. The lack of supporting infrastructure for charging and refueling presents a barrier to the deployment of electric vehicles. The creation of new charging stations can be costly and difficult to achieve.

[0005] US 2013 / 0 076 296 A1 describes a vehicle charging system with a first and a plurality of second channels, wherein a wireless charging station with a primary charging coil is mounted partially below and partially above a parking space comprising several parking spaces and the primary charging coil moves between the parking spaces.

[0006] JP 2013 - 55 803 A describes a vehicle charging system with a charging station mounted below a parking space, the primary charging coil of which is moved horizontally in two axes between several parking spaces in a single channel.

[0007] US 2012 / 0 206 098 A1 describes a vehicle charging system with a wireless charging station arranged below a single parking space with several primary charging coils moved horizontally in two axes in a common channel.

[0008] None of the above-mentioned prior art documents discloses or suggests any of the subject-matter of claims 1 to 3. SUMMARY

[0009] A vehicle charging system may include a parking space and a wireless charging station. The parking space may have markings defining multiple parking spaces. The wireless charging station may be mounted below the parking space. The wireless charging station may include a primary charging coil and a mechanical conveyor on which the primary charging coil is mounted. The mechanical conveyor may be configured to move the primary charging coil across and between the multiple parking spaces.

[0010] A vehicle charging system may include a parking space, a mechanical conveyor, and a wireless charging station. The parking space may have parking space markers defining a plurality of parking spaces. The mechanical conveyor may extend across a plurality of parking spaces. The wireless charging station may be disposed at least partially on the mechanical conveyor and may include a proximity sensor, a movable charging head, and a control module. The proximity sensor may be disposed proximate the parking space and may be configured to provide a signal indicating that a vehicle having a receiving coil is entering a parking space of the plurality of parking spaces. The control module may be programmed to operate the movable charging head in response to the signal and the vehicle stopping, to position the movable charging head with respect to the receiving coil. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a plan view of a parking lot including a multi-vehicle wireless charging station having wheel cleats. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a parking lot including a multi-vehicle wireless charging station having movable conveyor plates. Fig. 3 is a side view of a multi-vehicle wireless charging station having a guide / rail and roller system and a vehicle having a secondary coil (receive coil). Fig. 4 is a side view of a multi-vehicle wireless charging station having a belt drive system and a vehicle having a secondary coil (receiving coil). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] As required, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or reduced to show details of particular components. The specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are therefore not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0012] Some vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), may include a vehicle traction battery configured to supply electrical power to a traction motor.

[0013] The traction battery, traction motor, and other components work together as an electric drive system. In a BEV, the electric drive system may be the sole source of power to the vehicle's traction wheels, while a PHEV may also be equipped with an internal combustion engine. Such vehicles can be connected to an external power supply to recharge the traction battery when the vehicle is parked.

[0014] Electric vehicle charging stations may be provided at various locations to provide multiple charging points for electric vehicles, such as HEVs, BEVs, or the like. The various locations may include gas stations, parking spaces, parking lots, or even a person's home. The electric vehicle charging stations may comprise multiple charging points connected to an electrical circuit. Unfortunately, the number of available charging points may be limited, and the amount of power delivered may also be limited. For example, in situations where at least two charging ports are operating simultaneously, the total amount of power delivered may be limited. A consumer may be required to get out of the vehicle to connect the vehicle to the charging port using charging cables to charge the traction battery.The charging cables may be dirty or wet or inconveniently stored in or near the vehicle.

[0015] Some charging stations may be equipped with a wireless charging pad to charge a vehicle configured to receive wireless charging. Aligning the wireless charging pad and a wireless charging receiving coil on the vehicle can be difficult due to various factors. For example, the position of the wireless charging receiving coil can vary depending on the vehicle make and model. Furthermore, a consumer's parking habits can also affect the alignment between the wireless charging pad and the wireless charging receiving coil.

[0016] A vehicle charging system including a wireless charging station may be provided to wirelessly charge vehicles, accommodate misalignment, and be equipped with logic to enable efficient wireless charging among multiple vehicles. The vehicle charging system may accommodate variations in vehicle size, vehicle type, and the vehicle's parking space position. The vehicle charging system may also be capable of detecting the presence of a vehicle within a parking space and arresting the vehicle's movement within the parking space.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrates a vehicle charging system 10. The vehicle charging system 10 may be located in a parking lot, parking structure, or the like. The vehicle charging system 10 may be configured to share a common wireless charging location among multiple vehicles and maximize power transfer efficiency. The vehicle charging system 10 may include a parking space 20 and a wireless charging station 22.

[0018] The parking space 20 may define an area intended for parking multiple vehicles. The parking space 20 may include a surface 30, which may be a solid or semi-solid surface, such as concrete, asphalt, wood, or other materials that can provide a surface for parking vehicles. In at least one embodiment, the parking space 20 may be a concrete slab having markings 32 disposed on or in the surface 30. The markings 32 may define a plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34 and may be referred to as parking space markings. The markings 32 may be markings or dividing lines that define the boundaries of a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The markings may be painted lines that define lateral extents or a width of the parking space 36. The markings may also include an abutment, such asa concrete boundary that defines the longitudinal extent or a length of the parking space 36.

[0019] The parking space 20 may include a first channel 40 and a second channel 42. The first channel 40 may be a lateral channel that extends laterally across the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. In at least one embodiment, the first channel 40 may be a generally arcuate channel that curves and bends across the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The first channel 40 may extend below the surface 30 such that the first channel 40 is disposed below the parking space 20. The first channel 40 may be disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to the markers 32. In at least one embodiment, the first channel 40 may be disposed substantially parallel to and spaced from the abutment defining the longitudinal extent of the parking space 36.

[0020] The second channel 42 may be a longitudinal channel that extends longitudinally within each parking space 36. The second channel 42 may be disposed between corresponding parking space markers 32. The second channel 42 may extend below the surface 30 such that the second channel 42 is disposed below the parking space 20. The second channel 42 may intersect the first channel 40. The second channel 42 may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the first channel 40. The second channel 42 may be disposed substantially parallel to and spaced from the markers 32. In at least one embodiment, the second channel 42 may be disposed substantially perpendicular to and spaced from the abutment defining the longitudinal extent of the parking space 36.

[0021] A visual indicator 44 may be disposed on the parking space 20. The visual indicator 44 may extend from the surface 30 and may be offset from a centerline 46 of the parking space 36. The visual indicator 44 may be spaced from the first channel 40 and the second channel 42. The visual indicator 44 may be disposed immediately in front of a driver's seat to minimize parallax error that may occur when the visual indicator 44 is disposed immediately in front of the centerline 46. The visual indicator 44 may provide a visual target to the driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in aligning the vehicle with the wireless charging station 22. In at least one embodiment, a wheel stop or depression 48 may be defined by the parking space 20. The depression 48 may be disposed between the first channel 40 and the markers 32. The depression 48 may extend below the surface 30.The recess 48 may be configured to receive a vehicle wheel to adjust a vehicle longitudinal position within a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34.

[0022] The wireless charging station 22 may be disposed at least partially below the surface 30 of the parking space 20. The wireless charging station 22 may include a primary charging coil 50, a movable head 52, a mechanical conveyor system 54, a plate assembly 56, and a control module 58.

[0023] The primary charging coil 50 may be a source coil configured to transfer power from a power source 60 to an on-board coil, a receiving coil, or a secondary coil 62. A high-voltage wire or cable may extend from the primary charging coil 50 to the power source 60. The secondary coil 62 may be disposed on the chassis or underside of a vehicle 64 that can enter a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The secondary coil 62 may be in communication with an on-board controller 66 and / or power electronics operably connected to an on-board battery 68. The transfer power from the power source 60 to the secondary coil 62 may charge (increase the state of charge of) the on-board battery 68.

[0024] The primary charging coil 50 may be mounted on the movable head 52. The combination of the primary charging coil 50 and the movable head 52 may define a movable charging head. The movable head 52 may include a coil-supporting structure 72, a lifting mechanism 74, and a mounting plate 76. The coil-supporting structure 72 may be configured to support the weight of the primary charging coil 50. The lifting mechanism 74 may be disposed on the mounting plate 76 and extend between the coil-supporting structure 72 and the mounting plate 76. The lifting mechanism 74 may be configured to translate the movable charging head toward or away from the secondary coil 62. The lifting mechanism 74 may be configured as a screw drive system, a scissor lift, a belt lift mechanism, a hydraulic elevator, or the like.The displacement imparted by the lifting mechanism 74 may be configured to adjust an air gap to achieve an optimal air gap between the primary charging coil 50 and the secondary coil 62. Adjusting the air gap may improve the efficiency of wireless power transfer between the primary charging coil 50 and the secondary coil 62. The air gap may be based on a predetermined charging current decided between the control module 58 and the on-vehicle controller 66 and the capacity of the vehicle charging system based on voltage and current. The air gap may further be based on a height of the secondary coil 62 above the surface 30 of the parking space 20.

[0025] The movable charging head may be configured to rotate and / or translate the primary charging coil 50 with respect to the first channel 40, the second channel 42, and / or the secondary coil 62. Translation of the primary charging coil 50 along the first channel 40 may position the primary charging coil 50 laterally with respect to the secondary coil 62. Translation of the primary charging coil 50 along the second channel 42 may position the primary charging coil 50 longitudinally with respect to the secondary coil 62. Translation of the primary charging coil 50 along the second channel 42 may adjust misalignment of the primary charging coil 50 with the secondary coil 62 along a vehicle longitudinal axis or the centerline 46 of the parking space 36. The closer the alignment between the primary charging coil 50 and the secondary coil 62, the better the efficiency of wireless power transmission.

[0026] The movable charging head may be mounted on the mechanical conveyor system 54. In at least one embodiment, the wireless charging station 22 may be at least partially disposed on the mechanical conveyor system 54. The mechanical conveyor system 54 may be configured to move or translate the combination of the primary charging coil 50 and the movable head 52 within the first channel 40 across and between the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The mechanical conveyor system 54 may be configured to move or translate the combination of the primary charging coil 50 and the movable head 52 within the second channel 42 across a length of a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 3, the mechanical conveyor system 54 may be configured as a guide / rail and roller system. The mechanical conveyor system 54 may include a first portion 80 and a second portion 82. The first portion 80 may be a lateral portion disposed within or received within the first channel 40 (the lateral channel) extending across the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The first portion 80 may be configured as a guide and / or rail. The first portion 80 may define a first groove 90 extending along a length of the first portion 80. The first groove 90 may be configured to receive a set of wheels or a set of rollers 92 extending from a portion of the mounting plate 76. The set of rollers 92 may assist in supporting and translating the movable loading head along the first portion 80.The first portion 80 (the lateral portion) may be configured to translate the movable charging head transversely across and between the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34.

[0028] The second portion 82 may be a longitudinal portion disposed within or received within the second channel 42 (the longitudinal channel) extending along a portion of a length of a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The second portion 82 may intersect the first portion 80. The second portion 82 may be configured as a guide and / or rail. The second portion 82 may define a second groove 94 extending along a length of the second portion 82. The second groove 94 may be configured to receive the set of rollers 92 extending from the portion of the mounting plate 76. The second groove 94 may receive the set of rollers 92 as the movable loading head translates along the second portion 82. The set of rollers 92 may assist in supporting and translating the movable loading head along the second portion 82.The second portion 82 (the longitudinal portion) may be configured to displace the movable charging head longitudinally within a corresponding parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34.

[0029] The first portion 80 (the lateral portion) may be disposed on and supported by the second portion 82 (the longitudinal portion). In at least one embodiment, the second portion 82 (the longitudinal portion) may be disposed on and supported by the first portion 80 (the lateral portion). The configuration of the first portion 80 and the second portion 82 may allow the movable charging head to translate laterally on the first portion 80 within the first channel 40 and to translate longitudinally on the second portion 82 within the second channel 42 to closely align the primary charging coil 50 with the secondary coil 62.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 4, the mechanical conveyor system 54 may be configured as a chain drive, auger drive, or belt drive assembly. The belt drive assembly may include a first belt drive portion 100 and a second belt drive portion 102. The first belt drive portion 100 may be disposed within or received within the first channel 40. The first belt drive portion 100 may extend across the first channel 40. The first belt drive portion 100 may include a drive pulley, an idler pulley, and a belt extending around the drive pulley and the idler pulley. The first belt drive portion 100 may be configured to translate the movable loading head transversely across and between the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34 within the first channel 40.

[0031] The second belt drive portion 102 may be disposed within or received within the second channel 42. The second belt drive portion 102 may extend across the second channel 42. The second belt drive portion 102 may include a drive pulley 104, an idler pulley 106, and a belt 108 extending around the drive pulley 104 and the idler pulley 106. The second belt drive portion 102 may be configured to longitudinally translate the movable charging head within a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34 within the second channel 42.

[0032] The first belt drive section 100 may be disposed on and supported by the second belt drive section 102. In at least one embodiment, the second belt drive section 102 may be disposed on and supported by the first belt drive section 100. The configuration of the first belt drive section 100 and the second belt drive section 102 may allow the movable charging head to translate laterally within the first channel 40 and to translate longitudinally within the second channel 42 to closely align the primary charging coil 50 with the secondary coil 62.

[0033] The plate assembly 56 may be disposed proximate to at least one of the first channel 40 and the second channel 42. The plate assembly 56 may be disposed beneath the surface 30 of the parking space 20. The plate assembly 56 may be configured as a weather shield / cover or foreign object shield / cover for at least one of the first channel 40 and the second channel 42. The plate assembly 56 may prevent a wheel of a vehicle entering a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34 from protruding into or penetrating the first channel 40 or the second channel 42.

[0034] With further reference to Fig. 1, in at least one embodiment, the plate assembly 56 may include a wheel plate 120. The wheel plate 120 may be disposed proximate to and extend across the first channel 40. The wheel plate 120 may define a wheel plate opening 122. The wheel plate opening 122 may be disposed proximate an intersection point between the first channel 40 and the second channel 42. The wheel plate opening 122 may be oriented such that the movable charging head can translate along the second channel 42 to longitudinally position the primary charging coil 50 with the secondary coil 62. The wheel plate opening 122 may be sized such that the movable charging head can extend at least partially through the wheel plate opening 122 when the primary charging coil 50 is positioned with respect to the secondary coil 62.

[0035] The plate assembly 56 may include a first plate assembly 130 and a second plate assembly 132. The first plate assembly 130 may be disposed proximate the first channel 40. The first plate assembly 130 may be movably disposed on a guide mechanism disposed on or within the parking space 20. The guide mechanism may be configured to allow the first plate assembly 130 to translate relative to the first channel 40 in response to translation of the movable charging head by the first section 80 or the first belt drive section 100. The first plate assembly 130 may define a first plate opening 134 within which the primary charging coil 50 may extend when positioned relative to the secondary coil 62. The first plate assembly 130 may be configured as a plurality of traveling conveyor plates 136 interconnected by links.The guide mechanism may include a plurality of rollers engaging the traveling conveyor plates 136 and configured to allow the traveling conveyor plates 136 to translate relative to the first channel 40 in response to translation of the movable loading head by the first section 80 or the first belt drive section 100.

[0036] The second plate assembly 132 may be disposed proximate the second channel 42. The second plate assembly 132 may be movably disposed on a guide mechanism disposed on or within the parking space 20. The guide mechanism may be configured to allow the second plate assembly 132 to translate relative to the second channel 42 in response to translation of the movable loading head by the second section 82 or the second belt drive section 102. The second plate assembly 132 may define a second plate opening 140 within which the primary loading coil 50 may extend when positioned relative to the secondary coil 62. The second plate assembly 132 may be configured as a plurality of traveling conveyor plates 142 interconnected by links.The guide mechanism may include a plurality of rollers engaging the traveling conveyor plates 142 and configured to allow the traveling conveyor plates 142 to translate relative to the second channel 42 in response to translation of the movable loading head by the second section 82 or the second belt drive section 102.

[0037] The wireless charging station 22 may be in communication with or controlled by the control module 58. The control module 58 may control the movable charging head to translate the primary charging coil 50 across and between the multiple vehicle parking spaces 34 and within a parking space 36. The control module 58 may include multiple controllers that cooperate to control various components of the vehicle charging system 10. The control module 58 may be a software-embedded controller or it may be a separate hardware device. The control module 58 may include at least one microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) in communication with various types of computer-readable storage devices or media.Computer-readable storage devices or media may include, for example, volatile and non-volatile memory in read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the CPU is powered off. Computer-readable storage devices or media may be implemented using any number of known storage devices, such asprogrammable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions used by the control module in controlling the wireless charging station 22.

[0038] The control module 58 may communicate with the multiple sensors and actuators via an input / output (I / O) interface, which may be implemented as a single integrated interface providing various raw data or signal conditioning, processing, and / or conversion, short-circuit protection, and the like. Alternatively, one or more dedicated hardware or firmware chips may be used to condition and process specific signals before they are fed to the CPU. The control module 58 may further communicate with other controllers via a hardline connection using a common bus protocol (e.g., CAN), and may also utilize wireless communication.

[0039] The control module 58 may be in communication with the primary charging coil 50, the power source 60, the secondary coil 62, the on-vehicle controller 66, and the battery 68. The control module 58 may receive signals indicating that a vehicle having a secondary coil is entering a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The control module 58 may receive signals indicating the battery charge level of a vehicle having a secondary coil entering a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34.

[0040] As stated above, the control module 58 may receive a signal indicating that a vehicle 64 is entering a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The signal indicating that the vehicle 64 is entering a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34 may be provided by a proximity sensor 150. The proximity sensor 150 may be configured to provide a signal indicating that the vehicle 64 is stopped within a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The proximity sensor 150 may be disposed proximate the parking space 20. In at least one embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 may be disposed below the surface 30 of the parking space 20.

[0041] The proximity sensor 150 may be an inductive loop embedded within the parking space 20. The proximity sensor 150 may be at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a radar, a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) device, a RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) device, a laser scanner, or a combination thereof. The number, type, and positioning of the proximity sensor 150 may vary based on the implementation of the vehicle charging system 10.

[0042] The control module 58 may be configured to operate the movable charging head across and between the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34 and within a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The control module 58 may be programmed to translate the movable charging head along at least one of the first channel 40 and the second channel 42 in response to the proximity sensor 150 providing a signal indicating that the vehicle 64 is entering the parking space 36 and a signal indicating that the vehicle 64 is stopped within the parking space 36. The movable charging head may be operated to position the primary charging coil 50 with respect to the secondary coil to charge the vehicle 64. The movable charging head may be translated along the first channel 40 to laterally position the primary charging coil 50 with respect to the secondary coil 62.The movable charging head may also be translated along the second channel 42 to position the primary charging coil 50 longitudinally relative to the secondary coil 62. For example, the control module 58 may translate the primary charging coil 50 of the movable charging head along the second channel 42 in response to misalignment between the primary charging coil 50 and the secondary coil 62 along a vehicle longitudinal direction or a centerline 46 of a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. In at least one embodiment, the movable charging head may translate vertically to adjust an air gap between the primary charging coil 50 and the secondary coil 62.

[0043] The control module 58 may be provided with control logic configured to determine a charging order of vehicles parked in the parking space 20. The charging order may be a queue indicating which vehicle is charged first by the wireless charging station 22, up to the last vehicle charged by the wireless charging station. The control module 58 may prioritize the charging of the vehicles based on an arrival time at the vehicle charging system 10. The control module 58 may complete the charging of the first-arriving vehicle before moving the movable charging head to charge the second vehicle arriving at the vehicle charging system 10.The control module 58 may be configured to, in response to a signal indicating that another vehicle 152 having a secondary coil is entering a different parking space of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34 and stopping within the other parking space, queue the other vehicle 152 to be charged by the primary charging coil 50 after completion of charging of the vehicle 64.

[0044] The control module 58 may deactivate the primary charging coil 50 in response to completion of charging of the vehicle 64. The control module 58 may detect completion of charging via direct communication between the control module 58 and the on-board controller 66. The control module 58 may communicate with the on-board controller 66 via CAN, a wireless protocol, or other communication methods. The control module 58 may detect completion of charging by monitoring the primary charging coil current. If the primary charging coil current falls below a current threshold for a predetermined period of time, the vehicle 64 may be considered charged. The control module 58 may also set a maximum charging time for each vehicle, and after the period of time has elapsed, the control module 58 may terminate charging.The control module 58 may also be provided as part of a vehicle-based charging system and may terminate charging when the credit is depleted. Disconnecting the primary charging coil 50 may terminate the provision of power from the primary charging coil 50 to the secondary coil 62. The control module 58 may then relocate the movable charging head from the parking space 36 to another parking space of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The primary charging coil 50 may be positioned relative to the secondary coil of another vehicle 152.

[0045] An example of the control logic of the control module 58 for determining a charging sequence may be as follows. The vehicle 64 may arrive and park within a first parking space of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The control module 58 may detect the presence of the vehicle 64 within the first parking space via the proximity sensor 150. The movable charging head may move from a home position to a position within the first parking space of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. In response to properly positioning the primary charging coil 50 with respect to the secondary coil 62 of the vehicle 64, the control module 58 allows charging to begin. While the vehicle 64 is charging, the control module 58 may detect that another vehicle 152 enters a second parking space of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34.The control module 58 may set the second parking space as a priority after the charging of the vehicle 64 in the first parking space has been completed. In response to the charging of the vehicle 64 in the first parking space being completed, the control module 58 may translate the movable charging head along the first channel 40 such that it is located in the second parking space of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34 (as shaded in FIG. Fig.1). In response to properly positioning the primary charging coil 50 with the secondary coil 62 of another vehicle 152, the control module 58 may allow charging of the other vehicle 152 to begin. If no additional vehicles have arrived before or upon completion of the other vehicle 152 within the second parking space, the control module 58 may terminate charging and enter a maintenance mode. The control module 58 may periodically operate the charging head while operating in the maintenance mode to replenish the battery of each vehicle parked in a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34. The maintenance mode may attempt to maintain a full battery charge level of each vehicle parked in a parking space 36 of the plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces 34.

[0046] If the wireless charging station 22 is not equipped with a proximity sensor 150, the control module 58 may periodically move along the plurality of vehicle parking spaces 34 to search for a vehicle having a secondary coil 62. If no vehicle is detected, the control module 58 may move the movable charging head to an adjacent parking space and wait until a vehicle having a secondary coil 62 is located.

[0047] It further describes: A. Vehicle charging system comprising: a parking space that has markings defining several parking spaces, and a wireless charging station mounted beneath the parking space and comprising a primary charging coil and a mechanical conveyor on which the primary charging coil is mounted and which is configured to move the primary charging coil across and between the plurality of parking spaces. B. Vehicle charging system according to A, wherein the parking space defines a first channel extending transversely across the parking spaces. C. The vehicle charging system of B, wherein the mechanical conveyor includes a first portion disposed within the first channel and configured to move the primary charging coil across and between the parking spaces. D. The vehicle charging system of C, wherein the parking space further defines a second channel within each of the plurality of parking spaces between the markings and oriented substantially perpendicular to the first channel. E. The vehicle charging system of D, wherein the mechanical conveyor further comprises a second portion disposed within at least one of the second channels and configured to move the primary charging coil longitudinally within a corresponding parking space. F. The vehicle loading system of E, wherein the second section is disposed on and supported by the first section. G. A vehicle loading system according to E, wherein the first section is disposed on and supported by the second section. H. Vehicle charging system comprising: a parking space that has parking space markings that define several parking spaces, a mechanical conveyor that extends across the several parking spaces, and a wireless charging station arranged at least partially on the mechanical conveyor and comprising: a proximity sensor arranged near the parking space and configured to provide a signal indicating that a vehicle having a receiving coil is entering one of the plurality of parking spaces, a movable charging head, and a control module programmed to respond to the signal and that the vehicle stops, operates the movable charging head to position the movable charging head with respect to the receiving coil. I. The vehicle loading system of H, wherein the parking space includes a first channel disposed beneath the parking space and configured to receive a first portion of the mechanical conveyor. J. The vehicle loading system of I, wherein the parking space further comprises a second channel extending longitudinally within each of the plurality of parking spaces, intersecting the first channel, and configured to receive a second portion of the mechanical conveyor. K. The vehicle charging system of claim 1, wherein each of the second channels is disposed between respective parking space markings. L. The vehicle charging system of claim 1, wherein operating the movable charging head to position the movable charging head with respect to the receiving coil comprises: Moving the movable charging head along the first section to position the movable charging head laterally with respect to the receiving coil, and in response to misalignment of the movable charging head with the receiving coil along a vehicle longitudinal axis, shifting the movable charging head along the second section. M. The vehicle charging system of J, further comprising a first plate assembly disposed proximate the first channel and defining an opening through which the movable charging head extends when positioned with respect to the receive coil. N. The vehicle charging system of L, further comprising a second plate assembly disposed proximate the second channel and defining a second opening through which the movable charging head extends when positioned with respect to the receive coil. O. The vehicle charging system of J, wherein the controller is further programmed to queue the second vehicle for charging by the movable charging head in response to a signal indicating that a second vehicle having a receiving coil is entering another one of the plurality of parking spaces and the second vehicle is stopping. P. The vehicle charging system of O, wherein the controller is further programmed to, in response to completion of charging of the vehicle, terminate charging and operate the movable charging head to translate from the parking space to the other of the plurality of parking spaces to position the movable charging head with respect to the receive coil of the second vehicle. Q. The vehicle charging system of J, further comprising a wheel plate disposed over the first channel and defining an opening disposed proximate an intersection point between the first channel and the second channel extending longitudinally within each of the plurality of parking spaces, through which the movable charging head extends when positioned with respect to the receive coil. R. The vehicle charging system of H, wherein the movable charging head includes a lifting mechanism, and wherein the control module is further programmed to operate the lifting mechanism to adjust an optimal air gap between the movable charging head and the receiving coil. S. The vehicle loading system of H, further comprising a visual indicator disposed proximate the parking space and between the parking space markers and spaced from the mechanical conveyor, the visual indicator configured to provide a visual target for a driver of a vehicle entering one of the plurality of parking spaces. T. The vehicle loading system of claim 1, wherein the parking space defines a recess between the first portion and the markings configured to receive a vehicle wheel to adjust a vehicle longitudinal position within one of the plurality of parking spaces

Claims

[1] Vehicle charging system (10), comprising: a parking space (20) having markings (32) defining a plurality of parking spaces (34), wherein the parking space (20) defines a first channel (40) extending transversely across the parking spaces (34), wherein the parking space (20) further defines a second channel (42) within each of the plurality of parking spaces (34) between the markings (32) and oriented substantially perpendicular to the first channel (40), and a wireless charging station (22) mounted beneath the parking space (20) and comprising a primary charging coil (50) and a mechanical conveyor (136, 142) on which the primary charging coil (50) is mounted and which is configured to move the primary charging coil (50) across and between the plurality of parking spaces (34), wherein the mechanical conveyor (136, 142) comprises a first portion (80) disposed within the first channel (40) and configured to move the primary charging coil (50) across and between the parking spaces (34) and, wherein the mechanical conveyor (136, 142) further comprises a second portion (82) disposed within at least one of the second channels (42) and configured to move the primary charging coil (50) longitudinally within a corresponding parking space (34). [2] The vehicle charging system (10) of claim 1, wherein the second portion (82) is disposed on and supported by the first portion (80). [3] The vehicle charging system (10) of claim 1, wherein the first portion (80) is disposed on and supported by the second portion (82).

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