Energy supply vehicle for supplying an electrically powered motor vehicle with electrical energy

Abstract

Energy supply vehicle (20) for supplying an electrically powered motor vehicle with electrical energy, comprising a drive unit (22) for propelling the energy supply vehicle (20), an electrical energy source (24) for providing electrical energy to the electrically powered motor vehicle, and an electrical coupling device (26) for electrically coupling the electrical energy source (24) to the electrically powered motor vehicle in order to transfer the electrical energy from the electrical energy source (24) to the electrically powered motor vehicle. and with a control unit (28) comprising a communication device (30) which is designed to control the energy supply vehicle (20) as a self-driving and / or remotely controlled vehicle and to control the coupling device (26) for automatic electrical coupling of the electrically driven motor vehicle, characterized by the fact that the coupling device (26) is designed for capacitive coupling of the electrically powered motor vehicle, for the purpose of which the coupling device (26) as well as the electrically powered motor vehicle, which is to be supplied with electrical energy, each have a corresponding electrically conductive coupling surface in order to establish the capacitive coupling between the energy supply vehicle (20) and the electrically powered motor vehicle, wherein the corresponding coupling surface of the electrically powered motor vehicle is arranged on an outer side of the housing of the electrically powered motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an energy supply vehicle for supplying an electrically driven motor vehicle with electrical energy, comprising a drive unit for moving the energy supply vehicle, an electrical energy source for providing electrical energy for the electrically driven motor vehicle and an electrical coupling device for electrically coupling the electrical energy source to the electrically driven motor vehicle in order to transmit the electrical energy from the electrical energy source to the electrically driven motor vehicle.Furthermore, the invention relates to an industrial truck and a method for operating an energy supply vehicle, in which the energy supply vehicle is moved by means of a drive unit in order to provide electrical energy by means of an electrical energy source of the energy supply vehicle for the electrically driven motor vehicle and in which the electrically driven motor vehicle is electrically coupled by means of an electrical coupling device of the energy supply vehicle in order to transmit the electrical energy from the electrical energy source to the electrically driven motor vehicle.

[0002] Energy supply vehicles, industrial trucks, and methods for operating energy supply vehicles are known in principle. For example, EP 2 538 518 A1 discloses a rapid charging device and a mobile charging unit. The rapid charging device is mounted on a vehicle, forming a mobile charging unit. The rapid charging device comprises a plurality of energy storage units that can be connected to an electrically driven vehicle via an electrical circuit and a detachable electrical plug connection in order to charge its electrical energy storage unit. Such vehicles are also disclosed in US 2012 / 0212174 A1 and US 2012 / 0299531 A1. Furthermore, JP H11-285109 A discloses an automatically guided vehicle and its charging control method. Furthermore, JP 2009-213337 A discloses a battery charging system.Furthermore, US 2016 / 0118828 A1 discloses a system and method for transferring energy between vehicles. Furthermore, DE 10 2014 213 050 A1 discloses a device and method for providing energy to a motor vehicle. Finally, DE 10 2015 004 701 A1 discloses an electric vehicle with a fast-charging function.

[0003] Even if the state of the art has proven itself, disadvantages still arise, particularly when the electrically powered motor vehicle is an industrial truck. Industrial trucks with an electric drive unit draw the electrical energy required for their intended operation from an energy storage device incorporated into the industrial truck. The electrical energy storage device is typically designed as an accumulator. In the prior art, such an accumulator is usually a lead-acid battery, which provides a battery voltage of approximately 24 V to approximately 80 V and an electrical capacity of approximately several hundred ampere hours (Ah). Such industrial trucks are used, for example, as ants, forklifts, traction vehicles, or the like. They are usually driver-operated, meaning that the operation of the industrial truck is the responsibility of a driver on board the industrial truck.

[0004] Recently, in addition to driver-operated industrial trucks, self-driving or remote-controlled industrial trucks have also been used. These are preferably autonomously navigating industrial trucks that independently transport goods from a specified collection point to a specified destination. These can also include trailers pulled by the industrial truck. Furthermore, the industrial trucks can also be at least partially remote-controlled.

[0005] Due to the properties of lead-acid batteries commonly used as electrical energy storage devices, especially in industrial trucks, charging of the batteries usually takes place outside the respective industrial trucks due to their high energy storage capacity. This means that the respective battery is removed from the respective industrial truck and connected to a suitable charging station. The charging station charges the battery over several hours. For smaller industrial trucks, it may also be necessary for the industrial truck to be parked at the charging station for the duration of the charging process. However, charging the battery of the industrial truck is generally time-consuming. This also applies to other types of vehicles.

[0006] Particularly in autonomous industrial trucks, but also in remote-controlled industrial trucks, it is generally not intended that the battery be removed or replaced for charging purposes. Instead, the industrial trucks are removed from normal transport operation for charging or are repeatedly charged via inductive charging areas during normal operation. This requires a correspondingly complex and costly infrastructure on the building side, which also results in inflexible usability of the autonomous industrial trucks.

[0007] Furthermore, since the batteries are charged using chargers connected to a public power grid, the charging power is limited to the power available at the respective connection to the public power grid. For this reason alone, charging the batteries can only be done with a limited power. Furthermore, the charger would also have to be designed with sufficient power to provide a suitably high charging power.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of improving the use of electrically driven motor vehicles, in particular industrial trucks.

[0009] The invention proposes an energy supply vehicle, an industrial truck and a method according to the independent claims.

[0010] Advantageous further training results from the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0011] With regard to a generic energy supply vehicle, it is proposed in particular that the vehicle has a control unit comprising a communication device, which is designed to control the energy supply vehicle as a self-propelled and / or remote-controlled vehicle and to control the coupling device for the automatic electrical coupling of the electrically driven motor vehicle.

[0012] With regard to a generic industrial truck, it is particularly proposed that it be designed as an energy supply vehicle according to the invention.

[0013] In terms of the method, it is particularly proposed that the energy supply vehicle is guided in a self-driving and / or remote-controlled manner by means of a control unit comprising a communication device and that the coupling device is controlled by means of the control unit for the automated electrical coupling of the electrically driven motor vehicle.

[0014] The invention is based on the finding that the reliability of the operation of electrically powered motor vehicles can be significantly improved if a power supply vehicle is used to supply the electrically powered motor vehicles, which can be operated as a self-driving and / or remote-controlled vehicle. This makes it possible to achieve automated operation of the power supply vehicle, so that the overall power supply to the electrically powered motor vehicles can be improved, as well as the use of the power supply vehicle itself and thus also the support of the electrically powered motor vehicles. This proves particularly advantageous for industrial trucks whose operation is regularly limited to a predetermined area, for example a production hall, a production site and / or the like. The invention makes it possible to operate the power supply vehicle without a driver.The energy supply vehicle can be operated as an autonomous or self-driving vehicle using the control unit, or it can also be operated at least partially remotely from a central control center. Of course, these two options can also be combined.

[0015] The energy supply vehicle serves to supply the electrically driven motor vehicle with electrical energy. For this purpose, the energy supply vehicle comprises the electrical energy source, which may, for example, be a solar module, a wind turbine, a fuel cell, a combustion engine-driven generator, and / or the like. To realize its mobility, the energy supply vehicle has a suitable mechanical design, for example, a chassis supported by drivable and steerable wheels and / or the like. The necessary units or devices required for the intended operation of the energy supply vehicle can then be arranged on the chassis. The energy supply vehicle can thus be made available to a respective electrically driven motor vehicle in order to supply it with electrical energy.This is particularly advantageous when the electrically powered motor vehicle is operating as intended and its electrical energy storage device reaches a charge level that impedes, restricts, and / or even prevents the electrically powered motor vehicle from operating as intended. The energy supply vehicle can supply energy preferably at the location where the electrically powered motor vehicle is located, thus eliminating the need to transport the electrically powered motor vehicle to a charging station.

[0016] To enable energy transfer from the power supply vehicle to the motor vehicle, the power supply vehicle includes the electrical coupling device. This is designed to electrically couple the electrically driven motor vehicle so that the electrical energy can be transferred from the power supply vehicle to the electrically driven motor vehicle as intended. Since the power supply vehicle is driverless, it is particularly expedient for the coupling device to be designed to automatically couple the electrically driven motor vehicle. For this purpose, the control unit can control the coupling device accordingly.For this purpose, the coupling device can, for example, have a robot arm that provides a corresponding electrical line with an electrical plug connection that is suitably designed to be coupled to a complementary plug connection of the electrically driven motor vehicle. In this way, a wired coupling can be established. Furthermore, it is of course also possible, if the electrically driven motor vehicle is suitably designed, to implement a wireless coupling, for example based on magnetic fields and / or the like. For this purpose, it can then be provided that the coupling device comprises a suitable electrical coil that is arranged such that it interacts with a counter coil of the electrically driven motor vehicle. In this way, energy can then be transmitted wirelessly.

[0017] For the purpose of transmitting electrical energy, the coupling device can establish an electrical connection between the energy source of the energy supply vehicle and the electrically driven vehicle in a wired and / or wireless manner.

[0018] The energy supply vehicle in this case is a land vehicle, in particular a two- or multi-track motor vehicle, which has its own drive device. The energy supply vehicle can be moved as intended by means of the drive device. For this purpose, it can be provided that the drive device comprises its own energy source, which is preferably also included in the energy supply vehicle. Furthermore, it can of course be provided that the electrical energy source also at least partially supplies the drive device of the energy supply vehicle with electrical energy, in particular if the drive device is at least partially designed as an electric drive device.

[0019] An electrically driven motor vehicle is, in particular, a motor vehicle that uses electrical energy at least partially for its intended driving operation or its intended function. Furthermore, a conventional drive can also be provided, which, for example, generates energy through the combustion of fossil fuels or the like. The motor vehicle is preferably an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and / or the like. The motor vehicle is, in particular, an industrial truck, but it can also be a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. The invention is not limited to industrial trucks.

[0020] The energy supply vehicle can be designed as a self-driving motor vehicle. This refers in particular to motor vehicles that are driven without the influence of a driver. Such a self-driving motor vehicle can preferably also be operated driverless. In this context, the motor vehicle can also be referred to as an autonomous motor vehicle, which is designed for autonomous driving.

[0021] Furthermore, the power supply vehicle can also be designed as a remote-controlled motor vehicle, which can be controlled, for example, from the control center or from another device with appropriate control commands relating to the intended driving operation of the power supply vehicle using suitable control commands. Of course, these configurations can also be combined with one another, for example by the power supply vehicle being controlled autonomously in certain predefined operating areas, while in other areas it can be controlled remotely, for example. It can also be provided that the power supply vehicle is controlled autonomously and the overall situation is monitored by, for example, a control center or the like, and that the autonomous driving operation is only intervened in as needed by appropriate control commands.

[0022] The energy supply vehicle is therefore preferably also an electrically driven motor vehicle, particularly preferably an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0023] To enable the self-driving capability of the energy supply vehicle, the control unit further comprises a plurality of suitable sensors for detecting properties of the energy supply vehicle's surroundings. The physical variables detected by the sensors are evaluated so that comprehensive information, particularly with regard to a route to be traveled, is available to the control unit. For this purpose, position detection can be provided, among other things, which can enable precise positioning of the energy supply vehicle. Corresponding data can be determined, for example, using a Global Positioning System (GPS) or the like. Furthermore, detailed maps in the form of electrical data, which can be used to navigate the energy supply vehicle, can also be stored in a memory unit of the control unit.Furthermore, it can of course also be provided that the control unit receives corresponding control commands regarding the driving of the energy supply vehicle from the control center or the like. The control center then ensures correspondingly safe and reliable driving of the energy supply vehicle. For this purpose, the communication device in the control unit can be used to establish a preferably wireless communication connection to the control center. Furthermore, the communication device can also be used to receive information about a destination to be reached, for example, a position of the electrically powered motor vehicle to be supplied with electrical energy, a charging station, or the like, by transmitting corresponding data to the communication device.For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the electrically powered motor vehicle itself sends a corresponding signal to the power supply vehicle. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the electrically powered motor vehicle transmits such a signal to the control center, which then transmits a corresponding signal to the power supply vehicle. This can also avoid communication conflicts.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit can also detect, via the communication device, where, for example, a charging station is available. For this purpose, it can be provided that the respective charging stations transmit corresponding signals, for example in the manner of a radio signal and / or the like. The signals can preferably be individually coded so that they can be individually assigned to the respective communication partners. This makes it possible to guide the energy supply vehicle to a suitable charging station if, for example, charging of an energy storage device of the energy supply vehicle is necessary so that it can continue to function as intended.

[0025] If the control unit has detected a target position, the power supply vehicle can be automatically guided to the target position by means of the control unit during autonomous or self-driving operation. Alternatively or additionally, appropriate remote control can also be provided. Once the target position has been reached and the target position is an electrically powered motor vehicle that is to be supplied with electrical energy or a charging station, the control unit can be used to activate the coupling device in such a way that it automatically electrically couples the electrically powered motor vehicle or the charging station. This can achieve a transfer of electrical energy.

[0026] The coupling device is designed for capacitive coupling of the electrically driven motor vehicle. This eliminates the need to establish a wired connection between the energy supply vehicle or energy storage vehicle and the electrically driven motor vehicle. An alternating electric field can serve as the coupling medium. For this purpose, the coupling device, as well as the electrically driven motor vehicle to be supplied with electrical energy, each has a corresponding electrically conductive coupling surface via which the capacitive coupling between the energy supply vehicle or energy storage vehicle and the electrically driven motor vehicle can be established.This proves to be particularly advantageous for automated coupling, especially when the corresponding coupling surfaces are arranged on an outer side of the housing of the electrically driven motor vehicle, which can be easily reached by means of the coupling device. For example, it can be provided that a robot arm of the coupling device provides a corresponding coupling surface, which is then arranged by means of the robot arm on a corresponding coupling surface of the electrically driven motor vehicle. There does not need to be an electrical connection between these surfaces. They can therefore be electrically insulated from one another. This proves to be particularly advantageous for reasons of electrical safety, as in this case there are no electrically touchable surfaces. An electrically insulating coating can therefore be provided on the coupling surfaces.

[0027] According to a further development, it is proposed that the energy supply vehicle be designed as an energy storage vehicle for transporting electrical energy to an electrically driven motor vehicle. For this purpose, the electrical energy source has an electrical energy storage device for storing the electrical energy to be transported. The electrical energy storage device is preferably designed in the manner of a rechargeable battery, in particular based on lithium-ion technology. This makes it possible to achieve a highly resilient rechargeable battery with a high energy storage density, so that large amounts of energy can be transported to the electrically driven motor vehicle by means of the energy supply vehicle.Furthermore, it can of course be provided that any electric drive of the energy supply vehicle itself is also supplied with electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device for its intended transport operation. This makes it possible to easily transport the electrical energy to the electrically powered motor vehicle, particularly if the electrically powered motor vehicle is in an area where no charging option for its electrical energy storage device is within reach. This proves particularly advantageous if the electrically powered motor vehicle is unable to carry out its intended driving operation or can only do so to a limited extent due to the low charge level of its energy storage device.In this case, it is then possible for electrical energy to be transported to the electrically powered motor vehicle by means of the energy supply vehicle, and for the electrical energy storage device of the electrically powered motor vehicle to be charged via the electrical coupling device of the energy storage vehicle. The energy storage vehicle thus essentially serves as an intermediate storage device for electrical energy to be made available to the electrically powered motor vehicle. The electrically powered motor vehicle therefore preferably does not need to suspend its intended operation. In particular, it can be provided that the electrically powered motor vehicle is supplied with electrical energy from the energy supply vehicle during its intended operation.

[0028] This proves particularly advantageous when the electrically powered motor vehicle is an industrial truck and the energy supply vehicle or energy storage vehicle is also designed in the manner of an industrial truck. This configuration can be used particularly advantageously in the area of ​​production or manufacturing facilities, as these areas are particularly well-suited for the use of autonomous driving or remote-controlled driving or can be easily equipped for this purpose. Furthermore, it is precisely here that the availability of the electrically powered motor vehicle, which in this case is an industrial truck, can be significantly increased.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, it is proposed that the communication device has an input unit connected to the control unit for manually entering a control command. This embodiment enables persons who are in the vicinity of the energy supply vehicle or energy storage vehicle to enter corresponding control commands, for example which electrically driven motor vehicle is to be supplied with electrical energy next or the like. Furthermore, it can also be provided that corresponding control commands for route guidance and / or the like can be entered. Particularly advantageously, the input unit is designed to detect a gesture of the person as a manual input and to assign this gesture to a control command.This makes it possible, for example, to enter safety-relevant commands without direct contact with the energy supply vehicle or energy storage vehicle. This not only increases safety, particularly with regard to personal protection, but also allows for the input of maneuvering commands or similar commands, by means of which the energy supply vehicle or energy storage vehicle can be moved particularly advantageously to a desired position in order to transfer the electrical energy as intended. Even though in the present case the function of the electrically powered motor vehicle was described with reference to the energy storage vehicle, this naturally also applies equally to charging the energy storage device of the energy storage vehicle at a charging station or the like.

[0030] It proves particularly advantageous if the coupling device comprises a holding unit and a coupling element that can be releasably connected to the holding unit for establishing an electrical connection with the electrically driven motor vehicle. This makes it possible to implement a suitable coupling option for establishing the electrical connection with the electrically driven motor vehicle by exchanging the coupling element. It is thus easily possible to adapt the coupling device of the energy supply vehicle or energy storage vehicle to different electrical coupling options of the electrically driven motor vehicle, particularly if the electrically driven motor vehicles to be supplied offer different coupling options.This allows for a modular design of the coupling device, which can be easily adapted to a wide range of on-site requirements with respect to the respective electrically powered motor vehicle. For this purpose, the energy supply vehicle or energy storage vehicle can carry several suitable different coupling elements and activate them or connect them to the holding unit depending on the type of electrically powered motor vehicle to be supplied. This allows for a simple, preferably automated, adaptation to the respective electrically powered motor vehicle.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if position data of the electrically powered motor vehicle are determined and transmitted to the communication device and thus also to the control unit. This makes it easy to provide the position of the electrically powered motor vehicle to the energy supply vehicle or the energy storage vehicle, so that the energy supply vehicle or the energy storage vehicle can reach the electrically powered motor vehicle without a driver. In the case of a remotely controlled energy supply vehicle, communication via the control center can also be provided.

[0032] According to a further development, it is proposed that the power supply vehicle be automatically moved to the position of the electrically driven motor vehicle, and upon reaching the position, the electrically driven motor vehicle is automatically electrically coupled using the coupling device. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, thus not only reducing time and effort, but also improving reliability and electrical safety.

[0033] Preferably, a gesture associated with the control command from a person positioned in the vicinity of the energy supply vehicle is detected by an input unit for manually entering a control command, and the gesture is assigned to the control command by the control unit. This makes it easy to manually control the energy supply vehicle or the energy storage vehicle, even if it is designed as a driverless vehicle. Manual control can include, for example, a stop command, a travel command, a positioning command, a direction command, or the like.In addition, of course, corresponding commands regarding the electrical coupling of the electrically driven motor vehicle can also be provided, for example by giving the command by means of a gesture to release the electrical coupling of the electrically driven motor vehicle and to release the electrically driven motor vehicle for its intended operation or the like.

[0034] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0035] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a structure for an energy storage vehicle according to the invention, and Fig. 2 in a schematic flow diagram a process according to the invention.

[0036] The exemplary embodiment explained below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the described components of the embodiment each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0037] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an energy storage vehicle 20 as an energy supply vehicle, which in this case is designed in the manner of an industrial truck. In this case, the energy storage vehicle 20 is intended to be driven as an autonomous vehicle within an area of ​​a production facility. For this purpose, the energy storage vehicle 20 comprises a corresponding vehicle body with a drive unit 22, which serves to move the energy storage vehicle 20. For this purpose, steerable wheels are provided, which are driven by the drive unit 22. In this case, the drive unit 22 is an electric drive unit, so that the energy storage vehicle 20 is an electric vehicle.

[0039] The energy storage vehicle 20 comprises a platform 38 on which a lithium-ion battery 24 is arranged as an electrical energy storage device or electrical energy source. In this case, the lithium-ion battery 24 has a capacity of approximately 50 kWh, for example.

[0040] Furthermore, a robot arm 26 is attached to the platform 38 as a coupling device, which serves to electrically couple the lithium-ion battery 24 to an electrically driven motor vehicle in order to transmit the electrical energy from the lithium-ion battery 24 to the electrically driven motor vehicle. For this purpose, the robot arm 26 comprises a holding unit 24 at one end, on which a coupling element 34 is detachably connected to the holding unit 32 for establishing an electrical connection to the electrically driven motor vehicle. In the present case, the coupling element is formed by a plug (not shown). Not shown in the Fig. 1 is that the robot arm 26 is designed to exchange the coupling element 34 as needed, so that different electrically driven motor vehicles can be electrically connected to the energy storage vehicle 20. Incidentally, this also applies to charging the lithium-ion battery 24, for which purpose a corresponding electrical connection to a charging station (not shown) can be established by means of the robot arm 26. The robot arm 26 is electrically connected to the lithium-ion battery 24. Not shown is a switching unit by means of which an energy transfer can be controlled. For this purpose, the switching unit is connected to a control unit 28, which is also arranged on the platform 38. The robot arm 26 can also be controlled as needed by means of the control unit 28.

[0041] Furthermore, it is provided that the control unit 28 comprises a communication device 30, which in this case uses radio as the transmission medium. The control unit 28 can be connected to a control center (not shown) via the communication device 30. This makes it possible to exchange data and parameters with the control center. Furthermore, driving or control commands can also be transmitted from the control center to the control unit 28.

[0042] In the present case, the control unit 28 is configured to drive the energy storage vehicle 20 as a self-driving vehicle, i.e., autonomously. For this purpose, a plurality of environmental sensors 36 are arranged on the platform 38, by means of which the necessary conditions can be detected so that the control unit 28 can drive the energy storage vehicle 20 autonomously.

[0043] The control unit 28 is further configured to control the coupling device 26 for the automated electrical coupling of the electrically driven motor vehicle. In this case, the energy storage vehicle 20 is thus guided autonomously to the electrically driven motor vehicle by means of the control unit 28. As soon as the electrically driven motor vehicle is reached, the driving operation of the energy storage vehicle 20 is terminated and the coupling device 26 is activated. For this purpose, the control unit 28 controls the robot arm 26 such that the suitable coupling element 34 is arranged on the holding unit 32. For this purpose, the robot arm 26 is guided such that it receives the suitable coupling element 34 from a storage unit (not shown) and couples it by means of the holding unit 32.The robot arm 26 is then controlled by the control unit 28 such that the coupling element 34 electrically couples a corresponding counter element of the electrically driven motor vehicle, thus enabling the transmission of electrical energy. The control unit 28 then initiates the energy transmission by means of suitable control commands to the switching unit (not shown).

[0044] Once the electrically driven motor vehicle has been supplied with a predetermined amount of energy, or if a command to abort further energy transmission is issued, the energy transmission is terminated by means of a suitable control command to the switching unit. The robot arm 26 is then moved into a transport position so that the energy storage vehicle 20 can continue its intended energy transport function by resuming driving. Depending on the charge state of the lithium-ion battery 24, it can then be provided that another electrically driven motor vehicle is approached in order to supply it with electrical energy. If, however, the charge state of the lithium-ion battery 24 is low, it can also be provided to approach a charging station instead, which is then also preferably coupled again by means of the robot arm 26, in the same way as the electrically driven motor vehicle.

[0045] In the present embodiment, an electrically conductive connection is established between the energy storage vehicle 20 and the electrically driven motor vehicle. Alternatively, a capacitive coupling can, of course, also be provided if the electrically driven motor vehicle is designed for this purpose. In this case, a suitable coupling element 34 is selected and attached to the holding unit 32, so that a corresponding energy transfer can take place by means of capacitive coupling.

[0046] In the present case, it is further provided that the environmental sensors 36 comprise a camera connected to the control unit 28. The control unit 28 is further configured to detect gestures of persons within the camera's detection range and to assign them to predefined control commands. This allows persons in the vicinity of the energy storage vehicle 20 to make manual inputs using gestures, for example, to perform control functions related to the energy storage vehicle 20.

[0047] Fig.Figure 2 shows a possible method sequence in a schematic flow diagram. In a step 10, the lithium-ion accumulator 24 is slowly charged via a connection of the energy storage vehicle 20 to a charging station, which in turn is connected to a public energy supply grid. For example, with an electrical power of 3.7 kW if charging takes place via a single-phase AC voltage connection of the generic type, or 11 kW or 22 kW if charging takes place via a corresponding connection to the public energy supply grid with a three-phase AC voltage connection, for example, CEE 16 A or CEE 32 A or the like.

[0048] In step 12, the energy storage vehicle 20 is moved autonomously into an area where industrial trucks are present as electrically powered motor vehicles or are in normal operation. A respective industrial truck transmits a request signal for electrical energy as soon as its energy storage device is below a predefined charge level. This signal is received by the energy storage vehicle 20, and its position data is determined from it. The control unit 28 then guides the energy storage vehicle 20 to the position of the respective industrial truck. As already explained above, an electrical connection is then established by means of the robot arm 26, and the industrial truck or its energy storage device is charged with energy from the lithium-ion battery 24.Once the industrial truck's energy storage device reaches a specified charge level, or when the lithium-ion battery 24 reaches a lower charge limit, the charging process is terminated and the electrical coupling is removed. The industrial truck can then continue its intended operation.

[0049] In step 14, the remaining charge in the lithium-ion battery 24 is determined. Depending on the charge level, either another industrial truck can be approached to supply it with electrical energy, or the energy storage vehicle 20 can travel to a suitable charging station to recharge the lithium-ion battery 24.

[0050] In step 16, the coupling or uncoupling to the industrial truck or the charging station is carried out automatically without human intervention. This can be provided for both a wired electrical coupling and a wireless electrical coupling.

[0051] In step 18, automated demand and, if applicable, charge level reports from other industrial trucks are determined for further operational management, and a route for the further operational management of the energy storage vehicle 20 is independently determined. The control unit 28 can thus independently plan charging processes. Alternatively, control from a higher-level production system or the central office can also be provided.

[0052] Overall, the exemplary embodiment demonstrates how the invention can improve the operation of industrial trucks formed by electrically powered vehicles. This enables virtually continuous operation of the industrial trucks. Furthermore, the industrial trucks can also be used in areas where charging stations are not available or are not permitted for various reasons. This makes the invention particularly suitable for use in technically challenging conditions.

[0053] The invention allows the following advantages to be achieved in particular: - Complex infrastructure measures and their operating costs can be avoided, in particular induction loops laid in the ground, which are used to supply energy to industrial trucks. - Long charging breaks for industrial trucks, for example overnight or similar, can be avoided. - Likewise, the need to remove and install batteries in larger industrial trucks in order to charge them can be eliminated. The invention allows for a high degree of flexibility because the industrial truck can be recharged as needed. The guidance of the energy supply vehicle is not tied to a fixed route. Thus, electrical energy can be provided as needed, both in terms of time and location. It is only necessary that the energy storage vehicle 20 can reach the electrically powered vehicle, in particular the industrial truck. - Large areas for charging stations and spaces can be reduced or eliminated. - Common AC / DC charging technology can be largely avoided. - The charging time for the electric vehicle or industrial truck can be significantly reduced because a direct current charging process with a high charging current can be implemented. Furthermore, the process can take place wherever the electric vehicle or industrial truck is currently located. - Charging of the electric motor vehicle or industrial truck can be done without human intervention, saving time and effort. - With a suitable design, the power supply vehicle can also be used as a mobile, decentralized power supply device. For this purpose, the power supply vehicle 20 can be provided with an energy converter, for example, an inverter, which provides the electrical energy provided by the lithium-ion battery 24 in the form of an alternating voltage, for example, 230 V or the like. This makes it possible to implement a mobile, uninterruptible power supply.

[0054] Although the invention has been explained here using industrial trucks, it is not limited to this. In principle, it can, of course, be used in any motor vehicle, particularly electrically powered ones.

[0055] Furthermore, it should be noted that the advantages and features stated for the power supply vehicle naturally also apply equally to the correspondingly configured industrial truck and the corresponding process, and vice versa. Finally, process features can also be formulated for device features, and vice versa.

Claims

[1] Energy supply vehicle (20) for supplying an electrically driven motor vehicle with electrical energy, comprising a drive unit (22) for moving the energy supply vehicle (20), an electrical energy source (24) for providing electrical energy for the electrically driven motor vehicle and an electrical coupling device (26) for electrically coupling the electrical energy source (24) to the electrically driven motor vehicle in order to transmit the electrical energy from the electrical energy source (24) to the electrically driven motor vehicle, and with a control unit (28) comprising a communication device (30) which is designed to control the energy supply vehicle (20) as a self-propelled and / or remote-controlled vehicle and to control the coupling device (26) for the automatic electrical coupling of the electrically driven motor vehicle, characterized by , that the coupling device (26) is designed for capacitive coupling of the electrically driven motor vehicle, for which purpose the coupling device (26) as well as the electrically driven motor vehicle which is to be supplied with electrical energy each have a corresponding electrically conductive coupling surface in order to establish the capacitive coupling between the energy supply vehicle (20) and the electrically driven motor vehicle, wherein the corresponding coupling surface of the electrically driven motor vehicle is arranged on a housing outer side of the electrically driven motor vehicle. [2] Energy supply vehicle according to claim 1, characterized bythat the energy supply vehicle (20) is designed as an energy storage vehicle for transporting electrical energy to an electrically driven motor vehicle, for which purpose the electrical energy source (24) has an electrical energy store for storing the electrical energy to be transported. [3] Energy supply vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the communication device (30) has an input unit connected to the control unit (28) for manually entering a control command. [4] Energy supply vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coupling device (26) has a holding unit (32) and a coupling element (34) which can be detachably connected to the holding unit (32) for establishing an electrical connection with the electrically driven motor vehicle. [5] Industrial truck, characterized bythat it is designed as an energy supply vehicle (20) according to one of the preceding claims. [6] Method for operating an energy supply vehicle (20), in which the energy supply vehicle (20) is moved by means of a drive unit (22) in order to provide electrical energy by means of an electrical energy source (24) of the energy supply vehicle (20) for the electrically driven motor vehicle and in which the electrically driven motor vehicle is electrically coupled by means of an electrical coupling device (26) of the energy supply vehicle (20) in order to transmit the electrical energy from the electrical energy source (24) to the electrically driven motor vehicle, wherein the energy supply vehicle (20) is guided in a self-propelled and / or remotely controlled manner by means of a control unit (28) comprising a communication device (30), and the coupling device (26) is controlled by means of the control unit (28) for the automated electrical coupling of the electrically driven motor vehicle, characterized by , that the electrically driven motor vehicle is capacitively coupled by means of the coupling device (26), for which purpose the capacitive coupling between the energy supply vehicle (20) and the electrically driven motor vehicle is established by means of corresponding respective electrically conductive coupling surfaces of the coupling device (26) and also of the electrically driven motor vehicle which is supplied with electrical energy, wherein the corresponding coupling surface of the electrically driven motor vehicle is arranged on a housing outer side of the electrically driven motor vehicle. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by that position data of a position of the electrically driven motor vehicle are determined and the position data are transmitted to the communication device (30). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized bythat the energy supply vehicle (20) is automatically moved to the position of the electrically driven motor vehicle and, upon reaching the position, the electrically driven motor vehicle is automatically electrically coupled by means of the coupling device (26). [9] Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that by means of an input unit for manually entering a control command, a gesture assigned to the control command of a person positioned in a close range of the energy supply vehicle (20) is detected and assigned to the control command by means of the control unit (28).

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