System for inductively transferring power from a primary device to a secondary device, primary device, and method for operating such a system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing inductive power transmission systems face challenges in detecting metallic foreign objects within the electromagnetic field, which can lead to overheating and safety risks due to inefficiencies in foreign object detection methods.
A system with a primary device and control unit that uses a performance characteristic curve to compare secondary performance data with target performance data, detecting foreign objects by adjusting primary power based on deviations from the curve, and generating control signals to prevent overheating.
The system effectively detects foreign objects with high precision, minimizing the risk of overheating across various power and distance ranges, ensuring operational safety during inductive power transmission.
Smart Images

Figure EP2024060875_31102024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 1 / 35 System for inductive power transmission from a primary device to a secondary device, primary device and method for operating such a system The present invention relates to a system for inductive power transmission from a primary device to a secondary device, to a primary device and to a method for operating a system for inductive power transmission. It therefore lies in the technical field of contactless power transmission (wireless power transfer) and inductive couplers. Systems are known in which inductive power transmission takes place between a primary device (transmitter) and a secondary device (receiver) via an electromagnetic field. One challenge when using such inductive couplers is detecting foreign metallic objects in the electromagnetic field between the transmitter and the receiver during contactless power transmission.Depending on the method used, foreign object detection (FOD) depends on the distance between transmitter and receiver as well as on the power to be transmitted to the secondary device. The properties of the foreign object also affect its detectability. Typically, inductive coupler systems interrupt power transmission if a fixed limit for the primary-side input power is exceeded during power transmission between the primary and secondary devices. Various types of foreign object detection are also known from the prior art. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 2 / 35 CN 114709943 A proposes a device for wirelessly charging a device, wherein a foreign object and an offset in the vertical or horizontal direction are detected based on the input voltage, the input current and the peak values of the voltage at the coil.This is based on the requirements of the Qi standard, which, for example, requires physical contact between the device and the charging station. EP 2768112 B1 discloses a device for detecting foreign objects in a wireless power transmission system, wherein a foreign object is recognized by an error message and a request to increase the power. US 10,658,878 B2 describes a device for wireless charging which includes temperature sensors. The object of the present invention is to provide a system for inductive power transmission, a primary device, and a method for operating such a system, wherein a particularly high level of operational reliability is maintained. This object is achieved according to the invention by a system, a primary device, and a method having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.The problem is then solved by a system for inductive power transmission, which comprises a primary device and a secondary device as well as a control unit. The primary device is configured to inductively transmit power to a secondary resonant circuit of the secondary device via a primary resonant circuit during power transmission. The control unit is configured to record secondary power data of the secondary device and, based on the recorded secondary power data, to determine primary target power data using a power characteristic curve. The power characteristic curve comprises reference primary power data as a function of reference secondary power data. The control unit is further configured to record primary power data of the primary device and to detect a foreign object by comparing the primary target power data with the primary power data.In particular, it is determined whether the primary device is transmitting electrical power to a foreign metallic object. A foreign object, in particular an at least partially metallic object, is considered to be detected, for example, if its presence is determined within a transmission range of the system. The transmission range is in particular a space in the vicinity of the primary device within which a significant inductive power transfer to a foreign metallic object takes place, in particular in such a way that a significant heating of the foreign object can occur. Relevant foreign objects in particular include a material that, due to its magnetic properties, is suitable for the inductive transmission of electrical power. Such materials can, for example, heat up within the transmission range.The invention exploits, among other things, the finding that the presence of a foreign object – in particular a metallic foreign object – in the area of inductive power transmission leads to a portion of the primary power supplied by the primary device being dissipated, for example by heating the foreign object. In order to nevertheless maintain a predetermined secondary power, a higher primary power must therefore be set. The system is intended to use the resulting deviation from a "target" value of the primary power to detect the presence of a foreign object. In the presence of a foreign object in the area of power transmission, a higher primary power must therefore be supplied in order to provide the same 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 4 / 35 predetermined secondary power of the secondary device.A performance curve is now used, which indicates a relationship between the secondary performance data received from the secondary device and the primary target performance data to be adjusted by the primary device. The performance curve is determined in a reference situation in which it can be ensured that no relevant foreign object is present. By comparing the actually adjusted primary performance data with the primary target performance data according to the performance curve, a deviation can be determined, for example, which is then compared with a threshold value. If the deviation exceeds the threshold value, especially for a specified duration, it is assumed that a foreign object is present.The control unit can now be configured to generate a control signal when a foreign object is detected, for example to stop the inductive power transmission through the primary device or to reduce the primary power to a predetermined value. Alternatively or additionally, a warning signal can be issued. A threshold value used for evaluating the comparison between the primary power data and the primary target power data can, for example, be fixed. It can also be determined as a predetermined percentage of the primary target power data, for example as a percentage of a primary target current, so that the threshold value for a permissible deviation is greater the larger a parameter value of the primary target power data is. Foreign object detection occurs dynamically, i.e., at different distances between the primary and secondary devices and at different transmitted power levels.Since the system detects a foreign object more precisely than with known systems, even while a relatively low power is to be transmitted to the secondary device 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 5 / 35, heating of metallic objects can be avoided in particular across the entire power and distance range of the inductive coupler system. The associated hazard potential is therefore significantly minimized. The primary or secondary power data within the meaning of the invention relate to an electrical power in the primary or secondary device. Accordingly, relevant parameters are in particular a current and / or a voltage. The power value results from the product of current and voltage. For example, the secondary power data includes a secondary voltage and / or a secondary current; the product of these parameters results in particular in the electrical power transmitted inductively to the secondary device.In particular, the parameters output by an intermediate circuit of the secondary device are taken into account. The primary performance data can also include a primary voltage and / or a primary current; the product of these parameters results in particular in the power that is used by the primary device during the inductive power transfer to the secondary device. In particular, the parameters output by an intermediate circuit of the primary device are taken into account. In one embodiment of the system, the primary performance data relate to a primary current in a primary intermediate circuit of the primary device. In particular, the primary intermediate circuit of the primary device can be operated with a predetermined constant primary voltage. Furthermore, the secondary performance data can include a secondary voltage induced in a secondary intermediate circuit of the secondary device and a voltage derived from 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 6 / 35 the secondary current supplied to the secondary intermediate circuit of the secondary device. In one embodiment, it is provided that the primary device is operated with a predetermined primary voltage. In such a case, it may be sufficient for the primary power data recorded by the control unit to include a primary current. In particular, the primary voltage then does not need to be recorded specifically; it can also be assumed to be constant for the evaluation. In particular, it can be provided that during the inductive power transmission – with the primary voltage kept essentially constant – the primary current is regulated such that predetermined secondary power data are obtained. In further examples, the primary-side voltage can also be regulated. In particular, the primary-side power, i.e. the product of the input current and the input voltage, is then a controlled variable.The primary target power data determined by the control unit also relate in particular to a primary target current strength. In one embodiment of the system, the control unit is comprised by the primary device. In further embodiments, it can be comprised by the secondary device or designed as an external control unit, for example as a control module of a higher-level control system. The primary and secondary power data are acquired in a manner known per se using suitable sensors. The measured values can be transmitted to the control unit in various ways. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 7 / 35 In a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to acquire the secondary power data via an IO-Link connection. Other types of data connection can be provided alternatively or additionally.The data connection can exist between a primary interface of the primary device and a secondary interface of the secondary device. The IO-Link or other data connection can exist between the primary device and the secondary device, especially if the control unit is included in the primary device. In this case, the primary performance data can be recorded directly by a sensor and transferred to the control unit, and the secondary performance data can be transferred to the control unit via an IO-Link connection or another data connection.In a further embodiment of the system, a data connection, in particular for transmitting the secondary power data to the primary device, can be implemented by modulating a data transmission signal onto the electromagnetic field for inductive power transmission, thereby enabling, in particular, data transmission from the primary device to the secondary device. The system's control unit determines primary target power data using a power characteristic curve and the acquired secondary power data. For example, a primary target current is determined. In this case, it is assumed, in particular, that the primary device is operated with a fixed primary voltage, while the primary current is regulated to maintain a requested secondary power.The performance characteristic curve can be stored in a memory connected to or contained in the control unit, for example for a specific type or model of the system. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 8 / 35 In one embodiment, the performance characteristic curve can be determined based on at least one performance reference measurement or based on a plurality of performance reference measurements. During the power reference measurement, actual primary performance data of the primary device are measured as a function of a plurality of reference secondary performance data of the secondary device. For example, the reference secondary performance data can comprise a plurality of parameter values of the secondary performance data, which are distributed, in particular, equidistantly within an interval that extends over a working range of relevant secondary performance data. For the performance reference measurement, the system or a system of the same type without a foreign body can be measured.For example, for a given primary voltage of the primary device, the primary current is regulated in order to obtain specific values of the secondary power output at the intermediate circuit of the secondary device. A value of a primary frequency of the primary device can be specified, or the primary frequency can also be regulated. In the example, these specific values of the secondary power can be arranged equidistantly within an interval; the interval in which the power reference measurements are carried out can correspond to an operating range of the electrical power that can be inductively transmitted by the system. In particular, during such a power reference measurement, the reference primary power data is determined based on the measured actual primary power data. The data measured during the power reference measurement can, for example, be filtered, smoothed, and / or processed by averaging. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 9 / 35 In a further development, during the power reference measurement, the actual primary power data is also measured as a function of a plurality of reference distances within a predetermined working range between the primary device and the secondary device. It can also be provided that the reference primary power data is determined based on the maximum actual primary power data measured within the predetermined working range as a function of the reference secondary power data. For example, a working range is predetermined which specifies a minimum and / or maximum distance between the primary device and the secondary device. During the power reference measurement, the actual primary power data can then be measured as a function of the reference secondary power data at different distances.In this way, the dependence of the inductive power transfer on the distance between transmitter and receiver is taken into account, and the system's power characteristic can be determined more precisely. Consequently, the target primary power data can also be determined more precisely based on the secondary power data. In one embodiment, the power characteristic is determined using a regression analysis, in particular a linear or polynomial curve fitting, as a function of the measured actual primary power data as a function of the reference secondary power data. The power characteristic determined by regression then relates to the relationship between the reference primary power data and the reference secondary power data. In particular, a least squares (LS) fit calculation is performed. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 10 / 35 For example, the fit determines the parameters of an nth-degree polynomial, such as first-degree for a linear curve. In a method for determining the power characteristic, a power reference measurement is carried out, whereby actual primary power data of the primary device is measured as a function of a plurality of reference secondary power data of the secondary device. Reference primary power data is then determined based on the measured actual primary power data. The power characteristic then indicates a relationship between the reference primary power data and the reference secondary power data. For example, a primary current of the primary device is measured, which is regulated at a fixed primary voltage so that a specific reference secondary power is obtained in the secondary device.This measurement is carried out for a plurality of values of the reference secondary power, resulting in a curve that represents the relationship between the regulated primary current and the secondary power. The product of the specified primary voltage and the primary current corresponds to a primary power. In particular, the measurements are carried out for various distances between the primary device and the secondary device, further determining the dependence of the primary current or primary power on the distance. The reference distances are selected within a specified operating range between the primary device and the secondary device. In a further development of this method, the reference primary power data is determined as a function of the reference secondary power data based on the maximum actual primary power data measured within the specified operating range.This means that the maximum primary current to be set is determined if a certain secondary power is to be achieved - provided that during the reference measurement the primary and secondary devices are spaced apart within the operating range 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 11 / 35 and there is no metallic object near the transmission. Based on the curve obtained in this way, a compensation calculation can then be carried out in order to obtain the parameters of a curve, for example a linear or other approximate curve, which can then be used as a power characteristic. In a further embodiment of the system, the control unit is configured to determine an actual distance between the primary device and the secondary device and to further determine the primary target power data based on the actual distance.This advantageously allows the dependence of the power characteristic on the actual distance between the primary and secondary devices to be taken into account, and the primary target power data can be determined more precisely. In an additional embodiment, the position of the devices relative to one another can also be taken into account, such as an angle between the devices. In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to further detect a frequency parameter of the primary device to determine the actual distance, and to determine the actual distance based on the detected frequency parameter and the detected secondary power data using a distance characteristic map.In particular, the distance characteristic map represents a relationship between the distance between the primary device and the secondary device, the frequency parameter, in particular the primary frequency of the primary device set for power transmission, and the transmitted secondary power, in particular the secondary voltage of the secondary device. The distance characteristic map is, in particular, independent of the primary current intensity set for the primary device. In this way, the distance between the primary and secondary devices can be determined to improve the detection of a foreign object without the primary current intensity, which depends on the potential presence of a foreign object, having an interfering effect.In one embodiment, the distance characteristic map can be determined based on a distance reference measurement, wherein, during the distance reference measurement, actual secondary power data of the secondary device are measured as a function of a primary frequency of the primary device for a plurality of reference distances within a predetermined operating range between the primary device and the secondary device. It can further be provided that the parameters of a function are determined by means of a compensation calculation, which then corresponds to a characteristic curve of the distance characteristic map. The invention further relates to a primary device for a system for inductive power transmission from the primary device to a secondary device.The primary device comprises a control unit and a primary device interface, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire secondary performance data of a secondary device coupled to the primary device for inductive power transmission via the primary device interface and to determine primary target performance data based on the acquired secondary performance data and a performance characteristic curve. The performance characteristic curve comprises reference primary performance data as a function of reference secondary performance data. The control unit is further configured to acquire primary performance data of the primary device and to detect a foreign object based on a comparison of the primary target performance data with the primary performance data. The primary device is in particular a primary device for the system described above, and the corresponding developments specified in the present description are therefore conceivable.In the method for operating a system for inductive power transmission from a primary device to a secondary device, primary power data of the 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 13 / 35 primary device and secondary power data of the secondary device are recorded during the inductive power transmission. Based on the recorded secondary power data, primary target power data are determined using a characteristic curve, and a foreign object is detected by comparing the primary target power data with the primary power data. The method is designed in particular to operate the system described above and the primary device. The embodiments and further developments explained in the present description can therefore also be applied to the method. It can be provided that a switching signal is generated upon detection of a foreign object, for example to stop the inductive power transmission by the primary device.Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. There show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system for inductive power transmission; Fig. 2 an exemplary embodiment of the method for operating a system for inductive power transmission; Fig. 3 an example of recorded data of a power reference measurement at different distances; Fig. 4 an example of a power characteristic curve determined based on the recorded data; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a functional principle for inductive power transmission; Fig. 6 an example of recorded data of a distance reference measurement; Fig. 7 an example of power characteristics determined based on the recorded data; and 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 14 / 35 Fig. 8 an example of fitted characteristics of a distance characteristic map. With reference to Fig.Figure 1 explains an embodiment of a system 10 for inductive power transmission and for detecting a metallic object in the electromagnetic field between a primary device 100, here a transmitter 100, and a secondary device 200, here a receiver 200, during contactless power transmission. The system 10 comprises the primary device 100 and the secondary device 200. In the embodiment, the primary device 100 comprises a single coil 104 located in a (primary) resonant circuit for inductive energy transmission between the coupled primary device 100 and secondary device 200, with the primary device 100 assuming the role of the transmitter 100. It further comprises a control unit 107 for adjusting the load- and distance-dependent resonant circuit frequency, as well as a voltage converter 101 with a constant output voltage and a voltage intermediate circuit 102 for adjusting the input voltage to the resonant circuit voltage.The primary device 100 further comprises an amplifier 103, in particular a "current-mode Class-D amplifier", for adapting the control signals of the control unit 107 to the resonant circuit with the single coil 104, as well as a current measuring unit 106 between the voltage intermediate circuit 102 and an amplifier 103. The primary device 100 further comprises a voltage measuring unit 105 on the voltage intermediate circuit 102 and an evaluation and control unit 107 for controlling the voltage converter 101 and the amplifier 103. The primary device 100 further comprises an interface for data transmission 108 between a coupled primary device 100 and secondary device 200, wherein 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 15 / 35 in particular an IO-Link method can be used to operate a data connection with the secondary device 200.The secondary device 200 also includes a single coil 204 located in a (secondary) resonant circuit for inductive energy transfer between the coupled primary device 100 and the secondary device 200, with the secondary device 200 assuming the role of the receiver 200. The secondary device further includes a rectifier 203 with a voltage intermediate circuit 202 for storing the received energy. The secondary device 200 also comprises a voltage converter 201 for adapting the intermediate circuit voltage to the output voltage and a current measuring unit 206 between the voltage intermediate circuit 202 and the voltage converter 201. The secondary device 200 further comprises a voltage measuring unit 205 on the voltage intermediate circuit 202 and an interface for data transmission 208 between the secondary device 200 and the primary device 100 coupled thereto for data purposes. With reference to Fig. 2, a method for operating the system 10 explained above with reference to Fig. 1 is further explained.The method is used in particular to detect a foreign object in the electromagnetic field during inductive power transmission. During the power transmission between primary device 100 and secondary device 200, the intermediate circuit voltage induced in secondary device 200 (secondary voltage, ^) is measured cyclically, in this example at intervals of Δt = 10 ms. ^^^ ) and the current provided from the intermediate circuit 202 of the secondary device 200 (secondary current, ^ ^^^) are recorded. These 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 16 / 35 values are transmitted via interface 208 to the corresponding interface 108 of the primary device 100. In the exemplary embodiment, a data connection according to IO-Link is used, but another type of data transmission can also be selected, in particular wired or wireless. For example, the data transmission can also be carried out by modulating a carrier signal onto the transmitted electrical power, so that the data and the electrical power are transmitted via the same channel. From the values thus recorded, the current power (^ ^^^ = ^ ^^^ ∙ ^ ^^^ ) of the secondary device 200 is determined. Furthermore, in this step S1, the current primary current ^ ^^^In step S2, the acquired data is averaged or smoothed over a specific time interval. This results in averaged values for the primary current ^ ^^^_^^^ and for the secondary power ^ ^^^ _^^^ . In this example, a distance ^ between the primary 100 and the secondary device 200 is assumed, which lies within a working range of 0 mm to 7 mm. Furthermore, the example assumes a load current ^ ^^^ of the secondary device 200 in a range of 0 mA to 750 mA. In other examples, other ranges for the distance ^ and load current ^ ^^^ In the event that there is no foreign metallic object in the electromagnetic field between the primary and secondary device, a relationship – in a first approximation linear – results between the input current in the resonant circuit of the primary device (primary current, ^ ^^^) and the secondary output power of the intermediate circuit of the secondary device (secondary power, ^ ^^^ = ^ ^^^ ∙ ^ ^^^ ). 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 17 / 35 This ratio is specified by means of a power characteristic curve, which is stored in the evaluation and control unit 107 of the primary device 100 and evaluated by it. The power characteristic curve has approximately the following form: In a step S3, a cyclic calculation of the "target" primary current (target primary current, ^ ^^^_^^^^ ) for the resonant circuit of the primary device 100 on the basis of an averaged, i.e. smoothed, recorded output power of the intermediate circuit 202 of the secondary device 200 (averaged secondary power, ^ ^^^_^^^ ). This means that the target primary current ^ ^^^_^^^^which should be adjusted according to the power characteristic curve in order to achieve a certain (average) secondary power ^ ^^^_^^^ This enables an accurate evaluation of the actually measured and averaged input current ^ ^^^_^^^ into the resonant circuit of the primary device 100 and the current calculated "target" input current ^ ^^^_^^^^ into the resonant circuit of the primary device 100. A metallic foreign object in the electromagnetic field between the primary device 100 and the secondary device 200 during inductive power transmission leads to the dissipation of power, for example, by heating the foreign object. This power is provided by the transmitter 100 but not received by the receiver 200. The primary current ^ ^^^_^^^ must therefore be above the calculated “target” input current ^ ^^^_^^^^ in order to still provide a certain secondary power. In a step S4, the calculated primary target input current ^^^^_^^^^ a maximum permissible input current ^ ^^^_^^^ determines, for example, the 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 18 / 35 the calculated target input current ^ ^^^_^^^^ by a certain percentage x%: The actually measured primary current ^ ^^^_^^^ is operated with the maximum permissible input current ^ ^^^_^^^ compared and when exceeded, that is at this threshold, that is at ^ ^^^_^^^ ≥ ^ ^^^_^^^ , there is an unacceptable deviation of the actual averaged input current in the resonant circuit of the primary device 100. From this, it is concluded, in particular, that a foreign object is present. In a step S6, a corresponding output is then generated, such as a warning message and / or a switching signal that, for example, interrupts the inductive power transmission. If the threshold value is not exceeded, that is, at ^ ^^^_^^^ < ^ ^^^_^^^, no output is generated in step S7. Alternatively, an output can be generated to indicate that no foreign object was detected. The method is repeated in the loop after the specified interval Δt. The deviation between the measured and the calculated input current in the resonant circuit of the primary device 100 can be evaluated regardless of which operating ranges are specified for the transmittable power and / or the distance between the primary device 100 and the secondary device 200. The method can, for example, be applied for higher secondary powers (approximately > 18 W) and / or larger distances (approximately > 7 mm). For this purpose, in particular the power characteristic curve should be determined over the entire operating ranges used for distance and / or secondary power. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 19 / 35 The method is therefore easily adaptable for different operating ranges of the secondary power and distances, in particular by using power characteristics for corresponding operating ranges. The method enables metallic deposits, for example on the front cap of one of the primary 100 and / or secondary devices 200, to be detected at an early stage. This allows maintenance and cleaning work on the coupler system to be designed in such a way that wear and energy consumption are reduced. The reliable and rapid detection of foreign objects also reduces the danger posed by heated metallic objects in the electromagnetic field between the primary 100 and secondary device 200 during inductive power transmission. The method for dynamic foreign object detection is explained again below in different terms. The method is based on the functional relationship between the input current (^. ^^^_^^^^) into the resonant circuit of the primary device 100 without foreign object and its control in order to at a given primary voltage (^ ^^^ ) a certain secondary output voltage (^ ^^^_^^^^ ) and a secondary output current (^ ^^^_^^^^ ll) at the voltage intermediate circuit 202 of the secondary device 200 without any foreign object. Fct.1 shows the functional relationship mentioned: ^ ^^^_^^^^ = ^(^ ^^^_^^^^ , ^ ^^^_^^^^ ) Fct.1 ^ ^^^_^^^^ [A] Input current into the resonant circuit of the primary device without foreign object 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 20 / 35 ^ ^^^_^^^^ [V] Voltage at the intermediate circuit capacitor of the secondary device without foreign object ^ ^^^_^^^^ [A] Current from the intermediate circuit capacitor of the secondary device without foreign object ^ ^^^_^^^^ [W] Output power from the intermediate voltage circuit of the secondary device without foreign object The following equation Gl.1 can be used to transform the function Fkt.1: ^ ^^^_^^^^ = ^ ^^^_^^^^ ∙ ^ ^^^_^^^^ Eq.1 ^ ^^^_^^^^[W] Output power from the intermediate voltage circuit of the secondary device without foreign object (205, 206) This results in the following relationship for the function Fct.2: ^ ^^^_^^^^ = ^(^ ^^^_^^^^ ) Fct.2 Since the voltage converter 101 of the primary device 100 has a constant output voltage (^ ^^^ ) at the voltage intermediate circuit 102, the output voltage (^ ^^^ ) are not considered in the following for the exemplary embodiment. With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, exemplary measurements for determining a power characteristic are explained. For the sake of clarity, Fig. 3 shows measurements for distances ^ of 0 mm, 3 mm, and 7 mm between the facing cover caps of the primary 100 and secondary device 200; however, measurements were taken and evaluated at closer intervals. The measurements of the regulated actual primary current ^ ^^^_^^^^ were also carried out in a range of secondary output power ^ ^^^_^^^^from about 1 W to about 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 21 / 35 20 W. This is a measurement of the relationship between ^ ^^^_^^^^ = ^(^ ^^^_^^^^ ) over ^ from 0 mm to 7 mm. The exemplary method for dynamic foreign object detection assumes that the functional relationship specified in function Fct. 2 can be well approximated as a linear characteristic curve. For this purpose, based on the measured functional characteristics shown in Fig. 3 for the dependent variable ^ ^^^_^^^^ from function Fct. 2, at each point of the curve, the measured maximum value ^^^^_^^^^_^^^= ^(^^^^_^^^^_^^^) of all considered functional characteristics is used. The distance dependence of the relationship is thus avoided by using as relevant points of the power characteristic the values for each value of the secondary power ^ ^^^_^^^^ the highest measured values ^ ^^^_^^^^evaluated. In Fig. 3, these maximum values ^^^^_^^^^_^^^ are indicated as a dashed line d_max. The resulting function characteristic curve is then linearized by determining the parameters of a linear fit function using a best-fit calculation, in particular using the least squares method. The slope (^) and the shift constant (^) of the linearized function characteristic curve are stored as parameters. In further embodiments, a different function can be used for the fit, such as an n-th order polynomial. In Fig. 4, the maximum values ^^^^_^^^^_^^^ are shown as points d_max and the linearized function ^^^^_^^^^_^^^= ^ ^ ^^^^ _^^^^_^^^ ^given as a continuous curve d_max_lin. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 22 / 35 The following applies to the maximum values ^^^^_^^^^_^^^ of the functional characteristic curves from Fct.2 over the distances ^ from 0 mm to 7 mm: ^^^^_^^^^_^^^= ^(^^^^_^^^^_^^^) Fct.3 ^^^^_^^^^_^^^[A] Maximum input current into the resonant circuit of the primary device without foreign object ^^^^_^^^^_^^^[W] Minimum output power from the voltage intermediate circuit of the secondary device without foreign object The following equation Eq.2 also applies: ^^^^_^^^^_^^^= ^^^^_^^^^_^^^∙ ^^^^_^^^^_^^^Eq.2 ^^^^_^^^^_^^^[V] Minimum voltage at the intermediate circuit capacitor of the secondary device without foreign object ^^^^_^^^^_^^^[A] Minimum current from the intermediate circuit capacitor of the secondary device without foreign object The "minimal" voltage or current of the intermediate circuit capacitor of the secondary device is understood to be the respective values which at least at a given primary current ^ ^^^_^^^^′ can be obtained. This means that the minimum secondary power achieved ^^^^_^^^^_^^^in the secondary device and the maximum primary current used for this purpose ^ ^^^_^^^^ ′. This determines the power characteristic curve so that sufficient reserves are always provided to achieve the desired power through inductive power transmission. To linearize function Fct. 3, a fit to an equation as given in Eq. 3 is performed: 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 23 / 35 ^ ^^^_^^^^′ [A] Linearized maximum input current into the resonant circuit of the primary device without foreign object (106) ^ [V-1] Slope of the function Fct.3 (here: 0.053) ^ [A] Displacement constant of the function Fct.3 (here: 0.2245) Fig. 4 shows an example of the linearized functional characteristic curve of Fct. 3 for the measured maximum values at distances ^ from 0 mm to 7 mm. A maximum and linearized power characteristic curve for ^^^^_^^^^_^^^= ^(^^^^_^^^^_^^^) over ^ from 0 mm to 7 mm is shown using a compensation calculation. If a metallic foreign object is located in the electromagnetic field between the primary and secondary devices during power transmission, this creates an inadmissible deviation from the input current into the resonant circuit of the primary device calculated on the basis of Fct. 3 (^ ^^^_^^^^ ′) and is therefore identified as a foreign object. To calculate the maximum permissible input current into the resonant circuit of the primary device, the following applies: ^^^^_^^^ [A] Maximum permissible input current into the resonant circuit of the primary device ^ ^^^_^^^^ ′ [A] Linearized maximum input current into the resonant circuit of the primary device without foreign object ^% [-] Percentage specified, permissible deviation of the linearized maximum input current into the resonant circuit of the primary device without foreign object 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 24 / 35 As is clear from the above description, there is a relationship between the primary side input power ^ ^^^ , to which the input current ^ ^^^ and the input voltage kept constant in the example ^ ^^^ , and the secondary output power ^ ^^^ , to which the output current ^ ^^^ and the output voltage ^ ^^^ contribute, and the distance ^ between primary 100 and secondary device 200. Simply put, the more input power ^ ^^^ be used to achieve the same secondary output power ^^^^to be achieved, the greater the distance ^ is. In the procedure illustrated in Fig. 4, the power characteristic curve is constructed such that the distance ^ is not taken into account for the comparison with a threshold value of the maximum permissible input current of the primary device. However, there is a dependency between the target primary power data on the transmitter side, the achieved secondary power data on the receiver side, and the distance between the transmitter and receiver. In a further embodiment, it is therefore provided that the axial distance ^ between the transmitter and the receiver is determined and taken into account in order to determine the target primary power or the maximum permissible primary current. For this purpose, the appropriate power characteristic curve is determined using a power characteristic map that includes power characteristics for different values of the distance ^. In particular, the measurements of the values of the regulated actual primary current ^ shown in Fig. 3^^^_^^^^ depending on the secondary output power ^ ^^^_^^^^evaluated at different distances ^. For each distance ^ or for a specific range of distances, a separate power characteristic curve is determined using a compensation calculation and fitted to an n-th order polynomial or another suitable function using a compensation calculation. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 25 / 35 The power characteristics recorded for different distances ^ now form a distance characteristic map. In order to evaluate this distance characteristic map, the required secondary output power and the distance ^ must be recorded. The power characteristic curve matching the distance ^ is then determined and based on this power characteristic curve the target primary power data is determined, in this example the maximum primary input current, assuming a fixed primary input voltage. With reference to Fig.5, the determination of the axial distance between the primary device and the secondary device is explained below. The system 500 shown here essentially corresponds to the system already explained above with reference to Fig. 1. Therefore, it will not be described in detail again. The system 500 for inductive power transmission comprises a primary device 600 and a secondary device 700. The control unit is not shown separately here, but is intended to be included in the primary device 600. During an inductive power transmission, a control 607 of the primary device 600 is supplied by a source 510 with a primary current ^. ^^^ The control 607 then provides a pulse width modulated signal ^ ^^^ready to control an oscillating circuit 504. As a result, a primary-side frequency of 105.0 to 129.5 kHz is achieved in the exemplary embodiment. Power is transferred 540 from the primary-side oscillating circuit 604 to a secondary-side oscillating circuit 704. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 26 / 35 In parallel, a data transfer 530 is implemented between the primary device 600 and the secondary device 700, wherein an IO-Link connection is provided in the example; in further exemplary embodiments, other data connections can be provided alternatively or additionally. The alternating voltage induced in the oscillating circuit 704 of the secondary device 700 depends on the distance ^ between the primary device 600 and the secondary device 700. By means of this induced alternating voltage, a rectifier 707 then generates a direct voltage ^ ^^^generated. As soon as power is delivered from the secondary device 700 to a load 520, a measurable secondary current flows from the intermediate circuit capacitor ^ ^^^ . The current values for the secondary current ^ ^^^ and the secondary voltage ^ ^^^ are measured and transmitted via data transmission 530 to the primary device 600. Within the limits of the frequency of the PWM control signal ^ ^^^ the primary device 600 regulates the intermediate circuit voltage ^ ^^^ of the secondary device 700, to a desired value, in the embodiment 24 V. The graph shown in Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a functional relationship between the frequency of the PWM control signal ^ ^^^ of the primary device 600 and the intermediate circuit voltage ^ ^^^ of the secondary device 700. Furthermore, the graph shown in Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a functional relationship between the frequency of the PWM control signal ^ ^^^of the primary device 600 and the secondary current ^ ^^^ of the secondary device 700. This graph shows curves of measurements at different distances ^, here 0 mm, 2 mm and 4 mm. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 27 / 35 To better evaluate these curves, the secondary power ^ is plotted on the x-axis. ^^^ = ^ ^^^ ∙ ^ ^^^ and on the y-axis the value of ^ ^^^ ∙ ^ ^^^ ∙ ^, where the factor ^ = ^ ∙ ^ ^ with a constant ^ = 30 and a parameter ^ = ^ ^^^ = ^ ^^^ ∙ ^ ^^^ with the exponent ^ = −1. This results in the following transformation for the values of the y-axis in this example: ^ ^^^ ∙ ^ ^^^ ∙ ^ = ^ ^^^ ∙ ^ ^^^ ∙ ^ ∙ ^^ That is, the curves shown in Fig. 7 show the relationship of the value ^ ^^^ / ^ ^^^ depending on the secondary power ^ ^^^for different distances ^. In a further step, the curves measured for the distances ^ can be fitted using a fitting calculation, for example, determining the parameters of a third-order polynomial. In the example, the constants (^1, ^2, ^3, ^4) for a polynomial of the form: The course of such characteristic curves for the distances ^ between 0 mm and 7 mm is shown as an example in Fig. 8. In the exemplary embodiment, these characteristic curves for different distances ^ form the distance characteristic field. To determine a distance between the transmitter 100, 600 and the receiver 200, 700, the primary frequency ^ ^^^ of the primary device 100, 600 and the secondary power obtained from the intermediate circuit of the secondary device 200, 700 ^ ^^^ recorded. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 28 / 35 In particular, the secondary power ^ ^^^via the data connection 530, such as an IO-Link connection, from the secondary device 200, 700 to the primary device 100, 600. It can now be determined which of the characteristic curves of the distance characteristic map the measured value pair is closest to. The corresponding distance ^ is then output and can be used, for example, in foreign body detection. In further embodiments, the characteristic curves of the distance characteristic map can be formed in other ways. The basic idea here is that the characteristic curves represent a relationship between the primary frequency ^ ^^^ of the primary device 100, 600 and the secondary power obtained from the intermediate circuit of the secondary device 200, 700 ^ ^^^for different distances ^. These parameters are recorded during the inductive power transmission, and a test is carried out to determine which characteristic curve the recorded pair of values most closely corresponds to. The corresponding distance ^ can then be specified.
[0002] 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 29 / 35 List of reference symbols 10 System 100 Primary device; transmitter 101 Voltage converter 102 Voltage intermediate circuit; primary intermediate circuit 103 Amplifier 104 Single coil 105 Voltage measuring unit 106 Current measuring unit 107 Evaluation and control unit 108 Primary interface; interface (data transmission) 110 Input 120 Output 130 Data transmission 140 Power transmission 200 Secondary device; receiver 201 Voltage converter 202 Voltage intermediate circuit; secondary intermediate circuit 203 Rectifier 204 Single coil 205 Voltage measuring unit 206 Current measuring unit 207 Evaluation and control unit 208 Secondary interface; Interface (data transmission) 500 System 510 Source 520 Load 530 Data connection 540 Power transmission 600 Primary device 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 30 / 35 604 Primary resonant circuit 607 Control 700 Secondary device 704 Secondary resonant circuit 707 Rectifier d Distance S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 Step
Claims
38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 31 / 35 Patent claims 1.A system (10) for inductive power transmission, comprising - a primary device (100) and a secondary device (200); and - a control unit (120); - wherein the primary device (100) is configured to inductively transmit power to a secondary resonant circuit of the secondary device (200) via a primary resonant circuit during the power transmission; - the control unit (120) is configured to acquire secondary power data of the secondary device (200) and, based on the acquired secondary power data, to determine primary target power data using a power characteristic curve; - the power characteristic curve comprises reference primary power data as a function of reference secondary power data; - the control unit (120) is further configured to acquire primary power data of the primary device (100) and to detect a foreign object based on a comparison of the primary target power data with the primary power data.System (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary power data relate to a primary current in a primary intermediate circuit (102) of the primary device (100), wherein in particular the primary intermediate circuit (102) of the primary device (100) is operated with a predetermined constant primary voltage; and / or that the secondary power data relate to a secondary voltage induced in a secondary intermediate circuit (202) of the secondary device (200) and a. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 32 / 35 relate to the secondary current supplied from the secondary intermediate circuit (202) of the secondary device (200).
3. System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (120) is comprised by the primary device (100); and / or that the control unit (120) is configured to acquire the secondary power data via an IO-Link connection.
4. System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power characteristic curve can be determined based on a power reference measurement; wherein, during the power reference measurement, actual primary power data of the primary device (100) are measured as a function of a plurality of reference secondary power data of the secondary device (200). 5.System (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, during the power reference measurement, the actual primary power data are further measured as a function of a plurality of reference distances within a predetermined operating range between the primary device (100) and the secondary device (200); optionally, the reference primary power data are determined based on the maximum actual primary power data measured within the predetermined operating range as a function of the reference secondary power data.
6. System (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that. 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 33 / 35 the performance characteristic is determined by means of a regression analysis, in particular a linear or polynomial curve fitting, as a function of the measured actual primary performance data as a function of the reference secondary performance data.
7. System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (120) is configured to determine an actual distance between the primary device (100) and the secondary device (200) and to further determine the primary target performance data based on the actual distance. 8.System (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit (120) is configured to further detect a frequency parameter of the primary device (100) to determine the actual distance; and to determine the actual distance based on the detected frequency parameter and the detected secondary performance data by means of a distance characteristic map; wherein the distance characteristic map can optionally be determined based on a distance reference measurement, wherein, during the distance reference measurement, actual secondary performance data of the secondary device (200) are measured as a function of a primary frequency of the primary device (100) for a plurality of reference distances within a predetermined operating range between the primary device (100) and the secondary device (200).Primary device (100) for inductive power transmission from the primary device (100) to a secondary device (200); comprising - a control unit (120) and a primary device interface (108); wherein - the control unit (120) is configured to detect secondary power data of a secondary device (200) coupled to the primary device (100) for inductive power transmission via the primary device interface (108), and to use the detected secondary power data to... 38845.TUR.P110PC S / Wi / js 34 / 35 performance data and a performance characteristic curve; wherein - the performance characteristic curve comprises reference primary performance data as a function of reference secondary performance data; wherein - the control unit (120) is further configured to acquire primary performance data of the primary device (100) and to detect a foreign object based on a comparison of the primary target performance data with the primary performance data. 10.Method for operating a system (10) for inductive power transmission from a primary device (100) to a secondary device (200); wherein - during the inductive power transmission, primary power data of the primary device (100) and secondary power data of the secondary device (200) are recorded; - based on the recorded secondary power data, primary target power data are determined by means of a power characteristic curve; - a foreign object is detected based on a comparison of the primary target power data with the primary power data.