CHARGING METHOD, CHARGING STATION, SYSTEM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a charging method, a charging station and a system, and a storage medium, and relates to the field of mobile charging technology. The charging method of the present disclosure includes the steps of: sending a charging request by a charging device to a LoRa base station based on LoRa communication, the charging request including location information of the charging device; receiving target charging location and charging station identification information fed back by the LoRa base station, the LoRa base station selecting the target charging location according to the location information; heading to the target charging location, sending a wake-up message by the charging device through a wireless signal, the wake-up message including the identification information; and starting charging when the target charging station corresponding to the target charging location successfully matches the identification information.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210376885.X, filed on April 12, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of mobile charging technology, and in particular to charging methods, charging stations and systems, and storage media. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, with the rapid development of robot-related technology, the requirements for charging technology are becoming higher and higher. Currently, there are several communication methods between the battery and the charger, such as CAN (Controller Area Network), RS485, and WiFi (Wireless Fidelity). The connection between the battery and the charger is usually realized by using a connector or WiFi wireless signal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present disclosure to improve the reliability of automatic charging docking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a charging method is provided, which includes the steps of: sending a charging request by a charging device to a LoRa base station based on LoRa communication, the charging request including location information of the charging device; receiving a target charging location and charging station identification information fed back by the LoRa base station, the target charging location being selected by the LoRa base station according to the location information; heading to the target charging location, sending an awakening message by the charging device via a wireless signal, the awakening message including the identification information; and starting charging when a target charging station corresponding to the target charging location successfully matches the identification information.

[0006] In some embodiments, the charging method further includes a step in which, if the charging device receives positioning information from the target charging station after the wake-up message is transmitted, the charging device moves according to the positioning information until charging is initiated, the positioning information being transmitted via a wireless signal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the wireless signal is a signal based on LoRa communication.

[0008] In some embodiments, the step of initiating charging includes a step of moving by the charging device according to the target charging location until a first charging port of the charging device is attached to a second charging port of the target charging station, and a step of obtaining electric energy by the charging device through the first charging port, wherein the charging device uses an attached charging method.

[0009] In some embodiments, the charging method further includes at least one of monitoring a charging status and transmitting first status monitoring information to the target charging station at a first predetermined frequency by the charging device via a wireless signal or receiving second status monitoring information from the target charging station by the charging device via a wireless signal during the charging process.

[0010] In some embodiments, the charging method further includes stopping charging when the charging state is found to be abnormal, and then transmitting abnormal charging state information by the charging device to at least one of a base station or a charging station.

[0011] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a charging method is provided, the method including: receiving a wake-up message from a charging device via a wireless signal by a charging station, the wake-up message including an identification information of a target charging station; matching the identification information of the target charging station with the charging station's own identification information, and upon successful matching, awakening a charging function to charge the charging device, where the target charging location and the identification information of the target charging station are obtained by the charging device from a LoRa base station based on LoRa communication.

[0012] In some embodiments, the charging method further includes the steps of awakening a device detection function when the identification information of the target charging station is successfully matched with the charging station's own identification information, performing charging of the charging device after the device detection function determines that the charging device has reached the target charging location, and transmitting position adjustment information to the charging device when the device detection function determines that the charging device has not reached the target charging location.

[0013] In some embodiments, the wireless signal is a signal based on LoRa communication.

[0014] In some embodiments, charging the charging device includes charging the first charging port through the second charging port when the second charging port of the charging station is attached to the first charging port of the charging device, where the charging device uses an attached charging method.

[0015] In some embodiments, the charging method further includes at least one of receiving first status monitoring information from the charging device by the charging station via a wireless signal, or monitoring a charging status and transmitting second status monitoring information to the charging device by the charging station via a wireless signal according to a second predetermined frequency during the charging process.

[0016] In some embodiments, the charging method further includes at least one of the following steps: when the charging state is found to be abnormal, stopping charging of the charging device and sending abnormal charging state information by the charging station to the LoRa base station, wherein the LoRa base station updates stored information of the charging station according to the abnormal charging state information and assigns the target charging station to the charging device according to the information of the charging station; or when the charging device leaves the target charging location, sending charging completion information by the charging station to the LoRa base station for the LoRa base station to update the target charging location to an idle state.

[0017] In some embodiments, the charging method further includes starting a first clock when charging of the charging device is determined to be complete, stopping the first clock and returning the first clock to zero in response to receiving a wake-up message, and putting the device detection function and the charging function to sleep in response to the first clock reaching a predetermined amount of sleep time.

[0018] In some embodiments, the charging method further includes a step of starting a second clock when the device detection function determines that the charging device reaches the target charging location, a step of stopping the second clock when the device detection function determines that the charging device leaves the target charging location, and a step of determining an occupancy time of the charging device at the target charging location according to the duration of the second clock.

[0019] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a charging method is provided, the method including: receiving a charging request from a charging device based on LoRa communication by a LoRa base station, where the charging request includes location information of the charging device; selecting a target charging location according to the location information of the charging device and determining identification information of a corresponding charging station; sending the target charging location and the identification information to the charging device, so that the charging device heads toward the target charging location, and activating the target charging station for charging according to the identification information.

[0020] In some embodiments, the step of transmitting the target charging location and identification information to the charging device includes a step of determining, according to the charging location related information and the location information of the charging device, a charging location that is idle and has a corresponding charging station that is normal and is closest to the charging device as the target charging location from among the charging locations, where the charging location related information includes whether it is idle, whether the corresponding charging station is normal, the location, and the identification information of the corresponding charging station.

[0021] In some embodiments, the charging method further includes at least one of the following steps: updating the target charging location to a non-idle state by the LoRa base station after the target charging location is determined; updating the target charging location to an idle state by the LoRa base station after charging completion information is received from the charging station; updating the target charging location to a charging station abnormal state by the LoRa base station when abnormal charging status information is received from at least one of the charging station or the charging device; or updating the target charging location to a charging station normal state by the LoRa base station when status recovery information is received from the charging station.

[0022] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a charging station is provided, the charging station including: an information interaction unit configured to receive a wake-up message from a charging device via a wireless signal, the wake-up message including an identification information of a target charging station; a controller configured to match the identification information of the target charging station with its own identification information of the charging station and wake up the charging unit in case of successful matching; and a charging unit configured to charge the charging device, the target charging location and the identification information of the target charging station being obtained by the charging device from a LoRa base station based on LoRa communication.

[0023] In some embodiments, the information interaction unit is a LoRa communication module and the wireless signal is a signal based on LoRa communication.

[0024] In some embodiments, the charging station further includes a device detection unit configured to detect whether the charging device reaches the target charging location after a wake-up command is received from the controller and feed it back to the controller, the controller is further configured to send a wake-up command to the device detection unit if the identification information of the target charging station is successfully matched with the charging station's own identification information, and if the device detection unit feeds back that the charging device reaches the target charging location, an operation of waking up the charging unit is executed, and if the device detection unit does not feed back that the charging device reaches the target charging location, position adjustment information is sent through the information interaction unit.

[0025] In some embodiments, the device detection unit includes an ultrasonic sensor.

[0026] In some embodiments, the charging station further includes a solid state circuit breaker configured to turn on the device detection unit when a wake-up command is received from the controller and to turn off the device detection unit when a sleep command is received from the controller.

[0027] In some embodiments, the charging station further includes a timer configured to start a first clock according to a first clocking command of the controller, stop the clocking according to a clocking stop command of the controller, return the first clock to zero, and send clocking stop information to the controller to stop the clocking and return it to zero when the clocking reaches a predetermined amount of sleep time, and the controller is further configured to send the first clocking command to the timer when charging of the charging device is determined to be completed, send the clocking stop command to the timer when the information interaction unit receives a wake-up message, and send a sleep command when the clocking stop information is received.

[0028] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a charging system including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to perform any of the methods described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0029] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, perform the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0030] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a charging system including a charging station configured to perform any of the methods performed by the charging station and a LoRa base station configured to perform any of the methods performed by the LoRa base station.

[0031] In some embodiments, the charging system further includes a charging device configured to perform any of the methods performed by the charging device described above.

[0032] The accompanying drawings described herein are intended to provide further understanding of the present disclosure and to form a part of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and their descriptions are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not constitute an inappropriate definition of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a flow chart of some embodiments of a charging method according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 11 is a flow chart of another embodiment of a charging method according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flow chart of yet another embodiment of a charging method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of a charging station according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a charging station according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of a charging system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a charging system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a charging system according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The technical solutions of the present disclosure are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] In the related art, due to the high accuracy of the communication connector and the high requirement for insertion accuracy, manual insertion operation is often required, and multiple insertions are likely to cause damage and shorten the service life of the device. However, when the wireless communication method is used, the charging station is often allocated to an environment where the wireless signal is difficult to penetrate, such as an underground, a parking lot, or a safe isolation area, so the wireless signal is weak and the reliability is low in actual use.

[0036] A flow chart of some embodiments of a charging method according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1, divided by dotted lines, with steps 111 to 114 on the far left being operations performed by the charging device, steps 121 to 123 in the middle row being operations performed by the LoRa base station, and steps 131 to 133 on the right being operations performed by the charging station.

[0037] In step 111, the charging device sends a charging request to a LoRa base station based on LoRa communication, and the charging request includes the location information of the charging device. In some embodiments, the charging device obtains real-time positioning information by using a GPS device disposed therein, or obtains real-time positioning information by mobile communication technology, and then sends a charging request through a LoRa communication device disposed therein, and the charging request will be received by a LoRa base station covering the area. The LoRa base station performs the operation of step 121 described below.

[0038] In some embodiments, a charging device may refer to a mobile device equipped with a rechargeable battery, such as an AGV or robot that needs to be charged.

[0039] In step 121, the LoRa base station receives a charging request from the charging device based on LoRa communication, extracts location information of the charging device from the charging request, and executes step 122.

[0040] In some embodiments, in order to realize access identity verification and improve system security, the LoRa base station may first verify the identity of the charging device according to the information of the charging device carried in the charging request, and extract the location information in the charging request if verified; otherwise, the charging request is ignored.

[0041] In step 122, the LoRa base station selects a target charging location according to the location information of the charging device and determines the identification information of the corresponding charging station. In some embodiments, the LoRa base station may configure the target charging location to be in a non-idle state to prevent the charging location from being assigned to other charging devices, in order to improve the reliability of allocating the charging location.

[0042] In some embodiments, the LoRa base station selects a target charging location from among the available charging locations based on a predetermined strategy according to the pre-stored association information of each charging location and the location information in the charging request. In some embodiments, the predetermined strategy is to select an available charging location with the shortest distance by route planning, or to screen available charging locations according to the pre-stored charging preferences of the charging device, and further select a charging location with the shortest distance from the screening results. The charging preferences of the user may include selecting a parking lot with a preset size, selecting a charging station with a preset specification or brand, etc.

[0043] In some embodiments, the related information of each charging location stored in advance by the LoRa base station may include whether the charging location is idle, whether the corresponding charging station is normal, the location (e.g., latitude and longitude), and the identification information of the charging station. Multiple charging stations are concentrated in a close area, which is convenient for cable placement and post-maintenance, and the identification information of different charging stations in a close area is different from each other. In some embodiments, the related information of the charging location may also include the size of the charging location, the specification or brand of the corresponding charging station, etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, the charging station has a one-to-one correspondence with the charging location, so that each charging location has a charging port, and the identification information of the charging station is the identification information of the charging location. In some embodiments, multiple charging stations may belong to the same charging facility, and one or more charging facilities may be provided in a close area. The method of the embodiment of the present disclosure allows for scheduling of charging devices when charging locations are concentrated, thereby improving the automation and reliability of the entire charging process, and also improving the utilization rate of the charging stations.

[0045] In step 123, the LoRa base station sends identification information of the target charging location and the corresponding charging station to the charging device to trigger the charging device to perform step 112. In some embodiments, the LoRa base station may feed back route planning information from the current location of the charging device to the target charging location, and the route planning information will be used directly by the charging device.

[0046] In step 112, the charging device receives the target charging location and the identification information of the charging station fed back by the LoRa base station, and then performs step 113.

[0047] In step 113, the charging device travels to the target charging location and transmits a wake-up message via a wireless signal. The wake-up message includes an identification of the charging station corresponding to the target charging location to identify the corresponding charging station. The wake-up message triggers the charging station to perform step 131.

[0048] In some embodiments, if the received feedback information includes route planning information, the charging device may directly move according to the route planning information, thereby lowering the demands on the route planning capability of the charging device.

[0049] In some embodiments, the charging device performs route planning according to its own real-time location and the target charging location, and then moves according to the route planning result, thereby improving the accuracy and reaction flexibility of the route planning.

[0050] In some embodiments, the charging device transmits wake-up messages according to a predetermined frequency on the way to the target charging location to wake up the charging station as soon as possible and reduce the waiting time of the charging device after reaching the target charging location. In some embodiments, the charging device calculates the distance from the target charging location and starts transmitting wake-up messages at a predetermined frequency when the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance threshold, thereby waking up the charging station as soon as possible, reducing the number of transmissions, reducing energy consumption, and reducing the data processing burden of the charging station. In some embodiments, the charging device transmits the wake-up message after reaching the target charging location, thereby further reducing energy consumption and reducing the data processing burden of the charging station.

[0051] In some embodiments, the charging device may send a wake-up message based on its LoRa communication capability in order to improve the reliability of data transmission on the one hand and reduce the number of wireless communication modules required to be placed in the charging device on the other hand, thereby lowering the size requirements and reducing costs of the charging device.

[0052] In step 131, the charging station receives a wake-up message from the charging device via a wireless signal. In some embodiments, the charging station uses a LoRa communication module to receive the wake-up message transmitted based on LoRa communication technology.

[0053] In step 132, the charging station analyzes the identification information of the target charging station in the wake-up message and matches the identification information of the target charging station with its own identification information. If the match is successful, step 133 is executed. If not, it is determined that the target charging station is not the charging station itself, and the wake-up message is ignored.

[0054] In step 133 , if the charging station is currently in a sleep state, the charging function is awakened to prepare to charge the charging device, and the charging device is triggered to perform step 114 .

[0055] In step 114, the charging device is ready and charging begins. In some embodiments, the charging device may report its parameters, so that the charging station sets corresponding charging parameters, such as voltage, current, and battery charge level, and discharges according to the charging parameters.

[0056] In some embodiments, the charging device may use an attached charging method, which has higher charging power and efficiency compared with wireless charging, and no plug-in connection is required, which lowers the requirement of the position accuracy of the charging device, reduces the likelihood of need in manual adjustment, and improves the success rate and reliability of the automatic processing of the whole charging process. In some embodiments, the charging device moves according to the target charging location until the first charging port of the charging device is attached to the second charging port of the target charging station, so that the charging device obtains electric energy through the first charging port.

[0057] Based on the method of the above embodiment, the charging device may initiate a charging request to the LoRa base station based on the LoRa communication method, and the base station executes allocation according to the pre-stored charging location and notifies the charging device by the LoRa communication method, so that the charging device may automatically head to the charging location. The communication process exists only between the LoRa base station and the charging device, without data transmission depending on the coverage of the Internet or WiFi signal, thereby reducing the probability of packet loss and bit error and improving the reliability of the allocation of the charging location. The charging device directly interacts with the charging station through wireless signals without third-party transmission, which further improves the reliability and efficiency of communication. The charging station starts working when it is awakened by the charging device, and does not need to keep working all the time, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the charging station.

[0058] A flow chart of another embodiment of a charging method according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 2, where steps 213 to 215 to the left of the dotted line are operations performed by the charging device and steps 231 to 237 to the right are operations performed by the charging station.

[0059] In step 213, the charging device transmits a wake-up message via a wireless signal, where the wake-up message carries the identification information of the target charging station. In some embodiments, the wake-up message may be transmitted by broadcast. In some embodiments, the wireless signal refers to a signal based on LoRa communication. This operation triggers the charging station receiving the wake-up message to perform step 231.

[0060] In some embodiments, if the charging station is currently occupied, the wake-up message is immediately ignored, and if the charging station is currently idle, step 231 is executed.

[0061] In step 231, the charging station receives a wake-up message from the charging device via a wireless signal. In some embodiments, the wireless signal refers to a signal based on LoRa communication.

[0062] In step 232, the charging station matches the target charging station's identification information in the wake-up message with the charging station's own identification information. If the match is successful, step 234 is executed. If the match is not successful, step 233 is executed.

[0063] In step 233, the charging station determines that it is not the target charging station, therefore the wake-up message is ignored and the current state of the charging station remains unchanged.

[0064] In step 234, the charging station determines that it is the target charging station, and therefore the relevant functions of the device are awakened to prepare to charge the charging device. In some embodiments, the awakened functions may include a charging function and a device detection function. In some embodiments, to perform step 235, the device detection function may be awakened first.

[0065] In step 235, the charging station uses a device detection function to determine that the charging device reaches the target charging location. In some embodiments, the device detection function may be performed by an ultrasonic sensor to determine whether the charging device reaches the target charging location by transmitting an ultrasonic signal to the target charging location and receiving feedback. If the target charging location is reached, step 237 is performed. If it is determined that the charging device has not reached the target charging location, for example if the ultrasonic sensor detects that the target charging location is empty, step 236 is performed.

[0066] In step 236, the charging station sends the alignment information to the charging device to trigger the charging device to perform step 214. In some embodiments, the alignment information may include precise location information of the target charging location.

[0067] In step 214, the charging device moves according to the positioning information.

[0068] The device detection functionality of the charging station may continually detect the location of the charging device, and when the charging device is found to be ready, step 237 is executed.

[0069] In step 237, the charging station starts charging the charging device. In some embodiments, to further reduce energy waste, if the charging function of the charging station is still asleep, the charging function is awakened and charging begins. This action triggers the charging device to perform step 215.

[0070] In step 215, the charging device receives the electrical energy output from the charging station and charging begins.

[0071] Based on the method of the above embodiment, the charging device may directly interact with the charging station based on LoRa communication technology without obtaining the communication address of the charging station, and each charging station may identify the wake-up message for itself according to the identification information carried in the wake-up message and then prepare for charging, which avoids the charging station's dependency on centralized control and avoids being affected by the centralized control device and the related transmission quality of the Internet, and improves the reliability of the charging system. Furthermore, to improve the reliability of the automatic charging process from the charging device to the charging station, the location of the charging device may be adjusted in time through the device detection function.

[0072] In some embodiments, during the charging operation of the charging station, the charging device and the charging station each perform charging monitoring, determine whether the charging status is normal, and transmit information to the other at their respective predetermined frequencies, and when either is found to be abnormal, may stop charging without delay. In some embodiments, during the charging process, the charging device monitors the charging status and transmits first status monitoring information to the target charging station via a wireless signal according to a first predetermined frequency, and the charging station receives the first status monitoring information from the charging device via the wireless signal. In some embodiments, the charging station monitors the charging status and transmits second status monitoring information to the charging device via a wireless signal according to a second predetermined frequency, and the charging device receives the second status monitoring information from the target charging station via the wireless signal. In some embodiments, the wireless signal is a signal based on LoRa communication.

[0073] At present, with the rapid expansion of battery capacity and the rapid increase of charging current, firefighting devices and other safety equipment are presented with great challenges. The method of the above embodiment can ensure smooth continuous interaction, ensure the normal status of both parties, and can also promptly obtain the abnormal status of the other party to improve the reliability of charging.

[0074] In some embodiments, when the charging station finds that the charging station itself is in an abnormal state, in addition to stopping charging the charging device, the abnormal charging state information is further transmitted to the LoRa base station. When the charging device finds that the charging station itself is in an abnormal state, in addition to notifying the charging station to stop charging and stop discharging in a timely manner, the abnormal charging state information is further transmitted to the LoRa base station.

[0075] Based on the method of the above embodiment, the charging station and the charging device respectively report their own abnormal charging status to the LoRa base station, avoiding repeated reporting of abnormality, thereby reducing the information processing burden of the LoRa base station.

[0076] In some embodiments, in the process of performing a charging operation by a charging station, a flowchart of a charging method according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3, where steps 331 to 3310 on the left side of the dotted line are operations performed by the charging station, and steps 321 to 323 on the right side are operations performed by a LoRa base station.

[0077] In step 331, the charging station continuously monitors the charging state and determines whether the charging state is abnormal. If it is determined that the charging state is abnormal, step 332 is executed. If the charging state is normal, step 333 is executed.

[0078] In step 332, the charging station sends abnormal charging status information to the LoRa base station to trigger the LoRa base station to stop charging the charging device and execute step 321.

[0079] In addition, the charging station further executes step 333 .

[0080] In step 321, the LoRa base station updates the target charging location to an abnormal state. A charging location in an abnormal state is an unavailable location, and therefore, the charging location in an abnormal state will not be considered when the LoRa base station subsequently allocates charging locations for charging devices.

[0081] In step 333, the charging station determines whether the charging device leaves the target charging location. If the charging device has left the target charging location, proceed to step 334. If not, return to execution of step 331 to continue monitoring the charging status.

[0082] In some embodiments, the charging station determines whether the charging device is fully charged or reaches a predetermined battery charge level, which may reach a predetermined charge percentage, for example, 90%. If it is determined that the charging device has reached the predetermined battery charge level, the output of electrical energy is stopped, charging is terminated, and the charging device is notified to leave the target location. Then, whether the charging device has left is detected using a device detection function.

[0083] In some embodiments, the charging station may use a device detection function to monitor in real time whether a charging device has been removed in order to detect in time if the charging device has been removed before a predetermined battery charge level has been reached.

[0084] In step 334, the charging station sends charging completion information to the LoRa base station, starts a first clock, and executes step 335. In some embodiments, the charging station triggers the LoRa base station to execute step 322.

[0085] In step 322, the LoRa base station updates the target charging location to an idle state so that this charging location may be reassigned, thereby improving the success rate of subsequently allocating a charging location.

[0086] In the course of performing the first clock, it is determined whether a wake-up message is received in step 335. In some embodiments, after the wake-up message is received, the charging station first determines whether the identification information in the wake-up message matches the charging station itself. If the match is successful, step 336 is performed. If the match is not successful, step 337 is performed.

[0087] In step 336, the charging station stops the first clock, sets the first clock back to zero, and prepares to charge the charging device.

[0088] In step 337, it is determined whether the first clock reaches a predetermined amount of sleep time. If the predetermined amount of sleep time is reached, step 338 is performed. If not, step 335 is performed.

[0089] In step 338, the charging station stops the first clock, sets the first clock back to zero, and puts the device detection and charging functions to sleep.

[0090] Based on the method of the above embodiment, the charging station may synchronize the anomaly with the LoRa base station in time, thereby improving the reliability of the subsequent allocation of the charging station for the charging device. Moreover, the charging station can switch to a sleep state in time to reduce energy consumption and equipment loss.

[0091] In some embodiments, the charging station further starts a second clock when the device detection function determines that the charging device reaches the target charging location. The second clock is stopped when the device detection function determines that the charging device leaves the target charging location. An occupancy time of the charging device at the target charging location is determined according to the duration of the second clock described above. This occupancy time may serve as a data basis for subsequent maintenance of the charging station, statistics of energy consumption of the charging station, and assessment and evaluation of the charging device.

[0092] In some embodiments, the charging method of the present disclosure may further include operations beginning with step 339 as shown in FIG.

[0093] The charging station determines whether the charging station is in a restored state in step 339. In some embodiments, the charging station is triggered to perform step 3310 after manual repairs and tests pass.

[0094] In step 3310, the charging station sends state recovery information to the LoRa base station to trigger the LoRa base station to perform step 323.

[0095] In step 323, the LoRa base station updates the target charging location to the normal state of the charging station, so that the charging location may be reassigned.

[0096] In this manner, it is possible to improve the success rate of subsequently allocating charging locations and ensure continuous cyclic operation of the system, thereby improving the utilization rate of charging locations.

[0097] A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a charging station 43 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG.

[0098] The information interaction unit 431 may receive a wake-up message from the charging device through a wireless signal, where the wake-up message includes the identification information of the target charging station. The information interaction unit 431 sends the wake-up message to the controller 432. In some embodiments, the identification information of the target charging station and the target charging location are obtained by the charging device from a LoRa base station based on LoRa communication, and the obtaining process may be shown in the corresponding embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0099] The controller 432 pre-stores the charging station's own identification information, and the controller may match the target charging station's identification information in the wake-up message with the charging station's own identification information, and if successfully matched, the charging unit is woken up.

[0100] After being awakened, the charging unit 433 may charge the charging device. In some embodiments, the charging unit 433 may start discharging after detecting that the charging port is normally connected with the charging device.

[0101] Such charging stations may directly interact with charging devices based on wireless communication technology, and each charging station may identify the wake-up message for itself according to the identification information carried in the wake-up message, and then prepare for charging, which avoids the charging stations' dependence on centralized control and avoids being affected by the centralized control device and the related transmission quality of the Internet, and improves the reliability of the charging system.

[0102] In some embodiments, the controller 432 may be in a sleep state when it is idle. When the information interaction unit 431 receives a wake-up message, the controller 432 is woken up, thereby shortening the operation time of the controller 432 and further reducing energy consumption.

[0103] 4, the charging station 43 may further include a device detection unit 434, which can detect whether the charging device reaches the target charging location after receiving a wake-up command from the controller, and feed back the detection result to the controller. In some embodiments, the device detection unit 434 may determine whether the charging device reaches the target charging location based on an ultrasonic detection method.

[0104] The controller 432 may send a wake-up command to the device detection unit if the identification information of the target charging station is successfully matched with the charging station's own identification information. The controller 432 monitors the information fed back by the device detection unit. If the device detection unit feeds back that the charging device reaches the target charging location, the charging unit is further woken up. If the device detection unit feeds back that the charging device has not reached the target charging location, the controller 432 sends position adjustment information through the information interaction unit.

[0105] Such a charging station, through the device detection function, can adjust the location of the charging device in time, which improves the reliability of the automatic charging process from the charging device to the charging station.

[0106] In some embodiments, the charging station 43 further includes a solid-state circuit breaker 435, which may turn on the device detection unit when a wake-up command is received from the controller, and turn off the device detection unit when a sleep command is received from the controller. Such a charging station may lower the demands on the control capability of the device detection unit and manage the working state of the device detection unit by a conveniently controlled solid-state switch, which makes it easy to implement.

[0107] In some embodiments, the charging station 43 may further include a timer 436, which may start a first time according to a first time command of the controller, stop time according to a time stop command of the controller, and return the first time to zero, and when the time reaches a predetermined sleep time length, the timer 436 sends time end information to the controller, stops time, and returns the first time to zero. In view of the above-mentioned function of the timer 436, the controller 432 may send a first time command to the timer when it is determined that the charging of the charging device is completed. When the information interaction unit receives a wake-up message, a time stop command is sent to the timer. When the time end information is received, a sleep command is sent.

[0108] Such a charging station may switch to a sleep state without delay after charging is finished, which reduces energy consumption. Furthermore, by means of a timed operation, it is possible to avoid frequent repeated switching between sleep and wakefulness, which improves the continuity of operation.

[0109] A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a charging station 53 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG.

[0110] The LoRa unit 531 performs the functions of the information interaction unit 431 described above and interacts with the LoRa base station and the charging device. In some embodiments, the LoRa unit 531 and the controller 532 may interact through a bus. The LoRa unit 531 is connected to the controller 532 by signals.

[0111] The controller 532 may include an MCU and a crystal oscillator circuit, which are connected with the ultrasonic sensor, the solid-state circuit breaker, the LoRa unit, and the real-time clock unit by signals, respectively. The controller 532 may send a start signal to the ultrasonic sensor 534 and calculate the distance between the charging device and the charging station according to the ultrasonic return time. The controller 532 may also collect real-time clock information and determine whether the controller, the ultrasonic sensor, and the LoRa unit need to enter a low power consumption mode according to the real-time clock. In addition, the controller 532 may control the LoRa unit to send information to the charging device.

[0112] The power supply unit 533 performs the functions of the charging power supply 533 described above and may also provide power to various portions of the charging station. In some embodiments, the power supply unit 533 includes a low power consumption power source for powering various portions of the charging station and for switching to a low power consumption mode when the powered units go to sleep.

[0113] The ultrasonic sensor 534 is an element of the device detection unit 434 mentioned above. In some embodiments, the controller may send a high-level signal of 10us or more to the control end of the ultrasonic sensor 534 through an I / O (input / output) port. After the signal is received, the ultrasonic sensor 534 automatically sends out eight square waves of 40KHz to detect whether a return signal is received. When the receiving port has a rising edge, it is determined that the charging device is located at the charging location. When there is a falling edge, it is determined that the charging device leaves the charging location. In some embodiments, when the receiving port of the ultrasonic sensor 534 determines that there is a rising edge, the timer starts timing, and when the receiving port of the ultrasonic sensor 534 determines that there is a falling edge, it stops timing. The timing duration is the time that the charging device stays at the charging location, and the timing duration data is sent to the controller and stored for use. In some embodiments, the data may also be reported to the LoRa base station.

[0114] A solid state circuit breaker 535 acts as a sleep and activation control switch for the ultrasonic sensor 534 .

[0115] The real-time clock unit 536 performs the functions of the timekeeping unit described above, including exchanging information with the controller 532, and real-time timing, which is used by the controller 531 to determine whether the controller itself, the ultrasonic sensor, and the LoRa unit need to enter a low power consumption mode. In some embodiments, the real-time clock unit 536 may interact with the controller through an IIC (Inter-Integrated Circuit) interface.

[0116] A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a charging system according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 6. The charging system, which may be a charging device, a charging station, or a LoRa base station, includes a memory 601 and a processor 602. Here, the memory 601 may be a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or any other non-volatile storage medium. The memory is configured to store instructions in the corresponding embodiment of the charging method. The processor 602 coupled to the memory 601 may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, such as a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processor 602 configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory may improve the reliability of the automatic charging docking.

[0117] 7, the charging system 700 may include a memory 701 and a processor 702. The processor 702 is coupled to the memory 701 via a bus 703. The charging system 700 may also be connected to an external storage device 705 through a storage interface 704 to retrieve external data, and may be connected to a network or another computer system (not shown) through a network interface 706. A detailed introduction will not be repeated here.

[0118] In this embodiment, the memory stores data instructions and the processor processes the instructions, thereby improving the reliability of automatic charging docking.

[0119] In another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is stored with computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method steps of the corresponding embodiment of the charging method. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as a method, a device, or a computer program product. Thus, the present disclosure may take the form of an all-hardware embodiment, an all-software embodiment, or a combination of software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk memory, CD-ROM, optical memory, etc.) that includes computer usable program code.

[0120] A schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a charging system according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 8, where the charging system includes a LoRa base station 82 and charging stations 831 to 83n, where n is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0121] LoRa base station 82 may perform any of the methods performed by a LoRa base station as described above. Each of charging stations 831 to 83n may be any of those described above that may perform any of the methods performed by a charging station as described above.

[0122] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the charging system may further include a charging device 81 that may perform any of the methods performed by the charging station described above.

[0123] Based on the method of the above embodiment, the LoRa base station allocates a charging location for the charging device according to the pre-stored conditions of the charging location and notifies the charging device by the LoRa communication method, so that the charging device can automatically head to the charging location. The communication process exists only between the LoRa base station and the charging device, without data transmission depending on the coverage of the Internet or WiFi signal, thereby reducing the probability of packet loss and bit error and improving the reliability of the allocation of the charging location. The charging device directly interacts with the charging station through wireless signals without third-party transmission, which further improves the reliability and efficiency of communication. The charging station starts working when it is awakened by the charging device, and does not need to keep working all the time, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the charging station.

[0124] The present disclosure has been described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each step and / or block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of steps and / or blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, an embedded processing machine, or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate a device for implementing the specified functions of one or more steps of the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0125] These computer program instructions may be stored in a computer readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner to produce a product that includes an instruction device, the instruction device implementing a function specified in one or more steps of the flowcharts or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0126] These computer program instructions may be loaded into a computer or other programmable device such that a sequence of operational steps is performed on the computer or other programmable device to generate a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable device, provide steps for implementing a function specified in one or more steps of the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0127] Up to now, the present disclosure has been described in detail. Some details well known in the art are not described in order to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure. Through the above description, those skilled in the art will fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein.

[0128] The method and device of the present disclosure may be implemented in many ways. For example, the method and device of the present disclosure may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The above-mentioned order of steps of the method is merely for illustrative purposes, and the steps of the method of the present disclosure are not limited to the order specifically described above, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the present disclosure may be embodied as a program recorded on a recording medium, which includes machine-readable instructions for carrying out the method according to the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure also encompasses a recording medium that stores a program for carrying out the method according to the present disclosure.

[0129] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are intended to only illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, rather than limiting the present disclosure, and a detailed description of the present disclosure has been given with reference to preferred embodiments, but those skilled in the art should still understand that modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure, or equivalent substitutions can be made for some of the technical features, all of which are within the scope of the technical solutions sought to be protected in the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 43 Charging Station 431 Information Interaction Unit 432 Controller 433 Charging Unit 434 Device Detection Unit 435 Solid-state circuit breaker 436 Timer 53 Charging Station 531 LoRa unit 532 Controller 533 Power Supply Unit 534 Ultrasonic Sensor 535 Solid State Circuit Breaker 536 Real Time Clock Unit 601 Memory 602 Processor 700 Charging System 701 Memory 702 Processor 703 Bus 704 Storage Interface 705 External Storage Device 706 Network Interface 81 Charging Devices 82 LoRa base station 831~83n Charging Station

Claims

1. A charging method, comprising: sending a charging request by a charging device to a LoRa base station based on long-range wireless (LoRa) communication, the charging request including location information of the charging device; receiving identification information of a target charging location and a charging station fed back by the LoRa base station, the target charging location being selected by the LoRa base station according to the location information; traveling to the target charging location and transmitting a wake-up message via a wireless signal by the charging device, the wake-up message including the identification information; starting charging when a target charging station corresponding to the target charging location successfully matches the identification information; Including, charging method.

2. 2. The charging method of claim 1, further comprising: when the charging device receives positioning information from the target charging station via the wireless signal after the wake-up message is transmitted, moving according to the positioning information until charging is initiated.

3. The charging method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless signal is a signal based on LoRa communication.

4. The step of starting charging is moving by the charging device according to the target charging location until a first charging port of the charging device is attached to a second charging port of the target charging station; Obtaining electrical energy by the charging device through the first charging port, the charging device using an attached charging method; The charging method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

5. monitoring a charging state during a charging process and transmitting first state monitoring information by the charging device via the wireless signal to the target charging station at a first predetermined frequency; or receiving second status monitoring information from the target charging station by the charging device via the wireless signal; The charging method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one of the following:

6. 6. The charging method of claim 5, further comprising the step of stopping charging when the charging state is found to be abnormal, and then transmitting abnormal charging state information by the charging device to at least one of a base station or a charging station.

7. A charging method, comprising: receiving, by the charging station, a wake-up message from the charging device via a wireless signal, the wake-up message including an identification of the target charging station; matching the identification information of the target charging station with its own identification information, and waking up a charging function to charge the charging device if the matching is successful; Including, The charging method, wherein the target charging location and the identification information of the target charging station are obtained by the charging device from a LoRa base station based on LoRa communication.

8. awakening a device detection function if the identification information of the target charging station is successfully matched with the charging station's own identification information; performing charging of the charging device after the device detection function determines that the charging device reaches the target charging location; sending position adjustment information to the charging device when the device detection function determines that the charging device has not reached the target charging location; The charging method of claim 7, further comprising:

9. The charging method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the wireless signal is a signal based on LoRa communication.

10. The charging of the charging device, 9. The charging method of claim 7 or 8, comprising charging the first charging port through a second charging port of the charging station when the second charging port is attached to the first charging port of the charging device, the charging device using an attached charging method.

11. receiving first status monitoring information from the charging device by the charging station via the wireless signal; or monitoring a charging state during a charging process and transmitting second state monitoring information by the charging station to the charging device via the wireless signal according to a second predetermined frequency; The charging method according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising at least one of the following:

12. if the charging state is found to be abnormal, stopping charging of the charging device and sending abnormal charging state information by the charging station to the LoRa base station, wherein the LoRa base station updates stored information of the charging station according to the abnormal charging state information and assigns the target charging station to the charging device according to the information of the charging station; or sending charging completion information by the charging station to the LoRa base station, so as to update the target charging location to an idle state by the LoRa base station when the charging device leaves the target charging location; The charging method of claim 11, further comprising at least one of the following:

13. starting a first clock when it is determined that the charging of the charging device is completed; in response to receiving the wake-up message, stopping the first clock and resetting the first clock to zero; in response to the first clock reaching a predetermined amount of sleep time, putting the device detection function and the charging function to sleep; The charging method of claim 8, further comprising:

14. starting a second timer when the device detection function determines that the charging device will reach the target charging location; stopping the second clock when the device detection function determines that the charging device leaves the target charging location; determining an occupancy time of the charging device at the target charging location according to a duration of the second clock; The charging method of claim 8, further comprising:

15. A charging method, comprising: receiving a charging request from a charging device based on LoRa communication by a LoRa base station, the charging request including location information of the charging device; selecting a target charging location according to the location information of the charging device and determining an identification information of a corresponding charging station; sending the target charging location and the identification information to the charging device so that the charging device is directed to the target charging location, and activating the target charging station for charging according to the identification information; Including, charging method.

16. transmitting the target charging location and the identification information to the charging device; According to the related information of charging locations and the location information of the charging device, determining a charging location that is in an idle state and the corresponding charging station is normal and is closest to the charging device as the target charging location among the charging locations; 16. The charging method of claim 15, wherein the related information of the charging location includes whether the charging location is in an idle state, whether the corresponding charging station is normal, a location, and the identification information of the corresponding charging station.

17. After the target charging location is determined, updating the target charging location to a non-idle state by the LoRa base station; updating the target charging location to the idle state by the LoRa base station after receiving charging completion information from the charging station; updating the target charging location to a charging station abnormal state by the LoRa base station when abnormal charging state information from at least one of the charging station or the charging device is received; or updating the target charging location to a charging station normal state by the LoRa base station when state recovery information is received from the charging station; 17. The charging method of claim 16, further comprising at least one of the following:

18. 1. A charging station, comprising: an information interaction unit configured to receive a wake-up message from a charging device via a wireless signal, the wake-up message including an identification of a target charging station; a controller configured to match an identity of the target charging station with its own identity and wake up a charging unit upon successful match; a charging unit configured to charge the charging device; Including, The charging station, wherein the target charging location and the identification information of the target charging station are obtained by the charging device from a LoRa base station based on LoRa communication.

19. The charging station of claim 18, wherein the information interaction unit is a LoRa communication module, and the wireless signal is a signal based on LoRa communication.

20. Further comprising a device detection unit configured to detect whether the charging device reaches a target charging location after receiving a wake-up command from the controller, and feed back to the controller; 19. The charging station of claim 18, wherein the controller is further configured to send the wake-up command to the device detection unit when the identification information of the target charging station is successfully matched with the charging station's own identification information, and an operation of waking up the charging unit is executed when the device detection unit feedbacks that the charging device will reach the target charging location, and position adjustment information is sent through the information interaction unit when the device detection unit does not feedback that the charging device will reach the target charging location.

21. The charging station of claim 20 , wherein the device detection unit includes an ultrasonic sensor.

22. 21. The charging station of claim 20, further comprising a solid-state circuit breaker configured to turn on the device detection unit when the wake-up command from the controller is received and to turn off the device detection unit when a sleep command from the controller is received.

23. a timer configured to start a first clock according to a first clock command of the controller, stop the clock according to a clock stop command of the controller, return the first clock to zero, and send a clock stop signal to the controller to stop the clock and return the clock to zero when the clock reaches a predetermined amount of sleep time; 20. The charging station of claim 18, wherein the controller is further configured to: send the first timing command to the timer when charging of the charging device is determined to be completed; send the timing stop command to the timer when the information interaction unit receives the wake-up message; and send a sleep command when the timing stop information is received.

24. Memory, A processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 17 based on instructions stored in the memory; Including, the charging system.

25. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, perform the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 17.

26. A charging station configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 7 to 14; A LoRa base station configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 15 to 17; Including, the charging system.

27. 27. The charging system of claim 26, further comprising a charging device configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

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