Method of operating a system comprising a parking lot and at least one vehicle - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of operating a system (1) comprising a parking lot (10) and at least one vehicle (100), the parking lot (10) having parking spaces (11) each equipped with one stationary inductive charging device (12). Each stationary inductive charging device (12) generates an orientation field (18) for the orientation of each vehicle (100), the orientation field being oriented parallel to the parking direction (P) of the corresponding parking space (11), and at least two adjacent stationary inductive charging devices (12) generate the orientation field (18) with a different frequency. The present invention further relates to such a system (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of operating a system comprising a parking lot with a plurality of parking spaces and a motor vehicle, in which a stationary inductive charging device of the parking space cooperates with a mobile inductive charging device of the motor vehicle for wireless energy transfer. The present invention further relates to such a system.

[0002] For wireless energy transmission with a vehicle, a stationary inductive charging device is typically used in cooperation with the vehicle's mobile inductive charging device. For wireless energy transmission, the energy coil of one of the inductive charging devices is used as a primary coil, and the energy coil of the other inductive charging device is used as a secondary coil. For energy transmission, the primary coil generates an alternating magnetic field, which induces a voltage in the secondary coil. To enable wireless energy transmission and increase the efficiency of energy transmission, the primary coil and the secondary coil should be appropriately positioned relative to each other, and thus the energy coils of the inductive charging devices should be appropriately positioned relative to each other.

[0003] A parking lot typically includes multiple parking spaces. It is conceivable to provide each of these parking spaces with a stationary inductive charging device, so that each parking space can cooperate with a mobile inductive charging device of each vehicle for energy transfer. In this case, the stationary inductive charging device of each parking space should be positioned relative to the corresponding mobile inductive charging device of the vehicle parked in the parking space to enable energy transfer and increase efficiency. Theoretically, this can be achieved by the vehicle driver or by the vehicle driving at least partially autonomously to the parking space. However, because the inductive charging devices are not reliably and / or accurately positioned relative to each other, this has the disadvantage that energy transfer is not possible or occurs with reduced efficiency. Therefore, it is desirable to precisely position vehicles in parking spaces, and thus relative to each other's inductive charging devices. For this purpose, it is conceivable for the parking spaces and the vehicles to communicate with each other.

[0004] DE 10 2017 202 966 A1 describes a system comprising a parking lot and at least one vehicle. The parking spaces of the parking lot are equipped with occupancy sensors. The vehicle is informed of the occupancy status of each parking space.

[0005] The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a method for operating a system of the above-mentioned type comprising a parking space and at least one vehicle, and to provide an improved or at least different embodiment of such a system, in particular obviating the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the problem addressed by the present invention is to provide an improved or at least alternative embodiment of this method and system, characterized by a reliable and more accurate positioning of the vehicle on the parking space and an improved efficiency of wireless energy transmission.

[0006] The above-mentioned problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] Thus, the present invention is based on the general idea of ​​providing a parking space in a system including a parking lot and at least one vehicle with a stationary inductive charging device, the stationary inductive charging device generating an oriented field in operation to orient the vehicle relative to the corresponding parking space and thus relative to the stationary inductive charging device, at least two of the adjacent mobile inductive charging devices generating fields with different frequencies, the vehicle receiving the field and identifying the local strength and thus signal strength and frequency. Thus, as the vehicle approaches a parking space, it can clearly identify which parking space and therefore which stationary inductive charging device should be used for wireless inductive energy transfer with the vehicle's mobile inductive charging device based on the higher strength and its closer location to the approached parking space based on the frequency corresponding to the higher strength, thereby enabling reliable navigation of the vehicle to the approached parking space and optimal orientation and positioning of the inductive charging devices relative to each other. As a result, vehicles can be reliably and accurately positioned in parking spaces in a parking lot, which at the same time improves energy transfer between these inductive charging devices and thus increases efficiency.

[0008] In particular, the method according to the invention eliminates the need to predetermine which parking space, and therefore which stationary inductive charging device, the vehicle should be positioned in, and the vehicle driver does not have to manually select this. Instead, the method, and in particular the corresponding computer program product, automatically identifies which received signal has the strongest and thus the highest local strength, and can distinguish this from neighboring parking spaces based on different frequencies to correctly position the vehicle.

[0009] According to the concept of the present invention, a method for operating a system including a parking lot and at least one vehicle is provided. The parking lot has at least four parking spaces, preferably more. Each parking space is provided with a stationary inductive charging device, which cooperates with the vehicle's mobile inductive charging device for inductive wireless energy transmission. Each parking space is accessible in a direction hereinafter also referred to as the parking direction. At least two of the parking spaces, preferably each parking space, are arranged in a row extending parallel to the parking direction, which row hereinafter also referred to as the longitudinal row. At least two of the parking spaces, preferably each parking space, are arranged in a row extending transversely to the parking direction, which row hereinafter also referred to as the transverse row. Each stationary inductive charging device generates a field oriented in the parking direction due to the orientation of the mobile inductive charging device relative to the stationary inductive charging device, which field hereinafter also referred to as the orientation field. The characteristics of the orientation field oriented in the parking direction mean that the field lines of the orientation field extend strongly in the parking direction and less strongly transversely to the parking direction. Thus, each orientation field along a corresponding longitudinal row is stronger than that along a corresponding lateral row. Furthermore, the inductive charging devices of the parking spaces in at least one of these lateral rows generate orientation fields with alternating first and second frequencies, hereinafter also referred to as the first and second orientation frequencies. Each vehicle receives the orientation field such that the vehicle identifies the local signal strength and frequency of the orientation field. Here, upon approaching a parking space, it is identified that the mobile inductive charging device should be oriented toward the inductive charging device corresponding to the parking space based on the stronger orientation field and the orientation frequency of the stronger orientation field. Navigation instructions are then output to orient the vehicle over the parking space using the orientation field corresponding to the approached parking space.

[0010] Reasonably, at least two of these orienting fields, and preferably each orienting field, are generated with the same signal strength and therefore intensity.

[0011] Orientation is understood in this context in particular to mean the driving of the vehicle towards the parking space and thus in particular the proximity and angular correct positioning of the mobile inductive charging device to the stationary inductive charging device.

[0012] The parking direction reasonably extends parallel to or along the longitudinal extension of the corresponding parking space.

[0013] Typically, the vehicle approaches a parking space by moving in the direction of the parking space. Navigation using navigation instructions may be initiated in particular when the vehicle reaches the outer edge of the parking space and / or the outer edge of the stationary inductive charging device.

[0014] Advantageously, the stationary inductive charging devices are spaced apart from one another, in particular the stationary inductive charging devices of each lateral row and each longitudinal row are spaced apart from one another.

[0015] It is conceivable that at least two parking spaces in at least one of these lateral rows are in direct contact with one another, in particular transitioning directly into one another.

[0016] It is conceivable that a roadway extends between at least two of the longitudinal rows, and that at least two parking spaces in at least one of the lateral rows are directly adjacent to one another, i.e., no roadway extends between the parking spaces.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the stationary inductive charging devices in each horizontal row generate an orientation field with alternating first and second orientation frequencies. Thus, the stationary inductive charging devices in the longitudinal rows of parking spaces preferably generate orientation fields with such orientation frequencies.

[0018] A car park may have at least three such transverse rows and at least two such longitudinal rows.

[0019] Preferably, the stationary inductive charging devices of the parking spaces generate an orientation field with alternating orientation frequencies along the horizontal row and along the longitudinal row, respectively, such that in one of the horizontal rows, the stationary inductive charging devices of the parking spaces generate an orientation field with alternating first and second orientation frequencies, and in each adjacent horizontal row, the stationary inductive charging devices of the parking spaces generate an orientation field with alternating third and fourth orientation frequencies. Thus, the stationary inductive charging devices of one of the horizontal rows generate an orientation field in a first sequence with alternating first and second orientation frequencies, and the stationary inductive charging devices of each adjacent horizontal row generate an orientation field in a second sequence with alternating third and fourth orientation frequencies, with the first and second sequences alternating in successive horizontal rows. This is preferably done so that in each longitudinal row, the stationary inductive charging devices of the parking spaces generate an orientation field that alternates between the first orientation frequency and the third orientation frequency, or between the second orientation frequency and the fourth orientation frequency. Thus, each stationary inductive charging device generates a corresponding orientation field with an orientation frequency that differs from the orientation frequency of the directly adjacent mobile stationary inductive charging device. As a result, vehicles, and in particular, each mobile inductive charging device, can more easily distinguish between stationary inductive charging devices, thereby achieving more reliable and accurate positioning of vehicles in parking spaces in the parking lot and thus further increasing efficiency.

[0020] Each orienting field may be in principle in any such manner.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, each orienting field is a magnetic field, particularly an alternating magnetic field, i.e., each mobile inductive charging device generates a magnetic orienting field, so that the orienting field is easily generated and at the same time easily received by the vehicle and stable.

[0022] To generate the magnetic orientation field, each inductive charging device can have a corresponding coil, hereinafter also referred to as an orientation coil, which is advantageously wound around a winding axis extending parallel to the parking direction.

[0023] A preferred embodiment is one in which at least one of these orientation fields extends from the corresponding stationary inductive charging device, particularly from the corresponding orientation coil, along the corresponding parking direction. In particular, this may be a slight extension that results in the orientation fields moving away from each other as they move away from their respective sources, i.e., from the orientation coil. This ensures that even when the corresponding parking space is approached obliquely or at an angle to the parking direction, the vehicle receives this orientation field and not the orientation field of the adjacent stationary inductive charging device, or not just the orientation field of the adjacent stationary inductive charging device. This ensures that navigation instructions can be reliably directed or output even when approaching in this manner.

[0024] Preferably, each orienting field extends along a corresponding parking direction from a corresponding stationary inductive charging device, in particular from a corresponding orienting coil.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, each orienting field is used to remotely position a mobile inductive charging device relative to a stationary inductive charging device corresponding to the approaching parking space. Remote positioning is preferably performed when the distance between the inductive charging devices exceeds 0.5 m, particularly 1.5 m. That is, remote positioning results in coarse positioning of the inductive charging devices relative to each other.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, each stationary inductive charging device also generates a field, hereinafter also referred to as a positioning field, that is oriented parallel to the normal to the surface of the corresponding parking space, particularly outward from the surface of the corresponding parking space. That is, particularly, the positioning field is oriented in the height direction. Each vehicle can receive the positioning field. That is, particularly, each vehicle identifies the local strength of the positioning field. In this case, the positioning field is used to output navigation instructions for positioning the vehicle's mobile inductive charging device relative to the stationary inductive charging device of the approaching parking space.

[0027] The positioning of these inductive charging devices relative to one another is advantageously aimed not only at achieving proximity of the inductive charging devices to one another, but also at orienting them relative to one another in the plane of the inductive charging device parking space.

[0028] Preferably, the positioning field is used to position the mobile inductive charging device in proximity to the inductive charging device corresponding to the approached parking space, where proximity positioning is understood to mean more accurate positioning of the inductive charging devices relative to each other, in particular compared to remote positioning.

[0029] Preferably, proximity positioning is followed by remote positioning, i.e. proximity positioning is initiated in particular in the case of a distance between the inductive charging devices of less than 0.5 m, in particular less than 0.3 m.

[0030] Preferably, each stationary inductive charging device generates a positioning field using four or five coils that are spaced apart from one another and generate their own magnetic fields. That is, the positioning field is composed of four or five magnetic fields that are offset from one another. Therefore, based on the different magnetic fields of the positioning field, the inductive charging devices can be positioned in at least two directions extending laterally from one another, particularly in the parking direction and in a direction laterally relative to the parking direction. This makes positioning these inductive charging devices more accurate and easier, and therefore more efficient.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic fields or fields of the positioning field are each generated with a corresponding frequency, hereinafter also referred to as the positioning frequency. That is, if the positioning field includes four magnetic fields, one of these magnetic fields is generated with a first positioning frequency, one of these magnetic fields is generated with a second positioning frequency, one of these magnetic fields is generated with a third positioning frequency, and one of these magnetic fields is generated with a fourth positioning frequency. If the positioning field includes five magnetic fields, each of these magnetic fields is generated with a corresponding positioning frequency, that is, one of these magnetic fields is generated with a first positioning frequency, one of these magnetic fields is generated with a second positioning frequency, one of these magnetic fields is generated with a third positioning frequency, one of these magnetic fields is generated with a fourth positioning frequency, and one of these magnetic fields is generated with a fifth positioning frequency. In this case, the positioning frequencies of a vehicle, particularly a mobile inductive charging device, can be different from each other. This allows for easy and reliable positioning of the inductive charging devices relative to one another.

[0032] The inductive charging devices that generate the magnetic fields of the positioning fields preferably have corresponding coils, preferably flat coils, for generating each magnetic field, preferably wound in the plane of the corresponding parking space or parallel to the plane of the corresponding parking space and / or wound around a winding axis extending parallel to the normal to the parking space. This results in a directed radiation of the magnetic field of the positioning field upward. This results, among other things, in more accurate positioning by the positioning field and less interaction and / or overlap between the positioning field and the orientation field. This results in improved, more reliable, and more robust positioning of the inductive charging devices relative to each other or of the vehicle in each parking space.

[0033] Preferably, positioning using the magnetic field of the positioning field is performed by forming a ratio between the two magnetic fields and outputting navigation instructions based on this ratio, thereby enabling navigation to be performed robustly with high reliability.

[0034] Each navigation instruction can be provided to a vehicle driver, who can navigate, in particular steer, the vehicle in accordance with the navigation instruction to achieve the orientation. Alternatively or additionally, each navigation instruction can be output to a driver assistance system for at least partially autonomous driving of the vehicle, whereby the driver assistance system uses the navigation instructions to at least partially autonomously drive the vehicle.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, each positioning frequency is different from each orientation frequency of each orientation field, thereby providing an improved transition between remote and close positioning and / or no adverse effects between remote and close positioning.

[0036] Preferably, the magnetic field of the positioning field of each stationary inductive charging device is generated with the same positioning frequency, so that the system as a whole requires a reduced number of frequencies or a smaller frequency band.

[0037] Each frequency is preferably in the kilohertz range.

[0038] As mentioned above, these frequencies are preferably different from one another, and in particular, adjacent frequencies in the frequency band may differ by 0.4 kHz to 1 kHz.

[0039] Advantageously, the first orientation frequency is 134.0 kHz or 135.0 kHz or 145.560 kHz.

[0040] Advantageously, the second orientation frequency is 135.5 kHz or 136.5 kHz or 137.0 kHz or 145.985 kHz.

[0041] Advantageously, the third steering frequency is 133.5 kHz or 146.843 kHz.

[0042] Advantageously, the fourth orientation frequency is 137.0 kHz or 137.5 kHz or 147.275 kHz.

[0043] Advantageously, the first positioning frequency is 111.483 kHz or 134.5 kHz.

[0044] Advantageously, the second positioning frequency is 111.982 kHz or 136.0 kHz or 136.5 kHz.

[0045] Advantageously, the third positioning frequency is 112.994 kHz or 135.0 kHz.

[0046] Advantageously, the fourth positioning frequency is 113.507 kHz or 135.5 kHz or 136.0 kHz.

[0047] Advantageously, the fifth positioning frequency is 116.009 kHz or 135.5 kHz or 137.0 kHz or 137.5 kHz.

[0048] Each motor vehicle, in particular each mobile inductive charging device, advantageously has a correspondingly configured receiver for receiving the orientation and / or positioning field. The receiver can have at least one receiving coil. Preferably, the at least one receiving coil is different from the energy coil of the corresponding mobile inductive charging device.

[0049] The implementation of the method is advantageously carried out by means of a computer program product.

[0050] The computer program product reasonably contains instructions that, when executed on a computer system, result in the method being performed as described above.

[0051] The computer program product is preferably stored at least in part in each motor vehicle, in particular in each mobile inductive charging device.

[0052] The computer program product is preferably executed at least partly in each motor vehicle, in particular in each mobile inductive charging device, and for this purpose the motor vehicle, in particular the mobile inductive charging device, may at least partly include a computer system, wherein the computer system may at least partly be part of a control device of the motor vehicle, in particular the mobile inductive charging device.

[0053] It is understood that such systems, as well as methods for operating the systems, are within the scope of the present invention.

[0054] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the drawings and the corresponding illustrations based on the drawings.

[0055] It is obvious that the features mentioned above and those to be described below can be used not only in the respective combinations mentioned, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0056] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in detail in the following description, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic plan view of a system with a parking lot and a vehicle. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stationary inductive charging device in a parking lot. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stationary inductive charging device according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic plan view of another embodiment of the system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic plan view of another embodiment of the system.

[0058] The system 1 as exemplarily shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5 comprises a parking lot 10 and at least one motor vehicle 100. The parking lot 10 comprises at least four parking spaces 11, and in the embodiment shown, more parking spaces 11. Each parking space 11 can be approached in a direction P, hereinafter also referred to as the parking direction P.

[0059] Each parking space 11 is provided with a stationary inductive charging device 12, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The stationary inductive charging device 12 may be located on the parking space 11 or may be at least partially mounted within the parking space 11. Each stationary inductive charging device 12 is used for wireless inductive energy transfer with a vehicle 100. For this purpose, each vehicle 100 has a mobile inductive charging device (not shown) that inductively cooperates with the stationary inductive charging device 12.

[0060] Such a stationary inductive charging device 12 is shown in Figures 2 and 3. Each stationary inductive charging device 12 has an energy coil 13 for energy transmission with a mobile inductive charging device. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy coil 13 is formed as a flat coil 14. Each energy coil 13 is wound around a winding axis A1 that extends parallel to the normal to the corresponding parking space 11.

[0061] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 4 and 5, at least two of these parking spaces 11 are arranged in longitudinal rows 15 extending parallel to the parking direction P and are spaced apart from one another. Furthermore, at least two of these parking spaces 11 are arranged in transverse rows 16 extending transversely to the parking direction P. In the illustrated embodiment, each parking space 11 is arranged in such a longitudinal row 15 and transverse row 16. As can further be seen from these figures, a roadway 17 of the parking lot 10 may extend between two consecutive transverse rows 16.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 and 5 , each stationary inductive charging device 12 (not shown in these figures) generates a field oriented in parking direction P for orienting a mobile inductive charging device relative to stationary inductive charging device 12, which field is hereinafter also referred to as orienting field 18. Orienting field 18 oriented in parking direction P is indicated in FIGS. 1 and 4 and 5 by the corresponding asymmetrical depiction of each orienting field 18 in parking direction P. In the illustrated embodiment, each stationary inductive charging device 12 generates a magnetic orienting field 18. For this purpose, each stationary inductive charging device 12, in the illustrated embodiment, has a coil 19, as shown only in FIG. 3 , which is hereinafter also referred to as orienting coil 19. In the illustrated embodiment, orienting coil 19 is wound around a winding axis A2 extending parallel to parking direction P.

[0063] As can be further seen from Figure 1 and Figures 4 and 5, the inductive charging devices 12 of the parking spaces 11 in at least one of these horizontal rows 16 generate an orienting field 18 with alternating first and second frequencies, hereinafter also referred to as the first and second orienting frequencies. In Figures 1 and 4 and 5, the parking spaces 11 whose stationary inductive charging devices 12 generate an orienting field 18 with the first orienting frequency are labeled "f1," and the parking spaces 11 whose stationary inductive charging devices 12 generate an orienting field 18 with the second orienting frequency are labeled "f2." Furthermore, these different orienting frequencies are indicated by different representations of the orienting field 18.

[0064] Each vehicle 10 can receive the orientation field 18 such that the vehicle 10 identifies the local signal strength and orientation frequency of the orientation field 18. Here, as shown for vehicle 100 in FIGS. 1 and 4 and 5 , upon approaching a parking space 11, it is identified that the mobile inductive charging device should be oriented toward the stationary inductive charging device 12 corresponding to the parking space 11 based on the stronger orientation field 18 and the orientation frequency of the stronger orientation field 18. Furthermore, navigation instructions are output for orienting the vehicle 100 toward the parking space 11 using the orientation field 18 corresponding to the approached parking space 11. In this case, in the illustrated embodiment, each orientation field 18 is used for remote positioning of a mobile inductive charging device (not shown) relative to the stationary inductive charging device 12 corresponding to the approached parking space 11. That is, in particular, each orientation field 18 is used to position the mobile inductive charging device relative to the stationary inductive charging device 12 corresponding to the parking space 11 when the distance is greater than 0.5 m, particularly when the distance is between 1.5 m and 0.5 m.

[0065] In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 4, the stationary inductive charging devices 12 of the parking spaces 11 in each lateral row 16 generate an orientation field 18 with alternating first and second orientation frequencies. Accordingly, the stationary inductive charging devices 12 of the parking spaces 11 in each longitudinal row 15 each generate an orientation field 18 with such an orientation frequency. The embodiment of Figure 1 differs from the embodiment of Figure 4 in that in the embodiment of Figure 1, the parking lot 10 has four lateral rows 16 and twelve longitudinal rows 15 of parking spaces 11, while in the embodiment of Figure 4, the parking lot 10 has three lateral rows 16 and twelve longitudinal rows 15 of parking spaces 11. Here, a roadway 17 extends centrally between these longitudinal rows 15.

[0066] As can be seen in Figure 5, the stationary inductive charging devices 12 of the parking spaces 11 can generate orienting fields 18 with alternating orienting frequencies along the horizontal rows 16 and along the longitudinal rows 17, respectively, such that in one of the horizontal rows 16, the stationary inductive charging devices 12 of the parking spaces 11 generate orienting fields 18 with alternating first and second orienting frequencies, and in each adjacent horizontal row 16, the stationary inductive charging devices 12 of the parking spaces 11 generate orienting fields 18 with alternating third and fourth orienting frequencies. In Figure 5, the parking spaces 11 whose stationary inductive charging devices 12 generate orienting fields 18 with the third orienting frequency are labeled "f3," and the parking spaces 11 whose stationary inductive charging devices 12 generate orienting fields 18 with the fourth orienting frequency are labeled "f4." As can be further seen from Figure 5, the first through fourth orientation frequencies cause stationary inductive charging device 12 of parking space 11 to generate orientation field 18 alternating between the first orientation frequency and the third orientation frequency, or alternating between the second orientation frequency and the fourth orientation frequency, in each longitudinal row 15. In this case, parking lot 10 of Figure 5 has, by way of example only, three transverse rows 16 and twelve longitudinal rows 15 of parking spaces 11, as in Figure 4.

[0067] 1 and 4, for clarity, only the inwardly directed half of the orienting field 18 is shown for the bottommost, i.e., outermost, horizontal row 16. In FIG. 5, for clarity, only half of each orienting field 18 with the first orienting frequency and each orienting field 18 with the second orienting frequency are shown.

[0068] 1 and 4 and 5, each orienting field 18 originates from a corresponding stationary inductive charging device 12 and extends along a corresponding parking direction P. Thus, each vehicle 100 may approach each parking space 11 at an angle relative to the parking direction P and still receive the corresponding orienting field 18.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, each stationary inductive charging device 12 further generates a field, hereinafter also referred to as a positioning field, that radiates from the surface of the corresponding parking space 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning field is used for proximity positioning of the mobile inductive charging device of the vehicle 100 relative to the stationary inductive charging device 12, followed by remote positioning. Here, each vehicle 100 receives the positioning field. Using the positioning field, navigation instructions are output for positioning the mobile inductive charging device of the vehicle 100 relative to the stationary inductive charging device 12 of the approached parking space 11.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , each stationary inductive charging device 12 has four or five spaced-apart coils 20, hereinafter also referred to as positioning coils 20, to generate a corresponding positioning field. Each positioning coil 20 generates a magnetic field, and thus each positioning field is composed of four or five magnetic fields offset from one another. In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the stationary inductive charging device 12 has four positioning coils 20, and thus the generated positioning field is composed of four magnetic fields. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the stationary inductive charging device 12 has five positioning coils 20, and thus the generated positioning field is composed of five magnetic fields. In the illustrated embodiment, each positioning coil 20 is a flat coil 14 wound around a winding axis A3 extending parallel to the normal to the corresponding parking space 11. In this case, each magnetic field of the positioning field is generated with a corresponding frequency, hereinafter also referred to as the positioning frequency. That is, in the embodiment of Figure 4, the positioning field is composed of a magnetic field with a first positioning frequency, a magnetic field with a second positioning frequency, a magnetic field with a third positioning frequency, and a magnetic field with a fourth positioning frequency. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the positioning field is composed of a magnetic field with a first positioning frequency, a magnetic field with a second positioning frequency, a magnetic field with a third positioning frequency, a magnetic field with a fourth positioning frequency, and a magnetic field with a fifth positioning frequency.

[0071] Each frequency is in the kilohertz range in the illustrated embodiment. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each positioning frequency is different from each orientation frequency of each orientation field. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic fields of the positioning fields of each stationary inductive charging device 12 are generated with the same positioning frequency.

[0072] For example, the first orientation frequency is 134.0 kHz, 135.0 kHz, or 145.560 kHz, the second orientation frequency is 135.5 kHz, 136.5 kHz, 137.0 kHz, or 145.985 kHz, the third orientation frequency is 133.5 kHz or 146.843 kHz, and the fourth orientation frequency is 137.0 kHz, 137.5 kHz, or 147.275 kHz. For example, the first positioning frequency is 111.483 kHz or 134.5 kHz, the second positioning frequency is 111.982 kHz or 136.0 kHz or 136.5 kHz, the third positioning frequency is 112.994 kHz or 135.0 kHz, the fourth positioning frequency is 113.507 kHz or 135.5 kHz or 136.0 kHz, and the fifth positioning frequency is 116.009 kHz or 135.5 kHz or 137.0 kHz or 137.5 kHz.

Claims

1. A method of operating a system (1) comprising a parking lot (10) and at least one vehicle (100), comprising: The parking lot (10) having at least four parking spaces (11); Each parking space (11) is provided with a stationary inductive charging device (12), which cooperates with a mobile inductive charging device of the vehicle (100) for wireless energy transmission; Each parking space (11) can be accessed in a parking direction (P), At least two of the parking spaces (11) are arranged in longitudinal rows (15) extending parallel to the parking direction (P), At least two of the parking spaces (11) are arranged in a lateral row (16) extending transversely relative to the parking direction (P), each said stationary inductive charging device (12) generates an orientation field (18) directed in a parking direction (P) for orientation of said mobile inductive charging device (12) relative to said stationary inductive charging device; the inductive charging devices (12) of the parking spaces (11) in at least one of the lateral rows (16) generate the orientation field (18) with alternating first and second orientation frequencies; each said vehicle (100) receives said orienting field (18) such that said vehicle (100) identifies the signal strength of said orienting field (18) and said orienting frequency; Upon approaching a parking space (11), it is identified that the mobile inductive charging device should be oriented toward the stationary inductive charging device (12) corresponding to the parking space (11) based on the stronger orienting field (18) and the orienting frequency of the stronger orienting field (18); Using the orientation field (18) corresponding to the approaching parking space (11), navigation instructions are output to orient the vehicle (100) over the parking space (11). method.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the stationary inductive charging devices (12) in the parking spaces (11) of each of the horizontal rows (16) generate the orientation field (18) alternating between the first orientation frequency and the second orientation frequency.

3. The parking lot (10) has at least three of the transverse rows (16) and at least two of the longitudinal rows (15), The stationary inductive charging devices (12) of the parking spaces (11) of the lateral rows (16) generate the orientation field with alternating orientation frequencies along the lateral rows (16) and along the longitudinal rows (15), respectively, whereby: In one of the horizontal rows (16), the stationary inductive charging device (12) in the parking space (11) generates the orientation field (18) with alternating first and second orientation frequencies; In each adjacent lateral row (16), the stationary inductive charging devices (12) in the parking spaces (11) generate the orientation field (18) with alternating third and fourth orientation frequencies; In each of the longitudinal rows (15), the stationary inductive charging devices (12) of the parking spaces (11) generate the orientation field (18) alternately with the first orientation frequency and the third orientation frequency or generate the orientation field (18) alternately with the second orientation frequency and the fourth orientation frequency.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

4. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each said stationary inductive charging device (12) generates a magnetic orientation field.

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the orienting fields (18) extends along the corresponding parking direction (P) from a corresponding stationary inductive charging device (12).

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein each of the orientation fields (18) is used for remote positioning of a mobile inductive charging device relative to the stationary inductive charging device (12) corresponding to the approached parking space (11).

7. Each of the stationary inductive charging devices (12) further generates a positioning field oriented parallel to a normal to the corresponding parking space (11); Each of said vehicles (100) receives said positioning field; Using the positioning field, navigation instructions are output for positioning the mobile inductive charging device of the vehicle (100) relative to the stationary inductive charging device (12) of the approaching parking space (11).

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are connected to a first electrode.

8. 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the positioning field is used to position the mobile inductive charging device in proximity to the inductive charging device (12) corresponding to the approached parking space (11).

9. 9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that each of the stationary inductive charging devices (12) generates the positioning field from four or five magnetic fields offset from one another.

10. The four or five magnetic fields of the positioning field are each generated with a corresponding positioning frequency, whereby the positioning field has: a magnetic field with a first positioning frequency, a magnetic field with a second positioning frequency, a magnetic field with a third positioning frequency, and a magnetic field with a fourth positioning frequency; or a magnetic field with a first positioning frequency, a magnetic field with a second positioning frequency, a magnetic field with a third positioning frequency, a magnetic field with a fourth positioning frequency, and a magnetic field with a fifth positioning frequency; 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein each said positioning frequency is different from each said orienting frequency of each said orienting field (18).

12. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the magnetic fields of the positioning fields of each of the stationary inductive charging devices (12) are generated with the same positioning frequency.

13. the first orientation frequency is 134.0 kHz, 135.0 kHz, or 145.560 kHz; The second orientation frequency is 135.5 kHz, 136.5 kHz, 137.0 kHz, or 145.985 kHz.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that

14. the third orientation frequency is 133.5 kHz or 146.843 kHz; The fourth orientation frequency is 137.0 kHz, 137.5 kHz, or 147.275 kHz.

14. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that

15. The first positioning frequency is 111.483 kHz or 134.5 kHz; the second positioning frequency is 111.982 kHz, 136.0 kHz, or 136.5 kHz; the third positioning frequency is 112.994 kHz or 135.0 kHz; the fourth positioning frequency is 113.507 kHz, 135.5 kHz, or 136.0 kHz; or The first positioning frequency is 111.483 kHz or 134.5 kHz; the second positioning frequency is 111.982 kHz, 136.0 kHz, or 136.5 kHz; the third positioning frequency is 112.994 kHz or 135.0 kHz; the fourth positioning frequency is 113.507 kHz, 135.5 kHz, or 136.0 kHz; The fifth positioning frequency is 116.009 kHz, 135.5 kHz, 137.0 kHz, or 137.5 kHz.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that

16. A system (1) comprising a parking lot (10) and at least one vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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