Induction charging device for a charging system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an induction charging device (1) having an energy coil (2) and a magnetic flux guiding unit (3) for wireless energy transmission, wherein the energy coil (2) is arranged on a top side (9) of the magnetic flux guiding unit (3). The induction charging device (1) also comprises at least two near-end transmission coils (12, 12a) arranged on the top side (9) and spaced apart from one another, wherein the respective near-end transmission coil (12, 12a) is connected to an associated inverter (14, 14a) which supplies an alternating current to the associated near-field transmission coil (12, 12a) during operation. The respective near-end transmission coil (12, 12a) is arranged in an associated edge region (13) of the magnetic flux guiding unit (3) and the associated inverter (14, 14a) is arranged in the same edge region (13) and on a bottom side (10) of the magnetic flux guiding unit (3) facing away from the top side (9).

Description

[0001] Induction charging device for a charging system

[0002] The present invention relates to an induction charging device for a charging system in which the induction charging device interacts inductively with another induction charging device for wireless energy transmission, wherein the induction charging device for wireless energy transmission has an energy coil and a magnetic flux guide unit.

[0003] In a charging system, two inductive charging devices interact inductively via associated power coils to achieve wireless energy transfer. Typically, one of the inductive charging devices is stationary, and the other is mobile, for example, part of a motor vehicle. The charging system typically comprises several such stationary and mobile inductive charging devices, each of which can interact with each other for wireless energy transfer, thus being compatible with each other.

[0004] To increase the efficiency of wireless energy transfer, appropriate positioning of the interacting induction charging devices is advantageous. Particularly when the charging system comprises two or more stationary and / or two or more mobile induction charging devices, there is also a desire to be able to easily position them relative to each other in order to achieve the aforementioned increase in efficiency.

[0005] The present invention addresses the problem of providing improved or at least different embodiments for an induction charging device of a charging system of the aforementioned type. In particular, the present invention addresses the problem of providing an embodiment of the induction charging device that is characterized by improved interoperability.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the fundamental idea of ​​further equipping an induction charging device of a charging system, which has an energy coil and a magnetic flux guide unit for guiding magnetic fields for wireless energy transmission, with transmitting coils for positioning purposes, wherein the transmitting coils are arranged on the same side of the magnetic flux guide unit as the energy coil, and arranging inverters for electrically supplying the transmitting coils on the side of the magnetic flux guide unit facing away from the transmitting coils. Equipping the induction charging device with the transmitting coils allows for simplified positioning of the induction charging device with another induction charging device of an associated charging system, in particular by comparing the received signal strengths of the fields generated by the transmitting coils.Thus, interoperability is achieved in such a way that the induction charging devices can be positioned relative to one another without prior calibration. At the same time, by arranging the inverters on the side of the magnetic flux guide unit facing away from the transmitting coils, the magnetic flux guide unit protects the inverters from external influences, in particular on the magnetic fluxes through the transmitting coils and / or through the inverters, or at least reduces such influences. Furthermore, the influence of magnetic flux guide units of other induction charging devices on the inverters is at least reduced in this way. This also enables the generation of identical fields using the transmitting coils or at least reduces changes in the generated fields due to external influences.As a result, the induction charging device can be installed in different environments and still generate the same fields, or at least fields with smaller deviations. This, in turn, increases the interoperability of the induction charging device and the associated charging system.

[0008] According to the inventive concept, the induction charging device comprises the magnetic flux guide unit and the energy coil. The magnetic flux guide unit serves to guide magnetic fields and has a top side and a bottom side along one direction. This direction is also referred to below as the first direction. The magnetic flux guide unit comprises at least one magnetic flux guide element, in particular at least one ferrite element, for guiding magnetic fields. The energy coil is arranged on the top side of the magnetic flux guide unit. During operation, i.e. for wireless energy transmission, the energy coil of the induction charging device interacts with an energy coil of another

[0009] Induction charging device inductively together. The energy coil is wound around a winding axis running parallel to the first direction.

[0010] The magnetic flux guide unit extends transversely to the first direction, preferably flatly, such that the magnetic flux guide unit projects beyond the energy coil transversely to the first direction. This means that the magnetic flux guide unit extends in a second direction running transversely to the first direction and a third direction running transversely to the first direction and transversely to the second direction, so that the magnetic flux guide unit projects beyond the energy coil transversely to the first direction. At least two transmitting coils are arranged on the upper side of the magnetic flux guide unit and are spaced from one another transversely to the first direction, wherein the respective transmitting coil is wound around a winding axis running parallel to the first direction. The transmitting coils are also referred to below as near-transmitting coils. The respective near-transmitting coil is arranged transversely to the first direction in an associated edge region of the magnetic flux guide unit.The induction charging device has an associated inverter for each near-field transmission coil, which is electrically connected to the near-field transmission coil and supplies the near-field transmission coil with alternating current. This inverter is also referred to below as the near-field inverter. The respective near-field inverter is located on the underside of the magnetic flux guide unit. The induction charging device also has a controller for controlling the inverters, which is electrically connected to the inverters. This means that during operation, the controller controls the inverters so that the inverters generate the respective alternating electrical current and supply it to the corresponding transmission coil.

[0011] In preferred embodiments, the respective near-field inverter is arranged as close as possible to the associated transmitting coil. This is preferably achieved by arranging the respective near-field inverter in the edge region of the associated near-field transmitting coil and on the underside of the magnetic flux guide unit. This results in the shortest possible or at least shortened electrical connection between the inverters and the associated transmitting coils. The thus shortened electrical connection has the effect that only very high-frequency interference can couple in. The frequency range of the interference that can couple in is thus significantly reduced. Consequently, a reduction in external influences on the magnetic fluxes through the transmitting coils and / or through the inverters is achieved. The result is improved robustness of the fields generated by the transmitting coils against external influences.This results in a further increase in the interoperability of the induction charging device.

[0012] The induction charging device is a component of a charging system. The charging system has at least two induction charging devices, wherein at least one of the induction charging devices is a stationary induction charging device and at least one of the induction charging devices is a mobile induction charging device. The mobile induction charging device is, for example, a component of a motor vehicle and serves to wirelessly transmit energy to the motor vehicle, for example, to charge a battery of the motor vehicle. The stationary induction charging device is arranged, for example, on, in, or below a roadway, such as a parking lot.

[0013] Advantageously, one of the induction charging devices that interact inductively with each other for wireless energy transmission during operation has such transmitting coils, whereas the other induction charging device receives the fields generated by the transmitting coils via a receiver. For better differentiation, the induction charging device having the transmitting coils is also referred to below as a transmitting induction charging device, and the induction charging device having the receiver is also referred to as a receiving induction charging device.

[0014] The charging system thus comprises at least one transmitting induction charging device and at least one receiving induction charging device. Advantageously, the charging system has at least two, in particular several, such transmitting induction charging devices, wherein the respective receiving induction charging device can interact inductively with the respective transmitting induction charging device for wireless energy transmission. In other words, all transmitting induction charging devices are compatible with all receiving induction charging devices.

[0015] The reduction of influences on the fields generated by the transmitting coils, in particular on the magnetic fluxes, achieved according to the invention leads in a particularly advantageous manner to the said increase in the interoperability of the mutually compatible induction charging devices.

[0016] Preferably, the stationary induction charging device has the transmitting coils, i.e. it is the transmitting induction charging device, whereas the mobile

[0017] Induction charging device that receives the fields generated by the transmitting coils by means of a receiver and is therefore the receiving induction charging device.

[0018] In the following, unless otherwise stated, the term “induction charging device” refers to the transmitting induction charging device.

[0019] In preferred embodiments, the received fields, preferably by comparing the local strength of the fields, are used to determine the relative position of the inductive charging devices that interact or are to interact with each other inductively, thus assisting in the positioning of the inductive charging devices with respect to each other.

[0020] The first direction corresponds to the stationary use of the

[0021] Induction charging device preferably has a vertical direction. Advantageously, the second direction corresponds to the direction of travel of a motor vehicle traveling straight toward the stationary induction charging device.

[0022] During operation, i.e., when supplied with the corresponding alternating current, the respective near-field transmitting coil generates a field that propagates primarily along the first direction. This means that the field generated by the respective near-field transmitting coil, hereinafter also referred to as the near field, has a primary direction along the first direction. Thus, the respective near field perpendicular to the first direction can only be received locally in the area of ​​the induction charging device containing the transmitting coils. This allows for local positioning in the area close to the induction charging device, hereinafter also referred to as the near field.

[0023] In principle, the induction charging device can have any number of such near-transmitting coils.

[0024] The induction charging device advantageously has four such near-field transmitter coils, which, in a plan view, are arranged in the first direction at the corners of an imaginary rectangle. The near-field transmitter coils thus define a virtual rectangle. Preferably, the energy coil is positioned centrally relative to the rectangle. This leads to simplified and precise positioning with further improved interoperability.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the respective near-field inverter is arranged at the bottom corners of the rectangle. This further improves interoperability, as explained above.

[0026] In preferred embodiments, an electrical line connecting the respective near-transmitting coil to the associated near-transmitting inverter extends along an edge of the magnetic flux guide unit connecting the top side to the bottom side and in the first direction. In other words, the respective near-transmitting coil is electrically connected to the associated near-transmitting inverter via a line, wherein the line extends along the edge of the magnetic flux guide unit in the first direction. Thus, the length of the respective line is kept as short as possible or at least shortened. This, in turn, leads to a reduction in external influences on the currents and / or fluxes. This results in further improved interoperability.In advantageous variants, at least one of the near-field inverters projects beyond the magnetic flux guide unit transversely to the first direction with a section through which the near-field inverter is electrically connected to the associated near-field transmitter coil. This section is also referred to below as the connection section. This further shortens the electrical connection distance between the inverter and the transmitter coil and consequently further reduces external influences. This, in turn, leads to increased interoperability.

[0027] Preferably, the respective near-field inverter has such a connection section via which the near-field inverter is connected to the associated near-field transmitting coil.

[0028] The induction charging device can have a further transmitting coil, which is wound around the magnetic flux guide unit about a winding axis running transversely to the first direction, in particular about a winding axis running parallel to the second direction. This transmitting coil is also referred to below as the remote transmitting coil. The remote transmitting coil is therefore wound around the winding axis running transversely to the first direction, so that the remote transmitting coil extends along the top and bottom of the magnetic flux guide unit. The induction charging device has an associated inverter for the remote transmitting coil, which is electrically connected to the remote transmitting coil and is also referred to below as the remote inverter. The remote inverter is arranged on the bottom of the magnetic flux guide unit and supplies the remote transmitting coil with an alternating current during operation.The controller is electrically connected to the remote inverter and, during operation, controls the remote inverter to provide the alternating current for the remote transmitter coil. The placement of the remote inverter on the underside reduces external influences on the remote inverter, similar to the local inverters. As a result, the field generated by the remote transmitter coil, hereinafter also referred to as the remote field, is more stable and less sensitive to external influences. The result is a further increase in interoperability.

[0029] The far field generated by the remote transmitting coil has a main direction perpendicular to the first direction, in particular parallel to the second direction. Thus, the far field along the main direction can be received even from a distance and can thus be used to position the transmitting induction charging device relative to the receiving induction charging device, even at greater distances.

[0030] In particular, the far field can be used in a stationary induction charging device as a transmitting induction charging device to position a motor vehicle equipped with the receiving induction charging device relative to the transmitting induction charging device at greater distances from the transmitting induction charging device. When moving to the near range, the near fields can be used for more precise positioning of the induction charging devices relative to each other.

[0031] The remote transmitter coil has coil ends that are electrically connected to the remote inverter. The coil ends are preferably located on the underside and electrically connected to the remote inverter at the underside. This further reduces external influences on the far field and thus further increases interoperability.

[0032] It is clear that the induction charging device can also comprise two or more such remote transmitter coils, each with its own remote inverter. The remote transmitter coils are advantageously spaced apart from one another.

[0033] In principle, the controller can be located anywhere in the induction charging device. Preferred variants include those in which the controller is located on the underside of the magnetic flux guide unit. This reduces external influences on the controller. Consequently, the controller is more stable / less sensitive to external influences. Accordingly, the control of the inverters is more stable / less sensitive to these external influences. This further increases interoperability.

[0034] A further increase in interoperability is achieved by electrically connecting the control unit on the underside to the inverters.

[0035] In preferred embodiments, the near-field transmission coils are designed as identical parts. This leads to a cost reduction in the manufacture of the induction charging device. Furthermore, a large number of induction charging devices can be designed with identical near-field transmission coils, thus further increasing interoperability.

[0036] During operation, the near-field inverters preferably each provide the same output current for the associated near-field transmitting coil. The near fields are thus generated with essentially the same strength. This leads to simplified operation and simplified determination of the relative position of the transmitting induction charging device to the receiving induction charging device. This also results in the near fields having the same strength, especially when the transmitting coils are identical.

[0037] During operation, the respective inverter preferably supplies the associated transmitting coil with an associated and predetermined frequency, which is also referred to below as the operating frequency. The operating frequencies of the inverters vary. The frequency of the respective field corresponds to the associated operating frequency. This also means that each field has an associated frequency, although the frequencies of the fields differ. This simplifies the differentiation of the fields from one another on the receiving side and simplifies the operation of the transmitting induction charging device. In particular, the near fields are thus generated with essentially the same strength, but at different frequencies.

[0038] Preferably, the respective field, i.e. the respective near field and the at least one far field, is a magnetic field.

[0039] For this purpose, the respective field is advantageously generated at a frequency in the kilohertz range. This means that the respective inverter supplies the corresponding transmitting coil with an operating frequency in the kilohertz range during operation.

[0040] The operating frequencies are preferably between 110 kHz and 148.5 kHz. The operating frequencies of the different inverters and thus transmit coils are preferably at least 0.5 kHz apart.

[0041] In principle, the inverters can differ from one another.

[0042] In preferred embodiments, at least the local inverters, preferably all inverters, are designed as identical parts. This not only reduces manufacturing costs but also further increases interoperability.

[0043] The induction charging device advantageously comprises a device for detecting foreign objects on the induction charging device, which is also referred to below as a foreign object detection device. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect magnetically and / or electromagnetically active foreign objects on the induction charging device.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, the controller also controls the foreign object detection device. This results in a simplified design of the induction charging device and consequently reduced manufacturing costs.

[0045] In particular, the control unit can be that of the foreign object detection device and have corresponding connections for the inverters.

[0046] Advantageously, the control unit has a circuit board arranged on the underside, on which connections are provided for the respective inverter.

[0047] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0048] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0050] They show, schematically Fig. 1 a highly simplified, circuit diagram-like representation of a charging system in a charging mode of two induction charging devices,

[0051] Fig. 2 a highly simplified plan view of the charging system,

[0052] Fig. 3 is a simplified view towards an upper side of a

[0053] Induction charging device of the charging system,

[0054] Fig. 4 is a simplified view towards a lower side of the induction charging device,

[0055] Fig. 5 another simplified view towards the upper side of the induction charging device,

[0056] Fig. 6 is a simplified sectional view of the induction charging device in the area designated “VI” in Figure 5,

[0057] Fig. 7 is a simplified sectional view of the induction charging device in the area designated “VII” in Figure 5,

[0058] Fig. 8 is a simplified sectional view of the induction charging device in the area designated “VIII” in Figure 5.

[0059] A charging system 200, shown as an example in Figures 1 and 2, is used for inductive energy transfer by means of induction. For this purpose, the charging system 200 has at least two inductive charging devices 1, namely at least one stationary induction charging device 1, 1a and at least one mobile induction charging device 1, 1b. In a charging mode shown as an example in Figure 1, the respective stationary induction charging device 1, 1a can interact inductively with one of the at least one mobile induction charging devices 1, 1b for inductive energy transfer. During charging operation, the respective stationary induction charging device 1, 1a can thus be a charging point of the charging system 200. For inductive energy transfer, the respective induction charging device 1, as shown in particular in Figure 1, has a coil 2, which is also referred to below as energy coil 2.Thus, the respective stationary induction charging device 1, 1a has a stationary energy coil 2, 2a and the respective mobile induction charging device 1, 1b has a mobile energy coil 2, 2b. During charging operation, one of the energy coils 2 serves as a primary coil, generating an alternating magnetic field that induces a voltage for energy transfer in the other energy coil 2, serving as a secondary coil. As can be seen from Figure 1, during charging operation, the induction charging devices 1, which interact inductively for energy transfer, in particular the energy coils 2 of the induction charging devices 1, are spaced from one another and arranged opposite one another in a direction R1, which is also referred to below as the first direction R1. The respective induction charging device 1 also has a magnetic flux guide unit 3 for guiding magnetic fields, and in particular the aforementioned alternating magnetic fields.As can be seen from Figure 1, the respective magnetic flux guide unit 3 is arranged in the first direction R1 on the side of the other induction charging device 1 facing away from the associated energy coil 2. This means that the magnetic flux guide unit 3 of the respective stationary induction charging device 1, 1a is arranged on the side of the stationary energy coil 2, 2a facing away from the mobile induction charging device 1, 1b in the first direction R1 during charging operation. Likewise, the magnetic flux guide unit 3 of the respective mobile induction charging device 1, 1b is arranged on the side of the mobile energy coil 2, 2b facing away from the stationary induction charging device 1, 1b in the first direction R1 during charging operation. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective mobile induction charging device 1, 1b is provided in an associated mobile application 100.In the exemplary embodiments shown, the application 100 is a motor vehicle 101. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the first direction R1 runs along, in particular parallel, to the Z direction Z of the motor vehicle 101. The first direction R1 therefore corresponds in particular to a height direction. In addition, in order to enable charging and to achieve high levels of efficiency during charging, the energy coils 2 are positioned relative to one another transversely to the first direction R1, i.e. in a second direction R2 running transversely to the first direction R1 and in a third direction R3 running transversely to the first direction R1 and transversely to the second direction R2. With this positioning, the energy coils 2 preferably overlap at least partially in the second direction R2 and in the third direction R3. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the second direction R2 is the direction of travel of the mobile application 100 orof the motor vehicle 101, i.e. about the X-direction X of the motor vehicle 101. During the energy transfer, as shown in Figure 1, energy can be transferred, in particular inductively, to the mobile induction charging device 1, 1b in order to charge a battery 102 of the mobile application 100. For this purpose, a rectifier 104 can be provided between the mobile energy coil 2, 2b and the battery 102, which rectifier converts the voltage induced in the mobile energy coil 2, 2b into a rectified voltage. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the rectifier 104 is, purely by way of example, a component of the mobile induction charging device 1, 1b. The energy can also be transferred from the mobile induction charging device 1, 1b to the stationary induction charging device 1, 1a, i.e. in principle also bidirectionally.

[0060] When the induction charging devices 1 which are to interact with one another during charging operation approach one another as indicated in Figure 2, that is to say when a mobile induction charging device 1, 1b approaches a stationary induction charging device 1, 1a for energy transfer, and in particular before charging operation, one of the induction charging devices 1 which are to interact with one another during charging operation functions as a transmitting induction charging device 4 and the other induction charging device 1 as a receiving induction charging device 5 in order to position the induction charging devices 1 relative to one another. The transmitting induction charging device 4 generates fields which the receiving induction charging device 5 receives in order to determine the relative position of the induction charging devices 1 relative to one another.In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective stationary induction charging device 1, 1a functions as a transmitting induction charging device 4 and the respective mobile induction charging device 1, 1b functions as a receiving induction charging device 5. Accordingly, the receiving induction charging device 5, in the exemplary embodiments shown the respective mobile induction charging device 1, 1b, has a receiver 6 which is only indicated in Figure 1.

[0061] The induction charging device 1 generating the fields, i.e. the transmitting induction charging device 4, in the embodiments shown the stationary induction charging device 1, 1a, thus has the energy coil 2 and the magnetic flux guide unit 3.

[0062] As can be seen in particular from Figure 3, the respective magnetic flux guide unit 3 has at least one magnetic flux guide element 7, for example at least one ferrite element 8. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the magnetic flux guide unit 3 has, purely by way of example, a plurality of such magnetic flux guide elements 7, which form the shape of a rectangle in the plan view shown in Figure 3, running along the first direction R1. The magnetic flux guide unit 3 has, in the first direction R1, an upper side 9 and a lower side 10 facing away from the upper side 9 (see also Figures 6 to 8). The energy coil 2 is arranged on the upper side 9 and wound around a winding axis A1 running parallel to the first direction R1 (see Figure 3). In the exemplary embodiments shown, the energy coil 2 is designed as a flat coil 11.As can be seen in particular from Figure 3, the magnetic flux guide unit 3 projects beyond the energy coil 2 transversely to the first direction R1. The magnetic flux guide unit 3 therefore extends along the second direction R2 and the third direction R3 and projects beyond the energy coil 3 transversely to the first direction R1, in the exemplary embodiments shown both in the second direction R2 and in the third direction R3. To generate the aforementioned fields, the induction charging device 1 has at least two transmitting coils 12 which are arranged at a distance from one another on the upper side 9 of the magnetic flux guide unit and transversely to the first direction R1. As can be seen, for example, from Figures 2 and 5, these transmitting coils 12 are also spaced from the energy coil 2 transversely to the first direction R1 in the exemplary embodiments shown.These transmitting coils 12 are each wound around an associated winding axis A2 running parallel to the first direction R1 and are also referred to below as a near-transmitting coil 12, 12a. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective near-transmitting coil 12, 12a is designed as a flat coil 11. As can be seen from Figure 3, for example, the respective near-transmitting coil 12, 12a is arranged transversely to the first direction R1 in an associated edge region 13 of the magnetic flux guide unit 3. The induction charging device 1 has, as can be seen in Figures 4 to 8, an associated inverter 14 for the respective near-transmitting coil 12, 12a, which is electrically connected to the near-transmitting coil 12, 12a and supplies the associated near-transmitting coil 12, 12a with an alternating current during operation. This inverter 14 is also referred to below as local inverter 14, 14a.As can be seen, for example, from Figures 5 to 8, the respective near-field inverter 14, 14a is arranged on the underside 10 of the magnetic flux guide unit 3. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective near-field inverter 14, 14a is arranged in the edge region 13 of the associated near-field transmission coil 12, 12a and on the underside 10 of the magnetic flux guide unit 3. As only shown in Figure 4, the induction charging device 1 also has a controller 15 for controlling the inverters 14, which is electrically connected to the inverters 14. The controller 15 is therefore electrically connected to the inverters 14 and controls the inverters 14 during operation, so that the respective inverter 14 generates the alternating current required for the associated near-field transmission coil 12, 12a.In the illustration in Figure 4, it is assumed purely by way of example that all input signals for the respective inverter 14 are transmitted in a single cable 16 from the controller 15 to the inverter 14.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiments, the respective near-field transmitting coil 12, 12a, when supplied with the associated alternating current, generates a field (not shown) that propagates primarily along the first direction R1. This means that the field generated by the respective near-field transmitting coil 12, 12a, hereinafter also referred to as the near field, has a primary direction along the first direction R1.

[0064] As can be seen, for example, from Figures 3 and 5, the induction charging device 1 in the exemplary embodiments shown has a further transmitting coil 12 which, in comparison to the near-transmitting coils 12, 12a, is wound around the magnetic flux guide unit 3 about a winding axis A3 running transversely to the first direction R1, so that the transmitting coil 12 extends along the top side 9 and along the bottom side 10 of the magnetic flux guide unit 3. This transmitting coil 12 is also referred to below as the remote transmitting coil 12, 12b. The remote transmitting coil 12, 12b is not shown in Figure 4 for the sake of clarity. The induction charging device 1 has an associated inverter 14 for the remote transmitting coil 12, 12b, which inverter is also referred to below as the remote inverter 14, 14b.The remote inverter 14, 14b is arranged on the underside 10 and is electrically connected to the remote transmitting coil 12, 12b to supply the remote transmitting coil 12, 12b with an alternating current during operation. The controller 15 is also electrically connected to the remote inverter 14, 14b and controls the remote inverter 14, 14b during operation. During operation, the remote inverter 14, 14b supplies the remote transmitting coil 12, 12b with the alternating current, whereby the remote transmitting coil 12, 12b generates a field that propagates primarily transversely to the first direction R1. This means that the field generated by the remote transmitting coil 12, 12b, hereinafter also referred to as the far field, has a main direction transverse to the first direction R1. In the illustrated embodiments, the winding axis A3 of the remote transmit coil 12, 12b runs parallel to the second direction R2. Thus, the main direction of the far field also runs parallel to the second direction R2.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiments shown, a navigation instruction is generated using the received fields, which is indicated by arrows in Figure 1. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the navigation instruction is generated on the side of the mobile induction charging device 1, 1b and thus in the mobile application 100, i.e., in particular, in the motor vehicle 101. The navigation instruction is used to drive, in particular steer, the application 100 for optimal or at least improved positioning of the induction charging devices 1 relative to one another for charging. The evaluation of the at least one received field and the generation and output of the navigation instruction can be carried out by means of a control device 103 of the application 100.

[0066] As can be seen from Figure 4, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the controller 15 is arranged on the underside 10 and is connected to the inverters 14 on the underside 10 by means of said cables 16. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the controller 15 has a printed circuit board 20, on which connections (not shown) are provided for the respective inverter 14. The controller 15 can be that of a foreign object detection device 21, otherwise not shown, of the induction charging device 1 for detecting foreign objects (not shown) on the induction charging device 1, which, as explained above, is expanded in particular to include the connections in order to also control the inverters 14.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the top side 9, and Figure 4 shows a plan view of the bottom side 10 of the induction charging device. Figure 5 shows a plan view of the top side 9, although the inverters 14, which are not actually visible in this view, are nevertheless shown for clarity. For the sake of clarity, the power coil 2 is not shown in Figures 5 to 8. The magnetic flux guide unit 3 is shown in simplified form as a single block in Figures 5 to 8.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the induction charging device 1, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 5, has four such near-transmitting coils 12, 12a. In a plan view in the first direction R1, i.e., in particular in the view of Figure 5, the near-transmitting coils 12, 12a are arranged in the corners of an imaginary rectangle. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the energy coil 2 is arranged centrally in the plan view with respect to the rectangle. The rectangle thus forms a virtual frame within which the energy coil 2 is arranged in the plan view. The near-transmitting inverters 14 are also arranged in the corners of the rectangle, but on the underside 10, as can be seen from a synopsis of Figures 5 to 8. According to Figures 6 and 8, the respective near-transmitting coil 12, 12a is electrically connected to the associated near-transmitting inverter 14, 14a via a line 17.The line 17 extends along an edge 18 of the magnetic flux guide unit 3 connecting the top side 9 to the bottom side 10 in the first direction R1. As can be seen, for example, from Figures 6 and 8, the respective near-field inverter 14, 14a can project beyond the magnetic flux guide unit 2 with a section 19 transverse to the first direction R1, wherein the section 19 is also referred to below as the connection section 19. The respective near-field inverter 14, 14a is electrically connected to the associated near-field transmitting coil 12, 12a via the connection section 19 and via the line 17.

[0069] As indicated in Figure 7, coil ends 22 of the remote transmitting coil 12, 12b are arranged on the underside 10 and are electrically connected to the remote inverter 14, 14b on the underside 10.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiments shown, at least the near-field inverters 14, 14a are identical parts 23. In the exemplary embodiments shown, all inverters 14 are identical parts 23. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the near-field transmit coils 12, 12a are identical parts 23.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiments, the respective transmitting coil 12 generates a magnetic field when supplied with the corresponding alternating current. The respective inverter 14 supplies the corresponding transmitting coil 12 with an associated and predetermined frequency during operation, which is also referred to below as the operating frequency. The operating frequencies of the inverters 14 differ from one another. In the illustrated embodiments, the operating frequencies are between 110 kHz and 148.5 kHz. It is conceivable to supply one of the near-field transmit coils 12, 12a with an operating frequency of 111.50 kHz, another of the near-field transmit coils 12, 12a with an operating frequency z of 112.00 kHz, yet another of the near-field transmit coils 12, 12a with an operating frequency of 113.00 kHz, and the remaining near-field transmit coil 12, 12a with an operating frequency of 113.50 kHz. Accordingly, the respective near fields have the respective associated frequencies.It is conceivable to operate the remote transmitting coil 12, 12b at an operating frequency between 140.0 kHz and 148.5 kHz, for example, 145.5 kHz, 146.0 kHz, 147.0 kHz, or 147.5 kHz. Accordingly, the far field has the frequency of the corresponding operating frequency.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiments, the near-field inverters 14, 14a each provide the same output current for the associated near-field transmit coil 12, 12a, but at different operating frequencies. Thus, the near-field transmit coils 12, 12a generate near fields with at least substantially identical field strengths, but at different frequencies.

[0073] As can be seen from Figure 2, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the charging system 1 comprises at least two stationary induction charging devices 1, 1a spaced apart from one another and thus at least two such transmit induction charging devices 4. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2, the respective stationary induction charging device 1, 1a is assigned, purely by way of example, to a parking area 201 for motor vehicles 101, i.e. is arranged in the parking area 201. In this case, the charging system 200 in the exemplary embodiment shown has, purely by way of example, two rows of stationary induction charging devices 1, 1a and thus transmit induction charging devices 4, which follow one another along the respective associated row and are spaced apart from one another. As can be seen from Figure 1, the respective stationary induction charging device 1, 1a can be arranged below the associated parking area 201.The stationary induction charging devices 1, 1a are nevertheless visible in the illustration in Figure 2. The solution according to the invention offers the particular advantage of improved interoperability, since the same inverters 14 can be used in different induction charging devices 2 and the induction charging devices 2 can nevertheless interact with each other in a simplified manner and in a predetermined manner. This is achieved in particular due to a reduction in external influences on the fields generated by the transmitting coils 12. Thus, any compatible mobile induction charging device 1, 1b, in the exemplary embodiments shown, therefore any compatible motor vehicle 101, can be positioned relative to each of the stationary induction charging devices 1, 1a shown without preselection and, in particular, also without prior calibration.This also means, in particular, that the motor vehicle 101 can approach any compatible stationary induction charging device 1, 1a, i.e., even those not visible in Figure 2, and positioning is still carried out using the fields without separate calibration. Thus, the solution according to the invention offers the particular advantage that, when driving the motor vehicle 101 (indicated by dashed lines in Figure 2), no pre-selection or selection of a specific stationary induction charging device 1, 1a needs to be made beforehand in the motor vehicle 101 and in the associated mobile induction charging device 1, 1b, with which energy is subsequently transferred inductively during charging operation.

Claims

Claims 1. Induction charging device (1) for a charging system (200), in which the induction charging device (1) interacts inductively with another induction charging device (1) for wireless energy transmission, - with a magnetic flux guide unit (3) comprising at least one magnetic flux guide element (7), in particular at least one ferrite element (8), for guiding magnetic fields, which has an upper side (9) and a lower side (10) facing away from the upper side (9) in a first direction (R1), - with an energy coil (2) arranged on the upper side (9), which, during operation, interacts inductively with an energy coil (2) of another induction charging device (1) of the charging system (200) for wireless energy transmission, - wherein the energy coil (2) is wound around a winding axis (A1) running parallel to the first direction (R1), - wherein the magnetic flux guide unit (3) extends in a second direction (R2) running transversely to the first direction (R1) and a third direction (R3) running transversely to the first direction (R1) and transversely to the second direction (R2), so that the magnetic flux guide unit (3) projects beyond the energy coil (2) transversely to the first direction (R1), - with at least two near-transmitting coils (12, 12a) arranged on the upper side (9) of the magnetic flux guide unit (9) and spaced apart from one another transversely to the first direction (R1), - wherein the respective near-transmitting coil (12, 12a) is wound around an associated winding axis (A2) running parallel to the first direction (R1), - wherein the respective near-transmitting coil (12, 12a) is arranged transversely to the first direction (R1) in an associated edge region (13) of the magnetic flux guide unit (3), - wherein the induction charging device (1) for the respective near-transmitting coil (12, 12a) has an associated near-transmitting inverter (14, 14a) which is electrically connected to the near-transmitting coil (12, 12a) and which, during operation, supplies the associated near-transmitting coil (12, 12a) with an alternating current, - wherein the respective local inverter (14, 14a) is arranged on the underside (10), - with a control system (15) which is electrically connected to the local inverters (14, 14a) and controls the local inverters (14, 14a) during operation.

2. Induction charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective near-inverter (14, 14a) is arranged in the edge region (13) of the associated near-transmitting coil (12, 12a) and on the underside (10).

3. Induction charging device according to claim 2, characterized in that - that the induction charging device (1 ) has four such near-transmitting coils (12, 12a), wherein the near-transmitting coils (12, 12a) are arranged in the corners of an imaginary rectangle in a plan view in the first direction (R1 ), - that the near-inverters (14, 14a) are arranged on the underside (10) in the corners of the rectangle.

4. Induction charging device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the near-inverters (14, 14a) has a connection section (19) projecting beyond the magnetic flux guide unit (3) transversely to the first direction (R1), via which the near-inverter (14, 14a) is electrically connected to the associated near-transmitting coil (12, 12a).

5. Induction charging device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that - that a remote transmitting coil (12, 12b) is wound around a winding axis (A3) running transversely to the first direction R1, in particular parallel to the second direction (R2), so that the remote transmitting coil (12, 12b) extends along the top side (9) and along the bottom side (10) of the magnetic flux guide unit (3), - that the induction charging device (1) for the remote transmitting coil (12, 12b) has an associated remote inverter (14, 14b) which is electrically connected to the remote transmitting coil (12, 12b), which is arranged on the underside (10) and, during operation, supplies the remote transmitting coil (12, 12b) with an alternating current, - that the control (15) is electrically connected to the remote inverter (14, 14b) and controls the remote inverter (14, 14b) during operation.

6. Induction charging device according to claim 5, characterized in that coil ends (22) of the remote transmitting coil (14, 14b) on the underside (10) and are electrically connected to the remote inverter (14, 14b) at the bottom (10).

7. Induction charging device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the controller (15) is arranged on the underside (10) and is electrically connected to the inverters (14) on the underside (10).

8. Induction charging device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that - that the near-transmitting coils (12, 12a) are designed as identical parts (23), - that the near-field inverters (14, 14a) supply the near-field transmitter coils (12, 12a) with the same output current during operation, - that the respective inverter (14) supplies the associated transmitting coil (12) with an associated and predetermined operating frequency during operation, wherein the operating frequencies of the inverters (14) are different.

9. Induction charging device according to claim 8, characterized in that the operating frequencies are between 110 kHz and 148.5 kHz.

10. Induction charging device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least the local inverters (14, 14a) are designed as identical parts (23).

11. Induction charging device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that - that the induction charging device (1 ) has a foreign object detection device (21 ) which detects foreign objects on the induction charging device (1 ) during operation, - that the control (15) is at the same time a control (15) of the foreign object detection device (21).

12. Induction charging device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the controller (15) has a printed circuit board (20) arranged on the underside (10), on which at least one connection is provided for the respective inverter (14).

13. Induction charging device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the induction charging device (1) is designed as a stationary induction charging device (1, 1a) which interacts inductively with a mobile induction charging device (1, 1b) of the charging system (200) for wireless energy transmission.

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