Mobile inductive charging device for a dynamic vehicle charging system, and lane-keeping device

The mobile inductive loading device in dynamic vehicle charging systems uses sensor windings to ensure precise positioning and lane keeping, addressing the challenge of efficient energy transfer and vehicle alignment during dynamic charging.

WO2025073744A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-04-10MAHLE INT GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2024/077697
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-04
Filing Date
2024-10-02
Publication Date
2025-04-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Dynamic vehicle charging systems face challenges in ensuring efficient energy transfer and maintaining vehicle alignment during dynamic charging, as precise positioning of the mobile inductive loading device relative to stationary inductive loading devices is critical for effective energy transfer.

Method used

The mobile inductive loading device incorporates at least one mobile energy transmission winding and two differentiated sensor windings to record magnetic changes and alternating fields, respectively, allowing for precise positioning and lane keeping during dynamic charging operations.

Benefits of technology

This solution enables efficient energy transfer and ensures that the vehicle remains aligned with the charging lane during dynamic charging, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the dynamic vehicle charging system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile inductive charging device for a dynamic vehicle charging system, comprising at least one power transmission coil, two sensor coils and a lane-keeping device for the vehicle's course-holding during travel across stationary inductive charging devices.
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Description

[0001] Mobile inductive charging device for a dynamic vehicle charging system and lane keeping device

[0002] The invention relates to a mobile inductive charging device for a dynamic vehicle charging system and a lane keeping device.

[0003] DE 102022203489 A1 discloses a system for inductive energy transmission, particularly for a mobile application, comprising a stationary induction charging device with a stationary energy coil and a mobile induction charging device with a mobile energy coil. Precise and robust detection of the relative position of the energy coils to one another is achieved with a positioning device that has four transmitting coils in one of the induction charging devices and at least one receiver in the other induction charging device. The transmitting coils generate distinguishable positioning fields that interact with the at least one receiver. The ratio of the positioning fields is used to detect whether the energy coils overlap.

[0004] DE 102022120691 A1 discloses an inductive charging device for a vehicle charging system comprising an energy transmission winding, at least one flux guide element, and at least one positioning signal winding. The positioning signal winding is designed as a solenoid with a winding axis in the vehicle's longitudinal direction or the desired vehicle longitudinal direction, and the flux guide element is suitable for guiding a magnetic field during an energy transmission process that takes place between another inductive charging device and the energy transmission winding. The positioning signal winding encloses at least one of the at least one flux guide elements and the energy transmission winding. DE 102022107568 A1 discloses an inductive charging device for a vehicle charging system comprising an energy transmission winding, at least one flux guide element, and at least one first sensor winding and a second sensor winding.The flux guiding element is suitable for guiding a magnetic field during an energy transfer which takes place between a further inductive charging device and the energy transfer winding, and the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding are arranged around at least one of the at least one flux guiding element.

[0005] A dynamic vehicle charging system is provided for charging a vehicle while driving. It comprises a mobile inductive charging device with a mobile energy transfer coil, which is mounted on and / or in the vehicle, and a plurality of stationary inductive charging devices, each with at least one stationary energy transfer coil, which are mounted in and / or on the ground.

[0006] The present invention addresses the problem of providing a mobile inductive charging device that can be used in a dynamic vehicle charging system for dynamically charging vehicles while driving and ensures high charging efficiency. Furthermore, a lane-keeping device for a mobile inductive charging device is to be provided.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by a mobile inductive charging device for a dynamic vehicle charging system, as defined in the claims. The dynamic vehicle charging system comprises the mobile inductive charging device and a plurality of stationary inductive charging devices, each having at least one stationary energy transmission winding, which are mounted in and / or on the ground for charging a vehicle while driving, on and / or in which the mobile inductive charging device is arranged.The mobile inductive charging device comprises: at least one mobile energy transmission winding for detecting an alternating magnetic field generated by a stationary energy transmission winding for inductive energy transmission; at least one first sensor winding and one second sensor winding, which are differently oriented and designed to detect the alternating magnetic field generated by a stationary energy transmission winding for inductive energy transmission, and a lane keeping device for keeping the vehicle in lane while driving over stationary inductive charging devices, wherein the lane keeping device is designed to evaluate the alternating magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding and to determine therefrom whether the vehicle is staying in lane or deviating from the lane in a dynamic charging operation while driving.

[0008] The object is further achieved according to the invention by a lane keeping device for a mobile inductive charging device for a dynamic vehicle charging system, which has the mobile inductive charging device and a plurality of stationary inductive charging devices, each with at least one stationary energy transmission winding, which are mounted in and / or on the ground, for charging a vehicle while driving, on and / or in which the mobile inductive charging device is arranged, wherein the lane keeping device is designed to keep the vehicle in lane while driving via stationary inductive charging devices, and to evaluate the alternating magnetic fields detected by a first sensor winding and a second sensor winding of the mobile inductive charging device and to determine therefrom whether the vehicle is keeping in lane or deviating from the lane in a dynamic charging operation while driving.The invention can further be implemented by a corresponding lane keeping method and a computer program that implements this lane keeping method in software.

[0009] To enable dynamic charging while driving and, in particular, to achieve high efficiency, the vehicle must be in the correct relative position over the stationary charging devices, for example, by moving as centrally as possible over the stationary charging devices. This is a one-dimensional problem, since only the y-direction, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel, along which the stationary charging devices are arranged, needs to be considered for the purpose of lane keeping. The positioning methods for static charging, as described in the documents cited above, are used according to the invention to at least partially solve this problem.

[0010] According to the invention, a lane keeping device is provided for lane keeping while driving and in particular during a dynamic charging process. This uses the at least two sensor windings of the mobile inductive charging device to evaluate the alternating magnetic fields detected during the dynamic charging process and to determine from this whether the vehicle is staying in lane or deviating from it during dynamic charging while driving. The lane keeping device can thus be implemented, for example, by a processor or computer. The lane keeping device can also have an output unit, for example a display unit (e.g. a screen) or a signal output to such a display unit, in order to show the driver the lane deviation and / or suggestions for corrections, as is known, for example, from lane keeping assistants in modern vehicles.If a deviation from the lane is detected, the lane keeping system can also initiate measures to reduce the deviation, for example by suggesting, initiating or completely autonomously carrying out a correction of the vehicle's steering.

[0011] During dynamic charging, the detected alternating magnetic fields are generated by a stationary energy transfer winding of a respective stationary inductive charging device for inductive energy transfer. Therefore, unlike in stationary charging mode, as described in the documents mentioned above, separate magnetic positioning fields (alternating fields) are not generated by separate positioning coils (also referred to as transmitting coils).

[0012] The at least two sensor windings can thus be used for positioning purposes or lane keeping in both stationary and dynamic charging modes, even if they detect and evaluate different alternating magnetic fields. Preferably, the at least two sensor windings are adapted accordingly depending on the charging mode (stationary or dynamic), for example, with regard to frequency, sensitivity, amplification, etc. For this purpose, the at least two sensor windings or the evaluation and / or control electronics are either designed to detect and evaluate the various alternating magnetic fields at any time, or they are reconfigured accordingly depending on the charging mode. For example, the reception frequency can be changed accordingly depending on the charging mode.

[0013] Being able to charge vehicles inductively offers a number of advantages over conventional conductive charging. First and foremost, the increased convenience is worth mentioning, as it eliminates the need to handle sometimes very heavy charging cables and plugs. However, for inductive charging, it is important that the vehicle's inductive charging device is positioned as precisely as possible in relation to the central charging lane, for example, a floor-mounted inductive charging device while driving. This is difficult if the vehicle is positioned purely manually over the inductive charging device, and the driver requires support from an assistance system that either provides them with information about a positional deviation between the mobile inductive charging device in the vehicle and the stationary inductive charging device, or from an automated positioning system that directly and automatically takes over the lane keeping assistance.A sensor system capable of detecting a corresponding positional deviation is required. It is advantageous if no initial calibration is required between the stationary inductive charging device and the mobile inductive charging device in the vehicle. Furthermore, the positioning system should have the greatest possible range. This means that the positioning system should be able to precisely determine a positional deviation even at the greatest possible distance between a stationary inductive charging device and a mobile inductive charging device in the vehicle.

[0014] In the device according to the invention, sensor windings are integrated into the inductive charging device. In principle, no additional magnetic core or flux guide element is required. Furthermore, the proposed arrangement also allows the sensor windings to be accommodated in the inductive charging device in the vehicle. No additional cabling is required, as would be the case with an arrangement outside the inductive charging device in the vehicle.

[0015] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the drawings, and the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0016] Inductive charging involves transferring energy in the form of a magnetic field between two inductive charging devices, usually between a stationary charging device and a mobile inductive charging device.

[0017] The term "inductive charging device" therefore refers to only one of at least two components required for energy transfer during an inductive charging process. During an inductive charging process, a power transfer coil in an inductive charging device generates an alternating magnetic field. This alternating magnetic field induces a voltage in another power transfer coil of another inductive charging device. This additional inductive charging device thus serves as a counterpart for this specific charging process. The energy is transferred wirelessly and absorbed by induction of a voltage.

[0018] Inductive charging devices can be used for inductive charging of vehicles. In principle, an inductive charging device according to the invention can be used for any type of land, water, or air vehicle with an electric or hybrid drive.

[0019] In particular, passenger cars, buses, and trucks are mentioned here. A vehicle charging system comprises at least one mobile inductive charging device and another, usually stationary, inductive charging device. A dynamic vehicle charging system has several stationary inductive charging devices, which are installed in and / or on the ground along the direction of travel, and the mobile inductive charging device, which can be mounted, for example, on and / or in a vehicle. An inductive charging device on and / or in the vehicle is therefore suitable for absorbing the magnetic field and making electrical energy available from an energy storage device of the vehicle, for example, a battery or accumulator in the vehicle.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile inductive charging device comprises a positioning device for positioning the vehicle over a stationary inductive charging device for stationary charging of the vehicle. Such a positioning device is generally known from the documents cited above. The first sensor winding and the second sensor winding are configured to detect at least one positioning magnetic field generated by at least one positioning winding of the stationary inductive charging device, and the positioning device is configured to determine the positioning of the vehicle relative to the stationary inductive charging device.In an exemplary embodiment, the stationary inductive charging device has four or five positioning windings that generate distinguishable positioning magnetic fields, for example alternating fields with different frequencies.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile inductive charging device comprises a signal processing device for filtering and / or amplifying and / or damping the alternating magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding prior to evaluation by the lane keeping device. The signal processing should therefore be carried out in such a way that the signals to be evaluated can be evaluated as effectively as possible and are disrupted as little as possible, or not at all, by signals that are not to be evaluated. For example, in stationary charging operation, the alternating fields generated by the at least one positioning winding should be amplified, while an alternating field generated by the energy transmission winding should be dampened in order to minimize disruption to positioning. This can be achieved by appropriate filtering of the respective signals.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the signal processing device is designed to dampen the alternating magnetic fields generated by the stationary energy transmission winding and detected by the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding before evaluation by the lane keeping device. This prevents the evaluation electronics from having to be able to process very strong signals such as those generated by the stationary energy transmission winding. In other words, the inputs of the signal processing device, for example of an evaluation circuit, have a specific maximum voltage level that, on the one hand, should not be exceeded but should be utilized as fully as possible. Furthermore, provision can be made to amplify as few unused frequency bands as possible.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the signal processing device is configured to amplify the positioning magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding and generated by the at least one positioning winding before they are evaluated by the lane keeping device. This measure can also serve to improve the evaluation and thus the positioning during stationary charging operation.

[0024] The signal processing device can also be configured to filter out the alternating magnetic field generated by the stationary energy transmission winding from the alternating magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding during dynamic charging operation for evaluation, and / or to filter out the positioning magnetic field generated by the at least one positioning winding during stationary charging operation for evaluation. This also contributes to an improvement in the evaluation and thus in positioning or lane keeping.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding are configured to change their reception characteristics, in particular their frequency characteristics, depending on whether the vehicle is being charged in stationary charging mode or in dynamic charging mode while driving. In particular, the frequency characteristics and / or the gain can be adjusted. Alternatively, a fixed reception characteristic can also be used regardless of the charging mode.

[0026] The mobile inductive charging device can further comprise at least one flux-guiding element configured to guide a magnetic field during energy transfer, wherein the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding are arranged around at least one of the at least one flux-guiding element. This can improve the flux guidance of the magnetic field and thus the energy transfer or, during dynamic charging operation, the detection of the alternating field for tracking.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the mobile inductive charging device further comprises a switching device for switching between a dynamic evaluation mode during dynamic charging operation and a stationary evaluation mode during stationary charging operation. This allows the optimal evaluation to be set in each case.

[0028] In principle, a vehicle charging system can also be used for bidirectional charging. In this case, the vehicle can temporarily feed energy from the energy storage device into the power grid via the vehicle charging system. An inductive charging device has an energy transfer winding that can efficiently receive a magnetic field from another energy transfer winding during the charging process and / or emit a magnetic field. Preferably, power outputs of 3 kW to 500 kW can be transferred, particularly preferably 3 kW to 50 kW. A coil is generally defined here as a component for generating or receiving a magnetic field. A coil can consist of a winding and optionally other elements such as a magnetic core and a coil carrier. A winding is a wound arrangement of a current conductor.A winding can consist of one or more turns, with one turn representing one complete circuit of a conductor. Generally speaking, a winding can also consist of fewer than one turn, for example, 0.5 turns. Of course, a partial number of turns, such as 2.5 turns, is also possible.

[0029] An energy transmission winding can be designed in various forms and, for example, consist of a high-frequency stranded wire with a diameter between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably made of copper. The sensor windings are required for the positioning process during a stationary charging process. If the vehicle is still some distance away, for example between 5 and 10 m, from the stationary inductive charging device, the stationary inductive charging device can emit a signal, preferably a magnetic field, which induces a voltage in the sensor windings. By comparing the voltages and appropriate evaluation, a positional deviation between the vehicle and the stationary inductive charging device can be determined. In principle, it is also possible for the mobile inductive charging device to emit the signal and the stationary inductive charging device to receive it.A sensor winding provided in the charging device according to the invention can be designed in various forms and can have half a turn, one turn, or preferably several turns. Of course, a partial number of turns, such as 2.5 turns, is also possible. A conductor of such a sensor winding can, for example, have a cross-sectional area between 0.01 and 2 mm. 2 A conductor can be implemented as a stranded wire, as a single conductor, or in another form, for example, in the form of a circuit board. In a conductor structure implemented on a circuit board, the conductor tracks can have cross-sections of, for example, the order of 0.8 mm by 35 pm.

[0030] A flux guide element is designed to guide a magnetic field in a predetermined manner. It has a high magnetic permeability with p r >1 , preferably p r >50, especially preferred p r>100. The flux guide element represents a magnetic core for the energy transmission winding. In particular, the high permeability influences the magnetic field in such a way that the greatest possible magnetic flux is transferred to the energy transmission winding. With a flux guide element, the energy transmission winding absorbs a greater magnetic flux than without a flux guide element, all other parameters being equal. A flux guide element can be made of a ferromagnetic or, preferably, a ferrimagnetic material, particularly preferably a ferrite. A flux guide element can preferably be plate-like—in the form of a planar core—and can be arranged in the inductive charging device on the side of the energy transmission winding facing away from the opposite side, i.e., the other inductive charging device.

[0031] By arranging the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding around at least one of the at least one flux guide elements, the at least one of the at least one flux guide elements performs a dual function. It functions as a magnetic core for both the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding, as well as a magnetic core or

[0032] Flux guide element for the energy transmission winding. This eliminates the need for a separate flux guide element for the sensor winding, simplifying manufacturing.

[0033] The arrangement of a sensor winding around a flux guide element here means that at least a portion of the flux guide element is enclosed by a sensor winding. The first sensor winding and the second sensor winding can be arranged around the same flux guide element or around two different flux guide elements, or even around multiple flux guide elements.

[0034] The two sensor windings can either be arranged only around one or more flux guiding elements or also around further elements, such as the energy transmission winding and / or a cooling and / or a shielding device.

[0035] An inductive charging device according to the invention is preferably a mobile inductive charging device which is arranged on and / or in a vehicle or a stationary inductive charging device.

[0036] A stationary inductive charging device is the non-mobile part of a vehicle charging system, i.e. the part that does not move with the vehicle.

[0037] A stationary inductive charging device can preferably be located on, at, or in a floor. This can be an inductive charging device mounted on the ground or an inductive charging device sunk into a subsurface or into the ground. A floor can be a roadway, a parking lot surface, a garage floor, a floor in a parking garage, or another building. However, a stationary inductive charging device can also be located on walls or similar structures.

[0038] It is also possible to use a stationary inductive charging device for a dynamic inductive charging process. With a dynamic inductive charging process, a vehicle's energy storage device can be charged while the vehicle is moving. For example, in this case, the stationary inductive charging device can extend along the roadway, under, in, or on the road surface.

[0039] A mobile inductive charging device can be installed on and / or in a vehicle. Generally speaking, this refers to the part of a vehicle charging system that moves with the vehicle.

[0040] It is preferred that the first sensor winding has a first radial longitudinal direction and the second sensor winding has a second radial longitudinal direction and the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction are each arranged at an angle of 45° + / - 10°, preferably at an angle of 45°, to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction intersect at an angle of 70°-110°, preferably perpendicularly.

[0041] In general, a winding extends in at least two dimensions around an axis. The main extension direction perpendicular to the winding axis is referred to here as the radial longitudinal direction. In a winding with a rectangular, non-square cross-section, the main extension direction runs along or parallel to the longer side of the rectangle. In a winding with an elliptical cross-section, the radial longitudinal direction runs along or parallel to the main axis of the ellipse. The radial longitudinal direction of a sensor winding according to the invention can preferably lie in a plane that extends parallel to the ground. An appropriate arrangement of the angles of the radial longitudinal directions is advantageous for the highest possible sensitivity during detection and the simplest possible calculation of the positional deviation between the vehicle and the stationary inductive charging device.

[0042] If the two angles between the respective radial longitudinal direction of the sensor windings and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are approximately equal, this means that the sensor windings are arranged symmetrically to the direction of travel. When the term "longitudinal direction of the vehicle" is used in reference to a stationary inductive charging device, it refers to the "longitudinal direction of the vehicle" to be achieved once the positioning process has been successfully completed, i.e., the "longitudinal direction of the vehicle" as it is positioned during the energy transfer process. This is particularly advantageous because the function of the sensor windings is, in particular, to detect a right-left positional deviation between the inductive charging device in the vehicle and the stationary inductive charging device.Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the sensor windings with respect to the direction of travel, the corresponding voltages induced in the sensor windings are also symmetrical, even with equally large positional deviations to the right or left, making it relatively easy to calculate the positional deviations from the induced voltages. If the two angles are 45°, the two sensor windings are at a 90° angle to each other; this is ideal for optimal evaluation of the sensor signals.

[0043] It is preferred that the first sensor winding has a first radial longitudinal direction and the second sensor winding has a second radial longitudinal direction, and that the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction intersect in the region of the area spanned by the energy transmission winding. The area of ​​the area spanned by the energy transmission winding refers to the area spanned by the energy transmission winding in the plane perpendicular to its winding axis, thus explicitly also including the inner region of the energy transmission winding in which no winding is present, but not the area located outside the energy transmission winding. It is important here that “direction,” such as “radial longitudinal direction,” always refers to a straight line and not a distance delimited by the start and end of the component.The fact that the two radial longitudinal directions of the sensor windings cross in the area spanned by the energy transmission winding does not necessarily mean that the sensor windings themselves cross; it is also possible that they would only cross in the extension.

[0044] Arranging the two sensor windings so that the two radial longitudinal directions intersect in the area spanned by the energy transfer winding offers advantages for the evaluation of the two sensor signals. When a signal is sent from the stationary inductive charging device for positioning, a voltage is induced in each of the two windings. The ratio of the two voltages allows direct conclusions to be drawn about the positional deviation between the vehicle and the stationary inductive charging device. It is particularly advantageous if the two sensor windings are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0045] It is particularly preferred that the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction intersect at least approximately in the center of the energy transmission winding. The center of the energy transmission winding here refers to the area a few centimeters around the geometric center of the energy transmission winding in the plane perpendicular to the winding axis of the energy transmission winding. "Center" here refers only to the two dimensions in which the energy transmission winding primarily extends, for example the travel plane. The intersection does not have to be centrally located in the energy transmission winding in the direction in which the energy transmission takes place; for example, a central arrangement does not occur in relation to the height of the vehicle.This is advantageous because the two radial longitudinal directions of the two sensor windings are tilted to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by an angle that is advantageous for optimal detection of a positional deviation between the vehicle and the stationary inductive charging device.

[0046] In addition, the sensor windings are arranged in relation to the energy transmission winding in such a way that the lowest possible voltages are induced in the sensor windings during the energy transmission process.

[0047] In one embodiment, the two sensor windings intersect at least approximately in the center of the energy transfer winding. The fact that only the radial longitudinal directions of the two sensor windings intersect approximately in the center of the energy transfer winding is a weaker condition. In this case, it is also possible for the two sensor windings to be relatively short and arranged in a V-shape. If these two sensor windings are notionally extended in their radial longitudinal direction, these radial longitudinal directions intersect, but not the two sensor windings themselves. The fact that the two sensor windings themselves intersect is a stricter condition. In this case, the sensor windings are longer than in a V-shaped arrangement and actually intersect. The arrangement is X-shaped.In this embodiment, the sensor windings have a larger area in which voltage is induced than in embodiments in which only the radial longitudinal directions of the sensor windings intersect in the extension, and more voltage can be induced. In this case, the sensor windings actually intersect, rather than merely intersecting in the extension of the sensor windings. It is advantageous if, in this embodiment, the two sensor windings are arranged point-symmetrically to the center of the energy transmission winding.

[0048] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the inductive charging device has at least four sensor windings, two of which are arranged on opposite sides of the center of the energy transmission winding, and all radial longitudinal directions run approximately through the center of the energy transmission winding, and / or the four radial longitudinal directions of the four sensor windings each form an angle of 45° + / - 10°, preferably 45°, with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Thus, the four sensor windings are arranged in a cross-like pattern around the center of the energy transmission winding, with the center of the energy transmission winding itself being free of a sensor winding.

[0049] Preferably, the four sensor windings can be arranged radially distributed at equal distances around the center of the energy transmission winding and can be at approximately the same angle to one another. For example, the angle between the respective radial longitudinal direction of a sensor winding and the radial longitudinal direction of the respective adjacent sensor winding can always be 45° + / - 10°, preferably 45°. This embodiment is advantageous over the embodiment with only two sensor windings because with this arrangement the installation space can be used more efficiently and more turns can be realized per sensor winding. Overall, more voltage is therefore induced. Compared to the embodiment with two intersecting sensor windings, it also offers the advantage that the center of the energy transmission winding remains free of a sensor winding and thus stabilizing elements can be introduced in this area.The four sensor windings can be interconnected, preferably in series. Particularly preferred is the two diagonally opposite sensor windings being interconnected in series.

[0050] It is advantageous that the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction are at least approximately parallel to the main direction of the magnetic field lines that form during energy transfer in the flux guide element in the area covered by the sensor winding.

[0051] The main direction of the magnetic field lines at each location refers to the direction in which the magnetic field lines primarily extend in the flux guide element. This does not represent the exact path of the magnetic field lines through the sensor winding; rather, the radial longitudinal directions are intended to be oriented according to the path of the magnetic field lines in the region of the sensor winding. During energy transfer from the stationary inductive charging device to the inductive charging device in the vehicle, the magnetic field is guided in one or more flux guide elements. If one or more flux guide elements are plate-shaped, a magnetic field with magnetic field lines that run approximately radially with respect to the energy transfer winding is established in the flux guide elements during the charging process.Although a voltage is to be induced in the sensor windings during the positioning process in order to calculate a positional deviation between the vehicle and the stationary inductive charging device, the magnetic fields are significantly higher during the charging process, and it is therefore important that as little voltage as possible is induced in the sensor windings to avoid damaging them or neighboring components. The field component perpendicular to the radial longitudinal direction of the sensor windings is relevant for the induced voltage. If a sensor winding is arranged in a way that ensures that the radial longitudinal direction of the sensor winding is at least approximately parallel to the main direction of the magnetic field lines in the flux guide elements during the charging process, no or only a low voltage is induced in the sensor winding.

[0052] Alternatively, it is also possible for the first radial longitudinal direction and the second radial longitudinal direction to intersect outside the center of the energy transmission winding.

[0053] Preferably, the energy transmission winding is designed as a flat coil and / or the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding as a solenoid. A flat coil can be a spiral flat coil, in particular a circular spiral flat coil or a rectangular spiral flat coil. A spiral flat coil can be wound in the form of an Archimedean spiral. The winding shape can be circular (circular spiral flat coil), but other shapes are also possible, such as square or rectangular, or even similar to a rectangle with rounded corners (rectangular spiral flat coil). The spiral lies in a plane. A flat coil is particularly suitable for transmitting the highest possible power between a stationary inductive charging device and an inductive charging device in the vehicle.

[0054] A solenoid is also called a cylindrical coil or solenoid coil. A solenoid can be wound in the shape of a helix or a cylindrical spiral. However, the winding shape does not have to be circular, but can also have other shapes, such as square or rectangular, or even similar to a rectangle with rounded corners. The important difference to a flat coil is that the windings are not in one plane, but extend along an axis. However, two or more windings can also run parallel and thus be in the same plane perpendicular to the axis. The shape of the solenoid is well suited to detecting a signal sent by the stationary inductive charging device during the positioning process.

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment, a plurality of flux guiding elements are arranged radially around the center of the energy transmission winding, with gaps between the flux guiding elements also running radially. From a manufacturing perspective, it is impossible or very difficult to produce a large flux guiding element that covers the entire surface of the energy transmission coil or even projects beyond it. Therefore, a plurality of smaller flux guiding elements usually have to be placed next to one another. In this case, it is possible to use rectangular flux guiding elements. These are easier to manufacture. Smaller gaps are then always present between the flux guiding elements. These can negatively influence the guidance of the magnetic field. With rectangular flux guiding elements, the gaps between the flux guiding elements will always run partially perpendicular to the magnetic field lines.It is therefore advantageous if the gaps between the flux guiding elements also run radially and thus influence the guidance of the magnetic field as little as possible.

[0056] The first sensor winding and the second sensor winding are preferably formed by conductor tracks which are applied to at least one printed circuit board, preferably to at least two printed circuit boards, in particular to at least one upper printed circuit board and at least one lower printed circuit board. The turns of a sensor winding are implemented in the form of conductor tracks on printed circuit boards. The conductor tracks can be made of copper, for example. The conductor tracks can be designed in multiple layers, preferably in two layers. The cross-section of such a conductor track can be adapted much more flexibly to the framework conditions dictated by the limited installation space. In particular, it is possible to design the cross-section of the conductor tracks as a rectangle with a low height, wherein the height here is in the dimension perpendicular to the substrate.

[0057] Implementing a sensor winding using conductor tracks on printed circuit boards makes it possible to significantly reduce the height of the sensor winding compared to conventional windings, such as those based on high-frequency stranded conductors. This type of sensor winding therefore requires less installation space, particularly in the dimension along the winding axis of the power transmission winding, which is the most critical in terms of installation space. The manufacturing process for a sensor winding based on printed circuit boards is also simpler compared to conventional sensor windings with wound high-frequency stranded conductors.

[0058] It is preferred that the energy transfer winding is thermally connected to one of the at least one flux guide elements and that the at least one flux guide element is thermally connected to a cooling device, preferably to a cooling plate and / or to a metallic shield. The term “thermally connected one component to another” means that these two components are either directly connected to one another, i.e., they directly touch one another, or are connected to one another via solid bodies with good thermal conductivity. One or more layers or other solid bodies, such as, for example, thermally conductive intermediate layers, a thermal interface material (TIM), metal bodies or sheets, adhesives with good thermal conductivity, etc., can be located between the two components. In particular, the thermal conductivity between the two components should preferably be in the range of 0.1–1.0 K / W.To dissipate waste heat generated by the various components of an inductive charging device, a cooling device, preferably a cooling plate, can be used. A fluid can flow through such a cooling plate and dissipate absorbed waste heat to this fluid. Alternatively, a cooling plate can be solid and also dissipate the absorbed waste heat to the ambient air, for example, through cooling fins and / or a heat exchanger. The cooling plate can be made of metal, in particular aluminum.

[0059] Inductive charging generates strong magnetic and electromagnetic fields. To prevent these fields from interfering with or destroying electrical components in the vehicle, or causing damage through heating, they must be shielded. A metallic shield can be used for this purpose. A metal sheet, such as aluminum, can be used as the metallic shield. However, it is also possible to make the shield slightly thicker than a shielding plate. The metallic shield can also serve as a cooling plate. The slightly thicker shielding plate version is more suitable for this purpose.

[0060] It is important that the components to be cooled are well thermally connected to the cooling plate. Thermally connected here means that the components mentioned are in thermal contact, i.e. thermal exchange between them is possible via a connection with the best possible heat conduction. The thermal path leads from the energy transfer winding via the at least one flux guide element to the cooling plate. This allows the waste heat from the energy transfer winding and the at least one flux guide element to be dissipated to the cooling plate. Since the sensor windings can be arranged in regions around the at least one flux guide element, it is important that these sensor windings disrupt the thermal path as little as possible. To achieve this, it is particularly important to ensure that the area of ​​thermally insulating circuit board material is kept as small as possible when the sensor winding is implemented on circuit boards.

[0061] In general, the cooling device does not have to be designed as a cooling plate, but can be any body used for active or passive cooling.

[0062] In a preferred variant, at least one of the at least one printed circuit boards has a smaller width in a longitudinal region of the printed circuit board than in a contact region of the printed circuit board. Here, the longitudinal region of a printed circuit board is the region that runs along the radial longitudinal direction of the sensor winding. The contact region of the printed circuit boards is located at the two ends of the longitudinal region of the printed circuit boards. Here, it is possible to contact the conductor tracks of different printed circuit boards with one another. The width does not have to be reduced across the entire longitudinal region. It is also possible for the width to be reduced only in certain sections, or for certain areas to be left out merely along the width. The decisive factor in this variant is that printed circuit board material is saved because the printed circuit boards are not made entirely of printed circuit board material across their entire width along the longitudinal region.This shape minimizes the amount of insulating circuit board material. Since the insulating circuit board material also has poor thermal conductivity, this optimized shape allows for more waste heat to be dissipated from the various components of the inductive charging device.

[0063] Furthermore, it is possible for only one of the two contact regions to be wider than the longitudinal region, and for the other contact region to be the same width as the longitudinal region or even to taper towards the end. In a preferred embodiment, the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding consist of upper conductor tracks on an upper circuit board and lower conductor tracks on a lower circuit board. The conductor tracks on the upper circuit board can be connected to the conductor tracks on the lower circuit board to create a spiral winding. The upper conductor track can be arranged predominantly above one or more flux guiding elements, and the lower conductor track can be arranged predominantly below one or more flux guiding elements. The terms “above” and “below” or “below” are used interchangeably."Upper" and "lower" refer to the arrangement of an inductive charging device that extends primarily parallel to the ground. If, for example, a charging device is arranged parallel to a wall, the terms continue to be understood as "on one side of the flux guide elements" and "on the other side of the flux guide elements," without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] In one variant, the upper conductor tracks are soldered to the lower conductor tracks. Preferably, the upper conductor tracks are connected to the lower conductor tracks via contacted and / or surface-soldered plug and socket strips. Using plug and socket strips, it is possible to establish a connection without soldering the conductor tracks during assembly of the inductive charging device. This offers significant advantages during manufacturing. This is especially the case with the variant with through-plated plug and socket strips.

[0065] However, the use of surface-mounted or surface-soldered (SMD) plug and socket strips can also involve a soldering process, although this is significantly simpler than a soldering process without corresponding connectors. In an alternative, preferred variant, the upper conductor tracks are connected to the lower conductor tracks via flexible circuit boards. In this case, the upper and lower circuit boards can still be designed as rigid circuit boards. The flexible circuit boards ensure the connection via the vertical end faces and thus complete the winding for the coil around the at least one flux guide element. This creates a combination of rigid and flexible circuit boards. This combination is also referred to as rigid-flex circuit boards.This is also a variant that allows for simpler and more suitable production than on-site soldering.

[0066] In a further advantageous embodiment, the upper circuit boards are connected to one another. Preferably, the upper circuit boards are designed as a common upper circuit board. Since the circuit boards themselves only represent the non-conductive base for the actual conductor tracks, no connection is established between the various sensor windings, which would influence their electromagnetic properties. By combining the upper circuit boards as a common circuit board, a mechanically much more stable component can be produced and the assembly of just one component instead of an upper circuit board for each sensor winding is also much easier. Using such a common upper circuit board, it is also easier to electrically interconnect the sensor windings, for example by connecting them in series or in parallel.This means fewer connecting conductors need to be routed to a more distant electronic device. In this variant, the area around the center of the sensor winding can be left open so that support elements can still be arranged there. In this case, the common upper circuit board is ring-shaped in the center. Another option is for the upper circuit boards to be clipped onto an inner circuit board ring, thus connecting them to one another. Clipping here means that a detachable connection is created between the upper circuit boards and the circuit board ring by hooking, clamping, or plugging them in.

[0067] The first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding can be electrically connected to an electronic device. The electronic device can advantageously be arranged on or near the shielding and / or the cooling plate. The electronic device can take over the further processing and / or evaluation of the sensor signals from the sensor windings. For this purpose, the connecting lines required to connect the sensor winding to the electronic device can be routed through additional components such as a shield and / or through the cooling plate. This passed-through part of the connecting line can be implemented in the form of pin strips or flexible conductor tracks, analogous to the contact area of ​​the sensor winding. The respective circuit board can be of any shape and / or dimension.Preferably, the respective circuit board has a shape extending in the direction of the windings and a width that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the windings, between 20 mm and 60 mm, in particular between 30 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 40 mm, so that multiple windings can be located thereon, in particular adjacent to one another. Preferably, the respective circuit board has a plurality of windings between 8 and 23, in particular between 11 and 19, preferably 15.

[0068] It can be advantageous to reduce the number of required feedthroughs. This can be achieved by connecting two or more of the sensor windings in series. Alternatively or additionally, several connecting lines can be bundled and routed through a feedthrough. In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the first sensor winding and the second sensor winding are designed as stranded wires, in particular as high-frequency stranded wires or as wires. A high-frequency stranded wire consists of several wires that are insulated from one another. This offers advantages because at high frequencies the current flows mainly near the surface of a conductor and by implementing many individual wires the largest possible conductor surface is available. The term “wire” here refers to the implementation as an insulated single wire, which is then also wound in the form of a plurality of turns.

[0069] One advantage of implementing the sensor windings as high-frequency stranded wire or wire is that it is a proven and simple manufacturing method. For this embodiment, an additional mechanical support structure can be used to prevent the high-frequency stranded wire or wire from slipping on the flux guide element. Alternatively, it is possible to glue the high-frequency stranded wire or wire to the at least one flux guide element to prevent slipping. A spacer structure can also be used to ensure a defined distance between the individual turns of the sensor winding.

[0070] 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.

[0071] It shows, schematically,

[0072] Fig. 1 is a highly simplified representation of a vehicle with an inductive charging device,

[0073] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an inductive charging device for a vehicle charging system, Fig. 3 is a plan view of an inductive charging device according to the invention,

[0074] Fig. 4 is a plan view of an inductive charging device according to the invention in another embodiment,

[0075] Fig. 5 is a plan view of an inductive charging device according to the invention in a further embodiment,

[0076] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a sensor winding arranged around a flux guide element,

[0077] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative sensor winding arranged around a flux guide element,

[0078] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the sensor winding from Fig. 7 along the section line VIII,

[0079] Fig. 9 is a sectional view through part of an inductive charging device according to the invention with a corresponding thermal path,

[0080] Fig. 10 a plan view of two versions of circuit boards for sensor windings,

[0081] Fig. 11 is a plan view of an inductive charging device according to the invention in an alternative embodiment,

[0082] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative sensor winding with pin and socket connectors arranged around a flux guide element, Fig. 13 is a plan view of upper circuit boards for sensor windings for an inductive charging device according to the invention in a further embodiment,

[0083] Fig. 14 is a sectional view through part of an inductive charging device according to the invention with a lead-through of cables through a shield and / or cooling plate,

[0084] Fig. 15 is a sectional view through part of another embodiment of an inductive charging device according to the invention,

[0085] Fig. 16 is a plan view of an embodiment of a stationary inductive charging device with a near-positioning transmitter and a remote-positioning transmitter,

[0086] Fig. 17 is a plan view of an alternative stationary inductive charging device with a near-positioning transmitter and a remote-positioning transmitter,

[0087] Fig. 18 a flat coil as a near-positioning transmitter for a near-positioning transmitter device,

[0088] Fig. 19 several illustrations to explain the positioning of the vehicle for stationary charging operation,

[0089] Fig. 20 two exemplary arrangements of energy transmission coil and sensor windings in a mobile inductive charging device according to the invention,

[0090] Fig. 21 shows an embodiment of a dynamic charging section, Fig. 22 shows a series of energy transmission coils as stationary inductive charging devices in a dynamic charging section,

[0091] Fig. 23 a three-phase coil module as a stationary inductive charging device, and

[0092] Fig. 24 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile inductive charging device according to the invention.

[0093] If a part in the figures is designated by reference numerals separated by commas, this means that both descriptions apply to the specifically designated part. In Fig. 1, for example, 1,1a means: This is an inductive charging device and this is also a mobile inductive charging device.

[0094] Fig. 1 shows a mobile inductive charging device 1a, which is arranged on a vehicle 2 with an energy storage device 3 and is positioned above a stationary inductive charging device 1b. During operation, energy can be transferred from the stationary inductive charging device 1b to the mobile inductive charging device 1a, thereby charging the energy storage device of the vehicle 3.

[0095] The mobile inductive charging device 1a and the stationary inductive charging device 1b together form or are part of a vehicle charging system 8. In a stationary vehicle charging system, typically only one stationary inductive charging device 1b is provided, whereas in a dynamic vehicle charging system, typically a plurality of stationary inductive charging devices 1b are provided along the direction of travel. In principle, it is possible to operate the vehicle charging system 8 bidirectionally. In this case, energy can be temporarily transferred from the mobile inductive charging device 1a to the stationary inductive charging device 1b. The stationary inductive charging device 1b arranged on the ground in Fig. 1 can alternatively also be arranged sunk into the roadway (not shown here).In a recessed arrangement, the inductive charging device 1b can be covered by certain layers of the road surface or can be flush with the road surface.

[0096] Fig. 2 shows a lateral section through an inductive charging device 1, 1a, which includes several flux guiding elements 5 and an energy transmission winding 4, 4a and is mounted on a vehicle 2. A corresponding arrangement exists for a stationary inductive charging device 1b, except that it is arranged on a surface (not shown) instead of on a vehicle 2.

[0097] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a mobile inductive charging device 1a according to the invention. In the present exemplary embodiment, eight flux guiding elements 5 are shown, which are arranged radially around the center 7 of the energy transmission winding 4 in the plane. Narrow gaps 27 are located between the flux guiding elements 5. The gaps also run radially around the center 7, thus the gaps run approximately in the main direction of the magnetic field lines (three magnetic field lines 14 are symbolically indicated here) that arise during energy transmission in the flux guiding elements 5. The energy transmission winding 4, which is concealed by the flux guiding elements 5 in the plan view, is indicated by dashed lines. The energy transmission winding 4 is a flat coil 10 here. A first sensor winding 9, 9a is arranged around one of the flux guiding elements 5, and a second sensor winding 9, 9b is arranged around another flux guiding element 5.The sensor windings are designed here as a solenoid, also called a cylindrical coil. The first sensor winding 9a is arranged axially symmetrically to the second sensor winding 9b with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 6. The first sensor winding 9a has a first radial longitudinal direction 11a, and the second sensor winding 9b has a second radial longitudinal direction 11b. The angle 12 between the first radial longitudinal direction 11a and the longitudinal direction 6 of the vehicle 2 is at least approximately the same size as the angle 13 between the second radial longitudinal direction 11b and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first radial longitudinal direction 11a and the second radial longitudinal direction 11b intersect or cross at least approximately in the center 7 of the energy transmission winding 4. The first radial longitudinal direction 11a and the second radial longitudinal direction 11b run radially outwards from the center 7 of the energy transmission winding 4.

[0098] During the charging process, the vehicle 2 is positioned above the stationary inductive charging device 1b, and energy is transferred to the mobile inductive charging device 1a. The flux guiding elements 5 perform the function of flux guiding. In the charging state, the field lines of the magnetic field run approximately radially in them. Three magnetic field lines 14 are symbolically indicated in Fig. 3. Since the first radial longitudinal direction 11a and the second radial longitudinal direction 11b are also aligned radially and thus at least approximately parallel to the magnetic field lines 14, only relatively little or no voltage is induced in the first sensor winding 9a and the second sensor winding 9b. This is advantageous, since the high power levels of the energy transfer and thus high flux densities could otherwise easily lead to the destruction of the sensor windings.Therefore, no additional effort is necessary to prevent the destruction of the arrangement.

[0099] For reasons of clarity, not all of the elements or components already shown are again designated by reference numerals in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The elements or components no longer designated by a separate reference numeral in these figures are to be understood as labeled in the previous figures. Fig. 4 shows a plan view of a further exemplary embodiment of an inductive charging device 1a according to the invention. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 3, the first sensor winding 9a here runs around two flux guide elements 5, which are diagonally opposite one another with respect to the center 7 of the energy transmission coil 4. The second sensor winding 9b is correspondingly wound around two further flux guide elements 5, which are also diagonally opposite one another with respect to the center 7. Here, the first sensor winding 9a and the second sensor winding 9b intersect approximately in the center 7 of the energy transmission coil 4.

[0100] Fig. 5 shows a plan view of another embodiment of an inductive charging device 1a according to the invention. Here, four sensor windings 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d with four radial longitudinal directions 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are present. Each sensor winding is arranged around a different flux guide element 5. Two of the flux guide elements are located diagonally opposite each other with respect to the center 7 of the energy transmission coil 4. Together, the four sensor windings 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d again form a cross-shaped arrangement. An advantage over the arrangement in Fig. 4 is that the area around the center 7 of the energy transmission coil 4 is designed without a sensor winding 9. This allows mechanically necessary support elements (not shown) to still be arranged here.

[0101] Fig. 6 now shows a flux guide element 5. A sensor winding 9 is arranged around this flux guide element. It is designed as a copper strand 15.

[0102] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view, and Fig. 8 shows a sectional view along section line VIII of Fig. 7, of an alternative embodiment of a flux guide element 5 with a sensor winding 9. Here, the sensor winding 9 is designed in the form of a printed circuit board 16 with conductor tracks 17. The upper conductor tracks 17a on the upper circuit board 16a are connected to the lower conductor tracks 17b on the lower circuit board 16b in such a way that they form a continuous winding.

[0103] Fig. 9 shows the thermal connection of the various components to a cooling plate 18 and / or a metallic shield 26. This cooling plate 18 or metallic shield 26 has not been shown in any of the previous embodiments for reasons of clarity, but can be present in all previous and subsequent embodiments. The cooling plate 18 can be solid, implemented as a thin sheet, or have fluid flowing through it. The cooling plate 18 can additionally assume the function of the metallic shield 26 or be designed as a separate component. There can also be only one cooling plate 18 or only one metallic shield 26. The energy transfer winding 4 transfers its heat via the lower circuit board 16b to the flux guide element 5. Here, the heat, together with the heat generated there, is conducted via the upper circuit board 16a to the cooling plate 18 or metallic shield 26.Since the circuit boards 16 do not have very good thermal conductivity, it is preferred that the circuit board material is used only where it is necessary.

[0104] Therefore, Fig. 10 shows two different possibilities for an optimized shape of a printed circuit board 16. The width of the printed circuit board 19 is significantly smaller in the longitudinal region 20 of the printed circuit board than in the contact region of the printed circuit board 21. The longitudinal region 20 of the printed circuit board is the region that runs along the top or bottom of the flux guide elements 5. In the right-hand embodiment, one of the two contact regions 21 is additionally designed with a semicircular, tapered end.

[0105] The previous embodiments always showed flux guide elements 5 that have no interruptions along the magnetic field lines that develop in the radial direction during the charging process. The gaps between the flux guide elements, as shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 7, also run radially. This is preferred with regard to the guidance of the magnetic field.

[0106] For manufacturing reasons, however, rectangular flux guiding elements 5, as shown in Fig. 11, are also conceivable. Here, however, the gaps 27 do not run parallel to the direction of the magnetic field lines established in the flux guiding elements 5. Here, too, it is possible to arrange the sensor windings 9a and 9b around the flux guiding elements 5, with the sensor windings 9a and 9b intersecting at least approximately in the center 7 of the energy transmission winding. In this embodiment, the same circuit board is used for both sensor windings 9a and 9b. The conductor tracks of the respective sensor windings 9a and 9b are located in different "layers" of the circuit board and therefore intersect here too without creating a short circuit. In Fig. 11, the energy transmission winding 4 also has a rectangular shape.

[0107] Fig. 12 shows a further alternative embodiment of the arrangement of a sensor winding 9 around a flux guide element 5. Here, too, the sensor winding 9 is formed from conductor tracks 17 on circuit boards 16. The connection between the upper conductor tracks 17a on the upper circuit board 16a and the lower conductor tracks 17b on the lower circuit board 16b is made by pin headers 22 and socket headers 23.

[0108] Fig. 13 shows a further exemplary embodiment. Here, only the upper circuit boards 16a for the sensor windings 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d for an inductive charging device 1a are shown. Four upper circuit boards 16a for four sensor windings 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are shown. However, the upper circuit boards 16a are connected to one another in a ring-shaped manner in the region of the center 7 of the energy transmission winding 4. This has manufacturing advantages. In this embodiment, it is also still possible to attach mechanical supports in the center of the sensor winding.

[0109] Fig. 14 shows a sectional view through part of an inductive charging device according to the invention with a lead-through of lines 24 through a shield 26 and / or through a cooling plate 18 to an electronic device 25. The shield 26 and the cooling plate 18 can also be the same component.

[0110] The upper conductor tracks 17a and the lower conductor tracks 17b are arranged around a flux guide element 5 and connected to one another in such a way that they form a sensor winding 9. This sensor winding 9 is connected to an electronic device 25 via two electrical lines per sensor winding for evaluation. These lines are connected to the upper conductor tracks 17a on the upper circuit board 16a. A metallic shield 26 and / or a cooling plate 18 is arranged above the sensor winding 9. The electronic device 25 is located on or above the metallic shield 26 and / or the cooling plate 18. Therefore, a feedthrough of the lines 24 through the metallic shield 26 and / or a cooling plate 18 is necessary here.For this purpose, in the present example, a recess is provided in the metallic shielding 26 and / or the cooling plate 18 and the lines can be guided through the recess through the metallic shielding 26 and / or the cooling plate 18 and connected to the electronic device 25 above the metallic shielding 26 and / or the cooling plate 18.

[0111] It is not necessary for each sensor winding 9 to provide a separate leadthrough of the cables 24 through the shielding 26 and / or the cooling plate 18. Multiple sensor windings 9 can also be interconnected—in series, in parallel, or in a combination—and then only one leadthrough of the cables 24 can be provided for these multiple sensor windings 9.

[0112] Fig. 15 shows a sectional view through an alternative inductive charging device according to the invention. Here, too, a sensor winding 9 is realized from conductor tracks 17 on circuit boards 16 and arranged around a flux guide element 5. For this purpose, the upper conductor tracks 17a on an upper circuit board 16a are electrically connected to the lower conductor tracks 17b on a lower circuit board 16b. In this case, the upper circuit board 16a is not arranged directly above the flux guide element 5, and the lower circuit board 16b is not arranged directly below the flux guide element 5. The sensor winding 9 in the form of the two circuit boards 16 also encloses the shielding 26 and / or the cooling plate 18 as well as the energy transmission winding 4. The upper circuit board 16a is arranged above the shielding 26 and / or the cooling plate 18. The lower circuit board 16b is arranged below the energy transmission winding 4.

[0113] The following figures 16 to 18 show details of an embodiment of a stationary inductive charging device 1b, as it can be used in a vehicle charging system according to the invention for stationary charging operation.

[0114] Fig. 16 shows a plan view of a stationary inductive charging device 1b with a near-positioning transmitter NAH-POS and a remote-positioning transmitter FERN-POS. The near-positioning transmitter NAH-POS is implemented here in the form of four near-positioning transmitter windings 13 (also referred to as transmitter coils or positioning windings), but can also be implemented with more or fewer transmitter windings. The remote-positioning transmitter FERN-POS is implemented here as a solenoid (positioning signal winding). During a positioning process, the remote-positioning transmitter FERN-POS transmits a remote-positioning signal FERN-SIG in the form of an alternating magnetic field. During a positioning process, the near-positioning transmitter NAHPOS transmits several near-positioning signals NAH-SIG in the form of alternating magnetic fields, which differ, for example, in frequency.

[0115] Fig. 17 shows a plan view of an alternative stationary inductive charging device 1b with a near-positioning transmitter NAH-POS and a remote-positioning transmitter FERN-POS. Here, too, the near-positioning transmitter NAH-POS is implemented by four near-transmission windings 13, and the remote-positioning transmitter FERN-POS is implemented as a solenoid. This embodiment shows an alternative arrangement of the flux guide elements 5. Furthermore, the remote-positioning signal winding 41 (positioning signal coil) does not run centrally through the center of the inductive charging device 1b, but is shifted toward an edge.

[0116] Fig. 18 shows an exemplary embodiment of a near-transmitting winding 13, which is designed as a flat coil.

[0117] Fig. 19 shows several illustrations to explain the positioning of the vehicle for stationary charging operation. This type of positioning is basically known, for example, from the aforementioned DE 102022120691 A1. Fig. 19 a) shows a vehicle 2 with a vehicle longitudinal direction 6 and with a mobile inductive charging device 1a during a positioning process above a stationary inductive charging device 1b with a desired vehicle longitudinal direction 6a. The vehicle 2 drives directly towards the stationary inductive charging device 1b and the desired vehicle longitudinal direction 6a is thus the same as the vehicle longitudinal direction 6. In addition to the energy transmission winding (not shown), the stationary inductive charging device 1b also contains a remote positioning signal winding 41 and four short-range transmission windings 13. The remote positioning signal winding 41 has a winding axis 36 and a radial longitudinal direction 11.The four short-range transmission windings 13 have winding axes perpendicular to the ground. In addition to the energy transmission winding (not shown), the mobile inductive charging device 1a has two sensor windings 9a and 9b. Both sensor windings 9a and 9b each have a radial longitudinal direction 11a and 11b. Both sensor windings 9a and 9b are arranged symmetrically to the desired vehicle longitudinal direction 6a. This arrangement of the windings is particularly advantageous for positioning.

[0118] Positioning signal winding 41 generates a fairly homogeneous magnetic field. A voltage is induced in the sensor windings 9a and 9b by the magnetic field of the remote positioning signal winding 41. If the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 19 a), travels exactly perpendicularly toward the stationary inductive charging device 1b, an equal voltage is induced in both sensor windings 9a and 9b during the remote positioning process FERN_V. From a certain distance, the near positioning process NAH_V is used, and the near positioning signals NAH-SIG transmitted by the near transmission windings 13 are detected and evaluated by the two sensor windings 9a and 9b.

[0119] Fig. 19 b) shows a case in which the vehicle 2 does not approach the stationary inductive charging device 1b perpendicularly, but deviates from it at an angle of approximately 45°. The vehicle's longitudinal direction 6 and the connecting line between the stationary inductive charging device 1b and the mobile inductive charging device 1a are thus at a directional deviation angle of 45° to each other. In this case, the remote positioning signal winding 41 generates a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the first sensor winding 9a. Here, a maximum voltage is induced in the first sensor winding 9a during the remote positioning process FERN_V. The magnetic field generated by the remote positioning signal winding 41 is also approximately parallel to the second sensor winding 9b. Here, a minimal voltage, or no voltage, is induced during the remote positioning process FERN_V. Here, too, the near positioning process NAH_V can take over from a certain distance.

[0120] With the so-called Differential Inductive Positioning System (DIPS) for stationary charging operation described in Figs. 16 to 19, a specific positioning magnetic field is generated by arranging several transmitting coils on the stationary inductive charging device (also referred to as Ground Assembly (GA)) in order to ensure interoperability between GA and the mobile inductive charging device (also referred to as Vehicle Assembly (VA)) of different manufacturers.

[0121] In principle, different topologies of the mobile energy transmission winding 4 and the sensor windings 9a, 9b can be used for the mobile inductive charging device 1a. Fig. 20 shows four possible embodiments of such topologies of a mobile inductive charging device designed for stationary and dynamic charging of vehicles. Embodiment 28 shows a circular flat coil as the energy transmission winding 4 and two crossed sensor windings 9a, 9b. In embodiment 29, a so-called double-D coil is used as the energy transmission winding 4, in which only a portion of the energy transmission winding 4 has two crossed sensor windings 9a, 9b.

[0122] To increase the energy yield during a dynamic charging process, several energy transmission windings 4, 4', 4" can also be superimposed in a staggered manner. Here, the sensor windings 9a, 9b are attached to only one energy transmission winding 4. Fig. 20 shows two such embodiments 30 and 31 of mobile inductive charging devices as examples.

[0123] Fig. 21 shows a possible dynamic charging path, which is obtained by arranging several stationary inductive charging devices 32 in a row along the central charging lane 37. These stationary inductive charging devices 32 do not require the positioning means (transmitting coils 13, 41) for dynamic charging operation and lane keeping during dynamic charging operation, as described above in connection with Figs. 16 to 19, but essentially have the energy transmission winding 4. The stationary inductive charging devices 32 can thus be designed to be simpler and more cost-effective than the stationary inductive charging devices 1b described above. One of the mobile inductive charging devices 1a described above can be used in the vehicle 2, with additional elements such as a lane keeping device being provided. Details of this will be explained below.

[0124] Fig. 22 shows a series of energy transfer coils as stationary inductive charging devices 33, which do not have a ferrite core and are integrated directly into the roadway along the central charging lane 37. This allows the use of simple air-core coils, which significantly reduce the costs of the stationary inductive charging devices 33.

[0125] Fig. 23 shows a three-phase coil module as a stationary inductive charging device 39. This design is also referred to as a traveling-wave charging unit. This coil module 39 has three connection terminals 34. Here, an example of a three-phase primary coil with multiple windings 36 is shown, which are located on a central coil carrier 35 and extend toward the central charging track 37.

[0126] Fig. 24 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile inductive charging device 100 according to the invention. The mobile inductive charging device 100 comprises at least one mobile energy transmission winding 101 for detecting an alternating magnetic field generated by a stationary energy transmission winding (a stationary inductive charging device) for inductive energy transmission. This serves the actual energy transmission, for example, to charge the vehicle's battery while driving. Furthermore, at least two sensor windings 102 are provided, which are differently oriented and configured to detect the alternating magnetic field generated by a stationary energy transmission winding for inductive energy transmission. A lane keeping device 103 is provided for keeping the vehicle in lane while driving via stationary inductive charging devices.The lane keeping device 103 is designed to evaluate the alternating magnetic fields detected by the sensor windings 102 and to determine from this whether the vehicle stays in lane or deviates from the lane in a dynamic charging operation while driving.

[0127] In this context, lane keeping is understood to mean that the vehicle moves along an ideal direction of travel across the stationary inductive charging devices arranged in a row (possibly spaced apart from one another), along which optimal charging is possible while driving. In certain embodiments, the ideal direction of travel means that the vehicle moves centrally across the stationary inductive charging devices. A deviation from this ideal direction of travel is therefore understood to mean that the actual direction of travel deviates from this ideal direction of travel, possibly by more than a predetermined amount, so that optimal charging no longer occurs, but rather, for example, charging with an even lower degree of efficiency or no charging at all.

[0128] A lane deviation can be detected, for example, by the magnetic fields detected and evaluated by the sensor windings 102 being of different strengths, for example, having different amplitudes. If a lane deviation is detected, a corresponding indication can be provided to the driver of the vehicle, for example, on the vehicle's navigation screen. Alternatively or additionally, the direction of travel can be corrected partially or fully autonomously in order to regain lane control. A corresponding control unit can be provided for this purpose in one embodiment of the lane-keeping device.

[0129] Optionally, the mobile inductive charging device comprises a positioning device 104 for positioning the vehicle over a stationary inductive charging device for stationary charging of the vehicle. In this case, the sensor windings are configured to detect at least one positioning magnetic field generated by at least one positioning winding of the stationary inductive charging device, as described above with reference to Figures 16 to 19. The positioning device 104 is thus configured to determine the positioning of the vehicle relative to the stationary inductive charging device.

[0130] Furthermore, a signal processing device 105 is optionally provided for filtering and / or amplifying and / or attenuating the alternating magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding before evaluation by the lane keeping device. Different signal processing steps can be provided here. For example, the signal processing device can be designed to attenuate the alternating magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding and generated by the stationary energy transmission winding before evaluation by the lane keeping device. Alternatively or additionally, the signal processing device can be designed to amplify the positioning magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding and generated by the at least one positioning winding before evaluation by the lane keeping device.Furthermore, the signal processing device can be designed to filter out the alternating magnetic field generated by the stationary energy transmission winding from the alternating magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding in dynamic charging operation for the evaluation and / or to filter out the positioning magnetic field generated by the at least one positioning winding for the evaluation in stationary charging operation.

[0131] The first sensor winding and / or the second sensor winding are designed to change their reception characteristics, in particular their frequency characteristics, depending on whether the vehicle is charged in stationary charging mode or in dynamic charging mode while driving.

[0132] Optionally, the mobile inductive charging device 100 can further comprise a switching device 106 for switching between a dynamic evaluation mode during dynamic charging operation and a stationary evaluation mode during stationary charging operation. The switching can be performed, for example, based on the current driving operation, i.e., information indicating whether the vehicle is moving at a speed above a certain limit. The lane-keeping device 103 can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a correspondingly configured or programmed processor or computer.It does not necessarily have to be directly integrated into the mobile inductive charging device mounted on the vehicle's underside, but can also be arranged or implemented elsewhere, for example, as part of the vehicle's on-board electronics or navigation system, and can thus also be implemented as a separate assembly independent of the charging device. The same applies to the positioning device 104, the signal processing device 105, and the switching device 106.

[0133] The present invention thus enables the use of a mobile inductive charging device both for positioning in stationary charging mode and for lane keeping in dynamic charging mode.

Claims

Claims 1 . Mobile inductive charging device (1 a) for a dynamic vehicle charging system (8), which has the mobile inductive charging device (1 a) and a plurality of stationary inductive charging devices (1 b, 32, 33, 39), each with at least one stationary energy transmission winding (4), which are mounted in and / or on the ground, for charging a vehicle (2) while driving, on and / or in which the mobile inductive charging device (1 a) is arranged, wherein the mobile inductive charging device (1 a) comprises: at least one mobile energy transmission winding (4) for detecting an alternating magnetic field generated by a stationary energy transmission winding (4) for inductive energy transmission;at least one first sensor winding (9a) and one second sensor winding (9b), which are differently oriented and configured to detect the alternating magnetic field generated by a stationary energy transmission winding (4) for inductive energy transmission; and a lane-keeping device for keeping the vehicle (2) in lane while driving over stationary inductive charging devices (1b, 32, 33, 39), wherein the lane-keeping device is configured to evaluate the alternating magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding (9a) and the second sensor winding (9b) and to determine therefrom whether the vehicle is staying in lane or deviating from the lane during dynamic charging operation while driving.

2. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a positioning device for positioning the vehicle over a stationary inductive charging device (1b) for stationary charging of the vehicle, wherein the first sensor winding (9a) and the second sensor winding (9b) are designed to detect at least one positioning magnetic field generated by at least one positioning winding of the stationary inductive charging device (1b), and wherein the positioning device is designed to determine the positioning of the vehicle with respect to the stationary inductive charging device (1b).

3. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a signal processing device for filtering and / or amplifying and / or damping the alternating magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding (9a) and / or the second sensor winding (9b) before evaluation by the lane keeping device.

4. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to claim 3, wherein the signal processing device is designed to dampen the alternating magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding (9a) and / or the second sensor winding (9b) and generated by the stationary energy transmission winding (4) before evaluation by the lane keeping device.

5. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the signal processing device is designed to amplify the positioning magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding (9a) and / or the second sensor winding (9b) and generated by the at least one positioning winding before evaluation by the lane keeping device.

6. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the signal processing device is designed to determine from the alternating magnetic fields detected by the first sensor winding (9a) and / or the second sensor winding (9b) in dynamic charging operation the to filter out the alternating magnetic field generated by the stationary energy transmission winding (4) for the evaluation and / or to filter out the positioning magnetic field generated by the at least one positioning winding for the evaluation in the stationary charging operation.

7. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensor winding (9a) and / or the second sensor winding (9b) are designed to change their reception characteristics, in particular their frequency characteristics, depending on whether the vehicle is charged in stationary charging mode or in dynamic charging mode while driving.

8. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one flux guiding element (5) which is designed to guide a magnetic field during an energy transfer, wherein the first sensor winding (9a) and the second sensor winding (9b) are arranged around at least one of the at least one flux guiding element (5).

9. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a switching device for switching between a dynamic evaluation mode during the dynamic charging operation and a stationary evaluation mode during the stationary charging operation.

10. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sensor winding (9a) has a first radial longitudinal direction (11a), the second sensor winding (9b) has a second radial longitudinal direction (11b), the first radial longitudinal direction (11a) is arranged at an angle of 45° + / - 10°, preferably at an angle of 45°, to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (6), the second radial longitudinal direction (11b) is arranged at an angle of 45° + / - 10 0 , preferably arranged at an angle of 45° to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (6) and the first radial longitudinal direction (11a) and the second radial longitudinal direction (11b) intersect at an angle of 70°-110°, preferably perpendicularly.

11. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sensor winding (9a) has a first radial longitudinal direction (11a) and the second sensor winding (9b) has a second radial longitudinal direction (11b) and the first radial longitudinal direction (11a) and the second radial longitudinal direction (11b) intersect in the region of the area spanned by the energy transmission winding (4).

12. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the first radial longitudinal direction (11a) and the second radial longitudinal direction (11b) intersect at least approximately in the center (7) of the energy transmission winding (4).

13. Mobile inductive charging device (1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inductive charging device (1) has at least four sensor windings (9), two of which are arranged on opposite sides of the center (7) of the energy transmission winding (4) and the four radial longitudinal directions (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of the four sensor windings run approximately through the center (7) of the energy transmission winding (4) and / or the four radial longitudinal directions (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of the four sensor windings (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) each form an angle of 45° + / - 10°, preferably 45°, with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (6).

14. Mobile inductive charging device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the first radial longitudinal direction (11a) and the second radial longitudinal direction (11b) are at least approximately parallel to the main direction of the magnetic field lines (14) which form during the energy transfer in a flux guide element (5) in the area covered by the sensor winding.

15. Lane keeping device (103) for a mobile inductive charging device (1a, 100) for a dynamic vehicle charging system (8), which comprises the mobile inductive charging device (1a) and a plurality of stationary inductive charging devices (1b, 32, 33, 39), each with at least one stationary energy transmission winding (4), which are mounted in and / or on the ground, for charging a vehicle (2) while driving, on and / or in which the mobile inductive charging device (1a) is arranged, wherein the lane keeping device (100) is designed to keep the vehicle (2) in lane while driving via stationary inductive charging devices (1b, 32, 33, 39), and to evaluate the alternating magnetic fields detected by a first sensor winding (9a) and a second sensor winding (9b) of the mobile inductive charging device and to determine therefrom whether the vehicle keeps its lane in a dynamic charging operation while driving or deviates from the track deviates. *****

Citation Information

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