Energy supply system, autonomously driven supply vehicle, coupling system, charging station, computer unit, method for supplying an electrically operated motor vehicle, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy supply system (1) for electrically operated motor vehicles (2), comprising: an autonomously driven supply vehicle (3) having a stored electrical energy source (4) and a first electrical connecting unit (5) electrically coupled to the stored electrical energy source (4), and a first mechanical connecting unit (6) mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle (3), wherein the first electrical connecting unit (5) and the first mechanical connecting unit (6) can be activated via a first control unit (9); a coupling system (13) which can be fixed to the motor vehicle (2), comprising a second electrical connecting unit (7), which can be coupled to a stored electrical energy source (28) of the motor vehicle (2), and a second mechanical connecting unit (8), which can be fixed to the motor vehicle (2), wherein the first mechanical connection unit (6) can be releasably coupled to the second mechanical connecting unit (8) and the first electrical connecting unit (5) can be releasably coupled to the second electrical connecting unit (7), wherein an electrical coupling of the first electrical connecting unit (5) to the second electrical connecting unit (7) can be carried out automatically, controlled by the first control unit (9), after the mechanical coupling has been established.

Description

[0001] Energy supply system, autonomous supply vehicle, coupling system, charging station, computer unit, method for supplying an electrically operated motor vehicle and computer program product

[0002] The present invention relates to an energy supply system for electrically operated motor vehicles comprising an autonomously driving supply vehicle with an electrical energy store and a first electrical connection unit which is electrically coupled to the energy store, and a first mechanical connection unit which is mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle, wherein the first electrical connection unit and the first mechanical connection unit can be controlled via a first control unit, a coupling system which can be fixed to the motor vehicle and comprising a second electrical connection unit which can be coupled to an electrical energy store of the motor vehicle, and a second mechanical connection unit which can be fixed to the motor vehicle.The invention further relates to an autonomously driving supply vehicle, a coupling system, a charging station, a computer unit, a method for supplying an electrically operated motor vehicle and a computer program product.

[0003] Electric motors are increasingly being used to power motor vehicles, creating alternatives to combustion engines that require fossil fuels. Considerable efforts have already been made to improve the everyday suitability of electric drives and also to provide users with the same level of driving comfort they are accustomed to.

[0004] In addition to the increasing electrification of motor vehicle drivetrains, motor vehicles are also becoming increasingly autonomous. Particularly with the advent of automated electric vehicles and new complete vehicle concepts, so-called people movers, designed as autonomously driving vehicles, are increasingly being used in urban areas. An autonomous motor vehicle or self-driving motor vehicle is a motor vehicle that can drive, steer, and, for example, park without the influence of a human driver (highly automated driving or autonomous driving). A special form of autonomous motor vehicle is the autonomous passenger transport vehicle, which is also referred to as a people mover or autonomous people mover. In this context, autonomous means that none of the transported persons steer the vehicle; rather, the passenger transport vehicle is self-controlled or automatically controlled.The people transported are therefore usually “only” passengers.

[0005] To operate such electric vehicles, their electrical energy storage units, also known as traction batteries, must be regularly recharged or replaced. The problem of charging traction batteries in electric vehicles involves several challenges. First, locating and driving to a charging station is necessary, which requires additional time for both private drivers and commercial users such as delivery services and taxis. This additional step in trip planning can cause inconvenience, especially in densely populated urban areas where space for charging stations is limited.

[0006] Once at the charging station, there are basically two options: either the empty battery is replaced with a fully charged one, or the existing battery is charged. While battery swapping can be faster, it requires an extensive, standardized infrastructure that is not yet widely available. Charging the permanently installed battery is easier, but more time-consuming, as the vehicle cannot be used during the charging process.

[0007] Another challenge is the physical connection to the power source. Charging requires plugging in a cable, which requires additional personnel to establish this connection in autonomous vehicles such as robotaxis. Finally, there are the issues of efficiency and the power grid. Battery charging often occurs at times that are not optimal for the power grid. Better integration of charging times during off-peak times could be more efficient and cost-effective, but is challenging due to current charging infrastructure and practices.

[0008] It is therefore the object of the invention to avoid or at least reduce the problems known from the prior art and to provide an improved energy supply system for electrically operated motor vehicles. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to realize an optimized autonomously driving supply vehicle, an improved coupling system, an optimized charging station and an optimized computer unit, an improved method for supplying an electrically operated motor vehicle, and an optimized computer program product.

[0009] This object is achieved by an energy supply system for electrically operated motor vehicles comprising an autonomously driving supply vehicle with an electrical energy storage device and a first electrical connection unit which is electrically coupled to the energy storage device, and a first mechanical connection unit which is mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle, wherein the first electrical connection unit and the first mechanical connection unit can be controlled via a first control unit, a coupling system which can be fixed to the motor vehicle comprising a second electrical connection unit which can be coupled to an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle, and a second mechanical connection unit which can be fixed to the motor vehicle,wherein the first mechanical connection unit is detachably coupled to the second mechanical connection unit and the first electrical connection unit is detachably coupled to the second electrical connection unit, wherein a mechanical coupling of the first mechanical connection unit to the second mechanical connection unit is automated and controlled by the first control unit, and wherein an electrical coupling of the first electrical connection unit to the second electrical connection unit is automated and controlled by the first control unit after the mechanical coupling has been established,

[0010] This has the advantage of further reducing human interaction and the need for operating personnel, as the electrical and mechanical connections between the supply vehicle and the motor vehicle can be automated. Furthermore, this automation option can drastically reduce the risk of accidents when people handle high-voltage cables.

[0011] The energy supply system according to the invention thus enables the supply vehicle to drive autonomously to the motor vehicle to be charged and to automatically establish a mechanical and an electrical connection to the motor vehicle.

[0012] Since both an electrical and mechanical connection is established between the motor vehicle and the supply vehicle for a charging process, it is fundamentally possible for the motor vehicle being charged to move along with the supply vehicle mechanically coupled to it during the charging process. This allows the motor vehicle to continue fulfilling its driving task, reducing downtimes and increasing the time to operate. During the charging process while moving, the autonomous driving function of the supply vehicle can advantageously be deactivated, allowing the supply vehicle to be towed by the vehicle being charged, similar to a trailer.

[0013] In this context, it is particularly preferred that the supply vehicle with a charged electrical energy storage device is requested by the motor vehicle to be charged, and the supply vehicle then couples itself mechanically and electrically to the motor vehicle. The energy supply system according to the invention thus enables charging of the motor vehicle not only in a parked operating state, but also in an operating state in which the motor vehicle is moving.

[0014] Possible areas of application for the energy supply system include electric taxis and robotaxis, as well as electric vehicles used in delivery traffic.

[0015] A mechanical connection unit can, for example, be designed as a ball-and-socket coupling, in which a spherical coupling ball arranged on the motor vehicle engages with a corresponding receptacle on the supply vehicle. Another possibility is the use of a slewing ring coupling, in which an annular ring rotates on a fixed slewing ring on the towing vehicle. Furthermore, a mechanical connection unit can also be designed as a flange coupling, in which the supply vehicle is attached to a flange plate on the towing vehicle with several motor-driven screws. It would also be conceivable for a mechanical connection unit to be designed as a drawbar coupling, in which a hook on the towing vehicle engages with a loop or ring on the supply vehicle - or vice versa.

[0016] A mechanical connection unit is particularly designed to enable automated coupling and uncoupling of the supply vehicle to and from the motor vehicle. Furthermore, a mechanical connection unit is preferably also configured to enable cornering of the motor vehicle while coupled to the supply vehicle.

[0017] An electrical connection unit of the motor vehicle can be different from the manually connected charging socket of the motor vehicle. In principle, however, it would also be possible for the electrical connection unit of the motor vehicle and the manually connected charging socket of the motor vehicle to be identical. An electrical connection unit can be configured for wired and / or wireless electrical energy transmission. Wireless electrical energy transmission can, for example, take place inductively. For wired electrical energy transmission, appropriate plug connections can be used, in particular selected from a group comprising Type 1 (SAE J1772), Type 2 (Mennekes), CCS (Combined Charging System), Tesla Supercharger and / or CHAdeMO. The Type 1 plug (SAE J1772) is mainly used in North America and some Asian countries. It allows charging with alternating current (AC).A Type 2 plug (Mennekes) is particularly common in Europe and supports both AC and direct current (DC) charging. It is the standard plug for most public charging stations in Europe. A CCS (Combined Charging System) is an extension of the Type 2 plug that includes additional pins for fast DC charging and is widely used in Europe and the USA. The CHAdeMO plug is a standard for fast DC charging developed in Japan and is also used internationally, particularly in Asian countries and the USA. The Tesla Supercharger is a special plug that is only compatible with Tesla vehicles and enables very fast charging.

[0018] Particularly preferably, an electrical connection unit can also be designed as a matrix charging solution, as is known, for example, from DE201610121355U.

[0019] An electrical connection unit can be used, in particular, with an automatic, robot-controlled system for establishing the electrical connection between the supply vehicle and the motor vehicle to be charged. Such a system can, in particular, comprise specialized robot arms, which can preferably be equipped with sensors and / or camera technology to locate the exact position of the electrical connection unit on the motor vehicle. As soon as the position is detected, the robot arm moves the electrical connection unit of the supply vehicle precisely to the electrical connection unit of the motor vehicle and establishes the corresponding electrical connection. In principle, it would also be possible for the motor vehicle to be used via a corresponding automatic, robot-controlled system for establishing the electrical connection between the supply vehicle and the motor vehicle to be charged.

[0020] The electrical energy source of the supply vehicle can, in particular, be a battery. Such a battery is an accumulator primarily intended to supply the electrical energy source of the motor vehicle with electrical energy. The electrical energy source of the supply vehicle can also supply the electrical machine of the supply vehicle, which provides propulsion, with electrical energy. For the purposes of this application, the term battery also includes buffer batteries in fuel cell vehicles. A vehicle battery is occasionally also referred to as a high-voltage storage device, traction battery, or cycle battery. The nominal voltage of the battery is preferably greater than or equal to 400V, most preferably greater than or equal to 600V, and most preferably greater than or equal to 800V.A battery can preferably be selected from the group of lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries and / or thermal batteries.

[0021] The supply vehicle is preferably electrically driven. The supply vehicle is advantageously configured such that vehicle speeds greater than 50 km / h, preferably greater than 80 km / h, and in particular greater than 100 km / h can be achieved, so that the supply vehicle can couple to the motor vehicle while it is moving. Particularly preferably, the electric machine for driving the supply vehicle has an output greater than 30 kW, preferably greater than 50 kW, and in particular greater than 70 kW. It is further preferred that the electric machine provides speeds greater than 5,000 rpm, particularly preferably greater than 10,000 rpm, and most preferably greater than 12,500 rpm. The electrical energy source of the motor vehicle can, in particular, be a battery.Such a battery is an accumulator primarily intended to supply electrical energy to the electric motors providing propulsion in electric vehicles. For the purposes of this application, the term "battery" also includes buffer batteries in fuel cell vehicles. A vehicle battery is occasionally also referred to as a high-voltage storage device, traction battery, or cycle battery. The nominal voltage of the battery is preferably greater than or equal to 400V, most preferably greater than or equal to 600V, and most preferably greater than or equal to 800V. A battery can preferably be selected from the group of lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and / or thermal batteries.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the energy supply system has at least one first charging station which has a third mechanical connection unit and a third electrical connection unit, wherein the first mechanical connection unit can be detachably coupled to the third mechanical connection unit and the first electrical connection unit can be detachably coupled to the third electrical connection unit, wherein a mechanical coupling of the first mechanical connection unit to the third mechanical connection unit can be carried out in an automated manner controlled by the first control unit, and wherein an electrical coupling of the first electrical connection unit to the third electrical connection unit can be carried out in an automated manner controlled by the first control unit after the mechanical coupling has been established,so that the energy storage device of the supply vehicle can be charged via the first charging station when electrically coupled.

[0023] A key advantage of such a charging station is the automation of the supply vehicle's charging process. The supply vehicle's first mechanical connection unit can be automatically coupled to the corresponding unit at the charging station. This simplifies the connection process, as manual intervention is eliminated. The separate mechanical coupling at the charging station also effectively secures the supply vehicle against theft.

[0024] According to a further preferred development of the invention, it can also be provided that the motor vehicle has a first interface via which position data of the motor vehicle can be transmitted to a central computer unit remote from the motor vehicle, and the supply vehicle has a second interface via which the position data of the motor vehicle can be received from a central computer unit, and the first control unit of the supply vehicle is configured such that the supply vehicle can be driven autonomously to a position of the motor vehicle. This allows the supply vehicle to specifically approach or even follow the motor vehicle to be charged. In principle, the supply vehicle can also couple to the motor vehicle while it is traveling.

[0025] Furthermore, according to a likewise advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the first mechanical connection unit and the second mechanical connection unit are designed such that the supply vehicle can be pivotally coupled to the motor vehicle, which in particular also allows cornering of the motor vehicle and the supply vehicle coupled to it.

[0026] Furthermore, the object of the invention can be achieved by an autonomously driving supply vehicle, in particular for use in an energy supply system for electrically operated motor vehicles according to claim 1, having an electrical energy storage device and a first electrical connection unit that is electrically coupled to the energy storage device, and a first mechanical connection unit that is mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle, wherein the first electrical connection unit and the first mechanical connection unit can be controlled via a first control unit. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve the effect that the supply vehicle can be automatically coupled to a motor vehicle to be charged.The object of the invention can also be achieved by a coupling system for an electrically operated motor vehicle that can be fixed to a motor vehicle, in particular for use in an energy supply system for electrically operated motor vehicles according to claim 1, comprising a second electrical connection unit that can be coupled to an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle, and a second mechanical connection unit that can be fixed to the motor vehicle. The second electrical connection unit and the second mechanical connection unit form a structural unit, which can particularly facilitate the integration and assembly of the coupling system in a motor vehicle.

[0027] The object of the invention can also be achieved by a charging station, in particular for use in an energy supply system for electrically operated motor vehicles according to claim 1, comprising a third mechanical connection unit and a third electrical connection unit, wherein the first mechanical connection unit can be detachably coupled to the third mechanical connection unit and the first electrical connection unit can be detachably coupled to the third electrical connection unit, wherein a mechanical coupling of the first mechanical connection unit to the third mechanical connection unit can be carried out in an automated manner controlled by the first control unit, and wherein an electrical coupling of the first electrical connection unit to the third electrical connection unit can be carried out in an automated manner controlled by the first control unit after the mechanical coupling has been established,so that the energy storage device of the supply vehicle can be charged via the first charging station when electrically coupled.

[0028] A charging station is an infrastructure facility used to charge the electrical energy storage units of supply vehicles with electrical energy. It is connected to the power grid and enables electrical energy to be transferred to the supply vehicle via the electrical connection units. A charging station can be designed as an AC charging station and / or a DC charging station. Furthermore, a charging station can be stationary or mobile.

[0029] Preferably, the charging station may have a third interface via which data can be received from a central computer unit and / or via which data can be transmitted to the central computer unit.

[0030] The energy supply system preferably has a plurality of charging stations. Further preferably, a plurality of charging stations, preferably all charging stations, are identical. It is further preferred that the charging stations are arranged at a distance of at least 2 km from the supply vehicle's travel distance, particularly preferably at least 5 km from the supply vehicle's travel distance.

[0031] It is also possible that the object of the invention is achieved by a central computer unit, in particular for use in an energy supply system for electrically operated motor vehicles according to claim 1, comprising an interface for receiving position data of a motor vehicle and an interface for sending position data of the motor vehicle to an autonomously driving supply vehicle.

[0032] The central processing unit in the energy supply system for electrically powered motor vehicles can be defined as a control unit responsible for the management, control and optimization of various functions and processes related to the energy supply and use of the motor vehicle and / or the supply vehicle and / or the charging station.

[0033] Preferably, the central processing unit is configured as a cloud-based software application. With such a cloud-based central processing unit in an energy supply system for electric vehicles, the core elements of data processing and system control are relocated to the cloud. In this configuration, relevant data is sent from the motor vehicle and / or the supply vehicle and / or a charging station to a cloud-hosted service, where it is analyzed and processed. This not only enables more powerful analysis through the use of expanded computing capacity in the cloud, but also more comprehensive data processing that goes beyond the boundaries of the individual vehicle and / or charging station. This relocation centralizes the control and monitoring of energy flow, battery management, and the charging process and can be remotely controlled, for example, via the internet.

[0034] It is also possible that the object of the invention is achieved by a method for supplying an electrically operated motor vehicle with electrical energy comprising the following steps:

[0035] • Transmission of the position data of the motor vehicle to a central computer unit;

[0036] • Transmission of the position data of the motor vehicle from the central computer unit to an autonomously driving supply vehicle, with an electrical energy storage device and a first electrical connection unit which is electrically coupled to the energy storage device, and a first mechanical connection unit which is mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle;

[0037] • Procedure of the autonomous supply vehicle to the position data of the motor vehicle;

[0038] • Coupling the first mechanical connection unit of the supply vehicle with a second mechanical connection unit of the motor vehicle;

[0039] Coupling the first electrical connection unit of the supply vehicle with a second electrical connection unit of the motor vehicle. This allows the supply vehicle to be put into a trailer operating mode with the motor vehicle to be charged. In particular, the charging of the motor vehicle can also take place while the motor vehicle is in motion.

[0040] Finally, the object of the invention can also be achieved by a computer program product stored on a machine-readable medium, or computer data signal embodied by an electromagnetic wave, with a computer program code suitable for carrying out a method according to claim 9. A computer program product can exist in various forms, depending on how it is stored, transmitted, and executed. One conventional method is storage on physical data carriers such as CDs, DVDs, USB sticks, or external hard drives. These media can be inserted into corresponding drives or ports of a computer to install the program or execute it directly. Another form is making the program available as a download over the Internet. Users can download the program from a download platform or website and install it on their computer.A computer program product can also be provided as a cloud-based service. Instead of installing the program on a local computer, users access it over the internet and run it on the service provider's servers. The computer program product can also be provided as a streaming service, where the program runs on a remote server while the user accesses it via a client application or web browser. For some specialized applications, the computer program product can also be integrated into the firmware of devices or systems. These so-called embedded systems are specifically tailored to the hardware and operating conditions of the respective device.

[0041] In some cases, particularly in wireless communication, the computer program product is also transmitted as an electromagnetic signal. This is the case, for example, with software updates via radio networks or satellite communications. In this case, the program is sent as a data signal and processed by the receiving device. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to figures, without limiting the general inventive concept.

[0042] It shows:

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an energy supply system for electrically operated motor vehicles,

[0044] Figure 2 shows a motor vehicle with a supply vehicle coupled to it in a schematic representation,

[0045] Figure 3 shows a supply vehicle in a schematic side and top view.

[0046] A summary of Figures 1-3 shows an energy supply system 1 for electrically operated motor vehicles 2, comprising an autonomously driving supply vehicle 3 with an electrical energy storage device 4 and a first electrical connection unit 5, which is electrically coupled to the energy storage device 4, and a first mechanical connection unit 6, which is mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle 3. The first electrical connection unit 5 and the first mechanical connection unit 6 can be controlled via a first control unit 9.

[0047] Furthermore, the energy supply system 1 has a coupling system 13 that can be fixed to the motor vehicle 2, comprising a second electrical connection unit 7 that can be coupled to an electrical energy storage device 28 of the motor vehicle 2, and a second mechanical connection unit 8 that can be fixed to the motor vehicle 2.

[0048] In this case, the first mechanical connection unit 6 can be detachably coupled to the second mechanical connection unit 8, and the first electrical connection unit 5 can be detachably coupled to the second electrical connection unit 7. The mechanical coupling of the first mechanical connection unit 5 to the second mechanical connection unit 7 can be carried out in an automated manner under the control of the first control unit 9. The electrical coupling of the first electrical connection unit 5 to the second electrical connection unit 7 is then carried out automatically by the first control unit 9 after the mechanical coupling has been established.

[0049] The energy supply system 1 comprises a first charging station 10, a second charging station 30, and a third charging station 40, each of which has a third mechanical connection unit 11 and a third electrical connection unit 12. The first mechanical connection unit 6 can be detachably coupled to the third mechanical connection unit 11, and the first electrical connection unit 5 can be detachably coupled to the third electrical connection unit 12. Here, too, the first mechanical connection unit 5 is mechanically coupled to the third mechanical connection unit 11 in an automated manner by the first control unit 9.

[0050] The electrical coupling of the first electrical connection unit 5 to the third electrical connection unit 12 is then carried out automatically by the first control unit 9 after the mechanical coupling has been established, so that the energy storage unit 4 of the supply vehicle 3 can be charged in the electrically coupled state via one of the charging stations 10, 30, 40.

[0051] The motor vehicle 2 further has a first interface 14, via which position data 15 of the motor vehicle 2 can be transmitted to a central computer unit 16 located remotely from the motor vehicle 2. Similarly, the supply vehicle 3 also has a second interface 17, via which the position data 15 of the motor vehicle 2 can be received from a central computer unit 16. The first control unit 9 of the supply vehicle 3 is now configured such that the supply vehicle 3 can be moved autonomously to a position of the motor vehicle 2. The first mechanical connection unit 6 and the second mechanical connection unit 8 are further configured such that the supply vehicle 3 can be pivotally coupled to the motor vehicle 2.

[0052] In practical operation of the energy supply system 1 shown, the following use case may arise. A motor vehicle 2 to be charged sends an encrypted message to the higher-level computer unit 16 via a first interface 14, which is designed as an over-the-air interface, as indicated by the corresponding arrow. The computer unit 16 is implemented as a cloud-based application and receives the message via the interface 20. The content of the message includes, among other things, the identification of the motor vehicle 2 to be charged, the requested charging quantity, position data 15, such as the location, and the intended route of the motor vehicle 2.

[0053] The computer unit 16 therefore has an interface 20, among other things, for receiving position data 15 of a motor vehicle 2 and an interface 21, among other things, for sending position data 15 of the motor vehicle 2 to the autonomously driving supply vehicle 3.

[0054] The higher-level computer unit 16 uses this information to determine the geographically and economically most advantageous charging station 10, 30, 40 and sends the location, the route of the motor vehicle 2 and the requested charging quantity to this station via a data interface 22.

[0055] The identified charging station 10 then dispatches a supply vehicle 3, which travels autonomously to the motor vehicle 2 and, upon reaching the motor vehicle 2, couples with it both mechanically and electrically. First, the mechanical coupling of the supply vehicle 3 with the motor vehicle 2 takes place via the mechanical connection units 6, 8.

[0056] After the mechanical coupling has been completed, the autonomous drive of the supply vehicle 3 is switched off, and the supply vehicle 3 is towed by the motor vehicle 2, similar to a trailer. The electrical coupling then takes place. The electrical energy storage unit 28 of the motor vehicle 2 is charged from the electrical energy storage unit 4 of the supply vehicle 3 via the electrical connection units 5, 7. This operating state is clearly illustrated in Figure 2.

[0057] Once the charging process is complete or when the charging capacity of the energy storage device of the supply vehicle 3 is exhausted, the electrical coupling and then the mechanical coupling of the supply vehicle 3 and the motor vehicle 2 are released. The autonomous drive of the supply vehicle 3 is reactivated, and the supply vehicle 3 travels to the geographically nearest supply vehicle station 40.

[0058] The charging stations 10, 30, 40 each have a third mechanical connection unit 11 and a third electrical connection unit 12, wherein the first mechanical connection unit 6 is detachably coupled to the third mechanical connection unit 11 and the first electrical connection unit 5 is detachably coupled to the third electrical connection unit 12. Here, too, the mechanical coupling of the first mechanical connection unit 5 to the third mechanical connection unit 11 can be carried out in an automated manner under the control of the first control unit 9.

[0059] After the mechanical coupling has been established, the first electrical connection unit 5 can be electrically connected to the third electrical connection unit 12 in an automated manner controlled by the first control unit 9, so that the energy storage unit 4 of the supply vehicle 3 can be charged in the electrically coupled state via the first charging station 10. The charging stations 10, 30, 40 each have a third interface 18, via which data 19 can be received from a central computer unit 16 and / or via which data 19 can be transmitted to the central computer unit 16. An encrypted message is then sent via the interface 17 of the supply vehicle 3 to the interface 21 of the higher-level computer unit 16, which serves for financial settlement. The higher-level computer unit 16 is responsible for the financial processing of the charging process with the end customer.

[0060] Charging stations 10, 30, and 40 maintain several supply vehicles 3. These are charged cost-effectively from the power grid at optimal times. Charging stations 10, 30, and 40 function as small storage systems to cushion peak loads. The electrical energy storage units 4 installed in the supply vehicles 3 allow electricity to be stored for a limited time. If there are no requests from motor vehicles 2, the stored electricity can be fed back into the power grid.

[0061] Supply vehicles 3 are equipped to drive autonomously at Level 4. Geofencing is used to ensure that supply vehicle 3 can return to charging stations 10, 30, or 40.

[0062] The energy supply system 1 thus enables, among other things, the execution of a method with the following steps: First, the position data 15 of the motor vehicle 2 is transmitted to a central computer unit 16. Subsequently, this position data 15 of the motor vehicle 2 is transmitted from the central computer unit 16 to an autonomously driving supply vehicle 3, which is equipped with an electrical energy store 4 and a first electrical connection unit 5, which is electrically coupled to the energy store 4, and a first mechanical connection unit 6, which is mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle 3.

[0063] The autonomously driving supply vehicle 3 is then moved to the position data 15 of the motor vehicle and the first mechanical connection unit 6 of the supply vehicle 3 is coupled to a second mechanical connection unit 8 of the motor vehicle 2. The first electrical connection unit 5 of the supply vehicle 3 is then coupled to a second electrical connection unit 7 of the motor vehicle 2.

[0064] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the supply vehicle 3. The supply vehicle 3 consists of a battery-electric energy storage unit 4, which serves both as an energy reserve for the electric motor drive of the supply vehicle 3 and for charging the motor vehicle 2. The mechanical connection unit 6 and the electrical connection unit 5 are located at the front of the supply vehicle 3. A human-insertable plug can be dispensed with here, and a contact unit as described in WO2019076663 is preferably used. Advantageously, the actuatable vehicle contact unit is not mounted in the motor vehicle 2 to be charged, as in DE201610121355, but in the supply vehicle 3. Instead, the ground contact unit described in DE201610121355 is located at the rear of the motor vehicle 2. When not in use, this can be concealed, for example, by a flap.

[0065] The mechanical connection unit 6 is designed such that coupling and uncoupling to the motor vehicle 2 can be controlled from the side of the supply vehicle 3. With the supply vehicle 3 coupled to the motor vehicle 2, rotation is possible such that the supply vehicle 3 can follow the motor vehicle 2 even when cornering.

[0066] The sensors for the autonomous driving function of the supply vehicle 3 are housed in a dome 23. This location is particularly suitable for this purpose because it offers an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view. The autonomous driving function is provided by the control unit 9, which controls both the traction motors and the steering system of the supply vehicle 3. Corner modules, which house additional sensors and position lights, are located on the outer edges of the supply vehicle 3. The position lights allow other road users to quickly visually identify the supply vehicle 3. A pennant located at the rear of the supply vehicle 3 also serves this purpose.

[0067] In other words, Figure 3 shows an autonomously driving supply vehicle 3 for use in an energy supply system 1 for electrically operated motor vehicles 2, as known from Figure 1, with an electrical energy storage device 4 and a first electrical connection unit 5, which is electrically coupled to the energy storage device 4, and a first mechanical connection unit 6, which is mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle 3. The first electrical connection unit 5 and the first mechanical connection unit 6 can be controlled via the first control unit 9.

[0068] The motor vehicle 2 has a coupling system 13 fixed thereto for use in an energy supply system 1 for electrically operated motor vehicles 2, as shown in Figure 1, comprising a second electrical connection unit 7, which can be coupled to an electrical energy store 28 of the motor vehicle 2, and a second mechanical connection unit 8, which can be fixed to the motor vehicle 2.

[0069] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the figures. The above description is therefore not to be considered restrictive, but rather explanatory. The following claims are to be understood as meaning that a stated feature is present in at least one embodiment of the invention. This does not exclude the presence of further features. Where the claims and the above description define 'first' and 'second' features, this designation serves to distinguish between two similar features without establishing a priority. List of reference symbols

[0070] 1 Energy supply system

[0071] 2 motor vehicles

[0072] 3 supply vehicle

[0073] 4 energy storage

[0074] 5 Connection unit

[0075] 6 Connection unit

[0076] 7 Connection unit

[0077] 8 Connection unit

[0078] 9 Control unit

[0079] 10 charging stations

[0080] 11 Connection unit

[0081] 12 Connection unit

[0082] 13 Coupling system

[0083] 14 Interface

[0084] 15 Position data

[0085] 16 computer unit

[0086] 17 Interface

[0087] 18 Interface

[0088] 19 data

[0089] 20 Interface

[0090] 21 Interface

[0091] 22 Interface

[0092] 23 Cathedral

[0093] 28 energy storage units

[0094] 30 charging stations

[0095] 40 charging stations

Claims

Claims 1. Energy supply system (1) for electrically operable motor vehicles (2) comprising an autonomously driving supply vehicle (3) with an electrical energy storage device (4) and a first electrical connection unit (5) which is electrically coupled to the energy storage device (4), and a first mechanical connection unit (6) which is mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle (3), wherein the first electrical connection unit (5) and the first mechanical connection unit (6) are controllable via a first control unit (9), a coupling system (13) which can be fixed to the motor vehicle (2) and comprises a second electrical connection unit (7) which can be coupled to an electrical energy store (28) of the motor vehicle (2), and a second mechanical connection unit (8) which can be fixed to the motor vehicle (2), characterized in that the first mechanical connection unit (6) can be detachably coupled to the second mechanical connection unit (8) and the first electrical connection unit (5) can be detachably coupled to the second electrical connection unit (7), wherein a mechanical coupling of the first mechanical connection unit (5) to the second mechanical connection unit (7) can be carried out in an automated manner by the first control unit (9), and wherein an electrical coupling of the first electrical connection unit (5) with the second electrical connection unit (7) is carried out after the mechanical coupling can be carried out automatically by the first control unit (9), 2. Energy supply system (1) according to claim (1), characterized in that the energy supply system (1) has at least one first charging station (10) which has a third mechanical connection unit (11) and a third electrical connection unit (12), wherein the first mechanical connection unit (6) is detachably coupled to the third mechanical connection unit (11) and the first electrical connection unit (5) is detachably coupled to the third electrical connection unit (12), wherein a mechanical coupling of the first mechanical connection unit (5) to the third mechanical connection unit (11) can be carried out in an automated manner controlled by the first control unit (9),and wherein an electrical coupling of the first electrical connection unit (5) to the third electrical connection unit (12) can be carried out automatically and controlled by the first control unit (9) after the mechanical coupling has been established, so that the energy storage device (4) of the supply vehicle (3) can be charged in the electrically coupled state via the first charging station (10).

3. Energy supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the motor vehicle (2) has a first interface (14) via which position data (15) of the motor vehicle (2) can be transmitted to a central computer unit (16) remote from the motor vehicle (2), and the supply vehicle (3) has a second interface (17) via which the position data (15) of the motor vehicle (2) can be received from a central computer unit (16), and the first control unit (9) of the supply vehicle (3) is configured such that the supply vehicle (3) can be moved autonomously to a position of the motor vehicle (2).

4. Energy supply system (1) according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the first mechanical connection unit (6) and the second mechanical connection unit (8) are designed such that the supply vehicle (3) can be pivotally coupled to the motor vehicle (2) 5. Autonomously driving supply vehicle (3), in particular for use in an energy supply system (1) for electrically operated motor vehicles (2) according to claim 1, with an electrical energy storage device (4) and a first electrical connection unit (5) which is electrically coupled to the energy storage device (4), and a first mechanical connection unit (6) which is mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle (3), wherein the first electrical connection unit (5) and the first mechanical connection unit (6) can be controlled via a first control unit (9), 6. Coupling system (13) for an electrically operable motor vehicle (2) that can be fixed to a motor vehicle (2), in particular for use in an energy supply system (1) for electrically operable motor vehicles (2) according to Claim 1, comprising a second electrical connection unit (7) which can be coupled to an electrical energy store (28) of the motor vehicle (2), and a second mechanical connection unit (8) which can be fixed to the motor vehicle (2).

7. Charging station (10), in particular for use in an energy supply system (1) for electrically operated motor vehicles (2) according to claim 1, comprising a third mechanical connection unit (11) and a third electrical connection unit (12), wherein the first mechanical connection unit (6) is detachably coupled to the third mechanical connection unit (11) and the first electrical connection unit (5) is detachably coupled to the third electrical connection unit (12), wherein a mechanical coupling of the first mechanical connection unit (5) to the third mechanical connection unit (11) can be carried out in an automated manner controlled by the first control unit (9),and wherein an electrical coupling of the first electrical connection unit (5) to the third electrical connection unit (12) can be carried out automatically and controlled by the first control unit (9) after the mechanical coupling has been established, so that the energy storage device (4) of the supply vehicle (3) can be charged in the electrically coupled state via the first charging station (10).

8. Central computer unit (16), in particular for use in an energy supply system (1) for electrically operated motor vehicles (2) according to claim 1, comprising a Interface (20) for receiving position data (15) of a motor vehicle (2) and An interface (21) for transmitting position data (15) of the motor vehicle (2) to an autonomously driving supply vehicle (3).

9. Methods for supplying an electrically operated motor vehicle (2) with electrical energy comprise the following steps: • Transmission of the position data (15) of the motor vehicle (2) to a central computer unit (16); • Transmission of the position data (15) of the motor vehicle (2) from the central computer unit (16) to an autonomously driving supply vehicle (3), having an electrical energy storage device (4) and a first electrical connection unit (5) which is electrically coupled to the energy storage device (4), and a first mechanical connection unit (6) which is mechanically coupled to the supply vehicle (3); • Procedure of the autonomously driving supply vehicle (3) to the position data (15) of the motor vehicle; • Coupling the first mechanical connection unit (6) of the supply vehicle (3) with a second mechanical connection unit (8) of the motor vehicle (2); • Coupling the first electrical connection unit (5) of the supply vehicle (3) to a second electrical connection unit (7) of the motor vehicle (2); 10. A computer program product stored on a machine-readable medium, or a computer data signal embodied by an electromagnetic wave, comprising a computer program code suitable for carrying out a method according to claim 9.

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