Flexible charging system and method

Abstract

A flexible charging system, comprising: a mobile energy robot, wherein the mobile energy robot is configured to store electrical energy and perform bidirectional charging and discharging, and the mobile energy robot can move within a preset range; a branching apparatus, wherein a plurality of charging guns are arranged on the branching apparatus, and each charging gun is configured to be inserted into a charging socket of a new energy vehicle to supply power to the new energy vehicle; and an automatic docking apparatus, wherein a first end of the automatic docking apparatus is connected to the branching apparatus, and a second end thereof can be automatically docked with and automatically separated from the mobile energy robot. When the automatic docking apparatus is docked with the mobile energy robot, the mobile energy robot can supply power to charging guns of the branching apparatus by means of the automatic docking apparatus, so as to charge new energy vehicles connected to the charging guns. By means of the system, the charging service capability can be improved, thereby providing more flexible charging services for more new energy vehicles. Also provided is a method for using the flexible charging system to perform charging.

Description

Flexible charging system and method Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to the field of energy storage charging, and more particularly to a flexible charging system and method. Background Art

[0002] In existing parking lots, charging spaces are typically equipped with a charging station and charging gun. The charging gun is connected to the power grid via the charging station, obtaining power from the grid to provide charging services for new energy vehicles. This requires the parking lot to have the conditions and qualifications for grid connection.

[0003] However, in some areas and regions, parking lots may not have the conditions or qualifications for grid connection or capacity expansion. Such parking lots may not be able to install charging piles or the number of charging piles that can be installed is limited.

[0004] Specifically, if a parking lot lacks the conditions or qualifications for grid connectivity, it cannot install charging piles and, consequently, cannot obtain power from the grid to provide charging services for new energy vehicles. If a parking lot has a certain number of charging piles installed but lacks the conditions or qualifications for grid expansion, the existing grid capacity is limited to the number of charging piles it can serve, making it impossible to expand the number of charging piles to provide charging services for more new energy vehicles. As a result, these parking lots may be unable to provide charging services for new energy vehicles, or the charging services they can provide may be limited.

[0005] In view of this, it is desired to provide a highly flexible charging system to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art and to provide flexible and efficient charging services even in parking lots that do not have grid connectivity or expansion conditions.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following is a brief summary of one or more aspects to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all conceivable aspects and is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] The present application provides a flexible charging system, including: a mobile energy robot, which is configured to store electrical energy and perform bidirectional charging and discharging, and the mobile energy robot can move within a preset range; a branching device, which is provided with multiple charging guns, each charging gun is configured to be inserted into a charging socket of a new energy vehicle to power the new energy vehicle; an automatic docking device, a first end of the automatic docking device is connected to the branching device and a second end can automatically dock and automatically detach from the mobile energy robot, wherein, when the automatic docking device is docked with the mobile energy robot, the mobile energy robot can supply power to the charging gun of the branching device through the automatic docking device to charge the new energy vehicle docked with the charging gun.

[0009] In some embodiments, the branching device further includes a detection module for detecting whether any of the multiple charging guns on the branching device is inserted into a charging socket of a new energy vehicle.

[0010] In some embodiments, the branching device further includes a control module for controlling whether the mobile energy robot supplies power to one or more of the plurality of charging guns on the branching device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system further includes a cloud platform configured to: monitor operations of various devices and modules within the system; and receive charging requirements.

[0012] In some embodiments, the line dividing device and the automatic docking device are arranged as separate devices or an integrated device.

[0013] In some embodiments, a branching device is connected to an automatic docking device, and the system only supports one mobile energy robot to power one branching device at the same time; or a branching device is connected to multiple automatic docking devices, and the system supports multiple mobile energy robots to power one branching device at the same time.

[0014] In some embodiments, the branching device also includes a converter (PCS), wherein the mobile energy robot charging the new energy vehicle further includes: obtaining direct current from the mobile energy robot by the branching device; converting the direct current into alternating current by the PCS; and providing the alternating current to the new energy vehicle through the charging gun of the branching device to perform AC charging on the new energy vehicle.

[0015] In some embodiments, the mobile energy robot also includes a converter (PCS), wherein the mobile energy robot charging the new energy vehicle further includes: obtaining AC power from the mobile energy robot through the PCS by the branching device; and providing the AC power to the new energy vehicle through the charging gun of the branching device to perform AC charging on the new energy vehicle.

[0016] In some embodiments, the mobile energy robot charging the new energy vehicle further includes: obtaining direct current from the mobile energy robot by the branching device; and providing the direct current to the new energy vehicle through the charging gun of the branching device to perform direct current charging on the new energy vehicle.

[0017] In some embodiments, the mobile energy machine further includes a charging gun, which is configured to be plugged into a charging socket of a new energy vehicle to power the new energy vehicle.

[0018] In some embodiments, the system further includes a power replenishing device for replenishing power for the mobile energy robot.

[0019] In some embodiments, the power replenishing device includes a second automatic docking device, the first end of which is connected to the power grid / microgrid through a gateway, and the second end of which is capable of automatically docking and detaching with the mobile energy robot, wherein when the mobile energy robot is docked with the second automatic docking device, it can obtain electrical energy through the power grid / microgrid.

[0020] The present application also provides a method for charging using the aforementioned flexible charging system, including: obtaining charging requirements; determining a mobile energy robot to respond based on the charging requirements and status information of all mobile energy robots in the system; dispatching the determined mobile energy robot to a corresponding branching device; automatically docking the mobile energy robot with an automatic docking device connected to the branching device; and enabling the mobile energy robot to power a charging gun inserted into the charging socket of the new energy vehicle through the automatic docking device to charge the new energy vehicle.

[0021] In some embodiments, obtaining the charging demand further includes: receiving the charging demand issued by the new energy vehicle.

[0022] In some embodiments, obtaining the charging demand further includes: detecting whether a charging gun on the branching device is inserted into the charging socket of the new energy vehicle; and generating the charging demand in response to detecting that a charging gun on the branching device is inserted into the charging socket of the new energy vehicle.

[0023] In some embodiments, the charging requirements include the power requirements and time requirements of the new energy vehicle, and the status information includes the power information and location information of the corresponding mobile energy robot.

[0024] In some embodiments, the acquired charging demands include multiple charging demands, and the multiple new energy vehicles generating the multiple charging demands are all connected to the same branching device. The method further includes: generating an optimal response plan based on the multiple charging demands and the status information of all mobile energy robots, and determining a mobile energy robot to respond; and dispatching the determined mobile energy robot to the branching device to charge the multiple new energy vehicles according to the optimal response plan. In such embodiments, the optimal response plan indicates the following: the order in which the multiple new energy vehicles are to be charged; and at least one of the charging start time, charging end time, charging duration, and charging amount for each new energy vehicle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the acquired charging demand includes multiple charging demands, and multiple new energy vehicles generating the multiple charging demands are connected to multiple branching devices. The method further includes: generating an optimal response plan based on the multiple charging demands and status information of all mobile energy robots and determining one or more mobile energy robots to respond; and dispatching the determined one or more mobile energy robots to the corresponding branching devices to charge the multiple new energy vehicles according to the optimal response plan. In such embodiments, the optimal response plan indicates the following: the mobile energy robots dispatched to the branching devices and their dispatch order; the order in which all new energy vehicles connected to the same branching device are charged; and at least one of the charging start time, charging end time, charging duration, and charging amount for each new energy vehicle.

[0026] In some embodiments, one or more mobile energy robots in the system are provided with a charging gun, and the method further includes: a cloud platform receiving a fast charging request issued by a new energy vehicle; and the cloud platform dispatching a suitable mobile energy robot among the one or more mobile energy robots to move directly to the new energy vehicle to charge it.

[0027] The technical solution of this application installs multiple charging guns on a branching device and uses a mobile energy robot to power the charging guns of the branching device, thereby charging new energy vehicles connected to the charging guns. In this way, charging services can be provided for new energy vehicles even in parking lots without grid connectivity. At the same time, in parking lots with a limited number of charging piles and no grid expansion, the technical solution of this application can greatly improve charging service capabilities and provide more flexible charging services for more new energy vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The features, nature, and advantages of the present application will become more apparent when the detailed description set forth below is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings described are schematic and non-limiting. In the drawings, the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes.

[0029] FIG1 shows an architecture diagram of a flexible charging system according to aspects of the present application.

[0030] 2-4 illustrate various ways of charging new energy vehicles using the flexible charging system of the present application.

[0031] FIG5 shows an exemplary communication flow of the flexible charging system of the present application.

[0032] FIG6 shows a method for charging using the flexible charging system of the present application.

[0033] FIG7 shows a charging method in a scenario with multiple charging requirements.

[0034] FIG8 shows a first example of connecting multiple new energy vehicles to a branching device under multiple charging demand scenarios.

[0035] FIG9 shows a second example of connecting multiple new energy vehicles to a branching device under multiple charging demand scenarios. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the described exemplary embodiments. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other exemplary embodiments, well-known structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of the present application. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely used to explain the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. At the same time, in the absence of conflict, the various aspects described in the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily.

[0037] As mentioned above, some parking lots may not have the conditions for grid connection or capacity expansion, and therefore cannot provide charging services for new energy vehicles or the charging services they can provide are limited.

[0038] This application provides a highly flexible charging system that can provide flexible and efficient charging services even in parking lots that do not have grid connectivity or capacity expansion conditions.

[0039] FIG1 shows an architecture diagram of a flexible charging system 100 according to aspects of the present application.

[0040] As shown in the figure, the flexible charging system of this application (also referred to herein as the "system") primarily involves multiple devices / modules, including a mobile energy robot, an automatic docking device, a branching device, a cloud platform, and a charging device. In addition, Figure 1 also shows a new energy vehicle docked with the charging gun of the branching device. The new energy vehicle is outside the flexible charging system and can obtain power from the flexible charging system through the charging gun of the branching device.

[0041] Specifically, the mobile energy robot is configured to store electrical energy and perform bidirectional charging and discharging, and the mobile energy robot can move within a preset range. In actual implementation, those skilled in the art can set the preset range of the mobile energy robot according to actual conditions.

[0042] The branching device is provided with multiple charging guns. As an example, FIG1 shows that the branching device is provided with N charging guns. Each charging gun can provide energy and communication control guidance (for example, control instructions related to charging and discharging) to the charging port of the new energy vehicle. For example, when multiple new energy vehicles need to be charged, the multiple charging guns of the branching device can be inserted into multiple new energy vehicles to charge these new energy vehicles, thereby improving the charging efficiency.

[0043] The automatic docking device is connected to the line splitter. Specifically, the first end of the automatic docking device is connected to the line splitter, and the second end is capable of automatically docking with and detaching from the mobile energy robot. When the automatic docking device is docked with the mobile energy robot, the mobile energy robot can use the automatic docking device to power the charging gun of the line splitter, thereby charging the docked new energy vehicle.

[0044] In order to achieve automatic docking between the automatic docking device and the mobile energy robot, the automatic docking device may have a moving part (not shown in the figure). The docking module (such as a charging port) of the automatic docking device may be provided on the moving part so as to move along with the movement of the moving part, thereby contacting the mobile energy robot and automatically docking therewith.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile component can move independently of the rest of the automatic docking device. Thus, when docking with a mobile energy robot, the automatic docking device does not need to be moved as a whole to the vicinity of the mobile energy robot (e.g., within a threshold distance). Instead, only the mobile component of the automatic docking device (along with the docking module disposed thereon) needs to be moved to the vicinity of the mobile energy robot for automatic docking to occur. This improves docking flexibility.

[0046] In some implementations, the mobile energy robot may be provided with a socket, and one end of the automatic docking device may be a robotic arm with an integrated charging plug. In such implementations, when the mobile energy robot moves to a preset position near the automatic docking device, the robotic arm of the automatic docking device may move and automatically dock the charging plug of the automatic docking device with the socket of the mobile energy robot.

[0047] In some implementations, the branching device further includes a detection module configured to detect whether any of the multiple charging guns on the branching device are plugged into a charging socket of a new energy vehicle. For example, the detection module can detect handshake communication between the branching device and the new energy vehicle to determine whether the new energy vehicle is connected to the charging gun and the charging requirements of the new energy vehicle.

[0048] In some implementations, the branching device further includes a control module for controlling whether the mobile energy robot supplies power to one or more charging guns among the plurality of charging guns on the branching device.

[0049] For example, in some cases, even though a charging gun on a branching device is plugged into a new energy vehicle, the new energy vehicle may not want to charge immediately, but rather may want to start charging at a later, specific time. In such cases, the charging start time can be indicated in the new energy vehicle's charging request. Thus, when the charging gun is plugged into the new energy vehicle's charging socket but before the charging start time arrives, the control module can disconnect the charging path in the charging gun or interrupt the handshake communication between the branching device and the new energy vehicle, preventing the mobile energy robot from powering the new energy vehicle via the charging gun. After the charging start time arrives, the control module can connect the charging path in the charging gun or restore the handshake communication between the branching device and the new energy vehicle, allowing the mobile energy robot to power the new energy vehicle via the charging gun. Similarly, if charging is desired to end at a specific time, the charging end time can be indicated in the new energy vehicle's charging request. Thus, when the charging end time arrives, the control module can disconnect the charging path, preventing the mobile energy robot from powering the new energy vehicle via the charging gun, thereby ending charging. This approach improves charging flexibility and enhances the user experience.

[0050] The cloud platform is configured to monitor the operation of various devices and modules within the flexible charging system and receive charging requests.

[0051] By monitoring the operation of each device and module within the system, the cloud platform can obtain the status of each device and module, as well as the available power resources within the system (for example, the number, serial number, power level, and current location of the mobile energy robots in the system). Furthermore, the cloud platform can receive charging requests from new energy vehicles and dispatch appropriate mobile energy robots to provide charging services based on these requests.

[0052] In some implementations, one branching device is connected to one automatic docking device (as shown in FIG1 ), and the flexible charging system only supports one mobile energy robot to power one branching device at the same time.

[0053] In other implementations, a single branching device is connected to multiple automatic docking devices (not shown in FIG1 ), and the flexible charging system supports multiple mobile energy robots simultaneously powering the single branching device. In such implementations, charging efficiency can be further improved.

[0054] In some implementations, the flexible charging system can charge new energy vehicles using direct current (DC). In other implementations, the flexible charging system can charge new energy vehicles using alternating current (AC). The various ways in which the flexible charging system can charge new energy vehicles are described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 2-4 and are not further detailed here.

[0055] In some embodiments, the mobile energy robot itself may also include a charging gun (not shown in FIG1 ). In such an implementation, the mobile energy robot can move to the location of the new energy vehicle to power the new energy vehicle by plugging its own charging gun into the charging socket of the new energy vehicle.

[0056] For example, in a situation where a new energy vehicle wants to be charged as quickly as possible, the new energy vehicle can issue a fast charging request to the cloud platform. After receiving the fast charging request from the new energy vehicle, the cloud platform can dispatch a suitable mobile energy robot with a charging gun (for example, the mobile energy robot with a charging gun closest to the new energy vehicle) to move directly to the new energy vehicle to charge it. In this way, the scheduling process can be simplified, eliminating the intermediate step of the mobile energy robot being connected to the branching device through an automatic docking device, and the electric energy of the mobile energy robot can be fully provided to a single new energy vehicle that needs fast charging, thereby greatly improving the charging speed and meeting the demand for fast charging of new energy vehicles. In this embodiment, a charging gun is generally provided on the mobile energy robot, and the charging gun on the mobile energy robot is automatically or manually docked with the charging socket of the new energy vehicle to charge the new energy vehicle.

[0057] The mobile energy robot is recharged by the recharging device. In some embodiments, the recharging device includes a second automatic docking device (not shown in Figure 1). The structure of the second automatic docking device is basically the same as the automatic docking device mentioned above. The first end of the second automatic docking device is connected to the power grid / microgrid through a gateway (for example, a device / device that can be connected to an external power grid / microgrid), and the second end of the second automatic docking device can automatically dock and detach with the mobile energy robot. When the mobile energy robot is docked with the second automatic docking device, it can obtain electrical energy through the power grid / microgrid. In this way, the mobile energy robot can be recharged.

[0058] For parking lots without grid connectivity, charging devices cannot be installed in the parking lot. In practice, if the parking lot is far from the charging device, the mobile energy robots can be transported to the charging device and then returned to the parking lot after charging is complete. If the parking lot is close to the charging device, the mobile energy robots can be dispatched to the charging device for charging and then returned to the parking lot after charging is complete.

[0059] It should be noted that the architecture of the flexible charging system in Figure 1 is only exemplary and not restrictive. In actual implementation, the flexible charging system may have a different architecture. Those skilled in the art may adopt more devices / modules, fewer devices / modules, or different devices / modules than the architecture of Figure 1 as needed. For example, although the branching device and the automatic docking device are arranged as split devices (i.e., the two are separated) in Figure 1, in some implementations, the branching device and the automatic docking device may also be arranged as an integrated device (i.e., the two are integrated). In some examples, the flexible charging system may also include an EMS (Energy Management System) (not shown in Figure 1) to assist the cloud platform in scheduling and controlling the flow of power and information interaction within the flexible charging system. EMS will be further described below in conjunction with Figure 5.

[0060] By utilizing the flexible charging system of the present application, the charging of new energy vehicles can be effectively improved, making the charging process more flexible and efficient.

[0061] In the prior art, mobile energy robots generally charge new energy vehicles in the following two ways.

[0062] One method involves manual plugging and unplugging. This requires the vehicle owner or maintenance personnel to wait for the new energy vehicle or mobile energy robot to arrive at the appropriate location, manually insert the charging gun on the mobile energy robot into the new energy vehicle, and then allow the mobile energy robot to charge the new energy vehicle, which increases waiting time. In addition, after charging is completed, the charging gun needs to be manually unplugged from the new energy vehicle and placed back on the mobile energy robot to release the mobile energy robot after completing the charging service so that it can provide charging services for other new energy vehicles. With this method, the start and end of charging must be manually participated in, which is labor-intensive and inefficient. In addition, the mobile energy robot can only provide charging services for one new energy vehicle at a time.

[0063] Another approach is automatic plugging and unplugging. The mobile energy robot automatically controls the charging gun's insertion into the new energy vehicle and automatically retracts it after charging. This approach requires an automated robotic arm on the mobile energy robot, which is costly and heavy, increasing the energy consumption of the mobile energy robot's movement. Furthermore, because the socket locations of different new energy vehicles are not standardized, the mobile energy robot must perform different alignment operations when charging each new energy vehicle. This requires multiple sensors and processors on the mobile energy robot, further increasing its cost. Furthermore, the mobile energy robot must align itself each time it charges a new energy vehicle. Each alignment requires different identification and calculation steps, resulting in low alignment efficiency and long alignment time. This also places high demands on the mobile energy robot's automated alignment equipment, further increasing its cost. Furthermore, the mobile energy robot can only charge one new energy vehicle at a time, resulting in low utilization.

[0064] It can be seen that the existing charging methods are costly, inefficient, inflexible, and have low utilization rates for mobile energy robots. In contrast, the flexible charging system of the present application can provide flexible and efficient charging services at a lower cost and significantly improve the utilization rate of mobile energy robots.

[0065] Specifically, the mobile energy robot of the present application is connected to the new energy vehicle through an automatic docking device and a branching device. After the car owner with charging needs drives the new energy vehicle to the parking space at the branching device, he only needs to insert the charging gun into the new energy vehicle and leave on his own. When the car owner needs to drive away, he can just pull out the charging gun. During parking, the flexible charging system of the present application completes the charging service, which reduces the waiting time of the new energy vehicle owner. The labor cost is low and negligible. After the mobile energy robot completes the charging demand on a branching device, it can also be automatically released to meet the charging needs of new energy vehicles on other branching devices. The utilization rate of the mobile energy robot is high and no human participation is required. In addition, the mobile energy robot can provide charging services for multiple new energy vehicles at the same time, further improving the utilization rate of the mobile energy robot. In addition, the alignment components of the mobile energy robot and the automatic docking device can be standardized in design, thereby improving the alignment efficiency and reducing the cost of automatic alignment.

[0066] The following describes in detail various ways of charging new energy vehicles using the flexible charging system of the present application in conjunction with Figures 2 to 4.

[0067] FIG2 shows a first example 200 of a flexible charging system performing AC charging on a new energy vehicle.

[0068] As shown in FIG2 , the branching device further includes a power conversion system (PCS) for converting direct current into alternating current.

[0069] When the flexible charging system provides charging services to new energy vehicles, the mobile energy robot can be dispatched to the corresponding branching device, and the mobile energy robot automatically docks with the automatic docking device to connect to the branching device. At the same time, the branching device is connected to the new energy vehicle (for example, the charging gun of the branching device is plugged into the charging socket of the new energy vehicle).

[0070] In the example of FIG2 , the mobile energy robot provides direct current to the branching device through the automatic docking device.

[0071] The PCS in the splitter converts the DC power received from the mobile energy robot into AC power. The splitter then supplies the AC power to the new energy vehicle through its charging plug for AC charging.

[0072] FIG3 shows a second example 300 of a flexible charging system performing AC charging on a new energy vehicle.

[0073] FIG3 is similar to FIG2 , except that the PCS is located in the mobile energy robot instead of the branching device in FIG2 .

[0074] In FIG3 , when the flexible charging system needs to charge the new energy vehicle, the mobile energy robot can be connected to the branching device and the branching device can be connected to the new energy vehicle in the manner shown in FIG2 .

[0075] In the example of FIG3 , the mobile energy robot outputs AC power through the PCS and provides the AC power to the branching device through the automatic docking device.

[0076] Subsequently, the branching device provides AC power to the new energy vehicle through the charging gun to perform AC charging on the new energy vehicle.

[0077] FIG4 shows an example 400 of a flexible charging system performing DC charging on a new energy vehicle.

[0078] In FIG4 , when the flexible charging system needs to charge the new energy vehicle, the mobile energy robot can be connected to the branching device and the branching device can be connected to the new energy vehicle in the manner shown in FIG2 and FIG3 .

[0079] In the example of FIG4 , the mobile energy robot provides direct current to the branching device through the automatic docking device.

[0080] The splitter then supplies DC power to the new energy vehicle via the charging plug, allowing for DC charging. Compared to AC charging, DC charging is faster.

[0081] In specific implementation, the above-mentioned different charging methods can be adopted according to actual conditions (for example, whether the mobile energy robot and / or branch line device in the flexible charging system includes PCS, the charging requirements of the new energy vehicle, whether the new energy vehicle supports DC charging, etc.).

[0082] It should be noted that the various methods of charging new energy vehicles shown in Figures 2 to 4 are merely examples and not limitations. In actual implementation, those skilled in the art may also adopt other methods to charge new energy vehicles. For example, although the automatic docking device and the branching device are shown as separate devices in Figures 2 to 4, in actual implementation, the two devices can be arranged as an integrated device. In addition, although Figures 2 to 4 show a mobile energy robot powering a branching device, in actual implementation, multiple mobile energy robots can also be used to power a branching device.

[0083] FIG5 shows an exemplary communication flow 500 of the flexible charging system of the present application.

[0084] In the process of charging new energy vehicles using a flexible charging system, the various modules / devices in the system communicate with each other to provide charging services.

[0085] As shown in the figure, the CCU (Charging Control Unit) can communicate with the new energy vehicle to control the charging process. For example, the CCU can control the charging current and collect charging data (such as charging power, voltage, current, etc.) through the electric meter.

[0086] In some embodiments, the CCU may be an example of a control module of the line splitting device. In other embodiments, the CCU may be a module different from the control module of the line splitting device.

[0087] In some implementations, the CCU can communicate with the new energy vehicle via the PWM protocol to control charging of the new energy vehicle. Additionally, the CCU can communicate with the electric meter via the 485 protocol to obtain charging data from the electric meter. The electric meter can be included in the branching device or can be arranged separately from the branching device.

[0088] After obtaining the charging data, the CCU can provide the charging data to the EMS (energy management system), and the EMS will upload the data to the cloud platform.

[0089] In some embodiments, the EMS may be included in the breakout device (eg, integrated with the PCS in the breakout device). In other implementations, the EMS may be arranged separately from the breakout device.

[0090] EMS can interact with CCU and mobile energy robot through CAN protocol to control CCU to start and stop charging (for example, by sending corresponding instructions to CCU), allocate available power to each CCU, obtain charging data from CCU, and interact with mobile energy robot for information (for example, information related to charging services), etc.

[0091] In addition, EMS can interact with the cloud platform through the 4G / 5G communication protocol to upload charging data and status data (EMS's own status, the status of the automatic docking device, etc.) to the cloud platform, and obtain control instructions from the cloud platform (for example, instructions for controlling the start and end of charging, instructions for controlling the plugging and unplugging of the automatic docking device, etc.).

[0092] According to the instructions from the cloud platform, EMS can also interact with the automatic docking device through the 485 protocol to control the plugging and unplugging of the automatic docking device and obtain the status of the automatic docking device.

[0093] Figure 5 illustrates a specific communication flow for a flexible charging system, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In actual implementations, those skilled in the art may employ different approaches to implement communication between modules / devices in a flexible charging system. For example, while Figure 5 illustrates a single CCU and a single new energy vehicle, in actual implementations, multiple CCUs and multiple new energy vehicles may exist. Furthermore, the modules / devices in the system may communicate using other suitable communication protocols.

[0094] FIG6 illustrates a method 600 for charging using the flexible charging system of the present application. In some implementations, a cloud platform within a flexible charging system (e.g., flexible charging system 100 of FIG1 ) can execute the steps of method 600 (e.g., directly or indirectly by sending instructions to various devices / modules within the system). In other implementations, the various devices / modules within the system can collaboratively execute the steps of method 600 by communicating with each other without involving the cloud platform.

[0095] As shown in Figure 6, method 600 begins at step 605. At step 605, a charging demand is obtained.

[0096] In some embodiments, obtaining a charging demand may include receiving a charging demand from a new energy vehicle. For example, when an owner of a new energy vehicle wishes to charge the new energy vehicle, the owner may send a charging demand to the flexible charging system (e.g., a cloud platform, a branching device) (e.g., via an app or mini-program on a user device (e.g., a smart device, an in-vehicle device), scanning an identifier (e.g., a QR code) on a charging gun or a branching device, etc.).

[0097] In some other embodiments, obtaining the charging demand may include: detecting whether a charging gun on the branching device is plugged into a charging socket of the new energy vehicle; and generating the charging demand in response to detecting that a charging gun on the branching device is plugged into the charging socket of the new energy vehicle. For example, the detection module of the branching device may detect whether a charging gun on the branching device is plugged into the charging socket of the new energy vehicle.

[0098] In some examples, when it is detected that a charging gun is plugged into the charging socket of a new energy vehicle, it can be assumed that the new energy vehicle needs to be charged.

[0099] In other examples, when a charging gun is detected to be plugged into the charging socket of a new energy vehicle, the flexible charging system (e.g., a branching device, a cloud platform, etc.) can establish a communication connection with the new energy vehicle (e.g., through a handshake protocol). The communication between the two can then determine whether the new energy vehicle needs to be charged and determine the battery parameters of the new energy vehicle (e.g., the battery capacity of the new energy vehicle, the current battery level, etc.).

[0100] Charging requirements may include, but are not limited to, the power requirements and time requirements of new energy vehicles. For example, the power requirement may indicate the desired charge amount for the new energy vehicle, and the time requirement may indicate the desired time associated with charging, such as the desired start time, the desired end time, the desired charging period, etc.

[0101] In some implementations, the acquired charging requirement may include a single charging requirement. In some implementations, the acquired charging requirement may include multiple charging requirements. For ease of explanation, method 600 will focus on the scenario of a single charging requirement. The scenario of multiple charging requirements will be further described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 7-9.

[0102] In step 610 , a mobile energy robot to respond is determined based on the charging requirements and status information of all mobile energy robots in the system.

[0103] The status information of the mobile energy robot may include power information (eg, remaining power, available power, etc.) and location information (eg, absolute geographic location, relative geographic location, etc.) of the mobile energy robot.

[0104] In a specific implementation, the mobile energy robot to respond can be determined based on various criteria. For example, the mobile energy robot closest to the line splitting device or the automatic docking device can be selected as the mobile energy robot to respond, or the mobile energy robot within a predetermined range from the line splitting device or the automatic docking device and with the largest remaining power can be selected as the mobile energy robot to respond, and so on.

[0105] In step 615 , the determined mobile energy robot is dispatched to the corresponding branching device.

[0106] After the mobile energy robot that responds is determined, the mobile energy robot can be dispatched to the corresponding branching device connected to the new energy vehicle.

[0107] For example, in some implementations, path information can be generated based on the current location of the mobile energy robot and the location of the branching device, and this path information can be sent to the mobile energy robot. The mobile energy robot can then proceed to the corresponding branching device based on this path information. In other implementations, the location information of the branching device can be sent to the mobile energy robot, which can then generate path information based on its own location and the location information of the branching device, and proceed to the corresponding branching device based on this path information.

[0108] In step 620 , the automatic docking device connected to the branching device is automatically docked with the mobile energy robot.

[0109] When the mobile energy robot reaches the branching device connected to the new energy vehicle, it can automatically dock with the automatic docking device connected to the branching device. In a specific implementation, when the mobile energy robot moves to a preset position near the automatic docking device, the automatic docking device automatically docks with the mobile energy robot.

[0110] The preset position may be a pre-set position around the automatic docking device (e.g., a position that is no more than a preset threshold from the automatic docking device). When the mobile energy robot moves to the preset position, the automatic docking device can recognize the mobile energy robot and automatically dock with it.

[0111] In step 625 , the mobile energy robot supplies power to a charging gun inserted into a charging socket of the new energy vehicle through the automatic docking device to charge the new energy vehicle.

[0112] After the mobile energy robot automatically docks with the automatic docking device, the corresponding charging gun on the branching device (i.e., the charging gun inserted into the charging socket of the new energy vehicle) can be powered according to the power and time requirements of the new energy vehicle, thereby realizing charging of the new energy vehicle.

[0113] For example, the control module of the splitter device can control the mobile energy robot to supply power to the corresponding charging gun on the splitter device at the time when the new energy vehicle is expected to start charging, thereby starting to charge the new energy vehicle. When charging is complete (for example, the desired charge level of the new energy vehicle has been reached), the control module can control the mobile energy robot to stop supplying power to the charging gun, thereby ending charging of the new energy vehicle.

[0114] As can be seen from method 600, by utilizing the flexible charging system of the present application to charge new energy vehicles, it is not necessary to connect the charging gun to the power grid. As a result, the flexible charging system of the present application can provide flexible and efficient charging services for new energy vehicles in locations without grid connection or grid expansion conditions, thereby improving the charging service capabilities of these locations.

[0115] FIG7 shows a charging method 700 in a scenario with multiple charging requirements. For ease of understanding, the method 700 will be explained in conjunction with the exemplary scenarios of multiple charging requirements of FIG8 and FIG9.

[0116] As described above, the acquired charging demand may include multiple charging demands. In the case of acquiring multiple charging demands (705), the branching devices (710) to which the multiple new energy vehicles generating these charging demands are connected may be determined based on the multiple charging demands.

[0117] For example, the charging demand may include the vehicle information of the new energy vehicle (e.g., vehicle ID, etc.) and the ID of the branch device to which the new energy vehicle is connected. Thus, after obtaining the charging demand, the overall charging demand of each branch device can be known.

[0118] In some implementations, multiple new energy vehicles generating multiple charging demands are connected to the same branching device. FIG8 shows a first example 800 of multiple new energy vehicles connected to the same branching device in a multiple charging demand scenario. This example shows M new energy vehicles (new energy vehicle 1, new energy vehicle 2, ... new energy vehicle M). These M new energy vehicles are all connected to the same branching device. As shown in FIG8 , the branching device is provided with N charging guns (charging gun 1, charging gun 2, ... charging gun N).

[0119] Returning to FIG. 7 , when multiple new energy vehicles generating multiple charging demands are connected to the same branching device ( 715 ), method 700 may proceed to 720 . At 720 , an optimal response plan is generated based on the multiple charging demands and status information of all mobile energy robots in the flexible charging system, and a mobile energy robot to respond is determined.

[0120] In some embodiments, the optimal response plan may indicate the following: the order in which the multiple new energy vehicles are charged; and at least one of the charging start time, charging end time, charging duration, and charging power of each new energy vehicle.

[0121] Specifically, since the charging demand includes the power demand and time demand of the new energy vehicle, and the status information of the mobile energy robot includes the power information and location information of the mobile energy robot, these demands and information can be comprehensively considered to generate the optimal response plan and determine the mobile energy robot to respond.

[0122] For example, when determining the charging order, priority may be given to charging new energy vehicles with more urgent time requirements (e.g., needing to be charged immediately), and then charging new energy vehicles with less urgent time requirements (e.g., needing to be charged before a later specified time).

[0123] For another example, when determining the mobile energy robot to respond, the mobile energy robot with the largest remaining power in the system (the maximum remaining power is greater than the total charging power required for multiple new energy vehicles) can be selected as the mobile energy robot to respond, and a mobile energy robot that is sufficiently close to the branch line device (for example, the distance between the two is less than a preset threshold) and has sufficient remaining power (the remaining power is greater than the total charging power required for multiple new energy vehicles) can be selected as the mobile energy robot to respond, and so on.

[0124] It should be noted that the above-mentioned specific methods for determining the charging order and determining the mobile energy robot to respond are exemplary and non-limiting. In actual implementation, those skilled in the art may adopt different methods to determine the charging order and determine the mobile energy robot to respond according to actual circumstances.

[0125] After generating the optimal response plan and determining the mobile energy robot to respond, the determined mobile energy robot can be dispatched to the branching device to charge multiple new energy vehicles according to the optimal response plan (725).

[0126] For example, after generating an optimal response plan, the optimal response plan and the location information of the branching device can be provided to the mobile energy robot. The mobile energy robot can then move to the branching device and charge each new energy vehicle according to the charging sequence indicated by the optimal response plan and the charging time and charging power information of each new energy vehicle.

[0127] Continuing with FIG8 , after the mobile energy robot moves to the branching device, it can power the charging gun of the branching device. By plugging the corresponding charging gun into the charging sockets of M new energy vehicles, the M new energy vehicles can be charged.

[0128] Specifically, when the number of charging guns N is greater than or equal to the number of new energy vehicles M, M charging guns can be inserted into the charging sockets of all new energy vehicles to charge all new energy vehicles.

[0129] When the number of charging guns N is less than the number of new energy vehicles M, it may not be possible to dock the charging sockets of all new energy vehicles with the charging guns at the same time. At this time, the charging sockets of new energy vehicles can be docked with charging guns in batches to charge the new energy vehicles. For example, the new energy vehicles at the front of the charging sequence can be charged first. After the charging of new energy vehicles in the current batch is completed, the charging guns can be inserted into the remaining new energy vehicles (latter in the charging sequence) in turn to charge the remaining new energy vehicles. In such cases, when the charging of a new energy vehicle in the current batch is completed, the flexible charging system can inform the system operation and maintenance personnel or the owners of the new energy vehicles that have not yet been charged of the situation to assist the new energy vehicles that have not yet been charged to start charging.

[0130] In contrast to the implementation method in which multiple new energy vehicles generating multiple charging demands are connected to the same branch device as described in FIG. 8, in some other implementations, multiple new energy vehicles generating multiple charging demands are connected to multiple branch devices. FIG. 9 shows a second example 900 of the connection between multiple new energy vehicles and branch devices in a scenario of multiple charging demands. In this example, M new energy vehicles are shown connected to two branch devices (branch device 1 and branch device 2). As shown in FIG. 9, L (L < M) new energy vehicles are connected to branch device 1, and M - L new energy vehicles are connected to branch device 2. It should be noted that the two branch devices in FIG. 9 are only examples and not limitations. In actual implementation, multiple new energy vehicles can be connected to more than two branch devices.

[0131] As further shown in FIG. 9, there are N charging guns (charging gun 1, charging gun 2,..., charging gun N) provided on branch device 1, and P charging guns (charging gun 1, charging gun 2,..., charging gun P) provided on branch device 2.

[0132] Returning to FIG. 7, in the case where multiple new energy vehicles generating multiple charging demands are connected to multiple branch devices (730), method 700 can proceed to 735. At 735, an optimal response plan is generated based on the multiple charging demands and the status information of all mobile energy robots in the flexible charging system, and one or more mobile energy robots for response are determined.

[0133] In some embodiments, the optimal response plan can indicate the following: the mobile energy robots dispatched to the branch device and their dispatching order; the charging order for all new energy vehicles connected to the same branch device; and at least one of the charging start time, charging end time, charging duration, and charging power of each new energy vehicle.

[0134] Similar to step 720, at step 735, an optimal response plan can be generated and one or more mobile energy robots for response can be determined by comprehensively considering the power demand and time demand of the new energy vehicles, the power information and location information of the mobile energy robots.

[0135] For example, when determining one or more mobile energy robots for response, for each of the multiple branch devices, a mobile energy robot that is close enough to the branch device (for example, the distance between them is less than a preset threshold) and has sufficient remaining power (the remaining power is greater than the total charging power required by all new energy vehicles connected to the branch device) can be selected and dispatched to the branch device.

[0136] After determining one or more mobile energy robots to respond, the order in which these mobile energy robots are dispatched to the corresponding branching devices can be determined based on predetermined criteria. For example, mobile energy robots can be preferentially dispatched to branching devices where new energy vehicles with more urgent time requirements (e.g., requiring immediate charging) are located, or to branching devices where new energy vehicles require a higher total charge capacity, etc.

[0137] When determining the charging order for all new energy vehicles connected to the same branch line device, priority can be given to charging new energy vehicles with more urgent time requirements (for example, they need to be charged immediately), and then charging new energy vehicles with less urgent time requirements (for example, they only need to be charged before a later specified time) can be performed.

[0138] Similarly, the specific methods for determining the responding mobile energy robots and their scheduling order, as well as determining the charging order, are exemplary and non-limiting. In actual implementation, those skilled in the art may adopt different methods to determine the responding one or more mobile energy robots and their scheduling order, and determine the charging order for all new energy vehicles connected to the same branch line device, based on actual circumstances.

[0139] After generating the optimal response plan and determining one or more mobile energy robots to respond, the determined one or more mobile energy robots can be dispatched to the corresponding branching devices to charge multiple new energy vehicles according to the optimal response plan (740).

[0140] For example, after generating an optimal response plan, the optimal response plan and the location information of the branching device can be provided to a corresponding mobile energy robot among the one or more mobile energy robots. The corresponding mobile energy robot can then move to the corresponding branching device and charge each new energy vehicle according to the charging sequence indicated by the optimal response plan and the charging time and charging power information of each new energy vehicle connected to the branching device.

[0141] Continuing with Figure 9 , after each mobile energy robot moves to its corresponding branching device, it can power the branching device's charging gun. By plugging the corresponding charging gun into the charging socket of a new energy vehicle, the new energy vehicle can be charged. Similar to Figure 8 , if the number of charging guns N in branching device 1 is greater than or equal to the number of new energy vehicles L, L charging guns can be plugged into the charging sockets of all L new energy vehicles to charge these L new energy vehicles. If the number of charging guns N in branching device 1 is less than the number of new energy vehicles L, it may not be possible to simultaneously connect the charging sockets of all L new energy vehicles to the charging guns. In this case, the charging sockets of new energy vehicles can be connected to the charging guns in batches to charge the new energy vehicles. For example, the new energy vehicles at the beginning of the charging order can be charged first. When a new energy vehicle in the current batch has finished charging, the remaining new energy vehicles (those at the end of the charging order) can be charged. The P charging guns in branching device 2 and the M L new energy vehicles connected to branching device 2 can be charged in the same manner.

[0142] When the number of branching devices with charging needs exceeds the number of mobile energy robots, the mobile energy robots will provide charging services to the new energy vehicles on some branching devices according to priority. When the mobile energy robot completes all charging services on a branching device, it will be released through the automatic docking device to provide charging services to other branching devices.

[0143] The technical solution of this application utilizes a mobile energy robot to power the charging gun of a distribution device, thereby enabling charging of new energy vehicles connected to the charging gun without having to connect the charging gun to the power grid. In this way, the technical solution of this application can provide charging services for new energy vehicles in locations without power grid connectivity, and can also improve charging service capabilities in locations where power grid expansion is not possible, providing more flexible and efficient charging services for more new energy vehicles, with high charging efficiency and automated operation.

[0144] The detailed description described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describes examples and does not represent all examples that can be implemented or fall within the scope of the claims. The terms "example" and "exemplary" when used in this specification mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and do not mean "superior or superior to other examples."

[0145] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Thus, use of these phrases may refer to more than just one embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0146] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the universal principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather should be granted the full scope consistent with the claims in language, wherein reference to the singular form of an element is not intended to mean "one and only one", but "one or more", unless otherwise stated. Unless otherwise stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. The elements of the various aspects described throughout this application are expressly incorporated herein by reference for all structural and functional equivalents currently or hereafter known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are intended to be covered by the claims.

[0147] It should also be noted that these embodiments may be described as processes depicted as flow charts, flow diagrams, structure diagrams, or block diagrams. Although a flow chart may describe the operations as sequential processes, many of these operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of these operations can be rearranged.

[0148] Although various embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the precise configuration and components described above. Various modifications, substitutions and improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the devices disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A flexible charging system, comprising: A mobile energy robot configured to store electric energy and perform bidirectional charging and discharging, and the mobile energy robot can move within a preset range; A wiring device provided with a plurality of charging guns, and each charging gun is configured to be inserted into the charging socket of a new energy vehicle to supply power to the new energy vehicle; An automatic docking device, with the first end of the automatic docking device connected to the wiring device and the second end capable of automatically docking with and separating from the mobile energy robot. Wherein, when the automatic docking device is docked with the mobile energy robot, the mobile energy robot can supply power to the charging guns of the wiring device through the automatic docking device to charge the new energy vehicle docked with the charging gun.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein The wiring device further includes a detection module for detecting whether any of the plurality of charging guns on the wiring device is inserted into the charging socket of a new energy vehicle.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein The wiring device further includes a control module for controlling whether to enable the mobile energy robot to supply power to one or more of the plurality of charging guns on the wiring device.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a cloud platform configured to: Monitor the operation of each device and module within the system; and Receive charging demands.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wiring device and the automatic docking device are arranged as a split device or an integrated device.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: One wiring device is connected to one automatic docking device, and the system only supports one mobile energy robot to supply power to one wiring device at the same time; or One wiring device is connected to a plurality of automatic docking devices, and the system supports a plurality of mobile energy robots to supply power to one wiring device at the same time.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The wiring device further includes a power conversion system (PCS), and the mobile energy robot charging the new energy vehicle further includes: The wiring device obtains direct current from the mobile energy robot; The PCS converts the direct current into alternating current; and The alternating current is provided to the new energy vehicle through the charging gun of the wiring device to perform alternating current charging on the new energy vehicle.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein The mobile energy robot further includes a power conversion system (PCS), and the mobile energy robot charging the new energy vehicle further includes: The wiring device obtains alternating current from the mobile energy robot through the PCS; and The alternating current is provided to the new energy vehicle through the charging gun of the wiring device to perform alternating current charging on the new energy vehicle.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein The mobile energy robot charging the new energy vehicle further includes: The wiring device obtains direct current from the mobile energy robot; and The direct current is provided to the new energy vehicle through the charging gun of the wiring device to perform direct current charging on the new energy vehicle.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile energy robot further includes a charging gun configured to be inserted into the charging socket of a new energy vehicle to supply power to the new energy vehicle.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a power supply replenishment device for replenishing power to the mobile energy robot.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein The supplementary power supply device includes a second automatic docking device. The first end of the second automatic docking device is connected to the power grid / microgrid through a gateway, and the second end of the second automatic docking device can be automatically docked with and separated from the mobile energy robot. Wherein, when the mobile energy robot is docked with the second automatic docking device, it can obtain electric energy through the power grid / microgrid.

13. A method of charging using the flexible charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: Obtaining a charging demand; Determining a mobile energy robot for response based on the charging demand and the status information of all mobile energy robots in the system; Scheduling the determined mobile energy robot to the corresponding branch device; Automatically docking the mobile energy robot with an automatic docking device connected to the branch device; And Powering a charging gun inserted into a charging socket of the new energy vehicle through the automatic docking device by the mobile energy robot to charge the new energy vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein Obtaining the charging demand further includes: receiving the charging demand sent by the new energy vehicle.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein Obtaining the charging demand further includes: Detecting whether a charging gun is inserted into a charging socket of a new energy vehicle on the branch device; and Generating the charging demand in response to detecting that a charging gun is inserted into a charging socket of a new energy vehicle on the branch device.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The charging demand includes the power demand and time demand of the new energy vehicle, and the status information includes the power information and location information of the corresponding mobile energy robot.

17. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The obtained charging demand includes multiple charging demands, and multiple new energy vehicles generating the multiple charging demands are all connected to the same branch device. The method further includes: Generating an optimal response plan based on the multiple charging demands and the status information of all mobile energy robots and determining the mobile energy robot for response; and Scheduling the determined mobile energy robot to the branch device to charge the multiple new energy vehicles according to the optimal response plan.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The optimal response plan indicates the following items: The charging sequence of the multiple new energy vehicles; and At least one of the charging start time, charging end time, charging duration, and charging power of each new energy vehicle.

19. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The obtained charging demand includes multiple charging demands, and multiple new energy vehicles generating the multiple charging demands are connected to multiple branch devices. The method further includes: Generating an optimal response plan based on the multiple charging demands and the status information of all mobile energy robots and determining one or more mobile energy robots for response; and Scheduling the determined one or more mobile energy robots to the corresponding branch devices to charge the multiple new energy vehicles according to the optimal response plan.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The optimal response plan indicates the following items: The mobile energy robots scheduled to the branch devices and their scheduling sequence; The charging sequence of all new energy vehicles connected to the same branch device; and At least one of the charging start time, charging end time, charging duration, and charging power of each new energy vehicle.

21. The method according to claim 13, wherein One or more mobile energy robots in the system are equipped with charging guns, and the method further includes: Receiving, by the cloud platform, the fast charging requirements sent by the new energy vehicle; and Scheduling, by the cloud platform, a suitable mobile energy robot among the one or more mobile energy robots to directly move to the new energy vehicle for charging.

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