Mobile vehicle charging system

The mobile vehicle charging system is applied to a mobile vehicle and includes a docking platform and a charging device. The docking platform provides parking to the mobile vehicle. The charging device includes an electricity transmission interface and an electricity measurement module. When the mobile vehicle is parked on the docking platform, the electricity transmission interface charges a battery module through an electricity reception interface of the mobile vehicle. As such, when an operator of the mobile vehicle parks the mobile vehicle onto the docking platform, the mobile vehicle can be automatically charged by the mobile vehicle charging system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to charging systems, and more particular to a charging system for a motor vehicle.

(b) Description of the Prior Art

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has to carry a fuel tank or battery as power source. For an extended flying distance, a bigger and heavier fuel tank or battery is required, inevitably increasing the weight of the UAV. Especially, for UAVs using lithium battery, this is a bottleneck for the endurance of these UAVs.

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram showing a scenario of a mobile vehicle charged by a conventional charging device. As illustrated, when the mobile vehicle1is operated, its electricity is gradually depleted. As the electricity of the mobile vehicle1is nearly fully depleted, an operator of the mobile vehicle1would recall the mobile vehicle1, manually connect the mobile vehicle1to a charging device2so as to charge the mobile vehicle1or replace the mobile vehicle1's battery. This way of re-supply electricity is rather inconvenient for the operator since manual operation is involved, and the mobile vehicle cannot be charged remotely. In addition, due to the limitation resulted from electricity supply, the mobile vehicle1can only be operated (for example, for aerial photographing) for a short period of time and within a short distance to a target location G. The mobile vehicle1with such short endurance therefore is not competent for disaster relief or exploration. Even though the mobile vehicle1is indeed put to these tasks, the efficiency of disaster relief and exploration is severely compromised as the mobile vehicle1has to be recharged constantly.

One way to resolve the above problem is to install and staff multiple charging devices2around the target location G so that the mobile vehicle1does not need to move back and forth, wasting electricity along the way. However this solution still has its drawbacks, and there may be budget issue if multiple charging devices is to be installed and staffed. Space also may not be available, especially for modern developed cities.

As described above, in order to supply mobile vehicle1's electricity, conventionally the mobile vehicle1has to be recharged or its battery has to be replaced, both repeatedly and manually, which is very inconvenient. Therefore, a major issue for the mobile vehicles is to design a charging system with simplified supply of electricity while resolving the problems of budget limitation and space availability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore a mobile vehicle charging system is provided herein so as to obviate the shortcomings of the prior art.

A major objective of the present invention is to provide a mobile vehicle charging system for a mobile vehicle. The mobile vehicle includes a power module, a battery module, and an electricity reception interface where the mobile vehicle is moved by the power module, the battery module is electrically connected to the power module, and provides electricity to the power module, and the electricity reception interface is electrically connected to the battery module and receives electricity through induction in a wireless manner. The mobile vehicle charging system includes a docking platform for the mobile vehicle to park and a charging device having an electricity transmission interface and an electricity measurement module. When the mobile vehicle is parked on the docking platform, the electricity transmission interface charges the battery module through the electricity reception interface. The electricity measurement module is electrically connected to the electricity transmission interface and measures a volume of electricity transmitted through the electricity transmission interface.

Another objective of the present invention is that the mobile vehicle further includes an identification tag. The mobile vehicle charging system further includes an identification module configured in the docking platform. When the mobile vehicle is parked on the docking platform, the identification module detects the identification tag on the mobile vehicle and, after the identification tag is authenticated, engages the charging device to charge the mobile vehicle. In addition, the mobile vehicle charging system further includes a server device. The server device includes a storage unit storing a number of account data. The server device is linked with the identification module and the charging device through a network. The server device receives an identification signal from the identification module after detecting the identification tag through the network. The server device stores the identification signal in the storage unit, and compares the identification signal against the account data in the storage unit for authentication. After the identification signal is authenticated, the server device transmits an actuation signal to the charging device and the charging device starts charging the mobile vehicle after receiving the actuation signal. Furthermore, the charging device produces a charging information according to a volume of electricity charged measured by the electricity measurement module, and delivers the charging information to the server device. After receiving the charging information, the server device stores the charging information into an account of the storage unit corresponding to the identification signal.

As such, a party authorized to be serviced by the mobile vehicle charging system can be effectively identified, and an effective billing model can be established, thereby enhancing the present invention's industrial applicability.

Yet another objective of the present invention is that the docking platform further includes a guidance module configured on the docking platform for guiding the mobile vehicle to park on the docking platform. As such, an operator of the mobile vehicle is able to locate the docking platform, and park the mobile vehicle onto the docking platform smoothly.

Still another objective of the present invention is that the docking platform further includes a level calibration module configured on the docking platform for automatically detecting and adjusting a degree of levelness of the docking platform. The docking platform may also include a positioning module configured on the docking platform for steadily positioning the mobile vehicle on the docking platform when the mobile vehicle is parked on the docking platform.

As such, the mobile vehicle is parked on the docking platform, the docking platform is automatically balanced by the level calibration module and, through the positioning module, the mobile vehicle is steadily parked on the docking platform.

Still another objective of the present invention is that mobile vehicle charging system further includes a camera module and an image processing device. The camera module is configured on the docking platform for capturing images within a coverage range around the docking platform and turning the captured images into an image signal. The image processing device is linked with the camera module through a network and receiving the image signal through the network. The image processing device has a playback module for playing the image signal received from the camera module.

As such, if for security's sake or if there is a need to monitor the mobile vehicle, the operator of the mobile vehicle is able to monitor the mobile vehicle at all times through the image processing device.

Furthermore, the image processing device can be linked with a number of camera modules on a number of docking platforms, and receives the image signals separately from the camera modules. The operator of the mobile vehicle therefore is able to view images of the mobile vehicle from different perspectives simultaneously so as to fully grasp the status of the mobile vehicle. The camera modules of multiple docking platforms can be set up and jointly form a grid, more precise or widespread surveillance therefore can be achieved through the integration of the image signals from the camera modules, thereby enhancing the surveillance effect of the mobile vehicle along its movement path.

In order to more completely and fully deploy the mobile vehicle charging system of the present invention, so that the operator of the mobile vehicle can charge the mobile vehicle any time and any place through the mobile vehicle charging system, one additional objective of the present invention is that multiple docking platforms can be configured on a number of street lamps, respectively. Due to that the street lamps are existing and ubiquitous facilities and no additional expense or space is required, the mobile vehicle charging systems can be quickly deployed, resolving the problems of budget limitation and space availability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown inFIG. 2, a mobile vehicle charging system3according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a mobile vehicle1which may be an electrical bike, an electrical car, an electrical vessel, or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV, or drone). The mobile vehicle1includes a power module11, a battery module12, and an electricity reception interface13. The mobile vehicle1is moved (such as an electrical car's driving or an UAV's flying) by the power module11. The battery module12is electrically connected to the power module11, and provides electricity to the power module11so as to power the power module11to move the mobile vehicle1. In the present embodiment, the battery module12is a lithium ion battery or similar electricity storage device. The electricity reception interface13is electrically connected to the battery module12. When the battery module12does not have enough stored electricity, an operator of the mobile vehicle1may charge the battery module12through the electricity reception interface13.

The mobile vehicle charging system3also includes a docking platform31and a charging device32. The docking platform31provides a spot for the mobile vehicle1to dock, park, or land. In the present embodiment, the docking platform31is a stand supporting the mobile vehicle1such as an UAV. The term “platform” is not intended to limit the present invention. The charging device32includes an electricity transmission interface321and an electricity measurement module322. When the mobile vehicle1is parked on the docking platform31, the electricity transmission interface321charges the battery module12through the electricity reception interface13. In the present embodiment, the electricity reception interface13is an induction charging coil, and electricity is induced and transmitted between the charging device32and the mobile vehicle1in a wireless manner such as near field communications. In this way, the operator of the mobile vehicle1is not required to physically plugging a power cable into the mobile vehicle1and, to charge the battery module12, the operator simply parks the mobile vehicle1on the docking platform31, greatly enhancing operation convenience. In addition, since near field communications technique is adopted in the present embodiment, other features such as authentication may be added for greater applicability. However the present invention is not limited as such, and other wireless charging technique other than near field communications can be adopted as well. This variation should be familiar to people skilled in the related art and should still be covered by the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that the charging device32may obtain its electricity from a power source through a power cable. Other than that, a solar panel S (as shown inFIG. 3) can also be configured on the docking platform31as an auxiliary power source. In the present embodiment, the solar panel S is disposed at a corner of the docking platform31, but it is not limited as such. For example, the solar panel S may cover the entire surface of the docking platform31, or the solar panel S may be configured to the sides of the docking platform31. Furthermore, the power cable, in addition to the provision of electricity, may also provide a powerline network so that other networking devices may be added to the docking platform31so that the docking platform31can also function as a wireless network hotspot, etc.

In the present embodiment, the mobile vehicle1further includes a capacitor module15electrically connected to the electricity reception interface13and, through a fast removable connector (not shown), to the battery module12so that, when conducting maintenance, the capacitor module15and/or the battery module12can be conveniently dismounted. In the present embodiment, the capacitor module15is a supercapacitor. When the electricity reception interface13receives electricity signals from the electricity transmission interface321, the induced electricity is first temporarily stored in the capacitor module15, and then released to the battery module12. As such, the mobile vehicle1's electricity storage system (including the capacitor module15and the battery module12) is able to go through multiple charging and discharging cycles, enhancing its robustness. It should be noted that, in order to increase storage capacity, to extend the mobile vehicle1's continuous operation time, and to reduce the dimensions of the mobile vehicle1, the capacitor module15can be designed as a casing to the mobile vehicle1. Additionally, the capacitor module15may further include a control element (not shown) controlling the capacitor module15to receive electricity from the electricity reception interface13and/or to discharge electricity to the battery module12. The control element may also continuously monitor the capacitor module15's status. Therefore, for the mobile vehicle charging system3of the present invention applied to the mobile vehicle1, the supercapacitor is not merely charged through simple chemical reactions like an ordinary battery, but is able to quickly store energy in an electrical field environment. Through the supercapacitor together with the wireless charging technique described above, the mobile vehicle1can quickly obtain required electricity.

As shown inFIG. 2, the electricity measurement module322is electrically connected to the electricity transmission interface321and measures a volume of electricity transmitted through the electricity transmission interface321. In the present embodiment, the electricity measurement module322is an advanced meter, and the measurement may be used by a service provider offering the mobile vehicle charging system3for billing purpose. As shown inFIG. 3, the docking platform31is a stand and the charging device32is configured inside the stand (i.e., the docking platform31). Alternatively, the charging device32may also be independently disposed outside and adjacent to the docking platform31. As long as the charging device32is able to charge the mobile vehicle1parked on the docking platform31, the various locations of the charging device32all fall within the scope of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 2, the mobile vehicle1further includes an identification tag14and the mobile vehicle charging system3includes an identification module33. In some embodiments, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technique are adopted. However, the present invention is not limited as such. In the present embodiment, the identification module33is configured in the docking platform31so that, when the mobile vehicle1is parked on the docking platform31, the identification module33is able to detect the identification tag14on the mobile vehicle1and, after the identification tag14is authenticated, the charging device32is engaged to charge the mobile vehicle1. The mobile vehicle charging system3further includes a server device34having a storage unit341where a number of account data are stored. The server device34is linked with the identification module33and the charging device32through a network. The identification module33issues an identification signal after detecting the identification tag14. The server device34receives the identification signal through the network, stores the identification signal in the storage unit341, and compares the identification signal against the account data in the storage unit341for authentication. For example, the operator of the mobile vehicle1has made a registration to the service provider of the mobile vehicle charging system3, and provides the identification tag14of the mobile vehicle1to the service provider so that an account corresponding to the identification tag14is set up in the storage unit341of the server device34. A deposit may also be made to the account by the operator of the mobile vehicle1. As such, when the mobile vehicle1is parked on the docking platform31, the server device34receives the identification signal, verifies the identification signal indeed corresponding to the account, and may further determine that the account has enough balance. The above process is exemplary and similar authentication means may be adopted, which still falls within the scope of the present invention.

After the server device34has authenticated the identification signal, the server device34transmits an actuation signal to the charging device32and the charging device32starts charging the mobile vehicle1after receiving the actuation signal. In the present embodiment, the charging device32produces a charging information according to the volume of electricity charged measured by the electricity measurement module322, and delivers the charging information to the server device34. After receiving the charging information, the server device (34) stores the charging information into an account of the storage unit341corresponding to the identification signal. The server device34may directly deduct the account balance, or store the charging information and bill the operator of the mobile vehicle1later. As such, the mobile vehicle charging system3not only can authenticate authorized mobile vehicles, but also can establish effective billing models, enhancing the present invention's industrial applicability.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the docking platform31may include a guidance module35to guide the mobile vehicle1to park on the docking platform31. In the present embodiment, the guidance module35includes a number of light emitting diode (LED) indicator lamps so that the operator of the mobile vehicle1is able to locate the docking platform31, and park the mobile vehicle1onto the docking platform31smoothly. Alternatively, other eye-catching planar or three-dimensional graphical signs, or even homing beacon may be employed as the guidance module35to facilitate the parking of the mobile vehicle1onto the docking platform31.

As shown inFIG. 3, the docking platform31further includes a level calibration module36. In the present embodiment, automatic level calibration arms are used as the level calibration module36. These arms automatically detect and adjust the docking platform31's degree of levelness so that the mobile vehicle1does not fall off from the docking platform31when mobile vehicle1is parked on the docking platform31and the docking platform31is tilted due to the weight or impact by the mobile vehicle1. As shown inFIG. 2, to further enhance the stability of the mobile vehicle1's parking on the docking platform31, the docking platform31of the present embodiment further includes a positioning module37(not shown inFIG. 3) which may be a holding arm or other fixation means, or even a magnetic element capable of attracting the mobile vehicle1so as to steadily hold the mobile vehicle1on the docking platform31when the mobile vehicle1is parked on the docking platform31.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the mobile vehicle charging system3may further include a camera module38and an image processing device39. The camera module38is configured on the docking platform31for capturing images within a coverage range around the docking platform31and turning the captured images into an image signal. In the present embodiment, the camera module38is able to cover 360-degree around the docking platform31, and therefore is able to capture any mobile vehicle1's image when it approaches the docking platform31without any blind spot. The image processing device39is linked with the camera module38through a network and receives the image signal through the network.

Alternatively, the image processing device39includes a playback module391to play the image signal received from the camera module38. For example, the image processing device39may be a mobile phone, a tablet, or a display configured on a controller for operating the mobile vehicle1. A software capable of receiving and playing the image signal is installed on the image processing device39. The operator of the mobile vehicle1is able to view the images taken by the camera module38through the image processing device39. As such, if for security's sake or if there is a need to monitor the mobile vehicle1(for example, some regulation for UAVs by the authority requires that an UAV should always be within the sight of the UAV operator), the operator is able to monitor the mobile vehicle1at all times through the image processing device39.

In alternative embodiments, the image processing device39is linked with the camera modules38of multiple docking platforms31, and is able to receive the image signals separately from the camera modules38. The playback module391may play these image signals from the camera modules38simultaneously in a split screen, or play the image signal from a specific camera module38freely selected by the operator of the mobile vehicle1through an interactive menu provided by the software. The operator of the mobile vehicle1therefore is able to view images of the mobile vehicle1from different perspectives simultaneously so as to fully grasp the status of the mobile vehicle1. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the image processing device39is directly linked with the camera module38of the docking platform31, instead of having the docking platform31transmit the image signal captured by the camera module38to the server device34first, and then having the server device34transmit the image signal to the image processing device391through the network. As such, images are delivered more efficiently, and the operator of the mobile vehicle1is able to view the most recent images. As described, the camera modules38of multiple docking platforms31jointly form a grid, more precise or widespread surveillance can be achieved through the integration of the image signals from the camera modules38, thereby enhancing the surveillance effect of the mobile vehicle1along its movement path.

In order to more completely and fully deploy the mobile vehicle charging system3of the present invention, so that the operator of the mobile vehicle1can charge the mobile vehicle1any time and any place through the mobile vehicle charging system3, in the present embodiment as shown inFIG. 4, multiple docking platforms31are configured on a number of street lamps4, respectively. When the operator of the mobile vehicle1directs the mobile vehicle1to move towards a farther target location the mobile vehicle1can be parked on a docking platform31of any street lamp4and recharged when the mobile vehicle1encounters insufficient electricity along the way. Please note that, since the street lamps4are existing and ubiquitous facilities and no additional expense or space is required, the mobile vehicle charging systems3can be quickly deployed, resolving the problems of budget limitation and space availability.