CN115782629A

CN115782629A - Release device and method for releasing a charging coupling device, and motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN115782629A
Application number: CN202211093632.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·霍瓦特
Original assignee: Audi AG
Current assignee: Audi AG
Priority date: 2021-09-10
Filing date: 2022-09-08
Publication date: 2023-03-14
Also published as: DE102021123430A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a release device (12) for releasing a charging connection (14) of a motor vehicle (10), comprising a charging cover (18) which covers the charging connection (16) in a state (Z1) in which the charging connection (14) is not released, and a charging connection (16) for connecting to an electrical energy source outside the motor vehicle. The release device (12) has: a projection device (22) which is designed to project an image (36) into a predetermined projection region (38); a detection device (24) which is designed to detect a body part (42) of a user (28) of the motor vehicle (10) which is located in the projection region (38). Furthermore, the release device (12) is designed to release the charging coupling device (14) at least under a first condition: a body part (42) of the user (28) is detected in the projection area (38) during the projection of the image (36) onto the projection area (38).

Description

Release device and method for releasing a charging coupling device, and motor vehicle

Technical Field

The invention relates to a release device for releasing a charging connection of a motor vehicle, having a charging interface for connection to an electrical energy source outside the motor vehicle and having a charging cover which covers the charging interface in a state in which the charging connection is not released. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a release device and to a method for releasing a charging coupling device.

Background

It is known to provide electric or hybrid vehicles with a charging connection which has a charging interface which can be connected to an energy source outside the vehicle (for example a charging station or a wall-mounted charging box) via a corresponding charging cable in order to charge an energy store (for example a high-voltage battery) of the vehicle. For this purpose, a user typically inserts a corresponding charging plug of the charging cable into a charging interface of the charging coupling device of the motor vehicle. In the unused state, the charging interface is usually closed by a charging cover, for example a charging flap. In order to release such a charging connection, i.e. for example to unlock it and open the respective charging lid, there are a number of different variants and situations. If the driver happens to drive the vehicle, the driver can remove the vehicle door, close the vehicle door, open the charging socket or rather its flap, for example by pressing a corresponding button in the case of an electrically opened flap, or by a Push-Push system with a Push-Push (Push-Push) unlocking mechanism in the case of a mechanically opened flap. Subsequently, the plug can be plugged in and the driver locks the vehicle with his ID transmitter. In a further variant, the vehicle is already coupled to the charging device and locked. To remove the charging plug from the vehicle, the user must first remove his ID transmitter and turn on the vehicle. The user may then walk to the charging coupling and remove the charging plug from the vehicle. In another variant, the vehicle is parked and, for example, in front of a garage. In order to plug in the charging plug, the vehicle must first be switched on by means of the ID transmitter, and then the charging socket can be opened by the driver or user and the charging plug can be plugged in. An ID transmitter that identifies whether the user is an authorized user may be integrated in a vehicle key or transmitter, for example.

Existing methods for releasing the charging connection (in particular until the final insertion of the charging plug into the vehicle is achieved for the user) generally require a plurality of steps which are carried out by the user himself. For example, the user is often required to manually open the charging shutter or to operate a corresponding key that causes the charging shutter to open. Accordingly, vehicles require such additional buttons that may be contaminated and may also freeze during winter. Furthermore, such keys are very complex and expensive and have to be embedded in the body. A further disadvantage is that, in order to release such unlocking of the flap, the ID transmitter, which is used to identify the user in an authorized manner, usually also always completely unlocks the vehicle in the vicinity of the vehicle. This means that when the charging flap is opened, the vehicle is always completely opened or unlocked. In principle, it is therefore also possible to open other doors and flaps at the vehicle during the process of plugging in and unplugging the charging plug.

Another example of a system for controlling the use of a vehicle charging device is described, for example, in DE 10 2011 000 094 A1. However, the plugging process of the charging plug is not simplified for the user at this time either. Further, CN 110329092A describes a charging coupling device that automatically opens a charging shutter when it is recognized that a charging plug is close to the charging shutter. At this time, the charging plug is equipped with an RFID chip. Accordingly, this implementation requires a specially constructed charging cable, which in turn limits usability.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a release device, a motor vehicle and a method which allow a user to connect a charging plug to a motor vehicle as easily and comfortably as possible.

This object is achieved by a release device, a motor vehicle and a method having the features according to the respective independent claims. The subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings is an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

The charging connection device has a charging cover which covers a charging interface in the unreleased state of the charging connection device, and a charging interface for connection to an electrical energy source outside the motor vehicle. The release device also has a detection device, which is designed to detect a body part of a user of the motor vehicle located in the projection region. Furthermore, the release device is designed to release the charging coupling device at least under a first condition, i.e. the first condition is: a body part of the user is detected in the projection area during the projection of the image into the projection area.

Advantageously, such a projected image can be present at the location of a conventional button or other manual operating element for releasing the charging connection. For the release, therefore, advantageously the user no longer needs to manually operate any device, but can simply step into the projection area with his foot, for example. This has several advantages at the same time: on the one hand, the user does not have to touch the charging cover itself or the corresponding keys for opening the charging cover, which is very uncomfortable for the user, just in winter or in bad weather situations, due to the possible severe contamination of the components. Nevertheless, the user can also actively express his intention to use the charging link device by moving a body part into the projection region. Since, as already explained, the body part can be, for example, the foot of the user, the user does not have to leave his hand free for releasing the charging connection for this purpose, which also significantly simplifies the release process. In addition, there is no need to specially configure a charging cable or a charging plug. The usability of the function provided by the release device is thereby significantly improved. Furthermore, it is also possible to separate the unlocking process of the vehicle from the unlocking process of the charging coupling device, which will be explained in more detail later. By projecting an image that can be used to release the charging connection, this is also achieved in a simple manner, and the safety in charging the motor vehicle is increased, since the entire vehicle does not have to be unlocked for the purpose of charging or plugging in a charging plug, since a release method specifically assigned to the charging connection can be provided by the image projection.

It is common at this time that, in order to release the charging coupling device, a release device can be connected in communication with the charging coupling device. The communication link can be implemented either as a wired or wireless link. Here, the release device may be a separate structural unit. For example, the release device can be embodied as a control device for the charging coupling device, or comprise at least one such control device. As mentioned, the release means comprise not only the detection means but also the projection means. For example, the detection device can be designed as an optical detection device, such as a camera or a scanner or other optical sensor unit. For projecting images, the projection device can have a corresponding light source, for example a laser or a laser diode or one or more LED light sources or the like. That is, the projection device may be configured as a laser unit, for example. Optionally, the projection device may also comprise a lens system. The light that can be radiated by the at least one light source of the projection device for producing the image projection is in the wavelength range of visible light and can be assigned one or more arbitrary colors.

In general, any image can be considered as the projected image. For example, the image may also be provided solely by the projected dots or circles and/or by a pattern and/or by at least one symbol and/or by characters or the like. The possible image components can also be combined with one another in any desired manner. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the symbols and/or characters are such that the user can be simultaneously visually or contextually indicated by the image, the projection of which is associated with the release process for releasing the charging connection. It is also particularly advantageous, for example, to project a plurality of images in chronological order, in particular in the form of a video or in the form of an animated video sequence. This may include moving the static image content within a defined area, in particular a projection area, and/or changing the image content over time. Thereby, the user may also be more encouraged to turn his attention to the projected image. Subsequently, the user can simply step onto the projected video in order to release the shutter or generally charge the coupling device.

The charging connection can be configured as described at the beginning. For example, the charging cover portion may be configured as a charging shutter. In the context of the present invention, the term "flap" can be not only a flap which can be pivoted about a rotational axis when opened, but also a flap which can be moved up, down or sideways, for example without pivoting about a pivot axis, in order to release the charging interface. Furthermore, the charging cover can be embodied as an electrical and/or mechanical charging cover. In the case of an electrical charging cover, it can be opened and/or closed automatically and, in the case of a mechanical charging cover, it can be opened, for example, by being pressed from the outside and then released, which is also referred to as a push-push mechanism and can be realized by a push-push locking mechanism. In this case, the automatic opening can be achieved by, for example, an actuator on the motor vehicle side triggering the push-push mechanism or a locking portion of the unlocking mechanism, and then the charging lid portion can be ejected.

Furthermore, the projection device is preferably designed to project an image on the ground or floor in front of the vehicle, as will be explained in more detail later. The projection device is designed to project an image onto a ground area which is not located below the vehicle relative to the vertical axis of the vehicle. This ensures that the user can see the projected image. For example, the projected area may be located near the charging coupling device. In this way, the predetermined projection region can be assigned to the charging connection device, so that, for example, in the case of a plurality of charging connection units at the vehicle, the assignment of the charging connection units determined in the charging connection units is defined in the predetermined projection region in such a way that the projection region is closer to the assigned charging connection unit than to the other charging connection unit or units. This spatial proximity also simplifies the unlocking and opening process for the user, so that after the charging connection has been released, the user can reach the charging connection without having to travel a long distance to plug the charging interface. For example, if the motor vehicle also has a plurality of coupling devices, a corresponding release device, which is assigned a projection device, can also be assigned to a corresponding one of such charging coupling devices. Accordingly, a corresponding image is projected on the ground next to the motor vehicle in the vicinity of the associated charging coupling device. Subsequently, to release the assigned charging link, the user merely has to step into the area of the projected image, for example, or hold his foot in the projection area. Since the area is shown to the user by the projected image, there is no risk of missing the area. This enables a safe, simple, comfortable and reliable release of the charging connection.

The charging interface of the charging coupling device can be designed as desired and can be designed as is known from the prior art. The form of such a charging interface may vary depending on the charging mode or coupling mode. The charging connection can also comprise different interfaces, for example for DC charging and AC charging, or also for quick charging and normal charging, that is to say charging with different charging powers.

In a very advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release device is designed to release the charging connection independently of the unlocking of the door of the motor vehicle. This has the great advantage that the motor vehicle does not have to be unlocked in its entirety in order to release the charging coupling device and to enable charging of the motor vehicle. This can significantly improve safety. Thus, for example, the user can also transfer the task of plugging in the charging interface to other persons, without necessarily allowing said persons to control the entire vehicle. Thus, for example, corresponding auxiliary services can also be provided in a simple manner at the filling station, in which auxiliary services the filling station staff plug the charging cable in place of the driver or user of the motor vehicle or also unplug the charging cable after the charging process has ended, without this staff also having to automatically allow control of the entire vehicle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release device is designed to recognize, in particular on the basis of a mobile communication device that can be carried by the user, for example with an ID transmitter, whether the user is an authorized user, wherein the release device is designed to release the charging connection only under at least one second condition, namely: the user has been identified as an authorized user. In principle, it is also conceivable that no additional authorization requirements need be made to the user, since, as already described above, the release of the charging coupling device can be completely decoupled from the control of the entire vehicle. However, it is still very advantageous to only release the charging coupling device for an authorized user to prevent tampering or abuse at the charging coupling device itself. Such an authorization of the user can be achieved in a simple manner by means of a mobile communication device which can be carried by the user accordingly. The communication device can be designed as an ID transmitter, for example, or comprise an ID transmitter. Such an ID transmitter can in turn be integrated in a vehicle key. In other words, the mobile communication device may also be provided by the vehicle key itself. Such communication devices may also be provided, for example, by a user's cell phone or smart phone. The release means may for example retrieve the identification tag from the mobile communication device when the mobile communication device is located in a communication coverage area. If the received identification mark is identical to the preset identification mark, the user may be identified as authorized. For this purpose, the release device itself can also have a corresponding communication device. The communication device can be implemented, for example, as an ID transmitter reading system. The system then identifies the driver, in particular the user, accordingly by means of an NFC (near field communication) system. The mobile communication device, in particular the ID transmitter, can also be used to unlock the entire vehicle, i.e., the vehicle door and/or the luggage compartment, for which purpose, however, different release criteria are used than for releasing the charging connection. For example, in order to unlock the doors of a motor vehicle, the user is required to move with his mobile communication device into another detection area that is at least different from the projection area. For example, when a user walks to a door of the vehicle, the vehicle can only be unlocked. In this way, the ID transmitter for unlocking the entire vehicle can advantageously be used at the same time for releasing the charging coupling device, without having to associate the release of the charging coupling device with the unlocking of the entire vehicle.

In this case, the authorized user is preferably automatically identified, for example, when the communication device is located in the reception range, i.e. the user does not have to actively operate the communication device. Thus, the user does not have to take the device, i.e. for example the ID transmitter, out of the pocket to prove that it is authorized, which in turn leads to a higher comfort for the user.

Generally, the release of the charging coupling means may be understood as an unlocking and/or opening of the charging cover. In principle, it is conceivable that only the charging flap is unlocked at this time, but preferably the release includes an automatic opening of the charging flap, since this significantly increases the user comfort. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release device is designed to release the charging connection device in such a way that the detection of a body part of a user identified as an authorized user triggers an automatic opening of the charging cover in order to transfer the charging cover into an open state, in which the charging interface is not covered by the charging cover. This makes it possible to open the charging flap and thereby expose the charging interface even without the user having to touch any part of the motor vehicle. For example, the user can simply step onto the projected image and then the charging flap, depending on the design of the charging flap, pops open or the charging flap opens electrically. Preferably, this time again presupposes that the user has been identified as an authorized user (as set forth above). The charging cover portion may be automatically opened directly after the unlocking. Thereby, no separate unlocking criterion has to be fulfilled or set. That is, for example, if the user has been identified as an authorized user by the ID transmitter of the user and steps onto the projected image, the unlocking of the charging flap can be triggered first and then the automatic opening of the charging flap can be triggered directly. The reverse can also be carried out after the charging process. In other words, the coupling between the charging plug and the motor vehicle can be automatically disconnected, for example, as soon as the user steps back on the projected image or on another projected image, and/or, after unplugging the plugged-in charging plug, an automatic closing of the charging cover can be triggered as soon as an authorized user steps on the projected image or on another projected image. This allows a significantly simpler and more comfortable plugging and unplugging of the charging plug for the user.

In a further very advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release device is designed to trigger the projection of the image by the projection device when a user is detected in the proximity of the charging connection device and/or when a user is detected in a second region assigned to the charging connection device. This can again be done according to an ID transmitter carried by the user or typically on the mobile communication device. In this case, the release device can also be designed to determine, at least approximately, the position of the communication device or the distance from the charging connection. That is, if the user walks into a predetermined area or approaches the charging coupling device, this may be detected accordingly and subsequently trigger the projection of an image. Subsequently, if the now authorized user steps on the projected image, the charging flap opens automatically. In this way, unnecessary projection of images can be advantageously avoided if the user does not want to charge the motor vehicle or the energy store of the motor vehicle, for example, at all. In particular, the projection is only carried out when the user is also very likely to want to use the charging connection and to charge the motor vehicle via the charging connection. Accordingly, the region may be selected in the vicinity of the charging coupling device. That is, the proximity to the charging coupling device makes it very highly likely that the user would also want to use the charging coupling device. However, the projection of the image is not only triggered when the user is detected to be approaching or in the second area by the detected and/or positioned ID transmitter, but also for detecting the user, for example the optical detection means described above can be used in this case. The approach of the user to the charging coupling device or the positioning in a predetermined second region can be detected by means of an optical detection device, similar to a light barrier. Subsequently, the projection of the image can be triggered accordingly.

Here, the predetermined second region may be selected to be larger than the projection region. Preferably, the two regions are also different from one another, in order to avoid that the user enters the defined second region, which, if an image is subsequently projected immediately in this projection region, also automatically triggers the opening of the flap immediately. If the second area is selected to be larger than the projection area, for example, this second area may also comprise the projection area, for example, and it is also possible to project an image when the user enters this second area, at which point the user has not yet reached the projection area.

In a further very advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release device is designed to trigger the projection of the image by the projection device when a door of the motor vehicle is opened, in particular after driving and/or when at least one user is seated in the motor vehicle. This embodiment is based on the recognition that the vehicle is often charged just after driving. Accordingly, it is very advantageous, for example, if the user opens his vehicle door after driving in order to exit, at the same time the projection of the image by the projection device is also triggered. For example, the projection device may project an image directly into the disembarking area in front of the opened door. In this case, the respective projection device can be located, for example, in the region of the driver's door and in the region of the passenger door. The driver of the vehicle can then simply step on the projected image as required and thereby trigger the opening of the flap for the charging process, in particular for plugging in a charging plug.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a release device according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The motor vehicle is preferably designed as an electric or hybrid vehicle. Furthermore, the motor vehicle comprises, for example, an energy store, for example a high-voltage battery. The energy storage device can be charged repeatedly at an electrical energy source outside the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the motor vehicle preferably comprises the charging coupling device already described above. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the projection region is a region of the vehicle floor which is located at a defined distance from the charging connection and/or which is a disembarking region for disembarking from the vehicle. This region can be reached very easily for the user and in addition a short distance from the charging connection after stepping on the projected image is achieved. Accordingly, the projection device can be arranged in the vicinity of the charging connection device on the outside of the motor vehicle and/or in the region of the motor vehicle door. Accordingly, the detection device can also be at potential here. The control unit included in the release device for actuating the charging coupling device can be arranged at any other location.

In a further very advantageous embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle has a plurality of charging coupling units and a release device according to the invention or an embodiment of the invention, wherein a respective one of the release devices is assigned to a respective one of the charging coupling units. Therefore, for each charging link unit, an image may be projected through the corresponding projection device. If the user steps onto the respective image, the assigned charging coupling is released. Accordingly, it is advantageously also possible to provide a likewise comfortable release process in a plurality of charging coupling units.

The invention also relates to a method for releasing a charging connection of a motor vehicle, having a charging cover for connecting to an electrical energy source outside the motor vehicle and having a charging interface, wherein the charging cover covers the charging interface in the unreleased state of the charging connection. Furthermore, the projection device projects an image into a predetermined projection area and releases the charging link device at least under a first condition, i.e. the first condition is: during the projection of the image into the projection region, a body part of a motor vehicle user is detected in the projection region.

The advantages described for the release device according to the invention and its design apply in the same way to the method according to the invention.

The invention also comprises a control device for the release device. The control device may have a data processing apparatus or processor device which is set up to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can have at least one microprocessor and/or at least one microcontroller and/or at least one FPGA (field programmable gate array) and/or at least one DSP (digital signal processor). Furthermore, the processor device may have a program code which is configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention when it is run by the processor device. The program code may be stored in a data memory of the processor device.

The invention also includes modifications of the method according to the invention, which have the features already described in connection with the modifications of the release device according to the invention of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, corresponding modifications of the method according to the invention are not described here.

The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger or truck vehicle, or as a passenger car or motorcycle.

The invention also comprises a combination of features of the described embodiments. That is, the present invention also includes implementations having combinations of features of a plurality of the described embodiments, respectively, as long as the embodiments are not described as mutually exclusive.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention are described next. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle having a release device for releasing a charging coupling device of the motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a vehicle charging coupling arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a vehicle as a user approaches during projection of an image according to an embodiment of the invention; and

fig. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle during automatic opening of the charging flap when a user steps into the projection area according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The examples explained below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. The individual parts of the embodiments described in the examples each represent individual features of the invention which are considered independent of one another and which also improve the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include other combinations of features than those of the illustrated embodiments. The described embodiments can furthermore be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate functionally similar elements, respectively.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a motor vehicle 10 with a release device 12 according to an embodiment of the invention. The release device 12 is designed to release a charging coupling device 14 of the motor vehicle for coupling to an electrical energy source, not shown in detail here, outside the motor vehicle. Fig. 2 again shows the charging connection 14 of the motor vehicle 10 in isolation, as an example. Such a charging coupling device 14 may be located in the front region and/or rear region of the vehicle and may be arranged on the driver side and/or passenger side. The motor vehicle 10 may also have a plurality of such charging couplings 14 at different locations.

The charging connection 14, which is shown, for example, in fig. 2, has a charging interface 16 and a charging cover, which is embodied as a charging flap 18 in this example. In the unreleased state of the charging connection 14, the charging flap 18 covers the charging interface 16, whereas in the released state of the charging connection 14 (in particular, in the released state, the charging flap 18 is opened), the charging interface 16 is not covered by the charging flap 18, so that a corresponding charging plug can be coupled to the exposed charging interface 16, or can be inserted into the charging interface. In this example, the charging interface 16 has not only a first interface unit 16a, which is provided for charging with an alternating current of up to 22 kw, but also a second interface unit 16b, which is provided for charging with a direct current of up to 150 kw. Such a charging coupling device 14 may also include other components not explained in detail herein, such as status LED indicators 20, and the like. For example, the charging shutter 18 may be configured as an electrically powered charging shutter. Accordingly, the charging flap 18 is opened and closed electrically, for example by means of an electric motor as a control device or a drive for such a control device. Alternatively, however, the flap 18 can also be designed as a flap 18 that can be opened and closed mechanically, for example based on a push-push mechanism.

In order to open such a flap, it has hitherto been necessary to manually operate the flap or an operating element associated with the flap, for example a pushbutton. In addition, it is often only possible to open such a flap in the unlocked state of the vehicle, for which purpose it is also necessary to be able to operate the vehicle key separately. This makes it difficult for the user to touch the charging interface. The same applies to the case of removal of the charging plug and closing of such a flap after the end of the charging process.

These disadvantages can now advantageously be avoided by the release device 12 as explained in detail according to an embodiment of the invention. First, as shown in fig. 1, the release device comprises a projection device 22, a detection device 24 and a communication unit 26. The communication unit 26 is designed to communicate with a mobile communication device 30, for example an ID transmitter, which is associated with a user 28 of the vehicle 10, and to identify whether the user is an authorized user on the basis of the communication. Such identification and authorization methods are sufficiently known in the prior art and are therefore not described in detail here. For user authorization, for example, an NFC system can be used, in particular as part of the communication unit 26. In particular, the communication unit 26 with the ID transmitter reading system described above can also be installed in a flap system, i.e., the charging connection 14, for example, in its own right. Thus, the system 26 identifies the driver 28 or another authorized user 28 through the NFC system as described. Such identification of the authorized user 28 can be a prerequisite for unlocking the charging coupling device 14 (explained in detail below) and for enabling the full opening of the flap 18. Furthermore, it is also possible to determine, at least approximately, the position of the user 28 relative to the vehicle 10, for example also only the distance of the user 28 relative to the charging link 14, or for example also whether the user 28 is located in a specific spatial region 34, on the basis of the communication 32 between the communication unit 26 of the motor vehicle 10 and the ID transmitter 30 of the user 28. The spatial region 34 may also be defined as a defined distance range with respect to the charging coupling device 14. For example, if it is now detected by the release device that the user 28 is located in or enters the region 34, the projection of an image 36 by the projection device 22 can be triggered, as is shown in fig. 3. That is, in the figure, the user 28 is now located in the defined region 34, so that in this case the projection device 2 transmits an image 36 into a defined projection region 38 on the floor or ground 40 of the motor vehicle 10. At this time, the entire area illuminated by the projection device 22 may be defined as a projection area 38. For example, if the user 28 steps on the image 36 with his foot 42 (this is schematically illustrated in fig. 4), the flap 18 of the charging linkage 14 is now automatically opened. This applies not only to the case of an electrical flap 18 but also to the case of a mechanical flap 18. Fig. 1 and 3 respectively show the charging shutter 18 in the closed state Z1, and fig. 2 and 4 show the shutter 18 in the open state Z2. In order to enable such automatic opening, the detection device 24 is designed to detect a body part of the user 28 in the determined projection area 38, in this example for example a foot 42 of the user. If no body part is detected in this area 38, the flap 18 remains closed. Subsequently, if the user 28 leaves the area 34 again without stepping on the image 36, the projection of the image 36 by the projection device 22 can also be ended again. Alternatively, the projection may also be maintained for a predetermined period of time, and then ended if no body part is detected in the projection area 38 during this predetermined period of time. The projection of the image 36 can likewise be ended if a body part, in this case, for example, a foot 42, is detected and then the flap 18 is opened automatically. The user 28 can now plug the charging plug into the charging interface 16 in a simple manner without having to put his hands on the vehicle 10 beforehand. That is, by identifying the ID transmitter 30, in particular in the described determination region 34, an illuminated point or other image 36, for example in the form of a ring, can be projected in front of the vehicle 10, in particular in the region of the charging socket as an example of the charging connection 14. Subsequently, if the user steps on such an illuminated point 36, an opening and unlocking command is given by the release device 12 to the system, that is to say to the charging link 14. Subsequently, in the case of the push-push mechanism, the closed charging socket, to be precise the closed charging flap 18, is automatically ejected or, in the case of an electrical charging socket, the charging socket is correspondingly automatically opened electrically. At this point, the remainder of the vehicle 10 may remain locked. The vehicle 10 is only unlocked by the user alone, for example also by NFC or by the ID transmitter 30, for example, only when the user walks to the door 44 of the motor vehicle 10, for example. In a manner similar to this light spot or the projected image 36 in the general case, in the case of an electrical charging socket or charging flap 18, an automatic closing of this flap 18 can also be initiated.

A completely similar embodiment is also possible in the case of a motor vehicle 10 having a plurality of such charging coupling units 14. Accordingly, a plurality of such release devices 12 may also be provided. It is additionally also conceivable that the projected image 36 is not, as shown here, projected in the region of the charging socket 18, but rather, for example, in a drop-off region 46 directly adjacent to a vehicle door 44 of the motor vehicle 10. If the user 26 is, for example, located in the motor vehicle 10 and alights, and for this purpose opens the door 44, this can automatically trigger the projection of the image 36. By projecting the image 36 into this drop-off region 46, the user then correspondingly steps on the projection region 38 in the drop-off region 46, it is possible for the user 28 to automatically open the flap 18 particularly easily and comfortably.

In general, the example shows how by means of the invention a virtual charging socket opening scheme, i.e. a virtual charging shutter opening scheme, is provided, which enables the charging shutter to be opened automatically in a safer, at the same time very simple and comfortable way for the user. That is, to implement the solution in particular, according to a preferred example, an NF-element is installed in the area of the charging socket, for example as part of the communication unit, which identifies the ID transmitter of the user. If the ID transmitter is identified, a light spot is projected onto an area in front of the charging socket by a projection device, for example a laser unit of the projection device. The area is monitored by a detection device, which is embodied, for example, as a scanning unit. If a movement of the user, for example with the foot, is found in this area, the electrical or mechanical charging socket cover is activated and opened accordingly. Thus, the user can simply attach his charging device. If the charging device is plugged in and the vehicle is locked, the charging plug is unlocked again, for example, if the ID transmitter is detected, and the user can remove the plug.

Claims

1. A release device (12) for releasing a charging coupling device (14) of a motor vehicle (10), having a charging cover (18) and a charging interface (16) for coupling to an electrical energy source outside the motor vehicle, the charging cover covering the charging interface (16) in a state (Z1) in which the charging coupling device (14) is not released,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the release device (12) has:

-a projection device (22) designed to project an image (36) into a predetermined projection area (38); and

-a detection device (24) designed to detect a body part (42) of a user (28) of the motor vehicle (10) which is located in the projection region (38);

-said release means are designed to release the charging coupling means (14) at least under a first condition: a body part (42) of the user (28) is detected in the projection area (38) during the projection of the image (36) into the projection area (38).

2. The release device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the release device (12) is designed to release the charging coupling device (14) independently of an unlocking of a door (44) of the motor vehicle (10).

3. Release device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release device (12) is designed to recognize whether the user (28) is an authorized user (28), in particular on the basis of a mobile communication apparatus (30) that can be carried by the user (28), wherein the release device (12) is designed to release the charging coupling device (14) only in at least one second condition: the user (28) has been identified as an authorized user (28).

4. A release device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release device (12) is designed to release the charging coupling device (14) such that, if a body part (42) of a user (28) identified as an authorized user (28) is detected, an automatic opening of the charging cover (18) is triggered such that the charging cover (18) is transferred into an open state (Z2), wherein in the open state (Z2) of the charging cover (18) the charging interface (16) is not covered by the charging cover (18).

5. Release device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release device (12) is designed,

-upon detection of a user (28) approaching the charging coupling device (14), and/or

-when it is detected that the user (28) is located in a second area (34) assigned to the charging coupling device (12),

triggering the projection of an image (36) by the projection device (22).

6. The release device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release device (12) is designed to trigger the projection of the image (36) by the projection device (22) when a door (44) of the motor vehicle (10) is opened, in particular after driving and/or when at least one user (28) is seated in the motor vehicle (10).

7. A motor vehicle (10) having a release device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the projection region (38) is a region of the ground (40) of the motor vehicle (10) which is located at a defined distance from the charging coupling device (14) and/or which is a disembarking region (46) for disembarking from the motor vehicle (10).

9. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) has a plurality of charging coupling units (14) and a release device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a respective one of the release devices (12) is assigned to a respective one of the charging coupling units (14).

10. A method for releasing a charging coupling device (14) of a motor vehicle (10), which charging coupling device has a charging cover (18) and a charging interface (16) for coupling to an electrical energy source outside the motor vehicle, wherein the charging cover covers the charging interface (16) in a state (Z1) in which the charging coupling device (14) is not released,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

-a projection device (22) projects the image (36) into a predetermined projection area (38);

-releasing the charging coupling device (14) at least under a first condition: during the projection of the image (36) into the projection region (38), a body part (42) of a user (28) of the motor vehicle (10) is detected in the projection region (38).