DE102014015576A1 - Charging device for charging a battery of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging device (10) for charging a battery of a motor vehicle, with at least one connecting element (12), with which a corresponding plug (14) of a charging cable (16) for charging the battery can be connected, and with at least one locking element which between at least one locking position locking the plug (14) on the connecting element (12) and at least one releasing position releasing the plug (14), wherein a detecting device (21) is provided, by means of which an approach of a person to at least one predeterminable area can be detected and as a result of detecting the approximation, an adjustment of the locking element from the locking position into the release position is effected.

Description

The invention relates to a charging device for charging a battery of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Cars with batteries are already well known from the general state of the art. The motor vehicle is designed for example as an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, in particular plug-in hybrid, wherein the battery is designed as a so-called traction battery. Here, the motor vehicle comprises at least one electric machine in the form of a so-called traction machine, by means of which the motor vehicle is electrically driven. For electrically driving the motor vehicle, the traction machine is supplied with electrical energy, in particular electrical current, wherein the electrical energy is stored in the traction battery. By supplying the traction machine with electrical energy, the battery is discharged. This means that stored in the traction battery electrical energy is removed from the traction battery and the traction machine is supplied.

Particularly in the case of plug-in hybrids, it is provided that the battery can be charged with electrical energy via a power network, with which households are also electrically connected, by electrically connecting the battery to the power grid. For this purpose, the motor vehicle usually comprises a charging device with at least one connection element, which is designed for example as a connection socket, charging socket or charging socket. A corresponding plug of a charging cable can be connected to the connection element so that electrical energy supplied by the power supply can be transmitted via the charging cable to the connection element and via this to the battery of the motor vehicle. Thus, the charging cable is used to charge the battery with electrical energy provided by the power grid.

In order to avoid undesired disconnection of the plug from the connection element during charging of the battery, that is to say during charging, the charging device comprises at least one locking element which is adjustable between at least one locking position locking the plug in the connection element and at least one release position releasing the plug. If the plug is connected to the connection element and the locking element is in its locking position, then the plug, which is for example at least partially inserted into the connection element, can not be detached from the connection element. In order to solve the connector before connecting element, in particular peel off, the locking element is moved from its locking position to its release position.

Conventionally, the adjustment of the locking element from the locking position to the release position is effected by a person, for example, the driver of the motor vehicle, actuates a control element. This condition element is, for example, a switch or a button which is arranged on a key for unlocking and locking a door lock of the motor vehicle. The person must press the button to thereby unlock the plug or the locking element can.

The DE 10 2011 000 094 A1 discloses a system for controlling access to a charging socket on a motor vehicle, the charging socket having a lockable cover. It is provided that in the area of the charging socket, a proximity sensor is arranged, which detects the approach of a body. The proximity sensor is coupled to a vehicle-side control system, wherein at least one electromagnetic coil wake-up coil is coupled to the control system. The control system is configured to drive the transmit coil to emit a wake-up signal in response to detection of an approach of a body to the proximity sensor. Furthermore, an ID transmitter separate from the vehicle is configured to receive the wake-up signals, wherein the ID transmitter and the control system each have means for carrying out bidirectional radio communication for authentication of the ID transmitter. In doing so, the control system unlocks the cover in response to a successful authentication.

Object of the present invention is to develop a charging device of the type mentioned in such a way that a particularly simple and comfortable charging can be realized.

This object is achieved by a charging device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

In order to develop a charging device specified in the preamble of claim 1 species such that a particularly simple and comfortable charging, that is a particularly simple and comfortable charging of the battery can be realized according to the invention a detection device is provided by means of which an approach of a person to at least one predeterminable area detectable and as a result of detecting the approximation, an adjustment of the locking element from the locking position into the release position is effected. The detection of the approach, for example, means that the person approaches the area so that a distance between the area and the person falls below a predefinable threshold value. If the distance falls below the threshold value, wherein the person does not have to touch the area, the adjustment of the locking element from the locking position into the release position is effected by means of the detection device. The person does not have to touch the area. It is sufficient if the distance between the area and the person falls below the predefinable threshold value in order to displace the locking element from the locking position into the release position and thus release the plug. The person may but need not touch the area to effect the release of the plug. Furthermore, the detected approach can be understood to mean that the person touches the area, thereby causing the adjustment of the locking element from the locking position to the release position and thus the release of the plug.

The detection device is thus an approach detection device, by means of which the locking element from the locking position can be moved to the release position, without the person, for example, the driver of the motor vehicle, this must operate a control element such as a switch or a button. In particular, the person does not have to operate a button arranged on a key for locking and unlocking a door lock of the motor vehicle in order to release the plug and finally be able to pull it off the connection element.

For example, the locking element is then already unlocked, that is, adjusted from the locking position into the release position when the person approaches the area and possibly touched it, without requiring any further action by the person to adjust the locking element from the locking position to the release position. As a result, it is possible to realize a charging of the battery that is particularly simple and particularly convenient for the person.

Said region preferably comprises at least part of the plug connected to the connection element, so that the locking element is moved from the locking position into the release position, for example, when a person's hand approaches the connector and grasps or engages it, if necessary. As a result, the locking element can already be in the release position when the person has grasped the plug with his hand and pulls the plug by hand. As a result, a particularly simple and time-consuming charging can be displayed, since the adjustment of the locking element from the locking position into the release position and the release, in particular peeling, of the connector can be done by the connection element in a movement of the hand.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

The drawing shows in:

1a C is a fragmentary schematic and perspective side view of a motor vehicle in the form of a passenger car, with a charging device for charging a battery of the motor vehicle, wherein a detection device is provided, by means of which an approach of a person to at least one predetermined region detectable and as a result of detecting the Approach an adjustment of a locking element is effected; and

2 a detail of another schematic and perspective side view of the charging device.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

1a C each show in a schematic and perspective side view of a motor vehicle in the form of a passenger car, which is designed for example as an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, in particular plug-in hybrid. Here, the motor vehicle comprises at least one electric machine in the form of a so-called traction machine, by means of which the motor vehicle is electrically driven. For electrically driving the motor vehicle, the traction machine is supplied with electrical energy in the form of electrical current. The electrical energy is stored for example in at least one battery of the motor vehicle, wherein the battery is a so-called traction battery. The battery is electrically connected to the traction machine so that electrical energy stored in the battery (traction battery) can be transmitted to the traction machine. As a result of this transfer of electrical energy from the battery to the traction engine, the battery is discharged.

In order to recharge the battery, for example, over a power grid particularly efficient with electrical energy, the car also includes one 2 recognizable charging device 10 , via which the battery can be charged with electrical energy, in particular electrical current.

The charging device 10 includes a connection element in the form of a charging socket 12 , which is also referred to as socket or charging socket. The charging socket 12 is with an in 2 recognizable, corresponding plug 14 a charging cable 16 connectable to charge the battery. Out 2 is recognizable that the charging cable 16 a line 18 for carrying electricity, the plug 14 at a first end of the pipe 18 arranged and with the line 18 connected is. At a second end opposite the first end, the conduit becomes 18 or the charging cable 16 electrically connected to the mains. The plug 14 comes with the charging socket 12 connected by the plug 14 at least partially in the charging socket 12 is inserted. As a result, electrical energy, in particular electrical current, which is provided by the power grid, via the charging cable 16 to the charging socket 12 and be transferred via this to the battery, so that the battery can be charged with the electrical energy provided by the power grid.

To the plug 14 firmly attached to the charging socket 12 To hold, for example, a four-point attachment is provided, which for a secure fit of the plug 14 in the charging socket 12 ensures and further allows a hidden attachment. This may cause the charging socket 12 when charging the battery, that is protected during the charging process against manipulation from the outside. Electrical contacts of the charging socket 12 and / or the plug 14 are equipped with screw terminals, for example. The plug 14 can be designed as a so-called Mennekes plug, wherein the charging socket 12 for example, as a socket of the type 2 is trained.

Especially good 1b and 1c it can be seen that a well acting as a receiving trough 20 is provided which, for example, at least partially by an outer lining part 22 of the passenger car is formed or limited. In the exterior trim part 22 it is a side panel, so the trough 20 is arranged on one side of the passenger car. The charging socket 12 is at least partially in the hollow 20 taken and in the vehicle transverse direction inward from an outside 23 of the outer trim part 22 set back.

The charging device 10 further includes one of the trough 20 associated cover in the form of a lid 24 which is relative to the outer lining part 22 is movable and in the present case pivotable about a pivot axis. The lid 24 is between an in 1a shown closed position and at least one in 1b . 1c and 2 shown open position pivoted. In the closed position is the trough 20 through the lid 24 covered and thus closed, including the charging socket 12 through the lid 24 is covered.

The lid 24 is held in its closed position by means of a locking mechanism, which is designed for example as a so-called push-push locking mechanism. To the lid 24 From the closed position to move to the open position, a person practices in 1a by a directional arrow 26 illustrated compressive force on the lid 24 out. As a result of this Druckkraftbeaufschlagung the lid 24 unlocked, so that he can finally be moved into its open position.

The charging device further comprises a 1b and 1c recognizable and the charging socket 12 associated closure element 28 in the form of a cap, by means of which the charging socket 12 in addition to the lid 24 can be covered and thus closed. The closure element 28 is for example by means of a rope element 30 held on the car so that the closure element 28 especially if it is from the charging socket 12 solved, can not be solved by the car and thus can be lost.

The charging device 10 further comprises at least one in 1a - 2 unrecognizable locking element, which between at least one of the plug 14 at the charging socket 12 arresting locking position and at least one of the plug 14 releasable release position adjustable, in particular movable, is. Is the plug 14 with the charging socket 12 connected, that is the plug 14 at least partially in the charging socket 12 inserted, and is the locking element in its locking position, so is the plug 14 firmly attached to the charging socket 12 kept and can not be unwanted by a person from the charging socket 12 solved, that is deducted or pulled out. As a result, a particularly secure charging process can be realized. The charging socket 12 is, for example, an ECE charging socket.

For adjusting or moving the locking element, for example, an unrecognizable actuator is provided, which is for example an electric actuator. In this case, for example, a control line is provided which, for example, part of the charging cable 16 is. If, for example, a power failure is detected by means of the control line during the charging process, then an unlocking function is triggered via the control line, in the framework of which the locking element is moved by means of the actuator from the locking position into the release position. Then the plug can 14 in the event of a power failure from the charging socket 12 subtracted from.

In 2 is a whole with 32 designated key that a person, such as the driver of the motor vehicle, carries with him. For example, the person may be the key 32 put in a bag and carry with it. The key 32 is used in particular for unlocking and locking a door lock, by means of which side doors and, for example, a trunk lid or a tailgate of the passenger car can be locked.

At the key 32 are two controls in the form of buttons 34 and 36 arranged. For example, to lock the door latch, the person operates the button 34 by giving the person the button 34 suppressed. If the person wishes to unlock the door lock, the person presses or presses the button, for example 36 ,

It can be provided that the locking element of the charging device 10 is coupled with the door lock insofar as by pressing the button 34 a movement of the locking element from the release position to the locking position and by pressing the button 36 a movement of the locking element from the locking position into the release position is effected. The respective movement is effected, for example, by means of the actuator.

The key 32 is coupled via electromagnetic waves, for example via radio, with a corresponding control unit of the motor vehicle or coupled, so the key 32 can be used as a remote control for the door lock and possibly for the locking element. This means that the key 32 does not have to touch the passenger car to effect a corresponding unlocking and locking the door lock and optionally the locking element.

For example, by a short-term radio link between the car and the key 32 will be checked if the key 32 is within a predetermined distance to the car or in the car. It also checks if the key 32 is released to effect the respective locking and unlocking.

In addition, to realize a particularly high level of comfort, it is provided that the door lock not just by pressing the buttons 34 and 36 but can also be locked and unlocked, for example, by touching respective outer handles of the side doors and the tailgate. The above checks are therefore made, for example, when touching the outer handles, during a start of an internal combustion engine and / or the traction machine and while driving.

In order to realize moreover a particularly comfortable and easy to carry out charging, the charging device includes 10 a detection device 21 , By means of which an approach of the person to at least one predeterminable area detectable and as a result of detecting the approximation, an adjustment of the locking element from the locking position into the release position is effected. For this purpose, the detection device comprises 21 For example, at least one detection element in the form of a proximity sensor for detecting the approach, wherein the proximity sensor, for example, to the charging socket 12 , in particular in an edge region of the charging socket 12 , is arranged. Further, it is possible that the proximity sensor on the lid 24 , in particular at one in the closed position of the lid 24 the charging socket 12 facing inside 38 of the lid 24 , is arranged. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that said area at least part of the charging socket 12 connected plug 14 includes.

Approaches, for example, a in 2 recognizable hand 40 the person the plug 14 and touch the hand 40 if necessary, the plug 14 so that there is a gap between the plug 14 and the person, especially the hand 40 , falls below a predetermined threshold, it is checked via the aforementioned radio link, if the key 32 is within the predeterminable distance. Is the key located? 32 , which is released or effected for effecting the respective Verstellverriegelungselements between the locking position and the release position, within the predetermined distance, so in dependence on the detection that the distance between the hand 40 and the plug 14 has fallen below the predetermined threshold, the locking element, which is initially still in the locked position, adjusted to the release position. Following this, the person can use their hand 40 the plug 14 from the charging socket 12 pull off. The detection device can be designed such that the person the plug 14 does not have to touch, but can touch so where a non-contact approach of the person to the plug 14 sufficient to effect the adjustment of the locking element from the locking position to the release position.

The radio connection also checks if the key is 32 for effecting the locking and unlocking is released or formed. This verification is called authentication. As part of this authentication, for example, checks to see if the key 32 belongs to the car. If this is the case, the locking element is moved by means of the actuator in the release position when the distance between the plug 14 and the person falls below the threshold.

The mentioned control unit, which with the key 32 wireless, that is, communicates via electromagnetic waves such as over the air, for example, is an ignition lock control unit, which is coupled to a further control device for driving the actuator to the movement locking element. Is detected by the ignition lock control unit that the key 32 within the given distance is that the key 32 belongs to the car and that the distance falls below the threshold, then a corresponding signal is transmitted from the ignition lock control unit to the further control unit and received by the further control unit. The further control unit is for example part of the charging device. Will the approach of the hand 40 to the plug 14 detected during an active charging, the charging process is terminated, for example by means of the further control unit.

Furthermore, the locking element is moved from the locking position to the release position, so that the person the plug 14 with the hand 40 can deduct. For example, the person tries to plug 14 from the charging socket 12 remove before the said authentication is completed, and while the battery is still charging, so is the removal or release of the plug from the charging socket 12 prevents, since the locking element is not moved from the locking position to the release position. To alert the person to this circumstance, for example, a charging symbol of the charging device pulsates 10 in a predefinable color such as yellow until, for example, the charging process finally interrupted and the locking element is moved to the release position. Then, for example, an opening icon is displayed to visually communicate to the person that they plug 14 from the charging socket 12 can deduct.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

loader

12

charging socket

14

plug

16

charge cable

18

management

20

trough

21

detector

22

Siding part

23

outside

24

cover

26

arrow

28

closure element

30

cable element

32

key

34

stud

36

stud

38

inside

40

hand

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102011000094 A1 [0006]

Claims (7)

Charging device ( 10 ) for charging a battery of a motor vehicle, with at least one connecting element ( 12 ), with which a corresponding plug ( 14 ) of a charging cable ( 16 ) is connectable for charging the battery, and with at least one locking element, which between at least one of the plug ( 14 ) on the connection element ( 12 ) locking locking position and at least one of the plug ( 14 ) releasable release position is adjustable, characterized in that a detection device ( 21 ) is provided, by means of which an approach of a person to at least one predetermined region detectable and as a result of detecting the approximation, an adjustment of the locking element from the locking position into the release position is effected. Charging device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection device ( 21 ) has at least one detection element for detecting the approach, which on the connection element ( 12 ), in particular in an edge region of the connecting element ( 12 ) is arranged. Charging device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the charging device ( 10 ) a trough ( 20 ), in which the connecting element ( 12 ) is at least partially disposed, and a lid ( 24 ), which between at least a portion of the trough ( 20 ) Covering closed position and at least one part of the area releasing open position movable, in particular pivotable, is. Charging device ( 10 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the detection device ( 21 ) has at least one detection element for detecting the approach, which on the lid ( 24 ), in particular at one in the closed position the connection element ( 12 ) facing inside ( 38 ) of the lid ( 24 ) is arranged. Charging device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the region at least a part of the with the connection element ( 12 ) connected plug ( 14 ). Charging device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the approach, a contact of the area, in particular a contact of the with the connection element ( 12 ) connected plug ( 14 ), by means of the detection device is detected. Method for operating the charging device ( 10 ) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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