DE102020112833A1 - Partly automated electrical charging system for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device (100) for partially automated electrical charging for a motor vehicle as well as a motor vehicle with such a device, the device (100) having a motor-driven vehicle-side charging unit (200) with energy contacts (210) and data contacts (220). , a wall-side charging unit with a motorized cable drum, a charging cable comprising power lines and data lines, and a motorized self-locking flat plug system (100) comprising an integrated wireless communication interface (260), a motorized plug-in device or locking device (250) and an ejection device.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for partially automated electrical charging for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with such a device.

A special conception of vehicles with electric drive are so-called "Mild Plug-In Hybrid Electrical Vehicles", mPHEV vehicles. In addition to a conventional combustion drive, these have an additional electrical drive system, which comprises one or more electric motors and at least one electrical energy storage system, in particular a rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device, which is preferably charged by an external charging device when the vehicle is parked, but for longer journeys or under special operating conditions can also be charged or recharged while driving through the internal combustion drive. Such a vehicle is referred to as a “mild” plug-in hybrid if the operating voltage of the electrical energy storage device does not exceed a nominal value of approx. 60 volts. In particular, it can be around 48 volts.

An essential prerequisite for the everyday suitability of mPHEV vehicles is an inexpensive, possibly also suitable as a retrofit solution, easy to implement and secure plug connection for a customer for a charging cable between the vehicle-side charging unit and the building-side charging unit, which is also referred to as a "wallbox". The term “wallbox” primarily means that the charging unit is arranged in the area of a private building, in particular on the wall or ceiling of a garage or on the wall of a building, where the vehicle can be conveniently charged during a downtime but it is also a public charging facility.

The everyday suitability of such a charging system depends not only on a technically reliable, inexpensive and retrofittable device for connecting the charging cable, but also on a convenient and fail-safe, possibly partially automated method for establishing the connection between the vehicle and the charging unit. All the more so since the charging system is not only intended to be used by qualified specialist staff, such as professional drivers, but also by private users who have not been technically trained or instructed. A partially automated electrical charging system must therefore include both a suitable device for connecting the charging cable and a method that is as simple and reliable as possible for establishing the connection between the vehicle and the charging unit. Furthermore, the electric charging system should be inexpensive and retrofittable, which is why the arrangement and integration of the vehicle-side device is of considerable importance.

From the document DE 10 2018 208 054 A1 A connector system, in particular for a charging system for electrically operated motor vehicles, is known, which has a plug and a socket, a pulling device, an actuator, an actuator element and a pulling element, the actuator element engaging behind the pulling element in a plug-in start position and by moving the actuator element by means of the Actuator plug and socket pulls into a plug end position.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method and a device for partially automated electrical charging for a motor vehicle.

The object is achieved by a method, a device and a motor vehicle according to the independent claims.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for partially automated electrical charging for a motor vehicle, the device having a vehicle-side charging unit comprising a vehicle-side power distribution, a vehicle-side communication device and a vehicle-side control device for the vehicle-side control of a charging process, furthermore a wall-side charging unit comprising a wall-side chargeable power supply , a wall-side communication device and a wall-side control device for the wall-side control of a charging process, and finally a charging cable comprising power lines and data lines, as well as a self-locking flat plug system for charging voltages up to approx. 60 V DC. The flat connector system comprises coordinated flat connector components with corresponding energy contacts and data contacts, a wireless communication interface for carrying out wireless communication between the flat connector components or for data exchange between the vehicle-side charging unit and the wall-mounted charging unit, and a locking device for automatically locking the flat connector components.

Partially automated here means that the user still has to initiate the charging process manually by picking up the charging cable provided and bringing the flat plug component on the cable side to the flat plug system on the vehicle or initially plugging it in, while all further processes, from the actual plugging in and locking of the flat plug system, during the loading process, until the final unlocking and unplugging, advantageously runs automatically, so that the user is relieved of these mechanically somewhat more demanding and more error-prone manipulations.

According to a first exemplary embodiment, the wireless communication interface has transmitting and receiving units which are integrated into the flat plug components that are matched to one another.

This embodiment has the advantage that the flat connector system can communicate reliably and exchange data in every state, plugged in or unplugged, so that the plugging and unplugging processes themselves can also be controlled via this interface. The proposed integration of the wireless interface in the flat plug components also has the structural advantage of simpler and more cost-effective integration of the wireless communication interface in the vehicle, since the transmitting and receiving units do not have to be installed separately in the vehicle.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the vehicle-side device has a motor-driven extension system, in particular a telescopic system, for motor-driven extension and / or retraction of the vehicle-mounted flat connector system.

This refinement has the advantage that the vehicle's readiness for charging is displayed intuitively to the user and it is easier to bring the charging cable up and to initially plug it in.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the device has a motorized plug-in system, in particular a threaded bolt system or bayonet bolt system, for the automatic or motor-assisted plugging in and / or unplugging of the flat plug components.

Plugging in and unplugging the charging cable usually requires a little force and precise positioning of the contacts. This somewhat problematic process is relieved or made easier for the user by the fact that the flat plug-in components are plugged in by a motor after they have been initially brought together or have been slightly plugged in. For this purpose, a threaded bolt system or bayonet bolt system actuated by an actuator is advantageously proposed. The subsequent automatic unplugging of the charging cable also has the advantage that the user no longer has to take any action when the charging process is complete.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the device has a motorized locking system, in particular a threaded bolt system or bayonet bolt system, for automatic or program-controlled locking and / or releasing of the locking of the flat plug components.

This embodiment has the advantage that the flat plug-in components are securely locked automatically or under program control after the charging cable has been plugged in and thus cannot be inadvertently avoided.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the device has an ejection device for ejecting the flat plug component on the cable side.

This embodiment has the advantage that the charging cable can be quickly ejected in the event of an electrical or mechanical fault or a special situation, such as the vehicle driving away when the charging process has not yet been completed, and the charging connection can thus be safely disconnected.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the wall-side device has an automatic charging cable system, in particular a motor-driven cable drum, for extending and / or retracting the charging cable.

This refinement has the advantage that the charging cable can be automatically output at the beginning of the charging process and automatically retracted after the charging process has been completed or after a quick ejection and thus does not pose any danger. The automatic extension and retraction increases the safety and user-friendliness of the loading system. Furthermore, the charging cable can be tightened and lifted from the ground during the charging process.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle which has a device according to the invention for partially automated electrical charging.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle has a notch or bead on the body or on an add-on part, in particular on a bumper, which is suitable for optically and / or mechanically positioning the flat connector system prior to insertion and / or during insertion and / or mechanically unplugging, wherein the vehicle-side flat plug system is arranged on the body-side end of the notch or bead in the body.

This embodiment has the advantage that it is easier to position and insert the flat connector system, and the proposed arrangement of the flat connector system on the vehicle enables cost-effective retrofitting. In addition, the flat connector system is thus arranged in a protected position on the vehicle.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for partially automated electrical charging for a motor vehicle, comprising the steps (a) extending a vehicle-side flat connector system when a charging position and a low charge level are reached or on request; (b) Extending a wall-side charging cable from a wall-side charging unit upon request by the vehicle-side charging unit; (c) inserting and locking the flat plug components, controlled by means of wireless communication between the flat plug components; (d) tightening and / or lifting of the charging cable according to electrical and / or mechanical safety requirements; (e) Charging the vehicle, controlled by means of wireless communication between the flat connector components or data exchange between the vehicle-side charging unit and the wall-side charging unit; (f) releasing the lock and unplugging the flat plug components, controlled by means of wireless communication between the flat plug components; (g) in an emergency or in the event of a fault, as an alternative to the previous step, to eject the flat connector system after completion of the charging process, in particular if an electrical fault condition occurs on the vehicle and / or if the charging position is unexpectedly left; and (h) inserting the wall-side charging cable into the wall-side charging unit.

The features and advantages described in relation to the first aspect of the invention and its exemplary configurations also apply to the second and third aspects of the invention, insofar as it is technically sensible.

Further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention emerge from the following description in connection with the figures.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer vorgeschlagenen Vorrichtung gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer vorgeschlagenen Vorrichtung bzw. eines vorgeschlagenen Kraftfahrzeugs gemäß einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung.

In the figures show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a proposed device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
• 2 a schematic representation of a proposed device or a proposed motor vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

1 shows a schematic representation of a flat plug system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The flat connector system 100 is designed for charging voltages of up to approx. 60 V DC. The flat connector system 100 comprises at least two flat plug-in components that are matched to one another 200 with corresponding energy contacts 210 and data contacts 220 , a wireless communication interface 260 for carrying out wireless communication between the flat connector components or for data exchange between a vehicle-side and the wall-side charging unit, and a locking device 250 for locking the flat connector components 200 .

The locking device 250 has an actuator and locks the plugged-in flat connector components 200 automatically. In particular, it can comprise threaded bolts or bayonet bolts rotatable by an electric motor, which are inserted into corresponding threaded nuts or bayonet guides of the plugged-in flat plug component 200 screw in or engage and lock them. Alternatively, a lever mechanism with hooks which can be displaced in the opposite direction and which engage in corresponding recesses is also possible.

The locking device shown is used in a further exemplary embodiment of the invention 250 not only the subsequent locking of already inserted flat connector components 200 , but already supports the insertion process itself by inserting when approaching or plugging in the flat connector components 200 is carried out automatically or automatically or in that manual insertion is supported by the actuator using a motor. Conversely, the locking drive can be released and / or the unplugging can be supported or carried out automatically or automatically by the actuator.

A wireless communication interface is required for a reliable execution of the automatic or motor-assisted plugging in or unplugging 260 intended. This means that even if the blade terminal component is not or not fully inserted 200 , or during the insertion or removal process, a reliable data exchange between the flat connector components 200 of the flat connector system 100 or between the vehicle and the loading unit. It is advantageously proposed that the wireless communication interface 260 into the flat connector components 200 to integrate.

In special cases it may be necessary to use the flat connector system 100 to separate quickly. For example, an electrical fault could occur in the vehicle during the charging process Immediate disconnection of the charging power supply is necessary or the user could intentionally or unintentionally start the vehicle during the charging process. For these cases, an additional ejection function can be provided for the plugged-in flat plug component 200 and thus ejects the charging cable.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the vehicle-side flat plug component is 200 of the flat connector system 100 Can be extended by a motor to indicate that the vehicle is ready to be charged and that the flat connector can be plugged in 200 to facilitate. A telescopic mechanism that can be extended by an electric motor, pneumatically or hydraulically is possible, but also a swivel mechanism. An extension of the blade terminal component 200 can take place automatically when the vehicle reaches a loading position or can be initiated by the user.

2 shows a schematic representation of a charging system 300 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The charging system 300 comprises two components, a wall-side loading unit 500 , which can be arranged on the wall of a building, in particular a garage, but also on a free-standing charging station or charging column, and a vehicle-side charging unit 400 , which is arranged on board a vehicle, wherein the vehicle-side extendable flat plug component 200 advantageously below a tailgate or a trunk lid 410 and above or in a recess of a bumper 420 and above a trailer hitch 430 is arranged in or on the body.

The wall-side loading unit 500 comprises a wall-side chargeable power supply, a wall-side communication device and a wall-side control device for the wall-side control of a charging process, as well as an extendable charging cable 510 with a flat plug component 520 . The charging cable 510 can by means of a motorized cable drum 530 or extended or retracted by an automatic charging cable system. Here the cable drum 530 inside or outside the loading unit 500 be arranged, an arrangement in an upper wall area or in the area of the garage ceiling or building ceiling is proposed as advantageous. This allows the charging cable 510 after the vehicle has reached the charging position, and communication via the wireless interface 260 has taken place, automatically shut down and after inserting and locking the blade terminal component 520 by retracting the cable drum 530 can be tightened and lifted off the floor, improving electrical safety and preventing possible tripping hazards.

The vehicle-side loading unit 400 comprises a vehicle-side power distribution system, a vehicle-side communication device and a vehicle-side control device for the vehicle-side control of a charging process, as well as a flat plug component that can be extended on the vehicle side 200 . Shown is a schematic rear view or front view of a motor vehicle which is attached to the body or to an add-on part, in particular to a bumper 420 , a notch or bead 450 has, which is suitable, the cable-side flat plug component 520 before plugging in, optically and / or mechanically with the flat plug component on the vehicle 200 to be positioned and / or guided mechanically during insertion and / or removal, the flat plug component that can be extended on the vehicle side 200 at the end of the notch or bead on the body side 450 is arranged in or on the body. An arrangement of the flat connector system at the rear or front of a vehicle is proposed as advantageous, but the invention is not limited to such an arrangement. As is common in a mobile home, for example, the vehicle-side power connection can also be arranged on the body side.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method for partially automated electrical charging for a motor vehicle is proposed.

When a vehicle reaches a loading position, for example on a building or in a garage with a loading unit 500 , and if the vehicle has a low charge level, the wireless interface 260 between the vehicle-side loading unit 400 and the wall-side loading unit 500 wireless communication is established and data is exchanged. A flat plug component on the vehicle is then automatically or at the request of the user 200 extended. Then a cable drum is activated 530 the wall-side loading unit 500 a wall-side charging cable 510 with a flat plug component 520 from the wall-side loading unit 500 extended.

The user can now use the flat connector on the cable side 520 into the vehicle's flat connector components 200 plug in, whereby the plug-in process is supported by a motor, or it runs automatically or automatically as soon as the flat plug component on the cable side 520 to the vehicle-side blade terminal component 200 is approximated or plugged in loosely. The flat plug-in components are then activated by activating the locking devices 250 locked automatically. These Steps are carried out in their course by means of the wireless interface 260 controlled and synchronized. By retracting the cable drum, the charging cable can then advantageously be tightened and lifted from the ground, if the cable drum 530 is arranged on the wall in a higher position. This improves electrical safety and prevents possible tripping hazards.

The charging process is then enabled and the vehicle is charged, controlled by means of wireless communication between the vehicle-side charging unit 400 and the wall-side loading unit 500 . After completion of the charging process or at the request of the user, the locking of the blade terminal components is released and the blade terminal component on the cable side 520 automatically unplugged. In a special case, such as starting up and driving off the vehicle, or in the event of a fault, such as an electrical fault on the vehicle, the cable-side flat connector system 520 immediately ejected. Then the wall-side charging cable 510 through the cable drum 530 into the wall-side loading unit 500 retracted. The partially automated charging process is complete. The vehicle can leave the loading position.

List of reference symbols

100

Flat connector system

200

Flat plug component

210

Energy contacts

220

Data contacts

250

Insertion devices or locking devices

260

wireless communication interface

300

Device for partially automated electrical charging for a motor vehicle

400

Loading unit on the vehicle side

410

Tailgate or trunk lid

420

Bumper

430

trailer hitch

450

Notch or bead

500

Loading unit on the wall side

510

Charging cable

520

Flat plug component on the cable side

530

Cable drum

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102018208054 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Device (300) for partially automated electrical charging for a motor vehicle, the device comprising: a. a vehicle-side charging unit (400) comprising a vehicle-side power distribution, a vehicle-side communication device and a vehicle-side control device for the vehicle-side control of a charging process; b. a wall-side charging unit (500) comprising a wall-side chargeable power supply, a wall-side communication device and a wall-side control device for wall-side control of a charging process; c. a charging cable (510) comprising power lines and data lines; and d. a self-locking flat plug system (100) for charging voltages up to approx. 60 V DC voltage, the flat plug system (100) comprising: i. Flat plug components (200, 520) matched to one another with corresponding energy contacts (210) and data contacts (220); ii. a wireless communication interface (260) for carrying out wireless communication between the flat plug components (200, 520) or for data exchange between the vehicle-side charging unit (400) and the wall-side charging unit (500); and iii. a locking device (250) for the automatic locking of the flat connector components (200, 520). Device according to Claim 1 , the wireless communication interface (260) having transmitting and receiving units which are integrated into the flat plug components (200, 520) that are matched to one another. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the vehicle-side device (400) having a motorized extension system, in particular a telescopic system, for motorized extension and / or retraction of the vehicle-side flat connector system (100). Device according to one of the preceding claims, having a motorized plug-in system (250), in particular a threaded bolt system or bayonet bolt system, for the automatic or motor-assisted plugging and / or unplugging of the flat plug components (200). Device according to one of the preceding claims, having a motorized locking system (250), in particular a threaded bolt system or bayonet bolt system, for automatic or program-controlled locking and / or releasing of the locking of the flat plug components (200). Device according to one of the preceding claims, having an ejection device for ejecting the flat plug component (520) on the cable side. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the wall-side device (500) having an automatic charging cable system (530), in particular a motorized cable drum, for extending and / or retracting the charging cable (510). Motor vehicle having a device for partially automated electrical charging according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle after Claim 8 which has a notch or bead (450) on the body or on an add-on part, in particular on a bumper (420), which is suitable for optically and / or mechanically positioning and / or the flat connector system (100) before it is plugged in to guide mechanically during insertion and / or removal, the vehicle-side flat plug system (200) being arranged on the body-side end of the notch or bead (450) in the body. A method for partially automated electrical charging for a motor vehicle, the method comprising: a. Extending a vehicle-side flat connector system (200) when reaching a charging position and a low charge level or on request; b. Extending a wall-side charging cable (510) from a wall-side charging unit (500) upon request by the vehicle-side charging unit; c. Inserting and locking the flat plug components (200, 520), controlled by means of wireless communication (260) between the flat plug components (200, 520); d. Tightening and / or lifting the charging cable (510) according to electrical and / or mechanical safety requirements; e. Charging the vehicle, controlled by means of wireless communication (260) between the flat connector components (200, 520) or data exchange between the vehicle-side charging unit (400) and the wall-side charging unit (500); f. releasing the locking and unplugging the flat plug components (200, 520), controlled by means of wireless communication (260) between the flat plug components (200, 520); G. in an emergency or in the event of an error, as an alternative to the preceding step, ejecting the flat connector system (520) after completion of the charging process, in particular when an electrical fault condition occurs on the vehicle and / or when the charging position is unexpectedly left; and H. Insertion of the charging cable (510) on the wall side into the charging unit (500) on the wall side.

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