GB2510124A

GB2510124A - Electric vehicle with externally visible charging indication

Info

Publication number: GB2510124A
Application number: GB1301240.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David White; Jeremy Greenwood; Chris Clarke; Richard Parkins
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2013-01-24
Filing date: 2013-01-24
Publication date: 2014-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2033-01-24
Also published as: GB201301240D0; GB2510124B

Abstract

An electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle 1 has means 15 for monitoring the charging of the vehicle energy storage device 5 and control means 21 to control an externally visible vehicle system 17,19 indicating the charging status. The vehicle 1 may have an induction coil 11 and may be inductively charged, the charging indicator 17,19 being activated upon energising of the induction coil 11. The indication means 17,19 may indicate when the vehicle battery 5 is charging , or may indicate the state of charge or when charging is complete. The charging indication means 17,19 may be a light source, which may vary in intensity or colour. Alternatively, the height of the vehicle suspension may be altered to provide charging indication.

Description

CHARGING INDICATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a charging indicator and particularly, but not exclusively, to a charging indicator for a vehicle configured to provide a visual indication of the charging status of an energy storage device. Aspects of the invention relate to a charging indicator system, to a method of indicating the charging status of a vehicle energy storage device, and to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Motor vehicles having one or more electric drive motors are becoming increasingly common.

By way of example, these vehicles can be Electric Vehicles (EV), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHV) etc. A chemical battery comprising a plurality of cells is commonly provided as an energy source for the electric drive motor(s). The battery can be charged by regenerating energy while the vehicle is travelling, for example using regenerative braking techniques. Alternatively, the battery can be charged by connection to a mains electrical system, either by a wired connection or an induction (wireless) connection.

A dashboard display may notify the driver that charging is taking place. However, when the user is outside the vehicle, the user is provided with little or no indication that charging is taking place. In the case of a wired connection, the user may need to check that the mains source is switched on. This can be more problematic in the case of an induction connection as there is no physical connection between the charging station and the vehicle. If, for example, the vehicle is not correctly aligned with the charging station, the rate at which the vehicle is charged may be reduced.

It is against this backdrop that the present invention has been conceived. At least certain embodiments of the present invention set out to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the

shortcomings of prior art systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle configured to provide a visual indication of the charging status of an energy storage device; a charging indicator system; and a method of indicating the charging status of a vehicle energy storage device.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motor vehicle comprising: an electric drive system including an electric motor and an energy storage device; means for monitoring charging of the energy storage device; and control means for controlling, in dependence on the monitoring means, one or more externally visible vehicle systems to provide a visual indication of the charging status of the energy storage device. In use, the user is provided with a visual indication of the charging status of the energy storage device. The user can thereby determine the charging status without the need to look into the vehicle cabin or check whether a charging station is activated.

The energy storage device is configured to supply electrical current to the at least one electric traction motor. The energy storage device can, for example, be a chemical battery or a capacitor (typically a so-called supercapacitor).

The one or more externally visible vehicle systems can comprise one or more light sources.

The control means can be configured to control an illumination sequence of a plurality of said light sources to indicate the charging status of the energy storage device. For example, the light emitting diodes (LEDS) in a light source, such as a headlamp, a daytime running lamp, a brake lamp or a side indicator lamp, could be illuminated in sequence to indicate the charging status of the energy storage device. Alternatively, or in addition, the control means can be configured to control said one or more light sources to output light of uniform or non-uniform intensity. For example, the control means can pulse said one or more light sources (at a uniform or non-uniform frequency) to indicate the charging status of the energy storage device. Alternatively, or in addition, the one or more light sources could be configured to output light of a particular colour or colours to provide a colour-coded indication of the charging status of the energy storage device. If the one or more light sources output light which is not white, the likelihood of confusion with other vehicle lighting systems could be reduced. By way of example, the one or more light sources could output blue or green light to indicate that charging is taking place.

The externally visible light source could be disposed within the vehicle cabin, for example a cabin light. The externally visible light source can comprise one or more dedicated light sources having a primary or exclusive function of indicating the charging status of the energy storage device. The one or more light sources or indicators can be adapted to be visible primarily or exclusively from outside of the vehicle. At least in certain embodiments, the externally visible vehicle systems within the meaning of the present invention can exclude any visible indicators or light sources disposed within the vehicle cabin which are capable of being seen by a viewer external to the vehicle through the vehicle's window(s). For example, the externally visible vehicle systems can, at least in certain embodiments, exclude any light sources or indicators disposed on an instrument cluster or a display screen (such as an infotainment display screen) within the vehicle.

The one or more vehicle systems can comprise at least one external light source (i.e. one or more light sources disposed on an exterior of the vehicle). The control means can be configured to control illumination of the at least one external light source. The at least one external light source can be a dedicated light source having a primary or exclusive function of indicating the charging status of the energy storage device.

The at least one externally visible light source can be disposed in one or more of the following positions: beneath the vehicle; in one or more wheel arches; behind a grille; in a vent; and on a wing mirror. Alternatively, or in addition, an existing light source (such as a headlamp or a side lamp) on the vehicle can be used. The existing light source could be adapted to output light at a colour which is different from its normal operating colour to indicate the charging status of the energy storage device. For example, the light source could output blue or green light to indicate that charging is taking place.

The control means can be configured, in dependence on the monitoring means, to perform one or more of the following functions: activating/deactivating said at least one external light source; controlling the intensity of said at least one external light source; and controlling the colour of the light emitted by said at least one external light source. The control means can provide an indication of the charging status of the energy storage device when the vehicle is coupled to a charging station. Thus, the control means can be operable when the vehicle is stationary and optionally also switched off (for example when the ignition is switched off).

Indeed, the control means can be configured to be operable only when the vehicle is stationary. The control means can operate when a vehicle key is out of the ignition or, in the case of an electronic key, not in communication with the vehicle.

The control means can be configured selectively to control said one or more vehicle systems on the left hand side or the right hand side of the vehicle; and/or at the front or back of the vehicle. The selective operation of said one or more vehicle systems can help to conserve energy.

The externally visible vehicle systems can provide an indication of one or more of the following: that charging of the energy storage device is taking place; the rate of charging of the energy storage device; and the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device. The monitoring means can be configured to monitor one or more of the following: when the energy storage device is being charged from an on-board energy source; when the energy storage device is being charged from an external energy source; the Soc of the energy storage device; and when the charging of the energy storage device has been completed.

The monitoring means can, for example, monitor the charging current and/or the cell voltage.

The monitoring means can measure a charging rate of the energy storage device (for example based on a rate of change of the soc of the energy storage device).

The monitoring means could also be configured to monitor the rate of charging. In this arrangement, the control means can be configured to control the vehicle systems to indicate the rate of charging. In a wired connection, this might indicate the rating (amperes) of the supply. In an induction connection, the rate of charge may vary based on the alignment of the induction coils. As such, the control means may be able to notify a user that the vehicle is not properly aligned in relation to the charging station.

The vehicle suspension can be an air suspension system comprising an accumulator for adjusting the pressure in the suspension. The height of the vehicle relative to the ground can thereby be adjusted. The control means can be configured, in dependence on the monitoring means, to control the vehicle suspension to vary the vehicle height.

The control means could be configured to provide said visual indication whilst the vehicle is moving, for example to indicate when the energy storage device is being charged by regenerated energy, for example recovered during braking of the vehicle. Alternatively, the control means can be configured to control said one or more vehicle systems to provide said visual indication only when the vehicle is stationary.

The motor vehicle can comprise an induction coil for charging the energy storage device.

The induction coil can operatively couple to a charging induction coil, for example provided in a charging station. The control means can be configured to activate said one or more vehicle systems to provide said visual indication when the induction coil is energized.

Advantageously, the vehicle can provide a visual indication when the induction coil is energized. The charging station can be coupled to an external electrical supply (i.e. not forming part of the vehicle) comprising one or more of the following: a mains electrical supply; a standalone/portable electrical supply; and an off-grid electrical supply (for example charged by solar or wind energy).

The one or more vehicle systems can be disposed proximal the induction coil. This arrangement is advantageous since the position of the induction coil (and indirectly the charging induction coil) can be highlighted during charging by said one or more vehicle systems.

The control means can be configured to deactivate said one or more vehicle systems if the charging of the energy storage device is interrupted.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging indicator system for a motor vehicle having an electric motor and an energy storage device; the charging indicator system comprising: means for monitoring charging of the energy storage device; and control means for controlling, in dependence on the monitoring means, one or more light sources to be viewed from outside the vehicle. The one or more light sources can provide a visual indication of the charging status of the energy storage device. The one or more light sources can be provided on an exterior of the vehicle.

In a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of indicating the charging status of a vehicle energy storage device, the method comprising: monitoring a charging status of the vehicle energy storage device; and activating one or more vehicle systems during charging of the vehicle energy storage device to provide an indication of the charging status; wherein said one or more vehicle systems provide a visual indication of the charging status of the vehicle energy storage device from an exterior of the vehicle.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to Figure 1 which shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle incorporating the charging indicator system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

A motor vehicle 1 having a charging indicator system 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 1. The charging indicator system 3 comprises control means in the form of a control unit 21 configured to control one or more externally visible vehicle systems to provide a visual indication of the charging status of a vehicle battery 5.

The motor vehicle 1 has a drivetrain including an electric traction motor 7 powered by the battery 5. The motor vehicle in the present embodiment is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) also having an internal combustion engine 9, but the invention could equally be embodied in an electric vehicle (EV). The battery 5 is a chemical battery (i.e. a battery which converts chemical energy into electrical energy) comprising a plurality of cells, for example lithium ion (Li+) cells, arranged in series and parallel. The State of Charge (5CC) of the battery can be estimated based on the temperature and voltage of the cells. The vehicle 1 has four wheels W and, in the present embodiment, each wheel W is driven by the electric traction motor 5 and/or the internal combustion engine 9. It will be appreciated that the motor vehicle 1 can comprise more than one electric traction motor 7. The battery 5 is a traction battery 5 for powering the electric traction motor(s) 7. The battery 5 could be another energy storage device, such as a supercapacitor.

The vehicle 1 has a first induction coil 11 for wirelessly coupling with a second induction coil 13 provided in an inductive charging station S. The first induction coil 11 is disposed underneath the vehicle 1 and the second induction coil 13 is typically floor-mounted. A time varying current is supplied to the second induction coil 13 to establish a time varying electromagnetic field which induces a charging current within the first induction coil 11 to charge the battery 5. The time varying current supplied to the second induction coil 13 can, for example, be a variable current, an alternating current or a pulsating current. In use, the vehicle 1 is parked at least substantially to align the first and second induction coils 11, 13 to enable inductive (wireless) charging. The vehicle 1 optionally also has a physical connector (not shown), such as a plug/socket, to enable wired charging.

The charging indicator system 3 comprises means for monitoring the charging status of the battery 5 (via inductive charging and optionally also by wired charging). The monitoring means in the present embodiment is in the form of a charging monitor 15 configured to monitor when the battery 5 is charging and when the charging has been completed.

First and second strips 17, 19 of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) are disposed on an underside of the vehicle on the left and right hand sides respectively of the first induction coil 11. The charging indicator system 3 comprises means in the form of a control unit 21 for controlling the LED strips 17, 19 in dependence on the charging status of the battery 5, as determined by the charging monitor 15. In particular, the control unit 21 is configured to illuminate the LED strips 17, 19 when the charging monitor 15 determines that the battery 5 is being charged. Thus, whilst charging is taking place, the control unit switches the LED strips 17, 19 on to create a pool of light under the vehicle 1. This is particularly advantageous as it provides a visual indication that the second induction coil 13 has been energized to establish an electromagnetic field. The resulting illumination can also provide a visual indication to the user that charging is taking place. The control unit 21 can switch the LED strips 17, 19 off once the charging monitor 15 determines that the battery 5 is fully charged, thereby providing a visual indication to the driver that the charging process is complete.

In the present embodiment the charging monitor 15 is configured to estimate the Soc of the battery 5. The control unit 21 is configured to vary the intensity of the light emitted by the LED strips 17, 19 in dependence on the estimated soc. For example, the intensity of the emitted light can be decreased as the SOC increases. Alternatively, or in addition, the colour of the light emitted by the LED strips 17, 19 can be varied in dependence on the estimated SOC. For example, the emitted light could be red when the estimated SOC is low, changing colours through amber and yellow to green as the SOC increases. The colour and/or intensity of the omitted light can thereby represent the SOC of the battery.

The control unit 21 comprises a wireless transmitter 23 for communicating with the charging station S. The charging station S comprises a receiver 25 for receiving a control signal transmitted from the wireless transmitter 23. To conserve energy, the control unit 21 can be configured selectively to illuminate only the first or second LED strip 17, 19. The user could optionally specify the left or right hand side, for example depending on a typical line of sight when the vehicle is coupled to the charging station S. Alternatively, the control unit 21 could automatically select which LED strip 17, 19 to illuminate, for example based on a detected location of a key fob associated with the vehicle 1. An ultra-wide band transceiver could be embodied in the key fob to enable its position in relation to the vehicle to be determined.

The operation of the charging indicator system 3 will now be described. When the battery 5 is not being charged, the charging indicator system 3 is dormant. The user then parks the vehicle in proximity to the charging station 5 such that the first induction coil 11 is positioned above the second induction coil 13. The charging station 5 is then activated, either manually or automatically, and the second induction coil 13 generates a time varying electromagnetic field which induces a charging current in the first induction coil 11. When the charging monitor 15 detects the charging current, the control unit 21 is awakened. The charging monitor 15 outputs a control signal to the control unit 21 to indicate when the battery is being charged. In dependence on the control signal from the charging monitor 15, the control unit 21 illuminates the first LED strip 17 and/or the second LED strip 19 to provide a visual indication that the battery 5 is being charged. The indication is visible from outside the vehicle 1 so the driver does not have to look inside the vehicle to determine whether charging has been initiated. Moreover, the illuminated LED strips 17, 19 provide an indication of the piesence of an electromagnetic field; the position of the LED stiips on each side of the first induction coil helping to indicate its source (as the first and second induction coils 11, 13 are positioned in proximity to each other).

The charging monitor 15 can estimate the SOC of the battery 5 and, depending on the estimated value, the control unit 21 can alter the intensity and/or colour of the emitted light.

For example, the control unit could control the LED strip(s) 17, 19 to emit a red light when the estimated SOC is less than or equal to 25%; an amber light when the estimated SOC is between 25% and 50%; a yellow light when the estimated SOC is between 50% and 75%; and a green light when the estimated Soc is above 75%.

The charging monitor 15 outputs a charging complete signal to the control unit 21 when it determines that the battery 5 is fully charged. The control unit 21 then switches the first LED 17 strip and/or the second LED strip 19 off to provide a visual indication to the user that charging is complete. The transmitter 23 connected to the control unit 21 can transmit a wireless signal to the charging station S and/or a base station to indicate that charging is complete. The control unit 21 could optionally also be configured to transmit a signal to a cellular telephone to notify the user that charging has been completed, for example in the form of a Short Messaging Service (SMS).

The present embodiment has been described with reference to first and second LED strips 17, 19 provided under the vehicle 1. It will be appreciated that other dedicated light sources could be used to indicate the charging status of the vehicle 1 in accordance with the present invention. For example, a light source could be provided within a wheel arch, behind a grille, or in a vent of the vehicle 1. A projection system (not shown) could be used to project a message, for example to indicate that charging is under way; and/or an estimated SOC; and/or an estimated time to complete the charging process. Alternatively, or in addition, the charging indicator system could utilise an existing vehicle system to provide a visible indication of the charging status. For example, the control unit 21 could control a so-called puddle lamp' disposed in a wing mirror of the vehicle to illuminate the ground beneath the front door(s) of the vehicle. Equally, the control unit 21 could control a headlamp or indicator light to represent the charging status of the vehicle 1.

The control unit 21 could also be configured to control other vehicle systems to provide a visual indication of the charging status of the vehicle. For example, in arrangements in which the vehicle 1 includes a height-adjustable suspension, the control unit could control (directly or indirectly) the vehicle suspension to raise/lower the vehicle to provide an indication of the charging status. The vehicle height could be lowered to reduce the distance between the first and second induction coils when charging is taking place. During charging, or when charging has been completed the vehicle height can be increased. The user could thereby determine the charging status based on the height of the vehicle 1. The vehicle height could optionally be increased progressively, or held at an optimum height whilst the battery is charged to improve charging efficiency. The techniques described herein in relation to controlling the vehicle suspension during a charging cycle are believed to be independently patentable and are the subject of a co-pending application.

A further alternative might be to alter the position of a wing mirror to indicate the charging status. For example, the wing mirror could be retracted during charging and extended when charging is complete. The angular orientation of a windscreen wiper on the windscreen might also be used to indicate the charging status. The windscreen wiper could function as a gauge to represent charging status, for example to represent the estimated SOC. Similarly, a head-up display could project the charging status onto the vehicle windscreen.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiment of the present invention described herein without departing from the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are set out in the following numbered paragraphs.

1. A motor vehicle comprising: an electric drive system including an electric motor and an energy storage device; a charging monitor for monitoring charging of the energy storage device; and a control unit configured, in dependence on the charging monitor, to control one or more externally visible vehicle systems to provide a visual indication of the charging status of the energy storage device.

2. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 1, wherein the motor vehicle comprises an induction coil for charging the energy storage device.

3. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 2, wherein the control unit is configured to control said one or more vehicle systems to provide said visual indication when the induction coil is energized.

4. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 2, wherein said one or more vehicle systems are disposed proximal said induction coil.

5. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 1, wherein said one or more vehicle systems comprises at least one externally visible light source and the control unit is configured to control illumination of said at least one externally visible light source.

6. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 5, wherein the control unit is configured, in dependence on the charging monitor, to activate/deactivate said at least one externally visible light source; and/or control the intensity of said at least one externally visible light source; and/or control the colour of the light emitted by said at least one externally visible light source.

7. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 5, wherein said at least one externally visible light source is disposed in one or more of the following positions: beneath the vehicle; in one or more wheel arches; behind a grille; in a vent; and on a wing mirror.

8. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 1, wherein said control unit is configured selectively to control said one or more externally visible vehicle systems on the left hand side or the right hand side of the vehicle; and/or at the front or back of the vehicle.

9. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 1, wherein the charging monitor is configured to monitor one or more of the following: when the energy storage device is being charged from an on-board energy source; when the energy storage device is being charged from an external energy source; the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device; and when the charging of the energy storage device has been completed.

10. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 1, wherein the control unit is configured, in dependence on the charging monitor, to control a vehicle suspension to vary a height of the vehicle.

11. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control said one or more vehicle systems to provide said visual indication only when the vehicle is stationary.

12. A motor vehicle as described in paragraph 1, wherein the control unit is configured to deactivate said one or more vehicle systems if the charging of the energy storage device is interrupted.

13. A charging indicator system for a motor vehicle having an electric motor and an energy storage device; the charging indicator system comprising: a charging monitor for monitoring charging of the energy storage device; and a control unit configured, in dependence on the charging monitor, to control one or more light sources to be viewed from outside the vehicle.

14. A method of indicating the charging status of a vehicle energy storage device, the method comprising: monitoring a charging status of the vehicle energy storage device; and activating one or more vehicle systems during charging of the vehicle energy storage device to provide an indication of the charging status; wherein said one or more vehicle systems provide a visual indication of the charging status of the vehicle energy storage device from an exterior of the vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A motor vehicle comprising: an electric drive system including an electric motor and an energy storage device; means for monitoring charging of the energy storage device; and control means for controlling, in dependence on the monitoring means, one or more externally visible vehicle systems to provide a visual indication of the charging status of the energy storage device.
2. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor vehicle comprises an induction coil for charging the energy storage device.
3. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control means is configured to control said one or more vehicle systems to provide said visual indication when the induction coil is energized.
4. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said one or more vehicle systems are disposed proximal said induction coil.
5. A motor vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said one or more vehicle systems comprises at least one externally visible light source and the control means is configured to control illumination of said at least one externally visible light source.
6. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control means is configured, in dependence on the monitoring means, to activate/deactivate said at least one externally visible light source; and/or control the intensity of said at least one externally visible light source; and/or control the colour of the light emitted by said at least one externally visible light source.
7. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said at least one externally visible light source is disposed in one or more of the following positions: beneath the vehicle; in one or more wheel arches; behind a grille; in a vent; and on a wing mirror.
8. A motor vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control means is configured selectively to control said one or more externally visible vehicle systems on the left hand side or the right hand side of the vehicle; and/or at the front or back of the vehicle.
9. A motor vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring means is configured to monitor one or more of the following: when the energy storage device is being charged from an on-board energy source; when the energy storage device is being charged from an external energy source; the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device; and when the charging of the energy stolage device has been completed.
10. A motor vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control means is configured, in dependence on the monitoring means, to control a vehicle suspension to vary a height of the vehicle.
11. A motor vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control means is configured to control said one or more vehicle systems to provide said visual indication only when the vehicle is stationary.
12. A motor vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control means is configured to deactivate said one or more vehicle systems if the charging of the energy storage device is interrupted.
13. A charging indicator system for a motor vehicle having an electric motor and an energy storage device; the charging indicator system comprising: means for monitoring charging of the energy storage device; and control means for controlling, in dependence on the monitoring means, one or more light sources to be viewed from outside the vehicle.
14. A method of indicating the charging status of a vehicle energy storage device, the method comprising: monitoring a charging status of the vehicle energy storage device; and activating one or more vehicle systems during charging of the vehicle energy storage device to provide an indication of the charging status; wherein said one or more vehicle systems provide a visual indication of the charging status of the vehicle energy storage device from an exterior of the vehicle.
15. A charging indicating system or a motor vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
16. A method of indicating the charging status of a vehicle energy storage device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.