SE1651176A1

SE1651176A1 - Plug-in electrical vehicle and method for charging a plug-inelectrical vehicle

Info

Publication number: SE1651176A1
Application number: SE1651176A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Claesson André; Sjödin Robert
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2016-09-02
Filing date: 2016-09-02
Publication date: 2018-03-03
Also published as: SE541574C2; DE102017008067A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method (300) for charging a plug-in electrical vehicle. The method comprises the step of positioning (310) the vehicle at a pre-determined position in relation to a charging station. The method further comprises the step of physically connecting (320) the vehicle to a charging station via using a kneeling function and/or via changing the distance between the vehicle body and/or the chassis and the ground at at least one axle of the vehicle. The method even further comprises the step of locking (330) operation of the vehicle so that it basically cannot move. The method also comprises charging (340) the vehicle.The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product.

Description

1 Plug-in electrical vehicle and method for charging a plug-in electrical vehicle TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a method for charging a plug-in electrical vehicle and to aplug-in electrical vehicle. lt also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND ART There are two main systems on the market for externally charging busses operating onbatteries, such as plug-in hybrid electrical vehicle busses, PHEV-busses or battery electricalvehicle busses, BEV-busses. One type of systems are trolleybuses, or similar systems operatingon pantographs, or the like, where a current collector on the rooftop of the bus should belifted up to electrical connectors such as wires or a charging station, to receive electricalpower through this connexion. One common feature is that mechanical motion is needed at the current collector or at the charging station.

This kind of systems might have problems during winter time since ice and snow mightprevent the mechanical motion to be performed. This might prevent charging of the battery, and, in case the bus is a BEV, it might result in the bus being not operable.

Another kind of systems operates on inductive charging of the bus. Usually a quite bigcharging adapter is placed under the bus. This charging adapter is then able to be raised orlowered so that a certain distance between the adapter and the road surface can be achieved,where the distance is preferably optimal for inductive charging of the battery. This adapter isusually quite heavy and might weigh several hundreds of kilograms. Further, during wintertime, it might also be exhibited to ice and snow which might prevent the ability to raise and lower the adapter and thus charging the bus. ln summary, both kind of systems add considerable weight to the bus and might not work as intended, especially during winter time. A third problem with these two kinds of systems is 2 that they are problematic to operate when kneeling busses. As an example, when kneeling theside ofthe bus where the doors are situated, this kneeling will expose the rooftop system to aconsiderable |atera| movement which at best risks to break the current connexion betweenbus and wire or charging station, and at worst to damage parts of the current collector, thewire, or the charging station. A similar problem arises for the adapter under the bus forinductive charging. Such an adapter is usually incompatible with kneeling since a kneeling risks that the adapter will touch the ground and thus be damaged.

US2005178632, GB2500691, and WO201006072O disclose different solutions for positioning avehicle at a charging interface and starting the charging procedure. The charging is performedvia an interface in the ground and the vehicle is lowered to reach the interface and start thecharging. These documents relate to induction based charging.

US2012286730 discloses an example of automatically activating a charging of the vehicle. Thecharging is performed via a robot connecting the vehicle to the charging interface in theground after the vehicle having been positioned at the charging station.

US2014095026 discloses an induction based charging via a ground based system. The height ofthe vehicle is adapted for achieving an optimal distance for charging.There is thus a need for a charging system which solves at least one ofthe above named problems.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION lt is an objective ofthe present disclosure to present a plug-in electrical vehicle, a method forcharging a plug-in electrical vehicle, a computer program and a computer program providing a charging of the electrical vehicle which demands less weight. lt is an objective ofthe present disclosure to present a plug-in electrical vehicle, a method forcharging a plug-in electrical vehicle, a computer program and a computer program providing a charging of the electrical vehicle which operates better during winter time. lt is an objective ofthe present disclosure to present an alternative plug-in electrical vehicle,an alternative method for charging a plug-in electrical vehicle, an alternative computer program and an alternative computer program. 3lt is an objective ofthe present disclosure to present a plug-in electrical vehicle, a method forcharging a plug-in electrical vehicle, a computer program and a computer program providing a possibility to be safely used in connexion with a kneeling functionality of the vehicle.

At least a part of the objectives are achieved by a method for charging a plug-in electricalvehicle. The method comprises the step of positioning the vehicle at a pre-determinedposition in relation to a charging station. The method further comprises the step of physicallyconnecting the vehicle to a charging station via using a kneeling function and/or via changingthe distance between the vehicle body and/or the chassis and the ground at at least one axleof the vehicle. The method even further comprises the step of locking operation of the vehicle so that it basically cannot move. The method also comprises charging the vehicle.

By using a kneeling function and/or changing the distance between the vehicle body and/orthe chassis and the ground at at least one axle ofthe vehicle there is no need to arrange acharging adapter movable in relation to the vehicle. Thus, weight can be saved for the movingarrangement. Further, the proper operation ofthe charging adapter during winter time can beassured as well. By using an existing kneeling function and/or for example a suspension systemat a vehicle for the physical connecting, no extra movable arrangements are needed at thevehicle. Even further, an operator ofthe vehicle does not need to leave the vehicle andperform any physical steps for connecting the vehicle to the charging station. Thus, forexample a bus driver will be able to check the tickets of the passengers or sell tickets to theminstead, or will have time to clean the bus instead, or will have time to take a break instead.The locking assures that the physical connection between the vehicle and the charging stationwill not accidentally be broken. Thus it is prevented that the charging adapter and/or the charging station will be damaged by accidental movement of the vehicle. ln one example ofthe method, the plug-in electrical vehicle is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicleor a battery electrical vehicle. These are commonly used electrical vehicles and the method is suitable for them. ln one example the method further comprises the step of releasing said locking after thecharging of the vehicle is finished. This allows the vehicle to be fully operable again after charging. 4ln one example said locking comprises a locking ofthe operation of the vehicle so that itbasically cannot move in any of three dimensions. This especially assures that no unintended disconnection between the charging adapter and the charging station will occur. ln one example said locking comprises locking a gearbox of the vehicle in its neutral position.This assures that a driver will not accidentally drive away with the vehicle whilst the vehicle is still connected to the charging station. ln one example said locking comprises locking a parking brake ofthe vehicle. This prevents anaccidental movement ofthe vehicle on uneven ground or to an impact on it whilst the vehicle is still connected to the charging station. ln one example said locking comprises locking of a kneeling function and/or a function forchanging the distance between the vehicle body and/or the chassis and the ground at at leastone axle of the vehicle. This assures that an operator ofthe vehicle will not unintentionally disconnect the vehicle from the charging station. ln one example said changing of the distance between the vehicle body and/or the chassis andthe ground at at least one axle comprises operating an air suspension system at said at leastone axle. This is a convenient way of achieving the connectivity functionality without the need of extra components in the vehicle. ln one example no other movements except a kneeling function and/or a changing ofthedistance between the vehicle body and/or the chassis and the ground at at least one axle ofthe vehicle are performed to physically connecting the vehicle to the charging station. Thisexplicitly prevents the use of other mechanically components during the step of connecting the charging adapter to the charging station. ln one example the method further comprises the step of compensating, during charging,changes in the load ofthe vehicle so that the vehicle basically is not changing its position. Thisallows to load the vehicle or the distribute load in the vehicle at the same time as a charging ofthe vehicle is performed without the risk of a disconnection between vehicle and charging station and without the risk of damaging the charging station or the charging adapter.

At least a part of the objectives are also achieved by a plug-in electrical vehicle. The plug-in electrical vehicle comprises means for positioning the vehicle at a pre-determined position in 5relation to a charging station. The plug in electrical vehicle further comprises means forphysically connecting the vehicle to a charging station via using a kneeling function and/or viachanging the distance between the vehicle body and/or the chassis and the ground at at leastone axle of the vehicle. The plug-in electrical vehicle even further comprises means for locking operation of the vehicle so that it basically cannot move. ln one embodiment the plug-in electrical vehicle is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or a battery electrical vehicle.

At least a part of the objectives are achieved by a computer program for charging a plug-inelectrical vehicle, wherein said computer program comprises program code for causing anelectronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform the steps of the method according to the present disclosure.

At least a part of the objectives are achieved by are also achieved by a computer programproduct containing a program code stored on a computer-readable medium for performingthe method according to the present disclosure, when said computer program is run on an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit.

The system, the vehicle, the computer program and the computer program product havecorresponding advantages as have been described in connection with the corresponding examples of the method according to this disclosure.

Further advantages ofthe present invention are described in the following detailed description and/or will arise to a person skilled in the art when performing the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more detailed understanding ofthe present invention and its objects and advantages,reference is made to the following detailed description which should be read together withthe accompanying drawings. Same reference numbers refer to same components in the different figures. ln the following, Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic way, a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention; 6Fig. 2a-d show, in schematic examples, how a vehicle can be operated in connexion to the present invention; Fig. 3a-e show, in a schematic way, examples of how a vehicle could be physically connected to a charging station according to the present invention; Fig. 4 shows, in a schematic way, a system which can be used in a vehicle according to one embodiment ofthe present invention; Fig. 5 shows, in a schematic way, a flow chart over an example of a method according to the present invention; and Fig. 6 shows, in a schematic way, a device which can be used in connexion with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 1 shows a side view of a vehicle 100. ln the shown example, the vehicle 100 is a bus. lnone example the vehicle 100 is a heavy vehicle such as a truck. The vehicle 100 can be anyother kind of vehicle such as a passenger car, for example a so-called sport utility vehicle, SUV,a terrain vehicle, a sports car, or any other kind of passenger car. The vehicle 100 comprises a system 299, se Fig. 4.

The vehicle is a plug-in electrical vehicle, such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, PHEV, or abattery electrical vehicle, BEV. ln the following only the expression vehicle will be used, but itshould be understood that this expression in this disclosure relates to a plug-in electricalvehicle. lt should also be understood that the term ”plug-in” in connexion to the presentdisclosure should be treated in a narrow sense. Thus, the term relates to actually physicallyconnecting the vehicle with a charging station when charging the vehicle. Thus, inductivecharging without physically connecting the vehicle to the charging station should not be treated as a plug-in vehicle in relation to this disclosure.

The vehicle 100 comprises a vehicle body 110. The vehicle comprises a chassis. ln the followingthe description will only refer to the vehicle body. lt should, however, be understood that everything discussed in relation to the vehicle body evenly applies to the chassis. The vehicle 7further comprises at least two axles and wheels attached to them. The vehicle 100 can stand or travel on a ground 120, such as a road, a parking place, a garage ground, or the like.

The vehicle 100 in Fig. 1 is depicted with two axles. However, a vehicle according to thepresent disclosure can have any larger number of axles as well. ln the following, the principlewill explained in relation to a two-axle vehicle, but the idea of the present disclosure can easily be adapted to any larger number of axles.

Here, and in the whole document, the term ”axle” refers to the line connecting a transversepair of wheels. Thus, the term ”axle” relates to a transverse axis of the vehicle. As aconsequence, the term ”axle” does not necessarily require a physical axle between a pair of wheels.

The term ”link” refers herein to a communication link which may be a physical connectionsuch as an opto-electronic communication line, or a non-physical connection such as a wireless connection, e.g. a radio link or microwave link.

Fig. 4 shows, in a schematic way, a system 299 which can be used in connexion with a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The system 299 comprises four wheels 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d. A first wheel 210a and a thirdwheel 210c are arranged on a first side of the vehicle. A second wheel 210b and a fourthwheel 210d are arranged at a second side of the vehicle. The second side is opposed the firstside. The first wheel 210a and the second wheel are connected by a first axle 215a. The third wheel 210c and the fourth wheel 210d are connected by a second axle 215b. ln principle, the first and/or the second axle 215a, 215b can have more than two wheels. lnone embodiment more than two axles are arranged at the vehicle. ln one embodiment, atleast one of the first or the second axle 215a, 215b is a physical axle. ln one example, at leastone of the first or the second axle 215a, 215b, is no physical axle but only an axis. Especially when using independent wheel suspension for a vehicle a physical axle might be dispensed.

The system 299 comprises four suspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d. A first and a second suspension system 240a, 240b are arranged at the first axle 215a. A third and a fourth 8suspension system 240c, 240d are arranged at the second axle 215b. Each of the foursuspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d is arranged to allow changing the distancebetween the vehicle body and the ground. This changing will at first hand change the distancebetween the vehicle body and the ground at the place of the axle where the correspondingsuspension system is arranged. However, since the vehicle body in general is a rigid body, sucha changing will usually also affect the distance between the vehicle body and the ground at at least some other place of the vehicle body. ln one embodiment said four suspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d are air suspensionsystems. ln one embodiment said four suspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d aresuspension systems which mechanically can lift the vehicle body in relation to the ground. lnone embodiment said four suspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d are suspensionsystems which can lift the vehicle body in relation to the ground based on a control of thecorresponding suspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d. Said control can be an activecontrol. There are many examples known in the art regarding how to construct a suspensionsystem which can lift the vehicle body in relation to the ground based on a control of thecorresponding suspension systems. Therefore, the possible embodiments of suchconstructions of suspension systems are not discussed here any further. When referring tolifting here it should be understood that the suspension systems equally can lower the vehicle body.

Any of the four suspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d can be arranged to provide akneeling function for the vehicle. Such suspension systems are also well known in the art andthus not described here any further. lt should be noted that the system 299 can comprise anyhigher or lower number of suspension systems for providing a kneeling function and/or forallowing changing the distance between the vehicle body and the ground at at least one axle of the vehicle.

Examples of functionalities which can be provided by said four suspension systems areschematically depicted in Fig. 2a-2d. ln Fig. 2a the vehicle body is lifted by the suspensionsystem in relation to the ground. ln Fig. 2b the vehicle body is lowered by the suspensionsystem in relation to the ground. ln Fig. 2c the vehicle body is lifted by the suspension system at the rear axle in relation to the ground and lowered at the front axle. ln Fig. 2d the vehicle 9body is lifted by the suspension system at the front axle in relation to the ground and loweredat the rear axle. Even other examples are possible, such as only lifting or lowering at one axleand keeping the distance constant at the other axle. Another example is to lift or lower thevehicle body on one side of the vehicle. ln one example, several of the above examples can be combined for changing the distance between the vehicle body and the ground.

The system 299 further comprises a first control unit 200. Said first control unit 200 isarranged to control operation of each of said four suspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d.Said first control unit 200 is arranged for communication with each of said four suspensionsystems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d via a corresponding link L240a, L240b, L240c, L240d. Said firstcontrol unit 200 is arranged to receive information from each of said four suspension systems240a, 240b, 240c, 240d. ln one example, said first control unit 200 is arranged to control only asubset of said four suspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d, such as only one, two, or threeout of said four suspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d. Whenever referring to asuspension system or to four suspension systems in this disclosure it should be noted thatnumber of suspension systems within the scope of this disclosure easily can be adapted to any number of suspension systems suitable for a vehicle.

The system 299 comprises a gearbox 220. The gearbox 220 can be any suitable gearbox for avehicle. Said first control unit 200 is arranged to control operation of said gearbox 220. Saidfirst control unit 200 is arranged for communication with said gearbox 220 via a link L220. Saidfirst control unit 200 is arranged to receive information from said gearbox 220. Said firstcontrol unit 200 can be arranged to lock the gearbox, for example in the neutral position. Saidlocking may comprise preventing an operator of the vehicle to perform any operations on the gearbox.

The system 299 comprises a parking brake 230. The parking brake 230 can be any suitableparking brake for a vehicle, for example an electric parking brake. Said first control unit 200 isarranged to control operation of said parking brake 230. Said first control unit 200 is arrangedfor communication with said parking brake 230 via a link L230. Said first control unit 200 isarranged to receive information from said parking brake 230. Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to lock the parking brake 230, preferably in its braking state. Said locking may comprise putting the parking brake in a state so that it prevents rotary movement of at least one of the wheels 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d of the vehicle.

The system 299 comprises vehicle positioning means 250. Said vehicle positioning means 250are arranged to support positioning of the vehicle, especially in relation to a charging station.ln one example said means 250 support autonomous positioning of the vehicle. ln oneexample said means provide autonomous positioning of the vehicle. ln one example saidmeans 250 comprise a GPS-receiver, or a receiver of any other global navigation satellitesystem, GNSS. ln one example said means 250 comprises at least one laser system. ln oneexample said means 250 comprises at least one radar system. ln one example said means 250comprise a camera system. ln one example said means 250 comprises at least one road sensorsystem. As an example, the means 250 can be arranged to roughly position the vehicle withthe help of a GPS system and then to exactly position the vehicle with the help of laser, radar,camera, and/or road sensor, especially in relation to a charging station. lt is known in the arthow to construct systems for exactly positioning a vehicle. The means 250 can be arranged tosupport positioning of the vehicle operated by the driver. The means 250 can be arranged to provide a positioning of the vehicle in a completely autonomous way.

Said first control unit 200 is arranged to control operation of said means 250. Said first controlunit 200 is arranged for communication with said means 250 via a link L250. Said first controlunit 200 is arranged to receive information from said means 250. The above describedfunctionality of the means 250 can be provided by the means 250 alone or in combinationwith the first control unit 200. ln one example the first control unit 200 operates an engine ofthe vehicle (not shown) for providing an autonomous positioning of the vehicle in relation to a charging station.

The system 299 can comprise load detection means 260. Said load detection means 260 arearranged to detect a load of the vehicle. Said means 260 can comprise at least one weightsensor. Said means 260 can comprise at least one pressure sensor. ln principle, said means260 can comprise any arrangement to detect the load of the vehicle. Said first control unit 200is arranged to control operation of said means 260. Said first control unit 200 is arranged forcommunication with said means 260 via a link L260. Said first control unit 200 is arranged to receive information from said means 260. 11Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to compensate changes in the load of the vehicle sothat the vehicle basically is not changing its position. Said first control unit 200 can bearranged to perform said compensation during a charging procedure of the vehicle. ln oneexample said first control unit 200 is arranged to receive information regarding changes in theload of the vehicle from said means 260. Said information regarding changes in the load of thevehicle can comprise information regarding changes of the weight of the load. Saidinformation regarding changes in the load of the vehicle can comprise information regarding adistribution of the load. Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to perform saidcompensation by controlling the four suspension systems 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d. As anexample, said controlling unit can be arranged to control the air pressure in an air suspensionsystem so that the controlled air pressure compensates for movements of the vehicle, or especially the vehicle body, due to load changes.

As an example, this might be especially helpful in case a charging of a bus is performed whileat the same time people may enter or leave the bus. Likewise, a loading or unloading of a truck might be performed while the truck is charged.

The first control unit 200 can be arranged to lock operation of the vehicle so that it basicallycannot move. Said locking can be performed by controlling the operation of the gearbox 220,and/or the parking brake 230 as described before. Said locking can comprise controllingoperation of at least one service brake (not shown in the figure). Said locking can comprisepreventing an operator of the vehicle from performing one or several functions of the vehicle,such as changing a state of kneeling, changing a state of the suspension system, changing thedistance between the vehicle body and the ground or the like. Said locking can comprise alocking of the operation of the vehicle so that it basically cannot move in any of three dimensions.

The system 299 comprises a battery 280. Said battery 280 is chargeable. Said battery 280 canbe arranged to provide power to any of the functions and/or elements of the vehicle. ln oneexample the battery 280 is arranged to provide power to an engine of the vehicle (not shown).Said first control unit 200 is arranged to control operation of said battery 280. Said first control unit 200 is arranged for communication with said battery 280 via a link L280. Said first control 12unit 200 is arranged to receive information from said battery 280, for example information regarding a charging state and/or a charging level of the battery 280.

The system 299 comprises a charging adapter 290. Said charging adapter 290 is arranged toprovide a charging functionality of the vehicle. Said charging adapter 290 is arranged to bephysically connected to a corresponding adapter 291 of a charging station. ln one example,said charging adapter 290 has four contact pins. ln one example, two of the contact pins arearranged to transmit current from the charging station through the adapter 290 to the battery280 of the vehicle. ln one example, one contact pin is arranged for grounding the chargingarrangement. ln one example, one contact pin is arranged for communication between thecharging station and the vehicle. However, the communication can also be provided wireless, in which case one contact pin can be dispensed with.

The system 299 comprises a communication arrangement 295. Said communicationarrangement 295 is arranged to communicate with the charging station. Thus thecommunication arrangement 295 can provide a communication between the vehicle and thecharging station. Said first control unit 200 is arranged to control operation of saidcommunication arrangement 295. Said first control unit 200 is arranged for communicationwith said communication arrangement 295 via a link L295. Said first control unit 200 is arranged to receive information from said communication arrangement 295.

Said communication between the vehicle and the charging station can comprisecommunication regarding when a charging of the vehicle should start. Said communicationbetween the vehicle and the charging station can comprise communication regarding when acharging of the vehicle should stop. ln one example, a charging is started when a physicalconnection between the vehicle and the charging station is detected. ln one example, a charging is started when the battery 280 is below a certain charging level.

Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to stop or finish charging once a certain charginglevel of the battery 280 has been reached and/or once a certain charging time has passed.Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to receive input from an operator of the vehiclethrough a human machine interface, HMI. Said input from the operator can relate to a command from the operator that the charging should be stopped. 13Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to release any of the locking operation ofcomponents of the vehicle after the charging of the vehicle is finished. By that the vehicle will become fully operational again.

Said charging adapter 290 is preferably not movable in relation to the vehicle body. Thisprevents the need of performing other movements except a kneeling function and/or achanging of the distance between the vehicle body and the ground at at least one axle of thevehicle while physically connecting the vehicle to the charging station. When no moving of thecharging adapter 290 is possible in relation to the vehicle body, ice or snow cannot prevent amovement between the charging adapter and the vehicle body. The charging adapter 290 ispreferably arranged closed to the front or the rear of the vehicle body. ln one example thecharging adapter is arranged at the roof of the vehicle. ln one example the charging adapter is arranged below the vehicle body. This will be explained in more detail in relation to Fig. 3.

A second control unit 205 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via alink L205 and may be detachably connected to it. lt may be a control unit external to thevehicle 100. lt may be adapted to conducting the innovative method steps according to theinvention. The second control unit 205 may be arranged to perform the inventive methodsteps according to the invention. lt may be used to cross-load software to the first control unit200, particularly software for conducting the innovative method. lt may alternatively bearranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via an internal network on boardthe vehicle. lt may be adapted to performing substantially the same functions as the firstcontrol unit 200, such as controlling any of the elements of the system 299. The innovativemethod may be conducted by the first control unit 200 or the second control unit 205, or by both of them.

Fig. 3a-e show, in a schematic way, examples of how a vehicle could be physically connectedto a charging station according to the present invention. Fig. 3a-c depict a section of thevehicle body and one wheel ofthe vehicle. The depicted section is in one example the lowerrear side ofthe vehicle. The depicted section is in one example the lower front side of thevehicle. A charging adapter 290 is preferably placed close to the rear or the front end of the vehicle body. Fig. 3a depicts a situation comparable to Fig. 1, where the vehicle is in its normal 14 driving state regarding the state ofthe suspension system/kneeling function. Fig. 3a alsodepicts a corresponding adapter 291 at the charging station. ln the shown example, thecorresponding adapter 291 is placed in the ground. According to one example the suspensionsystem can be operated so that the vehicle body is lowered so that the charging adapter 290gets physically connected to the corresponding adapter 291 at the charging station. Thissituation is depicted in Fig. 3c. ln one example the suspension system is operated in such away that the distance between the vehicle body and the ground is changed at one axle. Such a changing can include a lowering and/or a lifting at one axle.

At a bus, the distance between the axle and the rear or front end ofthe vehicle body is oftenseveral metres. Thus even a moderate lifting or lowering ofthe distance between the vehiclebody and the ground at one axle of the vehicle might be enough to connect the chargingadapter 290 to the corresponding adapter at the ground 291. Such a situation is depicted inFig. 3b. ln practice, the angle between the vehicle body and the ground will likely be smaller than the angle of Fig. 3b.

Another example is depicted in Fig. 3d and Fig. 3e, where the charging adapter is placed onthe roof of the vehicle. The charging station with the corresponding adapter 291 is situatedabove the vehicle. ln Fig. 3d the vehicle is shown in a non-charging position. ln Fig. 3e thevehicle is shown in a position where the charging adapter 290 ofthe vehicle and the corresponding adapter 291 of the charging station are physically connected. ln alternative embodiments (not shown in the figures) the charging adapter can be placed atthe front or the rear side ofthe vehicle body. As can be seen in the figures, a kneeling ofthevehicle will also move the upper and/or lower side of the front or rear side backwards orforwards, respectively. This movement can be used to physically connect the charging adapterof the vehicle to the corresponding adapter of the charging station. ln a similar manner, thecharging adapter could also be placed at the left or right side ofthe vehicle body. As has beendiscussed before, it should be emphasized that what has been discussed to the vehicle bodyevenly applies to the chassis. Thus, in one example the adapter is placed at the chassis instead of the vehicle body.

Fig. 5 shows, in a schematic way, a flow chart over an example of a method 300 for charging aplug-in electrical vehicle according to the present invention. lt should be understood that themethod 300 can comprise any ofthe functions described in relation to elements ofthe system299 in Fig. 4. ln a corresponding way, elements ofthe system 299 can be arranged to perform any of the functions or steps described in relation to the method 300.

The method 300 starts with a step 310 of positioning the vehicle at a pre-determined positionin relation to a charging station. Said positioning can be performed autonomously by thevehicle. Said positioning can be performed via automatically controlling the engine and/or thesteering of the vehicle. This can be performed with the help of the means 250. The method continues with step 320.

Step 320 comprises physically connecting the vehicle to a charging station via using a kneelingfunction and/or via changing the distance between the vehicle body and the ground at at leastone axle of the vehicle. Step 320 can comprise operating the suspension system of the vehicle.Step 320 can comprise any of the operations described in relation to Fig. 2 or Fig. 3. Step 320can comprise operating an air suspension system at at least one axle of the vehicle. Saidconnecting can comprise assuring that at least one pin and/or recess of a charging adapter atthe vehicle is positioned at a corresponding at least one recess/pin of the correspondingadapter of the charging station. Preferably no other movements except a kneeling functionand/or a changing of the distance between the vehicle body and the ground at at least oneaxle of the vehicle are performed to physically connecting the vehicle to the charging station.

The method continues with step 330. ln step 330 the vehicle is locked in its operation so that it basically cannot move. The termbasically not moving relates to the fact that a move of one or a few millimetres oftenpractically cannot be prevented, where such small movements can, for example, be caused bywind or storm attacking the vehicle or by changes in the load of the vehicle. Preferably, saidlocking comprises a locking of the operation of the vehicle so that it basically cannot move in any of three dimensions.

Step 330 can comprise locking a gearbox of the vehicle, for example in its neutral position. Thiswill prevent that an operator of the vehicle can use an engine of the vehicle to move the vehicle. 16Step 330 can comprise locking a parking brake of the vehicle. This will prevent an operator ofthe vehicle to release the parking brake, which would risk that the vehicle moves in case it is positioned on a slope ground or in case it will be exhibited by an impulse from another object.

Step 330 can comprise locking a kneeling function and/or a function for changing the distancebetween the vehicle body and the ground at at least one axle of the vehicle. This will preventthe operator from activating a function which can change the distance between the vehicle body and the ground.

Step 330 will prevent a movement of the vehicle and thus prevent that this move willdisconnect the charging adapter from the corresponding adapter of the charging station. Thus,an interruption of the charging process can be prevented. Also a damaging of the chargingadapter and/or the corresponding adapter at the charging station can be prevented. The method continues with step 340.

Step 340 comprises charging the vehicle. Said charging comprises transferring power from thecharging station to the battery of the vehicle. This can be performed by any known suitable charging procedure known in the art.

During step 340 an optional step 350 can be performed. Step 350 comprises compensatingchanges in the load of the vehicle so that the vehicle basically is not changing its position. Thiscompensating can be achieved by controlling the suspension system of a vehicle. This hasbeen described in more detail in relation to Fig. 4. The compensating prevents the vehiclefrom moving in case the vehicle is loaded, in case passengers enter the vehicle, or in case theload is moved/passengers are moving inside the vehicle. Step 350 can be performed already before step 340 has started and/or after step 340 has finished.

The method continues with step 360. ln step 360 said locking is released after the charging ofthe vehicle is finished. Conditions which can indicate that the charging is finished have beendiscussed in relation to Fig. 4. Said releasing of the locking allows a physical disconnectionbetween the charging adapter and the corresponding adapter at the charging station. ln oneexample said an automatic disconnection is performed after the charging is finished. Said automatic disconnection can comprise using a kneeling function and/or changing the distance 17between the vehicle body and the ground at at least one axle of the vehicle. The method ends after step 360. lt should be noted that the method does not necessarily have to be performed in the strictorder described here. As an example, some parts or all parts of step 330 locking can beperformed already during or before step 320. Thus, the above described order is only providedfor explaining the idea of the invention. However, modifications of the order within the wording ofthe claims will be easily possible for a person skilled in the art.

Figure 6 is a diagram of one version of a device 500. The control units 200 and 205 describedwith reference to Figure 4 may in one version comprise the device 500. The device 500comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing unit 510 and a read/write memory550. The non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory element 530 in which a computerprogram, e.g. an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of the device 500. Thedevice 500 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O means, an A/Dconverter, a time and date input and transfer unit, an event counter and an interruptioncontroller (not depicted). The non-volatile memory 520 has also a second memory element 540.The computer program comprises routines for charging a plug-in electrical vehicle.

The computer program P may comprise routines positioning the vehicle at a pre-determinedposition in relation to a charging station. This may at least partly be performed by means ofsaid first control unit 200 controlling operation of an engine of the vehicle. The computerprogram P may comprise routines for physically connecting the vehicle to a charging stationvia using a kneeling function and/or via changing the distance between the vehicle body andthe ground at at least one axle of the vehicle. This may at least partly be performed by means of said first control unit 200 controlling operation of a suspension system ofthe vehicle.

The computer program P may comprise routines for locking operation of the vehicle so that itbasically cannot move. This may at least partly be performed by means of said first controlunit 200 controlling the gearbox 220 and/or the parking brake 230 and/or a suspension system of the vehicle. 18The program P may be stored in an executable form or in compressed form in a memory 560 and/or in a read/write memory 550.

Where it is stated that the data processing unit 510 performs a certain function, it means thatit conducts a certain part of the program which is stored in the memory 560 or a certain part of the program which is stored in the read/write memory 550.

The data processing device 510 can communicate with a data port 599 via a data bus 515. Thenon-volatile memory 520 is intended for communication with the data processing unit 510 viaa data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is intended to communicate with the dataprocessing unit via a data bus 511. The read/write memory 550 is arranged to communicatewith the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 514. The links L205, L220, L230, L240a-L240d,L250, L260, L270, L280, and L295, for example, may be connected to the data port 599 (seeFigure 4).

When data are received on the data port 599, they can be stored temporarily in the secondmemory element 540. When input data received have been temporarily stored, the data processing unit 510 can be prepared to conduct code execution as described above.

Parts of the methods herein described may be conducted by the device 500 by means of thedata processing unit 510 which runs the program stored in the memory 560 or the read/write memory 550. When the device 500 runs the program, methods herein described are executed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention is providedfor i||ustrative and descriptive purposes. lt is neither intended to be exhaustive, nor to limitthe invention to the variants described. Many modifications and variations will obviouslysuggest themselves to one skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen anddescribed in order to best explain the principles of the invention and their practicalapplications and thereby make it possible for one skilled in the art to understand the inventionfor different embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended USS. lt should especially be noted that the system according to the present disclosure can be arranged to perform any of the steps or actions described in relation to the method 300. lt 19should also be understood that the method according to the present disclosure can furthercomprise any of the actions attributed to an element of the engine system 299 described in relation to Fig. 4. The same applies to the computer program and the computer program product.

Claims

CLAll\/IS

1. A method (300) for charging a plug-in electrical vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: - positioning (310) the vehicle at a pre-determined position in relation to acharging station; - physically connecting (320) the vehicle to a charging station via using a kneelingfunction and/or via changing the distance between the vehicle body and/or thechassis and the ground at at least one axle of the vehicle; - locking (330) operation of the vehicle so that it basically cannot move; and - charging (340) the vehicle. The method according to the previous claim, wherein the plug-in electrical vehicle isa plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or a battery electrical vehicle. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, further comprising the stepof releasing (360) said locking after the charging of the vehicle is finished. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said lockingcomprises a locking of the operation of the vehicle so that it basically cannot move inany of three dimensions. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said lockingcomprises locking a gearbox of the vehicle in its neutral position. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said lockingcomprises locking a parking brake ofthe vehicle. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said lockingcomprises locking of a kneeling function and/or a function for changing the distancebetween the vehicle body and/or the chassis and the ground at at least one axle ofthe vehicle. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said changing ofthe distance between the vehicle body and/or the chassis and the ground at at leastone axle comprises operating an air suspension system at said at least one axle. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein no other movements except a kneeling function and/or a changing of the distance between 10. 11. 1

2. 1

3. 1

4. 21the vehicle body and/or the chassis and the ground at at least one axle of the vehicleare performed to physically connecting the vehicle to the charging station.The method according to anyone of the previous claims, further comprising the stepof: - compensating (350), during charging, changes in the load of the vehicle so thatthe vehicle basically is not changing its position. A plug-in electrical vehicle (100), comprising: - means (200, 250) for positioning the vehicle at a pre-determined position inrelation to a charging station; - means (200, 240a-240d) for physically connecting the vehicle to a chargingstation via using a kneeling function and/or via changing the distance betweenthe vehicle body and/or the chassis and the ground at at least one axle of thevehicle; - means (200, 220, 230, 240a-240d) for locking operation of the vehicle so that itbasically cannot move. The vehicle according to the previous claim, wherein the plug-in electrical vehicle is aplug-in hybrid electric vehicle or a battery electrical vehicle. A computer program (P) for charging a plug-in electrical vehicle, wherein saidcomputer program (P) comprises program code for causing an electronic control unit(200; 500) or a computer (205; 500) connected to the electronic control unit (200;500) to perform the steps according to anyone ofthe claims 1-10. A computer program product containing a program code stored on a computer-readable medium for performing method steps according to anyone of claims 1-10,when said computer program is run on an electronic control unit (200; 500) or a computer (205; 500) connected to the electronic control unit (200; 500).