US20220051492A1 - Customizable charge status indicator systems - Google Patents
Customizable charge status indicator systems Download PDFInfo
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- US20220051492A1 US20220051492A1 US16/993,645 US202016993645A US2022051492A1 US 20220051492 A1 US20220051492 A1 US 20220051492A1 US 202016993645 A US202016993645 A US 202016993645A US 2022051492 A1 US2022051492 A1 US 2022051492A1
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- status indicator
- lighting module
- charge
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- charge status
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/0047—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with monitoring or indicating devices or circuits
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C5/00—Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
- G07C5/08—Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle or waiting time
- G07C5/0816—Indicating performance data, e.g. occurrence of a malfunction
- G07C5/0825—Indicating performance data, e.g. occurrence of a malfunction using optical means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
- B60L53/10—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles characterised by the energy transfer between the charging station and the vehicle
- B60L53/14—Conductive energy transfer
- B60L53/16—Connectors, e.g. plugs or sockets, specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/30—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for compartments other than passenger or driving compartments, e.g. luggage or engine compartments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/003—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V3/00—Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses
- F21V3/02—Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses characterised by the shape
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V3/00—Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses
- F21V3/04—Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses characterised by materials, surface treatments or coatings
- F21V3/06—Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses characterised by materials, surface treatments or coatings characterised by the material
- F21V3/062—Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses characterised by materials, surface treatments or coatings characterised by the material the material being plastics
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/36—Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
- G01R31/3644—Constructional arrangements
- G01R31/3646—Constructional arrangements for indicating electrical conditions or variables, e.g. visual or audible indicators
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C5/00—Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
- G07C5/08—Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle or waiting time
- G07C5/0816—Indicating performance data, e.g. occurrence of a malfunction
- G07C5/0833—Indicating performance data, e.g. occurrence of a malfunction using audio means
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
- H02J7/0045—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2250/00—Driver interactions
- B60L2250/16—Driver interactions by display
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
- B60L53/30—Constructional details of charging stations
- B60L53/305—Communication interfaces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
- B60L58/10—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2113/00—Combination of light sources
- F21Y2113/10—Combination of light sources of different colours
- F21Y2113/13—Combination of light sources of different colours comprising an assembly of point-like light sources
- F21Y2113/17—Combination of light sources of different colours comprising an assembly of point-like light sources forming a single encapsulated light source
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/0047—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with monitoring or indicating devices or circuits
- H02J7/0048—Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/70—Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/7072—Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02T90/10—Technologies relating to charging of electric vehicles
- Y02T90/14—Plug-in electric vehicles
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02T90/10—Technologies relating to charging of electric vehicles
- Y02T90/16—Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to electrified vehicles, and more particularly to customizable charge status indicator systems for electrified vehicle charge port assemblies.
- Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because they are selectively driven by one or more traction battery pack powered electric machines.
- the electric machines can propel the electrified vehicles instead of, or in combination with, an internal combustion engine.
- Some electrified vehicles such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), include a charge port that is connectable to a charger for charging the traction battery pack.
- the charge port may include an indicator for indicating a charge status.
- a charge status indicator system includes, among other things, a charge port lighting module and a human machine interface (HMI) that includes a user interface configured to receive an input of a customized lighting effect of the charge port lighting module.
- HMI human machine interface
- the charge port lighting module includes one or more plastic indicator lenses, one or more light sources, and a printed circuit board (PCB).
- PCB printed circuit board
- the one or more plastic indicator lenses establishes an indicator ring.
- the one or more light sources is a multi-colored light emitting diode (LED).
- the customized lighting effect includes a custom color.
- the customized lighting effect includes a custom pattern.
- the customized lighting effect includes a lighting effect that is synchronized to an audio file.
- the customized lighting effect is a night vision mode lighting effect.
- the user interface includes a touch screen toggle or drop down menu.
- the HMI includes a second user interface configured to receive a second input of a second customized lighting effect of the charge port lighting module, and a third user interface configured to receive a third input of a third customized lighting effect of the charge port lighting module.
- a controller is configured to command the charge port lighting module to emit the customized lighting effect in response to receiving an input signal from the HMI.
- the controller is a local interconnect network (LIN) microcontroller operably connected to the HMI and a printed circuit board (PCB) of the charge port lighting module.
- LIN local interconnect network
- PCB printed circuit board
- An electrified vehicle includes, among other things, a charge port assembly including a port and a charge status indicator system including a lighting module located near the port, a human machine interface (HMI), and a controller operably connected to each of the lighting module and the HMI.
- the HMI is configured to receive a plurality of inputs for customizing various lighting effects emitted from the lighting module.
- the controller is configured to control the lighting module to emit customized lighting effects in response to receiving an input signal from the HMI.
- the lighting module includes an indicator ring that circumscribes the port.
- the lighting module includes an indicator ring that circumscribes a charger unlock button that is located adjacent to the port.
- the plurality of inputs include a first input related to a lighting effect color and a second input related to a lighting effect pattern.
- the plurality of inputs include a third input related to a lighting effect synchronized to an audio file.
- the plurality of inputs includes a fourth input related to a night vision mode of the lighting module.
- the lighting module includes one or more plastic indicator lenses, one or more light sources, and a printed circuit board (PCB).
- PCB printed circuit board
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an electrified vehicle equipped with a charge port assembly.
- FIG. 2 is a blown-up view of the charge port assembly of the electrified vehicle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary charge status indicator system of a vehicle charge port assembly.
- FIG. 4 schematically illustrates another exemplary charge status indicator system of a vehicle charge port assembly.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through a section of an indicator ring of a charge status indicator system.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary user interface of a human machine interface.
- the user interface can be used to customize a setting associated with a charge status indicator system for a vehicle charge port assembly.
- FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a control strategy for controlling a lighting module of a charge status indicator system in response to receiving an input of the customized setting entered into the user interface of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary user interface of a human machine interface.
- the user interface can be used to customize an additional setting associated with a charge status indicator system for a vehicle charge port assembly.
- FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a control strategy for controlling a lighting module of a charge status indicator system in response to receiving an input of the customized setting entered into the user interface of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary user interface of a human machine interface.
- the user interface can be used to customize an additional setting associated with a charge status indicator system for a vehicle charge port assembly.
- FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a control strategy for controlling a lighting module of a charge status indicator system in response to receiving an input of the customized setting entered into the user interface of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates another exemplary user interface of a human machine interface.
- the user interface can be used to customize an additional setting associated with a charge status indicator system for a vehicle charge port assembly.
- FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a control strategy for controlling a lighting module of a charge status indicator system in response to receiving an input of the customized setting entered into the user interface of FIG. 12 .
- exemplary charge status indicator systems may include a charge port lighting module, and a human machine interface (HMI) that includes various user interfaces configured for receiving inputs for customizing different lighting effects that can be emitted by the charge port lighting module.
- HMI human machine interface
- the charge status indicator systems may further include a controller operably coupled to both the charge port lighting module and the HMI and configured for commanding the charge port lighting module to emit customized lighting effects in response to receiving input signals from the HMI.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary electrified vehicle 10 that includes a traction battery pack 12 .
- the electrified vehicle 10 may include any electrified powertrain capable of applying a torque from an electric machine for driving drive wheels 14 of the electrified vehicle 10 .
- the electrified vehicle 10 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
- the electrified vehicle is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Therefore, the powertrain may electrically propel the drive wheels 14 either with or without the assistance of an internal combustion engine.
- PHEV plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
- BEV battery electric vehicle
- the electrified vehicle 10 of FIGS. 1-2 is schematically illustrated as a car.
- teachings of this disclosure may be applicable to any type of vehicle, including but not limited to, cars, trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), etc.
- SUVs sport utility vehicles
- the traction battery pack 12 may be a high voltage traction battery pack that includes a plurality of battery arrays 16 (i.e., battery assemblies or groupings of battery cells) capable of outputting electrical power to one or more electric machines of the electrified vehicle 10 .
- battery arrays 16 i.e., battery assemblies or groupings of battery cells
- Other types of energy storage devices and/or output devices can also be used to electrically power the electrified vehicle 10 .
- the electrified vehicle 10 may therefore be equipped with a charge port assembly 18 (sometimes referred to as a vehicle inlet assembly) for charging the energy storage devices (e.g., battery cells) of the traction battery pack 12 .
- a charger 20 (sometimes referred to as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)) can be coupled to the charge port assembly 18 to charge the traction battery pack 12 of the electrified vehicle 10 from an external power source 22 .
- the external power source 22 includes utility grid power.
- the external power source 22 includes an alternative energy source, such as solar power, wind power, etc.
- the external power source 22 includes a combination of utility grid power and alternative energy sources.
- the external power source 22 may be located at a home of the user, a public charging station, etc.
- the charge port assembly 18 may include a charge port door 24 that is closed during typical operation of the electrified vehicle 10 .
- the charge port door 24 can move from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 to the open position shown in FIG. 2 .
- a user can then couple the charger 20 to the charge port assembly 18 so that power from the external power source 22 can be provided to the traction battery pack 12 of the electrified vehicle 10 for charging the battery cells contained therein.
- the exemplary charge port assembly 18 may include one or more ports configured to receive AC power from the external power source 22 .
- the charge port assembly 18 includes one or more ports configured to receive DC power from the external power source 22 .
- the charge port assembly includes a combined AC/DC charge port that is configured to receive AC power, DC power, or both from the external power source 22 .
- the charger 20 may thus be configured to provide any level of charging (e.g., level 1 , level 2 , DC, etc.).
- the charge port assembly 18 may additionally be equipped with a charge status indicator system 26 for conveying various charging-related information to a user when the charger 20 is coupled to the charge port assembly 18 .
- the user may desire to customize certain settings associated with the charge status indicator system 26 .
- This disclosure therefore describes customizable charge status indicator systems 26 that can be customized to suit a user's own personal styling preferences.
- an exemplary charge status indicator system 26 of a charge port assembly 18 may include a lighting module 28 , a human machine interface (HMI) 30 , and a controller 32 that is operably coupled to each of the lighting module 28 and the HMI 30 .
- the controller 32 may receive various inputs (e.g., signals) from the HMI 30 for customizing various aspects of the visually distinctive lighting effects that can be emitted by the lighting module 28 in order to convey various charging-related information (e.g., charging level, charging type, charging faults, charging complete, etc.) to a user.
- the various lighting effects of the lighting module 28 may be customized in terms of color, pattern, brightness, speed of illumination, length of illumination, etc.
- the lighting module 28 may include an indicator ring 34 supported relative to a housing 36 of the charge port assembly 18 .
- the indicator ring 34 is positioned adjacent to a port 38 of the charge port assembly 18 and extends circumferentially about a perimeter of a charger unlock button 40 (see FIG. 3 ), which can be pressed by an authorized user to unlock the charger 20 from the port 38 .
- the indicator ring 34 is distributed circumferentially about a periphery of the port 38 of the charge port assembly 18 (see FIG. 5 ).
- the lighting module 28 may include one or more plastic indicator lenses 42 , one or more light sources 44 , and a printed circuit board (PCB) 46 .
- the plastic indicator lenses 42 may be arranged relative to one another to establish the indicator ring 34 .
- the plastic indicator lenses 42 may be light permeable to allow light L from the light sources 44 to escape from the inside to the outside of the lighting module 28 for conveying various charging-related information to the user.
- Each light source 44 may be a light emitting diode (LED).
- each light source 44 is a multi-colored LED, such as a Red, Green, Blue (RGB) LED, for example.
- RGB Red, Green, Blue
- Other light sources could also be utilized within the scope of this disclosure.
- the light sources 44 may be arranged on the PCB 46 , which may be disposed inside the housing 36 of the charge port assembly 18 .
- the PCB 46 of lighting module 28 may be operably connected to the controller 32 and includes control circuitry including LED driver circuitry for controlling activation and deactivation of the light sources 44 in response to commands from the controller 32 .
- the total numbers of the plastic indicator lenses 42 and the light sources 44 provided within the lighting module 28 may vary and is design dependent.
- the lighting module 28 includes a sufficient number of light sources 44 for allowing users to visualize the combination of lighting effects emitted therefrom during both daytime conditions and nighttime conditions.
- the controller 32 can selectively activate each light source 44 of the lighting module 28 to cause the light sources 44 to emit light through the plastic indicator lenses 42 for conveying charging-related information to the user.
- the number of plastic indicator lenses 42 illuminated by the controller 32 can correspond generally to a state of charge (SOC) of the traction battery pack 12 .
- the indicator ring 34 of the lighting module 28 includes five plastic indicator lenses 42 . If the state of charge of the traction battery pack 12 of the electrified vehicle 10 is approximately 40%, the controller 32 activates light sources 44 associated with two of the five plastic indicator lenses 42 , or 40% of the plastic indicator lenses 42 . The user observing the indicator ring 34 would understand that, because two of the five plastic indicator lenses 42 are illuminated, the SOC of the traction battery pack 12 is approximately 40%.
- the controller 32 is a local interconnect network (LIN) microcontroller.
- LIN is a communication protocol utilized to communicate between components of vehicles.
- the LIN protocol can communicate utilizing LIN messages (signals).
- the controller 32 can transmit a LIN message along paths P 1 -P 5 to activate or deactivate the light sources 44 associated with each of the plastic indicator lenses 42 .
- the controller 32 may include a processing unit 48 and non-transitory memory 50 for executing the various control strategies of the charge status indicator system 26 .
- the processing unit 48 can be programmed to execute one or more programs stored in the memory 50 .
- the program may be stored in the memory 50 as software code, for example.
- the program stored in the memory 50 may include one or more additional or separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions associated with the charge status indicator system 26 .
- the processing unit 48 can be a custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or generally any device for executing software instructions.
- the memory 50 can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements and/or nonvolatile memory elements.
- the HMI 30 may be provided within a passenger cabin 52 of the electrified vehicle 10 .
- the HMI 30 may include various user interfaces for displaying information to the vehicle user and for allowing the vehicle user to enter information into the HMI 30 .
- the user may interact with the user interfaces via various touch screens, tactile buttons, audible speech, speech synthesis, etc., or any combination of such input devices.
- the HMI 30 enables the user to customize various settings associated with the charge status indicator system 26 .
- the user may customize, via the HMI 30 , features such as color, pattern, brightness, speed of illumination, length of illumination, etc. of the various lighting effects that can be emitted by the lighting module 28 of the charge status indicator system 26 .
- the HMI 30 may communicate a input signal 54 to the controller 32 .
- the controller 32 may subsequently command the lighting module 28 to apply a custom color, pattern, etc.
- Each light source 44 of the lighting module 28 of the charge status indicator system 26 can be selectively controlled, either individually or in units, to generate the requested customized color, pattern, etc. to be emitted by the lighting module 28 .
- a first exemplary user interface 56 configured for allowing the user to select and apply a customized color setting associated with the charge status indicator system 26 using the HMI 30 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- the user interface 56 may include a touch screen drop down menu 58 , or some other input device, that can be actuated in order to present a myriad of custom color options 60 that the user can select for emitting a customized color from the lighting module 28 during various aspects or scenarios that may arise during a given charging event.
- the custom color options 60 may be presented as a color palate wheel, a plurality of individual color tiles, or in various other manners.
- the user may select a customized color that is emitted from the lighting module 28 for indicating various different aspects or scenarios of a given charging event, including but not limited to, the charge level of the traction battery pack 12 , the charging type (e.g., preconditioning versus regular charging), charging faults, opening of the charge port door 24 (e.g., a greeting sequence), correct/incorrect connection between the charger 20 and the port 38 (e.g., an acknowledgment sequence), charge pending, charge complete, etc.
- the charging type e.g., preconditioning versus regular charging
- charging faults e.g., opening of the charge port door 24 (e.g., a greeting sequence)
- correct/incorrect connection between the charger 20 and the port 38 e.g., an acknowledgment sequence
- charge pending e.g., charge complete, etc.
- the total number of the colors included as part of the custom color options 60 presented by the user interface 56 is not intended to limit this disclosure.
- the user interface 56 could employ various other input devices, such as toggles, sliding scales, or any other features or combinations of features that would allow the user to select and apply a customized color for each scenario that may arise during a charging event.
- the controller 32 may command the lighting module 28 to emit the custom color for indicating a given aspect of charging during a subsequent charging event (shown schematically in FIG. 7 ).
- a second exemplary user interface 62 configured for allowing a user to select a customized pattern setting associated with the charge status indicator system 26 using the HMI 30 is schematically illustrated by FIG. 8 .
- the user interface 62 may include a touch screen drop down menu 64 , or some other input device, that presents a listing of custom pattern options 66 that the user can select for emitting a customized lighting effect from the lighting module 28 during various aspects or scenarios associated with a given charging event.
- the custom pattern options 66 may be presented as a scroll down list or in any other manner and could include, but is not limited to patterns such as pulsing patterns, spinning patterns, swirling patterns, bouncing patterns, chasing patterns, etc.
- the user may also customize the speed and/or brightness of the lighting effect.
- the user could select a pattern that pulses at different speeds to indicate the level of charge of the traction battery pack 12 .
- the total number of the patterns included as part of the custom pattern options 66 presented by the user interface 62 is not intended to limit this disclosure.
- the user interface 62 could employ various other input devices, such as toggles, sliding scales, or any other features or combinations of features that would allow the user to select and apply a customized pattern for each potential aspect of a charging event.
- the user may select a customized pattern associated with a lighting effect that is emitted from the lighting module 28 for indicating various different aspects or scenarios of a given charging event, including but not limited to, the charging level, the charging type (e.g., preconditioning versus regular charging), charging faults, opening of the charge port door 24 (e.g., a greeting sequence), correct/incorrect connection between the charger 20 and the port 38 (e.g., an acknowledgment sequence), charging pending, charging complete, etc.
- the charging level e.g., the charging type (e.g., preconditioning versus regular charging), charging faults, opening of the charge port door 24 (e.g., a greeting sequence), correct/incorrect connection between the charger 20 and the port 38 (e.g., an acknowledgment sequence), charging pending, charging complete, etc.
- the charging type e.g., preconditioning versus regular charging
- charging faults e.g., opening of the charge port door 24 (e.g., a greeting sequence)
- the controller 32 may command the lighting module 28 to emit a lighting effect that exhibits the characteristics of the custom pattern for indicating a given aspect of charging during a subsequent charging event (shown schematically in FIG. 9 ).
- a third exemplary user interface 68 configured for allowing the user to synchronize a lighting effect of the charge status indicator system 26 to an audio file using the HMI 30 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 10 .
- the user interface 68 may include a toggle 69 for enabling the synchronization to an audio file and a touch screen drop down menu 70 , or some other input device, that presents a listing of audio files 72 , such as music files or other media, that the user can select for synchronizing a given lighting effect of the lighting module 28 to audio during various aspects or scenarios of a given charging event.
- the audio files 72 may be files stored within a memory device of the HMI 30 or within a personal electronic device (e.g., a cell phone) of the user that is paired or otherwise synched to the HMI 30 .
- the user may select a customized audio file that is played when a given lighting effect is being emitted from the lighting module 28 .
- the lighting effect and associated audio file may be assigned to various different aspects of a given charging event, including but not limited to, the charge level, the charging type (e.g., preconditioning versus regular charging), charging faults, opening of the charge port door 24 (e.g., a greeting sequence), correct/incorrect connection between the charger 20 and the port 38 (e.g., an acknowledgment sequence), charging pending, charging complete, etc.
- the user interface 68 could employ various other input devices, such as toggles, sliding scales, or any other features or combinations of features that would allow the user to select and apply a customized audio file to be played in concert with a lighting effect during various aspects of a charging event.
- the controller 32 may command the lighting module 28 to emit the lighting effect and may simultaneously command the vehicle infotainment system to play the audio file for indicating a given aspect of charging during a subsequent charging event (shown schematically in FIG. 12 ).
- the selected audio file may be played through the speakers of the vehicle infotainment system of the electrified vehicle 10 .
- a fourth exemplary user interface 74 configured for allowing the user to select a night vision mode of the charge status indicator system 26 using the HMI 30 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 13 .
- the lighting module 28 may be commanded to emit a single color (e.g., green or red) and pattern (e.g., solid or non-strobing) of light, such as to avoid disturbing light sensitive humans or other animals.
- the user interface 74 may include a toggle 76 that allows the user to either enable or disable the night vision mode. Although shown as including toggles, the user interface 74 could employ drop down menus, sliding scales, or any other features or combinations of features that would allow the user to enable or disable the night vision mode.
- the controller 32 may command the lighting module 28 to emit lighting effects in a single, solid color and pattern during subsequent charging events (shown schematically in FIG. 14 ).
- any of the various user interfaces of the HMI 30 could be combined.
- both the color customization and the pattern customization could be part of a single user interface of the HMI 30 within the scope of this disclosure.
- the charge status indicator systems of this disclosure allow for customization of plug-in electric vehicles, which is a desire of many plug-in vehicle customers.
- the ability to customize the lighting effects of the charge status indicator system may be particularly beneficial to customers who dislike the default charge status colors/pattern settings selected by the manufacturer.
Abstract
This disclosure is directed to customizable charge status indicator systems for electrified vehicle charge port assemblies. Exemplary charge status indicator systems may include a charge port lighting module, and a human machine interface (HMI) that includes various user interfaces configured for receiving inputs for customizing different lighting effects that can be emitted by the charge port lighting module. The charge status indicator systems may further include a controller operably coupled to both the charge port lighting module and the HMI and configured for commanding the charge port lighting module to emit customized lighting effects in response to receiving input signals from the HMI.
Description
- This disclosure relates to electrified vehicles, and more particularly to customizable charge status indicator systems for electrified vehicle charge port assemblies.
- Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because they are selectively driven by one or more traction battery pack powered electric machines. The electric machines can propel the electrified vehicles instead of, or in combination with, an internal combustion engine. Some electrified vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), include a charge port that is connectable to a charger for charging the traction battery pack. The charge port may include an indicator for indicating a charge status.
- A charge status indicator system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a charge port lighting module and a human machine interface (HMI) that includes a user interface configured to receive an input of a customized lighting effect of the charge port lighting module.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of the forgoing charge status indicator system, the charge port lighting module includes one or more plastic indicator lenses, one or more light sources, and a printed circuit board (PCB).
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of either of the foregoing charge status indicator systems, the one or more plastic indicator lenses establishes an indicator ring.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing charge status indicator systems, the one or more light sources is a multi-colored light emitting diode (LED).
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing charge status indicator systems, the customized lighting effect includes a custom color.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing charge status indicator systems, the customized lighting effect includes a custom pattern.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing charge status indicator systems, the customized lighting effect includes a lighting effect that is synchronized to an audio file.
- mom In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing charge status indicator systems, the customized lighting effect is a night vision mode lighting effect.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing charge status indicator systems, the user interface includes a touch screen toggle or drop down menu.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing charge status indicator systems, the HMI includes a second user interface configured to receive a second input of a second customized lighting effect of the charge port lighting module, and a third user interface configured to receive a third input of a third customized lighting effect of the charge port lighting module.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing charge status indicator systems, a controller is configured to command the charge port lighting module to emit the customized lighting effect in response to receiving an input signal from the HMI.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing charge status indicator systems, the controller is a local interconnect network (LIN) microcontroller operably connected to the HMI and a printed circuit board (PCB) of the charge port lighting module.
- An electrified vehicle according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a charge port assembly including a port and a charge status indicator system including a lighting module located near the port, a human machine interface (HMI), and a controller operably connected to each of the lighting module and the HMI. The HMI is configured to receive a plurality of inputs for customizing various lighting effects emitted from the lighting module.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing electrified vehicle, the controller is configured to control the lighting module to emit customized lighting effects in response to receiving an input signal from the HMI.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of either of the foregoing electrified vehicles, the lighting module includes an indicator ring that circumscribes the port.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing electrified vehicles, the lighting module includes an indicator ring that circumscribes a charger unlock button that is located adjacent to the port.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing electrified vehicles, the plurality of inputs include a first input related to a lighting effect color and a second input related to a lighting effect pattern.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing electrified vehicles, the plurality of inputs include a third input related to a lighting effect synchronized to an audio file.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing electrified vehicles, the plurality of inputs includes a fourth input related to a night vision mode of the lighting module.
- In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing electrified vehicles, the lighting module includes one or more plastic indicator lenses, one or more light sources, and a printed circuit board (PCB).
- The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, 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.
- The various features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.
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FIG. 1 is a side view of an electrified vehicle equipped with a charge port assembly. -
FIG. 2 is a blown-up view of the charge port assembly of the electrified vehicle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary charge status indicator system of a vehicle charge port assembly. -
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates another exemplary charge status indicator system of a vehicle charge port assembly. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through a section of an indicator ring of a charge status indicator system. -
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary user interface of a human machine interface. The user interface can be used to customize a setting associated with a charge status indicator system for a vehicle charge port assembly. -
FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a control strategy for controlling a lighting module of a charge status indicator system in response to receiving an input of the customized setting entered into the user interface ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary user interface of a human machine interface. The user interface can be used to customize an additional setting associated with a charge status indicator system for a vehicle charge port assembly. -
FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a control strategy for controlling a lighting module of a charge status indicator system in response to receiving an input of the customized setting entered into the user interface ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary user interface of a human machine interface. The user interface can be used to customize an additional setting associated with a charge status indicator system for a vehicle charge port assembly. -
FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a control strategy for controlling a lighting module of a charge status indicator system in response to receiving an input of the customized setting entered into the user interface ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 illustrates another exemplary user interface of a human machine interface. The user interface can be used to customize an additional setting associated with a charge status indicator system for a vehicle charge port assembly. -
FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a control strategy for controlling a lighting module of a charge status indicator system in response to receiving an input of the customized setting entered into the user interface ofFIG. 12 . - This disclosure describes customizable charge status indicator systems for electrified vehicle charge port assemblies. Exemplary charge status indicator systems may include a charge port lighting module, and a human machine interface (HMI) that includes various user interfaces configured for receiving inputs for customizing different lighting effects that can be emitted by the charge port lighting module. The charge status indicator systems may further include a controller operably coupled to both the charge port lighting module and the HMI and configured for commanding the charge port lighting module to emit customized lighting effects in response to receiving input signals from the HMI. These and other features of this disclosure are discussed in greater detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.
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FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary electrifiedvehicle 10 that includes atraction battery pack 12. The electrifiedvehicle 10 may include any electrified powertrain capable of applying a torque from an electric machine fordriving drive wheels 14 of the electrifiedvehicle 10. In an embodiment, theelectrified vehicle 10 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). In another embodiment, the electrified vehicle is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Therefore, the powertrain may electrically propel thedrive wheels 14 either with or without the assistance of an internal combustion engine. - The
electrified vehicle 10 ofFIGS. 1-2 is schematically illustrated as a car. However, the teachings of this disclosure may be applicable to any type of vehicle, including but not limited to, cars, trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), etc. - Although shown schematically, the
traction battery pack 12 may be a high voltage traction battery pack that includes a plurality of battery arrays 16 (i.e., battery assemblies or groupings of battery cells) capable of outputting electrical power to one or more electric machines of theelectrified vehicle 10. Other types of energy storage devices and/or output devices can also be used to electrically power theelectrified vehicle 10. - From time to time, charging the
traction battery pack 12 may be required or desirable. The electrifiedvehicle 10 may therefore be equipped with a charge port assembly 18 (sometimes referred to as a vehicle inlet assembly) for charging the energy storage devices (e.g., battery cells) of thetraction battery pack 12. A charger 20 (sometimes referred to as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)) can be coupled to thecharge port assembly 18 to charge thetraction battery pack 12 of the electrifiedvehicle 10 from anexternal power source 22. In an embodiment, theexternal power source 22 includes utility grid power. In another embodiment, theexternal power source 22 includes an alternative energy source, such as solar power, wind power, etc. In yet another embodiment, theexternal power source 22 includes a combination of utility grid power and alternative energy sources. Theexternal power source 22 may be located at a home of the user, a public charging station, etc. - The
charge port assembly 18 may include acharge port door 24 that is closed during typical operation of the electrifiedvehicle 10. When charging the electrifiedvehicle 10 from theexternal power source 22 is desired, thecharge port door 24 can move from the closed position shown inFIG. 1 to the open position shown inFIG. 2 . A user can then couple thecharger 20 to thecharge port assembly 18 so that power from theexternal power source 22 can be provided to thetraction battery pack 12 of the electrifiedvehicle 10 for charging the battery cells contained therein. - The exemplary
charge port assembly 18 may include one or more ports configured to receive AC power from theexternal power source 22. In another embodiment, thecharge port assembly 18 includes one or more ports configured to receive DC power from theexternal power source 22. In yet another example, the charge port assembly includes a combined AC/DC charge port that is configured to receive AC power, DC power, or both from theexternal power source 22. Thecharger 20 may thus be configured to provide any level of charging (e.g.,level 1,level 2, DC, etc.). - The
charge port assembly 18 may additionally be equipped with a chargestatus indicator system 26 for conveying various charging-related information to a user when thecharger 20 is coupled to thecharge port assembly 18. The user may desire to customize certain settings associated with the chargestatus indicator system 26. This disclosure therefore describes customizable chargestatus indicator systems 26 that can be customized to suit a user's own personal styling preferences. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , with continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary chargestatus indicator system 26 of acharge port assembly 18 may include alighting module 28, a human machine interface (HMI) 30, and acontroller 32 that is operably coupled to each of thelighting module 28 and theHMI 30. As further detailed below, thecontroller 32 may receive various inputs (e.g., signals) from theHMI 30 for customizing various aspects of the visually distinctive lighting effects that can be emitted by thelighting module 28 in order to convey various charging-related information (e.g., charging level, charging type, charging faults, charging complete, etc.) to a user. The various lighting effects of thelighting module 28 may be customized in terms of color, pattern, brightness, speed of illumination, length of illumination, etc. - The specific configuration of the
lighting module 28 is not intended to limit this disclosure, however, in an exemplary embodiment, thelighting module 28 may include anindicator ring 34 supported relative to ahousing 36 of thecharge port assembly 18. In an embodiment, theindicator ring 34 is positioned adjacent to aport 38 of thecharge port assembly 18 and extends circumferentially about a perimeter of a charger unlock button 40 (seeFIG. 3 ), which can be pressed by an authorized user to unlock thecharger 20 from theport 38. In another embodiment, theindicator ring 34 is distributed circumferentially about a periphery of theport 38 of the charge port assembly 18 (seeFIG. 5 ). - As best shown in
FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 , thelighting module 28 may include one or moreplastic indicator lenses 42, one or morelight sources 44, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 46. Theplastic indicator lenses 42 may be arranged relative to one another to establish theindicator ring 34. Theplastic indicator lenses 42 may be light permeable to allow light L from thelight sources 44 to escape from the inside to the outside of thelighting module 28 for conveying various charging-related information to the user. - Each
light source 44 may be a light emitting diode (LED). In an embodiment, eachlight source 44 is a multi-colored LED, such as a Red, Green, Blue (RGB) LED, for example. Other light sources could also be utilized within the scope of this disclosure. Thelight sources 44 may be arranged on thePCB 46, which may be disposed inside thehousing 36 of thecharge port assembly 18. ThePCB 46 oflighting module 28 may be operably connected to thecontroller 32 and includes control circuitry including LED driver circuitry for controlling activation and deactivation of thelight sources 44 in response to commands from thecontroller 32. - The total numbers of the
plastic indicator lenses 42 and thelight sources 44 provided within thelighting module 28 may vary and is design dependent. In an embodiment, thelighting module 28 includes a sufficient number oflight sources 44 for allowing users to visualize the combination of lighting effects emitted therefrom during both daytime conditions and nighttime conditions. - The
controller 32 can selectively activate eachlight source 44 of thelighting module 28 to cause thelight sources 44 to emit light through theplastic indicator lenses 42 for conveying charging-related information to the user. For example, in an embodiment, the number ofplastic indicator lenses 42 illuminated by thecontroller 32 can correspond generally to a state of charge (SOC) of thetraction battery pack 12. In an embodiment, theindicator ring 34 of thelighting module 28 includes fiveplastic indicator lenses 42. If the state of charge of thetraction battery pack 12 of the electrifiedvehicle 10 is approximately 40%, thecontroller 32 activateslight sources 44 associated with two of the fiveplastic indicator lenses plastic indicator lenses 42. The user observing theindicator ring 34 would understand that, because two of the fiveplastic indicator lenses 42 are illuminated, the SOC of thetraction battery pack 12 is approximately 40%. - In an embodiment, the
controller 32 is a local interconnect network (LIN) microcontroller. LIN is a communication protocol utilized to communicate between components of vehicles. The LIN protocol can communicate utilizing LIN messages (signals). In the exemplary embodiment, thecontroller 32 can transmit a LIN message along paths P1-P5 to activate or deactivate thelight sources 44 associated with each of theplastic indicator lenses 42. - The
controller 32 may include aprocessing unit 48 andnon-transitory memory 50 for executing the various control strategies of the chargestatus indicator system 26. Theprocessing unit 48 can be programmed to execute one or more programs stored in thememory 50. The program may be stored in thememory 50 as software code, for example. The program stored in thememory 50 may include one or more additional or separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions associated with the chargestatus indicator system 26. - The
processing unit 48 can be a custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or generally any device for executing software instructions. Thememory 50 can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements and/or nonvolatile memory elements. - The
HMI 30 may be provided within apassenger cabin 52 of the electrifiedvehicle 10. TheHMI 30 may include various user interfaces for displaying information to the vehicle user and for allowing the vehicle user to enter information into theHMI 30. The user may interact with the user interfaces via various touch screens, tactile buttons, audible speech, speech synthesis, etc., or any combination of such input devices. - In an embodiment, the
HMI 30 enables the user to customize various settings associated with the chargestatus indicator system 26. For example, the user may customize, via theHMI 30, features such as color, pattern, brightness, speed of illumination, length of illumination, etc. of the various lighting effects that can be emitted by thelighting module 28 of the chargestatus indicator system 26. When the user has customized a particular setting associated with the chargestatus indicator system 26 using theHMI 30, theHMI 30 may communicate ainput signal 54 to thecontroller 32. In response to receiving theinput signal 54, thecontroller 32 may subsequently command thelighting module 28 to apply a custom color, pattern, etc. to be emitted from theindicator ring 34 during a subsequent charging event (e.g., when thecharger 20 is next plugged into theport 38 of the charge port assembly 18). Eachlight source 44 of thelighting module 28 of the chargestatus indicator system 26 can be selectively controlled, either individually or in units, to generate the requested customized color, pattern, etc. to be emitted by thelighting module 28. - A first
exemplary user interface 56 configured for allowing the user to select and apply a customized color setting associated with the chargestatus indicator system 26 using theHMI 30 is schematically illustrated inFIG. 6 . Theuser interface 56 may include a touch screen drop downmenu 58, or some other input device, that can be actuated in order to present a myriad ofcustom color options 60 that the user can select for emitting a customized color from thelighting module 28 during various aspects or scenarios that may arise during a given charging event. Thecustom color options 60 may be presented as a color palate wheel, a plurality of individual color tiles, or in various other manners. - Using the
user interface 56, the user may select a customized color that is emitted from thelighting module 28 for indicating various different aspects or scenarios of a given charging event, including but not limited to, the charge level of thetraction battery pack 12, the charging type (e.g., preconditioning versus regular charging), charging faults, opening of the charge port door 24 (e.g., a greeting sequence), correct/incorrect connection between thecharger 20 and the port 38 (e.g., an acknowledgment sequence), charge pending, charge complete, etc. - The total number of the colors included as part of the
custom color options 60 presented by theuser interface 56 is not intended to limit this disclosure. In addition, although shown as including a drop downmenu 58, theuser interface 56 could employ various other input devices, such as toggles, sliding scales, or any other features or combinations of features that would allow the user to select and apply a customized color for each scenario that may arise during a charging event. - In response to receiving the
input signal 54 from theHMI 30 indicating that the user has selected a customized color via theuser interface 56, thecontroller 32 may command thelighting module 28 to emit the custom color for indicating a given aspect of charging during a subsequent charging event (shown schematically inFIG. 7 ). - A second
exemplary user interface 62 configured for allowing a user to select a customized pattern setting associated with the chargestatus indicator system 26 using theHMI 30 is schematically illustrated byFIG. 8 . Theuser interface 62 may include a touch screen drop downmenu 64, or some other input device, that presents a listing ofcustom pattern options 66 that the user can select for emitting a customized lighting effect from thelighting module 28 during various aspects or scenarios associated with a given charging event. Thecustom pattern options 66 may be presented as a scroll down list or in any other manner and could include, but is not limited to patterns such as pulsing patterns, spinning patterns, swirling patterns, bouncing patterns, chasing patterns, etc. As part of thecustom pattern options 66, the user may also customize the speed and/or brightness of the lighting effect. By way of one non-limiting example, the user could select a pattern that pulses at different speeds to indicate the level of charge of thetraction battery pack 12. - The total number of the patterns included as part of the
custom pattern options 66 presented by theuser interface 62 is not intended to limit this disclosure. In addition, although shown as including a drop downmenu 64, theuser interface 62 could employ various other input devices, such as toggles, sliding scales, or any other features or combinations of features that would allow the user to select and apply a customized pattern for each potential aspect of a charging event. - Using the
user interface 62, the user may select a customized pattern associated with a lighting effect that is emitted from thelighting module 28 for indicating various different aspects or scenarios of a given charging event, including but not limited to, the charging level, the charging type (e.g., preconditioning versus regular charging), charging faults, opening of the charge port door 24 (e.g., a greeting sequence), correct/incorrect connection between thecharger 20 and the port 38 (e.g., an acknowledgment sequence), charging pending, charging complete, etc. In response to receiving theinput signal 54 from theHMI 30 indicating that the user has selected a customized pattern via theuser interface 62, thecontroller 32 may command thelighting module 28 to emit a lighting effect that exhibits the characteristics of the custom pattern for indicating a given aspect of charging during a subsequent charging event (shown schematically inFIG. 9 ). - A third
exemplary user interface 68 configured for allowing the user to synchronize a lighting effect of the chargestatus indicator system 26 to an audio file using theHMI 30 is schematically illustrated inFIG. 10 . Theuser interface 68 may include atoggle 69 for enabling the synchronization to an audio file and a touch screen drop downmenu 70, or some other input device, that presents a listing ofaudio files 72, such as music files or other media, that the user can select for synchronizing a given lighting effect of thelighting module 28 to audio during various aspects or scenarios of a given charging event. The audio files 72 may be files stored within a memory device of theHMI 30 or within a personal electronic device (e.g., a cell phone) of the user that is paired or otherwise synched to theHMI 30. - Using the
user interface 68, the user may select a customized audio file that is played when a given lighting effect is being emitted from thelighting module 28. The lighting effect and associated audio file may be assigned to various different aspects of a given charging event, including but not limited to, the charge level, the charging type (e.g., preconditioning versus regular charging), charging faults, opening of the charge port door 24 (e.g., a greeting sequence), correct/incorrect connection between thecharger 20 and the port 38 (e.g., an acknowledgment sequence), charging pending, charging complete, etc. - Although shown as including a drop down
menu 70, theuser interface 68 could employ various other input devices, such as toggles, sliding scales, or any other features or combinations of features that would allow the user to select and apply a customized audio file to be played in concert with a lighting effect during various aspects of a charging event. - In response to receiving the
input signal 54 from theHMI 30 indicating that the user has selected a customized audio file to accompany a given lighting effect via theuser interface 68, thecontroller 32 may command thelighting module 28 to emit the lighting effect and may simultaneously command the vehicle infotainment system to play the audio file for indicating a given aspect of charging during a subsequent charging event (shown schematically inFIG. 12 ). In an embodiment, the selected audio file may be played through the speakers of the vehicle infotainment system of the electrifiedvehicle 10. - A fourth
exemplary user interface 74 configured for allowing the user to select a night vision mode of the chargestatus indicator system 26 using theHMI 30 is schematically illustrated inFIG. 13 . During night vision mode, thelighting module 28 may be commanded to emit a single color (e.g., green or red) and pattern (e.g., solid or non-strobing) of light, such as to avoid disturbing light sensitive humans or other animals. - The
user interface 74 may include atoggle 76 that allows the user to either enable or disable the night vision mode. Although shown as including toggles, theuser interface 74 could employ drop down menus, sliding scales, or any other features or combinations of features that would allow the user to enable or disable the night vision mode. - In response to receiving the
input signal 54 from theHMI 30 indicating that the user has selected a night vision mode at theuser interface 74, thecontroller 32 may command thelighting module 28 to emit lighting effects in a single, solid color and pattern during subsequent charging events (shown schematically inFIG. 14 ). - Although described separately above, any of the various user interfaces of the
HMI 30 could be combined. For example, both the color customization and the pattern customization could be part of a single user interface of theHMI 30 within the scope of this disclosure. - The charge status indicator systems of this disclosure allow for customization of plug-in electric vehicles, which is a desire of many plug-in vehicle customers. The ability to customize the lighting effects of the charge status indicator system may be particularly beneficial to customers who dislike the default charge status colors/pattern settings selected by the manufacturer.
- Although the different non-limiting embodiments are illustrated as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the non-limiting embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.
- It should be understood that like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings. It should be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed and illustrated in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements could also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.
- The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A worker of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.
Claims (21)
1. A charge status indicator system, comprising:
a charge port lighting module; and
a human machine interface (HMI) that includes a user interface configured to receive user input of a customized lighting effect of the charge port lighting module,
wherein the customized lighting effect includes a user-selected custom color or a user-selected custom pattern.
2. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the charge port lighting module includes one or more plastic indicator lenses, one or more light sources, and a printed circuit board (PCB).
3. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 2 , wherein the one or more plastic indicator lenses establishes an indicator ring.
4. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 2 , wherein the one or more light sources is a multi-colored light emitting diode (LED).
5. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the customized lighting effect includes the user-selected custom color.
6. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the customized lighting effect includes the user-selected custom pattern.
7. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the customized lighting effect includes a lighting effect that is synchronized to an audio file.
8. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the customized lighting effect is a night vision mode lighting effect.
9. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the user interface includes a touch screen toggle or drop down menu.
10. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the HMI includes a second user interface configured to receive a second input of a second customized lighting effect of the charge port lighting module and a third user interface configured to receive a third input of a third customized lighting effect of the charge port lighting module.
11. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 1 , comprising a controller configured to command the charge port lighting module to emit the customized lighting effect in response to receiving an input signal from the HMI.
12. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 11 , wherein the controller is a local interconnect network (LIN) microcontroller operably connected to the HMI and a printed circuit board (PCB) of the charge port lighting module.
13. An electrified vehicle, comprising:
a charge port assembly including a port; and
a charge status indicator system including a lighting module located near the port, a human machine interface (HMI), and a controller operably connected to each of the lighting module and the human machine interface,
wherein the HMI is configured to receive a plurality of user inputs for customizing various lighting effects emitted from the lighting module,
wherein the plurality of user inputs include a first input related to a user-selected custom lighting effect color and a second input related to user-selected custom lighting effect pattern.
14. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 13 , wherein the controller is configured to control the lighting module to emit customized lighting effects in response to receiving an input signal from the HMI.
15. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 13 , wherein the lighting module includes an indicator ring that circumscribes the port.
16. An electrified vehicle, comprising:
a charge port assembly including a port; and
a charge status indicator system including a lighting module located near the port, a human machine interface (HMI), and a controller operably connected to each of the lighting module and the human machine interface,
wherein the HMI is configured to receive a plurality of inputs for customizing various lighting effects emitted from the lighting module,
wherein the lighting module includes an indicator ring that circumscribes a charger unlock button that is located adjacent to the port.
17. (canceled)
18. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 13 , wherein the plurality of inputs include a third input related to a lighting effect synchronized to an audio file.
19. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 18 , wherein the plurality of inputs includes a fourth input related to a night vision mode of the lighting module.
20. The electrified vehicle as recited in claim 13 , wherein the lighting module includes one or more plastic indicator lenses, one or more light sources, and a printed circuit board (PCB).
21. The charge status indicator system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the user interface includes a color palate wheel or tile that is configured to present a plurality of custom color options that are selectable for providing the customized lighting effect.
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US16/993,645 US11263836B1 (en) | 2020-08-14 | 2020-08-14 | Customizable charge status indicator systems |
DE102021120572.7A DE102021120572A1 (en) | 2020-08-14 | 2021-08-06 | ADJUSTABLE CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR SYSTEMS |
CN202110902591.1A CN114074599A (en) | 2020-08-14 | 2021-08-06 | Customizable charge status indicator system |
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US16/993,645 US11263836B1 (en) | 2020-08-14 | 2020-08-14 | Customizable charge status indicator systems |
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US11472300B2 (en) * | 2020-03-23 | 2022-10-18 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Charge port illumination system and illumination method |
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KR20230044703A (en) * | 2021-09-27 | 2023-04-04 | 현대자동차주식회사 | System and method for lighting charging port of electric vehicle |
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- 2020-08-14 US US16/993,645 patent/US11263836B1/en active Active
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- 2021-08-06 DE DE102021120572.7A patent/DE102021120572A1/en active Pending
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