Method, output device, motor vehicle and charging device for signaling the end of a charging process

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for signaling (S16) the end of a charging process (S10) for charging an energy storage device (14) of a first motor vehicle (10) assigned to a first user (12) at a charging device (16) external to the motor vehicle, wherein the end of charging of an energy storage device (14) of the first motor vehicle (10) connected to the charging device (16) via a coupling device during charging is detected (S12), and the end of charging is signaled (S16) at least if the end of charging has been detected. Furthermore, the signaling (S16) includes signaling (S16) the end of charging for at least one second user (12) different from the first user (12), regardless of whether the first user (12) has authorized the first motor vehicle (10) to disconnect the charging device (16) after the end of charging has been detected (S12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for signaling the end of a charging process for charging an energy storage device of a motor vehicle assigned to a first user at a charging device external to the motor vehicle. The end of charging of an energy storage device of a first motor vehicle connected to the charging device via a coupling device during charging is detected, and the end of charging is signaled at least under the condition that the end of charging has been detected. In addition, the invention also relates to a corresponding output device for signaling the end of charging, a motor vehicle having such an output device, and a charging device, in particular a charging post, having such an output device. Background Art

[0002] It is known that electric vehicles, such as pure battery-operated electric vehicles and / or plug-in hybrid vehicles, must be charged to maintain driving capabilities. Because the cruising range is about 250 kilometers to 500 kilometers in the most suitable situation, depending on the battery capacity, it is often necessary to charge the vehicle on a charging device, such as a public charging post, on a longer journey. At this time, a charging post with a charging cable for at least two parking spaces and a charging plug arranged on the charging cable is often provided. The vehicle to be charged may occupy a parking space and a corresponding charging cable during the duration of the charging process and outside this period. The charging cable is mostly fixedly connected to the charging station, and the charging plug is locked with the vehicle when the vehicle is locked and the charging process is carried out. This ensures that the charging process cannot be ended in an unauthorized manner. As a result, when the driver of the motor vehicle unlocks his vehicle again, the lock of the charging plug is also disconnected at the same time.

[0003] Since vehicle drivers often use the charging phases at public charging points for longer stops and the relevant vehicle driver is not near the vehicle during the entire charging process, longer occupancy times can occur during which the charging point cannot be used despite the vehicle having been fully charged. The charging point is only available again to other users when the vehicle driver returns to his vehicle and unlocks the charging plug by opening his vehicle. In order to prevent excessively long occupancy times without regard to a full charge of the battery, the providers of charging points often set a penalty for passive occupancy of the charging point, which, however, makes vehicle drivers unhappy.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that the end of charging can be signaled to the vehicle driver, for example, by informing the vehicle driver of the current charging state or the end of charging via his mobile phone. In this regard, patent document WO 2010 / 096502 A1 describes a communication and information method, which is carried out via a network server of a charging station for electric vehicles. Users logged on and registered on the server or for the service can be informed of different events. The user can determine for himself which event is to be informed of this. Such an event can be, for example, the end of charging of a charging process, the current state of charge, etc. For example, information about such an event can be output to the user on the user's mobile communication device. As a result, the user can also know the end of the charging process when the user is not staying near the motor vehicle.

[0005] However, if the user happens to be busy or is very far away from his motor vehicle, it will nevertheless take a long time before the charging station can be used again to charge other vehicles.

[0006] Furthermore, patent document US 2018 / 0202825 A1 describes a method for providing availability information of the availability of a charging station to a motor vehicle. Here, the availability information should also contain a certain prediction, which can be made based on the charging history of other vehicles or the current charge state of other vehicles in the vicinity, for example. In principle, it is also disclosed that the current occupancy state of the charging station can be communicated to other motor vehicles, and for example, the remaining charging duration for charging other motor vehicles can also be communicated. However, this measure also does not solve the problems described above. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method, an output device, a motor vehicle and a charging device which make it possible to avoid or reduce unnecessary waiting times at the charging device as far as possible.

[0008] This object is achieved by a method, an output device, a motor vehicle and a charging device having the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0009] In a method according to the invention for signaling the end of a charging process for charging an energy storage device of a first motor vehicle assigned to a first user at a charging device external to the motor vehicle, the end of charging of the energy storage device of the first motor vehicle connected to the charging device via a coupling device during charging is detected, and the end of charging is signaled at least if the end of charging has been detected. The signaling includes signaling the end of charging for at least one second user different from the first user, regardless of whether the first user has authorized disconnection of the first motor vehicle from the charging device after the end of charging has been detected.

[0010] This advantageously enables, at least if the charging process for charging the energy storage device of the first motor vehicle is completed, even when the first user of the first motor vehicle is not present, other users, for example the second user, can use the charging device to charge another motor vehicle. Now, the signal indicates that the other potential users of the charging device have reached the end of charging, and the other users can now use the charging device without the first user having to be present and authorizing the disconnection of the connection between his first motor vehicle and the charging device after the end of charging has been obtained. As a result, unnecessary waiting times on the charging device are advantageously avoided, which are obtained as follows, that is, the motor vehicle whose energy storage device is already fully charged still locks the relevant charging device, for example the charging post, until the relevant user disconnects his vehicle from the charging device. In addition, it is no longer necessary to set penalty measures for vehicle drivers who are away for a significantly longer time than the actual charging time of their vehicle. As a result, the charging process itself is also significantly more convenient, because the free time available during the charging process (especially also exceeding the time period of the charging process) can now be used without restriction. In other words, the vehicle driver can, for example, take a long walk during the charging process, visit a leisure center, go to eat, wait, without having to worry about returning to his vehicle again in time at the end of charging.

[0011] For example, the end of a charging process for charging an energy storage device can be defined in that the energy storage device has been charged in a predetermined manner. This can in turn include charging the energy storage device to a state of charge preset by the first user, such as a full charge, or also only to a preset state of charge different from a full charge. For example, it can also be provided that the first user and generally the user of the relevant charging device, such as a charging post, can preset the state of charge to which the energy storage device of his motor vehicle should be charged by the charging process, and / or how long the charging process should last at most, and / or how much the charging cost can be at most, etc. The end of charging can then be defined if at least one such preset criterion is met.

[0012] Preferably, the energy storage device is a battery, in particular a high-voltage battery of the first motor vehicle. The first motor vehicle is preferably an electric vehicle, such as a pure battery-electric vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The charging is then preferably electrically charged. In addition, the charging device external to the motor vehicle can be understood as a charging post, for example. In particular, such a charging device external to the motor vehicle is a public charging device or at least a semi-public charging device. A semi-public charging device is, for example, a charging device in the private territory of a single person who makes his charging device at least temporarily available to the public. In the present invention, a charging post should also be understood as a charging device that does not have a cylindrical shape.

[0013] The connection device for connecting the first motor vehicle to the charging device during the charging process can be provided, for example, by a charging cable with a charging plug. The charging cable with the charging plug can be associated with the charging device, for example, controlled by the charging device. Such a charging cable can then be connected to a corresponding socket on the motor vehicle via the charging plug located there. However, in principle, it is also possible for such a charging cable to be carried by the motor vehicle itself and to be connected to the corresponding charging device on the motor vehicle and to the charging device on the other hand for charging.

[0014] The fact that the signal indicates the end of charging, regardless of whether the first user has authorized the disconnection of the connection between the first motor vehicle and the charging device after the end of charging is acquired, does not necessarily mean that there is no authorization from the first user at all. This may also mean that authorization has been performed by the first user before the end of charging is acquired, in particular before the charging process is started. This authorization that has been performed in advance does not represent another second condition. For example, according to another advantageous design scheme of the present invention, it can be provided that, at least under the second condition, the signal indicates the end of charging, that is, authorization is performed or exists by the first user before the end of charging is acquired, in particular before the charging process is started. The same applies in particular to the unlocking of the connection that will be described below. That is, if the user does not want an unknown user to remove the charging cable from his motor vehicle, the user does not have to give his consent to this.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the first motor vehicle and the charging device is locked during the charging process, and after the end of charging is detected, the connection is automatically unlocked, at least independently of whether the first user has authorized the disconnection of the connection between the first motor vehicle and the charging device after the end of charging is detected. By locking the connection between the first motor vehicle and the charging device during the charging process, it is advantageously also possible to ensure that the charging process cannot be terminated without authorization by another user. Nevertheless, advantageously, the other user can use the charging device directly after the end of the charging process without the first user having to be present or having to authorize this in any way after the end of charging is detected, because the connection is automatically unlocked. In other words, the second user can simply unplug the charging plug after the end of the charging process on the first motor vehicle and use it to charge his own motor vehicle. As already mentioned, it is also optionally applicable here that there must be an automatic unlocking of the connection by authorization by the first user. Accordingly, the first user can then give authorization before the end of the charging process is detected, in particular before the start of the charging process or earlier. In other words, it can be provided that the connection is automatically unlocked only if authorization by the first user is performed or obtained before the end of charging is detected, in particular before the start of the charging process.

[0016] Automatic unlocking can be understood in particular as unlocking without any user intervention. That is, the connection is unlocked without the need or performance of a user operation between the acquisition of the end of charging and the unlocking. In particular, such unlocking can be performed automatically and directly after the acquisition of the end of charging. Here, it is direct that the acquisition of the end of charging triggers the unlocking, or triggers the output of an unlocking signal. This signal can in turn be sent by the control device of the motor vehicle to the charging device of the motor vehicle, which in turn triggers the unlocking itself. The locking of the connection is in particular a mechanical locking. For example, the automatic unlocking of the charging plug of the charging device plugged into the first motor vehicle is performed directly after the acquisition of the end of charging.

[0017] Since it is not obvious to many people, at least at first, that a charging plug plugged into another person's vehicle can be simply unplugged and used to charge their own motor vehicle, it is particularly advantageous to now clearly signal this situation. By means of such a signaling, not only can the other user, for example the second user in this example, know that the charging has been completed, but also primarily that it is possible or even desirable to disconnect the connection between the first motor vehicle and the charging device. In other words, the signaling can send information that explicitly states that it is permitted to unplug the charging plug from the other person's vehicle.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the signal representation includes sending information about the end of charging with a locally limited range. In other words, the information about the end of charging is not or is not transmitted only by means of data transmission with a long range, not or is not transmitted only by wireless data transmission to any terminal device of the user, but is output locally, for example, through an output device in the direct vicinity of the charging device, so that the information is also only visible to other users near the charging device. In other words, the signal representation is aimed at users on the ground. Users who happen to be on the ground see, for example, that the charging plug is still plugged into the first motor vehicle, although the charging process has actually ended. Now, it is advantageous to just inform such a user that, despite this, the user has the right to remove the charging plug himself and use it to charge his own motor vehicle.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the signaling includes outputting information about the end of charging to the public. In other words, this means that no personal and / or location-related output or signaling is performed here, but rather the information that the end of charging has been reached and in particular the connection between the first motor vehicle and the charging device can now be disconnected is output to the public, in particular to all persons who are in the vicinity of the charging device as described. Therefore, it is also not necessary to store addresses, telephone numbers or other personal data at this time, so that the relevant persons can be informed of the end of charging. In order to inform, the relevant persons or users, such as the second user, do not have to log on to any server. As a result, the method is particularly simple and effective, and first of all, it is also very convenient for any user.

[0020] It is also particularly advantageous that, when the signal is displayed, information about the end of charging is output optically and / or acoustically by an output device, in particular the first motor vehicle and / or the charging device. Thus, such information can be output, for example, in the form of words, for example as a display content on a display and / or also acoustically via one or more loudspeakers. However, the information can also be output in the form of symbols, in particular also in the form of optical and / or acoustic forms, for example in the form of colored luminous, optionally also flashing light and / or also only in the form of a signal tone, etc. For example, if the first motor vehicle is charged, the corresponding lighting device or lighting element on the vehicle and / or on the charging device emits red light, and once the charging process is completed, it emits green light. However, if a charging process is in progress, the lighting device may not even emit light, and for example only starts to emit light or flash once the charging process is completed or the charging of the first energy storage device is completed.

[0021] Especially in the initial or adaptation phase for carrying out the method (in which people still find it unaccustomed to unplug the charging plug from other people's motor vehicles when the user is not present), it is particularly advantageous to output the relevant information on a display device, for example, a corresponding text on a display. Because it is precisely at this time that other users can be clearly informed in text form that unplugging the charging plug is allowed. In addition, the output device with a display device, especially a display, can also be used to display status information during the charging process, such as the remaining charging time, the current state of charge, etc.

[0022] In contrast, outputting information in the form of symbols, for example in the form of a glowing or flashing light, has the advantage that such information output can be perceived at a significantly greater distance while being particularly simple in design of the output device. Thus, for example, it is also possible to signal to a user at a greater distance, for example who is just about to drive to the charging device, that the charging device is just now free and is no longer occupied by the first motor vehicle present, even though the charging plug is still plugged in.

[0023] Of course, advantageous information output schemes can also be combined with each other. For example, a display can be provided as an output device on the motor vehicle, which after the end of charging is detected clearly outputs information about the end of charging in words, and for example also indicates in words that the charging plug can be unplugged. At the same time, the relevant charging device can also have an output device, for example in the form of a lamp, which starts to emit light or flash or change its color after the end of charging is detected, or generally changes its light output when the end of charging has been detected.

[0024] It is also advantageous if the signaling includes a continuous output of information about the end of charging, wherein the output of the information about the end of charging is terminated as soon as a disconnection of the connection between the charging device and the first motor vehicle is detected and / or as soon as a connection between the charging device and the second motor vehicle is detected. The second motor vehicle may be a different motor vehicle from the first motor vehicle. However, the output of the information may also be terminated when the connection between the charging device and the first motor vehicle is reestablished for any reason, for example when the first motor vehicle is not yet fully charged and the first user wishes to continue charging.

[0025] The great advantage of continuously outputting information about the end of charging is that other users cannot easily ignore this information. For example, such a continuous output can be provided by a continuous display on a display device of the motor vehicle and / or the charging device, or also by a continuous lighting or also continuous flashing of a light of the motor vehicle and / or the charging device. That is, if such information is output, other users can also assume that charging is possible on the relevant charging device and that the charging device is not yet occupied by another motor vehicle. The output of information is advantageously terminated when the connection between the first motor vehicle and the charging device is disconnected or at the latest when the charging device is connected to the second motor vehicle. For example, it can be provided that when the information is output by the output device of the first motor vehicle, the output is terminated as soon as the connection between the first motor vehicle and the charging station is disconnected. If the charging device has an output device that signals the end of charging, it is advantageous that the output of information about the end of charging is terminated when the charging device is connected to the second motor vehicle, or as soon as the connection is acquired. This has the advantage that the charging device can signal that it is free until the charging device is occupied by a motor vehicle again, even when the first motor vehicle has driven a long way away.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the signaling may also include sending a second information about the end of charging to a central data processing device, in particular an Internet server, for forwarding to at least one terminal device of a third user. In other words, the information about the end of charging can also be transmitted to a third party, who can consider charging stations or charging devices that can be used again for other vehicle drivers in their route planning, for example via a corresponding APP, that is to say an application program. The terminal device of the third user can be, for example, his motor vehicle, which can have corresponding communication and output components, and can also be a mobile communication device in the form of a smartphone, etc. In this way, potential users of charging devices that are farther away can also be informed of the availability of the charging device.

[0027] If the charging plug is released or the connection between the first motor vehicle and the charging device is generally disconnected, the first user's personal data (which are usually used for such a charging process) can preferably also be immediately blocked. This blocking makes it possible to prevent the first user's data from being derived during another charging process, thereby preventing incorrect use, such as charging at the cost of a previous charge.

[0028] The invention further relates to an output device for signaling the end of charging of an energy storage device of a first motor vehicle assigned to a first user at a charging device, wherein the output device is designed to signal the end of charging based on a detected end of charging signal of the energy storage device. The output device is designed to signal the end of charging for at least one second user different from the first user, regardless of whether the first user has authorized disconnection of the first motor vehicle from the charging device after detecting the end of charging.

[0029] The advantages described for the method according to the invention and its embodiments apply in the same manner to the output device according to the invention. In addition, the method steps described in conjunction with the method according to the invention and its embodiments enable the output device according to the invention to be improved by further corresponding specific features.

[0030] The output device may be configured, for example, as a display having a display surface. This enables signal representation by outputting text and / or graphics and / or symbols. In addition or as an alternative to the display, the output device may also include a light-emitting member, which is not configured as a display and emits light in a predetermined manner for signal representation. However, the output device may also be configured as an output device configured in any other manner, and additionally or alternatively have other or additional output members, such as a speaker that is also used for acoustic output signal representation of the signal. In addition, the output device may also have a communication module for communicating with, for example, a control device of a motor vehicle or a charging device. Through such a communication module, the output device may, for example, receive information about the end of charging obtained. The receipt of this information may trigger the output of a related signal for signaling the end of charging. Accordingly, when the control device detects, for example, that the first motor vehicle is disconnected from the charging device and / or obtains that another motor vehicle is connected to the charging device, a signal for ending the signal representation may also be received through the communication module.

[0031] The invention also includes a control device for an output device. The control device can have a data processing device or a processor device, which is configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can have at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or at least one DSP (digital signal processor). In addition, the processor device can have a program code, which is configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention when it is run by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle having an output device according to the invention or one of its embodiments. Therefore, the advantages described for the output device according to the invention and for the method according to the invention and its embodiments also apply in the same way to the motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0033] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a car, in particular a passenger car or a truck, or as a bus or as a motorcycle.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a charging device, in particular a charging post, which has an output device according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The advantages described for the method according to the invention and its embodiments and for the output device according to the invention also apply in the same way to the charging device according to the invention. A charging device is to be understood as a charging device external to a motor vehicle, to which the motor vehicle can be connected in order to charge an associated energy storage device of the motor vehicle.

[0035] The invention also includes combinations of features from the described embodiments. Therefore, the invention also includes implementations having a corresponding combination of features from a plurality of the described embodiments, as long as the embodiments are not described as mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Next, an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first motor vehicle connected to a charging post and a second waiting motor vehicle is shown during a charging process, in order to illustrate a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 The two vehicles and Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a charging pile in is provided to illustrate a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagram of two motor vehicles and a charging post in , wherein the second motor vehicle is now connected to the charging post for charging, for illustrating the method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Figure 4 A flow chart is shown for illustrating a method for signaling the end of charging according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the components described in the embodiments are respectively separate and considered as features of the present invention independently of each other, and these features also improve the present invention independently of each other. Therefore, the disclosure may also include combinations different from the feature combinations of the embodiments shown in the embodiments. In addition, the described embodiments may also be supplemented by other features in the features of the present invention that have been described.

[0042] In the figures, the same reference numerals respectively denote elements having the same function.

[0043] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of a first motor vehicle 10 is shown, which is assigned to a first user 12 and has an energy storage device 14, in particular a high-voltage battery, which in the case shown here is charged at a charging station 16, in particular a public charging station 16. During the charging process, the motor vehicle 10 is connected to the charging station 16 via a charging cable 18, which has a charging plug for coupling to a corresponding charging socket 30 of the motor vehicle 10. Furthermore, a second motor vehicle 20 is also shown, which is assigned to a second user 22. Generally, the second motor vehicle 20 can be designed in the same way as the first motor vehicle 10 and also has the components described below for the first motor vehicle 10.

[0044] In this example, the second user 22 also wants to charge his motor vehicle 20 at the charging post 16, but the charging post is currently occupied by the first motor vehicle 10. Figure 1 In the diagram, for example, a first user 12 is shown at a distance from a first motor vehicle 10. Since such charging phases usually last relatively long, the user of the corresponding vehicle typically does not stay at the vehicle, but uses the free time for other things. It cannot be guaranteed that the first user 12 will be at his motor vehicle 10 again in time at the end of charging in order to disconnect the connection between his motor vehicle 10 and the charging post 16. Until now, this has led to longer occupancy times, during which the charging point, in this example the charging post 16, can no longer be used, although the relevant vehicle has already been charged. This situation can now be advantageously avoided by the present invention and its design.

[0045] For this purpose, the first motor vehicle 10 and / or the charging post 16 may have output devices 24a, 24b. In this example, not only the motor vehicle 10 has an output device 24a, but also the charging post 16 has an output device, which is indicated by 24b. Now, the output devices 24a, 24b are advantageously designed to indicate the charging end signal of the charging process for charging the energy storage device 14 of the first motor vehicle 10 to the second user 22. In this case, in particular, this signaling is performed independently of whether the first user 12 has authorized the disconnection of the first motor vehicle 10 from the charging device, that is, the charging post 16 after the charging end is acquired. By signaling, the second user 22 is advantageously informed that the charging process on the first motor vehicle 10 is now completed, and the second user 22 can also unplug the charging plug from the first motor vehicle 10 and connect to his motor vehicle 20 when the first user 12 is not present, so as to now continue to charge the motor vehicle 20.

[0046] exist Figure 2 Such a signal display is shown in . As schematically illustrated here, the energy storage device 14 of the first motor vehicle 10 is now completely charged, which in this example determines the end of charging. This can be obtained, for example, by the control device 26 of the first motor vehicle 10, which in turn transmits a corresponding control signal to the output device 24a of the motor vehicle 10. When this signal is received by the output device 24a, the output device performs a signal display of the end of charging. In this example, the signal display is performed by outputting the corresponding information on a display device, in particular a display 28 arranged on the outside of the first motor vehicle 10, for example in the area of ​​the charging socket 30 of the first motor vehicle 10. In Figure 2 In the case shown in , the charging post 16 can also output a signal through its output device 24b, for example in the form of a glowing light bulb. The output of this signal is also triggered by the acquisition of the end of charging. During charging, especially when the charging post 16 is connected to the first motor vehicle 10 via the charging cable 18, there is also a communication connection between the charging post 16 and the first motor vehicle 10 to exchange information related to charging. The current charge state of the energy accumulator 14 can be transmitted to the charging post 16 via the communication connection. If the energy accumulator 14 is finally charged in a predetermined manner, for example fully charged here, this can be communicated from the first motor vehicle 10 to the charging post 16 again via the communication connection, whereby the charging post acquires the end of charging and controls the output device 24b itself to signal the end of charging to the second user 22.

[0047] It is also preferred that the connection between the charging post 16 and the motor vehicle 10 is locked during the charging process. In other words, the charging plug plugged into the motor vehicle 10 is locked and cannot be simply unplugged by unauthorized persons during the charging process. This advantageously ensures that the charging process cannot be terminated in an unauthorized manner. However, if charging is terminated, the lock is automatically unlocked in this case, which advantageously enables the second user 22 to be able to unplug the charging plug from the first motor vehicle 10 when the first user 12 is not present, which is also possible in the case of Figure 2 . It does not necessarily have to be the case that the charging plug can be unplugged by the second user 22 in principle without any form of authorization by the first user 12. For example, it can be provided that the first user 12 makes a setting in his motor vehicle 10 before the charging process for charging the energy storage device 14, for example in a corresponding menu of the display and operating device in the motor vehicle 10, according to which the locking of the charging cable is automatically interrupted after the charging process is completed and without further intervention by the first user 12. If the first user 12 selects this setting, the first user thereby also agrees, that is to say authorizes, that the automatic unlocking is performed after the completion of charging is acquired even if the first user 12 is not present at that moment. After the charging is completed, it is then no longer necessary to authorize the first user 12 to unplug the charging plug or the charging cable 18 from the first motor vehicle 10.

[0048] The second user 22 is therefore now advantageously informed by the output device 24a, 24b that the charging is complete and can now charge his own motor vehicle 20 and subsequently insert the charging plug into his motor vehicle 20, as in Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 . Unnecessary waiting times can thus advantageously be avoided. Once the first motor vehicle 10 or its energy storage device 14 has been charged in a predetermined manner, the next user can also charge his vehicle without any delay. With the disconnection of the charging cable 18 from the first motor vehicle 10 and / or the plugging of the charging cable 18 into the second motor vehicle 20, the display on the respective output device 24a, 24b ends again.

[0049] In addition, it can also be provided that the output devices 24a, 24b also remain unused during the charging process. At this moment, although the output devices 24a, 24b do not have a signal indicating the end of charging, they can be used instead to display or otherwise indicate the status of the current charging process. Thus, for example, the display device 24a on the motor vehicle or the corresponding output device 24b on the charging post can be used to output information indicating that the motor vehicle 10 is just charging and / or showing the current charge state of the energy storage device 14 and / or showing the duration of the charging process so far and / or showing the remaining duration of the charging process, etc. As a result, the output device can be used in two aspects, which makes the output device more effective.

[0050] Figure 4 A flow chart is shown for illustrating a method for signaling the end of charging according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method starts in step S10, in which the first motor vehicle 10 is charged at the charging post 16. As described, during this charging process, the output devices 24a, 24b can output different information about the current charging process. For example, the output devices 24a, 24b can also simply signal that a charging process is currently in progress and therefore the charging post 16 is occupied. Optionally, the output devices 24a, 24b can also not even output any signal at this time.

[0051] In the next step S12, it is checked whether a charging criterion defining the end of charging is met. Thus, the charging criterion can be, for example, that the energy storage device 14 is fully charged or has been charged to a preset state of charge. Alternatively or in addition, such a criterion can also include a predetermined maximum charging duration or a maximum amount to be charged. A variety of other criteria are also conceivable. If the end of charging has not yet been reached according to such a criterion, the process returns to step S10 again and the motor vehicle 10, or more precisely its energy storage device 14, continues to be charged, in particular until the end of charging is finally detected in step S12 according to the predetermined criterion.

[0052] If the end of charging is thus detected, in step S14 the lock between the charging plug and the motor vehicle 10 is first released. At the same time or subsequently, in step S16 a signal output is activated via the output devices 24 a, 24 b, which signal to the second user 22 that charging is ended and that the second user can now remove the charging plug from the first motor vehicle 10 and use it to charge his own motor vehicle 20.

[0053] Next, in step S18, it is checked whether the charging cable 18 is still connected to the first motor vehicle 10 or whether the charging cable 18 has now been connected again to another motor vehicle, for example, the second motor vehicle 20. If this is not the case, the process goes back to step S16 and the output of signals via the output devices 24a, 24b is continued. In other words, the end of charging is indicated by the output devices 24a, 24b and the availability of the charging cable 18 is indicated by the output devices 24a, 24b until it is finally determined in step S18 that the charging cable 18 has been disconnected from the motor vehicle 10 or has been connected to another motor vehicle 20.

[0054] The method then proceeds to step S20 , in which the output of signals by the output devices 24 a , 24 b is terminated. The method then continues from the previous step S10 , in which the second motor vehicle 20 is now charged by the charging post 16 .

[0055] It should also be noted here that it is also possible that only the motor vehicle 10 or also only the charging post 16 has corresponding output devices 24a, 24b. It is not necessarily the case that the two output devices 24a, 24b end the signal output at the same time. For example, it can be stipulated that once it is detected that the charging cable 18 has been separated from the motor vehicle 10, the motor vehicle 10 first adjusts the signal output through its output device 24a. On the contrary, the output device 24b of the charging post 16 can continue to output signals instead until it is detected that the charging cable 18 is reconnected to another motor vehicle 20. However, alternatively, it is also possible to end the signal output through the output device 24b of the charging post 16 as soon as the connection between the charging cable 18 and the first motor vehicle 10 is disconnected. Here, the end of the signal output refers to a signal indicating the end of charging. Of course, during the new charging process, the output devices 24a, 24b also show the status information of the charging process again or output a signal indicating that the charging post 16 is occupied.

[0056] In summary, it is determined that the present invention provides a function according to which the end of the charging process is visible to third parties in the direct vicinity of the vehicle and new charging interested parties are informed that the charging cable is available again. As described, the end of charging is communicated to third parties in different forms, namely, by an indication only on the vehicle, by an indication only on the charging post, or by an indication not only on the vehicle but also on the charging post. That is, in other words, in order to avoid excessively long passive charging times at public charging posts, a display device is now advantageously provided, which shows the end of the charging process to third parties or charging interested parties. As described, the display device can be installed on the vehicle, installed on the charging post, or not only on the vehicle but also on the charging post. In the form of a display device, such as a display, a light element or another display function, the current charging state, such as the end of the charging process and the conclusions drawn therefrom, can be communicated to external persons. During the charging process, it can be communicated that the vehicle is charging or the duration of the charging process, and after the end of the charging process, the charging is terminated and the charging plug is allowed to be removed. Optionally, this is also the case only if the automatic unlocking of the charging plug after the end of the charging process has been released or authorized by the first user before the charging process. By removing the charging cable from the vehicle, the charging process is immediately ended, that is to say the processes related to charging, in particular the communication between the charging post and the motor vehicle, and in particular the use of personal data of the user of the motor vehicle being charged. In other words, in order to avoid incorrect use, the personal data required for the charging process are locked at the latest when the charging cable is removed, so that the user data can no longer be inferred. Thus, the present invention can advantageously ensure optimal occupancy of public charging posts in a reliable manner. In addition to ensuring optimal utilization and occupancy time of the charging post, unnecessary amounts and costs for end users and idleness in the charging post operator are also avoided.

[0057] Overall, the example shows how the invention provides a function for communicating the end of charging to a third party by signaling the end of charging, which advantageously allows significantly shorter waiting times at charging posts and significantly more efficient use of such charging posts.

Claims

1. A method for signaling (S16) the end of a charging process (S10) for charging an energy storage device (14) of a first motor vehicle (10) at a charging device (16) external to the motor vehicle, the first motor vehicle being associated with a first user (12); the method comprising the steps of: - detecting (S12) the end of charging of an energy storage device (14) of a first motor vehicle (10) connected to a charging device (16) via a coupling device during charging; and - at least when the condition that charging is completed has been obtained, a signal indicates (S16) that charging is completed; characterized in that, The signal indication (S16) includes, independently of whether the first user (12) has authorized the disconnection of the connection between the first motor vehicle (10) and the charging device (16) after the acquisition (S12) of the end of charging, signaling the end of charging to at least one second user (22) different from the first user (12), wherein the signal indicates the end of charging at least under a second condition, i.e., authorization by the first user has been performed or exists before the acquisition of the end of charging, wherein the signal indication (S16) includes continuously outputting information about the end of charging, wherein, as soon as the disconnection of the connection between the charging device (16) and the first motor vehicle and / or as soon as the connection between the charging device (16) and the second motor vehicle is acquired, the output of the information about the end of charging is terminated (S20).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that During the charging process, a connection between a first motor vehicle (10) and a charging device (16) is locked and, after the charging is completed (S12), the connection is automatically unlocked (S14) regardless of whether the first user (12) has authorized the first motor vehicle (10) to disconnect from the charging device (16) after the charging is completed (S12).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The signal representation (S16) includes locally outputting information on the end of charging.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The signal representation (S16) includes outputting information on the completion of charging to the public.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In the event of the signaling (S16), information about the end of charging is output optically and / or acoustically via an output device (24a, 24b) of the first motor vehicle (10) and / or the charging device (16).

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The signaling ( S16 ) includes sending second information related to the end of charging to a central data processing device for forwarding to at least one terminal device of a third user.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Directly after the completion of charging is detected (S12), a charging plug of a charging device (16) plugged into the first motor vehicle (10) is automatically unlocked (S14).

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The central data processing device is an Internet server.

9. An output device (24a, 24b) for signaling the end of charging of an energy storage device (14) of a first motor vehicle (10) at a charging device (16), the first motor vehicle being assigned to a first user (12), wherein: The output device (24a, 24b) is designed to signal the end of charging of the energy storage device (14) based on the end of charging detected, characterized in that the output device is designed to signal the end of charging to at least one second user (22) different from the first user (12) regardless of whether the first user (12) has authorized the disconnection of the connection between the first motor vehicle (10) and the charging device (16) after the end of charging is detected (S12), wherein the end of charging is signaled at least under a second condition, that is, the authorization by the first user is performed or exists before the end of charging is detected, wherein the signaling (S16) includes continuous output of information about the end of charging, wherein the output of information about the end of charging is terminated (S20) as soon as the disconnection of the connection between the charging device (16) and the first motor vehicle and / or as soon as the connection between the charging device (16) and the second motor vehicle is detected.

10. A motor vehicle (10) having an output device (24a) according to claim 9.

11. A charging device (16) having an output device (24b) according to claim 9.

12. The charging device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The charging device is a charging pile.

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