System with remote query capability for deriving component status through charging outlet

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for transmitting vehicle information via a charging socket (220) during charging of an electric vehicle (100) at a charging station (300), the charging socket containing a dongle (230) comprising an evaluation electronics device (240), a transmission device (250), and an energy supply device (260), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: First, connecting the charging socket (220) of a charging cable (200) to a charging plug (110) on the vehicle side of the electric vehicle (100). Then, connecting the charging plug (210) on the cable side to a charging socket (310) on the grid side of the charging station (300). Then, performing signal analysis by the evaluation electronics device (240). Next, if the signal analysis determines that the examined parameter has a target value or that the target value is absent or completely missing within a specific time period, a specific signal is generated. Then, if the specific signal appears at the dongle (230) or is completely missing within the specific time period, vehicle information is transmitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for transmitting vehicle information when using a charging plug, an electric vehicle, and a charging socket, wherein the charging plug includes a dongle and the electric vehicle includes evaluation electronics. The invention also relates to a charging plug for an electric vehicle, wherein the charging plug includes a dongle, and the dongle includes: means for detecting the presence of a specific signal; and means for enabling the transmission of vehicle information and / or enabling the charging process. The invention further relates to an electric vehicle including a charging plug with a dongle. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles must be charged regularly. In this context, the battery pack is often a weak point. Especially when these battery packs have undiscovered defects, they can suffer considerable damage, even fire, due to thermal runaway. Therefore, before connecting the battery pack to the grid, it should be checked to ensure it is functioning correctly and is not damaged.

[0003] While the vehicle is in motion, vehicle parameters are continuously monitored via onboard electronic equipment. When the vehicle is stationary, technicians can read vehicle data using the onboard computer. Performing diagnostics using the onboard computer before each charging cycle is costly and carries the risk of being forgotten or performed randomly. Vehicle diagnostics are not performed in parked (locked) vehicles or during charging cycles when the vehicle is typically locked, as the vehicle's diagnostic systems are usually also shut down and allowed to rest when the ignition is off.

[0004] Methods such as radio connections are known from the prior art, allowing vehicles to communicate with external devices, such as those of mechatronic personnel. Such radio networks can be implemented, for example, as wide area networks (WANs) or as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention relates to a method for transmitting vehicle information via a charging socket of an electric vehicle during charging at a charging station, wherein the charging socket includes a dongle comprising an evaluation electronics device, a transmission device, and an energy supply device, and comprises the following method steps:

[0006] a. Connect the charging cable's charging socket to the charging plug on the side of the electric vehicle;

[0007] b. Connect the charging plug on the cable side to the charging socket on the power grid side of the charging station;

[0008] c. Perform signal analysis using this evaluation electronic device;

[0009] d. If the signal analysis shows that the examined parameter has a target value or that the target value is absent or completely missing within a specific time period, then a specific signal is generated;

[0010] e. If the specific signal appears at the dongle or is completely absent during the specific time period, vehicle information is transmitted.

[0011] In another aspect of the solution proposed according to the present invention, a method is provided for transmitting vehicle information by means of a charging socket during parking or transportation of an electric vehicle away from a charging station, the charging socket containing a dongle comprising an evaluation electronics device, a transmission device, and an energy supply device, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0012] a. Connect the charging socket to the charging plug on the side of the electric vehicle;

[0013] b. Use the dongle to simulate the signal level of the connected charging station;

[0014] c. Perform signal analysis using this evaluation electronic device;

[0015] d. If the signal analysis shows that the examined parameter has a target value or that the target value is absent or completely missing within a specific time period, then a specific signal is generated;

[0016] e. If the specific signal appears at the dongle or is completely absent during the specific time period, vehicle information is transmitted.

[0017] In a third aspect of the method according to the present invention, the method is used to transmit vehicle information using a charging socket for anti-theft protection or for identifying unauthorized access to an electric vehicle, the charging socket containing a dongle that includes an evaluation electronics device, a transmission device, and a power supply device, wherein the following method steps are performed:

[0018] a. Connect the charging socket to the charging plug on the side of the electric vehicle;

[0019] b. Unplug the charging socket from the charging plug on the vehicle side of the electric vehicle;

[0020] c. Perform signal analysis using this evaluation electronic device;

[0021] d. If the signal analysis indicates that the charging socket has been unplugged from the charging plug on the vehicle side of the electric vehicle, a specific signal is generated;

[0022] e. If the specific signal occurs within the specific time period, vehicle information and location indication are transmitted.

[0023] Within the scope of this invention, all types of motor vehicles that operate electrically or at least partially electrically (i.e., so-called hybrid vehicles) are referred to as electric vehicles. Thus, in particular, passenger cars (Pkw), freight cars (Lkw), buses, or ships that operate electrically or partially electrically are all referred to as electric vehicles. In the following context, a dongle is understood as a device that provides intelligence within an evaluation electronics device having an integrated storage medium, also having sending and receiving capabilities within the framework of a transmission device, and further including a positioning device, such as a GPS system, and a power supply device.

[0024] Electric vehicles require an internal power source to operate their electric motors, which is implemented as a battery pack. This battery pack can be charged via a connection to an external power grid. This connection is achieved through a charging plug on the vehicle side, a charging cable socket, and a power grid-side charging socket at the charging station. The charging socket is inserted into the vehicle-side charging plug, and the charging cable plug is inserted into the power grid-side charging socket at the charging station. This connection can be achieved, for example, via a standardized Type 2 plug-and-socket pair.

[0025] Within the scope of this invention, the socket for the charging cable of a charging station, i.e., a 130V to 250V socket, and the corresponding stand-alone socket without a cable, are both referred to as a socket. Importantly, an electric vehicle can be charged via this socket, or the charging can be simulated by sending a corresponding signal via this stand-alone socket with an integrated dongle.

[0026] A dongle, also known as a copy protection plug-in, hardware key, or hardware key, is used to protect software or data from unauthorized access. Under predetermined conditions, a dongle typically enables access to specific software or data, such as exchanging specific protocols, receiving specific signals or data, especially digital keys or digital signatures.

[0027] Within the scope of this invention, the dongle evaluates signals from the on-board charger or on-board computer in a first aspect (charging at a charging station) and, under certain specified conditions, transmits vehicle data. In a second aspect, i.e., during parking or transportation of the electric vehicle, the dongle simulates the vehicle's charging status at a charging station and thus stimulates evaluation electronics within the vehicle or the on-board charger. Under certain specified conditions, vehicle information is also transmitted to a defined recipient.

[0028] Within the scope of the third aspect of the invention, namely as anti-theft protection or to identify unauthorized access to the electric vehicle, a specific signal is generated if signal analysis determines that the charging socket has been unplugged from the charging plug on the vehicle side of the electric vehicle. In this case, if the specific signal occurs within a specific time period, vehicle information and location indication are determined.

[0029] Electric vehicles using the method according to the present invention also require evaluation electronic equipment designed to determine at least one state parameter of the vehicle (battery pack state → charging ready). This evaluation electronic equipment may, for example, be implemented as part of the onboard software of the electric vehicle's onboard computer or as an additional module in the electric vehicle.

[0030] If the evaluation electronic device determines that the measured value is within a specific measurement range or that the value is above or below a threshold, depending on which value is being determined or which parameter is being checked, then the parameter being checked has a target value.

[0031] To initiate the method according to the invention, the electric vehicle is connected to the charging station using a charging plug, charging socket, charging cable on the vehicle side, and a charging socket on the power grid side. This can be achieved, for example, by manually inserting the charging plug into the charging socket.

[0032] The dongle emulates a vehicle-side evaluation electronics device connected to a charging station at a voltage level, such as 12V or 9V. Vehicle diagnostics are thus activated and performed by this evaluation electronics device. If the checked parameters reach target values, the evaluation electronics device generates a signal, which is then received and interpreted by the dongle. The dongle checks whether the generated signal, such as a 6V voltage level, is present or absent within a specific time period, and enables access to software that introduces and / or performs the transmission of vehicle information as long as the signal is present within that time period.

[0033] Preferably, the battery pack is only charged when the vehicle's evaluation electronics have determined that the electric vehicle's battery pack is not damaged and / or has returned to a state indicating that the battery pack is ready to operate.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment of the method proposed according to the present invention, this vehicle information includes state information of the battery pack of the electric vehicle, particularly the traction battery pack (also known as the drive battery pack). This state information may include, for example, information about the state of the battery pack as a whole or information about the individual cells of the battery pack, such as state of charge, charging capacity, output power, or similar parameters characterizing the state of the battery pack or its components.

[0035] In another advantageous implementation variant, the thermal state, particularly the temperature of the battery pack, is determined during vehicle diagnostics. If the battery pack becomes too hot during charging, it may damage itself or the vehicle due to thermal runaway.

[0036] In one implementation, this vehicle information includes: the location of the electric vehicle, especially its GPS location; and / or the chassis number of the electric vehicle.

[0037] In an advantageous implementation, the specific signal is a standardized 6V signal.

[0038] In another implementation, this vehicle information is transmitted periodically, within polling intervals, and / or in response to polling ping (Abfrageping).

[0039] In one implementation variant, this vehicle information is transmitted via a radio network.

[0040] In another embodiment, the radio network is a wide area network (WAN) or a Global Standard for Mobile Communications (GSM) network.

[0041] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a charging socket for an electric vehicle, the charging socket including a dongle. The dongle further includes: means for detecting the presence of a specific signal; and means for enabling the transmission of vehicle information of the electric vehicle.

[0042] Finally, the present invention relates to an electric vehicle comprising the aforementioned dongle and means for performing the aforementioned method. The means for performing the aforementioned method may, for example, include an evaluation unit and a transmission unit, particularly an antenna and its controller.

[0043] Advantages of the present invention

[0044] Access to this vehicle information is simplified by the method according to the present invention because every electric vehicle must be charged sooner or later, and for this purpose, the electric vehicle's charging plug is connected to a charging socket. The method is then executed automatically, and the parameters to be checked are examined. Through this method, the vehicle can transmit the checked parameters during each charging process, enabling regular and frequent monitoring of the vehicle without the expense of manually checking the onboard computer and / or evaluating electronic equipment.

[0045] Advantageously, the transmission of battery pack status information enables regular monitoring of the battery pack. This allows for early identification of battery pack defects and prevents battery pack malfunctions or unexpected performance degradation.

[0046] Determining the thermal state of the battery pack, especially its temperature, and transmitting corresponding state information can be used to: identify thermal development early and reduce the risk of damage due to fire. Therefore, it is of great interest, particularly for electric vehicles, to continuously monitor the thermal state of the battery pack, especially the traction battery pack.

[0047] By transmitting this location and / or chassis number, electric vehicle manufacturers can monitor critical vehicle data after the vehicle leaves the production line until it is delivered to the customer. Manufacturers can especially monitor this data remotely. This allows, for example, indirect determination of the battery pack status, which can then be transmitted along with the location data. Thus, the manufacturer always knows which of its manufactured vehicles are located in what battery pack state. Using the assigned chassis number, vehicle owners, including the manufacturer and its customers, will be able to continuously monitor electric vehicles in their parking locations (while charging). Consequently, manufacturers can quickly identify and locate vehicles within the factory premises based on their specific chassis numbers.

[0048] By transmitting information about the battery pack's status, especially its thermal state, vehicle owners, particularly dealers with multiple electric vehicles in their stores, can quickly locate their vehicles and avoid damage unrelated to indirect fire alarm infrastructure such as fire alarms and cameras. Furthermore, by transmitting this location information, the vehicle can be located during each charging cycle, making it easier to recover if stolen.

[0049] This allows for the transmission of vehicle information not only after the charging plug is inserted into the socket, but also continuously at any adjustable intervals during the charging process. Consequently, defects that develop during the charging process, particularly defects in the battery pack or its components, can be identified earlier.

[0050] This allows vehicle information to be advantageously transmitted to any location connected to the corresponding radio network. Thus, the method can be applied remotely.

[0051] Both WAN and GSM technologies are standardized and can be easily used in charging sockets or dongles. The network can also extend to regions (e.g., cities), specific areas (especially factory areas), individual buildings (e.g., retail stores or showrooms), or large regions (especially globally). Furthermore, the network can be localized and limited by a local area network (LAN), especially a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0052] Preferably, the signal to be detected is a signal from the evaluation unit of the electric vehicle, particularly a 6V signal. The means for enabling the transmission of vehicle information may include, for example, program code that manipulates a controller to send signals to a transmission unit, particularly an antenna and its control unit, which then transmits the vehicle information.

[0053] To move an electric vehicle, the charging socket must first be unplugged. To avoid forgetting this and damaging the vehicle, charging cable, and charging station, it is impossible to drive with the charging socket plugged in. The method proposed in this invention allows electric vehicle owners, including manufacturers, their customers, transportation companies, repair shops, etc., to record the unplugging of the charging socket at any time, thereby enabling these owners to record unauthorized movement, such as theft of the vehicle. In this case, in addition to vehicle information, the vehicle's location data can also be advantageously transmitted, allowing vehicles that may have been stolen or moved without authorization to be located regarding their current position. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following description.

[0055] in:

[0056] Figure 1a The flowchart of one implementation of the method is illustrated in the form of a charging situation at a charging station.

[0057] Figure 1b The process of the method in the following second implementation variant is illustrated in the diagram: the electric vehicle is away from the charging station (parking situation, transportation, etc.);

[0058] Figure 2a The process of this method with the following implementation variant is illustrated in the diagram: vehicle stationary during charging;

[0059] Figure 2bThe flow of this method in the following implementation variant is illustrated schematically: an electric vehicle is moving away from a charging station (parking situation, transportation, etc.); and

[0060] Figure 3 The contact assignment of the type 2 plug is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0061] In the following description of embodiments of the invention, the same or similar elements are indicated by the same reference numerals, wherein repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted in certain cases. These figures are merely schematic representations of the subject matter of the invention.

[0062] Figure 1a The flowchart illustrates a method according to a first embodiment of the present invention during a charging process at a charging station 300. The method begins at step S02, in which the charging socket 220 is connected to the charging plug 110 on the vehicle side. In step S04, the on-board electronics of the electric vehicle 100 identify the charging station, if necessary, through an in-vehicle evaluation electronics 240 (on-board computer 140), or an on-board charger 120 (On-Bord-Charger, OBC), or plug contacts, or by applying a voltage level, for example, in the form of a 12V signal. This voltage level is changed, for example, to a 9V voltage level, when the charging plug 220 is inserted. In step S06, the evaluation electronics 240 (on-board computer 140) performs signal analysis, and if the signal analysis concludes that the parameter examined in the signal analysis, depending on the type of parameter, has a target value, or that the target value is missing, absent for a period of time, or exceeds or falls below a threshold, a signal is generated in step S08.

[0063] In step S10, it is checked whether the signal appears at the dongle 230 inside the charging plug 210 on the cable side within a specific time period. If it appears, in step S12, the dongle 230 will preferably transmit the vehicle information and / or GPS location of the electric vehicle 100 via a radio network, such as via GSM or WAN, especially a Low Power Wide Area Network (LoRa-WAN or LPWAN).

[0064] In accordance with Figure 1b The illustration shows a flow diagram of another embodiment of the method according to the present invention, wherein the electric vehicle 100 is in a parking or transportation situation away from the charging station 300. The method begins at step S02, in which the electric vehicle 100 is positioned in accordance with the method described in the present invention. Figure 2b , Figure 3The autonomous dongle 230 illustrated in the diagram connects to the charging plug 110 on the vehicle side of the electric vehicle 100. In step S03, the autonomous dongle 230 uses its integrated intelligence to simulate the signal structure of the charging station 300. In step S04, on-board electronic equipment, such as the on-board computer 140 of the electric vehicle 100, identifies the charging station 300 simulated by the inserted autonomous dongle 230, if necessary, through the in-vehicle evaluation electronic equipment 240 or the on-board charger 120 (OBC). Alternatively, the presence of plug contacts or voltage levels, such as a 12V signal, can be simulated. This voltage level is changed during signal connection, such as from a 12V signal to a 9V signal, or to a corresponding voltage level. In step S06, the evaluation electronic device 240, namely the on-board computer 140 of the electric vehicle 100, performs signal analysis, and if the signal analysis determines that the parameter examined within the framework of the signal analysis has a target value, or the target value is missing, or the target value is not present for a period of time, or is above or below a threshold, a signal is generated in step S08.

[0065] In step S10, it is checked whether the signal appears at the dongle 230 inside the charging plug 110 on the vehicle side within a specific time period. If it does, in step S12, the dongle 230 will preferably transmit vehicle information, including GPS location, via a radio network, such as GSM or WAN, especially a low-power wide area network (LoRa-WAN or LPWAN). This allows the precise location of the electric vehicle 100, for example, if it is being used without authorization or has been stolen, to be found in the shortest possible time, thus providing effective anti-theft protection or location capabilities for the electric vehicle 100 through the method proposed according to the present invention.

[0066] Figure 2a A schematic structure of an electric vehicle 100 along with its infrastructure components required to perform the methods according to the three embodiments of the present invention is shown. The electric vehicle 100 includes a vehicle-side charging plug 110, which can be connected to a charging socket 220 of a charging cable 200 and a charging socket 310 on the grid side of a charging station 300, for example, during the charging process. A dongle 230 is placed within the charging socket 220. The dongle 230 includes: an evaluation electronics device 240; a transmission device 250 for receiving and transmitting signals; a self-contained power supply device 260; and a device 270 for positioning, for example, via GPS.

[0067] If the on-board charger 120 (OBC) of the electric vehicle 100 recognizes that the charging socket 220 is inserted and the charging plug 210 on the cable side is connected to the charging socket 310 on the grid side of the charging station 300, then the on-board computer 140 checks at least one parameter of the electric vehicle 100, such as the battery pack 130. This parameter may be, for example, the status, especially the thermal status of the battery pack 130 of the electric vehicle 100.

[0068] If the battery pack 130 is ready to operate, a signal, such as a 6V voltage level, is sent to the charging station 300, and the charging process for the battery pack 130 can begin. If this voltage level, such as the 6V signal, is not sent or is not sent within a specific time period, this situation is detected by the evaluation electronics 240 integrated into the dongle 230. The evaluation electronics 240 controls a transmission device 250, such as a GSM module or a WAN antenna, to transmit vehicle information. This vehicle information may include, in particular, the determined state of the battery pack 130, the chassis number of the electric vehicle 100, and / or the current location of the electric vehicle 100.

[0069] In accordance with Figure 2a In one implementation variant, the charging socket 220 is part of the charging cable 200 and includes a dongle 230 integrated into the charging socket 220, while according to Figure 2b In the implementation variant, the charging socket 220 is designed as a self-contained unit and also includes a dongle 230. According to... Figure 2a and 2b In both implementation variants, the dongle 230 of the charging socket 220 is the same. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The difference between them is: in accordance with Figure 2a In one implementation variant, the charging cable 200 is inserted into the charging socket 310 on the power grid side of the charging station 300 via its cable-side charging plug 210. According to... Figure 2b In this implementation variant, the charging station 300, along with the charging socket 310 on the grid side, is missing. (In accordance with...) Figure 2b In one implementation variant, a charging station 300 is simulated by a charging socket 220 inserted into a charging plug 110 on the vehicle side, along with a dongle 230.

[0070] Figure 3 The contact assignment of the Type 2 plug is shown. The Type 2 plug corresponding to the charging plug 110 on the vehicle side includes: a neutral conductor 111; a proximity pilot 112; a control pilot 114; outer conductor contacts 115, 116 and 117; and a protective contact 118.

[0071] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, numerous variations are possible within the scope of protection set forth in the claims, all of which are within the purview of those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting vehicle information by means of a charging socket (220) during parking or transportation of an electric vehicle (100) away from a charging station (300), the charging socket (220) containing a dongle (230) comprising an evaluation electronics device (240), a transmission device (250), and an energy supply device (260), wherein the method comprises the following steps: a. Connect the charging socket (220) to the charging plug (110) on the vehicle side of the electric vehicle (100); b. The signal level of the connected charging station (300) is simulated using the dongle (230); c. Perform signal analysis using the evaluation electronic device (240); d. If the signal analysis concludes that the examined parameter has a target value or that the target value is absent or completely missing within a specific time period, then a specific signal is generated; e. If the specific signal appears at the dongle (230) or is completely absent during the specific time period, vehicle information is transmitted.

2. A method for transmitting vehicle information via a charging socket (220) for anti-theft protection or for identifying unauthorized access to an electric vehicle (100), the charging socket (220) containing a dongle (230) comprising an evaluation electronics device (240), a transmission device (250), and a power supply device (260), wherein the method comprises the following steps: a. Connect the charging socket (220) to the charging plug (110) on the vehicle side of the electric vehicle (100); b. Disconnect the charging socket (220) from the charging plug (110) on the vehicle side of the electric vehicle (100); c. Perform signal analysis using the evaluation electronic device (240); d. If the signal analysis determines that the charging socket (220) has been unplugged from the charging plug (110) on the vehicle side of the electric vehicle (100), a specific signal is generated; e. If the specific signal occurs within the specific time period, vehicle information and location indication are transmitted.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle information includes the status information of the battery pack (130) of the electric vehicle (100).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery pack (130) is a traction battery pack or a part thereof.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the signal analysis, the thermal state of the battery pack (130) and / or a portion thereof of the electric vehicle (100) is determined directly or indirectly.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thermal state is temperature.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle information includes: the location of the electric vehicle (100); and / or the chassis number of the electric vehicle.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The location mentioned is the GPS location.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The specific signal is a 6V signal.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle information is transmitted periodically, within polling intervals, and / or in response to polling pings.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle information is transmitted via a radio network.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The radio network is a WAN or GSM network.

13. An electric vehicle (100) comprising a charging socket (220) with a dongle (230), wherein the dongle (230) includes an evaluation electronics device (240), a transmission device (250), and an energy supply device (260), wherein the dongle (230) comprises: A device for detecting the presence of a specific signal; And means for enabling the transmission of vehicle information of the electric vehicle (100), wherein the electric vehicle (100) includes means for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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