Coupling unit, vehicle having coupling unit and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling unit (1) for establishing an electrical and mechanical connection between a vehicle (2) and a charging station, comprising a vehicle-side charging socket (5) for receiving a charging plug (3) of the charging station and a locking device (11), the invention relates to a charging station for a vehicle (2), comprising a locking device (9), which is designed to lock a charging plug (3) in a charging socket (5) in a locked state and to release the charging plug in an unlocked state, and comprising a separating device (9), which is designed to separate an electrical and mechanical connection between the vehicle (2) and the charging station on the basis of an emergency signal, the charging socket (5) can be moved by a separating device (9) in order to separate the electrical and mechanical connections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connection unit having the features of the preamble of claim 1 for establishing an electrical and mechanical connection between a motor vehicle and a charging station. Furthermore, this invention relates to a vehicle having the connection unit and a method for disconnecting the electrical and mechanical connection between the vehicle and the charging station. Background Technology

[0002] A charging system for electric vehicles is known, in which an electric accumulator is connected to an external charging unit, such as a charging station, via a charging cable to establish an electrical connection between the vehicle's accumulator and the charging unit. The vehicle has a charging socket for this purpose, with a corresponding charging plug for the charging cable, which is typically very securely fitted into the socket to protect the onboard electrical electronics from moisture, such as rain, and to prevent contact resistance. This prevents the vehicle from leaving the charging station as long as the charging cable is connected to it. Therefore, a ejection device is known, which, under certain circumstances, ejects the charging plug from the charging socket based on an ejection signal.

[0003] Document DE 10 2021 126 340 A1 describes a receiving unit for a charging plug in at least a partially electric vehicle. The receiving unit includes at least one charging socket, an actuator having at least one pressure device, and at least one control device. The actuator is configured to eject the charging plug, disposed in the charging socket, from the charging socket by means of the pressure device based on a ejection signal from the control device. The control device can be configured such that it triggers the ejection signal based on an external control signal, such as an emergency function. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a connection unit of the type described at the beginning, which can easily and reliably separate the electrical and mechanical connections between a vehicle and a charging station.

[0005] This task is accomplished by a coupling unit having the features of claim 1, a vehicle having the features of claim 9, and a method having the features of claim 10. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the following description, and / or the drawings.

[0006] The present invention relates to a connection unit, the structure of which is and / or adapted to establish an electrical and mechanical connection between a vehicle and a charging station. The connection unit specifically functions to power the vehicle's electric energy storage device using electrical energy from the charging station via the electrical connection. The connection unit is preferably installed, for this purpose, mostly or primarily, on the vehicle side.

[0007] The connection unit has a vehicle-side charging socket, which is constructed and / or adapted to accommodate a charging plug from a charging station. In other words, the charging socket is assigned to the vehicle and the charging plug is assigned to the charging station. Preferably, the charging socket and the charging plug together form a plug-in connection. Particularly preferred is that both electrical and mechanical connections are achieved through a plug-in connection. The charging plug can be electrically connected to the charging station via a wire, such as a charging cable.

[0008] The connection unit includes a control device configured to output an emergency signal in case of an emergency. Specifically, the control device is intended to control the charging process. Preferably, the control device is configured as a vehicle-side control device for controlling the charging process on the vehicle side. An "emergency situation" can be understood, for example, as a sudden attack, the departure of an emergency or safety vehicle, or other emergency requiring the immediate departure of the vehicle. The control device may be signal-technically connected to the vehicle controller or integrated into the vehicle controller. The control device may optionally be connected to the energy storage device and / or the vehicle's charging electronics to interrupt the charging process based on an emergency signal.

[0009] Furthermore, the connection unit includes a disconnection device configured to sever the electrical and mechanical connection between the vehicle and the charging station based on an emergency signal. Specifically, the disconnection device is configured to release the electrical and mechanical connection between the charging cable and the vehicle, thereby allowing the vehicle to move in an emergency. Preferably, the disconnection device is mounted on the vehicle side and connected to the control unit in signal technology.

[0010] According to the present invention, the charging socket can be disengaged by a disengagement device. In particular, the disengagement device is configured to move the charging socket in such a way that not only the electrical connection between the vehicle and the charging station is severed, but also the mechanical connection between them is released. Preferably, the disengagement device is configured to eject the charging cable by the movement of the charging socket, thus eliminating the need to manually unplug the charging plug. Particularly preferred is that the disengagement device is coupled to the movement of the charging socket. This movement can be achieved by adjusting the movement of the charging socket, such as linear movement and / or rotational movement, but it can also be achieved by releasing the mechanical fixation of the charging socket.

[0011] This invention is based on the understanding that in emergency situations, it is essential to reliably remove the charging cable to allow for rapid vehicle movement and prevent damage to the charging electronics. By moving the charging socket using a separation device, a separate actuating element, such as a lever, can be eliminated, resulting in a particularly compact and low-cost separation device. Furthermore, the movement of the charging socket allows for significantly greater force to separate the plug connection or release the fixed charging plug, thereby achieving reliable separation of the charging cable.

[0012] In the first specific design embodiment, the separation device is configured to move the charging socket into the receiving housing, thereby contacting the electrical and mechanical connections by separating the plug-in connection between the charging socket and the charging plug. Specifically, the charging socket is moved into the receiving housing to at least this extent based on an emergency signal, thereby separating the plug-in connection between the charging socket and the charging plug. Preferably, the charging socket is moved into the receiving housing in the insertion direction of the charging plug. Preferably, at least the charging socket and the separation device are disposed within the receiving housing. Specifically, the charging socket, the separation device, and the receiving housing form a common structural unit. The receiving housing can be fixedly mounted in the vehicle, particularly behind the charging cover. Optionally, a control device can be configured to control the closing of the charging cover after the charging cable is disconnected based on an emergency signal. Moving the charging socket into the receiving housing allows for particularly reliable and non-destructive separation of the charging plug from the charging socket and prevents the charging plug from jamming.

[0013] In one extended embodiment, the disconnecting device is configured to remove the charging socket from the housing again after the disconnected plug-in connection has been made while the vehicle is moving. Specifically, this means that the charging socket is completely removed from the housing after a predetermined time and / or a predetermined speed during vehicle operation. By removing the charging socket, it can be reused for the charging process, thus allowing the vehicle to continue to be used after an emergency.

[0014] In an alternative design, the separation device is configured to eject the charging socket and charging plug together, thereby maintaining the plug-in connection and releasing the mechanical and electrical connection by separating the charging socket from the vehicle. Specifically, this releases the mechanical fastening between the charging socket and the vehicle, preferably to the housing, based on an emergency signal, causing the charging socket to fall off the vehicle. For example, the mechanical fastening can be released by releasing at least one securing mechanism and / or magnetic connection using the separation device. Alternatively, the mechanical fastening can also be released by destroying at least one securing mechanism, such as an explosive charge. Ejecting the charging socket allows for particularly reliable separation of the charging cable from the vehicle in a short time.

[0015] In one specific embodiment, the separation device is configured as an electromechanical actuator. The electromechanical actuator is particularly configured to generate movement, particularly regulating movement, based on an emergency signal and transmit it to the charging socket. Alternatively, the separation device can be configured as an electric actuator. An electric actuator is particularly configured to operate an electromagnet to release the mechanical fixation of the charging socket. However, alternatively, the separation device can also be configured as a chemical actuator. A chemical actuator is particularly configured to disrupt the fixing mechanism to release the mechanical fixation of the charging socket.

[0016] In another specific embodiment, the control device includes a monitoring module. This monitoring module is configured to monitor the vehicle at least during the charging process and generate an emergency signal upon detection of an emergency. In principle, the monitoring module can identify emergency situations based on checklists, process monitoring, etc. Preferably, an algorithm configured to identify emergency situations is stored on the control device, particularly on the monitoring module. The monitoring module can be configured as a hardware or software module. Optionally, the emergency signal can be triggered by other external controls or emergency signals, other monitoring modules, or other control devices. Therefore, a control device is proposed that reliably detects emergency situations, thereby disconnecting the electrical or mechanical connection between the vehicle and the charging station only when necessary.

[0017] In one specific implementation, an emergency is identified by starting the vehicle during the charging process. Specifically, the monitoring module identifies vehicle starting as an emergency when the charging plug is inserted into the charging socket. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring module identifies an emergency by emergency actions performed during the charging process. In particular, emergency actions can be manually triggered by the user via a control unit inside the vehicle. This ensures particularly safe and reliable detection of emergency situations.

[0018] In one extended embodiment, the connection unit is specified to have a locking device configured to lock the charging plug in the charging socket in a locked state and release it in an unlocked state. Specifically, the locking device functions to prevent the charging plug from being pulled out of the charging socket during the charging process. To establish an electrical connection, the locking device is in the unlocked state, allowing the charging plug to be inserted into the charging socket. Subsequently, the locking device transitions to the locked state, securing the charging plug in the charging socket. For example, it can automatically transition to the locked state at the start of the charging process and automatically transition to the unlocked state at the end of the charging process. The locking device can be formed, for example, by at least one latching part, a bayonet-type connection part, or the like. Specifically, the locking device can automatically, especially sensor-controlled and / or program-controlled, transition between the unlocked and locked states.

[0019] According to this extended scheme, the locking device is switched to and / or switchable to an unlocked state based on an emergency signal. Specifically, the locking device switches from the locked position to the unlocked position before the charging socket moves based on an emergency signal, allowing the charging socket to move unimpeded through the disengagement device. Preferably, the control device is signal-connected to the locking device. Preferably, the control device transmits the emergency signal to both the locking device and the disengagement device in parallel and / or with a delay. This ensures rapid and reliable unlocking of the plug-in connection in an emergency.

[0020] Another technical solution of the present invention relates to a vehicle having the coupling unit as described above. Specifically, the coupling unit, preferably a control device, a locking device, a disconnecting device, and a charging socket are disposed on the vehicle side. The vehicle can be a purely electric vehicle or at least partially electric, such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. More specifically, the vehicle can be an emergency vehicle or a safety vehicle.

[0021] Another technical solution of the present invention relates to a method for disconnecting the electrical and mechanical connection between a vehicle and a charging station in an emergency, wherein:

[0022] -Start the charging process;

[0023] - Identify emergency situations and generate emergency signals during the charging process;

[0024] -Remote charging sockets based on emergency signals to separate electrical and mechanical connections.

[0025] Specifically, the charging process is initiated manually by the user by inserting the charging cable plug from the charging station into the vehicle's charging socket. During the charging process, the vehicle is monitored for any emergency situations. For example, the user may trigger an emergency by pressing an emergency button or by starting the vehicle during charging, such as by starting the engine and / or operating the accelerator pedal. An emergency signal is generated, based on which the charging socket is selectively moved in or ejected. Optionally, the locking device may be switched to the unlocked position based on the emergency signal, particularly before the charging socket is moved in, and / or the charging cover may be closed, particularly after the charging socket is moved in. Specifically, driving is permitted after the electrical and mechanical connections are disconnected, allowing the vehicle to be started or moved. Particularly preferably, the mechanical connections are disconnected within a time window of less than 5 seconds, preferably less than 3 seconds, and especially less than 1 second, followed by permission to drive. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Other features, advantages, and effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. The accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0027] Figure 1 A height diagram of a vehicle with a charging plug that houses the charging unit and charging station is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Corresponding or identical parts are given the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 A highly simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle 2, having a housing unit 1 and a charging plug 3 (not shown), as an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. The charging plug 3 is electrically connected to the charging station (not shown) via a charging cable 4.

[0030] The housing unit 1 has a charging socket 5 into which the charging plug 3 is inserted when the vehicle 2 is charging. This forms an electrical and mechanical connection between the charging station and the vehicle 2 via a plug-in connection 6, so as to supply electrical energy to the vehicle 2, especially the energy storage device.

[0031] The housing unit 1 has a control device 7, which is configured and / or adapted for controlling and monitoring the charging process. For this purpose, the control device 7 has a monitoring module 8, which is configured to monitor the vehicle 2 during the charging process and generate an emergency signal upon detection of an emergency. For example, an emergency is detected when the monitoring module detects an event deviating from the typical charging process, such as when a user starts the vehicle 2 during the charging process.

[0032] The receiving unit 1 has a separation device 9 configured to separate the mechanical and electrical connections between the vehicle 2 and the charging station based on an emergency signal. For this purpose, the separation device 9 can be configured, for example, as an electromechanical actuator that transmits an adjusting movement 100 to the charging socket 5 based on an emergency signal. The adjusting movement 100 can be achieved, for example, through linear and / or rotational movement of the charging socket 5 about the insertion direction 101. Alternatively, the separation device 9 can also be configured as an electro- and / or chemical actuator that releases the mechanical fixation of the charging socket 5 based on an emergency signal.

[0033] Furthermore, the housing unit 1 has a housing housing 10, a charging socket 5, and a separation device 9 all housed within the housing housing. For example, the charging socket 5 and the separation device 9 are combined into a common structural unit within the housing housing 10. The housing housing 10 is fixedly mounted in the vehicle 2, and the charging socket 5 is movable relative to the housing housing 7 via the separation device 9. For example, the charging socket 5 can be moved into the housing housing 7 by an adjustment movement 100 in the insertion direction 101 based on an emergency signal, thereby releasing the plug-in connection 6 between the charging socket 5 and the charging plug 3. Alternatively, the charging socket 5 can be dislodged from the housing housing 10 based on an emergency signal by releasing a mechanical fixation, such as a magnetic fixation, thereby maintaining the plug-in connection 6 between the charging socket 5 and the charging plug 3 and ejecting the charging socket 5 from the housing housing 10. For this purpose, the control device 7 is signal-technically connected to the separation device 9, thereby providing an emergency signal to the separation device 9 via the control device 7. Optionally, the control device 7 may also be disposed within the housing housing 10.

[0034] Furthermore, the housing unit 1 has a locking device 11 configured to lock the charging plug 3 into the charging socket 5. The locking device 11 may, for example, have a latch 12 that engages with the charging plug 3 in the locked state to prevent the charging plug from being pulled out in the reverse insertion direction 101. The locking device 11 is signal-connected to the control device 7, and switches to an unlocked state based on an emergency signal, allowing the charging plug 3 to be detached from the vehicle 2. Alternatively, the locking device 11 may be housed within the housing 10 and form a single structural unit together with the charging socket 5 and the detachment device 9.

[0035] The housing unit 1 has a charging cover 13 for covering the charging socket 5. In principle, the charging cover 13 can be manually opened or closed by the user. Alternatively, the charging cover 13 can also be automatically opened by an operating device 14 at the start of the charging process or automatically closed at the end of the charging process. The operating device 14 can be signal-technically connected to a control device 7, which is configured to control the operating device 14. For example, the operating device 14 can close the charging cover 13 based on an emergency signal after the charging cable 4 has been removed, especially after the charging socket 3 has been inserted or ejected. This prevents moisture, such as rainwater, from entering and prevents malfunction of the electronic equipment. Optionally, if the charging socket 3 has already been inserted into the housing 10 in the insertion direction 101, the charging socket 3 can be removed again before or after the charging cover 13 is closed.

[0036] For example, the charging cover 13 can form part of the housing 10, and the operating device 14 can also be disposed in the housing 10. The housing 10 has a receiving opening 15 through which the charging plug 3 can be inserted into the charging socket 5 and ejected from the charging socket 5, or the charging socket 5 can also be ejected through the receiving opening. In the closed state, the receiving opening 15 is completely covered or closed by the charging cover 13.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 7 may be signal-connected to the operating unit 16 of the vehicle 2, which can be operated by a user from inside the vehicle 2 to trigger an emergency. For example, the operating unit 16 may be formed by an emergency button or emergency function of the infotainment system, which generates an emergency signal and provides it to the control device 7 upon operation.

[0038] List of reference numerals

[0039] 1 housing unit

[0040] 2 vehicles

[0041] 3 charging plugs

[0042] 4 charging cables

[0043] 5 charging sockets

[0044] 6-plug connection

[0045] 7 Control devices

[0046] 8 monitoring modules

[0047] 9. Separation device

[0048] 10 Housing

[0049] 11 Locking device

[0050] 12 latches

[0051] 13 charging covers

[0052] 14 Operating devices

[0053] 15 control units

[0054] 100 Adjustment Exercise

[0055] 101 Insertion Direction

Claims

1. A connection unit (1) for establishing an electrical and mechanical connection between a vehicle (2) and a charging station, the connection unit comprising: - Vehicle-side charging socket (5) for accommodating the charging plug (3) of the charging station. - Construct a control device (7) for outputting emergency signals in emergency situations, and - Constructing a separation device (9) for separating the electrical and mechanical connections between a vehicle (2) and a charging station based on an emergency signal, characterized in that, The charging socket (5) can be moved by the separation device (9) to separate the electrical and mechanical connections.

2. The connecting unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation device (9) is configured to move the charging socket (5) into the housing (10), thereby severing the electrical and mechanical connection by separating the plug connection (6) between the charging plug (3) and the charging socket (5).

3. The connecting unit (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The separation device (9) is configured to remove the charging socket (5) from the housing (10) again after the separation plug connection (6) is made while the vehicle (2) is moving.

4. The connecting unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation device (9) is configured to eject the charging socket (5) together with the charging plug (3), thereby maintaining the plug-in connection (6) between the charging plug (3) and the charging socket (5) and releasing the electrical and mechanical connection by separating the charging socket (5) from the vehicle (2).

5. The connecting unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The separation device (9) is constructed as an electrical, electromechanical and / or chemical actuator.

6. The connecting unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control device (7) has a monitoring module (8) configured to monitor the vehicle (2) at least during the charging process and generate an emergency signal when an emergency is detected.

7. The connecting unit (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, Emergency situations are identified by the monitoring module (8) based on the starting of the vehicle (2) during the charging process and / or based on emergency operations during the charging process.

8. The connecting unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A locking device (11) is provided, which is configured to lock the charging plug (3) in the charging socket (5) in the locked state and release it in the unlocked state. The locking device (11) can switch to the unlocked state based on an emergency signal.

9. A vehicle (2) having a coupling unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for disconnecting the electrical and mechanical connections between a vehicle (2) and a charging station in an emergency, wherein: -Start the charging process; - Identify emergency situations and generate emergency signals during the charging process; - Move the charging socket (5) based on an emergency signal to disconnect the electrical and mechanical connections.

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