Method and system for performing charging operations

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for carrying out a charging operation, in which an electrical energy store of a vehicle (1) is charged by means of a charging station (2). The method according to the invention is characterized in that the vehicle (1) transmits status information to a charging hub (3) comprising the charging station (2) at the latest when reaching the charging station (2), the status information describing at least one status of at least one vehicle system, and the charging hub (3) comprises the charging station (2). At the latest the energy connection is established between the charging station (2) and the electrical energy store, a hub system corresponding to the vehicle system is configured and activated as a function of the state described by the state information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for performing a charging operation of the type defined more in the preamble of claim 1 and a system of the type defined more in the preamble of claim 10. Background Technology

[0002] The share of electric vehicles in road traffic (i.e., vehicles with at least partially electrified powertrains) is increasing. Typically, driving energy is stored in an electrical energy storage device, often referred to as a traction battery. While liquid fuels can be refueled relatively quickly, the charging process takes longer.

[0003] Charging can be done in both private and public spaces. This is done using public charging stations. These stations are typically operated by energy suppliers or specialized companies. The large number of public charging station operators can make it difficult for planned users to perform charging operations. Therefore, different operators often differ in the conditions available for charging, such as price, charging parameters, charging interface, discounts, and payment options.

[0004] The corresponding charging stations are typically "exposed" in the area. To protect against weather conditions, the charging stations must be covered. This affects the comfort of users at the charging stations. To make the most of their waiting time to complete the charging process, users can go to cafes, libraries, supermarkets, or other public places. This may involve detours on foot back.

[0005] DE 10 2015 211 642 B3 discloses a communication device, control device, and system for a vehicle area. This publication describes a charging infrastructure for vehicles. In this case, a charging station for performing the charging operation is housed within a garage that can be closed by a garage door. Information describing the progress of the charging operation and / or the parking status of the vehicle can be transmitted to a unit outside the garage. These are preferably components integrated into the owner's smart home, such as smart controllable lighting devices. This allows for convenient display of the completion of the charging operation to the user at home, without even requiring the user to look at their smartphone.

[0006] DE 10 2018 203 942 A1 also disclosed the requirement for advance booking of charging stations and the corresponding charging systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved method for performing charging operations.

[0008] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a method for performing a charging operation having the features of claim 1. Advantageous designs and improvements, as well as systems for performing the method, are derived from the relevant claims.

[0009] A general method for performing charging operations, wherein a vehicle's energy storage device is charged via a charging station, is unique in that the vehicle transmits status information to a charging hub including the charging station no later than when it arrives at the charging station, wherein the status information describes at least one state of at least one vehicle system, and wherein, no later than when an energy connection is established between the charging station and the energy storage device, a hub system corresponding to the vehicle system is configured and activated based on the state described by the status information. By means of the method according to the invention, user interaction between the vehicle user and the charging station or between the vehicle user and the charging hub is improved when charging operations are performed using a charging station.

[0010] A charging hub is the infrastructure above a charging station. The charging hub and vehicles can exchange information directly with each other, or indirectly through a central computing device. Therefore, vehicles can transmit status information to the central computing device, for example, via a mobile network through a telecommunications unit. The central computing device can be formed by a cloud server. Cloud servers can exchange information via the Internet. Thus, the charging hub communicates with the central computing device and can therefore receive status information. Additionally, the charging hub and vehicles can have communication devices that allow direct data exchange. This enables information exchange between the charging hub and the vehicle when the vehicle approaches the charging hub. For example, the charging hub can have one or more Wi-Fi hotspots or 5G antennas. The vehicle can have appropriate communication devices. If the vehicle is within the communication range of the charging hub, information can be transmitted, especially using high data rates based on Wi-Fi or 5G.

[0011] A charging hub includes at least one hub system corresponding to a vehicle system. Various examples of suitable possible hubs or vehicle systems are listed below. For example, a vehicle's radio can be mentioned here. Status information is then provided, such as the volume at which a particular radio station was previously played in the vehicle. This information is shared with the charging hub if the vehicle's user now wishes to perform a charging operation at a charging station within the charging hub. A charging station is then assigned to perform the charging operation. The charging hub features speakers installed near the charging stations. If the user now exits the vehicle and connects the charging station to their vehicle's charging port, the radio station located in the vehicle is played through the speakers on the charging hub. This enables a seamless user experience when the user switches between the vehicle and the charging hub.

[0012] Depending on the hub system or vehicle system, the configuration and activation of the hub system can be done at any time, but no later than when an energy connection is established between the charging station and the vehicle's energy storage.

[0013] Here, an advantageous improvement to the method according to the invention stipulates that, prior to the vehicle's arrival at the charging station, the charging hub transmits charging hub information to the vehicle, which describes the general availability of the existing hub system at the charging hub. Data exchange between the vehicle and the charging hub can also be conducted directly or indirectly via a central computing device. Transmitting the charging hub information to the vehicle in advance allows the vehicle's user to better plan their stay at the charging hub. Depending on the design of the charging hub, different total amounts of hub systems can be provided at different charging stations within the hub. Therefore, another vehicle or hub system can be formed by air conditioning equipment. Then, for example, only a portion of the charging stations at the charging hub or the corresponding spaces surrounding / adjacent to the charging stations can have corresponding air conditioning functions. The user can still perceive this through an appropriate booking platform during their journey to the charging hub and then select such a charging station to perform the charging operation, which has the vehicle or hub system currently associated with it. This further improves the user interaction during the charging operation.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least a portion of the state information is formed from preprocessed information, wherein the vehicle transmits the preprocessed information to the charging hub before arriving at the charging station. Therefore, hierarchical data transmission from the vehicle to the charging hub is possible. Here, a portion of the state information, namely the preprocessed information, is transmitted to the charging hub before the vehicle arrives at the charging station. Then, for example, when the vehicle arrives at the charging station, the remaining state information can be transmitted at a later time.

[0015] When a vehicle arrives at a charging hub, preprocessing information can be transmitted directly from the vehicle to the hub, or preferably indirectly via a central computing device if the vehicle is still relatively far from the hub. If the preprocessing information is transmitted to the charging hub upon arrival, only a relatively short period, such as seconds or minutes, is available before the vehicle reaches the charging station assigned to it. Conversely, if the preprocessing information has already been transmitted to the charging hub earlier via the central computing device, a correspondingly longer period is available, such as 15, 30, or 45 minutes, or even fractions or multiples of hours.

[0016] Preferably, the charging hub preprocesses at least one hub system according to the configuration described by the preprocessing information, so that the corresponding hub system is available in the target state described by the preprocessing information no later than when the vehicle arrives at the charging station. This further improves the user experience when using the charging hub at the charging station. As mentioned earlier, the hub system may be formed by, for example, an air conditioning unit. A specific time period may be required to regulate the charging hub area around the charging station according to the climate conditions set in the vehicle. If the preprocessing information is transmitted to the charging hub early enough, the area around the charging station, such as a room or garage, can be set to a specific target temperature before the user arrives at the charging station. This requires more or less time depending on the temperature difference with the surrounding environment and the size of the space to be regulated.

[0017] Therefore, another advantageous design of the method according to the invention further specifies that the in-vehicle computing unit determines the time point for transmitting at least pre-processed information to the charging hub, particularly taking into account the location matching of the current vehicle position and the charging hub position in the digital map. Advantageously, the in-vehicle computing unit determines the latest time point at which the pre-processed information must be transmitted to the charging hub so that the hub system can be adjusted according to the target state when the user arrives at the charging station. For this purpose, the data required to calculate the time point is provided to the in-vehicle computing unit. On the one hand, this is the travel time that the vehicle still has to travel to reach the charging hub, resulting from the positions of the vehicle and the charging hub. Furthermore, the duration required to adjust the hub system depends on the type of hub system and the corresponding specific design of the charging hub. For example, the charging station may be placed in an enclosed space, such as a garage. The garage may have a specific volume. Depending on the size of the garage and the performance of the installed air conditioning or heating system, as well as the surrounding environmental conditions, adjusting the hub system requires more or less time. By automatically determining the time for transmitting the pre-processed information by the in-vehicle computing unit, it can be reliably ensured that when the user arrives at the charging station, the user finds the charging hub or hub system in the manner actually expected by the user.

[0018] Preprocessed information can be continuously updated while the user is at the charging hub. If the user makes changes to the vehicle systems while in the vehicle, these changes can be transmitted to the charging hub accordingly to reflect the altered vehicle settings. However, if the vehicle system settings change very briefly, the hub system may not be adequately adjusted due to its inertia. The charging hub can have suitable features that also allow for on-site configuration of the hub system so that appropriate changes can be made subsequently, even while the user remains at the charging hub.

[0019] Therefore, preprocessed information is preferably transmitted automatically to the charging hub as late as possible. This avoids potential misconfigurations of the hub system due to its inertia, if necessary. Furthermore, unnecessary adjustments to the hub system can be prevented if the vehicle's driver simultaneously decides not to perform a charging operation at the charging hub. As mentioned above, the optimal timing for this purpose is determined by the vehicle's internal computing unit based on boundary conditions generated by the current situation.

[0020] Vehicles can determine their location, for example, using a navigation system. This system assesses signals transmitted by a global navigation satellite system to determine the vehicle's geographic location. This location can then be input into a digital map. Specifically, a navigation route from the vehicle's current location to a charging hub can be calculated and output for use in the vehicle. Therefore, taking into account traffic networks and corresponding speed limits, the time required to reach the charging hub can be estimated with particular reliability. Traffic information can also be considered here to account for delays associated with traffic congestion, for example.

[0021] Another advantageous design of the method according to the invention further specifies that at least one hub system is formed by the following means:

[0022] -Air conditioning equipment; -Lighting equipment; - Fragrance diffuser; - Audio equipment used to play audio content; - Telephone equipment used for making telephone calls and / or video conferencing; - Beverage equipment; -Entertainment system; or - Massage equipment.

[0023] Therefore, one or more hub systems or one or more vehicle systems are particularly preferably comfort functions unrelated to the charging function of the vehicle battery or charging station. Temperature regulation can be achieved for the charging hub space provided for user stays using air conditioning equipment. This can specifically be an air conditioning unit and / or a heating unit. Thus, cooling can be provided for the lounge in hot ambient temperatures, and heating can be provided in cold ambient temperatures. The target temperature to be set then corresponds to the temperature set in the user's vehicle. Here, the ventilation level of the ventilation system installed in the vehicle can also be considered, such that a correspondingly higher or lower airflow is supplied to the lounge.

[0024] The hub system can also be a lighting system. Vehicles can have various lighting devices, such as so-called ambient lighting. Therefore, the light pattern displayed by the vehicle's ambient lighting can be transmitted and reproduced in a similar way in the charging hub. Thus, brightness, light temperature, light color, and / or dynamics or animations associated with the corresponding light pattern can be reproduced accordingly in the charging hub. With the help of a lighting system that can be controlled in real time, it is also easier to locate charging stations for charging operations. Thus, for example, a user can alternately turn the high beams on and off in the vehicle, resulting in a similar alternating brightening and dimming of the fixed lighting at the charging station in the charging hub.

[0025] Another hub system can be formed by a fragrance device. Such fragrance devices are also known for use in vehicles. Here, various scents can be reproduced within the vehicle. Then, in each case, the scent set in the vehicle is also released in the charging hub to achieve a vehicle-related user lounge odor. Depending on the design of the fragrance device, the user may need to manually notify the vehicle which scent or odor is currently set.

[0026] Another hub system can be formed by audio equipment. Audio content, such as radio, music streaming, podcasts, audiobooks, CDs, MP3s, etc., can be played through the audio equipment. Status information correspondingly describes the audio content being played in the vehicle. When the user arrives at the charging station, the same audio content will be seamlessly played at the charging hub, so the user can simply “continue listening” when leaving the vehicle.

[0027] Another hub system can be formed by telephone equipment. Making phone calls via hands-free devices is possible within the vehicle. Video conferencing is also possible. The corresponding communication equipment can be installed on the charging hub. This allows users to seamlessly continue phone calls or video conferences when leaving the vehicle.

[0028] The hub system can also be formed by beverage equipment. This could be a beverage dispenser, a fully automatic coffee machine, etc. Therefore, a user can store in their vehicle a profile which beverages they wish to drink under what boundary conditions, such as based on the season, ambient temperature, and / or time. The corresponding beverages can be prepared before the user arrives at the charging station. Thus, coffee or tea can be brewed early enough, or cold drinks can be served. If the user gets out of the vehicle, they can drink the beverage directly without waiting until it is prepared. Here, the vehicle system associated with the hub system does not necessarily have to be formed by beverage equipment integrated into the vehicle. For example, storing appropriate information about when to prepare which beverages in the memory of the vehicle's internal computing unit is sufficient.

[0029] Another hub system can be formed by an entertainment system. This system allows users to play video games or stream media content such as TV series, movies, and television programs. Therefore, the corresponding media content can already be provided, especially on screens not visible to the driver. For example, video games can be played in the back of the vehicle, or passengers can watch movies while the vehicle is in motion. Then, before the vehicle reaches a charging station, information about which entertainment program is currently in use can be transmitted to the charging hub to load the corresponding TV channel, video-on-demand (VOD), or video game. However, similar to the beverage example above, the relevant information can also be stored in a dedicated memory that is manually configured by the user. This also allows users of vehicles without a corresponding entertainment system to quickly access videos or video games upon arrival at a charging station.

[0030] Another hub system can also be formed by massage equipment. Therefore, vehicle seats with massage functions are known. Different massage programs can be set. The corresponding activated massage program can then be transmitted from the vehicle to the charging hub. The charging hub can have a corresponding massage seat or armchair. The user can leave their vehicle, begin the charging process, and then sit in the appropriate massage armchair to seamlessly enjoy their massage program.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a personalized welcome message is received when a vehicle user arrives at a charging hub, particularly by means of a message projected onto the vehicle's surrounding environment. Welcoming the user further enhances the user experience, thereby improving user interaction. In particular, this can increase customer loyalty. A projector can be installed at the corresponding entrance of the charging hub or in the area of ​​the corresponding charging station, through which the appropriate message can be projected onto the surrounding environment. For example, the message can be projected onto the ground in front of the vehicle. For example, such a message can contain text and / or images or pictographs. The message projected onto the surrounding environment can be static, i.e., with fixed display content, or it can be animated. For example, a suitable welcome message could contain text such as, "Hi, Aura, your charging garage is here." Information can also be included in the welcome message, such as directional arrows designed to guide the user to the charging station assigned to that user, the current time, weather forecast, charging hub utilization, etc.

[0032] Another advantageous design of the method according to the invention further stipulates that access to the charging hub, charging station, and / or the establishment of an energy connection between the charging station and the energy storage device is only permitted after user authentication. This prevents unauthorized third parties from using the charging hub's infrastructure. Various methods can be used for user authentication or verification. A corresponding authentication terminal can be installed at the entrance of the charging hub or charging station. For example, a user can identify themselves using a personal user account and password. Biometrics can also be detected; for example, iris scanning, voice analysis, or facial recognition based on typical facial features or characteristics can be performed. Users or vehicles can also carry unique identifiers. Thus, users or vehicles can be identified, for example, by the Bluetooth address or MAC address of a carried mobile terminal. It is also conceivable to securely install dedicated devices in the vehicle. For example, unique identifiers can be exchanged between the vehicle and the charging hub via radio. Such identification methods are known, for example, for billing in automatic toll collection. This particularly enhances customer connectivity for frequent users of the charging hub.

[0033] Users can conveniently authenticate themselves indirectly through their vehicles. Therefore, users can log in locally within their vehicles using their username and password or corresponding biometrics. Successful login is then indirectly relayed to the charging hub via a central computing device. If a vehicle is detected entering the charging hub, the hub directly registers the user as authenticated.

[0034] The corresponding user account can be associated with, for example, a vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate. This linked information can then be transmitted from a central computing device to the charging hub. The charging hub can have suitable optical reading devices, such as cameras, in the area in front of the corresponding entrance or charging station. This enables visual detection and recording of the VIN or license plate. The vehicle can also be located at the charging hub using triangulation, for example, by detecting the transponder signal inside the vehicle using multiple fixed antennas. Thus, it can be determined fully automatically whether the vehicle is correctly parked in front of its assigned charging station or within its assigned garage. In another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a reservation platform for booking charging operations at charging stations of charging hubs displays at least a portion of the charging hub information and / or the costs incurred during the use of the charging hub. Therefore, vehicle users are able to plan charging operations and make reservations through the reservation platform. Thus, charging stations can be booked in advance. To better plan charging operations, various information can be displayed to the user through the reservation platform. This includes the availability of various hub systems and the costs incurred in using the charging hub. Corresponding charging hubs may have charging stations with different configurations. This means that different charging stations may have different total numbers of hub systems available for use. The more hub systems available, the higher the cost of performing the charging operation may be. Depending on the situation, the user can select a charging station that suits them. This further improves user interaction.

[0035] The booking platform can be used directly from the vehicle, particularly through the vehicle's infotainment system. For this purpose, the vehicle preferably has suitable input and output devices, such as a touchscreen display. Additionally or alternatively, the booking platform can be accessed via an application running on a mobile terminal or via a web browser, for example, on a desktop computer.

[0036] According to the invention, in a system comprising at least one vehicle with an energy storage device, a charging hub with at least one charging station, and a central computing device for coordinating between the vehicle and the charging hub, the vehicle, the charging hub, and the central computing device are configured to perform the described method. The vehicle can be any road vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, bus, motorhome, etc. It is a battery-powered vehicle. Therefore, the energy storage device is composed of a traction battery. The vehicle, the charging hub, and the central computing device constitute the system and are therefore separate components of the invention.

[0037] Here, according to an advantageous improvement of the system according to the invention, the charging hub has at least one garage box, and at least one charging station is installed in the garage box. By arranging the charging station in the garage box, the user experience can be further improved. Therefore, by providing the garage box, a space is provided that can only be used by the person performing the charging operation. This increases privacy when using the charging hub. Furthermore, the garage box can be isolated from the surrounding environment, which particularly improves the user's comfort in inclement weather conditions.

[0038] According to another advantageous design of the system of the invention, the charging hub is divided into individually usable areas and publicly usable areas. For example, the garage box can be an individually usable area. It can be connected to a public area. For example, the public area can contain toilets, kitchens, TV rooms, cinemas, bakeries, bars, etc. In each case, only vehicle occupants can enter their individually usable area, especially the area in the form of a garage box. This prevents interference from third parties during stays in the charging hub. Here, the garage box can also have different designs. In the simplest case, the garage box includes only one charging station. In the most comfortable case, the garage box is designed like an apartment and includes its own sanitary facilities, such as access to a private toilet, shower, etc. In addition, the garage box also has its own kitchen, sofa with a wide-screen TV, high-fidelity sound system, etc. The charging hub can have multiple garage boxes with different levels of comfort. Additionally, multiple consecutively arranged "bare" charging stations can optionally be provided so that "simpler" charging operations can also be performed. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Other advantageous designs of the method for performing charging operations according to the invention and the system according to the invention can also be obtained from the embodiments described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] in: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a charging hub according to the present invention is shown; and Figure 2 The invention illustrates the use of in Figure 1 A schematic flowchart illustrating the method for performing charging operations at the charging hub. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 A vehicle 1 according to the invention is shown in a highly schematic manner, located on a route to a charging hub 3 according to the invention. The vehicle 1 and the charging hub 3 are indirectly connected via a central computing device 4, specifically designed as a cloud server.

[0042] For clarity, in Figure 1 Only a few identical features are provided with reference numerals.

[0043] Vehicle 1 has at least a partially electrified powertrain. Here, electric drive energy is stored in an electrical energy storage device, particularly a vehicle or traction battery. Vehicle 1 has various vehicle systems, such as infotainment systems, air conditioning equipment, fragrance systems, massage armchairs, etc., and therefore preferably incorporates comfort features. Vehicle 1 transmits status information to charging hub 3 at the latest upon arrival at charging station 2, wherein the status information describes at least one state of at least one vehicle system. However, preferably, vehicle 1 transmits at least a portion of the status information before fully arriving at charging hub 3.

[0044] Charging hub 3 has at least one hub system corresponding to the vehicle system. Therefore, portions of charging hub 3 can be illuminated according to the ambient lighting of vehicle 1, audio content played in vehicle 1 can be output at charging hub 3, the temperature of charging hub 3 can be set inside the vehicle, telephone calls can continue in the vehicle while remaining at charging hub 3 after leaving vehicle 1, and so on. For this purpose, the corresponding hub system is configured and activated according to the state described by the state information at the latest when establishing an energy connection between charging station 2 and the energy storage of vehicle 1, preferably at the latest when the driver exits vehicle 1.

[0045] However, particularly preferably, the hub system is already configured and activated when vehicle 1 enters charging hub 3. Different hub systems may also be activated or configured at different times. For example, the air conditioning unit may be turned on 10 minutes before vehicle 1 arrives at charging hub 3, but the lighting in the area around charging station 2 assigned to vehicle 1 may only be activated when vehicle 1 arrives at charging hub 3 or even only immediately upon arrival at charging station 2.

[0046] Figure 1 A possible implementation of the charging hub 3 is shown. The charging hub 3 is preferably divided into one or more individually available areas 6.1 and one or more publicly available areas 6.2. Therefore, the corresponding charging stations 2 can be arranged in garage boxes 5. Entrances to the corresponding garage boxes 5 are blocked or opened by garage doors 7. Users of vehicle 1 can typically authenticate themselves at the charging hub 3 at different times. After successful authentication, entry into the charging hub 3 or direct access to the corresponding garage box 5 can be permitted. Figure 1 In the middle, the simply maintained garage box 5 is located in the lower area. It has only one charging station 2 and a small amount of hub system. For example, Figure 1The garage box 5 shown at the bottom may only have an audio system and an air conditioning or heating unit. Garage box 5 is connected to corridor 8. User identification can be performed on the door leading to corridor 8 to prevent third parties from entering vehicles parked in the corresponding garage box 5. Public area 9 is accessible via corridor 8. Vendors such as kiosks, bartenders, and bakers can be located in public area 9. In public area 9, you can comfortably stay while charging. Therefore, there is sufficient seating, such as sofas or tables and chairs. In addition, sanitary facilities such as toilets can be provided. For entertainment, one or more televisions can also be provided.

[0047] In addition, the charging hub 3 can be designed to be particularly comfortable and Figure 1 The garage box 5 is shown on the left. These garage boxes 5 can be constructed like apartments. Therefore, when staying in such a garage box 5, passengers of each vehicle 1 can play video games, watch movies, prepare and consume drinks, shower, use the toilet, etc., without being disturbed by third parties. This ensures a particularly high level of user comfort, thereby greatly enhancing the user experience.

[0048] Optionally, the charging hub 3 may also have easily accessible charging stations 2. These charging stations 2 may be arranged in a row, for example, under the roof 10. Some of these charging stations 2 may have speakers for playing, for example, music, or lighting elements for emitting light characteristics corresponding to the light characteristics of the vehicle 1, such as ambient lighting. Components such as speakers and lighting elements may also be installed near the charging stations 2, for example, integrated into a wall, floor, or ceiling. However, all or some of these charging stations 2 may also be “classic” or “bare” charging stations 2. In such conventional charging stations 2, the use of the method according to the invention is not available. Therefore, the correspondingly configured vehicle system or hub system cannot be used there. Charging operations at such “bare” charging stations 2 can be particularly inexpensive.

[0049] The operator of charging hub 3 can charge different fees for different charging stations 2. A small fee can be charged for charging station 2 located under roof 10. Figure 1 Charging station 2, located in the lower garage box 5, can collect an average fee. For Figure 1 The garage box 5 shown on the left, with its particularly comfortable design, can charge the highest fees.

[0050] Figure 1The charging hub 3 shown is a purely exemplary design. Garage boxes 5 can be provided with different levels of comfort expansion. The level of comfort expansion varies depending on the total number of available hub systems. There can be any number of garage boxes 5 with different levels of comfort expansion. In the simplest case, there exists a single charging station 2 with a single hub system. Here, the charging station 2 does not necessarily have to be housed in the garage box 5, but it can. The charging hub 3 can be of any desired complexity, and can even be multi-level. The vehicle levels can be connected by ramps.

[0051] Figure 2 A flowchart of the method according to the invention is shown in a highly schematic manner. In method step 201, the user of vehicle 1 reserves a charging station 2 at charging hub 3 to perform a charging operation. For this purpose, a suitable reservation platform can be used. The reservation platform can be accessed, for example, from vehicle 1 itself, via a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, or also via a desktop computer such as a web browser. Relevant information about charging hub 3 is displayed in the reservation platform. In particular, charging stations 2 currently available or available at a target time and the hub system available in each case are shown. Furthermore, the costs incurred in performing a charging operation at each charging station 2 can be displayed.

[0052] In method step 202, vehicle 1 transmits status information to charging hub 3. Specifically, the status information is transmitted indirectly via central computing device 4. Particularly preferably, the status information includes preprocessed information. In method step 202, charging hub 3 preprocesses at least some hub systems located in the area of ​​charging station 2. Thus, for example, the temperature of the corresponding garage box 5 can be purposefully adjusted by means of an air conditioning system, for example, using the same air conditioning settings as in the vehicle; a preferred radio station, or one reproduced only in vehicle 1, can be set up; and lights corresponding to vehicle lighting, particularly interior lighting, such as ambient light and / or fragrance, can be turned on.

[0053] In method step 203, vehicle 1 is transported via the same method... Figure 1 The shown entrance 11 leads to the charging hub 3. As shown in method step 204, access control can now be implemented. In method step 203, the user of vehicle 1 is welcomed. For this purpose, a welcome message can be projected onto the surrounding environment of vehicle 1.

[0054] User authentication is performed no later than method step 204. This may only be necessary when entering the garage box 5 or releasing the energy connection. Therefore, the user can identify themselves using a unique ID or username and password, or by detecting biometrics. The identifier associated with and carried by the user can also be detected by the charging hub 3. For example, the characteristic Bluetooth address or MAC address of the mobile terminal can be detected. The vehicle 1 may also carry a dedicated control device storing the corresponding identifier.

[0055] Finally, in method step 205, the charging operation is performed and the user experience is realized. For example, the user can browse the Internet, consume video or audio content, make phone calls, hold video conferences, eat snacks, use the toilet, take a shower, experience a massage, etc.

[0056] In step 206, the charging operation is complete, and the user can leave the charging hub 3 with their vehicle 1. Optionally, the user can also provide feedback on customer satisfaction, such as in the form of a star rating. This feedback may optionally include a textual description of the user experience and / or photos or video recordings of the user experience.

[0057] By utilizing the method and system described above according to the invention, a unique user experience can be provided. This enables the operator of the charging hub 3 to increase customer loyalty.

Claims

1. A method for performing a charging operation, wherein, The electrical energy store of the vehicle (1) is charged by means of a charging station (2), characterized in that the vehicle (1) transmits status information to a charging hub (3) comprising the charging station (2) at the latest upon arrival at the charging station (2), wherein the status information describes at least one status of at least one vehicle system, and wherein a hub system corresponding to the vehicle system is configured and activated in accordance with the status described by the status information at the latest upon establishment of an energy connection between the charging station (2) and the electrical energy store.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the charging hub (3) transmits charging hub information to the vehicle prior to arrival of the vehicle (1) at the charging station (2), which describes the general availability of existing hub systems at the charging hub (3).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least a part of the status information is formed by pre-processing information, and the vehicle (1) transmits the pre-processing information to the charging hub (3) prior to arrival of the vehicle (1) at the charging station (2).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the charging hub (3) pre-processes at least one hub system in accordance with a configuration described by the pre-processing information in order to make the respective hub system available in a target state described by the pre-processing information at the latest upon arrival of the vehicle (1) at the charging station (2).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a vehicle internal computing unit determines a point in time for transmitting at least the pre-processing information to the charging hub (3), in particular taking into account a location match of a current vehicle position in a digital map and a location of the charging hub.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one hub system is formed by: - an air conditioning device; - a lighting device; - a fragrance device; - a sound device for playing audio content; - a telephone device for making telephone calls and / or video conferences; - a beverage device; - an entertainment system; or - a massage device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a personal welcome message is received when a user of the vehicle (1) arrives at the charging hub (3), in particular by means of a message projected into the surroundings of the vehicle (1).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the charging hub (3) only allows access to the charging hub (3) or the charging station (2) and / or establishment of an energy connection after a user authentication.

9. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that at least a part of the charging hub information and / or costs incurred during use of the charging hub (3) are displayed in a booking platform for booking a charging operation at a charging station (2) of the charging hub (3).

10. System comprising at least one vehicle (1) with an electrical energy storage, a charging hub (3) with at least one charging station (2) and a central computing device (4) for coordination between the vehicle (1) and the charging hub (3), characterized in that the vehicle (1), the charging hub (3) and the central computing device (4) are set up to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the charging hub (3) has at least one garage box (5) and at least one charging station (2) is installed in the garage box (5).

12. System according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the charging hub (3) is divided into individually usable areas (6.1) and publicly usable areas (6.2).

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