Electric vehicle charge level indicator

Abstract

Display device for an electric vehicle, which is able to signal or indicate the state of charge of the battery of an electric vehicle by means of a lighting means (5), characterized in that the display device is designed in such a way that it is able to project the information onto a surface, wherein the state of charge of the battery can be indicated by different light colors and / or different flashing speeds of the lighting means (5), wherein the display device comprises a cover or a flap (3) with which a charging device (9) of the electric vehicle can be covered and the display device is integrated in the cover or flap.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a display device for the state of charge of the battery of an electric vehicle with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] An electric vehicle is a vehicle powered by an electric motor. To supply the electric motor with electricity, an electric vehicle has a battery that provides the power needed to drive the vehicle while driving. This battery must be recharged after being discharged in order to continue driving.

[0003] Charging an electric vehicle battery can take a relatively long time, significantly longer than refueling a conventional vehicle with gasoline, diesel, or gas. The charging speed also depends on the available electrical power. Consequently, charging times can vary considerably. If an electric vehicle user wants to resume their journey promptly after charging, they must, just as when refueling with a conventional fuel like gasoline, be able to continuously monitor the charging process.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2010 002 514 A1 discloses a display panel for an electric vehicle capable of showing the battery's state of charge. The display panel is located inside the vehicle in such a way that the displayed information can also be read from the outside. The display panel can incorporate several different colored lights for conveying information.

[0005] From publication JP 2009-77558A, a charge state indicator for an electric car is known that can display detailed charging information both inside and outside the car while the electric car is charging. In this charge state indicator for the electric car, a display panel mounted on a windshield consists of: a translucent reflective element with a semi-transparent screen facing the interior of the car; and a translucent surface facing the outside of the car, transmitting the reverse side of the screen. The charge state during charging and the battery's state of charge when not charging are detected by a vehicle control unit. When the state of charge is determined to be uncharged, the energy source information is projected onto the screen as a regular image.When it is determined that the state is loaded, the loading information is projected onto the screen as an inverted image.

[0006] A device and method for querying the state of charge of a battery in an electric vehicle are known from publication WO 2010 / 130 743 A2. An external handle arrangement includes an optical display unit representing the state of charge of the battery unit. This display unit receives information signals about the current state of charge of the battery unit from a device for determining the state of charge of the battery unit. The optical display unit is integrated into an external handle of the vehicle and displays the current state of charge of the battery unit in response to an event activating the optical display unit.

[0007] From US Publication 2011 / 0043355A1, a plug-in hybrid vehicle is known comprising a vehicle body with an exterior panel, a powertrain unit such as an electric motor, a rechargeable battery, a charging port attached to the exterior panel to receive power from an external electrical power source, and a display subassembly connected to the battery. The display subassembly has a variety of lights arranged around the charging port to illuminate the charging port and to indicate a battery state.

[0008] Publication US 3,270,267 A concerns a device for the slow charging of car batteries. Specifically, the publication relates to a trickle charger included in a car, which is connected to the car battery and can be used when connected to a conventional power source.

[0009] Another example of the state of the art is the article “BMW Concept Active E”, published online on December 17, 2009; “http: / / www.7-forum.com / news / BMW-Concept-ActiveE-3128.html” [accessed on February 1, 2018]

[0010] Against the background described above, there is a need to provide more advanced information about the state of charge of an electric vehicle battery. The present invention aims to further develop the state of the art in this respect.

[0011] The object of the invention is achieved by a display device having the features of claim 1 and an electric vehicle according to claim 6. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] To solve this problem, a display device for an electric vehicle is provided, which is capable of signaling or indicating the state of charge of the electric vehicle's battery by means of a light element or illumination medium. The display device uses the illumination medium to project the information about the battery's state of charge onto a surface, specifically onto a window or windshield of the vehicle, or onto the ground on which the vehicle is located. A projection within the meaning of the present invention exists when the information becomes visible to a human observer on the projected surface, regardless of whether it is daylight or dark.Information about the battery charge level projected onto a window of the electric vehicle or onto the ground outside the vehicle is visible from the outside, which is particularly useful during charging when the user is away from the vehicle. The projection surface is advantageously chosen so that it is visible from the driver's seat. This allows the battery charge level to be checked at any time, including from the driver's seat. A driver of an electric vehicle can thus be informed in a timely manner when the battery needs recharging or has been fully recharged.Users of electric vehicles can move away from the vehicle while it is charging without necessarily having to forgo information about the battery's state of charge.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the display device is part of a lighting system that serves to illuminate and / or performs another type of display function. The lighting system then performs at least two functions: firstly, to display the charge level of the electric vehicle's battery, and secondly, to illuminate and / or display information, such as the position of a component like a cover or flap. The light from the illumination makes it easy to recognize the position of the displayed component, especially in poor visibility conditions.

[0014] To ensure that information about the battery's state of charge can be easily obtained even from a greater distance, the battery's state of charge is indicated, according to the invention, by different light colors and / or different flashing speeds of the lighting element. Preferably, the color red indicates that an electric vehicle battery is almost completely discharged. The color yellow preferably indicates a medium state of discharge. Orange tones can indicate a state of charge between the two aforementioned states. Other colors, such as green or blue, indicate a fully charged or nearly fully charged state of the electric vehicle battery in one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the different light colors can be provided by lighting elements with different luminous efficacy.Alternatively or additionally, different light colors can be generated using different color filters. The position of a color filter can be automatically changed to alter the light color. Depending on the battery's state of charge, different color filters can be illuminated to generate color information as described. For this purpose, the direction of a light beam from a lighting element can be automatically changed and directed onto a corresponding color filter depending on the battery's state of charge. A separate lighting element can be placed behind each color filter, which is switched on or off depending on the electric vehicle's battery's state of charge. A lighting element can be used that is electronically controlled to change its light color.

[0015] Preferably, the display device is part of the outer skin of the electric vehicle or is integrated into the outer skin of the electric vehicle. The outer skin of the electric vehicle can be the body of a motor vehicle. According to the invention, the display device is integrated into a cover or flap, or the cover or flap is part of the display device, which can cover a charging socket or plug for charging the battery, i.e., a charging device of the electric vehicle. The charging socket or plug is then generally located in an interior space adjacent to the outer skin of the electric vehicle. The cover or flap then forms part of the outer skin of the electric vehicle. The display device is particularly preferably integrated into a bumper of the electric vehicle.The display device can thus be positioned particularly discreetly and securely, without causing any visual or spatial disturbance. It also allows for close proximity to the ground beneath the electric vehicle, which is especially advantageous when information about the battery's state of charge is to be projected onto the ground. Relatively low light levels are then sufficient to project the desired information clearly onto the ground.

[0016] According to the invention, the display device is integrated into a cover or flap, and in particular into a cover or flap for a charging socket or charging plug. The illumination not only indicates the battery's state of charge, but also signals the position of the cover or flap that must be opened to charge the electric vehicle's battery. This is particularly advantageous for users unfamiliar with electric vehicles, for example, if the electric vehicle is a rental car. Alternatively or additionally, this is especially advantageous if the flap or cover is located in a less visible area, such as near the electric vehicle's bumper.

[0017] In one embodiment, a charging socket or plug for charging the battery is located in an interior space adjacent to an outer skin of the electric vehicle, such as the body. This interior space can be closed with a cover or flap. The interior space contains the electrical contacts of the charging device for charging, as well as at least one light source for illuminating the interior. The cover or flap is preferably at least partially transparent, allowing the light from the charging device's light source to be visible from the outside through the cover or flap. In particular, a light source located in the interior space is part of the display device that indicates the battery's state of charge.

[0018] To connect a charging device, such as an electric vehicle's charging socket or plug, to a charging station's charging unit, the electrical contacts of both devices must be correctly aligned. Therefore, the charging unit of a charging station must be aligned relatively precisely before connection to the electric vehicle's charging unit. Due to these relatively high alignment requirements, it is advantageous to be able to illuminate the interior of an electric vehicle's charging unit to facilitate alignment even in poor visibility. This interior lighting also improves the visibility of the cover or flap, making it easy and quick to locate even in low-light conditions.The lighting function provided by the light source is then used in three ways: to illuminate the interior of the charging device, to make the lid or flap visible from the outside, and as an indicator of the charging status of the electric vehicle's battery.

[0019] To make the lid or flap at least partially transparent, in one embodiment of the invention the lid or flap is partially provided with, or formed by, a disc or plastic film made of an inorganic or organic transparent material. The transparent area can, for example, consist of a sheet of Plexiglas. The transparent area can be inserted into a recess provided for this purpose in the lid or flap. Alternatively, the lid or flap can also be formed by a partially covered transparent plate, so that a section allows light from the interior of the charging device to pass through to the outside.

[0020] Preferably, only a portion of the cover or flap is made transparent, not only to illuminate the cover or flap for the reasons mentioned above, but also to provide it with a pattern or marking that indicates, for example, that it is a cover or flap of a charging device. The pattern could be, for example, a letter, in particular a lowercase "e" or an uppercase "E," indicating the electrical connection option. Alternatively or additionally, a self-explanatory symbol, such as a charging plug, especially with an electrical cable, could be used to indicate that it is a cover or flap of an electric vehicle charging device. For this purpose, the area representing the letter or symbol could be transparent, while the adjacent areas could be opaque, or vice versa.

[0021] One or more LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, can be used for a visual display with an additional function. The light color, or different light colors, of one or more LEDs can be used to signal different charge levels of the electric vehicle's battery.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, a light can flash at different speeds, and the respective flashing speed, which is controlled electronically depending on the battery's charge level, can be used to indicate the battery's charge status. The display device can also include a speaker to audibly indicate, for example, the need for charging or to audibly signal the end of a charging process.

[0023] The invention, as well as preferred and non-inventive embodiments, are explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0024] They show Fig. 1: Partially transparent, illuminated flap in the bumper of an electric vehicle Fig. 2: Section through the interior of an electric vehicle charging station Fig. 3: Section through another embodiment of an interior of the charging device Fig. 4: Flap with transparent edge area of ​​the charging device Fig. 5: Display device with multiple illuminated surfaces

[0025] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of an electric vehicle 1 with a bumper 2. A flap 3 of the charging unit of the electric vehicle 1 is integrated into the bumper 2 to close off an interior area of ​​the charging unit. The flap 3 is partially transparent in the shape of an "e" 4. Behind the flap 3 within the bumper 2, a lighting element 5 is arranged, which may include one or more LEDs 6. The light cone emanating from this element is directed towards the transparent area 4 of the flap 3 and illuminates the "e". The illumination makes the letter "e" clearly visible from the outside, especially in poor lighting conditions. In one embodiment, the lighting element is designed to illuminate in different colors depending on the battery's state of charge.An electronic control system is present that regulates the light color of the lighting device depending on the battery's charge level. In one embodiment, the light color of the lighting device is additionally controlled depending on the position of flap 3. If flap 3 is opened and the charging device behind it has not yet been connected to a charging station, a bright light color, such as white, is set to ensure good illumination of the interior.If a charging device of a charging station has been connected to the charging device of the electric vehicle for charging and is being charged, the electronic control unit in one embodiment is designed such that different light colors are emitted depending on the battery's state of charge, in order to be able to see the battery's state of charge from the outside even from a greater distance and thus estimate the end of a charging process. The lighting device 5 thus performs three functions: to illuminate the interior at the appropriate time, to make the position of the flap 3 clearly visible from the outside even in poor visibility conditions, and to signal the state of charge of the electric vehicle's battery.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to the light color, the electronic control can control the flashing speed depending on the battery's state of charge and preferably also depending on whether it is being charged. For example, if flap 3 has been opened, the flashing of the light source(s) is preferably stopped in one embodiment of the invention. The light sources then illuminate continuously, preferably for a limited time, until the charging device of a charging station has been connected to the charging device of the electric vehicle for charging and / or until a predetermined time period has elapsed.

[0027] In order to save electricity, it is not possible to switch on the lighting device or the lighting element of the display device, especially while driving an electric vehicle, since such a display or interior lighting is not useful while driving.

[0028] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows a section through the interior 7 of another embodiment of the charging device. Within the interior 7, two lighting elements 5 of the display device are arranged opposite each other such that the light cones of the LEDs 6 extend parallel to the flap 3. Since the two light cones 8 spread out, both the area 9, which includes the electrical contacts of the charging device, and the flap 3 can be sufficiently illuminated. The two lighting elements 5 are arranged adjacent to opposing side walls 10 of the interior 7. In one embodiment of the invention, each lighting element 5 can illuminate in a different color. Depending on the state to be signaled or assumed, one lighting element or the other is switched on or off.If the interior is to be illuminated, for example after opening flap three, preferably all lighting devices 5 in the interior should be illuminated, preferably controlled by an electrical and / or electronic system.

[0029] As an alternative to light colors, other options can also be used in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, flashing states are used to indicate or assume a certain state. Rapid flashing of such a light source 5 can indicate that the associated battery is largely discharged. The slower each light source 5 flashes, the more charged the battery is. The light source(s) 5 do not flash, in particular, when the interior is to be illuminated after the cover has been opened and / or when the electric vehicle's battery is fully charged.

[0030] The lid or flap 3 can be positioned in such a way that the light produced by the lighting device(s) 5 can be projected onto the adjacent floor.

[0031] In the Fig. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention in which a plurality of lighting elements 5, which are part of the display device, are arranged in pairs opposite each other on side walls 10. The light cones 8 of the lighting elements 5 directly illuminate the flap 3 and are thus directed accordingly towards the flap 3.

[0032] In the Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which an edge region 11 of the flap 3 is made transparent. When the at least one illumination element, which is part of the display device, emits light, not only the area 4 with the letter "e" becomes visible, but also the edge region 11. A charging plug can also be shown instead of an "e". Illumination elements such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) can be attached adjacent to the edge region 11 and serve as illumination. This light can then be emitted from the vehicle, for example, via total internal reflection through the edge region 11. These LEDs can alternatively or additionally serve to indicate the battery's state of charge, for example, in the form of a color scale or by the number of illuminated LEDs.

[0033] Again, in the case of Fig. 3 as well as in the case of the Fig. 4. The battery charge level is indicated by a changing light color and / or a changing flashing speed. At least one light source 5 again serves to indicate the position of the flap 3 and as interior lighting for the interior 7.

[0034] In the Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the possibility of attaching LEDs 16 adjacent to the edge region 11. The LEDs can emit light which is reflected by the edge region 11, specifically totally reflected. The LEDs 16 can be used to indicate the battery charge level, for example, by the number of illuminated LEDs or by a color scale.

[0035] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows a display device comprising a plurality of surfaces 12, 13, 14, 15, which can be illuminated or which are transparent and can be backlit by one or more light sources. In one embodiment of the invention, the surfaces 12, 13, 14, 15 are colored differently or can be illuminated in different colors to indicate the state of charge of an electric vehicle's battery using a color scale. For example, red can signal that the battery is almost completely discharged. Orange can signal that the battery needs to be recharged because it is largely, but not yet almost completely, discharged. Yellow can signal that the battery is satisfactorily charged. Green or blue can signal that the electric vehicle's battery is practically fully charged.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the number of illuminated surfaces serves as a measure of the electric vehicle's battery charge level. For example, the more surfaces 12, 13, 14, 15 that are illuminated, the more charged the electric vehicle's battery is. If all surfaces 12, 13, 14, 15 are illuminated, the electric vehicle's battery is fully charged. If none of the surfaces 12, 13, 14, 15 are illuminated, the electric vehicle's battery is completely discharged. This sequence also takes into account the need to avoid energy consumption when the battery is almost completely discharged.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, the position of an illuminating surface 12, 13, 14, 15 can also be used to indicate the state of charge of the electric vehicle's battery. For example, the height of an illuminating surface can correspond to the state of charge of the electric vehicle's battery. The higher up an illuminating surface 12, 13, 14, 15 is located, the more charged the electric vehicle's battery is in one embodiment of the invention.

[0038] In one embodiment, the various ways of indicating the state of charge of an electric vehicle's battery are combined, for example, the color of the light with the number of surfaces that are illuminated and / or with a flashing speed.

[0039] A display device as in Fig.The display unit shown in section 5 can be mounted in various locations on a motor vehicle, for example, integrated into a bumper or the bodywork. The display unit can also be located inside the vehicle, for example, in the dashboard or the rear storage compartment. Reference symbol list 1 electric vehicle 2 bumpers 3 flap 4 transparent area 5 lighting devices 6 LED 7 Interior 8 light cones 9 Area with electrical contacts of the charging device 10 side wall 11 transparent edge of the flap 12 luminous areas of a display device 13 luminous areas of a display device 14 luminous areas of a display device 15 luminous areas of a display device 16 LED

Claims

[1] Display device for an electric vehicle, which is capable of signalling or displaying the charge state of the battery of an electric vehicle by means of a lighting means (5), characterized by that the display device is designed in such a way that it can project the information onto a surface, wherein the charge state of the battery can be displayed by different light colors and / or different flashing speeds of the lighting means (5), wherein the display device comprises a cover or a flap (3) with which a charging device (9) of the electric vehicle can be covered and the display device is integrated in the cover or the flap. [2] Display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the display device is integrated into the outer skin of the electric vehicle. [3] Display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the display device is integrated into a bumper (2) for an electric vehicle. [4] Display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lighting means (5) is located in an interior space (7) which is part of a charging device of the electric vehicle (1) and which can be closed by an at least partially transparent flap (3) or at least partially transparent cover. [5] Display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a control is provided which prevents the lighting means (5) from being switched on while the electric vehicle (1) is driving. [6] Electric vehicle (1) with a display device according to one of the preceding claims.

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