Electric vehicle with charging cable detection device

Abstract

Charging cable detection system (100, 200, 300) for an at least partially electrically powered vehicle (110, 210, 310), wherein the vehicle (110, 210, 310) comprises an energy storage device that can be connected to an electrical energy source via a charging cable, comprising: a control unit (120, 220, 320) which is configured to enable or prevent an engine start of the vehicle (110, 210, 310), wherein the control unit (120, 220, 320) is also configured, - to detect, before each predetermined or predeterminable event, whether the charging cable is in the vehicle (110, 210, 310); and upon detection that the charging cable is not in the vehicle (110, 210, 310): - to prevent the vehicle engine (110, 210, 310) from starting, - to check whether one or more planned routes can be covered without additional charging of the energy storage device from the electrical energy source, taking into account the current State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device, and, - if one or more planned routes can be covered without additional charging of the energy storage device, to suppress the output of a message to a user (132, 232, 332) of the vehicle (110, 210, 310) that the charging cable is not in the vehicle (110, 210, 310).

Description

The present invention relates to an at least partially electrically operated vehicle with charging cable detection device.Electric vehicles, for example electrically operated two-wheeled vehicles and scooters, but in particular also electric cars with at least supporting electric drive, are known. Thus, micro-mild and full hybrid vehicles are known which implement parallel, power-split, series hybrid drive concepts. Plug-in hybrids are known in particular, in which the electrical energy stores can be charged via the power network, as in the case of purely electrical drive concepts. When the vehicle is stationary, the energy store can be connected to a public or private power grid via a charging cable and charged.In many common electric vehicles (hereinafter also vehicle), the charging cable is accommodated loosely in the vehicle. During each charging process, the charging cable can be removed from the vehicle and a connection between the energy store of the electric vehicle and an energy source, for example a public or private charging station, can be established with the latter. In this case, it occurs again and again that after a charging process the charging cable is forgotten in the vicinity of or at the energy source. In particular in the field of vehicle fleets and car sharing fleets, there is also the risk that the charging cable is forgotten from institude or institude. Also conceivable is a deliberate laying of the charging cable in the region of vehicle fleets and car sharing fleets or a deliberate removal of the charging cable from the associated vehicle. As a rule, a charging cable loss only occurs when a new charging process of the energy store is to be carried out, which is not possible due to the lack of charging cable. In the worst case, the driver of the vehicle cannot then arrive at any further travel because of a correspondingly empty energy store. It must first find the charging cable again or ensure replacement. This is inconvenient from the operational point of view and impairs the mobility of the drivers of the vehicle. DE 10 2013 001 094 A1 describes a motor vehicle comprising an electrical charging device that can be charged via an external charging deviceEnergy store and a charging cable for connecting the motor vehicle to the charging device, wherein the motor vehicle further has a detection device for wirelessly determining a presence of the charging cable in at least one region of the motor vehicle and a control device which communicates with the detection device and is designed, in particular when the motor vehicle is put into operation, for informing a driver and / or for blocking the driving mode in the case of a determination result indicating a charging cable which is not present. DE 42 12 207 C2 describes a charging cable device for electric motor vehicles, having a housing and having a helical line which can be accommodated in the housing and which can be led out of the housing and can be connected to an external power source, wherein the helical line has a restoring force which, at least at low elongation, is equal to or greater than the weight of the helical line itself.The object of the invention is to avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages and to create a solution which prevents, in particular, a forget or letting down or removing of the charging cable of an electric car after a charging process and, if appropriate, facilitates the retrieval.This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.According to a first aspect of the invention, a charging cable detection system for an at least partially electrically operated vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises an energy store which can be connected to an electrical energy source via a charging cable. The charging cable detection system comprises a control unit which is configured to enable or prevent an engine start of the vehicle. In addition, the control unit is configured to detect, in the event of each predetermined or predeterminable event, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle. Upon detection that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle, the control unit is configured to prevent the start of the vehicle, to check whether one or more planned travel routes can be covered by taking into account a current state of charge (SOC) of the energy store without additionally charging this energy store at the electrical energy source, and, if one or more planned travel routes can be covered without additionally charging the energy store, to suppress an output of a message to a user of the vehicle that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle.The predetermined or predeterminable event can be:a motor release;closing the trunk or the tailgate; and / ordetecting a completed charging process (positive change of the state of charge, SOC) of the energy store of the vehicle.In other words, the control unit can detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle at or before each engine release, for example whenever an engine start of the vehicle is initiated (terminal 30 or terminal radio (15) on). Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can detect, upon or after each closure of the trunk, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, after detecting a completed charging process of the energy store of the vehicle, the control unit can detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle. It will be appreciated that any other suitable predetermined or predeterminable event may be selected at which the control unit may detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle.For example, a separate engine control unit may be provided in the vehicle for controlling engine start or engine release of the vehicle. Any other arrangement of the motor control unit, for example integration into a central control unit which provides various functionalities, is also possible. The control unit can also be realized via a (separate or combined) control unit, which is electrically connected to the engine control unit.For example, in the case of each predetermined or predeterminable event, e.g. in the case of each engine start initiation (i.e. immediately before the engine release) and / or after each closure of the trunk and / or after each detection of a completed charging process of the energy store, the charging cable detection can first be initiated by the control unit. The control unit can carry out a detection as to whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle. If the detection is positive, the control unit can control the engine control unit in such a way that the engine of the vehicle is started. If, on the other hand, it is detected that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle, then the control unit can control the engine control unit in such a way that an engine start of the vehicle is prevented. This advantageously prevents the driver of the vehicle from being able to move the vehicle from the current location without the charging cable being located in the vehicle.Preferably, if the control unit detects that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle, a corresponding message can be output to a user of the vehicle via an output unit.In addition to preventing the engine start, the control unit may also control an output unit in the vehicle such that a corresponding message is output to the user of the vehicle. The message may include an indication that the engine start has been rejected, since the charging cable associated with the vehicle is not located in the vehicle or not at the intended location in the vehicle (e.g. charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device). The output unit may be an in-vehicle output unit, e.g., an onboard computer, which may be electrically connected to the control unit.Additionally or alternatively, the message (see above) can be output on a mobile terminal belonging to the user of the vehicle, which mobile terminal can be connected to the vehicle, for example. The connection of the mobile terminal, e.g. a smartphone, to the vehicle can be a wired connection (e.g. by means of a USB interface) to the vehicle electronics, but also a wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth, WLAN, mobile radio) to the vehicle electronics. A one-time registration of the mobile terminal with the vehicle or via a portal (e.g. a corresponding service via a server which provides the corresponding functionality) may be required here.This allows the user of the vehicle to recognize that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle or not at the provided location in the vehicle. Thus, the user of the vehicle has the possibility of searching for the charging cable in situ and positioning it in the vehicle or at the intended location in the vehicle.The user can optionally be provided with the possibility of enabling an engine start despite the fact that the charging cable is not detected by a corresponding input via the input unit and thus starting the engine. This has the advantage that-if a defect or problem is present, for example, in the charging cable detection system, so that it incorrectly does not detect the charging cable (i.e., charging cable is in the vehicle but is not detected), or if a defect is present, so that, for example, the charging cable can no longer be mechanically released from the energy source, etc.-the user of the vehicle has the possibility of nevertheless releasing an engine start and thus moving the vehicle. In this case, a corresponding message can be automatically sent to a backend server of the vehicle manufacturer and / or a fleet operator of the vehicle and / or to an operator of a charging station at which the last charging process of the energy store of the vehicle was detected. According to the invention, the user of the vehicle can also be provided with the possibility of intentionally not taking the charging cable along. If the vehicle recognizes that the charging cable(s) is not located in the vehicle, it can be checked on the basis of position data and / or historical travel data of the user of the vehicle whether one or more planned travel routes can be covered by taking into account a current state of charge (SOC) of the energy store without additional charging of the latter at an electrical energy source or power charging station. If the user of the vehicle has performed a corresponding presetting, the output that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle can be suppressed in the event of a positive check (i.e. the one or more planned travel distances can be covered without additional charging of the energy store). In other words, the user may be given the option of not obtaining a message about the absence of the charging cable in the vehicle, provided that one or more planned routes may be traveled taking into account the current SOC.In the event that the user starts the motor despite the charging cable not detected, a last position of the vehicle at which the charging cable was detected can also be determined and output via the output unit in the vehicle and / or via the associated mobile terminal. For example, this last position of the vehicle can be determined via a global positioning system (GPS) receiver located in the vehicle. In a further example, a charging column or a position of the charging column can be determined at which a last charging process for charging the energy store of the vehicle was determined. Additionally or alternatively, a first position of the vehicle can be determined and output at which the charging cable has not been detected. Additionally or alternatively, a position of the vehicle can be determined and output at which a last charging process for charging the energy store of the vehicle was detected. In this case, the automatic message to the backend server of the vehicle manufacturer and / or of the fleet operator of the vehicle and / or the operator of the charging station can include the determined position(s) of the vehicle or of the charging station. This advantageously allows the user of the vehicle and / or the vehicle manufacturer and / or the fleet operator of the vehicle and / or the operator of the charging station to determine where the charging cable was last located or where the charging cable was left behind, so that the retrieval of the charging cable is facilitated.The charging cable detection system preferably also comprises a charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device for receiving the charging cable; and at least one detection unit which can detect whether the charging cable is located in or on the charging cable holding device. In this case, the control unit can be electrically connected to the at least one detection unit and detect, with the aid of the at least one detection unit, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle.The at least one detection unit preferably comprises a weight sensor which can detect a weight which acts on the charging cable holding device by the charging cable, wherein the control unit can detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle via the weight acting on the charging cable holding device by the charging cable.The charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device can be, for example, a cable reel in a receiving space. The cable reel can be accommodated in a side wall of the vehicle, for example in the trunk of the vehicle. In another example, the charging cable receiving device can be a recess in the vehicle, for example in the trunk of the vehicle, into which the charging cable can be placed without the charging cable rolling up being provided in this case. In a further example, the charging cable receiving device can be a charging cable storage box. The charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device also comprises a weight sensor which can be electrically connected to the control unit. Thus, before each engine start, the control unit can determine, by inquiring the weight of the charging cable holding device, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle. For example, an exact weight of the charging cable can be stored in a storage unit which can be accessed by the control unit. Thus, the charging cable can retrieve the current weight acting on the charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device at each predetermined or predeterminable event, for example at each initiation of an engine start via the weight sensor, and compare it with the weight stored in the storage unit. If the values match, the control unit can detect that the charging cable is located in the vehicle. If the values do not match, the control unit can detect that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle. In this case, the weight sensor is to be attached to the charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device in such a way that the weight sensor can only detect the weight of the charging cable, but not the weight of other potential objects located in the vehicle.Preferably, the at least one detection unit comprises one or more of the following units:a weight sensor capable of detecting a weight acting on the charging cable holding device through the charging cable;a light barrier which can detect whether the charging cable is located in the charging cable holding device, and / ora socket in the vehicle, with which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store and which can detect whether the charging cable is connected to the socket.For example, the charging cable receiving device can be a charging cable storage box. The charging cable storage box may include one or more of the following sensors or units:a weight sensor capable of detecting a weight acting on the charging cable holding device through the charging cable;a light barrier which can detect whether the charging cable is located in the charging cable holding device, and / ora socket in the vehicle, with which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store and which can detect whether the charging cable is connected to the socket.Each of the units may be communicatively connected, e.g., electrically, to the control unit. By means of the one or more units, the control unit can detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle.Preferably, the charging cable detection system additionally or alternatively comprises at least one reading device (or an evaluation unit) which is capable of reading or evaluating a transponder, e.g. RFID and / or NFC tags. The charging cable comprises a transponder, e.g. an RFID and / or NFC tag with a unique identifier. The unique identifier can be stored in a storage unit located in the vehicle-e.g. from the factory or via a service provider providing the corresponding functionality.Preferably, the control unit can detect, via the reading device, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle.The reading device can be connected to the control unit. The control unit can also access the unique identifier of the RFID and / or NFC tag stored in the memory unit. The control unit can detect, via the reading device, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle. Advantageously, by using the reading device and the unique identifier of the transponder, it can be established that the correct charging cable is located in the vehicle.Preferably, the RFID and / or NFC tag can be used for this purpose,performing authentication for enabling the electrical energy source; and / orpayment for a charging process of the energy store by the electrical energy source.In order to authenticate itself for charging processes of electrical energy stores at electrical energy sources and to pay for charging processes of electrical energy stores at electrical energy sources (e.g. charging stations), access authorisations are generally assigned via RFID and / or NFC tags, via which a payment process can also take place. This access authorisation(s) can(s) be integrated into the charging cable, so that it(s) can be (can) used for payment after a charging process.In one example, it may be the same RFID and / or NFC tag used to detect whether the charging cord is in the vehicle. Advantageously, the RFID and / or NFC tag can thereby be used both for payment of the charging process and for detection of whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle (e.g. after the charging process).In another example, it may be a separate RFID and / or NFC tag that may be attached to the charging cable.Advantageously, the user of the vehicle thus does not have to carry a separate card / chip for enabling and payment after a charging process at an electrical energy source.For example, the RFID and / or NFC tag can be attached to the charging cable in such a way that, when the electrical energy store is connected to the electrical energy source, said charging cable is necessarily led past a reading device or an evaluation unit which is attached to the electrical energy source for releasing the electrical energy source and for a payment process of a charging process of the energy store. For example, the reading device or the evaluation unit can be mounted on the electrical energy source in the immediate vicinity of a socket located on the charging column, via which the electrical energy store is connected to the charging column (or electrical energy source) via the charging cable. Advantageously, this simplifies the charging process at the electrical energy source for the user. In this case, the RFID and / or NFC tag can be attached in such a way that it is concealed, for example, by a concealment mechanism, so that it is not visible. In addition or alternatively, the RFID and / or NFC tag and / or the evaluation unit at the charging station can be modified in such a way that communication between them is possible only for a predetermined or predeterminable period of time, for example 10 seconds or until the electrical energy store is connected to the electrical energy source, in order to avoid abuse (see below).In another example, the RFID and / or NFC tag can be attached to the charging cable in such a way that it is located in the immediate vicinity of the socket in the vehicle, to which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store (see above). During each payment process, the corresponding plug on the vehicle can be fixedly connected, for example, via the central locking system on the vehicle, so that the latter can only be unlocked by the user of the vehicle. This has the advantage that an abuse of the RFID and / or NFC tag by unauthorized third parties can be prevented. In particular, the corresponding charging column-side plug of the charging cable can generally be unlocked by each person after completion of the charging process, in order to enable a further charging process of a further vehicle on the charging column. If the RFID and / or NFC tag is attached to the charging column-side plug, an abuse thereof by third parties, for example for further unauthorized charging processes, can be prevented.In a further example, the charge release at the charging post can also take place via a vehicle key of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle key can comprise both a radio code and an RFID chip. The RFID chip can serve to enable a vehicle immobilizer. This RFID chip could also serve to initiate a charge release and / or a payment process at the charging post.For example, the transponder can be attached to the charging cable in such a way that it itself is destroyed when removed forcibly. This has the advantage that abuse by a user (e.g. removing transponders and placing them in the vicinity of the reading device and intentionally leaving charging cables behind or removing them from the vehicle) is prevented.The control unit can, for example, control the reading device in such a way that the reading device is activated by the control unit in order to read RFID and / or NFC tags in the reception area of the reading device, for example, at each predetermined or predeterminable event (for example before each engine start and / or after each closure of the trunk and / or after each detection of a completed charging process). In particular, the reading device can read at least one unique identifier of RFID and / or NFC tags during reading of the latter. After reading the unique identifier(s), the reading device can send them to the control unit. The control unit can compare this with the unique identifier of the charging cable associated with the vehicle stored in the storage unit and thus detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle. It can thus advantageously be ensured that the charging cable is located in the vehicle. The reading device can be located, for example, in the trunk of the vehicle at a predetermined or predeterminable location. For example, a recess in the trunk of the vehicle can be provided for the storage of the charging cable, at which the reading device is located.Moreover, a range of the reception range of the reader can be set. For example, the reception range of the reading device can be selected such that a reading of RFID and / or NFC tags is read only at a predefined region in the trunk of the vehicle. It can thus also be ensured that the charging cable is located in the receiving region of the reading device, i.e. for example at a location provided for the charging cable in the trunk. Advantageously, by setting the range of the reception range of the reading device, it can be unambiguously determined that the charging cable is located in the vehicle itself and not in the immediate vicinity outside the vehicle.In another example, it is possible to detect, via an HF / LF (high-frequency / low-frequency) interface in the vehicle, whether the charging cable is located in or outside the vehicle. The HF / LF interface is used in vehicles to detect whether the vehicle key is located in or outside the vehicle.In one example, instead of RFID and NFC radio technology, a Bluetooth radio method between the charging cable and the vehicle may alternatively be used by short distance wireless personal area network (WPAN).According to a second aspect of the present invention, the underlying object is achieved by a method for detecting a charging cable in an at least partially electrically operated vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a motor and an energy store which can be connected to an electrical energy source via a charging cable.The method comprises:before each predetermined or predeterminable event:detecting, by means of a control unit, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle; andif the charging cable is not located in the vehicle:preventing the engine start, by means of the control unit,checking whether one or more planned routes can be covered on the electrical energy source without additional charging of said energy store taking into account a current state of charge (SOC) of the energy store, and,suppressing an output of a message to a user of the vehicle that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle if one or more planned routes can be traveled without additional charging of the energy store.According to a third aspect of the present invention, the underlying object is achieved via an at least partially electrically operated vehicle which comprises a charging cable detection system according to one of Claims 1 to 8.These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a study of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that although embodiments are described separately, individual features therefrom may be combined into additional embodiments. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the charging cable detection system; FIG. 2 shows an example charging cable detection system; FIG. 3 shows an example charging cable detection system; FIG. 4A shows an example charging cable detection system that detects a lack of charging cable; FIG. 4B shows an example charging cord detection system that detects the charging cord.FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the charging cable detection system 100 for an at least partially electrically operated vehicle 110. The vehicle 110 includes an energy storage device (not shown) connectable to an electrical energy source via a charging cable (not shown). Charging cable detection system 100 includes a control unit 120 that is configured to enable or prevent an engine start of vehicle 110. In addition, the control unit 120 is configured to detect, before each predetermined or predeterminable event, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110. Upon detection that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 110, the control unit 120 is configured to prevent the start of the vehicle 110.The predetermined or predeterminable event can be:a motor release;closing the trunk of the vehicle 110; and / ordetecting a completed charging process of the energy store of the vehicle 110.In other words, upon or before each engine release, e.g., whenever an engine start of the vehicle 110 is initiated (terminal 30 or terminal radio (15) on), the control unit may detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110. Additionally or alternatively, upon each closure of the trunk of the vehicle 110, the controller 120 may detect whether the charging cord is in the vehicle 110. Additionally or alternatively, after detecting a completed charging process of the energy store of the vehicle 110, the control unit 120 can detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110. It will be appreciated that any other suitable predetermined event may be selected at which the controller 120 may detect whether the charging cord is in the vehicle 110.For example, a separate engine control unit may be provided in the vehicle 110 for controlling engine start and engine release of the vehicle 110, respectively. Any other arrangement of the motor control unit, for example integration into a central control unit which provides various functionalities, is also possible. The control unit 120 can also be realized via a (separate or combined) control unit (not shown), which can be electrically connected to the engine control unit.For example, in the case of each predetermined or predeterminable event (e.g. before each engine start initiation by the driver 132 of the vehicle 110 actuating a corresponding start-stop operating element in the vehicle and / or after each closure of the trunk of the vehicle 110 and / or after each detected completed charging process of the energy store of the vehicle 110), the charging cable detection can first be initiated by the control unit 120. The control unit 120 may perform detection as to whether the charging cable is in the vehicle. If the detection is positive, the control unit 120 may control the engine control unit such that the engine of the vehicle 110 is started. If, on the other hand, it is detected that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 110, the control unit 120 can control the engine control unit in such a way that an engine start of the vehicle 120 is prevented. This advantageously prevents the driver of the vehicle 132 from being able to move the vehicle 110 from the current location without the charging cable being located in the vehicle 110.If the control unit 120 detects that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 110, a corresponding message can be output to a user 132 of the vehicle 110 via an output unit 160. Thus, the control unit 120 can also control an output unit 160 in the vehicle 110 in such a way that the corresponding message is output to the user 132 of the vehicle 110. The message may include an indication that the engine start has been rejected, since the charging cable associated with the vehicle 110 is not located in the vehicle 110 or not at the intended location in the vehicle (e.g., charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 130). The output unit 160 may be an output unit 160 located in the vehicle 110, e.g. an onboard computer, which may be electrically connected (e.g. via an electrical line) to the control unit 120.Additionally or alternatively, the message (see above) can be output on a mobile terminal (not shown) associated with the user or driver of the vehicle 132, which mobile terminal can be connected to the vehicle 110, for example. The connection of the mobile terminal, e.g. a smartphone, to the vehicle 110 can be a wired connection (e.g. by means of a USB interface) to the vehicle electronics, but also a wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth, WLAN, mobile radio) to the vehicle electronics. In this case, a one-time registration of the mobile terminal with the vehicle 110 or via a portal (e.g. a corresponding service via a server which provides the corresponding functionality) may be required.This allows the user or driver 132 of the vehicle 110 to recognize that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 110 or not at the provided location in the vehicle 110. Thus, the user of the vehicle 132 has the possibility of searching the charging cable in situ and positioning it in the vehicle 110 or at the intended location in the vehicle 110.The user 132 can optionally be provided with the possibility of making an input by a corresponding input unit (e.g. input unit of the board computer, not shown) despite the charging cable not detected, and thus starting the engine. This has the advantage that if a defect is present in the charging cable detection system 100, for example, so that it incorrectly does not detect the charging cable (i.e., charging cable is in the vehicle 100, but is not detected), it has the possibility of nevertheless enabling an engine start and moving the vehicle 110. In this case, a corresponding message can be automatically sent to a backend server of the vehicle manufacturer and / or a fleet operator of the vehicle 110 and / or to an operator of a charging station at which the last charging process of the energy store of the vehicle 110 was detected. The user 132 of the vehicle 110 can also be provided with the option of intentionally not taking the charging cable along.In the event that the user 132 starts the engine despite the charging cable not detected, a last position of the vehicle 110 at which the charging cable was detected can also be determined and output via the output unit 160 in the vehicle 110 and / or via the associated mobile terminal (not shown). For example, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver located in the vehicle 110 may be used to determine the last position of the vehicle 110. In a further example, a charging column or a position of the charging column can be determined at which a last charging process for charging the energy store of the vehicle 110 has been determined. Additionally or alternatively, a first position of the vehicle 110 may be determined and output at which the charging cable was not detected. Additionally or alternatively, a position of the vehicle 110 can be determined and output at which a last charging process for charging the energy store of the vehicle 110 has been detected. In this case, the automatic message to the backend server of the vehicle manufacturer and / or the fleet operator of the vehicle 110 and / or the operator of the charging station can include the determined position(s) of the vehicle 110. Advantageously, this allows the user 132 of the vehicle 110 and / or the vehicle manufacturer and / or the fleet operator of the vehicle 110 and / or the operator of the charging station to determine where the charging cable was last located or where the charging cable was left behind, thus facilitating the retrieval of the charging cable.If the vehicle 110 recognizes that the charging cable(s) is not located in the vehicle 110, it can be checked on the basis of position data and / or historical travel data of the user 132 of the vehicle 110 whether one or more planned travel routes can be covered by taking into account a current state of charge (SOC) of the energy store without additional charging of the latter at an electrical energy source or power station. If the user 132 of the vehicle 110 has performed a corresponding presetting, the output that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 110 can be suppressed if a positive check is made (i.e. the one or more planned travel routes can be covered without additional charging of the energy store). In other words, the user 132 may be given the option of not obtaining a message about the absence of the charging cable in the vehicle 110, provided that one or more planned routes may be traveled taking into account the current SOC.The charging cable detection system 100 can also comprise a charging cable receiving device 130 or charging cable holding device 130 for receiving the charging cable. In addition, the charging cable detection system 100 may include a detection unit 140 that may detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110. The detection unit 140 can comprise one or more of the following sensors and / or units: weight sensor, light barrier, bushing in the vehicle 110, to which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store, etc.The weight sensor can, for example, detect a weight which acts on the charging cable receiving device 130 or charging cable holding device 130 through the charging cable. The control unit 120 can detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110 by means of the weight acting on the charging cable receiving device 130 or charging cable holding device 130. The light barrier can, for example, detect whether the charging cable has been removed from the charging cable receiving device 130 or placed therein and thus detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110. The socket in the vehicle 110 can detect, for example, via corresponding sensors, whether the charging cable is connected to the socket and thus detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110. The sensing unit 140 may include one or more of the above. These sensors or units comprise sensors or units for detecting whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110.The charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 130 can be, for example, a charging cable storage box. The charging cable storage box may include one or more sensors and / or units to which the control unit may be connected. The sensors and / or units can, as already mentioned above, be: weight sensor, light barrier, bushing in the vehicle, to which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store, etc. By means of the one or more sensors or switches, the control unit can detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle.In another example, the charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 130 can be a cable reel in a receiving space. The cable reel storage space may be housed in a side wall of the vehicle 110, for example, in the trunk of the vehicle 110. In another example, the charging cable receiving device 130 can be a cutout in the vehicle 110, for example in the trunk of the vehicle 110, into which the charging cable can be placed without the charging cable being provided to roll up in this case. The charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 130 also comprises a weight sensor 140 which can be electrically connected to the control unit 120.Thus, before each predetermined or predeterminable event (e.g. at each engine start initiation, after each closure of the trunk or the tailgate and / or after each detection of a completed charging process of the energy store of the vehicle 110), the control unit 120 can determine via a query of the detection unit 140 whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110. For example, the detection unit may comprise a weight sensor. In this example, a query of the weight acting (or not acting) on the charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 130 through the charging cable can determine whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110. For example, an exact weight of the charging cable can be stored in a storage unit (not shown) which can be accessed by the control unit 120 (for example from the factory, but can also be carried out manually via a service provider providing the corresponding functionality). Thus, upon each initiation of an engine start, the control unit 120 can record the current weight acting on the charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 130 via the weight sensor of the recording unit 140 and compare it with the weight stored in the storage unit. If the values match, the control unit 120 detects that the charging cable is located in the vehicle 110. If the values do not match, the control unit 120 can detect that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 110. The weight sensor is attached to the charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device in such a way that the weight sensor can only detect the weight of the charging cable, but not the weight of other, potential objects located in the vehicle.FIG. 2 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the charging cable detection system 200 for an at least partially electrically operated vehicle 210. The vehicle 210 includes an energy storage device (not shown) connectable to an electrical energy source via a charging cable (not shown). Charging cable detection system 200 includes a control unit 220 that is configured to enable or prevent an engine start of vehicle 210. In addition, the control unit 220 is configured to detect, before each predetermined or predeterminable event, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 210. Upon detection that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 210, the control unit 220 is configured to prevent the start of the vehicle 210.For example, a separate engine controller may be provided in the vehicle 210 to control engine start and release of the vehicle 210, respectively. Any other arrangement of the motor control unit, for example integration into a central control unit which provides various functionalities, is also possible. The control unit 220 can also be realized via a (separate or combined) control unit (not shown), which can be electrically connected to the engine control unit.For example, at each predetermined or predeterminable event (e.g. at each engine start initiation by actuation of a corresponding start-stop operating element in the vehicle 210 by the driver 232 of the vehicle 210 and / or after each closure of the trunk and / or after each detected, completed charging process of the energy store of the vehicle 210), the charging cable detection can first be initiated by the control unit 120. The control unit 220 may perform detection as to whether the charging cable is in the vehicle. If the detection is positive, the control unit 220 may control the engine control unit such that the engine of the vehicle 210 is started. If, on the other hand, it is detected that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 210, then the control unit 220 can control the engine control unit in such a way that an engine start of the vehicle 220 is prevented. This advantageously prevents the driver of the vehicle 232 from being able to move the vehicle 210 from the current location without the charging cable being located in the vehicle 210.If the control unit 220 detects that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 210, a corresponding message is output to a user 232 of the vehicle 210 via an output unit 260. In addition to preventing engine start, the controller 220 may also control an output unit 260 in the vehicle 210 to output a corresponding message to the user 232 of the vehicle 210. The message may include an indication that the engine start has been rejected because the charging cable associated with the vehicle 210 is not located in the vehicle 210 or not at the intended location in the vehicle (e.g., charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 230). The output unit 260 may be an output unit 260 located in the vehicle 210, e.g., an onboard computer, which may be electrically connected (e.g., via an electrical line) to the control unit 220.If the vehicle 210 recognizes that the charging cable(s) is not located in the vehicle 210, it can be checked on the basis of position data and / or historical travel data of the user 232 of the vehicle 210 whether one or more planned travel routes can be covered by taking into account a current state of charge (SOC) of the energy store without additional charging of the latter at an electrical energy source or power station. If the user 232 of the vehicle 210 has made a corresponding presetting, the output that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 210 can be suppressed if a positive check is made (i.e. the one or more planned travel routes can be covered without additional charging of the energy store). In other words, the user 232 may be given the option of not obtaining a message about the absence of the charging cable in the vehicle 210, provided one or more planned routes may be traveled taking into account the current SOC.Additionally or alternatively, the message (see above) can be output on a mobile terminal (not shown) associated with the user or driver of the vehicle 232, which mobile terminal can be connected to the vehicle 210, for example. The connection of the mobile terminal, e.g. a smartphone, to the vehicle 210 can be a wired connection (e.g. by means of a USB interface) to the vehicle electronics, but also a wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth, WLAN, mobile radio) to the vehicle electronics. In this case, a one-time registration of the mobile terminal with the vehicle 210 or via a portal (e.g. a corresponding service via a server which provides the corresponding functionality) may be required.This allows the user or driver 232 of the vehicle 210 to recognize that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 210 or not at the provided location in the vehicle 210. Thus, the user of the vehicle 232 has the possibility of searching the charging cable in situ and positioning it in the vehicle 210 or at the intended location in the vehicle 210.The user 232 can optionally have the possibility of enabling a corresponding input via an input unit (e.g. input unit of the board computer, not shown) despite the charging cable not detected, and thus starting the engine. This has the advantage that if a defect (for example in the charging cable detection system 200 is present, so that it incorrectly does not detect the charging cable, i.e. charging cable is in the vehicle 200, but is not detected), the user 232 has the possibility of nevertheless enabling an engine start and moving the vehicle 210. In this case, a corresponding message can be automatically sent to a backend server of the vehicle manufacturer and / or a fleet operator of the vehicle 210 and / or to an operator of a charging station at which the last charging process of the energy store of the vehicle 210 was detected. The user 232 of the vehicle 210 can also be provided with the option of intentionally not taking the charging cable along.In the event that the user 232 starts the engine despite the charging cable not detected, a last position of the vehicle 210 at which the charging cable was detected can also be determined and output via the output unit 260 in the vehicle 210 and / or via the associated mobile terminal. For example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver located in the vehicle 210 may be used to determine the last position of the vehicle 210. In a further example, a charging column or a position of the charging column can be determined at which a last charging process for charging the energy store of the vehicle 210 has been determined. Additionally or alternatively, a first position of the vehicle 210 may be determined and output at which the charging cable was not detected. Additionally or alternatively, a position of the vehicle 210 can be determined and output at which a last charging process for charging the energy store of the vehicle 210 has been detected. In this case, the automatic message to the backend server of the vehicle manufacturer and / or of the fleet operator of the vehicle and / or to the operator of the charging station can include the determined position(s) of the vehicle. Advantageously, this allows the user 232 of the vehicle 210 and / or the vehicle manufacturer and / or the fleet operator of the vehicle 210 and / or the operator of the charging station to determine where the charging cable was last located or where the charging cable was left behind, thus facilitating the retrieval of the charging cable.The charging cable detection system 200 can also comprise at least one reading device (or evaluation unit) 270 which is (is) capable of reading transponders, for example RFID and / or NFC tags. The reader 270 may be electrically connected to the controller 220. At the same time, the charging cable can comprise a transponder, e.g. RFID and / or NFC tag 280, to which a unique identifier is assigned. The unique identifier can be stored in a storage unit located in the vehicle 210-e.g. from the factory or via a service provider providing the corresponding functionality-which the control unit 220 can access. The control unit 220 can detect, via the reading device 270, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 210. The use of the reading device 270 and the unique identifier of the transponder 280 also has the advantage that it can be unambiguously determined that the correct charging cable associated with the vehicle 210 is located in the vehicle 270.The transponder, e.g. RFID and / or NFC tag 280, can be attached to the charging cable in such a way that it itself destroys itself when removed at great force, in order advantageously to prevent abuse.The control unit 220 can control the reading device 270 such that - before each predetermined or predeterminable event, e.g. engine start (i.e. when the driver 232 of the vehicle 210 starts an engine, e.g. by actuating a corresponding start-stop operating element in the vehicle) - the reading device 270 is activated by the control unit 220 in order to read RFID and / or NFC tags in the reception area of the reading device 270. In particular, the reader 270 may read at least one unique identifier thereof when reading RFID and / or NFC tags. After reading the unique identifier(s), the reader 270 may send it to the controller 220. The control unit 220 can compare this with the unique identifier of the charging cable associated with the vehicle stored in the storage unit and thus detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle. Alternatively, the reader 270 may perform the matching of the unique identifier(s) read in with the one stored in the memory unit and then send the result (hit or no hit) to the control unit 220. Advantageously, it can thus be ensured that the charging cable is located in the vehicle 210. The reading device 270 can be located, for example, in the trunk of the vehicle 220 at a predetermined or predeterminable location. For example, a recess in the trunk of the vehicle 220 may be provided for the storage of the charging cable, at which the reading device 270 is located.In addition, a range of the reception range of the reader 270 may be set. For example, the receiving range of the reader 270 may be selected such that reading of RFID and / or NFC tags is possible only at a predefined area in the trunk of the vehicle 210. It can thus also be ensured that the charging cable is located in the receiving region of the reading device, i.e. for example at a space provided for the charging cable in the trunk (e.g. charging cable receiving device 130, 330 or charging cable holding device 130, 330). Advantageously, by suitably setting the range of the reception range of the reading device 270, it can also be unambiguously determined that the charging cable is located in the vehicle 210 itself and not in the immediate vicinity outside the vehicle 210.The RFID and / or NFC tag can alternatively also be used to pay for a charging process of the energy store by the electrical energy source.In order to pay charging processes of electrical energy stores to electrical energy sources (e.g. charging stations), access authorisations are generally allocated via RFID and / or NFC tags, via which a payment process can also take place. This access authorization can be integrated into the charging cable, so that it can be used for payment after a charging process by the user 232.In one example, it may be the same RFID and / or NFC tag 280 that is used to detect whether the charging cord is in the vehicle. This has the advantage that the RFID and / or NFC tag can be used for both payment of the charging process and for detection of whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle (e.g. after the charging process).In another example, it may be a separate RFID and / or NFC tag that may be attached to the charging cable. This has the advantage that RFID and / or NFC tags, which are subsequently allocated in order to enable releases and payment processes at electrical energy sources or charging stations, can also be used.Advantageously, the user 232 of the vehicle 210 thus does not have to carry a separate card for clearance and payment after a charging process at an electrical energy source.For example, the RFID and / or NFC tag 280 can be attached to the charging cable in such a way that, when the electrical energy store is connected to the electrical energy source, said charging cable is necessarily led past a reading device or an evaluation unit which is attached to the electrical energy source for releasing the electrical energy source and for a payment process of a charging process of the energy store. For example, the reading device or the evaluation unit can be mounted on the electrical energy source in the immediate vicinity of a socket located on the charging column (or electrical energy source), via which the electrical energy store is connected to the charging column via the charging cable. This has the advantage that the charging process at the electrical energy source for the user 232 is simplified. In this case, the RFID and / or NFC tag can be attached in such a way that it is concealed, for example, by a concealment mechanism, so that it is not visible. In addition or alternatively, the RFID and / or NFC tag and / or the evaluation unit at the charging station can be modified in such a way that communication between the two is possible only for a predetermined or predeterminable period of time, for example 10 seconds or until the electrical energy store is connected to the electrical energy source, in order to avoid abuse (see below).In another example, the RFID and / or NFC tag may be attached to the charging cable in such a way that it is attached in the immediate vicinity of the socket in the vehicle 210 to which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store (see above). During each charging process, the corresponding vehicle-side plug can be fixedly connected to the vehicle-side socket, for example, via the vehicle-side central locking system, so that the latter can only be unlocked by the user 232 of the vehicle 210. This has the advantage that an abuse of the RFID and / or NFC tag by unauthorized third parties can be prevented. In particular, the corresponding charging column-side plug of the charging cable can generally be unlocked by each person after completion of the charging process, in order to enable a further charging process of a further vehicle on the charging column. If the RFID and / or NFC tag is attached to the charging column-side plug, the latter can be abused by third parties for further charging processes.In a further example, the charge enable at the charging post may also be effected via a vehicle key of the vehicle 210. For example, the vehicle key can comprise both a radio code and an RFID chip. The RFID chip can serve to enable a vehicle immobilizer. This RFID chip could also serve to initiate a charge release and / or a payment process at the charging post.In another example, it may be detected whether the charging cable is located in or outside the vehicle 210 via an HF / LF (high-frequency / low-frequency) interface in the vehicle 210. The RF / LF interface is used in vehicles to detect whether the vehicle key is located in or outside of the vehicle 210.In one example, instead of RFID and NFC radio technology, a Bluetooth radio method between the charging cable and the vehicle may alternatively be used by short distance wireless personal area network (WPAN).FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the charging cable detection system 300 for an at least partially electrically operated vehicle 310. This embodiment combines the embodiment as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.The vehicle 310 includes an energy storage device (not shown) connectable to an electrical energy source via a charging cable (not shown). Charging cable detection system 300 includes a control unit 320 which is configured to enable or prevent an engine start of vehicle 310. In addition, the control unit 320 is also configured to detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310 at each predetermined event (as described further above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Upon detection that the charging cord is not located in the vehicle 310, the control unit 320 is configured to prevent the start of the vehicle 210.For example, a separate engine controller may be provided in the vehicle 310 to control engine start and release of the vehicle 310, respectively. Any other arrangement of the motor control unit, for example integration into a central control unit which provides various functionalities, is also possible. The control unit 320 can also be realized via a (separate or combined) control unit (not shown), which can be electrically connected to the engine control unit.For example, at each predetermined or predeterminable event (e.g. at each engine start initiation by actuation of a corresponding start-stop operating element in the vehicle by the driver 332 of the vehicle 310), the charging cable recognition can first be initiated by the control unit 320. The control unit 320 may perform detection as to whether the charging cable is in the vehicle. If the detection is positive, the control unit 320 may control the engine control device such that the engine of the vehicle 310 is started. If, on the other hand, it is detected that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 310, then the control unit 320 can control the engine control unit in such a way that an engine start of the vehicle 320 is prevented. This advantageously prevents the driver of the vehicle 332 from being able to move the vehicle 310 from the current location without the charging cable being located in the vehicle 310.The charging cable detection system 300 can also comprise a charging cable receiving device 330 or charging cable holding device 330 for receiving the charging cable. In addition, the charging cable detection system 300 may include a detection unit 340 that may detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310. The detection unit 340 can comprise one or more of the following sensors and / or units: weight sensor, light barrier, bushing in the vehicle 310, to which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store, etc.The weight sensor can, for example, detect a weight which acts on the charging cable receiving device 330 or charging cable holding device 330 through the charging cable. The control unit 320 can detect, by means of the weight acting on the charging cable receiving device 330 or charging cable holding device 330, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310. The light barrier can, for example, detect whether the charging cable has been removed from the charging cable receiving device 330 or placed therein and thus detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310. The socket in the vehicle 310 can detect, for example, via corresponding sensors, whether the charging cable is connected to the socket and thus detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310. The sensing unit 340 may include one or more of the above. Sensors or units comprise for detecting whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310.The charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 330 can be, for example, a charging cable storage box. The charging cable storage box may include one or more sensors and / or units to which the control unit may be connected. The sensors and / or units can, as already mentioned above, be: weight sensor, light barrier, bushing in the vehicle, to which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store, etc. By means of the one or more sensors or switches, the control unit can detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle.In another example, the charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 330 can be a cable reel in a receiving space. The cable reel storage space may be housed in a side wall of the vehicle 310, for example, in the trunk of the vehicle 310. In another example, the charging cable receiving device 330 can be a cutout in the vehicle 310, for example in the trunk of the vehicle 310, into which the charging cable can be placed without the charging cable being provided to roll up in this case. The charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 330 also comprises a weight sensor 340, which can be electrically connected to the control unit 320.Thus, before each predetermined or predeterminable event (e.g. at each engine start initiation, after each closure of the trunk or the tailgate and / or after each detection of a completed charging process of the energy store of the vehicle 310), the control unit 320 can determine by interrogation of the detection unit 340 whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310. For example, the detection unit may comprise a weight sensor. In this example, a query of the weight acting (or not acting) on the charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 330 through the charging cable can determine whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310. For example, an exact weight of the charging cable can be stored in a storage unit (not shown) which can be accessed by the control unit 320 (for example from the factory, but can also be carried out manually via a service provider providing the corresponding functionality). Thus, upon each initiation of an engine start, the control unit 320 can record the current weight acting on the charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 330 via the weight sensor of the recording unit 340 and compare it with the weight stored in the storage unit. If the values match, the control unit 320 detects that the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310. If the values do not match, the control unit 320 can detect that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 310. The weight sensor is attached to the charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device in such a way that the weight sensor can only detect the weight of the charging cable, but not the weight of other, potential objects located in the vehicle.If the control unit 320 detects that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 310, a corresponding message can be output to a user 332 of the vehicle 310 via an output unit 260. The control unit 320 can control an output unit 360 in the vehicle 310 such that a corresponding message is output to the user 332 of the vehicle 310. The message may include an indication that the engine start has been rejected because the charging cable associated with the vehicle 310 is not located in the vehicle 310 or not at the intended location in the vehicle 310 (e.g., charging cable receptacle or charging cable retaining device 330). The output unit 360 may be an output unit 360 located in the vehicle 310, e.g. an onboard computer, which may be electrically connected (e.g. via an electrical line) to the control unit 320.Additionally or alternatively, the message (see above) can be output on a mobile terminal (not shown) associated with the user or driver 332 of the vehicle 310, which mobile terminal can be connected to the vehicle 310, for example. The connection of the mobile terminal, e.g. a smartphone, to the vehicle 310 can be a wired connection (e.g. by means of a USB interface) to the vehicle electronics, but also a wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth, WLAN, mobile radio) to the vehicle electronics. In this case, a one-time registration of the mobile terminal with the vehicle 310 or via a portal (e.g. a corresponding service via a server which provides the corresponding functionality) may be required.This allows the user or driver 332 of the vehicle 310 to recognize that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 310 or not at the provided location in the vehicle 310. Thus, the user of the vehicle 332 has the possibility of searching the charging cable in situ and positioning it in the vehicle 310 or at the intended location in the vehicle 310. Thus, the control unit has two possibilities for detecting whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310.The user 332 can optionally be provided with the possibility of initiating the motor release despite the charging cable not detected by a corresponding input via an input unit (e.g. input unit of the board computer, not shown or renewed actuation of the motor start button) and thus starting the motor. This has the advantage that if a defect is present (e.g. in the charging cable detection system 300 so that it incorrectly does not detect the charging cable) it has the possibility of nevertheless enabling an engine start and moving the vehicle 310. In this case, a corresponding message can be automatically sent to a backend server of the vehicle manufacturer and / or a fleet operator of the vehicle 310 and / or to an operator of a charging station at which the last charging process of the energy store of the vehicle 310 was detected. The user 332 of the vehicle 310 can also be provided with the possibility of intentionally not taking the charging cable along.If the vehicle 310 recognizes that the charging cable(s) is not located in the vehicle 310, it can be checked, with the aid of position data and / or historical driving data of the user 332 of the vehicle 310, with a correspondingly predefined setting by the user 332, whether one or more planned driving routes can be covered by the user 332 while taking into account a current state of charge (SOC) of the energy store without additional charging of the latter at an electrical energy source or electricity charging station. If the user 332 of the vehicle 310 has performed a corresponding presetting, the output that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle 310 can be suppressed if a positive check is made (i.e. the one or more planned travel routes can be covered without additional charging of the energy store). In other words, the user 332 may be given the opportunity to not obtain a message about the absence of the charging cable in the vehicle 310, provided one or more planned routes may be traveled in consideration of the current SOC.In the event that the user 332 starts the engine despite the charging cable not detected, a last position of the vehicle 310 at which the charging cable was detected can additionally be determined and output via the output unit 360 in the vehicle and / or via the associated mobile terminal. For example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver located in the vehicle 310 may be used to determine the last position of the vehicle 310. In a further example, a charging column or a position of the charging column can be determined at which a last charging process for charging the energy store of the vehicle 310 has been determined. Additionally or alternatively, a first position of the vehicle 310 may be determined and output at which the charging cable was not detected. Additionally or alternatively, a position of the vehicle 310 can be determined and output at which a last charging process for charging the energy store of the vehicle was detected. In this case, the automatic message to the backend server of the vehicle manufacturer and / or the fleet operator of the vehicle 310 and / or the operator of the charging station may include the determined position(s) of the vehicle 310. Advantageously, this allows the user of the vehicle 310 and / or the vehicle manufacturer and / or the fleet operator of the vehicle 310 and / or the operator of the charging post to determine where the charging cable was last located or where the charging cable was left behind, thus facilitating the retrieval of the charging cable.The charging cable detection system 300 may also include at least one reader 370 capable of reading RFID and / or NFC tags. The reader 370 may be electrically connected to the controller 320. At the same time, the charging cable can comprise an RFID and / or NFC tag 380, to which a unique identifier is assigned. The unique identifier can be stored in a storage unit located in the vehicle-for example from the factory or via a service provider providing the corresponding functionality-which the control unit 320 can access. The control unit 320 can detect, via the reading device 370, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310. The use of the reading device 370 and the unique identifier of the transponder 380 has the advantage that it can be unambiguously determined that the correct charging cable associated with the vehicle 310 is located in the vehicle 310.The control unit 320 can control the reading device 370, for example, in such a way that, at each predetermined or predeterminable event, the reading device 370 is activated by the control unit 320 in order to read RFID and / or NFC tags in the reception region of the reading device 370. In particular, the reader 370 may read at least one unique identifier thereof when reading RFID and / or NFC tags. After reading the unique identifier(s), the reader 370 may send it to the controller 320. The control unit 320 can compare this with the unique identifier of the charging cable associated with the vehicle 310 stored in the storage unit and thus detect whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle. Alternatively, the reader 370 may perform the matching of the unique identifier(s) read in with the one stored in the memory unit and then send the result (hit or no hit) to the control unit 320. Advantageously, it can thus be ensured that the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310. The reading device 370 can be located, for example, in the trunk of the vehicle 320 at a predetermined or predeterminable location. For example, a recess in the trunk of the vehicle 320 may be provided for the storage of the charging cable, at which the reading device 370 is located.In addition, a range of the reception range of the reader 370 may be set. For example, the receiving range of the reader 370 may be selected such that reading of RFID and / or NFC tags is possible only at a predefined area in the trunk of the vehicle 310. It can thus also be ensured that the charging cable is located in the receiving region of the reading device, i.e. for example at a space provided for the charging cable in the trunk (e.g. charging cable receiving device 130, 330 or charging cable holding device 130, 330). Advantageously, by setting the range of the reception range of the reading device 370, it can be unambiguously determined that the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310 itself and not, for example, in the immediate vicinity outside the vehicle 310.The RFID and / or NFC tag can alternatively also be used to pay for a charging process of the energy store by the electrical energy source.In order to pay charging processes of electrical energy stores to electrical energy sources (e.g. charging stations), access authorisations are generally allocated via RFID and / or NFC tags, via which a payment process can also take place. This access authorization can be integrated into the charging cable, so that it can be used for payment after a charging process by the user 332.In one example, it may be the same RFID and / or NFC tag 380 that is used to detect whether the charging cord is in the vehicle. This has the advantage that the RFID and / or NFC tag can be used for both payment of the charging process and for detection of whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle (e.g. after the charging process).In another example, it may be a separate RFID and / or NFC tag that may be attached to the charging cable. This has the advantage that RFID and / or NFC tags, which are subsequently allocated in order to enable releases and payment processes at electrical energy sources or charging stations, can also be used.Advantageously, the user 332 of the vehicle 310 thus does not have to carry a separate card for clearance and payment after a charging process at an electrical energy source.For example, the RFID and / or NFC tag 380 can be attached to the charging cable in such a way that, when the electrical energy store is connected to the electrical energy source, said charging cable is necessarily led past a reading device or an evaluation unit which is attached to the electrical energy source for releasing the electrical energy source and for a payment process of a charging process of the energy store. For example, the reading device or the evaluation unit can be mounted on the electrical energy source in the immediate vicinity of a socket located on the charging column (or electrical energy source), via which the electrical energy store is connected to the charging column via the charging cable. This has the advantage that the charging process at the electrical energy source for the user 332 is simplified. In this case, the RFID and / or NFC tag can be attached in such a way that it is concealed, for example, by a concealment mechanism, so that it is not visible. In addition or alternatively, the RFID and / or NFC tag and / or the evaluation unit at the charging station can be modified in such a way that communication between the two is possible only for a predetermined or predeterminable period of time, for example 10 seconds or until the electrical energy store is connected to the electrical energy source, in order to avoid abuse (see below).In another example, the RFID and / or NFC tag may be attached to the charging cable in such a way that it is attached in the immediate vicinity of the socket in the vehicle 310 to which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store (see above). During each charging process, the corresponding vehicle-side plug can be fixedly connected to the vehicle-side socket, for example, via the vehicle-side central locking system, so that the latter can only be unlocked by the user 332 of the vehicle 310. This has the advantage that an abuse of the RFID and / or NFC tag by unauthorized third parties can be prevented. In particular, the corresponding charging column-side plug of the charging cable can generally be unlocked by each person after completion of the charging process, in order to enable a further charging process of a further vehicle on the charging column. If the RFID and / or NFC tag is attached to the charging column-side plug, this could be abused by third parties for further charging processes.In a further example, the charge enable at the charging post may also be effected via a vehicle key of the vehicle 310. For example, the vehicle key can comprise both a radio code and an RFID chip. The RFID chip can serve to enable a vehicle immobilizer. This RFID chip could also serve to initiate a charge release and / or a payment process at the charging post.In another example, it may be detected whether the charging cable is located in or outside the vehicle 310 via an HF / LF (high-frequency / low-frequency) interface in the vehicle 310. The RF / LF interface is used in vehicles to detect whether the vehicle key is located in or outside of the vehicle 310.Alternatively, in one example, instead of using RFID and NFC radio technology, a Bluetooth radio method may be used between the charging cable and the vehicle 310 via short distance wireless personal area network (WPAN).The charging cable detection options described above can be carried out in series or in parallel over time. The provision of second charging cable detection options has the advantage that the charging cable detection by the control unit is less prone to errors and thus an incorrectly prevented engine start of the vehicle 310 (for example due to a malfunction of the reading device 370 or of the weight sensor) is minimized.Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to detect and indicate where the charging cable is located in the vehicle 310 with an extended charging cable detection possibility, in particular with an extension of the RFID and NFC radio technology, if this charging cable is not located at the intended location in the vehicle. Advantageously, the user 332 of the vehicle 310 may thus save a time-consuming search for the charging cable in the vehicle (e.g. storage box, trunk, passenger compartment, etc.). This can be realized, for example, by installing a plurality of RFID and / or NFC readers 370 in suitable construction spaces (storage box, trunk, passenger interior) in the vehicle 310, in order to be able to detect where the charging cable is located.FIG. 4A shows an example charging cable detection system 400 that detects that the charging cable is absent. In this example, the charging cable detection system comprises a charging cable receiving device or charging cable holding device 420 and a detection unit 430. As already explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the detection unit can comprise one or more sensors and / or units. The sensors and / or units can comprise, for example: weight sensor, light barrier, bushing, bushing to which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store and which can detect whether the charging cable is connected to the bushing. In this example, the charging cord detection system (procedure as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3 ) detects that the charging cord is not in the vehicle. Accordingly, an output 410 is output to the user of the vehicle in the output unit that the charging cable is missing.FIG. 4B shows the example charging cord detection system 400 detecting that the charging cord is in the vehicle. The detection takes place as explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. Accordingly, an output 440 to the user of the vehicle is output in the output unit that the charging cable is located in the vehicle (optional).

Claims

Charging cable detection system (100, 200, 300) for an at least partially electrically operated vehicle (110, 210, 310), wherein the vehicle (110, 210, 310) comprises an energy store which can be connected to an electrical energy source via a charging cable, comprising: a control unit (120, 220, 320) which is configured to enable or prevent an engine start of the vehicle (110, 210, 310), wherein the control unit (120, 220, 320) is additionally configured to - detect, before each predetermined or predeterminable event, whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle (110, 210, 310); Upon detection that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle (110, 210, 310): - to prevent the start of the vehicle (110, 210, 310), - to check whether one or more planned travel routes can be covered by the electrical energy source without additionally charging said energy store taking into account a current state of charge (SOC) of the energy store, and - if one or more planned travel routes can be covered without additionally charging the energy store, to suppress an output of a message to a user (132, 232, 332) of the vehicle (110, 210, 310) that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle (110, 210, 310).Charging cable detection system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein if the control unit (120, 220, 320) detects that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle (110, 210, 310), the corresponding message can be output to the user (132, 232, 332) of the vehicle (110, 210, 310) via an output unit (160, 260, 360).The charging cable detection system (100, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a charging cable receiving device (130, 330) for receiving the charging cable; and at least one sensing unit (140, 340) capable of sensing whether the charging cable is located in the charging cable receiving device (130, 330), wherein the control unit (120, 320) may be electrically connected to the at least one sensing unit (140, 340) and capable of detecting whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle (110, 310) with the aid of the at least one sensing unit (140, 340).The charging cable detection system (100, 300) according to claim 3, wherein the sensing unit (140, 340) is a weight sensor (140, 340) capable of sensing a weight acting on the charging cable holding device (130, 330) through the charging cable, wherein the control unit (120, 320) is capable of detecting whether the charging cable is present in the vehicle (110, 310) through the weight acting on the charging cable holding device (130, 330) through the charging cable.Charging cable detection system (200, 300) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one detection unit (140, 340) can comprise one or more of the following: - a weight sensor (140, 340), which can detect a weight acting through the charging cable on the charging cable holding device (130, 330); - a light barrier (140, 340), which can detect whether the charging cable is located in the charging cable holding device (130, 330), and / or a socket in the vehicle (110, 310), to which the charging cable can be connected on the vehicle side for charging the energy store and which can detect whether the charging cable is connected to the socket; wherein the control unit (120, 320) can detect, with the aid of the one or more detection units (140, 340), whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle (110, 310).The charging cable detection system (200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one reader (270, 370) capable of reading RFID and / or NFC tags, wherein the charging cable comprises an RFID and / or NFC tag (280, 380) having a unique identifier.Charging cable detection system (200, 300) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (220, 320) can detect via the reading device (270, 370) whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle (210, 310), and / or wherein the control unit (220, 320) can also detect via the reading device (270, 370) where the charging cable is located in the vehicle.Charging cable detection system (200, 300) according to either of Claims 6 and 7, wherein the RFID and / or NFC tag (280, 380) can be used to - carry out an authentication for enabling the electrical energy source; and / or - pay for a charging process of the energy store by the electrical energy source.Method for detecting a charging cable in an at least partially electrically operated vehicle (110, 210, 310), wherein the vehicle (110, 210, 310) comprises an energy store which can be connected to an electrical energy source via a charging cable, comprising: prior to each predetermined or predeterminable event: detecting, by means of a control unit (120, 220, 320), whether the charging cable is located in the vehicle (110, 210, 310); If the charging cable is not located in the vehicle (110, 210, 310): preventing, by means of the control unit (120, 220, 320) starting the engine, checking whether one or more planned travel routes can be covered by taking into account a current state of charge (SOC) of the energy store without additionally charging this energy store at the electrical energy source, and suppressing an output of a message to a user (132, 232, 332) of the vehicle (120, 220, 320) that the charging cable is not located in the vehicle (110, 210, 310) if one or more planned travel routes can be covered without additionally charging the energy store.At least partially electrically operated vehicle (110, 210, 310) comprising a charging cable detection system (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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