Electrically powered motor vehicle with a charging socket unit

Abstract

Electrically operated motor vehicle (1) with a charging socket unit (7) comprising a charging pot (8) in which at least one charging socket (9) is received, and with a charging flap (10) closing the charging pot (8) in a closed position and releasing it in an open position, wherein the charging flap (10) is arranged projecting from an upper edge of the charging pot (8) in the open position and covers the charging pot (8) from above, and a heating device (13) is arranged in the area of ​​the charging pot (8), characterized in that the heating device (13) is designed as an induction heater and the charging pot (8) has an inductively heatable material to protect individual areas of the charging socket unit (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrically powered motor vehicle with a charging socket unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A charging unit comprising a charging pot, at least one charging socket, and a charging flap is already known from practical applications in electrically powered vehicles equipped with a power supply system. The power supply system of an electrically powered vehicle includes, for example, a battery in which energy, such as electrical energy, is stored. This battery is discharged during operation of the electrically powered vehicle and must be recharged regularly.

[0003] A charging process, in which the battery is recharged, can be carried out, for example, using a charging device. This charging device includes, for example, a charging plug and a cable element of a charging station, as well as at least one charging socket, which is connected to the charging station's charging plug to supply power to the battery during the charging process. During the charging process, the charging flap is in an open position to allow the charging socket, which is housed in the charging cradle, to be connected to the charging plug. After the battery is fully charged, the charging plug is removed from the charging socket and the charging flap is closed. This protects the charging socket, for example, while the electric vehicle is being driven. Furthermore, the charging flap protects the charging socket from adverse weather conditions.

[0004] From CN 2 05 846 411 U, a charging socket unit for an electric vehicle is known, which discloses a heating device with a fan. However, it is provided that an airflow is conveyed via a fresh air inlet into a wind-conducting cavity and then through air-conducting holes in a base plate 102 into a housing of the charging socket unit and subsequently out of the housing.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2012 208 005 A1 discloses an electrical connection arrangement for a charging system, in particular for charging a vehicle battery of a motor vehicle. This arrangement comprises a first connection element that can be connected to a charging station and that can make electrical contact with a second connection element that is mounted on a mobile platform. At least one heating element is integrated into the first connection element and / or the second connection element.

[0006] From US 2014 / 0162491A1, an electrical plug is disclosed which can be inserted into a socket which provides an electrical signal which has at least one property which can vary within a certain range of values.

[0007] The object of the invention is to further develop a charging device comprising a charging socket for an electrically operated motor vehicle in such a way that the charging socket is particularly well protected against adverse weather conditions.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by a charging socket unit for an electrically powered motor vehicle with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0009] To create a charging socket that is particularly well protected against adverse weather conditions, an electrically operated motor vehicle with a charging socket unit according to the preamble of claim 1 is further developed such that the heating device is designed as an induction heater and the charging pot comprises an inductively heatable material to protect individual areas of the charging socket unit. This means that the charging pot and / or the charging cable comprise an inductively heatable material which can be heated by the heating device designed as an induction heater. This offers the advantage that specific local areas of the charging socket unit and / or the charging unit can be heated and thus protected from icing.

[0010] In other words, the charging pot containing the charging socket, for example in the energy supply unit of an electrically powered vehicle, is closed by the charging flap in the closed position. This charging flap, in the open position, is located at least substantially in the area of ​​the upper edge of the charging pot and protrudes from it. The charging flap, in the open position, is positioned at least substantially protruding from the upper edge of the charging pot and covers the charging pot, at least substantially from above.

[0011] For example, when the loading flap is in the open position, its inner edge is at least substantially flush with the upper edge of the loading bay. In other words, when the loading flap is open, its inner edge rests at least substantially flush with the upper edge of the loading bay.

[0012] This offers the advantage that the charging port of the charging port unit according to the invention is particularly well protected from snow and rain, since the charging flap at least substantially prevents these from flowing or falling into the charging port over the upper edge of the charging port. Thus, the charging port can be protected from becoming clogged or damaged, which, for example, increases the service life of the charging port unit. Furthermore, it prevents the charging port from filling with snow or water, for example, during a long charging process in which the charging flap is in the open position. This increases user convenience when using the charging port unit and protects the charging port unit from icing-related damage, for example, from water freezing or snow refreezing.

[0013] The heating element serves to heat the charging socket unit as needed, preventing icing or at least largely removing existing icing. This ensures, for example, that a charging plug connected to the charging socket of a charging station can be disconnected from the socket and the charging socket unit at a defined time. This defined time could be, for instance, the point at which a battery charged by the charging station is essentially fully charged.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heating device includes a blower. The blower of the heating device is, for example, arranged in the area of ​​the charging pot. In particular, the blower of the heating device can be arranged in different positions as required. For example, the blower can be positioned on the charging plug. The blower can be powered, for example, via a line from the vehicle or, alternatively, inductively via the charging cable. Powering the blower via a line from a charging station is also conceivable.

[0015] The fan can be used, for example, to heat part of the charging plug, especially the charging port (also called the charging connector), and the charging cable. This ensures protection against icing or allows for the removal of ice over a particularly large area, making it especially easy to disconnect the charging socket and plug after charging is complete.

[0016] In an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heating device comprises a phase-change material. This phase-change material is a material that absorbs or releases particularly large amounts of heat due to the change in its state of matter. This material can, for example, be arranged in the area of ​​the charging unit and / or the charging unit. Advantageously, when not in use, the phase-change material is in a state in which it has stored a particularly large amount of heat. If required, a change in the state of matter of the phase-change material can be triggered, causing heat to be released by the phase-change material. The released heat can, for example, be used to heat the charging unit and / or the charging unit. Triggering the change in the state of matter of the phase-change material can, for example, be done mechanically by a user.Alternatively, the change in the state of matter of the phase change material can be triggered automatically via an electrical unit using the motor vehicle or a remote control.

[0017] In an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heating device includes a resistive load. This resistive load can, for example, be arranged particularly in areas with high heating requirements. This enables the heating of an area defined by the placement of the resistive load.

[0018] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to automatically activate the heating system depending on weather conditions or driver-related data. For example, the heating system can be activated specifically when there is a risk of icing due to snowfall or defined outside temperatures. In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the heating system is automatically activated depending on driver-related data. Alternatively or additionally, the heating system can be controlled depending on driver-related data, in particular a planned departure time. For example, the driver can communicate with a control unit of the heating system and / or a computer unit of the vehicle and thus inform the control unit and / or the computer unit of the planned departure time.If the driver communicates with the computing unit, it can transmit relevant information for controlling the heating system to the control unit of the heating system.

[0019] This has the advantage that the driver can, for example, specify when the heating system should be activated and thus icing removed.

[0020] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0021] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A schematic representation of an electrically powered motor vehicle during a charging process; Fig. 2. A schematic representation of a charging unit and its integration into a charging socket unit in a first embodiment; and Fig. 3 in schematic representation a charging unit and its embedding in a charging socket unit in a second embodiment.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an electrically powered vehicle 1 during a charging process. This electrically powered vehicle 1 has, for example, a battery 6 from which energy can be drawn for an electric motor to drive the vehicle 1. In order for the battery 6 to provide energy for the electric motor, it must be recharged at regular intervals.

[0023] For example, it is possible to schematically in Fig. 1. Battery 6, represented by a box, is to be charged via a charging unit 2 during a charging process. This charging unit 2 comprises, for example, a charging station 3, a charging plug 4, and a cable element 5 connecting the charging station 3 and the charging plug 4.

[0024] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the electrically powered vehicle 1 can, for example, be positioned at least substantially near the charging station 3 for charging the battery 6. It is important to note that the vehicle 1 must be positioned within reach of the cable element 5 connected to the charging station 3, so that the charging plug 4 can be connected to a charging socket unit 7 of the electrically powered vehicle 1.

[0025] To charge the battery 6 of the electric vehicle 1, the charging plug 4 of the charging unit 2 is connected to the charging socket unit 7 of the electric vehicle 1 as shown in Fig. The connection shown in diagram 1 is established. This connection remains in place throughout the entire charging process of battery 6. After charging, the charging unit 2 is removed from the electric vehicle 1. The electric vehicle 1 can now be removed from the charging station 3 and from the charging unit 2.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 1 shows only one arrangement of the charging socket unit 7. Possible configurations of the charging socket unit 7 are shown in Fig. 2 and in Fig. 3 shown.

[0027] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the charging socket unit 7 during a charging process of the battery 6. Here, the charging socket unit 7 is shown in conjunction with the charging plug 4 and a section of the cable element 5.

[0028] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the charging socket unit 7 comprises a charging socket 9 housed in a charging pot 8 and a charging flap 10. This charging flap 10 is located in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown in an open position releasing the charging pot 8, which the charging flap 10 assumes, for example, during the charging process of the battery 6.

[0029] A first possible exemplary design of the charging socket unit 7 is shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that in this embodiment of the charging socket unit 7, the charging flap 10, which releases the charging pot 8 in the open position, is arranged to project at least substantially from an upper edge 11 of the charging pot 8. In the open position, the charging flap 10 covers the charging pot 8 at least substantially from above. This serves to protect the charging socket 9 from rain and snow and any associated damage to the charging socket 9 while the charging flap 10 is open.

[0030] For example, the loading flap 10 is attached to the upper edge 11 of the loading pot 8 by means of a hinge (not shown) and is arranged to open upwards. The loading flap 10 is designed, for example, with regard to its size and geometry, such that no or as little snow or water as possible falls into the loading pot 8 and / or the charging socket 9, and thus, for example, onto an electrical connection. This means that the upward-opening loading flap 10 is, for example, at least substantially planar or has a planar area and has right-angled projections at its edges, which are arranged vertically in a closed position. These projections are, for example, vertically oriented and downwards with respect to the loading flap 10 when it is open.Alternatively, the charging port 10 can, for example, be round, at least substantially corresponding to the lateral surface of a half-cylinder. This half-cylindrical charging port 10 can, for example, be arranged in its open position such that a semicircular edge of the charging port 10 is positioned at the upper edge of the charging unit 8. Another exemplary design is an at least substantially right-angled design of the charging port 10, for example, when it is arranged on a substantially vertical edge of the vehicle. This means that the charging unit 7 is arranged, for example, on an edge of the vehicle 1, in particular at a rear, a door, or a front, and the charging port 10 is adapted to the shape of the edge of the vehicle 1.In the open position of the upwardly opening charging flap 10, the essentially right-angled charging flap 10 forms, for example, an overhanging protection, in particular a roof, for the charging socket 9.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the charging socket unit 7. Here, the charging flap 10, which releases the charging pot 8 and thus the charging socket 9 in the open position, is arranged, by way of example, on a lateral edge 12 of the charging pot 8. It would also be possible to arrange the charging flap 10 on the upper edge 11 of the charging pot 8.

[0032] To protect the charging socket 9 from clogging and icing, and to prevent icing of the complex formed by the charging socket 9 and the charging plug 4 during the charging process, a [missing information] is provided in the area of ​​the charging pot 8. Fig.Figure 3 shows an exemplary heating device 13, illustrated by a schematic box. This heating device 13 can, for example, include a blower 14, which may be adjustable. The blower 14 serves, for example, to focus an airflow heated by the heating device 13 onto a specific area of ​​the charging socket unit 7. This allows, for example, the area of ​​the charging socket 9 or the complex formed by the charging socket 9 and the charging plug 4 to be heated.

[0033] During the charging process, the blower 14 of the heating unit 13 can be activated, thus protecting the charging socket 9 and the assembly consisting of the charging socket 9 and the charging plug 4 from icing. This has the advantage that, after the charging process, the charging plug 4 can be removed from the charging socket 9 particularly quickly and easily, for example by the driver of the electric vehicle 1, even if adverse weather conditions such as rain and / or snow and / or sub-zero temperatures occurred during the charging process.

[0034] The heating of the airflow by the heating device 13 can be achieved, for example, via a resistive load. This resistive load can, for example, be located in the charging pot 8. Alternatively or additionally, the heating device 13 can incorporate a phase-change material. This phase-change material releases energy, for example, after its activation, due to a change in its state of matter. The heat produced by the heating device 13, for example, via the resistive load and / or by means of the phase-change material, and transferred to the airflow, can be conveyed by the blower 14 to a defined location in the charging unit 7. Alternatively, the heating device 13 can be located at the point in the charging unit 7 that is to be protected from icing, thus directly heating the corresponding area.

[0035] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the heating device 13 is designed as an induction heater. For example, the charging socket 9 and / or the charging plug 4 could have inductively heatable material. This inductively heatable material can be heated by the heating device 13 as needed, for example in case of snowfall and / or rain and / or sub-zero temperatures, to protect individual areas of the charging socket unit 7 from icing.

[0036] Furthermore, the heating device 13 can be arranged in such a way that it prevents or removes icing of the charging flap 10 by heating corresponding areas.

[0037] The charging socket unit 7 can be equipped with either a heating element 13 or a charging flap 10 located on the upper edge 11 of the charging socket 9. This provides particularly good protection for the charging socket 9 against adverse weather conditions. Alternatively or additionally, the charging plug 4 and / or the cable element 5 can incorporate the heating element 13. For example, the heating element 13 can be located on the charging plug 4 or on the cable element 5 to heat them selectively when needed.

[0038] In particular, the heating device 13 can be activated depending on the weather conditions. Measurement data for determining the risk of icing can be collected, for example, via at least one sensor, in particular a temperature sensor or humidity sensor, and evaluated after transmission to a processing unit of the vehicle 1. Alternatively or additionally, the processing unit of the vehicle 1 can receive weather data, for example, via a radio or internet connection or via the charging station 3. Using this information, which includes in particular the measurement data and the weather data, the processing unit can, for example, determine the risk of icing and activate the heating device 13 via a control unit.

[0039] Focusing on the departure time, the heating device 13 can be controlled by the driver of the vehicle 1 using the control unit so that the charging socket unit 7 is at least substantially free of icing at the time of departure. This ensures, for example, that the charging plug 4 of the charging station 3, which is connected to the charging socket 9 when charging, can be disconnected from the charging socket 9 and the charging socket unit 7 at the time of departure.

[0040] Alternatively, the heating unit 13 can be activated via a timer, for example, via the control unit. In this way, the driver can, for example, use the timer to specify a defined period after which the heating unit 13 will be activated.

[0041] It is also possible to activate the heating unit 13 depending on the charge level of the battery 6. For example, the control unit can activate the heating unit 13 as soon as the battery 6 is at least substantially charged. This ensures that the heating unit 13 is activated at least substantially at the time the battery 6 is charged, and that icing is at least substantially prevented. This allows the driver to disconnect the charging plug 4 from the charging socket 9 with particular ease. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2 charging units 3 charging stations 4 charging plugs 5 cable element 6 batteries 7 charging socket unit 8 charging pot 9 charging socket 10 Charging port 11 Rand 12 Rand 13 Heating system 14 blowers

Claims

[1] Electrically operated motor vehicle (1) with a charging socket unit (7) comprising a charging pot (8) in which at least one charging socket (9) is received, and with a charging flap (10) closing the charging pot (8) in a closed position and releasing it in an open position, wherein the charging flap (10) is arranged to project from an upper edge of the charging pot (8) in the open position and covers the charging pot (8) from above, and a heating device (13) is arranged in the area of ​​the charging pot (8), characterized by , that the heating device (13) is designed as an induction heater and the charging pot (8) has an inductively heatable material to protect individual areas of the charging socket unit (7). [2] Electrically powered motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the heating device (13) includes a blower (14). [3] Electrically powered motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the heating device (13) has a phase-change material or an ohmic load. [4] Electrically powered motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the heating device (13) can be activated automatically depending on the weather conditions or driver-related data.

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