Method for triggering an alarm function in case of improper use of a charging cable, control unit and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for triggering an alarm function (A1, A2) upon detection of improper use of a charging cable (14) for electrically connecting a motor vehicle (10) to a charging station (16) by a person (P, PA, PU), comprising the steps: - Detecting the improper use of the charging cable (14) by the person (P, PA, PU) according to at least one predetermined first criterion; and - depending on the detection of improper use, triggering of the alarm function (A1, A2); characterized in that - in the event that improper use is detected according to at least one predetermined first criterion, it is determined whether the person (P, PA, PU) is an authorized person (PA) or an unauthorized person (PU) according to at least one second criterion, and - wherein, in the event that it is determined that the person (P, PA, PU) is an authorized person (PA), a specific first alarm function (A1) is triggered when the alarm function (A1, A2) is activated; - where the improper use of the charging cable by the person (P, PA, PU) (14) • a predetermined strong pulling sensation and / or • a sudden pulling and / or • repeated pulling on a part of the charging cable (14) in a locked state of coupling the charging cable (14) with a connection device (18, 22) is detected.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for triggering an alarm function upon detection of improper use of a charging cable for electrically connecting a motor vehicle to a charging station by a person, wherein, according to at least one predetermined first criterion, the improper use of the charging cable by the person is detected and the alarm function is triggered depending on the detection of the improper use. The invention further relates to a control device and a motor vehicle.

[0002] During the charging process of a vehicle's energy storage system, such as the high-voltage battery of an electric vehicle, charging cables are typically used to connect the vehicle to a charging station. Improper use of the charging cable, such as forcible removal, can damage the cable itself, the charging station's mounting points, and / or the vehicle's mounting points. Therefore, it would be desirable to detect vandalism and / or theft of the charging cable, and potentially the vehicle itself, as early as possible, thus preventing the aforementioned damage.

[0003] In this context, DE 10 2010 017 934 A1 describes an alarm system connected to the charging cable of a plug-in vehicle. The system includes a sensor to evaluate the charging cable's status, which is defined as a "connected" status when the cable is connected to the vehicle and a "disconnected" status when it is not. An alarm can be triggered when the charging cable is in the disconnected state. This assumes that the charging cable does not have a device for securing it to the vehicle or the utility company's socket.

[0004] In contrast, with a charging cable that can be locked to the vehicle's or charging station's connector, unauthorized disconnection would simultaneously damage the connector. Therefore, if an alarm is only triggered when it detects that the charging cable is not connected to the vehicle, the cable may already be stolen and the vehicle's or charging station's connector may be defective.

[0005] Similarly, US 2014 / 0267712A1 describes a charging cable theft warning system that can trigger an alarm when a disconnection of the charging cable is detected. However, before the alarm is triggered, a predetermined time period is observed, typically required to stow the charging cable in a suitable holder. If the stowing of the charging cable is not detected after this period, the alarm is triggered.

[0006] DE 10 2020 101 019 A1 discloses a connector part for plugging into a corresponding mating connector part. The connector part comprises a housing part and a locking device for locking the housing part to the mating connector part in a locked position of the locking device. Furthermore, the connector part has a sensor device with a sensor for generating a sensor signal that depends on a force between the connector part and the mating connector part in the locked position of the locking device. If, for example, a change in force in the connection between the connector parts is detected, such as when a threshold value is exceeded, this indicates a user's request to release the connection between the connector part and the mating connector part.If user authorization is also present, the locking device is activated for unlocking.

[0007] US 2018 / 0186334A1 describes a theft prevention system. This system can determine the context of the vehicle and its user. Based on the user's permissions, the system determines whether a vehicle context violates the permissions of the identified user.

[0008] US 10 053 056 B1 describes a system for multi-step vehicle access authorization using biometric data.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method, a control device and a motor vehicle that make it possible to provide as much safety as possible in connection with a charging process for the electric charging of a motor vehicle, in particular with regard to avoiding damage as a result of improper use of a charging cable.

[0010] This problem is solved by a method, a control device, and a motor vehicle with the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0011] In an inventive method for triggering an alarm function upon detection of improper use of a charging cable for electrically connecting a motor vehicle to a charging station by a person, the improper use of the charging cable by the person is detected according to at least one predetermined first criterion, and the alarm function is triggered depending on the detection of the improper use. If the improper use is detected according to the at least one predetermined first criterion, it is determined whether the person is an authorized or unauthorized person according to at least one second criterion. If it is determined that the person is an authorized person, a specific first alarm function is triggered.Improper use of the charging cable by the person is detected as a predetermined strong pulling and / or a jerky pulling and / or repeated pulling on a part of the charging cable in a locked state of coupling the charging cable with a connection device.

[0012] The invention is based on the understanding that improper use of a charging cable can occur not only through vandalism or attempted theft, but often also through an authorized user of the vehicle, such as the driver. Especially when a user of the vehicle, for example, a new or rental car, is unfamiliar with the disconnection mechanism between the charging cable and the vehicle or charging station, this can lead to incorrect operation. Depending on the design of the vehicle and the charging cable, it may be necessary, for example, to first press a button or switch to release the lock between the charging cable and the vehicle, to perform an operation via a menu, for example, in the vehicle or on a mobile phone, to hold down a lever while unplugging the cable, or similar actions.Some users, even after pressing a release button, for example, do not wait long enough for the release to actually occur and consequently pull on the charging plug too soon, preventing it from being disconnected and leading to the user pulling harder. Similarly, interrupting the charging process and unlocking the charging cable at the vehicle or charging station connector typically requires prior actions. If a user is not fully aware of these necessary steps, they often attempt to disconnect the charging cable from the connector by pulling forcefully, even though it is still locked in place.Thus, improper use, even by an authorized person, can also lead to damage to the charging cable, the vehicle, or the charging station, particularly to the corresponding connection points. This can result in high repair costs. The invention advantageously avoids this or at least significantly reduces the risk of such damage by detecting such improper use, especially when carried out by an authorized person, and by triggering a specific initial alarm function when such improper use of the charging cable by an authorized person is detected. This specific initial alarm function can advantageously be designed differently from conventional alarm functions triggered in the event of a detected theft attempt.Instead, such an initial alarm function can, for example, provide a user with assistance in disconnecting the charging cable, or simply alert them that improper use has been detected, which could lead to damage to the cable, the vehicle, or the charging station. In this case, too, an authorized user is advantageously informed that their current actions could potentially damage their vehicle. Such warnings thus make it advantageously possible to prevent improper use at a sufficiently early stage and thereby avert potential damage to the vehicle, the charging cable, or the charging station.

[0013] A charging cable can be any cable used to electrically connect a vehicle to a charging station. Specifically, it connects a charging port on the vehicle to a corresponding port on the charging cable, and vice versa. Depending on the design of the charging cable and the type of connector used, these ports can be configured as corresponding plug-socket combinations. Commonly used connector types include Type 1 and Type 2. The charging cable can have two identical connector types or two different types.The charging station can be a public charging station, such as a public charging column, or a private charging station, such as a private wallbox or even just a standard household socket. The vehicle is preferably an electric or hybrid vehicle equipped with a rechargeable energy storage device, such as a high-voltage battery, which can be charged at the charging station. The connection between the charging station and the vehicle via the charging cable thus occurs during the electric charging process to charge the vehicle's energy storage device.

[0014] A charging process typically involves three components: the vehicle, the charging cable, and the charging station. Each of these three components can be designed, for example, to detect improper use of the charging cable and / or trigger an alarm. Furthermore, these three components are preferably interconnected. For this purpose, the communication line usually integrated into a charging cable, which also enables communication between the charging station and the vehicle, can be used, or an optional, separate communication channel for each of the three components can be provided. For example, the charging cable itself can be designed to detect improper use according to at least one predetermined criterion and communicate this detection to a control unit in the vehicle.This system can then determine whether the person is authorized or unauthorized and, if so, trigger the alarm. Optionally, determining whether the person is authorized or unauthorized according to at least one other criterion can also be performed externally, particularly by a central data processing unit, which can be provided as an internet server, such as a backend computer. Thus, the described procedure can also incorporate a fourth component: such a central data processing unit. The result of this determination can then be communicated by the central data processing unit to the vehicle, which in turn triggers the alarm.

[0015] Determining whether a person is authorized or unauthorized can be achieved through an analysis function. Such an analysis function can be performed by a central data processing unit, as described, or by the vehicle itself, for example. Optionally, this function could also be implemented in the charging station. Less preferred, but still possible, is for the charging cable itself to perform this analysis function. In this case, the charging cable could be equipped with an additional control unit.

[0016] The first criterion for detecting improper use of the charging cable can be defined in various ways, as will be explained in more detail later. This first criterion can determine when improper use of the charging cable is considered detected and when it is not. For example, this could be based on exceeding a predetermined threshold value by a detected sensor reading. The same applies to determining whether the person is authorized or unauthorized.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, if it is determined that the person is unauthorized, a separate, specific second alarm function is triggered. In other words, an alarm function can be triggered not only when the charging cable is misused by an authorized person, but also in the case of an unauthorized person. This is particularly advantageous because, if the person is unauthorized, it can be assumed that the misuse is due to attempted theft or vandalism.In this case, it is advantageous to take other measures within the framework of the second alarm function, which can then be aimed at scaring away or apprehending a potential thief and preventing the theft as well as any associated possible damage to the vehicle, the charging cable or the charging station.

[0018] In a further highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, improper use is detected while the charging cable is in the connected and, in particular, locked state, in which the connection between the charging cable and the charging device is locked, the charging device being encompassed by the motor vehicle and / or the charging station. This allows improper use, whether carried out by an unauthorized person or by an authorized person, to be detected particularly early, so that potential damage to the vehicle, the charging cable, and / or the charging station can most likely be prevented in time.Detection therefore occurs not only when the charging cable or its corresponding connector is disconnected and detached from the vehicle or charging station connection, but also beforehand, while it is still connected and, in particular, still locked. This makes it advantageously possible to detect any pulling on the charging cable, especially when the connection is still locked, at an early stage, allowing the relevant alarm function to be activated in time to prevent potential damage.

[0019] According to the invention, improper use is detected by a predetermined strong and / or jerky and / or repeated pulling on a part of the charging cable while it is locked in the connection state. Such pulling can be detected by a detection device, e.g., the sensors described below, and in particular, the specific part of the charging cable being pulled on can be identified, for example, one of the two plug sections or connection points. Both an attempted theft and an attempt to unplug the charging connector while the charging cable is still locked typically manifest as a strong and / or jerky and / or repeated pulling. The detection of such pulling thus advantageously enables the early detection of improper use, especially before the connection at the cable end being pulled is released.

[0020] In a further highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, improper use is detected based on a sensor signal from a sensor in the charging cable and / or the connection device. A sensor in the charging cable can, for example, be an accelerometer. Such an accelerometer can detect both sudden and repeated pulling on the charging cable or a part thereof. It is preferred that such a sensor is located in the area of ​​at least one of the two connection units of the charging cable. A sensor in the connection device, particularly that of the vehicle and / or the charging station, can, for example, be a strain gauge.This advantageously allows for the detection of excessive stretching of a component, which, for example, is part of the locking mechanism for locking the charging cable in the coupled state with the connection device, and thus also of stretching of the coupling between this connection device and the connection unit of the charging cable, which in turn makes it possible to detect excessively strong pulling and / or jerky pulling and repeated jerky and / or strong pulling.

[0021] Typically, a charging cable can be easily unplugged once the locking mechanism is released, so in such a situation, a predetermined amount of force is not usually detected. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that such a pull could be detected not only when the charging cable is locked, but also optionally when the lock is already released. Even then, it can happen, for example, that the charging plug cannot be properly detached from the connector for some other reason, which could lead to excessive force being applied to the charging cable by the person, potentially causing damage. This, too, can then be detected analogously. The force of the pull can be defined using a specific parameter.If the value falls within a first predefined range, the pulling is considered not to be of a predetermined strength; however, if it falls within a second, different range, the detected pulling is considered to be of a predetermined strength. To detect such a predetermined strength, the accelerometer mentioned above on the charging cable, or multiple accelerometers on the charging cable, can be used, for example. Such accelerometers can also detect, for example, repeated, jerky pulling. This, too, is an indication of improper use and can thus be advantageously detected. Furthermore, the strain gauges described above can be installed and used on the fastening devices, i.e., on the vehicle's connection point and / or the charging station's connection point.Excessive stretching is therefore due to a predetermined, strong pulling force, which can thus also be advantageously detected. Improper use can therefore be considered detected if a specific type of pulling is detected on that part of the charging cable. Thus, the predetermined first criterion can include the detection of such a specific type of pulling, which can be achieved, for example, using the sensors mentioned as examples.

[0022] This advantageously allows for the detection of improper use even when the charging cable is still plugged in, either to the vehicle or the charging station. Improper use can refer to unplugging the cable from the vehicle or the charging station, and both can be detected equally effectively. It is not necessary for the charging cable to be plugged into the charging station if improper use refers to unplugging or an intended unplugging from the vehicle, and vice versa.Improper use of the charging cable can thus be detected with respect to one of two connection points: one on the vehicle and one on the charging station. During detection, the charging cable must be plugged in or connected, and specifically locked, with respect to this one connection point. Whether the charging cable is also plugged in and / or locked with respect to the other connection point is irrelevant.

[0023] In a further highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the person is classified as an authorized person according to the second criterion if at least one of the following conditions is met: At least one specific communication device is detected within a specific detection range; The person has been identified as an authorized person based on a camera image recorded by means of a camera.

[0024] These conditions can therefore define the second criterion according to which a person is classified as authorized. A specific communication device can, for example, generally represent a transponder assigned to both the vehicle and the authorized person. This allows the vehicle, or optionally an external control unit, to recognize that the person is authorized when the transponder is within a predetermined proximity to the vehicle, i.e., within its detection range. The transponder can, for example, be integrated into a vehicle key or provided independently, i.e., as a separate transponder unit. The specific communication device could also be a personal mobile phone, smartphone, or other mobile device, e.g.,This could also include a smartwatch, which is assigned to the authorized person or one of several potentially authorized persons and which, for example, has been pre-registered in a memory for identification purposes, particularly by storing a device identifier in the authorized person's profile. For instance, such a mobile communication device belonging to an authorized user can automatically connect to the vehicle, for example, via Wi-Fi (Wireless Local Area Network), Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and / or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. Such a connection may only be permitted by the vehicle for specific, pre-configured devices. Therefore, if such a connected user device is detected, it can be assumed that the person is an authorized individual.The aforementioned transponder or vehicle key can also be a communication device uniquely assigned to the vehicle. Multiple such transponders can be provided for different users of the vehicle or for different authorized persons. These transponders can also be located by the vehicle, so that, if located, it can be assumed that the person is an authorized individual. The specific detection range in which the communication device is recognized to classify the person as authorized can represent the maximum detection range of a detection device, for example, the vehicle. This range can also depend on the specific communication device used and the detection method employed.The maximum detection range can, for example, represent the maximum reception range of the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot or the maximum detection range for the vehicle key signal or transponder signal. These detection ranges easily cover the area between the vehicle and a charging station for charging the vehicle or its energy storage system, so that the specific communication device of the person responsible for the improper use of the charging cable can be readily detected.

[0025] Another possibility is to identify such a person as an authorized individual using a camera, specifically at least one camera image of that person captured by such a camera. It is also advantageous if user profiles of authorized individuals are previously stored in a memory location, for example, in the vehicle or in a central data processing facility. Such stored profiles can also include characteristic images or image data of the respective authorized individuals, e.g., for facial recognition. Identification based on the at least one captured camera image can then be based on facial recognition or similar methods.The camera can, for example, take one or more pictures of a person, derive certain facial characteristics from them, and compare these with the stored facial characteristics of the respective authorized individuals in their corresponding profiles. If a match is found with a profile, the person can be classified as authorized; otherwise, as unauthorized. Using a camera to identify authorized individuals has the significant advantage that it also allows the identification of people who, for example, do not have a vehicle key, such as passengers in the vehicle.Furthermore, existing external cameras on the vehicle, for example in a side mirror area, can be used to implement this identification function. These cameras can also be used to perform certain driver assistance functions or for early user identification, allowing vehicle users to be recognized and / or identified as they approach the vehicle. This allows for a particularly cost-effective implementation of this feature. If at least one predefined condition, according to which the person can be identified or classified as authorized, is not met, the person can automatically be considered unauthorized.

[0026] In a further highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first alarm function comprises an assistance function for helping the person unlock and / or disconnect the charging cable, in particular wherein at least one of the following functions is performed: Information on unlocking and / or disconnecting the cable is output by an output device; a communication connection is automatically established between a communication unit and a specific service assistance center. Thus, if an authorized person, for example the vehicle owner, is identified as the person acting, it can be assumed that the charging cable has been misused. This can occur before, during, or after the charging process has ended. For example, such a person might want to remove and reconnect the charging cable.In this case, it is advantageous to provide assistance to enable the person to remove the cable without causing damage. The authorized person can proactively receive guidance on how to unlock or, in an emergency, unlock the charging cable. This information can be provided, for example, audibly and / or visually. Audible output can be via the vehicle's speakers, the person's mobile communication device, or at the charging station. Visual output can be provided via a display device, which can also be located, for example, in the vehicle and / or on the user's or authorized person's mobile communication device and / or at the charging station.In this case, for example, information on how to (emergency) unlock the charging cable can be displayed on one of the displays in the vehicle interior, perhaps in combination with an audible alert. Alternatively or additionally, this information can also be displayed on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or smartwatch, belonging to the authorized person, such as the driver, and / or a connection can be established with the vehicle manufacturer's service hotline. Establishing such a communication connection to this service hotline, also referred to here as a service assistance center, can also occur automatically as soon as improper use is detected.Such a communication link can be established, for example, via a communication unit in the vehicle or via the user's mobile phone, for example, using an app (i.e., an application program). This can prevent damage to the charging cable, mounting hardware, charging station, and / or vehicle, and improve the driver's or authorized person's understanding of the correct use of the charging cable before, during, and after the charging process.

[0027] According to a further highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second alarm function comprises at least one of the following functions: activating an alarm system of the motor vehicle; sending information to a specific user of the motor vehicle; sending information to an official institution or security body, such as the police.Therefore, if an unauthorized person, or a person classified as such, misuses the charging cable, vandalism and / or theft of the charging cable and / or the vehicle can be detected in a timely manner. This allows, for example, the vehicle's alarm system to be activated and a warning to be issued to third parties, such as the driver, the owner, or another designated authorized person whose contact details may be stored in the vehicle or the central data processing unit (e.g., a smartphone or mobile phone number). A warning may also be issued to security services, the police, or similar agencies. This can prevent consequential costs resulting from damage to or loss of the charging cable and / or the vehicle.Activating the vehicle's alarm system can also involve notifying the user, notifying authorities or security agencies such as the police or security service, as well as emitting an acoustic and / or visual signal from the vehicle on site, for example to scare away a potential thief.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention relates to a control device for triggering an alarm function upon detection of improper use of a charging cable for electrically connecting a motor vehicle to a charging station by a person. The control device is designed to trigger the alarm function depending on whether the improper use of the charging cable by the person is detected according to at least one predetermined first criterion. The control device is designed to determine, if the improper use is detected according to the at least one predetermined first criterion, whether the person is an authorized or unauthorized person according to at least a second criterion. If the person is determined to be an authorized person, the control device is designed to trigger a specific first alarm function.The control device is further designed to detect improper use of the charging cable by the person, specifically a predetermined strong pulling and / or a jerky pulling and / or repeated pulling on a part of the charging cable in a locked state of coupling the charging cable with a connection device.

[0029] The advantages described for the method according to the invention and its embodiments apply equally to the control device according to the invention.

[0030] The control unit can be a control unit for a motor vehicle. In other words, the control unit can be part of the motor vehicle. The control unit according to the invention is designed to execute a method according to the invention or one of its embodiments. However, the described method can also be implemented externally to the motor vehicle, for example, by the charging station and / or the charging cable or a central data processing unit. Accordingly, the control unit can also be part of a charging station or a central data processing unit, or possibly even the charging cable itself.

[0031] The control device can include a data processing device or a processor device configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can include at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor device can include program code configured to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device.

[0032] The invention also includes further developments of the control device according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the control device according to the invention are not described again here.

[0033] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a control device according to the invention or one of its embodiments.

[0034] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0035] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0036] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle connected to a charging station via a charging cable, to illustrate a method for triggering an alarm function upon detection of improper use of the charging cable according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 2 a flowchart to illustrate a method for triggering an alarm function in the event of detected improper use of the charging cable according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0037] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0038] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 10 with a control unit 12 for triggering an alarm function upon detection of improper use of a charging cable 14 by a person P, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the motor vehicle 10 is electrically connected to a charging station 16, for example, a public charging point, via the charging cable 14. A high-voltage battery of the motor vehicle 10, not shown in detail here, can be recharged via this electrical connection. To connect the motor vehicle 10 to the charging cable 14, the motor vehicle 10 has a corresponding connection device 18, which corresponds to a corresponding connection unit 20 of the charging cable 14. The charging station 16 also has a connection device 22, which corresponds to a connection unit 24 of the charging cable 14 and via which the charging station 16 can be connected to the charging cable 14.The connection units 20, 24 of the charging cable 14 can be identical or different, depending on the charging cable 14 used and the design of the charging station 16. To draw charging current from the charging station 16, the charging cable 14 is connected, as shown, to the charging station 16 and to the vehicle 10. The connection between the charging unit 20 of the charging cable 14 and the connection device 18 of the vehicle 10 is preferably locked, for example, as soon as the charging plug 20 is inserted into the connection device 18 as intended and / or at the beginning of the charging process or similar. This locking mechanism remains in place at least during the entire charging process, at least as long as current flows through the charging cable 14. The same applies to the connection between the charging station 16, i.e.,whose connection device 22 and the corresponding connection unit 24 of the charging cable 14, at least in the case of a public charging station 16.

[0040] Once the charging process is complete, the lock between the connection unit 20 and the connection device 18 can be released according to one or more predefined criteria. These criteria can be configured by a user, such as person P, who in this example represents an authorized person PA, for example via a corresponding input device 26 of the vehicle 10. Such unlocking can then occur automatically after the charging process is complete, or only when the user, such as the authorized person PA, makes a corresponding release input, for example via the vehicle's input device 26. For example, the vehicle 10 may first need to be unlocked with a vehicle key to trigger automatic unlocking of the connection between the connection unit 20 and the connection device 18, or something similar.Additionally, it may be necessary for the authorized person PA to first activate a button or switch, for example, on the charging port 18 or the charging unit 20 of the charging cable 14, before the cable 14 can be disconnected from the connection device 18 of the vehicle 10. If a user, such as the authorized person PA shown here, is not familiar with the release mechanisms, they may attempt to remove and unplug the charging cable 14, especially the connector 20, from the vehicle 10 even though, for example, the release mechanism is not yet fully engaged. Often, this involves excessive force or jerking by the authorized person PA, which can potentially damage conventional systems.

[0041] With conventional vehicle charging cables, improper use can lead to damage to the cable itself, the mounting hardware on the charging station, and / or the vehicle itself. Pulling forcefully or abruptly on the cable—whether at the charging station or vehicle end—can damage the cable and / or the mounting hardware. This can result in high repair costs. Furthermore, excessive or jerky pulling on the cable may indicate vandalism or theft of the cable or vehicle, as these incidents cannot currently be detected or prevented in time. This can lead to significant consequential damages.Accordingly, no technical approaches are currently known that proactively support a vehicle operator, i.e., an authorized person (PA), if they are unable to disconnect the charging cable from the vehicle and / or the charging station. Similarly, no approaches are known to detect vandalism and / or theft of the charging cable, and thus potentially the vehicle, in time to prevent it.

[0042] These problems can now advantageously be solved, or at least significantly mitigated, by the invention or its embodiments. This can now be advantageously accomplished as follows: To avoid the aforementioned disadvantages, a function is proposed to prevent improper use of the charging cable before, during, or after the charging process. This function detects that the charging cable 14 is being pulled excessively hard and / or jerkily. Such pulling or tugging can be detected both at the charging station end of the charging cable 14, i.e., in the area of ​​the connector 24, and at the vehicle end of the charging cable 14, i.e., in the area of ​​the connector 20. The detection of improper use of the charging cable 14 can be carried out, for example, via acceleration sensors 28 of the charging cable 14.Such acceleration sensors 28 can be arranged on the charging cable 14, for example, on the outside of a cable sheath, or integrated into the cable 14, for example, in the area of ​​the sheathing of the connector 20. Preferably, such acceleration sensors 28 are arranged in the area of ​​the connection units 20, 24 of the charging cable 14 in order to detect pulling and tugging in the area of ​​these connection units 20, 24. Alternatively or additionally, strain sensors 30 can also be used for detection on the fastening devices, i.e., the connection devices 18, 22. Strain sensors can be provided both in the area of ​​the connection device 18 of the vehicle 10 and in the area of ​​the connection device 22 of the charging station 16.Based on whether at least a predefinable threshold for reliable operation is exceeded or fallen below, the improper use of the charging cable 14 can be detected by means of these sensors 28, 30. In this example, the sensor signals are evaluated by a control unit 12 of the motor vehicle 10. For this purpose, the control unit 12 is communicatively connected to the respective sensors 28, 30. The communication between the sensors external to the motor vehicle, for example, the acceleration sensors 28 on the cable 14 or the strain sensors 30 of the charging station 16, can take place via a communication line integrated in the cable 14 or via a separate communication path, not shown in detail here, between the sensors 28, 30 and the control unit 12.If the control unit 12 detects improper use of the charging cable 14 based on the sensor signals from sensors 28 and 30, the control unit 12 triggers an analysis function, which is optionally executed by the control unit itself. This analysis function does not necessarily have to be executed within the vehicle, but can also be executed, for example, by an external, central data processing unit 32, such as an internet server acting as a backend computer. The result of the analysis, i.e., whether person P is authorized or not, can then be transmitted back to the control unit 12 by the central data processing unit 32. This activation of the analysis function serves to identify the person P responsible for the improper use of the charging cable 14. Thus, this analysis function identifies who is responsible for the improper use of the charging cable 14.If an authorized person PA, such as the vehicle owner in this case, is identified as the person P acting on the vehicle, it can be assumed that the charging cable 14 has been misused. This can occur before starting the vehicle, for example, if the person intends to remove and reconnect the charging cable 14, during, or after the charging process has ended. In this case, that is, if the driver or another authorized person PA is the person acting on the vehicle, the control unit 12 can advantageously activate support functions, for example, by displaying information on visual or acoustic displays or speakers in the vehicle interior and / or on the mobile devices of person P, such as a smartphone 34 or a smartwatch.For example, information on emergency release or unlocking of the charging cable 14 can be displayed on one of the displays in the vehicle interior, such as the display of the control unit 26, preferably in combination with an acoustic output. Alternatively, this information can be displayed on the aforementioned mobile device, i.e., the mobile device 34, of the driver PA and / or a connection can be established with a service hotline of the vehicle manufacturer. Thus, it is possible for the driver to proactively receive information in the current situation on how to unlock the charging cable or how to perform an emergency release in the event of an ongoing charging process.This advantageously prevents damage to the charging cable 14 and to the fastening devices 18, 22 of the charging station 16 and the vehicle 10, and improves the driver's understanding of the correct use of the charging cable 14 before starting, during or after the charging process.

[0043] The identification of the respective person P within the framework of the analysis function can be carried out via one or more different defined mechanisms. To give a few examples, identification can be based on a recognized vehicle key, a connected user device, such as the smartphone 34 mentioned here, which may be connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot provided by the vehicle 10, or a connected smartwatch, or based on an outward-facing camera 36, ​​for example on a side mirror 38 of the vehicle. The latter mechanism, in particular, can also be used to identify frequent passengers in the vehicle 10, such as family members, who neither have the vehicle key nor whose mobile device 34 is connected to the vehicle.The only requirement for this is that the vehicle recognizes the respective person via a specific function, for example, after that person has been "learned." This means that a corresponding user profile can be stored for the respective authorized person PA, either in the vehicle's memory 10 or in the central data processing unit 32. This profile includes the relevant identification data, particularly image-based data. In general, therefore, identification of person P can be carried out via an external camera 36 of the vehicle, for example, also via mechanisms of early user identification that allow vehicle users to be recognized and / or identified early on, even as they approach the vehicle, and / or identification of person P can be carried out via an NFC (Near Field Communication) and / or Bluetooth connection with the vehicle or the vehicle key.However, if, during this analysis function, person P is not identified or classified as authorized person PA, other alarm functions may be triggered instead of the support functions described. For example, if it is detected that a stranger, i.e., an unauthorized person, is pulling excessively hard and / or jerkily on the charging cable 14, an attempt at intentional damage in the course of vandalism or theft may be inferred. In this case, the alarm system 40 of the vehicle 10 is triggered, for example, via the control unit 12. At the same time, the vehicle driver, for example, the authorized person PA shown here, receives a warning message, for example, via their mobile device 34, as do a security service and / or the police, etc. Thus, it is not necessary to break into the vehicle 10 to generate a warning message.The charging cable 14 can still be plugged in or connected. Therefore, if someone else uses the charging cable improperly, vandalism and / or theft of the charging cable and / or the vehicle 10 can be detected in time, the vehicle's alarm system 40 can be activated, and a warning can be sent to third parties. This prevents consequential costs resulting from damage to or loss of the charging cable 14 and / or vehicle 10 and / or damage to the charging station 16.

[0044] Fig.Figure 2 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for triggering an alarm function according to a further embodiment of the invention. The method begins in step S10, in which the charging cable 14 is coupled to, and in particular locked to, at least one of the connection devices 18, 22 of the motor vehicle 10 or the charging station 16. In step S12, improper use of the charging cable 14 is detected by means of the sensors 28, 30. In step S14, it is checked whether the person P causing the improper use is an authorized person PA. If this is the case, a first alarm function A1 is triggered in step S16, according to which the authorized person AP is alerted to stop the improper use. Optionally, assistance can also be offered to this person PA to disconnect the charging cable 14 without causing damage by means of the measures described.If, however, it is determined in step S14 that person P is not an authorized person PA, then this person P is classified as an unauthorized person PU in step S18. Consequently, a second alarm function A2 is triggered in step S20, according to which, for example, the alarm system 40 is activated and, optionally, a corresponding warning or information is also sent to third parties, such as the police or the vehicle owner.

[0045] Overall, the examples show how the invention can provide a function to prevent improper use of the charging cable, which makes it possible to initiate countermeasures particularly early in the event of improper use by an unauthorized person as well as by an authorized person, in order to efficiently prevent possible damage.

Claims

[1] Method for triggering an alarm function (A1, A2) upon detection of improper use of a charging cable (14) for electrically connecting a motor vehicle (10) to a charging station (16) by a person (P, PA, PU), comprising the steps: - Detecting the improper use of the charging cable (14) by the person (P, PA, PU) according to at least one predetermined first criterion; and - depending on the detection of improper use, triggering the alarm function (A1, A2); characterized by , that - in the event that improper use is detected according to at least one predetermined first criterion, it is determined whether the person (P, PA, PU) is an authorized person (PA) or an unauthorized person (PU) according to at least one second criterion, and - wherein, in the event that it is determined that the person (P, PA, PU) is an authorized person (PA), a specific first alarm function (A1) is triggered when the alarm function (A1, A2) is activated; - where the improper use of the charging cable by the person (P, PA, PU) (14) • a predetermined strong pulling sensation and / or • a sudden pulling and / or • repeated pulling on a part of the charging cable (14) in a locked state of coupling the charging cable (14) with a connection device (18, 22) is detected. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that in the event that it is determined that the person (P, PA, PU) is an unauthorized person (PU), a specific second alarm function (A2) different from the first is triggered when the alarm function (A1, A2) is activated. [3] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that improper use is detected while the charging cable (14) is in the coupled and, in particular, locked state with the connection device (18, 22), in which a coupling of the charging cable (14) with the connection device (18, 22) is locked, wherein the connection device (18, 22) is encompassed by the motor vehicle (10) and / or the charging station (16). [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the improper use is detected depending on a sensor signal from a sensor (28, 30) of the charging cable (14) and / or the connection device (18, 22). [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the person (P, PA, PU) is classified as an authorized person (PA) according to the second criterion if at least one of the following conditions is met: - At least one specific communication device (34) is detected within a specific detection area; - The person (P, PA, PU) was identified as an authorized person (PA) based on a camera image taken by means of a camera (36). [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first alarm function (A1) includes an assistance function to assist the person (PA) to unlock and / or release the coupling of the charging cable (14), in particular wherein at least one of the following functions is performed: - Output of information for unlocking and / or releasing the coupling by an output device (26); - Automatically establishing a communication connection from a communication unit (26, 34) to a specific service help point. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the second alarm function (A1, A2) includes at least one of the following functions: - Activation of an alarm system (40) of the motor vehicle (10); - Sending information to a specific user of the motor vehicle (10); - Sending information to a government agency or security authority; [8] Control device (12, 32) for triggering an alarm function (A1, A2) upon detection of improper use of a charging cable (14) for electrically connecting a motor vehicle (10) to a charging station (16) by a person (P, PA, PU), wherein the control device (12, 32) is designed to trigger the alarm function (A1, A2) depending on detection according to at least one predetermined first criterion of the improper use of the charging cable (14) by the person (P, PA, PU), characterized by , that the control device (12, 32) is designed to - in the event that improper use is detected according to at least one predetermined first criterion, to determine whether the person (P, PA, PU) is an authorized person (PA) or an unauthorized person (PU) according to at least one second criterion, - in the event that it is determined that the person (P, PA, PU) is an authorized person (PA), the alarm function (A1, A2) will trigger a specific first alarm function (A1), and - as the improper use of the charging cable by the person (P, PA, PU) (14) • a predetermined strong pulling sensation and / or • a sudden pulling and / or • to detect repeated pulling on a part of the charging cable (14) in a locked state of coupling the charging cable (14) with a connection device (18, 22). [9] Motor vehicle (10) with a control device (12) according to claim 8.

Images