Charging device for an electrical consumer, charging system and vehicle

Abstract

Charging device (100) for an electrical consumer (F3), in particular for an accumulator and / or a battery of a light electric vehicle, wherein the charging device (100) is designed to be electrically connected to a connector (200), preferably a 13-pin connector, for a trailer socket (202) for a trailer (F2) of a vehicle (F1) in order to draw electrical energy from an electrical system of the vehicle (F1) and to supply it to the electrical consumer (F3), wherein the charging device (100) comprises the following elements: - a first electrical connection (111) for connecting to a first line (10) of the connector (200), - a second electrical connection (112) for connecting to a second line (11) of the connector (200), - a charging plug (113) for connecting to the electrical consumer (F3), - and a control unit (120) designed toto detect a charging requirement in the electrical consumer (F3) and to provide a specific charging voltage to the electrical consumer (F3), characterized in that the control unit (120) is designed and / or has at least one safety shutdown to interrupt the first line (10) and the second line (11) of the connector (200) for the trailer (F2) when the electrical consumer (F3) is being charged, and / or to activate the first line (10) and the second line (11) of the connector (200) for the trailer (F2) when a charging process of the electrical consumer (F3) is completed, and / or wherein the charging device (100) is designed to transmit signals to the trailer socket (202) via all lines of the connector (200), except via the first line (10) and the second line (11), when charging the electrical consumer (F3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging device for an electrical consumer, in particular for a light electric vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a charging system comprising a corresponding charging device and a connector for a vehicle trailer. The invention also relates to a vehicle with a corresponding charging system.

[0002] Electric vehicles, especially light electric vehicles or LEVs, are becoming increasingly important. These vehicles expand modern mobility options and can be operated in an environmentally friendly manner. However, charging options are often problematic with these vehicles.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an improved charging device for an electrical consumer, in particular for a lightweight electric vehicle. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a charging device that is simple, compact, and cost-effective, that can be easily manufactured, assembled, and operated without significant effort, and that makes it possible to provide advantageous charging options for electrical consumers.

[0004] The problem is solved by: a charging device for an electrical consumer, in particular for a light electric vehicle, with the features of the independent device claim. Furthermore, the problem according to the invention is solved by a charging system with a corresponding charging device and a connector for a trailer of a vehicle with the features of the independent system claim. In addition, the problem according to the invention is solved by a vehicle with the features of the dependent device claim. Features described in connection with individual aspects and / or embodiments of the invention also apply in connection with the other aspects and / or embodiments, and vice versa, so that the disclosure relating to the individual aspects and / or embodiments of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0005] The invention provides a charging device for an electrical consumer, e.g., for a battery and / or accumulator of a light electric vehicle (LEV), such as an e-bike, e-scooter, e-scooter, hoverboard, e-quad, wheelchair, drone, etc., and / or for other electrical consumers, such as portable refrigerators, etc. The charging device can generally be used for various electrical consumers. The charging device can also be referred to as an onboard charger.

[0006] The charging device is specifically designed to be electrically and / or mechanically connected to and / or integrated into a connector, preferably a 13-pin connector, for a trailer socket of a vehicle trailer (meaning towing vehicle), in order to tap electrical energy from the vehicle's electrical system and supply it to the electrical consumer, e.g., for charging an accumulator and / or battery of the light electrical consumer.

[0007] The charging device has the following elements: - a first electrical connection, e.g. in the form of a first power line, for connection to a first line of the connector, in particular to a power supply line, e.g. to line no. 10, of the 13-pin connector, - a second electrical connection, e.g. in the form of a second power line, for connection to a second line of the connector, e.g. to line no. 11 for a ground, which is intended for line no. 10, of the 13-pin connector, - a charging plug for connecting to the electrical device, and - a control unit designed to detect a charging requirement in the electrical consumer (e.g. using a sensor, such as a current sensor) and to provide a specific charging voltage to the electrical consumer (e.g. using power electronics, such as a converter, in particular a DC / DC converter).

[0008] A charging plug can be understood as a connector plug that can be used to electrically and / or mechanically connect the charging device to the electrical consumer, in particular to a battery of the electrical consumer.

[0009] The charging device can have a housing on which the electrical connections can be located and to which the charging plug can be connected, for example via an extension cable. The housing of the charging device can be a separate unit or integrated into the housing of the connector. In other words, the charging device can be separate from the connector or integrated into the connector.

[0010] A connector for a trailer socket can be, for example, a 13-pin connector according to the ISO 11446 standard. The trailer socket can be a component of a complete trailer hitch. The connector can be designed to connect the trailer electrically and / or electronically to the vehicle, which may include the exchange of data, control commands, and / or charging voltages. The trailer socket can be used, for example, to supply the trailer's lighting equipment. Furthermore, the trailer socket can be used to supply at least one electrical device on the trailer with electrical power, such as a battery, a trailer refrigerator, or similar equipment.

[0011] The invention recognizes that a connector for a trailer socket, such as the connector according to ISO 11446, can provide electrical energy in the form of a DC voltage via certain lines, e.g., lines 10 and 11. With a 20A fuse on the vehicle side and an on-board voltage of 12V or 13.5V, a charging power of approximately 240W or 270W can be provided. The charging power can be adjusted variably as required.

[0012] The inventive concept lies in the fact that a charging device is provided using a connector for a trailer socket, e.g., a 13-pin connector according to standard ISO 11446. This device can utilize the vehicle's electrical system voltage to charge an electrical consumer, such as a battery and / or accumulator of a light electric vehicle. The electrical consumer can be positioned and charged during transport with the vehicle, for example, on a bicycle carrier, on a roof rack, in the vehicle's interior or trunk, or attached to or inside the trailer. In this way, the vehicle's range can be advantageously extended.

[0013] The charging device advantageously includes a control unit, preferably comprising power electronics, which can regulate the vehicle's electrical system voltage to the required charging voltage of the electrical consumer. Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the charging device to have an input and / or output device. The input and / or output device can, in turn, include an output device, e.g., a display, and / or an input device, e.g., a control panel. The output device can display, e.g., visually, that an electric vehicle is connected, that the electric vehicle can be or is being charged, and / or that an electrical consumer in the trailer can be or is being charged. The input device allows the user to select whether the electric vehicle or an electrical consumer in the trailer is being charged.To ensure continued trailer operation, all signals and voltages can be passed through to the trailer socket. To prevent overloading lines 10 and 11, these lines can be interrupted for safety reasons while the electric vehicle is charging, preferably automatically, for example by an electronic switch. Once the electric vehicle has finished charging, lines 10 and 11 can be reactivated for the trailer.

[0014] Advantageously, the control unit can be designed and / or have at least one safety shutdown to interrupt the first and second wires of the trailer connector when the electrical device is being charged, and / or to activate the first and second wires of the trailer connector when charging is complete. This prevents and / or avoids overloading the first and second wires of the connector.

[0015] Furthermore, the charging device can be designed to forward all signals to the trailer socket via all wires of the connector, except for the first and second wires, while the electrical device is charging. This ensures that the trailer can continue to operate while the electrical device is charging.

[0016] Furthermore, a switch, particularly an electronic and / or electromechanical one, may be provided to supply power via the first and second wires of the connector either to the electrical device or to the trailer. The switch may also include at least one safety cut-off. This allows for a choice between supplying power to the electrical device or to the trailer.

[0017] It is conceivable that the switch could be designed to be automatically controlled by the control unit. In this way, automatic control of the switch can be enabled.

[0018] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the switch could be designed to be manually operated by a user of the charging device, for example, by directly actuating the switch and / or indirectly by actuating the switch via an input and / or output device of the charging device. In this way, a vehicle user can actively select which electrical device is supplied with power via the connector.

[0019] Furthermore, the control unit can include power electronics designed to tap into the vehicle's electrical system and supply a specific charging voltage to the electrical consumer. In this way, the vehicle's electrical system voltage can be adjusted to the required charging voltage of the electrical consumer.

[0020] Advantageously, at least one sensor, e.g., a current sensor, can be provided to detect when the electrical device needs charging. This sensor could be located on the charging device housing and / or on the charging plug. This allows the charging device, and in particular the control unit, to determine whether the electrical device needs charging.

[0021] Furthermore, at least one sensor, e.g., in the form of an electromechanical and / or electromagnetic sensor, can be provided to detect a connected electrical device. It is conceivable that this sensor could be located on the charging plug. In this way, the charging device, and in particular the control unit, can detect whether the electrical device is present.

[0022] Furthermore, at least one locking mechanism can be provided to prevent the disconnection of a connected electrical device, at least during charging. This increases the safety of the electrical device during operation.

[0023] Furthermore, at least one input and / or output device can be provided to output (e.g., indicate), select, enable, and / or confirm the charging of the electrical consumer and / or at least one electrical consumer on the trailer (acoustically, visually, and / or haptically). Preferably, the input and / or output device can be arranged on a housing of the charging device. Advantageously, the input and / or output device can be configured to output (e.g., indicate), select, enable, and / or confirm the required charging voltage for charging the electrical consumer and / or at least one electrical consumer on the trailer (acoustically, visually, and / or haptically).

[0024] Furthermore, at least one output device may be provided, e.g., as part of the input and / or output device, to indicate that the electrical device and / or at least one electrical device on the trailer is charging, e.g., visually, audibly, and / or through vibrations. This makes the operation of the charging device clear and thus facilitates its use.

[0025] Furthermore, at least one input device may be provided, e.g., as part of the input and / or output device, to select, enable, and / or confirm the charging of the electrical consumer and / or at least one electrical consumer on the trailer. This allows the vehicle user to operate the charging device.

[0026] Furthermore, at least one extension cable for the charging plug can be provided for connecting to the electrical device. This expands the transport options for the electrical device in or on the vehicle, or in or on the trailer, where charging is possible.

[0027] Furthermore, the invention provides a charging system with a charging device, which can be configured as described above, and a connector, preferably a 13-pin connector, for a trailer socket of a vehicle trailer. In this way, a charging system with extended advantageous functions can be provided. Moreover, the same advantages described above in connection with the charging device can be achieved with the charging system. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0028] The charging system can also be designed so that the charging device is structurally integrated into the connector, or so that the charging device is separate from the connector. In the latter case, the charging device can be designed to be electrically connected to the connector and preferably mechanically fastened. This expands the design possibilities for the charging system.

[0029] Furthermore, the invention provides a vehicle with a charging system that can be designed as described above. The vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages described above in connection with the charging system and / or charging device according to the invention. These advantages are fully referenced herein.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention is illustrated in more detail with reference to the figure. It should be noted that the figure is purely descriptive and is not intended to limit the invention in any way. It shows: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a charging device and a charging system.

[0031] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a charging device 100, which can be used for an electrical consumer F3, e.g., for a battery and / or accumulator of a light electric vehicle (LEV), such as an e-bike, e-scooter, e-scooter, hoverboard, e-quad, wheelchair, drone, etc. The charging device 100 can also be referred to as an onboard charger.

[0032] The charging device 100 is designed to use a connector 200, preferably a 13-pin connector, for a trailer socket 202 of a trailer F2 of a vehicle F1, in order to tap into an on-board voltage of the vehicle F1 and provide it to the electrical consumer F3, e.g. for charging an accumulator and / or a battery of the light electric vehicle.

[0033] As it is in the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the charging device 100 has the following elements: - a first electrical connection 111, which may be in the form of a first power line and which serves to connect to a first line 10 of the connector 200, in particular to a power supply line, e.g. to line no. 10, of the 13-pin connector, - a second electrical connection 112, which may be in the form of a second power line and which serves to connect to a second line 11 of the connector 200, e.g. to a line No. 11 for a ground, which is provided for line No. 10, of the 13-pin connector, - a charging plug 113 for connecting to the electrical consumer F3, and - a control unit 120 designed to detect a charging demand at the electrical consumer F3 (e.g. using a sensor 115, such as a current sensor) and to provide a specific charging voltage to the electrical consumer F3 (e.g. using power electronics 122, e.g. comprising at least one converter, in particular at least one DC / DC converter).

[0034] As it is Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the charging plug 113 can be provided in the form of a connector plug which can be used for electrically and / or mechanically connecting the charging device 100 to the electrical consumer F3, in particular to an accumulator of the electrical consumer F3.

[0035] As it is Fig. As further indicated in Figure 1, the charging device 100 can have a housing 110 on which the electrical connections 111, 112 can be arranged and to which the charging plug 113 can be connected, e.g. via an extension cable 114. The housing 110 of the charging device 100 can be designed as a separate housing or be integrated into a housing of the connector 200.

[0036] Within the scope of the present disclosure, it is conceivable that the charging device 100 could be designed separately from the connector 200. In this case, the charging device 100 could be designed to be electrically connected to the connector 200 and preferably mechanically fastened.

[0037] Furthermore, within the scope of the present disclosure, it is conceivable that the charging device 100 may be structurally and / or functionally integrated into the connector 200.

[0038] Connector 200 can, for example, be a 13-pin connector according to the ISO 11446 standard. On the vehicle side, connector 200 can have a plug 201. On the trailer side, connector 200 can have the trailer socket 202.

[0039] With such a connector 200, certain lines, e.g., lines 10 and 11, can supply electrical energy in the form of a DC voltage from the vehicle's electrical system F1. With a 20A fuse on the vehicle side and an electrical system voltage of 12V or 13.5V, a charging power of up to 240W or 270W can be provided, which can be adjusted as needed.

[0040] The charging device 100, with the aid of connector 200, allows the vehicle F1's electrical system voltage to be used to charge the electrical consumer F3, such as a battery and / or accumulator of the light electric vehicle. The electrical consumer F3 can be charged, for example, during transport with the vehicle F1 or with the trailer F2. The electrical consumer F3 can be positioned, for example, on a bicycle carrier, on a roof rack, in the interior or trunk of the vehicle F1, or on or in the trailer F2. The charging device 100 thus advantageously extends the vehicle's range.

[0041] The control unit 120 may preferably include power electronics 122 which can regulate the vehicle's on-board voltage F1 to the required charging voltage of the electrical consumer F3.

[0042] Furthermore, the Fig. 1. The charging device 100 can have an input and / or output device 130. The input and / or output device 130 can have an output device 131, e.g., in the form of a display, one or more lights, or similar, and / or an input device 132, e.g., in the form of a control panel or similar. The output device 131 can, for example, indicate whether an electric vehicle is connected, that the electric vehicle can be charged or is currently being charged, and / or that an electrical consumer in the trailer F2 can be charged or is currently being charged. The input device 132 can be used to select whether the electric vehicle or an electrical consumer in the trailer F2 is being charged.

[0043] To ensure that trailer operation remains possible, the charging device 100 can transmit all signals and voltages via all lines of the connector 200 to the trailer socket 202.

[0044] To prevent overloading lines 10 and 11, the control unit 120 can interrupt lines 10 and 11 for trailer F2 during charging of the electric vehicle for safety reasons, preferably automatically, e.g., using an electronic switch. After the electric vehicle has finished charging, the control unit 120 can reactivate lines 10 and 11 for trailer F2. For this purpose, the control unit 120 can have at least one safety shutdown.

[0045] Furthermore, the Fig. 1 that a switch 121, e.g. electronic and / or electromechanical, may be provided to supply a power supply via the first line 10 and the second line 11 of the connector 200 either to the electrical consumer F3 or to the trailer F2.

[0046] The switch 121 can be designed to be automatically controlled by the control unit 120.

[0047] Furthermore, the switch 121 can be designed to be manually operated by a user of the charging device 100, e.g. by direct actuation of the switch 121 and / or indirect actuation of the switch 121 via an input and / or output device 130 of the charging device 100.

[0048] As mentioned above, at least one sensor 115, e.g., in the form of a current sensor, can be provided to detect a charging requirement in the electrical consumer F3. It is conceivable that the at least one sensor 115 could be arranged on a housing 110 of the charging device 100 and / or on the charging plug 113.

[0049] Furthermore, the Fig. 1. It is stated that at least one sensor 116, e.g. in the form of an electromechanical and / or electromagnetic sensor, can be provided to detect a connected electrical consumer F3. It is conceivable that the at least one sensor 116 can be arranged on the charging plug 113.

[0050] Furthermore, the Fig. 1 that at least one locking mechanism 117 may be provided to prevent the disconnection of a connected electrical consumer F3 at least during the charging of the electrical consumer F3.

[0051] A charging system S with a charging device 100, which can be designed as described above, and a connector 200, preferably a 13-pin connector, for a trailer socket 202 of a trailer F2 of a vehicle F1 also represents an aspect of the invention.

[0052] A vehicle F1 (meaning towing vehicle) with a corresponding loading system S also represents an aspect of the invention.

[0053] The preceding description of the figure describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided it is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the invention. Reference symbol list F1 car F2 trailer F3 Consumer S charging system 100 charging device 110 cases 111 connection 112 connection 113 charging plugs 114 extension cables 115 Sensor 116 Sensor 117 Locking mechanism 120 control unit 121 switches 122 Power Electronics 130 Input and / or output device 131 Dispensing device 132 Input device 200 connectors 201 plugs 202 Trailer socket Line No. 1 Line No. 2 Line No. 3 Line No. 4 Line No. 5 Line No. 6 Line No. 7 Line No. 8 Line No. 9 10 first line, line no. 10 11 second line, line no. 11 Line No. 12 Line No. 13

Claims

[1] Charging device (100) for an electrical consumer (F3), in particular for an accumulator and / or a battery of a light electric vehicle, wherein the charging device (100) is designed to be electrically connected to a connector (200), preferably a 13-pin connector, for a trailer socket (202) for a trailer (F2) of a vehicle (F1) in order to draw electrical energy from an electrical system of the vehicle (F1) and to supply it to the electrical consumer (F3), wherein the charging device (100) comprises the following elements: - a first electrical connection (111) for connection to a first line (10) of the connector (200), - a second electrical connection (112) for connecting to a second line (11) of the connector (200), - a charging plug (113) for connecting to the electrical consumer (F3), - and a control unit (120) designed to detect a charging requirement in the electrical consumer (F3) and to provide a specific charging voltage to the electrical consumer (F3). [2] Charging device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (120) is designed and / or has at least one safety shutdown to interrupt the first line (10) and the second line (11) of the connector (200) for the trailer (F2) when the electrical consumer (F3) is being charged, and / or to activate the first line (10) and the second line (11) of the connector (200) for the trailer (F2) when a charging process of the electrical consumer (F3) is completed, and / or wherein the charging device (100) is designed to transmit signals to the trailer socket (202) via all lines of the connector (200), except for the first line (10) and the second line (11), when charging the electrical consumer (F3). [3] Charging device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a switch (121), in particular an electronic and / or electromechanical switch, is provided to supply power via the first line (10) and the second line (11) of the connector (200) either to the electrical consumer (F3) or to the trailer (F2), in particular wherein the switch (121) is designed to be automatically controlled by the control unit (120), and / or wherein the switch (121) is designed to be manually operated by a user of the charging device (100). [4] Charging device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (120) comprises power electronics (122) designed to tap an electrical voltage from an electrical on-board network of the vehicle (F1) and to provide a specific charging voltage to the electrical consumer (F3). [5] Charging device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sensor (115), in particular in the form of a current sensor, is provided to detect a charging requirement in the electrical consumer (F3), wherein preferably the at least one sensor (115) is arranged on a housing (110) of the charging device (100) and / or on the charging plug (113), and / or wherein at least one sensor (116), in particular in the form of an electromechanical and / or electromagnetic sensor, is provided to detect a connected electrical consumer (F3), wherein preferably the at least one sensor (116) is arranged on the charging plug (113), and / or wherein at least one locking mechanism (117) is provided to prevent disconnection of a connected electrical consumer (F3), at least during charging. [6] Charging device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one input and / or output device (130) is provided, to output, select, enable and / or confirm charging of the electrical consumer (F3) and / or at least one electrical consumer on the trailer (F2), wherein in particular the input and / or output device (130) is arranged on a housing (10) of the charging device (100), wherein preferably the input and / or output device (130) is designed to output, select, release and / or confirm a required charging voltage for charging the electrical consumer (F3) and / or the at least one electrical consumer in the trailer (F2), and / or wherein at least one output device (131) is provided, to indicate charging of the electrical consumer (F3) and / or at least one electrical consumer in the trailer (F2), e.g. by visual indication, acoustic signaling and / or by vibrations, and / or wherein at least one input device (132) is provided, to select, enable and / or confirm the charging of the electrical consumer (F3) and / or at least one electrical consumer on the trailer (F2). [7] Charging device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one extension cable (114) is provided for the charging plug (113) for connecting to the electrical consumer (F3). [8] Charging system (S) comprising a charging device (100) according to one of the preceding claims and a connector (200), preferably a 13-pin connector, for a trailer socket (202) of a trailer (F2) of a vehicle (F1). [9] Charging system (S) according to the preceding claim, wherein the charging device (100) is structurally integrated into the connector (200), or wherein the charging device (100) is designed separately from the connector (200). [10] Vehicle (F1) with a charging system (S) according to any of the preceding claims.

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