Monitoring unit for monitoring a plug connection while charging a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging station and a monitoring unit (10) for monitoring a plug connection (12) when charging a vehicle (200), wherein the monitoring unit (10) is configured to detect a temperature value at the plug connection (12), and wherein the monitoring unit (10) is configured to detect a degree of corrosion of the plug connection (12) depending on the detected temperature value.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring unit for monitoring a plug connection when charging a vehicle, a method for determining a charging time of a charging station, a charging station and a vehicle.

[0002] The current state of the art already includes numerous systems that monitor the power transmitted from a plug connection, particularly to an electrically powered vehicle. However, due to the ever-increasing demand for charging stations, an accurate calculation of the charging power and / or charging time for a charging process is crucial, especially for coordinating different electric vehicles at a charging station. The problem is that, depending on the power consumption of the electric vehicle and the charging station, double occupancy can occur, meaning that a driver of a vehicle has to wait for a charging station to become available.

[0003] The aforementioned state-of-the-art items do not satisfactorily exploit the technical possibilities of modern charging station infrastructures.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to satisfy the above identified need.

[0005] To achieve the aforementioned object, a monitoring unit for an electric charging station for detecting a corrosion state is proposed. The charging station can be any type of infrastructure designed to charge a means of transport, in particular one that is electrically powered at least temporarily. The means of transport can be, for example, a car, a van, a truck, an aircraft, and / or a watercraft. Furthermore, the monitoring unit can be designed to detect a temperature value at a plug connection for charging a means of transport, wherein the monitoring unit is designed to detect a degree of corrosion of the plug connection at least as a function of the detected temperature value. Further preferably, the monitoring unit can be designed to determine the degree of corrosion based on at least one current value, a voltage value, and / or an ambient temperature.

[0006] Based on the degree of corrosion, the charging power or charging time of an electric vehicle or means of transport can be predicted much more accurately, so that information about the degree of corrosion of the plug connection represents a significant improvement in route planning for electrically powered vehicles or means of transport.

[0007] In other words, the monitoring unit can, for example, be arranged in a vehicle and / or a charging station. The charging station can have a plug or a socket. By means of the plug or the socket, in particular, a plug connection for transmitting electrical energy between the charging station and the vehicle can be formed. Furthermore, the monitoring unit can determine a temperature of the plug connection, in particular by means of a temperature sensor or the like. For example, the monitoring unit can receive the temperature values ​​via a Vehicle2x connection. Furthermore, the temperature sensor can, in particular, be arranged on the vehicle side or on the charging station side. As soon as energy, in particular electrical energy, is transmitted from the charging station to the vehicle via the plug connection, the plug connection is heated by the transmission. Depending on the state of corrosion of the plug or the socket, the temperature sensor can be adjusted to suit the individual requirements.If the socket and / or the plug connection between the vehicle and the charging station has a high voltage, heat loss can occur at the plug connection. This heat loss manifests itself, in particular, in an increase in the temperature of the plug connection. The monitoring unit can detect this increase. Thus, based on a correlation between the temperature increase in the plug connection and the charging power, a conclusion can be drawn about the degree of corrosion of the plug connection. The plug connection can, in particular, comprise the charging station, a socket, a plug, a charging cable, and a socket or plug of a vehicle, at least a part of the vehicle, and / or the like.

[0008] The subclaims show the preferred development of the invention.

[0009] Preferably, the monitoring unit is configured to determine a charging power curve for charging a vehicle based on the degree of corrosion of the plug connection.

[0010] An advantage of this embodiment is that the heat losses can be quantified based on the determined degree of corrosion, allowing the actual net power of transferred energy to be determined. This allows the charging power curve to be determined, which in particular represents the current transferred over time through the plug connection. Furthermore, the available charging power at the specific charging station can be determined depending on the degree of corrosion. The corrosion status can be integrated into various charging functions, such as the charging power, the charging time forecast, and customer information, in order to provide an optimal charging experience for the vehicle user.

[0011] Further preferably, the monitoring unit is configured to transmit the charging power to a vehicle and / or a computer network structure.

[0012] An advantage of this design is that the charging station's corrosion status is already available before approaching the charging station, allowing for possible consideration of charging duration or similar factors. Furthermore, the corrosion status can be transmitted to the charging station operator to indicate any maintenance needs.

[0013] Further preferably, the monitoring unit is configured to adjust the degree of corrosion based on a comparison between the detection of the degree of corrosion and a reference corrosion.

[0014] An advantage of this embodiment is that the degree of corrosion can be predicted more accurately if the detected degree of corrosion is determined based on a reference corrosion level. In particular, the determined corrosion level can be compared to a reference level based on the temperature development at the plug connection. The reference level can be adjusted depending on the charging current and the ambient conditions, such as ambient temperature, solar radiation, or wind. Thus, for example, part of the temperature increase at the plug connection can be attributed to the temperature development due to the corrosion level, as well as, for example, solar radiation.

[0015] Preferably, the monitoring unit is at least logically connectable to a sensor, wherein the monitoring unit is configured to adapt the reference corrosion and / or the degree of corrosion based on a measured value of the sensor.

[0016] An advantage of this embodiment is that the determination of the corrosion level can be adapted to the prevailing conditions at the charging station or plug connection. For example, a temperature sensor can be arranged at the plug connection as well as at the charging station itself, allowing the temperature at the charging station to be measured independently of any temperature development at the plug connection. Thus, for example, the temperature increase caused by solar radiation can be subtracted from the temperature development at the plug connection to determine the degree of corrosion, thus further detailing the degree of corrosion.

[0017] Preferably, the measured value of the sensor is an ambient temperature, a solar radiation, a charging current and / or a humidity.

[0018] An advantage of this design is that the measured value for determining the degree of corrosion can be further adapted to the real conditions of the charging station.

[0019] Preferably, the monitoring units are configured to detect a first degree of corrosion and a second degree of corrosion, wherein the monitoring unit is configured to check the first degree of corrosion with the second degree of corrosion.

[0020] An advantage of this embodiment is that, for example, a degree of corrosion determined during a first charging process can be compared with a degree of corrosion determined during a second charging process. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect an incorrect determination of the degree of corrosion. Further preferably, the degree of corrosion at the beginning of a charging process can be compared with the degree of corrosion at the end of a charging process, for example, in order to detect an incorrect detection within a charging cycle. Thus, the corrosion state can be learned, for example, for a charging station and / or a plug connection.

[0021] Further preferably, the monitoring unit is configured to assign the degree of corrosion to a plug of the charging station and / or a socket of the vehicle, wherein the monitoring unit is configured to apply the degree of corrosion to a further plug of the charging station and / or to a further vehicle.

[0022] An advantage of this embodiment is that, in the case of a charging station, it can be assumed that the plugs and sockets are gradually corroding evenly, so that if one plug or socket of the charging station and / or the vehicle has a determined degree of corrosion, this can be transferred to the other plug or socket of the charging station and / or to vehicles of the same type. The plug of the charging station can in particular be a plug / socket combination, or a charging cable which has been provided with a plug and / or a socket. More preferably, the plug connection whose degree of corrosion is determined comprises at least one socket, a plug and a charging cable and / or the like.

[0023] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for determining a charging time of a charging station comprising the steps: • Detecting a degree of corrosion with a monitoring unit as described above and below, • Adjusting a planned charging time depending on the degree of corrosion.

[0024] An advantage of this embodiment is that a variety of methods, such as route planning and / or capacity planning of a charging station, can be used to adapt the charging time to a degree of corrosion.

[0025] More preferably, the method comprises the steps: • Receiving a route plan for a vehicle, • Adjust route planning based on the adjusted planned charging time.

[0026] One advantage of this design is that, based on the adjusted charging power at the charging station, a vehicle's route planning can be adjusted based on the degree of corrosion. Adjusting the route planning can, in particular, involve increasing or slowing down the travel speed, or driving to an alternative charging station.

[0027] Preferably, the method further comprises the step: • Transmitting the planned charging time and / or the detected corrosion level to a computer network structure and / or a large number of vehicles.

[0028] An advantage of this embodiment is that the determined degree of corrosion can be transmitted to the computer network structure, for example, to optimize a variety of route plans at a macroscopic level. Furthermore, the detected degree of corrosion and the planned charging time can be transmitted to a variety of vehicles, for example, to inform the variety of vehicles when the charging station will be free again based on the planned charging time.

[0029] Preferably, the method comprises the step: • Sending a warning signal to indicate maintenance when the planned charging time and / or the degree of corrosion exceeds and / or falls below a reference.

[0030] One advantage of this embodiment is that, based on a simple comparison, a warning signal can be generated to indicate the need for maintenance of a charging station, a plug connection, and / or a vehicle socket. For example, a minimum or maximum value for a planned charging time or a degree of corrosion can be stored in the charging station as well as in the monitoring unit. By comparing the planned charging time and / or the degree of corrosion with the reference, which could be, for example, the aforementioned maximum and minimum values, a warning signal can be issued which, for example, informs a maintenance service and / or a user, vehicle, or means of transport that this charging station or the monitoring unit associated with the charging station requires maintenance due to the advanced degree of corrosion. More preferably, the warning signal can represent an indication that the plug connection should be cleaned.

[0031] A further aspect of the invention relates to a charging station which has a monitoring unit as described above and below and / or a control device which is configured to carry out steps of the method as described above and below.

[0032] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a monitoring unit as described above and below and / or a control device which is configured to carry out steps of the method as described above and below.

[0033] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a monitoring unit according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 a flowchart illustrating steps of the method according to its embodiment and Fig. 3 a flowchart illustrating steps of the method according to its embodiment

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a monitoring unit 10 for an electric charging station 100 for detecting a corrosion condition. The monitoring unit 10 is configured to detect a temperature value at a plug connection 12 for charging a vehicle 200. The monitoring unit 10 is configured to detect a degree of corrosion of the plug connection 12 depending on the detected temperature value.

[0035] As in the Fig. 1, the charging station 100 comprises the monitoring unit 10. In particular, a plug 16 and a further plug 18 can be arranged on the monitoring unit 10. The plug 16 of the charging station 100 can be connected to a plug arrangement 202 of a vehicle 200 in order to be able to form the plug connection 12. More preferably, the monitoring unit 10 is connected to a sensor 14. In this case, the sensor 14 can, for example, be arranged in the charging station 100. Furthermore, the charging station 100 comprises a communication interface 20, which is particularly configured to exchange signals with a computer network structure 400 as well as with a plurality of vehicles 600. For example, the monitoring unit 10 can determine a degree of corrosion and transmit this to the computer network structure 400 via the interface 20 and a data connection 22.Using the second data connection 24, the detected degree of corrosion can be transmitted to the computer network structure 400 and to a plurality of vehicles 600. Further preferably, the vehicle 200 also has a monitoring unit 10. The monitoring unit 10 in the vehicle 200 can be configured to establish a third data connection 26 to the computer network structure 400 in order to transmit the determined degree of corrosion to the computer network structure 400.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart illustrating steps of the method 500. The method 500 for determining a charging time of a charging station 100 comprises the steps: • Detecting S1 a degree of corrosion which was determined with a monitoring unit 10 as described above and below, • Adjusting S2 a planned charging time depending on the degree of corrosion.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows the method 500 for determining a charging power of a charging station 100 according to its embodiment. The method 500 in the Fig. 3 includes the same steps S1 and S2 as already described with regard to the Fig. 2. Furthermore, the method 500 comprises the step of receiving S3 a route plan for a vehicle 200 and adjusting S4 the route plan based on the adjusted planned charging time. Furthermore, the method 500 comprises the step of transmitting S5 the planned charging time and / or the detected degree of corrosion to a computer network structure 400 and / or to a plurality of vehicles 600.

[0038] Preferably, the method 500 comprises the step S6 of outputting a warning signal for maintenance indication if a comparison between the planned charging time and / or the corrosion signal exceeds and / or falls below a reference.

Claims

[1] Monitoring unit (10) for monitoring a plug connection (12) when charging a vehicle (200), wherein the monitoring unit (10) is configured to detect a temperature value at the plug connection (12), wherein the monitoring unit (10) is configured to detect a degree of corrosion of the plug connection (12) as a function of the detected temperature value. [2] Monitoring unit (10) according to claim 1, which is designed to determine a charging power curve for charging a vehicle (200) based on the degree of corrosion of the plug connection (12). [3] Monitoring unit (10) according to claim 2, which is configured to transmit the charging power curve to a charging station (100), a vehicle (200) and / or a computer network structure (400). [4] Monitoring unit according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged to adapt the degree of corrosion based on a comparison between the detected degree of corrosion and a reference corrosion. [5] Monitoring unit (10) according to claim 4, wherein the monitoring unit (10) is at least logically connectable to a sensor (14), wherein the monitoring unit (10) is configured to adapt the reference corrosion and / or the degree of corrosion based on a measured value of the sensor (14). [6] Monitoring unit (10) according to claim 5, wherein the measured value is an ambient temperature, a solar radiation, a charging current and / or a humidity. [7] Monitoring unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring unit (10) is configured to detect a first degree of corrosion and a second degree of corrosion, wherein the monitoring unit (10) is configured to check the first degree of corrosion with the second degree of corrosion. [8] Monitoring unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring unit (10) is configured to assign the degree of corrosion to a plug (16) of the charging station (100) and / or a socket of the vehicle, wherein the monitoring unit (10) is configured to apply the degree of corrosion to a further plug (18) of the charging station (100) and / or to a further vehicle (210). [9] Method (300) for determining a charging time of a charging station (100), comprising the steps: • detecting (S1) a degree of corrosion which was determined with a monitoring unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, • Adjustment (S2) of a charging power curve to determine the charging time depending on the degree of corrosion. [10] The method (300) of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: • Receiving (S3) a route planning for a vehicle (200), • Adjust (S4) the route planning based on the adjusted planned charging time. [11] Method (300) according to one of claims 9 to 10, further comprising the steps: • Transmitting (S5) the planned charging time and / or the detected degree of corrosion to a computer network structure (400) and / or a plurality of vehicles (600). [12] Method (300) according to one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising the steps: • Emitting (S6) a warning signal to indicate maintenance when the planned charging time and / or the degree of corrosion exceeds and / or falls below a predetermined reference. [13] Charging station (100) comprising a monitoring unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a control device (102) which is configured to carry out steps of the method according to one of claims 9 to 12. [14] Vehicle (200) comprising a monitoring unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a control device (202) which is configured to carry out steps of the method according to one of claims 9 to 12.

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