Actuating device for controlling a charging flap for a vehicle's charging cable connection

Abstract

Actuating device (10) for, preferably automatically, controlling a charging flap (101) for a charging cable connection (102) of a vehicle (100), in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising: a sensor device (11) for detecting a charging cable (103) in a storage compartment (104) of the vehicle (100), a control device (12) which is specifically designed to to control the sensor device (11) during detection and Depending on the detection, at least one control signal (S1, S2) is to be generated to actuate the charging flap (101).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating device for, preferably automatically, controlling a charging flap for a charging cable connection of a vehicle, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle. The invention further relates to a storage compartment, in particular in the form of a, preferably intelligent, storage box, for a charging cable of a vehicle, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, with a corresponding actuating device. The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, with a corresponding storage compartment.

[0002] Actuating devices for movable flaps of vehicles are generally known. An actuating device for a charging port cover is known, for example, from DE 10 2020 215 601 A1. In this case, the device searches for a charging station in the vicinity of the vehicle and then automatically opens the charging port cover.

[0003] DE 10 2016 221 350 A1 relates to an actuating device with a control device for automatically controlling and opening a charging flap for a charging cable connection of an electric vehicle when a charging station suitable for charging the electric vehicle is detected in a predetermined environment around the electric vehicle 1, wherein the opening of the charging flap is subject to arbitrary conditions.

[0004] From DE 10 2013 001 094 A1, a storage compartment of an electric vehicle is known, comprising a control device and a sensor device for detecting a charging cable in the storage compartment of the electric vehicle, wherein the control device is configured to activate the sensor device upon detection. If it is detected that the charging cable is not in the storage compartment, the electric vehicle's motor is prevented from starting.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an improved actuating device for, preferably automatically, controlling a charging flap for a vehicle's charging cable connection. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide an actuating device for, preferably automatically, controlling a charging flap for a vehicle's charging cable connection, which improves the actuation of the charging flap, performs it safely and reliably, and optimally meets customer requirements. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a storage compartment, particularly in the form of a, preferably intelligent, storage box, for a vehicle's charging cable, especially that of a hybrid or electric vehicle, with a corresponding actuating device. Finally, the object of the invention is to provide a vehicle, particularly a hybrid or electric vehicle, with a corresponding storage compartment.

[0006] The problem is solved by an actuating device for, preferably automatically, controlling a charging flap for a charging cable connection of a vehicle, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, with the features of the independent device claim, a storage compartment, in particular in the form of a, preferably intelligent, storage box, for a charging cable of a vehicle, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, with a corresponding actuating device and a vehicle, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, with a corresponding storage compartment.

[0007] The invention provides an actuating device for, preferably automatically, controlling a (preferably movable) charging flap for a charging cable connection of a vehicle, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle. The actuating device comprises the following components: a sensor device for detecting a charging cable in a storage compartment of the vehicle and a control device specifically configured to actuate the sensor device upon detection and, depending on the detection, to generate at least one control signal for actuating (including opening and / or closing and, if necessary, influencing the movement) the charging flap.

[0008] The invention recognizes that vehicles with electric drive sources, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, usually have their own charging cable. A suitable storage compartment can be provided in the vehicle for the charging cable. When the charging cable is removed from the storage compartment, this can be interpreted as the vehicle user wanting to open the charging port. The invention proposes a sensor for the charging cable in the vehicle's storage compartment, which can be used to generate a signal for controlling the operation of the charging port.

[0009] The idea is that a sensor device can detect whether the charging cable is in the vehicle's storage compartment, whether the charging cable is being removed or inserted, whether a storage compartment door is being operated, and / or its position, etc. Based on this detection, the system can analyze the customer's preference for opening or closing the charging compartment door. Furthermore, the functionality of the charging compartment door operation can be improved, making it safer and more reliable. In this way, an improved operating device can be provided for the (preferably automatic) control of a charging compartment door for a vehicle's charging cable connection. This device operates the charging compartment door automatically, safely, and reliably, relieving the customer of unnecessary tasks and optimally addressing their preferences when operating the charging compartment door.

[0010] Furthermore, the sensor device may be designed to detect whether the charging cable is present in the storage compartment. If the charging cable is detected in the storage compartment, this can be interpreted as a request that the vehicle should not be charging at that moment. If the charging cable is not detected in the storage compartment, or if it is detected that the storage compartment is empty, this can be interpreted as a request that the vehicle should be charging.

[0011] Advantageously, the control device can be specifically configured to generate a control signal to open the charging port flap when the sensor device detects that the charging cable is not in the storage compartment. In this way, a control signal to open the charging port flap can be provided if the charging cable is not detected in the storage compartment, and / or if it is detected that the storage compartment is, for example, empty. In addition to the control signal to open the charging port flap, an enable signal to open the charging port flap can be provided, which can be generated by the control device, for example, when an approach to the charging port flap is detected, e.g., by the user and / or the charging cable. For this purpose, the control device can at least initiate and / or carry out the detection of an approach to the charging port flap by, for example,Proximity sensors on the loading flap are controlled accordingly, and depending on the detection, a release signal is generated to open the loading flap.

[0012] Furthermore, the sensor device may be designed to detect when the charging cable is removed from the vehicle's storage compartment. This allows the need to reliably detect when the charging port flap is opened.

[0013] Advantageously, the control device can be specifically configured to generate a control signal to open the charging flap when the sensor device detects that the charging cable has been removed from the vehicle's storage compartment. This allows for simple, quick, and reliable opening of the charging flap.

[0014] Furthermore, the sensor device can be designed to detect when the charging cable is inserted into the vehicle's storage compartment. This expands the functionality of the actuator, allowing it to be used to close the charging port flap.

[0015] Advantageously, the control device can be specifically configured to generate a control signal to close the charging port flap when the sensor detects that the charging cable has been inserted into the vehicle's storage compartment. This relieves the customer of the need to manually close the charging port flap, as this task can now be performed automatically by the control device.

[0016] Furthermore, the sensor device can be designed to detect the position of a storage compartment door. This position detection can include at least one intermediate position of the door, for example, at a 45° angle to a closed position. Position detection when the user operates the storage compartment door can expand the functionality of the operating device. This allows for additional functions during automatic operation of the charging port door. For example, it is conceivable that the operation of the charging port door could be stopped if the storage compartment door has not been fully opened, in order to prevent unintentional opening. Furthermore, the charging port door could even be closed again to protect the charging cable connection from the elements.

[0017] Advantageously, the control device can be specifically configured to actuate the loading flap depending on the position detection of a storage compartment door by the sensor device. In this way, the control device can generate further control commands, for example, to stop the loading flap's operation if the storage compartment door has not been fully opened, and / or to close the loading flap again if the loading flap opening is unintentional.

[0018] Preferably, the control device can be specifically configured to generate a stop signal when the loading flap is actuated if the sensor device detects incomplete movement of a storage compartment flap. This can be detected, for example, if a specific intermediate position of the storage compartment flap has not been reached, or if it is detected that the storage compartment flap has stopped in the intermediate position.

[0019] As a safety precaution, the control device can be specifically configured to generate a closing signal for the charging port flap if the sensor detects incomplete movement of a storage compartment door. This prevents unintentional opening of the charging port flap and protects the charging cable connection from the elements.

[0020] Furthermore, the sensor device can be designed to be positioned on the locking side or axle side of a storage compartment door. In principle, various locations are conceivable for positioning the sensor device, either inside or outside the storage compartment. To monitor the interior of the storage compartment, for example, to detect whether the charging cable is present, the sensor device can be positioned inside the compartment. To detect whether the charging cable is removed from or placed in the storage compartment, the sensor device can be positioned outside the compartment. To detect whether a storage compartment door is being operated, the sensor device can be positioned at an opening of the storage compartment that comes into contact with the door in a closed position. To detect the position of the storage compartment door, the sensor device can be positioned, for example, outside the compartment.are arranged on a bearing axis for the storage compartment flap.

[0021] Furthermore, the sensor device may include at least one electromechanical sensor, e.g., a microswitch, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, and / or a capacitive sensor; one electromagnetic sensor, e.g., a Hall sensor and / or an inductive sensor; one optical sensor, e.g., an infrared sensor and / or a camera; and / or one acoustic sensor, e.g., an ultrasonic sensor. This allows the sensor device to be flexibly implemented using different technologies.

[0022] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a storage compartment, in particular in the form of a preferably intelligent or programmable storage box, for a vehicle charging cable, especially for a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising an actuating device that can be designed as described above. The storage compartment offers the same advantages described above in connection with the actuating device.

[0023] According to another aspect, the invention provides for a vehicle, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising a storage compartment which can be designed as described above. The same advantages described above in connection with the actuating device can be achieved with this vehicle.

[0024] One possibility is that the storage compartment could be located inside the vehicle, for example in the trunk. This would allow the charging cable to be positioned safely inside the vehicle.

[0025] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the storage compartment could be located outside the vehicle, for example, on a body panel of the vehicle, with particular provision for ID verification to operate the actuating device or the charging flap. This ensures that only authorized users have access to the charging cable. The ID verification can be carried out by a vehicle-side control device or by the control device according to the invention.

[0026] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a storage compartment for a vehicle charging cable with an actuating device and a storage compartment flap in a closed position, wherein the actuating device is concealed by the storage compartment flap in the closed position, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a storage compartment for a vehicle charging cable with an actuating device and a storage compartment flap in an open position.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of an actuating device 10 for, preferably automatically, controlling a, preferably movable, charging flap 101 for a charging cable connection 102 of a vehicle 100, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0028] As it is Fig. As indicated in Figure 2, the actuating device 10 comprises the following components: a sensor device 11 for detecting a charging cable 103 in a storage compartment 104 of the vehicle 100, and a control device 12, which is specifically designed to control the sensor device 11 when detecting and, depending on the detection, to generate at least one control signal S1, S2 for actuating (including opening and / or closing and, if necessary, influencing the movement) the charging flap 101.

[0029] A corresponding storage compartment 104 with a corresponding actuating device 10 also represents an aspect of the invention.

[0030] A vehicle 100 according to the invention has an electric drive source and can, for example, be designed as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Such vehicles 100 usually have a charging cable 103.

[0031] The storage compartment 104 is used to stow the charging cable 103. When the charging cable 103 is removed from the storage compartment 104, it can be recognized that the user of the vehicle 100 wants to open the charging flap 101.

[0032] A sensor for the charging cable 103 in the storage compartment 104 of the vehicle 100 is proposed, on the basis of which control signals S1, S2 can be provided for controlling the operation of the charging flap 101.

[0033] Different detections can be performed using the sensor device 11: - whether the charging cable 103 is located in the storage compartment 104 of the vehicle 100, - whether the charging cable 103 is removed from the storage compartment 104 or inserted into the storage compartment 104, - whether a storage compartment flap 105 is operated, and / or - in which position the storage compartment flap 105 is located, etc.

[0034] Depending on the detection by the sensor device 11, the customer request can be analyzed and precisely implemented in the automatic control of the charging flap 101.

[0035] Depending on the detection by the sensor device 11, the functionality of the actuating device 10 can be further extended and designed to be safe and reliable. In this way, an improved actuating device 10 can be provided for the, preferably automatic, control of a charging flap 101 for a charging cable connection 102 of a vehicle 100, which relieves the customer of the effort required to actuate the charging flap 101 and optimally takes into account the customer's requirements when acting on the charging flap 101.

[0036] Firstly, the sensor device 11 can be configured to detect whether the charging cable 103 is present in the storage compartment 104. If the charging cable 103 is present in the storage compartment 104, it is unlikely that the charging flap 101 should be opened. If the charging cable 103 is not detected in the storage compartment 104, or if, for example, it is detected that the storage compartment 104 is empty, this can be interpreted as a request to open the charging flap 101.

[0037] Advantageously, the control device 12 can generate a control signal S1 to open the charging flap 101 when the sensor device 11 has detected that the charging cable 103 is not in the storage compartment 104. In this way, a control signal S1 can be provided to open the charging flap 101 if the charging cable 103 is not detected in the storage compartment 104.

[0038] In this case, in addition to the control signal S1 for opening the charging flap 101, a release signal for opening the charging flap 101 can be provided to verify the request to open the charging flap. The release signal can be generated, for example, by the control device 12 when an approach to the charging flap 101 is detected, e.g., by the user and / or the charging cable 103. For this purpose, the control device 12 can initiate and / or carry out the detection of an approach to the charging flap 101, for example, by controlling proximity sensors on the charging flap 101 accordingly, and generate a corresponding release signal for opening the charging flap 101 depending on the detection.

[0039] Furthermore, the sensor device 11 can be configured to detect the removal of the charging cable 103 from the storage compartment 104 of the vehicle 100. In this way, the desire to open the charging flap can be recognized with relative certainty.

[0040] Advantageously, the control device 12 can generate a control signal S1 to open the charging flap 101 when the sensor device 11 has detected the removal of the charging cable 103 from the storage compartment 104 of the vehicle 100.

[0041] Furthermore, the sensor device 11 can be configured to detect when the charging cable 103 is inserted into the storage compartment 104 of the vehicle 100. In this way, the functions of the actuating device 10 can be extended, and the actuating device 10 can also be used to close the charging flap 101.

[0042] Advantageously, the control device 12 can generate a control signal S2 to close the charging flap 101 when the sensor device 11 detects that the charging cable 103 has been inserted into the storage compartment 104 of the vehicle 100. In this way, the customer is relieved of the need to manually close the charging flap 101, which can now also be done automatically by the actuating device 10.

[0043] Furthermore, the sensor device 11 can be configured to detect the position of a storage compartment door 105. This position detection can include at least one intermediate position of the storage compartment door 105, for example, at a 45° angle to a closed position. Position detection of the storage compartment door 105 can extend the functionality of the actuating device 10. For example, it is conceivable that the actuation of the charging door 101 can be stopped if the storage compartment door 105 has not been fully opened. In this way, unintentional opening of the charging door 101 can be prevented. Furthermore, the charging door 101 can be closed again if the storage compartment door 105 has not been fully opened. In this way, the charging cable connection 102 can be protected from the elements.

[0044] Advantageously, the control device 12 can be specifically configured to actuate the loading flap 101 depending on the position detection of a storage compartment flap 105 by the sensor device 11. For example, the control device 12 can generate a stop signal S3 when the loading flap 101 is actuated if the sensor device 11 has detected incomplete movement of a storage compartment flap 105. As a safety precaution, the control device 12 can specifically generate a closing signal S4 to close the loading flap 101 if the sensor device 11 has detected incomplete movement of a storage compartment flap 105.

[0045] In principle, the sensor device 11 can be arranged in different locations inside or outside the storage compartment 104. For example, the sensor device 11 can be arranged on the locking side or on the axle side of a storage compartment flap 105.

[0046] To monitor the interior of the storage compartment 104, e.g. to detect whether the charging cable 103 is present in the storage compartment 104, the sensor device 11 can be arranged, e.g., inside the storage compartment 104.

[0047] To detect whether the charging cable 103 is removed from the storage compartment 104 or placed into the storage compartment 104, the sensor device 11 can, for example, be arranged outside the storage compartment 104.

[0048] To detect whether a storage compartment flap 105 is being operated, the sensor device 11 can, for example, be arranged at an opening of the storage compartment 104, as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 2 is indicated.

[0049] To detect the position of the storage compartment flap 105, the sensor device 11 can, for example, be arranged on a bearing axis for the storage compartment flap 105.

[0050] The sensor device 11 can incorporate different technologies. The sensor device 11 can include at least one electromechanical sensor, e.g., a microswitch, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor and / or a capacitive sensor, one electromagnetic sensor, e.g., a Hall sensor and / or an inductive sensor, one optical sensor, e.g., an infrared sensor and / or a camera, and / or one acoustic sensor, e.g., an ultrasonic sensor.

[0051] As mentioned above, a corresponding storage compartment 104, in particular in the form of a preferably intelligent or programmable storage box, for a charging cable 103 of a vehicle 100, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, with a corresponding actuating device 10, also represents an aspect of the invention.

[0052] A corresponding vehicle 100, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, with a corresponding storage compartment 104 also represents an aspect of the invention.

[0053] On the one hand, it is conceivable that the storage compartment 104 could be located inside the vehicle 100, e.g. in a trunk, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is indicated.

[0054] On the other hand, it is conceivable that the storage compartment 104 could be located outside the vehicle 100, for example on a trim component of the vehicle 100. In this case, it may be advantageous to provide an ID check for operating the actuating device 10 and / or the charging flap 101, in order to allow only an authorized user access to the charging cable 103.

[0055] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Reference symbol list 10 Actuating device 11 Sensor device 12 Control device 100 vehicles 101 Charging port 102 Charging cable connection 103 charging cables 104 storage compartments 105 Storage compartment flap S1 control signal S2 control signal S3 Stop signal S4 closing signal

Claims

[1] Actuating device (10) for, preferably automatically, controlling a charging flap (101) for a charging cable connection (102) of a vehicle (100), in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising: a sensor device (11) for detecting a charging cable (103) in a storage compartment (104) of the vehicle (100), a control device (12) which is specifically designed to to control the sensor device (11) during detection and Depending on the detection, at least one control signal (S1, S2) is to be generated to actuate the charging flap (101). [2] Actuating device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (11) is designed to detect whether the charging cable (103) is present in the storage compartment (104), and / or wherein the control device (12) is specifically designed to, to generate a control signal (S1) to open the charging flap (101), when the sensor device (11) has detected that the charging cable (103) is not in the storage compartment (104). [3] Actuating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (11) is designed to detect the removal of the charging cable (103) from the storage compartment (104) of the vehicle (100), and / or wherein the control device (12) is specifically designed to, to generate a control signal (S1) to open the charging flap (101), when the sensor device (11) has detected the removal of the charging cable (103) from the storage compartment (104) of the vehicle (100). [4] Actuating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (11) is designed to detect the insertion of the charging cable (103) into the storage compartment (104) of the vehicle (100), and / or wherein the control device (12) is specifically designed to, to generate a control signal (S2) to close the charging flap (101), when the sensor device (11) has detected that the charging cable (103) has been inserted into the storage compartment (104) of the vehicle (100). [5] Actuating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (11) is designed to perform position detection of a storage compartment flap (105), preferably comprising detection of at least one intermediate position of the storage compartment flap (105), e.g. at a 45° angle to an orientation in a closed position, and / or wherein the control device (12) is specifically configured to control the actuation of the loading flap (101) depending on the position detection of a storage compartment flap (105) by the sensor device (11), and / or wherein the control device (12) is specifically configured to generate a stop signal (S3) when the loading flap (101) is actuated, if the sensor device (11) has detected an incomplete movement of a storage compartment flap (105), and / or wherein the control device (12) is specifically configured to generate a closing signal (S4) to close the loading flap (101) when the sensor device (11) has detected an incomplete movement of a storage compartment flap (105). [6] Actuating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (11) is designed to be arranged on the locking side or on the axis side of a storage compartment flap (105). [7] Actuating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (11) at least one electromechanical sensor, e.g. a microswitch, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor and / or a capacitive sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, e.g. a Hall sensor and / or an inductive sensor, includes an optical sensor, e.g. an infrared sensor and / or a camera, and / or a sound sensor, e.g. an ultrasonic sensor. [8] Storage compartment (104), in particular in the form of a, preferably intelligent, storage box, for a charging cable (103) of a vehicle (100), in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising an actuating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Vehicle (100), in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising a storage compartment (104) according to the preceding claim. [10] Vehicle (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the storage compartment (104) is located inside the vehicle (100), e.g. in a trunk, or wherein the storage compartment (104) is located outside the vehicle (100), e.g. on a fairing component of the vehicle (100), wherein in particular an ID query is provided for the operation of the actuating device (10).

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