EMERGENCY RELEASE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER

Abstract

A vehicle system comprises a charging port and a control module. The charging port is configured to be attached to a charging plug via a locking element. The charging port includes an ejector, an actuator coupled to the ejector, and a release device. The control module is configured to receive an input signal to release the charging plug from the charging port while the charging plug is supplying power to the electric vehicle, to control the release device in response to receiving the input signal to release the locking element of the charging plug from the charging port, to control the actuator to cause the ejector to extend from the charging port to eject the charging plug, and to activate a drive system of the electric vehicle in response to the ejection of the charging plug. Further examples of vehicle systems and control methods are also disclosed.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information provided in this section serves to present the general context of the disclosure. Works of the inventors mentioned herein, insofar as they are described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise be considered prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art against this disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vehicle systems and control methods for the automatic release of charging plugs from charging ports in electric vehicles.

[0003] Electric vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and / or fuel cell vehicles, comprise one or more electric motors and a battery system. A battery system in an electric vehicle can, for example, be a rechargeable energy storage system with one or more high-voltage battery packs, each containing a collection of battery cells. To charge the battery system, a charging plug is electrically connected to a charging port on the electric vehicle via one or more connectors and physically secured to the charging port by a locking mechanism. During this charging process, the electric vehicle's drive system is deactivated. SUMMARY

[0004] A vehicle system for automatically releasing a charging plug with a locking element from an electric vehicle comprises a charging port and a control module. The charging port is configured to be attached to the charging plug via the locking element. The charging port includes at least one ejector, an actuator coupled to the at least one ejector, and a release device.The control module is configured to receive an input signal to release the charging plug from the charging port while the charging plug is supplying power to the electric vehicle, to control the release device in response to receiving the input signal to release the locking element of the charging plug from the charging port, to control the actuator to cause the at least one ejector to extend from the charging port to eject the charging plug, and to activate a drive system of the electric vehicle in response to the ejection of the charging plug.

[0005] In other features, the control module is configured to send a control signal to a control module of the charger in the charging plug in response to receiving the input signal, in order to set a charging current to zero.

[0006] In other features, the vehicle system also includes a switching device that is coupled between an input of the charging port and a battery module in the electric vehicle to supply power to the battery module via the charging plug when the charging plug is attached to the charging port.

[0007] In other features, the control module is configured to detect the charging current and control the switching device to open when the charging current falls below a threshold in order to remove a charging voltage.

[0008] In other features, the control module is configured to determine, in response to receiving the input signal, whether the locking element of the charging plug is released from the charging port, and, in response to the locking element not being released, to activate the electric vehicle's drive system.

[0009] In other features, the control module is configured to determine whether a vehicle door is open and, in response to determining that the vehicle door is open, to control the vehicle door to close automatically.

[0010] In other features, the control module is configured to determine whether a vehicle window is down and, in response to determining that the vehicle window is down, to control the vehicle window to close automatically.

[0011] In other features, the control module is configured to determine whether a vehicle door is locked, and in response to determining that the vehicle door is unlocked, to automatically lock the vehicle door.

[0012] In other features, the control module is configured to activate an output device in response to receiving the input signal.

[0013] Other features of the output device include an audible and / or a visual alarm.

[0014] In other features, the control module is configured to activate a recording device in response to receiving the input signal.

[0015] In other features, the control module is configured to initiate communication with an emergency service provider in response to receiving the input signal.

[0016] In other features, the release device includes a solenoid and the ejector includes one or more movable pins.

[0017] In other features, the input signal is a user-generated signal or a signal that is generated without user interaction.

[0018] A control method for automatically releasing a charging plug with a locking element from a charging port of an electric vehicle is disclosed. The charging port comprises at least one ejector, an actuator coupled to the at least one ejector, and a release device. The control method includes receiving an input signal to release the charging plug from the charging port of the electric vehicle while the charging plug is supplying power to the electric vehicle, controlling the release device of the charging port in response to receiving the input signal to release the locking element of the charging plug from the charging port, controlling the actuator of the charging port to cause the at least one ejector of the charging port to extend from the charging port to eject the charging plug, and activating a drive system of the electric vehicle in response to the ejection of the charging plug.

[0019] In other features, the control method further includes, in response to receiving the input signal, sending a control signal to a control module of the charger in the charging plug in order to set a charging current to zero.

[0020] Other features of the control method include sensing the charging current and, in response to the fact that the charging current is below a threshold, opening and controlling a switching device that is coupled between an input of the charging port and a battery module in the electric vehicle.

[0021] In other features, the control method also includes activating an audible alarm and / or a visual alarm in response to receiving the input signal.

[0022] In other features, the control procedure also includes initiating communication with an emergency service provider in response to receiving the input signal.

[0023] In other features, the release device includes a solenoid and the ejector includes one or more movable pins.

[0024] A vehicle system for automatically releasing a charging plug from an electric vehicle comprises a charging port, a switching device, and a control module. The charging port is configured to be attached to the charging plug. It includes at least one ejector and an actuator coupled to that ejector. The switching device is connected between an input of the charging port and a battery module in the electric vehicle to supply power to the battery module via the charging plug when the charging plug is attached to the charging port.The control module is configured to receive an input signal to release the charging plug from the charging port while the charging plug is supplying power to the electric vehicle, in response to receiving the input signal, to send a control signal to a charging control module in the charging plug to set the charging current to zero, to control the switching device to open, and in response to the opening of the switching device, to control the actuator so that it causes at least one ejector to extend from the charging port to eject the charging plug.

[0025] Further applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims, and the drawings. The detailed description and the specific examples serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present disclosure will be better understood with the help of the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, whereby: Fig. 1 a block diagram of an exemplary vehicle system for automatically releasing a charging plug from an electric vehicle according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is an electric vehicle that uses parts of the vehicle system from Fig. 1 according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3 a block diagram of an exemplary charging port according to the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary charging plug according to the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary charging system according to the present disclosure; and Fig. 6-8 Flowcharts of exemplary control processes for automatically releasing a charging plug from an electric vehicle according to the present disclosure are shown.

[0027] Reference symbols can be reused in the drawings to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] A vehicle, such as an electric vehicle (EV), often relies on a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to store and supply energy for propulsion. In such cases, the RESS comprises one or more high-voltage battery packs, each containing a collection of battery cells. To charge the RESS, a charging plug is inserted into a charging port on the EV at a charging station. This electrically couples the charging plug and port via one or more connectors and physically secures them with a latch (e.g., a physical lock). During this charging process, the vehicle is immobilized because its propulsion system is deactivated while the vehicle is physically connected to the charging plug.In other words, the vehicle control system prevents the powertrain from moving while the charging plug is detected. This raises significant safety concerns during charging, as some charging stations have unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions. For example, some charging stations are located in parking lots with limited or poor visibility, especially at night, and / or in high-risk locations, such as areas with threatening conditions (e.g., weather conditions, environmental conditions, potential criminal activity, etc.). Some vehicles, such as autonomous vehicles, may issue warnings and move based on weather conditions, such as a detected nearby tornado. In some cases, the unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions may also relate to the vehicle's condition, such as a detected thermal runaway in a vehicle battery cell.

[0029] The vehicle systems and methods described herein enable the automatic emergency release and disconnection of an electric vehicle's charging port from a connected charging plug, thereby allowing the vehicle to move (e.g., drive autonomously, etc.) and / or enabling a driver to drive away safely without requiring the driver to exit the vehicle to manually unplug the charging plug. As further explained herein, the automatic emergency release can be triggered, for example, by activating a user input located inside the vehicle and / or occur automatically without user interaction. With this approach, the vehicle systems and methods can safely and rapidly interrupt the charging process, eject the charging plug, and activate the drive system as part of a comprehensive emergency response that allows a stationary vehicle to escape a hazardous situation.This allows the charging plug to be quickly disconnected and ejected, enabling the vehicle to move (e.g., autonomously, etc.) and / or the driver to move away from a potentially hazardous situation without having to leave the vehicle. For example, the driver can move away from a potentially hazardous situation within 1.5 to 2 seconds of the automatic emergency release being triggered. Furthermore, in some cases, the vehicle systems and procedures may allow the activation of a drive system within the vehicle while the charging plug is still connected to the charging port.

[0030] With the following reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary vehicle system 100 for the automatic release of a charging plug from an electric vehicle. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle system 100 generally comprises a control module 102, a user input 104, a drive control module 106, an emergency control module 110, a recording device 112, an actuator 114, a release device 116, and one or more sensors (collectively referred to as sensors 118) for detecting or sensing vehicle characteristics. The sensors 118 may, for example, include a charging current sensor, a vehicle window sensor, a vehicle door sensor, a trunk sensor, a vehicle lock sensor, etc.

[0031] Although Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the vehicle system 100 with specific modules; it is understood that one or more other modules can also be used if required. Even if the vehicle system 100 is shown with several separate modules, any combination of modules (e.g., the control module 102, the drive control module 106, the emergency control module 110, etc.) and / or their functionality can be integrated into one or more modules.

[0032] In various embodiments, the modules, devices, and sensors of the vehicle system 100 can communicate with each other and exchange parameters via a network 120, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN), Ethernet, and / or any other method of communication between vehicles. In such examples, the parameters can be shared via one or more data buses of the network 120. Thus, various parameters from a specific module and / or sensor can be made available to other modules, devices, and / or sensors via the network 120.

[0033] The vehicle system 100 from Fig. 1 can be used in any suitable vehicle, such as an electric vehicle (e.g., a pure electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, etc.). Furthermore, the vehicle system 100 can be used in an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, etc. For example, shows Fig. 2 an EV 200 with the control module 102, the user input 104, the drive control module 106 and the sensors 118 from Fig. 1.

[0034] Additionally and as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the EV 200 includes a charging port 230, which is located on the body of the EV 200 and serves to charge a battery system (e.g., a RESS). The charging port 230 can, for example, accommodate and secure a charging plug to supply power to the EV 200, in particular to the battery system. In such examples, the charging plug can be electrically connected to the charging port 230 via one or more connectors. In some examples, the charging plug can also be physically and / or magnetically connected to the charging port 230 via a locking element.

[0035] In various embodiments, the charging port 230 generally comprises one or more ejectors, an actuator coupled to the ejector(s), and a release device. Fig. Figure 3, for example, shows an exemplary embodiment of the charging port 230, which is connected to the EV 200 from Fig. 2 can be used. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the charging port 230 generally comprises a body 332, a base plate 334, one or more connectors 336 (e.g., pins, contacts, etc.) arranged in the body 332 for electrical coupling to connectors of a corresponding charging plug, a latch receptacle 338 for releasable coupling to a locking element of the corresponding charging plug, and the release device 116. Fig. 1, which is arranged adjacent to the bolt receptacle 338, and ejectors 342, 344. In the example from Fig. 3. The locking receptacle 338 is generally coupled to the locking element (e.g., a movable element) via a mechanical locking engagement. In other examples, the charging port 230 may include a different suitable locking receptacle, such as a locking receptacle that engages magnetically with the locking element of the charging plug.

[0036] In the example from Fig. In Figure 3, the release device 116 is a solenoid. As further explained herein, the solenoid can, for example, be controlled to move and press against a portion of the locking element of the charging plug. This movement and the subsequent force against the locking element can release the locking element from the latch receptacle 338 (e.g., overcome a preload force of the locking element, overcome a magnetic force between the locking element and the latch receptacle, etc.). In other examples, the release device 116 can comprise another suitable device for releasing the locking element from the latch receptacle 338, such as a spring, an actuator, or another similar electrical and / or mechanical component that provides a pulse of sufficient strength to release the locking element.

[0037] Additionally, in the example from Fig. 3 at the ejectors 342, 344 by two movable pins which are connected to the actuating element 114 from Fig. The pins are coupled to and controlled by the actuator 114. For example, the pins can generally be recessed into the body 332 of the charging port 230 and positioned flush with the base plate 334. If desired, the pins can be controlled by the actuator 114 so that they move outwards and extend from the charging port 230, more precisely from the base plate 334. By extending the pins, they can exert a force on the charging plug. In doing so, the pins can push the charging plug out of the charging port 230 or otherwise move it away.In other examples, the ejectors 342, 344 may include more or fewer pins and / or another suitable device to eject or otherwise push away the charging plug from the charging port 230, such as a spring, a solenoid or another similar electrical and / or mechanical component that provides a pulse of sufficient strength to eject the charging plug.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a charging plug 400, which is inserted into the charging port 230. Fig. 2-3 and / or another suitable charging port. In the example from Fig. 4. The charging plug 400 generally comprises a body 402 with opposite ends 404, 406, an electrically conductive power cable 408, and a locking element 410. In this example, the end 404 of the charging plug 400 is positioned in a charging port, such as the charging port 230 from Fig. 2-3, to supply power from a DC power source connected to end 406 (via power cable 408). Although not shown, the charging plug 400 includes one or more connectors (e.g., pins, contacts, etc.) that generally connect to some or all of the connectors 336 of the charging port 230. Fig. 3 aligned and connected to these.

[0039] The locking element 410 can be used to detachably connect to a charging port, such as the charging port 230 from Fig. 2-3. For example, and as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the locking element 410 comprises a body 412 with opposing ends 414, 416, a latch (e.g., a clip) 418 at end 414, and a preload element 420. In this example, the preload element 420 can comprise one or more springs or the like to exert a preload force on the latch 418 at end 414. The preload element 420 can thereby press the latch 418 downward toward the body 402 of the charging plug 400. When the charging plug 400 is inserted into the charging port 230, the latch 418 can be pressed into and / or against the latch receptacle 338 of the charging port 230 to secure the charging plug 400 and the charging port 230 together. Then, if desired, the release device 116 of the charging port 230 can be controlled to release the bolt 418 from the bolt receptacle 338, as explained herein.

[0040] Although the charging plug 400 from Fig. 4 as shown and described, that it includes the locking element 410, which engages the bolt receptacle 338 in the charging port 230 via a mechanical locking engagement Fig. 3 couples, it is understood that the charging plug 400 from Fig. 4 and / or another charging plug with the 230V charging port Fig. 3 and / or another charging port can engage in another suitable manner. In some embodiments, for example, the charging plug can include a locking element that magnetically engages with a locking receptacle of a charging plug.

[0041] With further reference to Fig. 1. The vehicle system 100 can be used to disconnect the charging plug 400. Fig. 4 automatically from the EV 200's 230 charging port Fig. 2 to release (e.g., an emergency release). In such examples, the charging plug 400 is electrically coupled to the charging port 230 via one or more connectors to supply power to the EV 200, and physically attached to the charging port 230 (e.g., the latch receptacle 338) via the locking element 410 (e.g., the latch 418). During this charging period, a drive system of the EV 200 is deactivated. Although the exemplary vehicle system 100, with respect to the EV 200, the charging port 230, and the charging plug 400, Fig. As described in 2-4, it is understood that the vehicle system 100 can also be used with other suitable EVs, charging ports and / or charging plugs.

[0042] In the vehicle system 100 from Fig. 1. The emergency release of the EV charger can be triggered by activating a user input. For example, a user (e.g., a driver, a passenger, etc.) can select a user input 232, which is located in a passenger compartment of the EV 200. Fig. 2. In such examples, the user input 232 can be a switch, button, lever, etc., located within the driver's reach. For example, the user input 232 could be located on the dashboard of the EV 200, on a user interface near the center console of the EV 200, etc. After selection, the control module 102 receives from Fig. 1 an input signal from user input 232 to release the charging plug 400 from the charging port 230.

[0043] In other examples, the emergency release of the EV charger can be triggered by another suitable signal. For example, the control module 102 can be... Fig. 1. Receive an input signal indicating an unsafe or potentially unsafe condition, such as dangerous weather (e.g., a tornado in the area), a potential criminal attack, an unsafe vehicle condition (e.g., thermal runaway, etc.). In such examples, the input signal can be generated and received by the control module 102 without user interaction. For example, the control module 102 can receive the input signal from external sources (e.g., an external weather system, etc.), internal sources (e.g., vehicle sensors such as cameras, etc.), etc.

[0044] The control module 102 then controls the release device 116 in response to receiving the input signal (e.g., a user-generated signal, a signal generated without user interaction, etc.). For example, the control module 102 can send a control signal to the release device 116 (e.g., a solenoid), causing the release device 116 to move and press against a part of the locking element 410. This, in turn, causes the locking element 410, along with the latch 418, to move away from the latch receptacle 338 of the charging port 230. Once the locking element 410 has traveled a sufficient distance, the latch 418 can be released or disengaged from the latch receptacle 338.

[0045] In some examples, the control module 102 can cause the release device 116 to continuously press against the locking element 410 to hold the locking element 410 in an released / unlocked state. For example, the control module 102 can activate the release device 116 and ensure that the release device 116 remains active for a defined period of time. In various embodiments, the defined period of time can be calibrated to ensure that sufficient time is available to remove the charging plug 400 from the charging port 230, as explained herein.

[0046] Next, the control module 102 controls the actuator 114 to cause the ejectors 342 and 344 to extend from the charging port 230 in order to eject the charging plug 400. For example, the control module 102 can activate the actuator 114 (via a transmitted control signal), causing the ejectors 342 and 344 (e.g., movable pins) to move outwards and extend from the charging port 230. As they do so, the ejectors 342 and 344 can press against the charging plug 400, causing the charging plug 400 to move away from the charging port 230.

[0047] In various embodiments, the control module 102 can control the actuator 114 only after it has determined that the release device 116 has released the bolt 418 from the bolt receptacle 338. For example, the control module 102 can make this determination based on a sensor input (e.g., from one of the sensors 118) indicating a position / state of the release device 116, a position or absence of the bolt 418, etc. In other examples, the control module 102 can activate the actuator 114 for a specific period of time after the release device 116 has been activated to ensure that the bolt 418 is completely released from the charging port 230.

[0048] The control module 102 can then activate a drive system of the EV 200. For example, in response to the removal of the charging plug 400 from the charging port 230, the control module 102 can send a control signal to the drive control module 106. In turn, the drive control module 106 can initiate propulsion of the electric vehicle 200, allowing the driver to drive away safely and quickly without having to leave the electric vehicle 200 to manually remove the charging plug 400.

[0049] In other examples, vehicle system 100 can allow the driver to drive away by optionally enabling propulsion without ejecting charging plug 400. In some scenarios, for example, ejection of charging plug 400 may fail due to hardware or software errors, weather conditions (e.g., ice formation, etc.). In such examples, vehicle system 100 can activate the propulsion system of EV 200.

[0050] In various embodiments, the control module 102 can, for example, determine, based on a sensor input as explained above, whether the locking element 410 is released from the charging port 230. If the locking element 410 is not released, the control module 102 can activate the drive system of the EV 200. This sets the drive train of the EV 200 in motion so that the driver can start driving with the charging plug 400 inserted into the charging port 230. After some time, the charging plug 400 can be unplugged from the charging port 230 if the EV 200 moves away from a charging station with the charging plug 400 connected. In some cases, this can lead to damage to the charging port 230 and / or the charging plug 400.

[0051] In other embodiments, the charging port 230 and / or the charging plug 400 can be designed to disconnect when the vehicle is driven away. For example, the charging port 230 and / or the charging plug 400 can have a non-locking coupling design, a breakaway coupling design, and / or another design that allows the EV 200 and the charging plug 400 to disconnect when the vehicle is driven away without damaging the charging port 230 and / or the charging plug 400. In other examples, the damage can be limited to a specific component of the charging port 230 and / or the charging plug 400 (e.g., a shear pin).

[0052] In some embodiments, the control module 102 can activate the drive system of the EV 200 only when a corresponding input signal is received while the charging plug 400 is inserted into the charging port 230. For example, the control module 102 can activate the drive system during active charging only if an override signal is received. In such examples, a user interface in the EV 200 can display a selectable input which, when selected, provides the override signal to the control module 102. This selectable input can be displayed, for example, after a failed attempt to eject the charging plug 400 when no ejectors are present, after a failed attempt to release the locking element 410, and so on.

[0053] In various embodiments, the vehicle system 100 can optionally control power supply components in the charging plug 400 and / or in the EV 200 to deactivate charging. For example, after receiving the input signal to activate the emergency release of the EV charger, the control module 102 can send a control signal to a control module of the charger in the charging plug 400 to set the charging current to zero and send a control signal to reduce and remove the charging voltage between the charging plug 400 and the EV 200. In some examples, the control module 102 can transmit the control signal to the charger's control module via a communication interface between the charging port 230 and the charging plug 400.

[0054] For example, Fig. 5 represents an exemplary charging system 500, which the EV 200 from Fig. 2 and the charging plug 400 from Fig. 4 comprises. As shown, the charging plug 400 is inserted into the charging port 230. In this example, the charging plug 400 (or a connected charging station) includes a charging-side control module 502 for controlling the charging current supply from a DC power source 514 to a battery module 504 in the EV 200. As shown, the EV 200 includes the control module 102 from Fig. 1 and a battery system 506 with the battery module 504 and a switching device 508 (e.g. contactors) that connects conductors to terminals of the battery module 504. In such examples, the control module 102 can send a control signal to the charger-side control module 502 to set the charging current to zero.

[0055] Furthermore, in some examples, the control module 102 can control the switching device 508 or another suitable contact between the charging plug 400 and the battery module 504 to disconnect and remove a charging voltage between the charging plug 400 and the EV 200. For example, and as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the switching device 508 is coupled between an input of the charging port 230 and the battery module 504 in the EV 200 to supply power to the battery module 504 via the charging plug 400. In such examples, the control module 102 can send a control signal to the switching device 508 to selectively open the switching device 508. After opening, the conductors (e.g., battery cables) can be de-energized, such that the voltage across the conductors is zero. In various embodiments, the control module 102 can detect the voltage across the conductors using a voltage sensor 512.

[0056] In various embodiments, the control module 102 can send the control signal to open the switching device 508 only when certain conditions are met. For example, the control module 102 can detect a charging current from the charging plug 400 using a current sensor 510 and then control the switching device 508 (via the control signal) to open when the charging current is below a threshold value. In such examples, the threshold value can be zero, essentially zero, etc.

[0057] In some examples, the control module 102 can only control the release device 116 and the actuator 114 if the charging current is below the threshold and the switching device 508 is open. In other words, the control module 102 can only attempt to release the latch 418 by controlling the release device 116, and then attempt to eject the charging plug 400 by controlling the actuator 114 when the power supply is interrupted.

[0058] In various embodiments, the control module 102 can also initiate one or more emergency steps in response to receiving the input signal to activate the emergency release of the EV charger. For example, the control module 102 can take preventative measures to ensure that the components of the EV 200 are in a safe state. In some examples, the control module 102 can determine whether any vehicle door of the EV 200 (e.g., a rear vehicle door 234, a front vehicle door, etc.) is open. The control module 102 can make this determination based on a sensor input (e.g., from one of the sensors 118) that indicates the position / presence of each door. If it is then determined that a vehicle door is open, the control module 102 can automatically close this vehicle door via one or more actuators or the like.Furthermore, the control module 102 can determine via a sensor input whether the vehicle doors are locked, and then, in response to the determination that the vehicle door is not locked, automatically control the locking of the vehicle doors.

[0059] Similarly, the control module 102 can determine whether a vehicle window of the EV 200 (e.g., a rear window, a front window 236, a sunroof, etc.) is open. The control module 102 can make this determination based on a sensor input (e.g., from one of the sensors 118) that indicates the position / presence of each window. If it is then determined that a vehicle window is open, the control module 102 can automatically close this vehicle window via one or more actuators or the like.

[0060] Furthermore, the control module 102 can determine whether a trunk 238 of the EV 200 is open. The control module 102 can make this determination based on a sensor input (e.g., from one of the sensors 118) that indicates the position / presence of each window. If it is then determined that a vehicle window is open, the control module 102 can, in response, automatically close this vehicle window via one or more actuators or the like.

[0061] In some examples, the emergency steps may also include the activation of one or more output devices that function as alarms. For example, the control module 102 may send control signals to activate a visual and / or audible alarm. In such examples, the visual alarm may include flashing the headlights 240 and / or the taillights 242 of the EV 200. In some examples, the audible alarm may also include loudspeakers, a horn, etc., in the EV 200. In various embodiments, the loudspeakers may emit a repeating message, such as "Danger, please help, please call 911".

[0062] In other examples, the emergency steps may include activating the recording device 112. For instance, the control module 102 may transmit control signals to activate the recording device 112, such as one or more cameras, microphones, etc., in or on the body of the EV 200, to make video and / or audio recordings in the vicinity of the EV 200. In some examples, the recorded video and / or audio data may be stored locally and / or sent (e.g., in real time) to another module (e.g., cloud-based storage, etc.).

[0063] Furthermore, the emergency steps can include communication with an emergency service provider. For example, the control module 102 can send a control signal to the emergency control module 110 to initiate communication with OnStar or another example emergency service provider. In such cases, emergency services (e.g., police, paramedics, etc.) can be notified and will intervene if necessary.

[0064] In other embodiments, the emergency steps can include identifying the location of the charging station currently being used by the EV 200. In some examples, the control module 102 can, for instance, mark the current location of the EV 200 using its global positioning system (GPS). In such examples, the current location can be stored locally and / or sent (e.g., in real time) to another module (e.g., cloud-based storage), the emergency service provider, etc. Furthermore, the control module 102 can mark the route the EV 200 has taken to reach safety and then send this route (e.g., an endpoint) to the emergency service provider if further action is required.

[0065] Fig. Figures 6-8 illustrate exemplary control processes 600, 700, 800, which are initiated by the vehicle system 100 for the automatic release of the charging plug 400. Fig. 4 from the charging port 230 on the EV 200 Fig. 2-3 are applicable. Although the exemplary control processes 600, 700, 800 are applicable to the vehicle system 100, the electric vehicle 200, the charging port 230 and the charging plug 400. Fig. As described in 1-4, each of the control processes 600, 700, 800 can be applied by another suitable vehicle system, EV, charging port and / or charging plug.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the control process 600 begins at 602 by determining whether an input signal is received to release the charging plug 400 from the charging port 230 while the charging plug 400 supplies power to the EV 200. As explained above, the control module 102 can receive the input signal, for example, from a driver, a passenger, etc., who selects a user input (e.g., a button, a switch, a lever, etc.) in a passenger compartment of the EV 200. If no input signal is received, the control returns to 602. Otherwise, if an input signal is received, the control continues to 604.

[0067] In 604, the control module 102 controls the release device 116 to release the locking element 410 of the charging plug 400 from the charging port 230. In such examples, the control module 102 can send a control signal to the release device 116, which causes the release device 116 to actuate and move the locking element 410. The release device 116 can be any suitable controllable device, such as an electrical and / or mechanical component, that can provide a pulse of sufficient strength to unlock the locking element 410. In various embodiments, the release device 116 can, for example, comprise a solenoid, a spring, an actuator, etc. The control then proceeds to 606.

[0068] At 606, the control module 102 determines whether the locking element 410 is unlocked or unlocked from the charging port 230. As explained above, the control module 102 can make this determination, for example, based on a sensor input (e.g., from one of the sensors 118) indicating a position / state of the release device 116, a position or absence of the latch 418, etc. Alternatively, the control module 102 can make this determination based on a defined time interval (e.g., a calibratable time) after a control signal has been sent to the release device 116. If it is determined that the locking element 410 is not unlocked (e.g., still locked or latched), the control continues with 614. However, if it is determined that the locking element 410 is unlocked, the control continues with 608.

[0069] At 608, the control module 102 controls the actuator 114 of the charging port 230 to cause the ejectors 342 and 344 to extend and eject the charging plug 400. As explained above, the control module 102 can, for example, send a control signal to the actuator 114, which causes the actuator 114 to actuate and move the ejectors 342 and 344. The control then proceeds to 610.

[0070] At 610, the control module 102 determines whether the charging plug 400 is ejected from the charging port 230. In some examples, the control module 102 can make this determination based on a sensor input (e.g., from one of the sensors 118) indicating whether a charging plug is present, etc. Alternatively, the control module 102 can make this determination based on a specific time interval (e.g., a calibratable time) after a control signal has been sent to the actuator 114. If it is determined that the charging plug 400 has not been ejected (e.g., because it remains connected to the charging port 230), the control continues with 614. However, if it is determined that the charging plug 400 has been ejected, the control continues with 612.

[0071] At 612, the control module 102 activates the drive system of the EV 200 to allow the driver to drive away safely and quickly without forcing the driver to leave the EV 200 to manually unplug the charging plug 400.

[0072] In such examples, the control module 102 can send a control signal to the drive control module 106 to initiate propulsion of the EV 200's drivetrain. The control process 600 can then proceed as described in Fig. 6 shown ending.

[0073] At 614, the control module 102 determines whether an override input signal is received. The override input signal can be received, for example, by a driver, a passenger, etc., who selects a user input in the passenger compartment of the EV 200. This selectable input might be displayed, for example, after a failed attempt to eject the charging plug 400, after a failed attempt to release the locking element 410, etc. If no override input signal is received at 614, the control process 600 returns to 602, as shown in Fig. 6 shown. However, if an override input signal is received, the control process 600 continues with 612, where the drive system of the EV 200 is activated.

[0074] In Fig. 7. Control process 700 balances control process 600. Fig. 6, but with additional steps. For example, and as in Fig. As shown in figure 7, the control process 700 begins at 602. Fig. 6, where the control module 102 determines whether an input signal is received to release the charging plug 400 from the charging port 230. If not, the control returns to 602. Otherwise, if an input signal is received, the control continues to 704.

[0075] At stage 704, the control module 102 determines whether the enabling device 116 (e.g., a solenoid, etc.) is in a fault condition. For example, the enabling device 116 may have a hardware fault (e.g., a faulty power and / or control connection, etc.) or some other type of fault that prevents the enabling device 116 from functioning correctly. If the control module 102 determines that the enabling device 116 is in a fault condition (e.g., the enabling device 116 is not ready), the controller returns to stage 602. However, if the control module 102 determines that the enabling device 116 is not in a fault condition (e.g., the enabling device 116 is ready), the controller proceeds to stage 706.

[0076] At 706, the control module 102 sets the charging current supplied to charging port 230 to zero. As explained above, the control module 102 can, for example, send a control signal to a charger control module in charging plug 400 (or in a charging station with charging plug 40) to set the charging current to zero. The control then proceeds to 708.

[0077] At 708, the control module 102 determines whether the charging current is below a threshold value. For example, the control module 102 can receive a signal from a current sensor (e.g., the current sensor 510). Fig. 5) receives a signal indicating the charging current and then compares the detected charging current to a threshold value (e.g., zero, essentially zero, etc.). If the charging current is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the controller returns to stage 706, where control module 102 resets the charging current to zero. If the charging current is below the threshold value, the controller proceeds to stage 710.

[0078] At 710, the control module 102 controls a switching device that is coupled between an input of the charging port 230 and a battery module in the EV 200 to open it. As explained above, the control module 102 can, for example, send a control signal to selectively open the switching device, thereby reducing the voltage supplied to the battery module to zero. The control then proceeds at 712.

[0079] At step 712, the control module 102 determines whether at least one ejector is present to eject the charging plug 400 from the charging port 230. In various embodiments, this determination can be made using stored vehicle data, a sensor input, etc. If the control module 102 determines that no ejector is present, the control continues with step 612, as described above. Fig. 6 explained. Otherwise, if the control module 102 determines that at least one ejector is present, the control continues with 604, as above in relation to Fig. 6 explained. The control then continues with 602, 606, 608, 610, 612 and / or 614, as above in relation to Fig. 6 explained.

[0080] The 800 control process is via Fig. shown across 8-1 and 8-2, which are collectively referred to here as Fig. 8 will be designated. In Fig. 8. The control process 800 balances the control process 600, 700. Fig. 6-7, but with additional steps. For example, and as in Fig. As shown in figure 8, the control process begins at 800 at 602. Fig. 6, where the control module 102 determines whether an input signal is received to release the charging plug 400 from the charging port 230. If not, the control returns to 602. However, if an input signal is received, the control continues to 804.

[0081] At 804, the control module 102 initiates an emergency protocol. As explained above, the control module 102 can, for example, initiate communication with an emergency service provider, activate one or more output devices (e.g., a horn, lights, speakers, etc.) to generate an audible and / or visual alarm, activate one or more recording devices (e.g., one or more cameras, microphones, etc.) in or on the body of the EV 200 to make video and / or audio recordings near the EV 200, record and transmit location data (e.g., GPS coordinates, routes, etc.) of the charging location and / or a vehicle route taken to leave the charging location, etc. The control then proceeds to 806, 808, 810.

[0082] At 806, the control module 102 determines whether a vehicle window of the EV 200 is open. This determination can be based, for example, on a sensor input. If no windows are open, the control unit proceeds to 704, as described above. Fig. 7 explained. Otherwise, if a window is open, the control process continues to 812, where the control module 102 controls the closing of the vehicle window. The control process then continues to 704. In various embodiments, the control process 800 can automatically specify the closing of all vehicle windows, regardless of the state of the individual windows.

[0083] At process 808, control module 102 determines whether the EV 200's vehicle doors are locked. This determination can be based, for example, on a sensor input. If the answer at 808 is "Yes," the control process continues with process 704. Otherwise, if a window is open, the control process continues with process 814, where control module 102 locks the vehicle doors. The control process then continues with process 704. In other examples, control process 800 can automatically lock all vehicle doors if desired.

[0084] At step 810, the control module 102 determines whether a vehicle door or the trunk of the EV 200 is open, for example, based on a sensor input. If the answer at step 810 is "No," the control process continues with step 704. Otherwise, if a vehicle door or trunk is open, the control process continues with step 816, where the control module 102 closes the open vehicle door or trunk. The control process then continues with step 704. In other embodiments, the control process 800 can, if desired, automatically initiate the closing of all vehicle doors and the trunk (if present).

[0085] At 704, the control module 102 determines whether the release device 116 (e.g., a solenoid, etc.) has a fault condition, as described above in relation to Fig. 7 explained. The control then continues with 706, 708, 710, 712, 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612 and / or 614, as above in relation to Fig. Explained in sections 6-7.

[0086] The foregoing description serves only for illustration and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or use. The comprehensive teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a multitude of forms. Although this disclosure contains particular examples, the actual scope of the disclosure is not to be considered limited in this way, since other variations will become apparent upon studying the drawings, the description, and the claims that follow. It is understood that one or more steps within a process may be carried out in a different order (or simultaneously) without departing from the basic idea of ​​the present disclosure.Even though each of the embodiments described above has certain features, one or more of these features, described in relation to any embodiment of the disclosure, can be implemented in any other embodiment and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if this combination is not expressly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and combinations of one or more embodiments remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0087] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "interlocking," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on," "above," "below," and "arranged." If a relationship between a first and a second element is not explicitly described as "direct" in the above disclosure, this relationship may be a direct relationship in which no other intervening elements exist between the first and the second element, or it may be an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements (either spatial or functional) exist between the first and the second element.As used herein, the phrase “A, B and / or C” should be interpreted using a non-exclusive logical OR operation as logical (A OR-connected with B OR-connected with C) and not as “at least one of A, at least one of B and at least one of C”.

[0088] In the diagrams, the direction of an arrow, as indicated by its tip, generally shows the flow of information (such as data or instructions) that is relevant to the illustration. For example, if Element A and Element B exchange a variety of information, but the information transmitted from Element A to Element B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow may point from Element A to Element B. This unidirectional arrow does not mean that no other information is transmitted from Element B to Element A. Furthermore, when transmitting information from Element A to Element B, Element B may send requests or acknowledgments of receipt for the information to Element A.

[0089] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" or "control device" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); a (shared, dedicated, or grouped) processor circuit that executes code; a (shared, dedicated, or grouped) memory circuit that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functions; or a combination of some or all of the above components, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0090] The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces connected to a local area network (LAN), the internet, a wide area network (WAN), or combinations thereof. The functions of any module of this disclosure may be distributed across multiple modules connected via interface circuits. Multiple modules may, for example, enable load balancing. In another example, a server module (also known as a remote or cloud module) may perform some functions on behalf of a client module.

[0091] The term "code," as used above, can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or objects. The term "common processor circuit" includes a single processor circuit that executes some or all of the code of multiple modules. The term "group processor circuit" includes a processor circuit that, in combination with other processor circuits, executes some or all of the code of one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuits include multiple processor circuits on individual chips, multiple processor circuits on a single chip, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple strands of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the foregoing.The term "shared memory circuit" refers to a single memory circuit that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuit" refers to a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules.

[0092] The term "memory circuit" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium" as used here does not include transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals that propagate through a medium (such as a carrier wave); the term "computer-readable medium" can therefore be considered tangible and non-transient. Non-restrictive examples of a non-transient, tangible, computer-readable medium include non-volatile memory circuits (such as a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory circuit, or a mask read-only memory circuit), volatile memory circuits (such as a static random-access memory circuit or a dynamic random-access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).

[0093] The devices and methods described in this application can be implemented in part or in whole by a specialized computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in computer programs. The functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications that can be translated into computer programs through the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

[0094] Computer programs comprise processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transient, tangible, machine-readable medium. Computer programs may also include or rely on stored data. They may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of the specialized computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of the specialized computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, and so on.

[0095] Computer programs can include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter; (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time compiler, etc. For example, source code can be written using the syntax of languages ​​such as C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, Javascript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th Revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK and Python® are included.

Claims

[1] Vehicle system for automatically releasing a charging plug with a locking element from an electric vehicle, the vehicle system comprising: a charging port configured to be attached to the charging plug via the locking element, the charging port comprising at least one ejector, an actuator coupled to the at least one ejector, and a release device; and a control module configured to: Receiving an input signal to release the charging plug from the charging port while the charging plug is supplying power to the electric vehicle; In response to receiving the input signal, the release device is controlled to release the locking element of the charging plug from the charging port; Controlling the actuator to cause at least one ejector to extend from the charging port in order to eject the charging plug; and In response to the ejection of the charging plug, a drive system of the electric vehicle is activated. [2] Vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to send a control signal to a control module of the charger in the charging plug in response to receiving the input signal, in order to set a charging current to zero. [3] Vehicle system according to claim 2, wherein: the vehicle system includes a switching device that is coupled between an input of the charging port and a battery module in the electric vehicle to supply power to the battery module via the charging plug when the charging plug is attached to the charging port; and The control module is configured to detect the charging current and control the switching device to open when the charging current falls below a threshold in order to remove a charging voltage. [4] Vehicle system according to claim 2, wherein the control module is configured to: In response to receiving the input signal, determine whether the locking element of the charging plug is released from the charging port; and In response to the locking element not being released, the electric vehicle's drive system is activated. [5] Vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to: Determine whether a vehicle door is open; and In response to the determination that the vehicle door is open, automatic closing control of the vehicle door. [6] Vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to: Determine whether a vehicle window is open; and In response to the determination that the vehicle window is open, automatic closing control of the vehicle window. [7] Vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to: Determine whether a vehicle door is locked; and In response to the determination that the vehicle door is unlocked, automatic locking control of the vehicle door. [8] Vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein: the release device includes a solenoid; and the ejector includes one or more movable pins. [9] Vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the input signal is a user-generated signal or a signal generated without user interaction. [10] Control method for automatically releasing a charging plug with a locking element from a charging port of an electric vehicle, wherein the charging port comprises at least one ejector, an actuator coupled to the at least one ejector and a release device, wherein the control method comprises: Receiving an input signal to release the charging plug from the electric vehicle's charging port while the charging plug is supplying power to the electric vehicle; In response to receiving the input signal, the charging port release device is controlled to release the locking element of the charging plug from the charging port; Controlling the charging port actuator to cause the at least one charging port ejector to extend from the charging port in order to eject the charging plug; and In response to the ejection of the charging plug, a drive system of the electric vehicle is activated.

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