Procedure for the emergency supply of a vehicle, emergency supply device and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing emergency power to a vehicle, an emergency power supply device, and a vehicle 10. The method comprises providing a low-voltage system 16 in the vehicle 10 and providing a charging socket 17 on the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the method includes unlocking the charging socket 17 when a predetermined energy level is reached in the vehicle 10 and connecting a protective conductor 19 of the charging socket 17 to the low-voltage system 16. Additionally, the method includes supplying the protective conductor 19 with electrical energy and opening the vehicle 10 with the low-voltage system 16.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automotive engineering. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for providing emergency power to a vehicle, an emergency power supply device, and a vehicle.

[0002] If a vehicle is left standing for an extended period, for example, parked for several months, the power supply for the vehicle's electronics may no longer be guaranteed. A low-voltage power source, especially a low-voltage battery, provides a low-voltage power supply (e.g., 12 V or 48 V) both while the vehicle is driving and when it is at rest.

[0003] In the case of a dead low-voltage battery, access to the locked vehicle is no longer possible, as vehicle access typically requires electrical energy or a supply voltage. Vehicles lacking mechanical access points, such as locks, cannot be opened when the battery is dead, i.e., when there is no supply voltage.

[0004] The example presented here considers vehicles without mechanical locks, meaning access with a mechanical key is not possible. In this case, the vehicle generally cannot be opened without damage. One solution is an emergency release, allowing the vehicle to be unlocked and accessed again without damage.

[0005] The publication DE 10 2020 204 713 A1 discloses a charging socket with a locking device for an electric vehicle for receiving a charging plug of a charging device.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2018 115 032 A1 discloses an emergency release device for the emergency release of a flap pivotally mounted on the body of a motor vehicle, in particular a fuel filler flap, charging flap, or a combined fuel filler and charging flap. A voltage monitoring device is used to continuously monitor the vehicle's electrical system voltage, or monitor it at specific predefined time intervals, when the vehicle is locked. If a minimum voltage threshold is undershot, a control device generates a control signal for an actuator, which in turn unlocks the flap connected to the actuator, allowing it to be opened.

[0007] This describes a mechanism that automatically opens a fuel filler flap, charging flap or a combined fuel filler and charging flap at a predetermined on-board voltage limit.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a solution to enable non-destructive vehicle access when a critical on-board voltage limit is undershot or when low-voltage batteries are completely empty.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a solution in order to provide an emergency power supply interface in the absence of a low-voltage power supply in the vehicle, in order to enable damage-free access to the vehicle.

[0010] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1 relating to a method. Furthermore, the problem is solved by an emergency power supply device according to the features of claim 5. Finally, a vehicle according to the features of claim 6 is provided to solve the problem.

[0011] The inventive method for providing emergency power to a vehicle comprises a low-voltage system within the vehicle and a charging socket on the vehicle. Furthermore, the method provides for unlocking the charging socket when a predetermined energy level is reached in the vehicle and connecting a protective conductor of the charging socket to the low-voltage system by controlling a switch such that the protective conductor of the charging socket is connected to the low-voltage system. Additionally, the method provides for supplying the protective conductor with electrical energy by connecting it to an external voltage source via an adapter and for unlocking the vehicle with the low-voltage system.

[0012] It is therefore possible to use an access point via an open charging flap as an emergency power supply interface to power the low / medium-voltage vehicle electrical system, in particular the components / control units for vehicle access, thus enabling non-destructive vehicle access. A protective conductor (PE conductor) from the vehicle's charging socket is used for this power supply. This external power supply provides a supply voltage for damage-free vehicle access in the event of a power outage or lack of voltage.

[0013] The emergency power interface can be used as an emergency release device. Other uses for the emergency power interface are possible, such as its use as a diagnostic interface.

[0014] The terms "charging flap" and "charging socket" refer to their respective functions, not to the vehicle's drive system. A charging flap is understood to be a cover that conceals a charging socket or other interface on the vehicle. The charging flap does not need to be mechanically hinged. It could, for example, be a sliding cover or a plug-in cover.

[0015] The external power source can be an external vehicle battery. This has the advantage that the necessary voltage level is already available without the need for any adjustment.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include connecting the external voltage source to an internal terminal of the vehicle.

[0017] In this way, a closed circuit can be created. The closed circuit runs from the external charger to the internal terminal and back to the charger via the protective conductor of the charging socket.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle can be opened via the vehicle's low-voltage system using a radio connection.

[0019] The radio connection can be provided, for example, to a key fob or a smartphone, which can then control the vehicle to open it.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to unlock the charging plug in the charging socket of the vehicle if the charging plug is locked.

[0021] Unlocking the charging plug allows access to the vehicle's charging socket in order to use the protective conductor of the charging socket's connection geometry.

[0022] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by an emergency power supply device for a vehicle. The emergency power supply device comprises a low-voltage system, wherein the low-voltage system includes a controllable switch that connects a protective conductor of a charging socket of the vehicle to the low-voltage system of the vehicle.

[0023] The switch provided for the emergency power supply device is preferably an electrical switch that connects or disconnects one or more electrical circuits. Advantageously, the switch can be actuated via software control. This software control is provided, for example, by a control unit in the vehicle. The control can use a trigger signal to actuate the switch.

[0024] The emergency power supply device makes it possible to feed energy into the vehicle's low-voltage system via the protective conductor. This power supply restores the low-voltage system to operational status, allowing the door locks to be released.

[0025] According to the invention, the switch is a changeover switch which, in a first operating state, connects a high-voltage system of the vehicle to the charging socket and, in a second operating state, connects the low-voltage system to the charging socket, wherein, in the second operating state, the emergency power supply device is configured to supply electrical energy to the low-voltage system of the vehicle via the protective conductor.

[0026] The first operating state represents normal vehicle operation, meaning the charging socket is electrically connected to the vehicle's high-voltage system. In the second operating state, a predetermined energy level has been undershot, and the charging port was previously opened using energy from the high-voltage system. In this second operating state, the vehicle's opening mechanism no longer responds, so energy is supplied externally to the vehicle's low-voltage system. This is done via the protective conductor of the charging socket. This protective conductor requires a predetermined current-carrying capacity, which is ensured because, in the event of a fault, the protective conductor is also designed to carry current. This means that a direct connection to the 12-volt or 48-volt electrical system is established via the protective conductor. With this energy supply from an external voltage source, the vehicle wakes up again.It enters its wake-up mode, in which all functions of the low-voltage electrical system are available again, in particular the power supply to systems for opening the vehicle. For example, energy is required to establish a radio connection to a key fob or similar device and, after the key fob is activated, to unlock one or more of the vehicle's doors.

[0027] According to the invention, the switch is connected to the high-voltage system via an electrical connection for controlling the switch.

[0028] The switch of the emergency power supply device is preferably an electrically controlled switch that can alternately connect two circuits. The switch can therefore be designed as a changeover switch. The switch is preferably controllable, for example, via an electrical connection. For example, the changeover switch is controlled by vehicle software. The switch can be controlled, for example, by a trigger signal, which is generated, for instance, when a predetermined energy level or voltage level in the vehicle is undershot. This trigger signal then switches the switch from a first position to a second position. The switching process, or the initiation of the switching, can also be automated by the high-voltage system sending a signal to control the changeover switch. The changeover switch can switch two or more electrical circuits, i.e.,The switch has at least two positions: one to connect the protective earth conductor of the charging socket to the high-voltage system and the other to connect the protective earth conductor of the charging socket to the low-voltage system. Additional connections or a neutral position (i.e., no connection to a circuit) are further possibilities for using the switch in the vehicle.

[0029] For use cases or application situations that may arise with the method and its embodiments described herein and that are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the method, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0030] The invention also includes one or more control devices for the motor vehicle. The control device may comprise a data processing device or a processor unit (processor circuit) configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in particular the control of the switch (see Figure 1). Fig. 1 reference 14) to effect.

[0031] The processor device can comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor device can comprise program code configured to execute the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor device can, for example, be based on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0032] The invention and its embodiments also include further developments of the emergency supply device according to the invention, which have features as have already been described in connection with the further developments of the methods according to the invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is solved with a motor vehicle which has an emergency power supply device according to the invention.

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

[0035] Preferably, the motor vehicle according to the invention is an electric vehicle that has a high-voltage system and a low-voltage system.

[0036] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0037] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 An exemplary embodiment of an emergency power supply device for a vehicle.

[0038] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle 10 comprising a high-voltage battery 11 and a low-voltage battery 15. The high-voltage battery 11 is electrically connected via a connection 28 to a DC or AC charging system, configured as a high-voltage system 12. The low-voltage battery 15 is electrically connected to a low-voltage system 16 via a connection 29. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 has a charging socket 17 with a connection geometry. The connection geometry has several contacts, with contact 19 serving as a protective conductor contact 19. Fig. Figure 1 shows the protective conductor contact 19, which can be configured as a PE pin or as a PE plug connection of the charging socket. The charging socket 17 is connected via an electrical connection 27 to an electrical switch 14, which in this embodiment is configured as a changeover switch. The switch 14 can open or close an electrical connection 26 between the switch 14 and the low-voltage system 16. Furthermore, the switch 14 can open or close an electrical connection 25 between the high-voltage system 12 and the switch 14. Additionally, the high-voltage system 12 is connected to the switch 14 via an electrical control line 23.

[0040] Furthermore, the high-voltage system 12 is electrically connected to a charging flap 18 via a line 24 and a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism prevents unauthorized access to the charging socket 17. Opening the charging flap 18 exposes the connection geometry of the charging socket 17. The connection geometry is typically standardized, although different standards exist. Regardless of the standard used, the charging socket's connection geometry includes a protective conductor 19. This protective conductor 19 contributes to protection in the event of a fault in the circuit and conducts away current in such a case.

[0041] An external charger 20 can be electrically connected to the protective conductor 19, preferably via an adapter 21. Furthermore, the external charger 20 can be electrically connected via an electrical connection 30 to an internal terminal 22 of the vehicle 10, in particular to the so-called “terminal 31” or the so-called “terminal 41”. This internal terminal 22 is part of the low-voltage system 16 in the vehicle 10.

[0042] If a critical on-board voltage threshold is undershot or the batteries are completely depleted, the fuel filler flap, charging flap, or combined fuel and charging flap, or more generally a cover in or on the vehicle, opens according to known mechanisms. In the present case of an electric or hybrid vehicle, this is the charging flap or a combined fuel and charging flap 18. The electrical connection 24, which controls a locking mechanism of the charging flap 18, serves to open it. This occurs while electrical energy is still available from the high-voltage system 12.

[0043] This allows external access to the vehicle's electrical system. It is proposed to supply the protective conductor 19 of the charging socket 17, also called the charging port, with electrical voltage using an external voltage source 20, for example, an external charger.

[0044] If the external charger 20 does not have a suitable connection geometry for the charging socket 17, an adapter 21 can be used between the charging socket 17 and the external power source 20. The adapter 21 can be designed such that it supplies only the protective conductor 19 with electrical energy, while all other connections of the charging socket 17's connection geometry remain unused.

[0045] Furthermore, the internal terminal 22 of the vehicle 10's electrical system can be used to create a closed circuit. In this embodiment, the external charger 20 is connected to the protective conductor 19 and terminal 22. Terminal 22 can be accessible on the vehicle 10 without the need for adapter 21. Optionally, adapter 21 can also be used for both connections: connecting the protective conductor 19 and connecting the internal terminal 22 to the external charger 20.

[0046] Furthermore, it is provided that the supplied energy is routed via the protective conductor 19 to the low-voltage charging and supply system 16. This is achieved by the electrical switch 14 receiving a trigger signal via the electrical connection 23. The electrical switch 14 then establishes an electrical connection from the protective conductor 19 to the low-voltage charging and supply system 16. In this way, the low-voltage on-board system can be supplied with electrical energy, and the vehicle 10 can be opened non-destructively using the usual access system, e.g., an electronic key fob or a smartphone app. Access to the vehicle's interior is thus provided without the need for any additional tools.

[0047] The electrical connections 23-30 shown in Fig.1 are preferably wired, particularly for supplying power to the components in the vehicle. However, electrical connections can also be wireless, such as control connections, for example, electrical connections 23 and / or 24 for controlling the switch 14 or the locking mechanism of the charging flap 18.

[0048] Overall, the explanations show how a supply voltage can be provided for damage-free vehicle access in the absence of a power supply. Reference symbol list 10 vehicles 11 High-voltage battery or HV battery 12 AC or DC charging system 13 Unlocking system 14 switches, especially changeover switches 15 Low-voltage battery or LV battery 16 Low-voltage system, or LV charging and supply system 17 Vehicle charging socket with a connection geometry 18 Cover, for example charging flap 19 Protective conductor or PE pin or PE connector of the charging socket 20 external voltage source 21 adapters 22 Connection terminal 31 / terminal 41 23-32 electrical connections

Claims

[1] comprising a method for providing emergency power to a vehicle (10): Providing a low-voltage system (16) in the vehicle (10); Providing a charging socket (17) on the vehicle (10); Unlocking the charging socket (17) when a predetermined energy level is reached in the vehicle (10); Control of a switch (14) such that a protective conductor (19) of the charging socket (17) is connected to the low-voltage system (16); Supplying the protective conductor (19) with electrical energy by connecting the protective conductor (19) to an external voltage source (20) via an adapter (21); and Opening the vehicle (10) with the low-voltage system (16). [2] Method according to claim 1, further comprising connecting the external voltage source (20) to an internal terminal (22) of the vehicle (10). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising opening the vehicle (10) via the low-voltage system (16) of the vehicle (10) via a radio connection. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising, in the case of a locked charging plug in the charging socket (17) on the vehicle (10), unlocking the charging plug. [5] Emergency power supply device of a vehicle (10) with a low-voltage system (16), characterized by, that the emergency power supply device has a controllable switch (14) which connects a protective conductor (19) of a charging socket (17) of the vehicle (10) to the low-voltage system (16) of the vehicle (10), wherein the switch (14) is a changeover switch which in a first operating state connects a high-voltage system (12) of the vehicle to the charging socket (17) and in a second operating state connects the low-voltage system (16) to the charging socket (17), wherein the switch (14) is connected to the high-voltage system (12) via an electrical connection (23) for controlling the switch (14), and wherein in the second operating state the emergency power supply device is configured to supply electrical energy to the low-voltage system (16) of the vehicle (10) via the protective conductor (19). [6] Motor vehicle comprising an emergency power supply device according to claim 5.

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