Method for charging a motor vehicle battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for charging a motor vehicle battery during an AVP process carried out within a parking space, wherein the motor vehicle has an electrically controllable locking device for closing a charging opening of the motor vehicle which receives an electrical connection, in particular a charging socket, comprising the following steps: Upon arrival of the motor vehicle at a charging station in the parking area, the infrastructure-side initiation of an opening of the charging port by the locking device in order to release the charging port. After the charging port has been opened, the infrastructure controls a charging robot in such a way that it electrically connects the vehicle's electrical connection to the charging station in order to charge the battery. The invention relates to a further method for charging a motor vehicle battery, a system for a parking space, a device for a motor vehicle, a system for a motor vehicle, a computer program and a machine-readable storage medium.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for charging a battery of a motor vehicle, a system for a parking space, a device for a motor vehicle, a system for a motor vehicle, a computer program and a machine-readable storage medium. State of the art

[0002] The patent application EP 0 985 573 A2 discloses an electronic device for opening or closing a charging port cover of an electric vehicle.

[0003] Disclosure CN 111 319 458 A discloses a vehicle comprising a fuel tank cap which can be opened or closed automatically.

[0004] The patent application JP 2020 127329 A discloses a control device for automatically opening / closing a charging port cover of a vehicle. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The object underlying the invention is to provide a concept for the efficient charging of a motor vehicle battery.

[0006] This problem is solved by means of the respective subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a method for charging a motor vehicle battery during an AVP process carried out within a parking space is provided, wherein the motor vehicle has an electrically controllable locking device for closing a charging opening of the motor vehicle which accommodates an electrical connection, in particular a charging socket, comprising the following steps: Upon arrival of the motor vehicle at a charging station in the parking area, the infrastructure-side initiation of an opening of the charging port by the locking device in order to release the charging port. After the charging port has been opened, the infrastructure controls a charging robot in such a way that it electrically connects the vehicle's electrical connection to the charging station in order to charge the battery.

[0008] According to a second aspect, a method for charging a motor vehicle battery during an AVP process carried out within a parking space is provided, wherein the motor vehicle has an electrically controllable locking device for closing a charging opening of the motor vehicle which accommodates an electrical connection, in particular a charging socket, comprising the following steps: Upon arrival of the motor vehicle at a charging station in the parking area, in response to an infrastructure-side initiation of opening the charging port by the locking device, the motor vehicle electrically controls the locking device in such a way that the charging port is released, so that after the charging port is released, a charging robot can be controlled by the infrastructure in such a way that it electrically connects the motor vehicle's electrical connection to the charging station in order to charge the battery.

[0009] According to a third aspect, a parking system is provided which is set up to carry out all steps of the procedure according to the first aspect.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect, a device for a motor vehicle is provided which is set up to carry out all steps of the procedure according to the second aspect.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect, a system is provided for a motor vehicle, comprising the device according to the fourth aspect and an electrically controlled locking device for closing a charging opening of the motor vehicle which accommodates an electrical connection, in particular a charging socket.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a procedure according to the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect, a machine-readable storage medium is provided on which the computer program is stored according to the sixth aspect.

[0014] The invention is based on the understanding and includes the fact that the above problem is solved by having the vehicle approach the charging station during the AVP process and, upon arrival, electrically control the locking device in such a way that it releases the charging port. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that the charging robot can easily connect the charging station to the vehicle's electrical connection, as the latter is now freely accessible.

[0015] This allows the vehicle's battery to be charged efficiently.

[0016] Standard vehicle charging ports typically feature two mechanisms: an outer flap and a cover for the electrical connection. The outer flap is not always electrically operated; in some cases, it can even be opened manually using a push-to-open mechanism.

[0017] The inner cover is protected, for example, by a plug that must be removed or pulled down, or by a rotating disc that must be turned, or can also be opened by a flap.

[0018] In other words, conventional charging robots can operate such mechanisms with difficulty, if at all, making fully automated charging of a vehicle battery within an AVP process using a charging robot difficult or impossible. This means that it is generally not possible to fully automatically charge a vehicle battery within an AVP process, i.e., without human interaction.

[0019] The concept described here, however, makes it possible for the charging robot to establish the electrical connection between the connector and the charging station without having to operate different mechanisms to close the charging opening, as these have already been opened.

[0020] This results in the particular technical advantage of providing a concept for the efficient charging of a motor vehicle battery.

[0021] The abbreviation "AVP" stands for "Automated Valet Parking" and can be translated into German as "automatischer Parkservice" (automated parking service). An AVP process includes, for example, at least highly automated driving of the vehicle from a drop-off zone (also called a drop-off point) to a parking position, and at least highly automated driving of the vehicle from a parking position to a pick-up point (also called a pick-up zone). At the drop-off point, the driver hands over the vehicle for an AVP process. At a pick-up point, the vehicle is retrieved after the AVP process is complete. An AVP process therefore typically starts at the drop-off zone and typically ends at the pick-up zone. The pick-up zone can be the same as, or different from, the drop-off zone.

[0022] An AVP vehicle is therefore a motor vehicle that can participate in an AVP process. Whenever the term "motor vehicle" is used above or below, it should always be understood to mean an AVP vehicle, even if the term "AVP" is not explicitly used.

[0023] The AVP process is carried out on the infrastructure side using an AVP system and on the motor vehicle side using an AVP system.

[0024] An AVP process can be one of the following AVP types: AVP Type 1, AVP Type 2, and AVP Type 3. However, the AVP types can also change within a single AVP process. This means, for example, that part of an AVP process is carried out according to AVP Type 1, and another part is carried out according to AVP Type 2 or AVP Type 3. This also means, for example, that an AVP process can be divided into sub-AVP processes, each carried out according to one of AVP Types 1, 2, or 3.

[0025] AVP Type 1 designates a vehicle-centric AVP process. The primary responsibility for the AVP process lies with the vehicle, i.e., the vehicle-side AVP system.

[0026] AVP type 2 characterizes an infrastructure-centric AVP process. The main responsibility for the AVP process lies with the infrastructure, i.e., the infrastructure-side AVP system.

[0027] AVP Type 3 denotes a vehicle-infrastructure-shared AVP process. Here, primary responsibility for the AVP process is shared between the vehicle (i.e., the vehicle-side AVP system) and the AVP system.

[0028] An AVP process includes the following operations or functions: 1. Determine a target position for the motor vehicle that lies within the parking space. 2. Planning a route from a starting position, which is encompassed by the parking area, to the destination position. 3. Detecting an object and / or an event, and reacting accordingly to a detected object and / or a detected event. 4. Locating the vehicle within the parking space. 5. Calculate a target trajectory for the motor vehicle based on the planned route. 6. Controlling the lateral and longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the calculated target trajectory.

[0029] The following table indicates which of these processes or functions are performed by the vehicle (i.e., the vehicle-side AVP system) or the infrastructure-side AVP system, depending on the AVP type, where "I" stands for "infrastructure" (i.e., the infrastructure-side AVP system) and "K" for "vehicle", so that "I" indicates that the process is performed by the AVP system and "K" indicates that the process is performed by the vehicle: functions AVP Type 1 AVP Type 2 AVP Type 3 Determining a target position for the motor vehicle that lies within the parking space. I & K I I Planning a route from a starting position, which is encompassed by the parking area, to the destination position. K I I Detecting an object and / or an event, as well as responding appropriately to a detected object and / or a detected event. K (& optional l) I I & K Locating the vehicle within the parking space. K I K Calculating a target trajectory for the motor vehicle based on the planned route. K I K Controlling the lateral and longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle based on the calculated target trajectory. K K K

[0030] The table above specifies for each function, for each AVP type, whether the function is performed by the infrastructure (i.e., by the infrastructure-side AVP system) or by the vehicle (i.e., by the vehicle-side AVP system). In some cases, it may be intended that the function is performed by both the infrastructure-side AVP system and the vehicle.

[0031] Regarding object and event detection for AVP type 1, it may optionally be provided that, in addition to the motor vehicle, the infrastructure-side AVP system of the infrastructure also performs this function.

[0032] The AVP types 1, 2 and 3 described here are further described in detail in ISO standard 23374-1:2021(E).

[0033] Analogous to an AVP process, this means in particular that at least highly automated driving is carried out in the same way as in an AVP process, with the proviso that the difference is that a starting position is, for example, a parking space or a current position of the vehicle, and a target position is, for example, a charging station, or vice versa.

[0034] The vehicle is at least a highly automated vehicle. Such a vehicle is equipped for at least highly automated driving.

[0035] Highly automated driving corresponds to automation level 3 according to the definition of the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt).

[0036] The requirement that the vehicle is equipped for at least highly automated driving encompasses the case of highly automated driving, fully automated driving, and autonomous driving. Fully automated driving corresponds to automation level 4 according to the BASt definition.

[0037] Highly automated driving means that for a certain period of time in a specific situation (for example: driving on a highway, driving in a parking area, overtaking an object, driving within a lane defined by lane markings), the longitudinal and lateral control of the vehicle is automated. The driver does not need to manually control the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral steering. The driver does not need to constantly monitor the automated control of longitudinal and lateral steering in order to intervene manually if necessary. If required, a takeover request is automatically issued to the driver to assume control of longitudinal and lateral steering, with a sufficient time buffer. Therefore, the driver must be potentially capable of taking over control of longitudinal and lateral steering.The limits of automatic control of lateral and longitudinal guidance are automatically detected. With highly automated guidance, it is not possible to automatically create a risk-minimizing state in every initial situation.

[0038] The wording “to take over the control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance” can also be replaced by the wording “to take over the longitudinal and lateral guidance”.

[0039] Fully automated driving means that in a specific situation (for example: driving on a highway, driving in a parking area, overtaking an object, driving within a lane defined by lane markings), the longitudinal and lateral control of the vehicle is automated. The driver does not need to manually control the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral movements. The driver does not need to monitor the automated control of longitudinal and lateral movements in order to intervene manually if necessary. Before the automated control of longitudinal and lateral movements ends, the driver is automatically prompted to take over the driving task (controlling the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral movements), with sufficient time to do so. If the driver does not take over the driving task, the system automatically returns to a low-risk state.The limits of automatic control of lateral and longitudinal guidance are automatically detected. In all situations, it is possible to automatically return to a system state with minimal risk.

[0040] Autonomous driving means that in all situations, not just in one or more specific situations, the longitudinal and lateral guidance of the vehicle are automatically controlled. The driver is no longer needed as a backup. The vehicle can therefore drive without a driver. Autonomous driving corresponds to automation level 5 according to SAE (J3016), where SAE stands for "Society of Automotive Engineers".

[0041] In other words, the vehicle operates in a highly automated manner within the framework of an AVP process. A vehicle as described above could be, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Since an electric vehicle and a hybrid vehicle are both considered vehicles, the preceding and / or following statements relating to a vehicle also apply to electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and vice versa.

[0042] In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, it is provided that after the charging process is complete, the charging robot is controlled on the infrastructure side in such a way that it disconnects the electrical connection between the electrical connection of the motor vehicle and the charging station, wherein after disconnecting the electrical connection, a closing of the charging opening is initiated on the infrastructure side by the closing device in order to close the charging opening by the closing device.

[0043] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that the charging port can be efficiently closed after charging is complete.

[0044] In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, it is provided that the initiation includes sending a control command to the motor vehicle, instructing the locking device to open or close the loading opening accordingly.

[0045] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that the loading opening can be opened or closed with greater efficiency.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the infrastructure sends a control command to the vehicle, instructing the locking device to open or close the loading opening accordingly. In other words, the infrastructure directly commands the locking device to open or close the loading opening. "Directly commands" specifically means that the infrastructure sends a control command to a control unit of the vehicle, which then electrically controls the locking device so that it opens or closes the loading opening in accordance with the control command. In other words, the infrastructure instructs the vehicle that the locking device should open or close the loading opening.

[0047] In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, it is provided that initiating the opening includes sending a message to the motor vehicle that the charging process should start.

[0048] This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that the vehicle is efficiently informed that it should now open the charging port by means of an appropriate electrical control of the locking mechanism, causing it to open the charging port. In other words, according to this embodiment, the infrastructure informs the vehicle that the charging process should begin. The decision as to whether the charging port is ultimately opened or not remains with the vehicle.

[0049] In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, it is provided that initiating the closing process includes sending a message to the motor vehicle indicating that the charging process is complete.

[0050] This offers the technical advantage, for example, of efficiently informing the vehicle that the charging process is complete, thus eliminating the need for the charging robot to access the electrical connection. The charging port can then be closed again by electrically activating the locking mechanism. In other words, the infrastructure informs the vehicle that battery charging is finished and that the electrical connection between the charging port and the charging station has been disconnected. Based on this information, the vehicle can then independently close the charging port by electrically activating the locking mechanism.

[0051] In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, it is provided that the infrastructure informs the motor vehicle that it has authorization to initiate the process on the infrastructure side.

[0052] This offers the technical advantage, for example, of efficiently informing the vehicle that the infrastructure has authorization to initiate the opening or closing process. In other words, the vehicle knows that the infrastructure is permitted to initiate the opening or closing action. This is particularly important for security reasons, preventing unauthorized individuals from opening or closing the loading hatch. Thus, it can be efficiently ensured that only authorized personnel can open or close the loading hatch, or initiate its opening or closing.

[0053] Notification that authorization exists includes, for example, sending a certificate which proves, on an infrastructure level, that the corresponding authorization exists.

[0054] In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, it is provided that all doors of the motor vehicle remain locked during the AVP process, including during the charging process.

[0055] This provides, for example, the technical advantage of preventing unauthorized persons, such as a thief, from entering the vehicle.

[0056] In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, it is provided that the AVP process is controlled by an infrastructure-side AVP system, wherein the charging process is carried out by the infrastructure-side AVP system or wherein the charging process is carried out by a charging system implemented separately from the infrastructure-side AVP system.

[0057] This offers the technical advantage, for example, that the charging system and the infrastructure-based AVP system can be maintained independently. For instance, both systems can be operated by different entities, such as service providers.

[0058] In one embodiment of the method according to the second aspect, it is provided that after the charging process has ended and after the charging robot has disconnected the electrical connection between the electrical connection of the motor vehicle and the charging station, in response to an infrastructure-side initiation of a closing of the charging opening by the closing device, the motor vehicle-side closing device is electrically controlled in such a way that it closes the charging opening.

[0059] This offers the technical advantage, for example, of allowing the charging port to be efficiently closed. In particular, it ensures that the charging port is no longer freely accessible after charging is complete, which is especially important for safety reasons. This also prevents, for example, contamination of the charging port.

[0060] In one embodiment of the method according to the second aspect, it is provided that the initiation includes sending a control command to the motor vehicle, indicating that the locking device should open or close the loading opening accordingly, so that in response to receiving the control command, the locking device is electrically controlled on the motor vehicle side in accordance with the control command.

[0061] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that the loading port can be efficiently opened or closed.

[0062] In one embodiment of the method according to the second aspect, it is provided that initiating the opening includes sending a message to the motor vehicle indicating that the charging process should start, so that in response to a motor vehicle receiving the message, the locking device is electrically controlled on the motor vehicle side in such a way that it releases the charging opening.

[0063] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that the loading opening can be released efficiently.

[0064] In one embodiment of the method according to the second aspect, it is provided that initiating the closing includes sending a message to the motor vehicle indicating that the charging process is complete, so that in response to the motor vehicle receiving the message, the closing device is electrically controlled on the motor vehicle side in such a way that it closes the charging opening.

[0065] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that the loading opening can be closed efficiently.

[0066] In one embodiment of the method according to the second aspect, it is provided that the locking device is electrically controlled on the vehicle side only when the vehicle receives a message from the infrastructure side indicating that it is authorized to initiate on the infrastructure side, in order to open or close the loading opening.

[0067] This provides, for example, the technical advantage of efficiently preventing unauthorized persons from opening or closing the loading opening.

[0068] In one embodiment of the method according to the second aspect, it is provided that all doors of the motor vehicle remain locked during the AVP process, including during the charging process.

[0069] Statements made in connection with the procedure according to the first aspect apply analogously to the procedure according to the second aspect, and vice versa. This means that technical functionalities of the procedure according to the first aspect result analogously from corresponding technical functionalities of the procedure according to the second aspect, and vice versa. Features of the procedure according to the first aspect result directly from features of the procedure according to the second aspect, and vice versa.

[0070] The procedure according to the first aspect is carried out, for example, using the system according to the third aspect.

[0071] The procedure according to the second aspect is carried out, for example, by means of the device according to the third aspect or by means of the system according to the fourth aspect.

[0072] System characteristics are derived analogously from corresponding process characteristics, and vice versa. Device characteristics are derived analogously from corresponding process characteristics, and vice versa.

[0073] The procedure according to the first aspect is, for example, a computer-implemented procedure.

[0074] The method according to the second aspect is, for example, a computer-implemented method.

[0075] An electrical connection is, for example, a socket or a plug.

[0076] Establishing an electrical connection between the electrical connection and the charging station by the charging robot includes, for example, the charging robot inserting a plug into the electrical connection, in particular into the socket.

[0077] Disconnecting the electrical connection between the electrical connection and the charging station includes, for example, the charging robot removing a plug from the electrical connection, especially from the socket, by pulling it out.

[0078] A battery, as described above, is in particular a traction battery. A traction battery, which can also be referred to as a high-voltage storage device, traction battery, or cycle battery, is in particular an accumulator that is primarily intended to supply the electric motor of an electric vehicle with electrical energy.

[0079] Thus, for example, a motor vehicle is an electric motor vehicle comprising an electric motor, or for example, a motor vehicle is a hybrid motor vehicle comprising an electric motor.

[0080] The parking space as described is, for example, public parking or private parking. Parking space includes, for example, a garage and / or a parking garage.

[0081] In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect and / or the second aspect, it is provided that during the AVP process, including during the charging process, the hood and / or tailgate of the motor vehicle remain locked.

[0082] In one embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, it is provided that the closing device has an outer flap for closing the loading opening and an inner cover for closing the electrical connection, wherein the outer flap and the inner cover are each electrically controllable, so that the outer flap and the inner cover can be controlled accordingly for opening and / or closing.

[0083] In one embodiment of the method according to the second aspect, it is provided that the closing device has an outer flap for closing the loading opening and an inner cover for closing the electrical connection, wherein the outer flap and the inner cover are each electrically controllable, so that the outer flap and the inner cover are controlled accordingly on the motor vehicle side for opening and / or closing.

[0084] For example, such a locking device as described above provides the technical advantage of efficient protection of the electrical connection from its environment.

[0085] A locking device as described comprises, for example, a flap, in particular a single flap, for closing, in particular jointly, the loading opening and the electrical connection, wherein this flap is electrically controllable. This flap is, for example, electrically controlled by the motor vehicle.

[0086] A locking device as described includes, for example, an outer flap for closing the loading opening and an inner cover for closing the electrical connection, wherein the outer flap and the inner cover are each electrically controllable. The outer flap and the inner cover are each electrically controlled, for example, on the vehicle side.

[0087] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments. These include: Fig. 1. A flowchart of a procedure according to the first aspect, Fig. 2 a flowchart of a procedure according to the second aspect, Fig. 3 a system according to the third aspect, Fig. 4 a device according to the fourth aspect, Fig. 5 a system according to the fifth aspect, Fig. 6 a machine-readable storage medium according to the sixth aspect, and Fig. 7 a motor vehicle.

[0088] Fig.Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method for charging a motor vehicle battery during an AVP process carried out within a parking space, wherein the motor vehicle has an electrically controllable locking device for closing a charging opening of the motor vehicle which accommodates an electrical connection, in particular a charging socket, comprising the following steps: Upon arrival of the motor vehicle at a charging station in the parking area, the infrastructure-side initiation of opening the charging port by the locking device in order to release the charging port, After releasing the charging opening, infrastructure-side control 103 of a charging robot such that it electrically connects the electrical connection of the motor vehicle to the charging station in order to charge the battery.

[0089] Fig.Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method for charging a motor vehicle battery during an AVP process carried out within a parking space, wherein the motor vehicle has an electrically controllable locking device for closing a charging opening of the motor vehicle which accommodates an electrical connection, in particular a charging socket, comprising the following steps: Upon arrival of the motor vehicle at a charging station in the parking area, in response to an infrastructure-side initiation of opening the charging port by the locking device, the motor vehicle electrically controls the locking device 201 in such a way that the charging port is released, so that after the charging port is released, a charging robot can be controlled by the infrastructure in such a way that it electrically connects the motor vehicle's electrical connection to the charging station in order to charge the battery.

[0090] Fig. Figure 3 shows a System 301 for a parking space which is set up to execute all steps of the procedure according to the first aspect.

[0091] Fig. Figure 4 shows a device 401 for a motor vehicle, which is configured to perform all steps of the procedure according to the second aspect.

[0092] Fig. Figure 5 shows a system 501 for a motor vehicle, comprising the device 401 of the Fig. 4 and an electrically controlled locking device 503 for closing a charging opening of the motor vehicle which receives an electrical connection, in particular a charging socket.

[0093] Fig. Figure 6 shows a machine-readable storage medium 601 on which a computer program 603 is stored. The computer program 603 comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer program 603 to perform a procedure according to the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect.

[0094] The system according to the third aspect and / or the fifth aspect is, for example, programmed to execute the computer program.

[0095] The device according to the fourth aspect is, for example, programmed to execute the computer program.

[0096] For example, the device according to the third aspect and / or the system according to the fifth aspect includes a control device which is configured to electrically control the locking device.

[0097] Fig. Figure 7 shows a motor vehicle 701 located within a parking space 702.

[0098] The motor vehicle 701 includes a charging opening 703 which accommodates a charging socket 705. This means that a charging socket 705 is located inside the charging opening 703.

[0099] The motor vehicle 701 includes an electrically controlled locking device 707 for closing the charging socket 705. Specifically, the locking device 707 comprises an outer flap 709 and an inner cover 711. The outer cover 709 closes the charging opening 703. The inner cover 711 closes the charging socket 705.

[0100] Both the outer flap 709 and the inner cover 711 are electrically controllable, so that they can be opened and / or closed electrically.

[0101] A charging plug 713 can be inserted into the charging socket 705 by a charging robot 715 to electrically connect the charging socket 705 to a charging station 717 in the parking area 702. The charging socket 705 can be electrically connected to a battery 719 of the motor vehicle 701 (shown schematically), so that the battery 719 can be charged via the electrical connection.

[0102] Charging the vehicle's battery as part of an AVP process can also be referred to as AVP charging.

[0103] For example, it is planned that an AVP charging session has been booked for the vehicle. Such a booking includes, for example, how much and / or for how long the battery should be charged, and in particular, by when the vehicle should be fully charged. Booking an AVP charging session can be done, for example, as part of booking an AVP process or separately.

[0104] At the time of booking, or for example later, the infrastructure receives all necessary data from the vehicle, including in particular the necessary authorizations, such as certificates.

[0105] For example, if the vehicle is not already parked at the charging station, it will be driven to the charging station as part of the AVP process, for example by an infrastructure-based AVP system.

[0106] The AVP loading process can be performed by an AVP loading system implemented separately from an AVP system, or it can be performed, for example, by the AVP system itself.

[0107] As part of the AVP process, the vehicle is driven into a charging bay containing a charging station, for example, in a highly automated manner, either forwards or backwards, so that the final position is optimal for the charging robot to establish the electrical connection. This at least highly automated driving into the optimal position is carried out primarily based on data from the vehicle. Such data includes, for example, the vehicle's dimensions and the position of the charging port.

[0108] For example, framework conditions are taken into account. Such framework conditions include, for example, that the vehicle may not extend beyond the loading bay, for example onto a roadway or a driving lane of the parking area.

[0109] While driving into position, for example all doors of the vehicle and the tailgate and / or the hood are locked.

[0110] For example, the charging infrastructure's charging system checks whether all systems required for the charging process are ready, both in the vehicle and / or on the infrastructure side. This step can also be carried out earlier.

[0111] For example, the AVP charging system initiates the start of the charging process on the vehicle side. The charging system initiates, for example, opening the charging port using the locking mechanism. This can be done, for example, via corresponding vehicle functions. In other words, the infrastructure can signal to the vehicle that the charging process should now begin. A corresponding vehicle function then electrically controls the locking mechanism to release the charging port. For example, the infrastructure can send a control command to the vehicle to open the charging port.

[0112] For example, the infrastructure-based charging system initiates or controls the charging robot in such a way that it establishes an electrical connection between the connection point and the charging station. Such an electrical connection includes, for example, an electrical cable. In other words, the charging robot can electrically connect the electrical connection point to the charging station via a cable.

[0113] For example, the infrastructure is checked, such as the charging system, to ensure everything is functioning correctly for the actual charging process. "Everything" refers specifically to the electrical connection between the charging point and the charging current.

[0114] Once the electrical connection is established, and especially if everything is OK, the charging process is carried out and, in particular, monitored. In other words, the vehicle's electric battery is charged.

[0115] After the charging process, i.e., after the charging process is complete, the robot is controlled by the infrastructure in such a way that it removes the cable from the charging socket, or generally the connection, for example by pulling out a plug.

[0116] For example, the closing of the charging port is initiated. This is analogous to the opening of the charging port.

[0117] For example, it is planned that after the charging opening is closed, the vehicle will be driven away from the charging station in a highly automated manner as part of the AVP process, for example to a parking position in the parking area.

[0118] For example, the vehicle is locked throughout the entire process, including the AVP process and charging. This means that the vehicle doors, hood, and trunk are locked.

[0119] The infrastructure-side charging system includes, for example, the robot. The robot is implemented separately from the infrastructure-side charging system.

[0120] The concept described here is based in particular on the fact that opening and closing the charging port is simplified by using an electrically controlled locking device. In particular, this can also be controlled remotely from the vehicle, for example by the charging infrastructure system.

[0121] The concept described here is based on the fact that the locking device can be electrically controlled to open or close the loading opening.

[0122] The locking mechanism includes, for example, a folding mechanism and / or a sliding mechanism.

[0123] For example, the locking mechanism consists solely of a cover for covering the loading opening.

[0124] A cover as described is, for example, designed in such a way that it seals, for instance against water.

[0125] For example, the locking mechanism includes two covers.

[0126] One cover conceals the charging port, and the other covers the electrical connection. Both covers are electrically controlled.

[0127] The electrical control is carried out by the vehicle. Such control can also be connected or initiated externally, i.e., from outside the vehicle, in this case in particular by the infrastructure-side charging system or by the infrastructure-side AVP system.

[0128] In particular, when initiating an action from an external source, checks are carried out, especially beforehand, to ensure that security criteria have been met, for example by verifying one or more certificates. In other words, before the vehicle electrically activates the locking device in response to an infrastructure-side control command or message, it is verified that the infrastructure is authorized to initiate the action.

[0129] The charging port is only released once the charging process has been planned and activated.

[0130] For example, the charging port is only closed once the charging process has been stopped or completed. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 985 573 A2

[0002] CN 111 319 458 A

[0003] JP 2020 127329 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for charging a battery (719) of a motor vehicle (701) during an AVP process carried out within a parking space (702), wherein the motor vehicle (701) has an electrically controllable locking device for closing a charging opening (703) of the motor vehicle (701) which accommodates an electrical connection (705), in particular a charging socket, comprising the following steps: After the motor vehicle (701) arrives at a charging station (717) of the parking space (702), the infrastructure-side initiation (101) of an opening of the charging opening (703) by the closing device in order to release the charging opening (703), After releasing the charging opening (703), the infrastructure controls (103) a charging robot (715) such that it electrically connects the electrical connection (705) of the motor vehicle (701) to the charging station (717) in order to charge the battery (719). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein after the end of charging the charging robot (715) is controlled on the infrastructure side in such a way that it disconnects the electrical connection between the electrical connection (705) of the motor vehicle (701) and the charging station (717), wherein after disconnecting the electrical connection a closing of the charging opening (703) by the closing device is initiated on the infrastructure side in order to close the charging opening (703) by the closing device. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the initiation comprises sending a control command to the motor vehicle (701) that the locking device should accordingly release or close the loading opening (703). [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein initiating the opening comprises sending a message to the motor vehicle to start the charging process. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein initiating the closing process comprises sending a message to the motor vehicle indicating that the charging process is complete. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor vehicle is informed on the infrastructure side that it has authorization to initiate on the infrastructure side. [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein all doors of the motor vehicle (701) remain locked during the AVP process including during the charging process. [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the AVP process is controlled by an infrastructure-side AVP system, wherein the charging process is carried out by the infrastructure-side AVP system or wherein the charging process is carried out by a charging system implemented separately from the infrastructure-side AVP system. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing device has an outer flap (709) for closing the loading opening (703) and an inner cover (711) for closing the electrical connection (705), wherein the outer flap and the inner cover (711) are each electrically controllable, so that the outer flap and the inner cover can be controlled accordingly for opening and / or closing. [10] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the closing device comprises a, in particular a single, flap for closing, in particular jointly, the loading opening (703) and the electrical connection (705), wherein this flap is electrically controllable so that this flap can be electrically controlled accordingly on the motor vehicle side. [11] Method for charging a battery (719) of a motor vehicle (701) during an AVP process carried out within a parking space (702), wherein the motor vehicle (701) has an electrically controllable locking device for closing a charging opening (703) of the motor vehicle (701) which accommodates an electrical connection (705), in particular a charging socket, comprising the following steps: Upon arrival of the motor vehicle (701) at a charging station (717) of the parking area (702), in response to an infrastructure-side initiation of an opening of the charging opening (703) by the locking device in order to release the charging opening (703), the motor vehicle electrically controls (201) the locking device in such a way that the charging opening (703) is released, so that after the charging opening (703) is released, a charging robot (715) can be controlled by the infrastructure in such a way that it electrically connects the electrical connection (705) of the motor vehicle (701) to the charging station (717) in order to charge the battery (719). [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein after the end of charging and after disconnection of the electrical connection between the electrical connection (705) of the motor vehicle (701) and the charging station (717) by the charging robot (715) in response to an infrastructure-side initiation of a closing of the charging opening (703) by the closing device, the motor vehicle-side closing device is electrically controlled in such a way that it closes the charging opening (703). [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the initiation comprises sending a control command to the motor vehicle (701) that the locking device should release or close the loading opening (703) accordingly, so that in response to a receipt of the control command the locking device is electrically controlled on the motor vehicle side in accordance with the control command. [14] Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein initiating the opening comprises sending a message to the motor vehicle that the charging process should start, so that in response to a motor vehicle receiving the message, the locking device is electrically controlled on the motor vehicle side in such a way that it releases the charging opening (703). [15] Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein initiating the closing comprises sending a message to the motor vehicle that the charging process is complete, so that in response to a motor vehicle receiving the message, the closing device is electrically controlled on the motor vehicle side in such a way that it closes the charging opening (703). [16] Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the locking device is electrically controlled on the vehicle side only when the vehicle receives a notification from the infrastructure side indicating that it has authorization to initiate on the infrastructure side, in order to release or close the loading opening (703). [17] Method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein all doors of the motor vehicle (701) remain locked during the AVP process including during the charging process. [18] Method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the closing device has an outer flap (709) for closing the loading opening (703) and an inner cover (711) for closing the electrical connection (705), wherein the outer flap and the inner cover (711) are each electrically controllable, so that for the corresponding opening and / or closing the outer flap and the inner cover are controlled accordingly on the motor vehicle side. [19] Method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the closing device comprises a, in particular a single, flap for closing, in particular jointly, the loading opening (703) and the electrical connection (705), wherein this flap is electrically controllable so that this flap is electrically controlled accordingly on the motor vehicle side. [20] System (301) for a parking space (702) which is configured to perform all steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [21] Device (401) for a motor vehicle (701) which is configured to perform all steps of the method according to any one of claims 11 to 19. [22] System (501) for a motor vehicle (701) comprising the device (401) according to claim 21 and an electrically controllable locking device (503) for closing a charging opening (703) of the motor vehicle (701) which accommodates an electrical connection (705), in particular a charging socket. [23] Computer program (603) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (603) is executed by a computer, cause it to execute a method according to any one of claims 1 to 19. [24] Machine-readable storage medium (601) on which the computer program (603) according to claim 23 is stored.

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