DIGITAL ACCESS SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES FOR EXTERNALLY CONTROLLED CHARGING PROCESSES

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a digital access system, a vehicle with such an access system and a method for granting access authorization to a vehicle with such an access system. Background of the invention

[0002] To meet the energy needs of electric vehicles, charging stations are used to provide the necessary electrical energy. With the increasing number of electric vehicles and the desire for improved mobility, the problem arises that different users with different charging requirements visit these charging stations.

[0003] Document DE 10 2011 101 535 A1 discloses a system and method for simplifying electric vehicle charging through the flexible allocation of certificates for electricity billing. This system incorporates an authentication device in the electric vehicle that authenticates the vehicle to a charging control unit at the charging station, which then unlocks the charging station for the authenticated vehicle. A server transmits the necessary authentication data to the authentication device, and this server is also connected to the charging station via an energy supplier to verify the charging certificate. However, to use this method and system, the user must be physically present to grant the charging station the necessary physical access to the electric vehicle for charging after successful authentication.

[0004] Most currently available electric vehicles shut down their control system when in standby mode. This typically means that after 10-20 minutes, all technical control modules in the electric vehicle are switched off, preventing the vehicle battery from being charged or discharged externally. In most models, the access panel to the connector for the vehicle battery, used to connect it to a charging station (especially a wallbox), is also locked via the vehicle's locking system.

[0005] This prevents mobile charging or loading of an electric vehicle with other goods without the user's presence, as service personnel without access to the customer's vehicle cannot guarantee that the system will release the necessary components during charging or loading. Release could, for example, be achieved by handing over the vehicle key, but this requires the vehicle owner's consent and the service personnel's presence at the time of handover.Furthermore, after the electric vehicle has been charged or loaded, the vehicle key would have to be returned to the user, for which the user would either have to pick up the key from the service company that carried out the refueling or have it brought to him by the service company.

[0006] These measures are cumbersome and time-consuming for both the user and the service company.

[0007] At the same time, it would be desirable if the downtime of a vehicle, especially an electric vehicle during the longer charging breaks required, could be used for additional services that would also require access to the vehicle. Such services could include, for example, the delivery and storage of goods in the vehicle.

[0008] EP 2 712 757 A2 discloses a digital access system suitable for installation in a vehicle with a locking system and for suitable connection with a system control of the vehicle, wherein the access system comprises a release unit for positioning in the vehicle, an access unit and an activation unit for use outside the vehicle, wherein the activation unit is designed to activate the release unit for a period of time by means of wireless data communication to the release unit.

[0009] It would therefore be desirable to have a procedure or system available to enable the charging or loading of a vehicle with greater flexibility, quickly and safely for the user, without the user's personal presence. Summary of the invention

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method or system with which charging or loading of a vehicle can be carried out quickly and safely with greater flexibility and without the user's personal presence. The invention is defined in the claims.

[0011] This problem is solved by a digital access system according to claim 1. The digital access system is at least suitable for installation in a vehicle with a locking system and for suitable connection to a system control unit of the vehicle, wherein the access system comprises at least one unlocking unit for positioning in the vehicle, at least one access unit and at least one activation unit for use outside the vehicle, wherein the activation unit is configured to activate the unlocking unit at least for a period of time by means of wireless data communication to the unlocking unit, the access unit is configured to initiate access to the vehicle from the outside by means of an independent wireless data communication with the receiver unit previously activated by the activation unit, separate from the prior data communication, wherein the unlocking unit is configured toIn response to data communication with the access unit, control signals initiating access are transmitted to the system control unit to control the locking system and release at least one locking component to enable access to the vehicle and its cargo.

[0012] The term "vehicle" here refers to all types of vehicles that can prevent unauthorized access from the outside by means of a locking system. The term "vehicle" encompasses vehicles with all engine types, such as electric vehicles, vehicles with internal combustion engines or fuel cells (hydrogen-powered vehicles), or hybrid vehicles with at least two or more different engine types as propulsion, including land vehicles, road vehicles, aircraft, and watercraft.

[0013] The term "load" here refers to the addition of objects to the vehicle and includes both loading the vehicle with packages or goods, for example, and refueling the vehicle with operating fluid, power or fuel, which in the case of an electric vehicle also includes the electrical charging of the electric vehicle's battery.

[0014] The term "system control" refers to the vehicle's electrical / electronic system, including all components (such as processors, control chips, electronic circuits, etc.) required for its operation and control. The system control is connected to the locking system, which encompasses vehicle components that can be electrically controlled to close, lock, or restrict access. This includes locking systems for doors, trunk lids, fuel filler flaps, etc., as well as circuits of all kinds designed to perform actions such as placing a package in the trunk or refueling through the normally locked fuel filler flap. The system control enables the control and switching of these components.The term "refueling" here encompasses both the refueling of a vehicle with conventional fuels such as gasoline or diesel, as well as the filling of a vehicle's tank with hydrogen and the charging of a vehicle battery in the case of electric vehicles. The control signals transmitted to the system control unit are programmed, for example, according to the manufacturer-specific matrix. Depending on the design, the activation period of the unlocking unit can be a predetermined duration after the activation point, or it can be terminated after activation by performing an action such as closing a door or fuel filler flap, or unplugging a charging cable.

[0015] The activation unit is designed and intended for placement within the vehicle. It can be permanently installed or retrofitted as a component, requiring a suitable connection to the vehicle's control unit. To connect the activation unit to the vehicle's control unit, appropriate connectors can be provided in the vehicle's wiring harness, for example, during initial assembly. The activation unit can then be integrated into the vehicle's wiring harness (bus system) via these connectors, either during initial assembly or at a later time. The vehicle's bus system can be activated by a corresponding signal, thereby activating the specific charging control system.The data protocols exchanged between the unlocking unit and the control unit must be adapted to the respective manufacturer-specific structure of the vehicle. Alternatively, an opening mechanism on the charging port flap or another locking component of the vehicle can be replaced as a spare part when retrofitting the vehicle with the access system according to the invention, if access to the control unit or the wiring harness in the vehicle is not possible and the access system is nevertheless intended to allow access to the vehicle. The unlocking unit can be installed at any suitable location in the vehicle that allows uninterrupted wireless data communication with the external components activation unit and access unit (for example, in locations without interfering shielding of radio signals, WLAN signals, etc.).) and, on the other hand, a reliable electrical connection with the control unit must be established. The access and activation units must also be designed for wireless data communication with the unlocking unit. The access unit triggers the startup of the control unit and thus the vehicle's operating systems via data communication with the unlocking unit. After charging is complete, these systems can also be shut down again following appropriate data communication. This allows service personnel, mobile charging vehicles, authorized parcel service providers, or employees with access authorization to the access system, after the necessary vehicle and user data have been released, to gain access to the respective vehicle for which such access is to be granted by the user via the access system according to the invention.

[0016] In one embodiment, the access unit and / or the activation unit is configured to transmit and / or receive signals and / or data via radio, WLAN, or near-field communication, preferably RFID. These wireless data communication technologies enable the reliable exchange of data between two transmitter or receiver stations over varying distances, with transmitters and receivers being very compact and equipped with their own power sources. The activation unit can be configured to deactivate the previously activated unlocking unit by means of a corresponding signal. Deactivation can thus be effected either by the expiration of an activation period or by an actively transmitted signal.The access unit can also be designed to transmit a signal to the unlocking unit after successful access to a vehicle, as a result of which the unlocking unit, in conjunction with the control system and the locking system, relocks all previously unlocked components.

[0017] The data exchanged during data communication is designed so that the activation unit sends at least command data to activate the unlocking unit. This command can include a time-based definition of the activation duration. This activation duration can be a predetermined length or, if desired, specified on a case-by-case basis by means of corresponding inputs to or for the activation unit. The activation can also be reset as soon as the charging process is complete. Therefore, deactivation of the activation does not have to be time-based; it can also occur when the charging process is terminated by a corresponding action, such as disconnecting the charging cable from the charging plug.The activation unit can be, for example, a radio- or internet-enabled mobile terminal, smartphone, tablet PC, computer, or another digital communication device such as a transponder.

[0018] With the access system according to the invention, charging or loading of a vehicle can be carried out quickly and safely with greater flexibility without the user's personal presence.

[0019] The access system according to the invention can be implemented or retrofitted by uploading the software programs to be executed (for example, in the unlocking and / or access unit and / or activation unit) to other possibly already existing systems.

[0020] In one embodiment, the unlocking unit comprises a processor unit with data storage on which data for authorizing the activation unit and / or the access unit is stored, and the processor unit is configured to perform an authorization check based on this data. Such an authorization check protects the access system according to the invention from unauthorized access by third parties. The authorization check can be performed, for example, by comparing authorized access codes stored on the data storage with an access code transmitted by an activation unit. If the transmitted access code is not present in the data storage, the access system could block the activation of the receiving unit.For storing authorized access codes (or other data proving authorization), the receiving unit may include a data interface, which could be designed differently depending on the embodiment, for example as a USB interface or as a radio or internet interface for input via an authorized website of the operator of the access system.

[0021] In another embodiment, the unlocking unit is designed to only perform activation after a successful authorization check of the activation unit. This prevents unauthorized access devices from gaining access to the access system in the first place.

[0022] In another embodiment, the unlocking unit is designed to send signals when activated to query for available access units. This simplifies access, as the access unit does not have to search for the unlocking unit itself. For example, after successfully searching for an authorized access unit, the unlocking unit can send a signal (such as an activated turn signal) via the vehicle's control unit to help, for instance, a service technician wearing the access unit locate the vehicle. This could be particularly advantageous in parking garages.

[0023] In another embodiment, the access unit is configured to transmit at least one identification code to the activation unit, which the activation unit uses to perform an authorization check of the access unit. The transmission of control signals to the system controller only occurs after successful authorization of the access unit. This prevents unauthorized access units from gaining access to the access system with the activation unit enabled. The configuration of the access unit and the execution of the authorization check are the same as those described above for the authorization check of the activation unit.

[0024] In another embodiment, the access unit is a transponder designed to transmit at least the identification code to the unlocking unit upon receiving the data communication from it. Transponders are small and compact units that allow for the easy transmission of identifying and other relevant data. They can also be conveniently worn on clothing or carried in a service vehicle by service personnel during vehicle charging.

[0025] In another embodiment, the transponder is a passive transponder. Passive transponders only transmit data in response to a received signal, using the energy of the received signal to transmit their own signal. Passive transponders spatially limit the range for data communication with the unlocking unit, which increases the security standard of the access system because it hinders large-scale scanning of activated unlocking units for the purpose of misuse. Furthermore, these transponders only respond to active unlocking units, so vehicles with deactivated unlocking units cannot be identified or located as such, which also increases the system's security against misuse.

[0026] In another embodiment, the unlocking unit is designed to instruct the control unit to relock the components that were unlocked due to prior data communication with the access unit, at the latest after the predetermined activation period has elapsed. Locking after the activation time has expired further increases access security. Furthermore, the automatic locking prevents service personnel from accidentally forgetting to lock the components if the access unit fails to send a corresponding signal.

[0027] In another embodiment, the access unit is designed to initiate the locking of the corresponding components by the vehicle's control unit via data communication with the unlocking unit after the vehicle has been fully charged. The completion of charging can be verified, for example, by the locking of the previously unlocked components. The locking process thus occurs automatically without any further steps required by the service technician carrying or operating the access unit, simplifying the handling of the access system. At the same time, the security of the access system is increased, as accidental failure to lock is prevented.

[0028] In another embodiment, the unlocking unit is designed to transmit characteristic data about the completed charging process to the activation unit and / or the access unit after the vehicle components have been locked. This data transmission enables logging of the charging process and can be used for subsequent billing of the charging service. The data transmission to the activation unit, typically under the control of the vehicle owner or user, also serves as a receipt for the charging process for the owner or user.

[0029] In another embodiment, the unlocking unit is designed for reversible installation in the vehicle and for connection to the system control. This enables the retrofitting of vehicles with the digital access system according to the invention. A person skilled in the art is able to design the necessary connections and interfaces for the unlocking unit appropriately.

[0030] The access system comprises a background computer system designed to enable at least user registration and the recording of vehicle, unlocking unit, access unit, and / or activation unit data, as well as their assignment to the vehicles and / or users. It also facilitates the appropriate data transfer (e.g., duration, user data, charging data) to the unlocking unit to enable authorization verification. For example, a vehicle parked by a user can be located by service personnel responsible for charging via a customer account in the background computer system and the location data stored therein.In one embodiment, the activation unit is a smartphone with an installed application that uses a positioning system (e.g., a GPS system) to store the vehicle's location in the background computer system, for example, when the user leaves the vehicle. The user can then use the background computer system to order charging for the vehicle, such as overnight charging of their electric vehicle in a publicly accessible parking lot. A suitable charging vehicle is then dispatched to the location using the vehicle's location stored in the background computer system. The service vehicle can be equipped with the appropriate cable connections (plugs) for various electric vehicles and may have mobile AC or DC charging stations, optionally with adjustable charging voltages.The respective authorization for a load and, if applicable, the release of authorization data for the activation unit, as well as other communicated data, can be carried out, for example, via a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) program system, in particular a blockchain program system, within the framework of the background computer system. The background computer system can comprise one or more interconnected servers, which, for example, can also communicate with the activation and access units via suitable interfaces. Such a background computer system facilitates the operation of the digital access system and the billing of services and, with appropriate design including access controls and the granting of access rights, increases the security of the access system.If the activation unit transmits further driving-related data, the background computer system can also bill for additional services, such as mileage-based vehicle taxes or parking and toll fees. Therefore, in another embodiment, data communication is encrypted.

[0031] The vehicle is an electric vehicle, and the control signals transmitted from the unlocking unit to the system control unit are intended to enable at least one charging of the electric vehicle or the opening of a trunk and / or cargo area by activating the corresponding components of the electric vehicle. The term "electric vehicle" here refers to vehicles equipped with at least one electric drive. This also includes hybrid vehicles that, in addition to an electric drive, have another drive system such as a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine, or are only additionally equipped with an electric drive. This ensures that the electric vehicle, even when at rest, can be charged or loaded with goods from the outside, regardless of whether a user or owner of the electric vehicle is present.

[0032] The invention further relates to a vehicle with a locking system and a control unit, at least for controlling the locking system, as well as a digital access system according to the invention, comprising at least one access unit and at least one activation unit for use outside the vehicle and a release unit that is positioned in the vehicle and suitably connected to the control unit in order to enable access to the vehicle and its cargo by controlling the locking system and releasing at least one locking component.

[0033] The vehicle according to the invention allows for the loading of a vehicle with greater flexibility, quickly and safely for the user, without the user needing to be personally present.

[0034] In one embodiment, the unlocking unit is connected to a receiving antenna of the vehicle. This increases the reliability of data communication with the activation unit and / or the access unit.

[0035] In another embodiment, the unlocking unit is located in the vehicle at a point inaccessible from the outside and / or the interior. This increases the theft protection for the unlocking unit and prevents unauthorized persons from becoming aware that such a unlocking unit is installed in the vehicle.

[0036] In another embodiment, the unlocking unit is reversibly installed in the vehicle. This allows the access system according to the invention to be retrofitted into vehicles and, if necessary, easily removed from them again.

[0037] The vehicle is an electric vehicle, and the control signals transmitted from the unlocking unit to the system control unit are intended to enable at least the charging of the electric vehicle or the opening of a trunk and / or cargo area by releasing corresponding components of the electric vehicle. Therefore, the access system is also applicable to electric vehicles. This ensures that external charging is possible with a control system in standby mode, regardless of the presence of a user or owner of the electric vehicle.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the vehicle's control system, based on the control signal from the release unit, unlocks a charging port (one of the components) and / or activates it via the vehicle's diagnostic ports when charging is desired. This allows the electric vehicle to be charged externally, even when the vehicle is in standby mode, regardless of whether a user or owner is present.

[0039] The invention further relates to a method for granting access authorization to a vehicle with a locking system and a control unit at least for controlling the locking system, as well as a digital access system according to the invention installed in the vehicle, comprising at least one access unit and at least one activation unit for use outside the vehicle and a release unit positioned in the vehicle and suitably connected to the control unit, comprising the following steps: Activating the unlocking unit, at least for a period of time, by the activation unit located outside the vehicle via wireless data communication to the unlocking unit; initiating external access to the vehicle by the access unit, also located outside the vehicle, via independent wireless data communication with the receiver unit previously activated by the activation unit, separate from the prior data communication; transmitting control signals that induce access to the system control by the unlocking unit in response to the data communication with the access unit; and controlling the locking system and releasing at least one locking component to allow access to the vehicle for its charging by the system control.

[0040] The inventive method allows for the charging of a vehicle with greater flexibility and without the personal presence of the user, quickly and safely for the user.

[0041] In one embodiment of the method, wherein the unlocking unit comprises a processor unit with data storage on which data for authorizing the activation unit and / or the access unit is stored, the method further comprises the following steps: Performing an authorization check of the activation unit using this data by the processor unit and activating the unlocking unit only after the authorization check of the activation unit is successful, and / or performing an authorization check of the access unit using an identification code transmitted by the access unit to the unlocking unit by the processor unit and transmitting the control signals only after the authorization check of the access unit is successful.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the method, this includes the following additional step(s): The unlocking unit instructs the control unit to lock the vehicle charging components no later than the end of the predetermined activation period, provided these components were unlocked based on prior data communication with the access unit; and / or the vehicle's control unit locks the corresponding components after the vehicle has been charged following appropriate data communication between the access unit and the unlocking unit.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the method, this includes the additional step: Transmission of characteristic data about the vehicle's charging by the unlocking unit to the activation unit and / or to the access unit after the vehicle's components have been locked.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the method, wherein the vehicle is an electric vehicle, the transmission of access-initiating control signals to the system control enables at least the charging of the electric vehicle or the opening of a trunk and / or a loading area by releasing the corresponding components of the electric vehicle.

[0045] The embodiments listed above can be used individually or in any combination to design the device and method according to the invention.

[0046] In particular, the digital access system described above enables a vehicle with such a locking system, as well as the procedure for granting access authorization to a vehicle with a locking system, to be used for charging systems in which dynamic charging of the vehicle designed as an electric vehicle by means of mobile charging vehicles is possible.

[0047] The following describes such a charging system for the dynamic charging of electric vehicles, in particular an accumulator of a previously described vehicle with a previously described digital access system with a corresponding software application, which may be part of the computer background system, in particular at least partially encompassing it, and a corresponding method as well as a data storage product with software application stored thereon.

[0048] As previously described, charging stations are used to meet the energy needs of electric vehicles, providing the necessary electrical energy. With the increasing number of electric vehicles and the desire for improved mobility, especially for long journeys, the problem arises that different users with varying charging requirements must visit charging stations that may be located far from their planned route. Furthermore, the charging capacity or availability of charging points at these stations may be exhausted due to high customer demand, necessitating additional detours without depleting the electric vehicle's battery.

[0049] Document US 2015 / 0298565 A1 discloses a charging support system and a corresponding method for assisting the charging of an electric vehicle, designed to prevent electric vehicles from running out of battery power and becoming stranded before reaching their destination. A control center monitors the charge level of numerous electric vehicles and, when the charge level is low, sends a request to a stationary charging station located at a specific point. The system then guides the electric vehicles to a suitable charging station, taking into account the station's characteristics (number of vehicles, available energy capacity, expected customer traffic, etc.).

[0050] This can prevent electric vehicles from breaking down due to a depleted battery during a long-distance journey.

[0051] It is evident that the digital access system can support dynamic charging by granting the charging vehicle, and in particular an occupant such as a driver, service personnel, or other employee, access to the electric vehicle for charging the energy storage system or battery. For example, a charging flap can be opened for charging the electric vehicle. To do this, the activation unit transmits data to the charging vehicle or the occupant to activate the unlocking unit, at least for a certain period of time.

[0052] The activation of the unlocking unit can be carried out as follows. Key components include the software application that interacts with the vehicle being charged. This software application is primarily a server-based application that evaluates incoming information from the vehicles being charged and / or the charging vehicles, controls the charging vehicles, defines meeting points, and / or manages billing.

[0053] Interaction with the vehicle to be charged can be achieved by having the software application partially installed on a mobile device and / or by having a mobile application connected to the software application installed and running on a mobile device, in particular by providing access to necessary vehicle data via an OBD2 interface of the vehicle.

[0054] Preferably, communication between the parts of the software application installed on the server and the mobile device, in particular the forwarding and storage of the data necessary for controlling access to the vehicle to be charged, the charging of the vehicle to be charged, and the billing of the charge, takes place using DLT, especially via a blockchain application. This establishes multiple layers of redundant security for all regulatory, contractual, and billing processes, which, however, remains transparent to all partners within the defined scope.

[0055] For example, the mobile device or mobile application receives all essential information from the vehicle to be charged via the OBD2 interface, such as driving style, charging capacity and state of charge of the battery, temperature and position.

[0056] Furthermore, the part of the software application running on the mobile device, or the mobile application itself, knows the destination, if necessary the parking space of the vehicle to be charged, has access to navigation data and traffic conditions, and is connected to the internet.

[0057] The software application calculates when and where the vehicle to be charged needs to meet a charging vehicle and how much electrical energy is required.

[0058] Distributed ledger technology (DLT), specifically blockchain technology, is used to transmit and store the relevant data on the server. The server, which monitors the vehicles to be charged and the charging vehicles themselves, uses the DLT / blockchain to confirm the arrival of the vehicle to be charged and the planned meeting point to the software application running on the mobile device or the mobile application. These details are not static, however, and can be adjusted based on changes detected by the software application and / or the mobile application.

[0059] The software application also receives data that enables the charging vehicle to access the vehicle to be charged via the access system. This can be done independently of the use of DLT or blockchain technology. Preferably, the data has a limited validity period, which is aligned with the planned meeting time between the charging vehicle and the vehicle to be charged. Preferably, the data only allows access a specific time before or after a calculated meeting time. The data can, for example, include a code that can only be used once. After this single use or the expiration of the validity period, the code can no longer be used to access the vehicle to be charged. The data necessary for access is generated or transmitted as follows.

[0060] Personal data of the individuals involved, such as movement profiles, remains as highly sensitive data within the part of the software application running on the mobile device or the mobile application in the vehicle being charged. The mobile device only transmits a customer ID and the time and location of the planned meeting point to the server. The data transmission is encrypted, particularly via distributed ledger technology (DLT) or blockchain.

[0061] A new DLT or blockchain transaction is generated for each charging process. New orders from the same customer or repeat orders also result in a new DLT or blockchain transaction. This prevents individual order data, access codes, or other data related to the charging process from being reused after the charging process is completed and the blockchain is closed. Due to the encryption provided by the DLT or blockchain, this data cannot be intercepted and misused, as it is useless for other charging or payment transactions. Thus, each charging order is unique and, thanks to the DLT or blockchain technology, cannot be altered.

[0062] Each blockchain transaction is linked to an individual order number, which can only be used to trigger a single charging process or charging order.

[0063] The server can be configured as a high-performance clustered server or as a cloud application. The server controls all charging vehicles and negotiates possible meeting points with the vehicle to be charged, based on the transmitted parameters. To this end, the software application uses blockchain technology to determine all data necessary for processing the charging transaction, compares this data with the actual conditions and possibilities, and offers the user of the vehicle to be charged an order confirmation. If the order confirmation is accepted, the data necessary for the charging process, in particular the access code, meeting point, and meeting time, are transmitted to the vehicle to be charged, the charging vehicle, and specifically to the operator of the vehicle to be charged or the operator of the charging vehicle.

[0064] Furthermore, the software application initiates and monitors the loading process. This process, particularly due to the use of blockchain technology, becomes an automated sequence after order confirmation, and is generally uninterruptible. If a loading vehicle breaks down, a new blockchain transaction is generated and then carried out with an alternative loading vehicle.

[0065] The use of DLT or blockchain offers the advantage that existing blockchain applications can be built upon, allowing not only the logistical handling of the charging process but also payment and billing processes and their formalities to be processed.

[0066] The server or software application can manage all contracts with the operators of the vehicles to be charged or the charging vehicles, bill and control all processes.

[0067] Furthermore, the server offers an interface to partners via DLT or blockchain, such as electricity providers, other providers of charging vehicles, or the fleet management of companies and organizations.

[0068] The DLT or blockchain can be implemented as an ERC20 / ERC223 solution and, in particular, can run on an existing blockchain application.

[0069] The advantage of the above is that the DLT or blockchain technology used in the charging system performs the function of a decentralized, multiply redundant database and also offers the possibility of carrying out and automating contract management with high security via smart contracts (electronic automatic contracts).

[0070] This makes it possible to provide an encrypted connection for exchanging the necessary data between all parties, preferably using smart contracts to regulate who has access to which data and who can view which information and how.

[0071] Settlement can preferably be carried out using proprietary tokens, which are ideally also linked via smart contracts to traditional payment providers such as credit card companies, SEPA payment processors, and / or providers like PayPal. The use of DLT or blockchain technology enables cost optimization due to the reduced hardware and software infrastructure required for processing transactions, as well as the high degree of automation and the associated reduction in manual intervention, without compromising security. Furthermore, the use of this technology improves secure and clearly regulated communication between an unlimited number of partners. The server or cloud resources, as well as the software application or mobile application, do not need to expose any vulnerable interfaces.

[0072] The previously described charging system for dynamic charging can be implemented according to the following examples, whereby this implementation can be carried out additionally or independently of the claimed digital access system.

[0073] The previously described dynamic charging system or energy storage system, especially in combination with the digital access system, allows charging to be carried out without the user of the vehicle being charged being present, for example, recharging when the vehicle to be charged has been parked by the user.

[0074] For example, a request for overnight charging can be made by a user of a vehicle to be charged, who is specifically a registered customer of the dynamic charging system. The digital access system, particularly in conjunction with the dynamic charging system, allows access to the vehicle to be charged at any time within a specified time window using a code. This code is generated, in particular, upon acceptance of the order confirmation by the user. The code enables the activation unit to activate the unlocking unit, which in turn allows the access unit to activate or open, for example, the fuel filler flap or another suitable mechanism on the vehicle to be charged, as well as the systems necessary for charging, such as at least part of the electrical operating system.

[0075] This then makes it possible to connect the vehicle to be charged with the charging vehicle that has reached the vehicle to be charged via the rendezvous system and to carry out the charging.

[0076] Charging is complete when the fuel filler flap is closed, or alternatively when the charging cable is removed or the vehicle's charging system is deactivated. The access code is advantageously deactivated automatically, particularly by the dynamic charging system, and re-entry with this code is not possible. Furthermore, the vehicle is advantageously returned to standby mode automatically, meaning the systems activated by the access unit are deactivated.

[0077] It is also possible that an access code only allows access within a limited time window, for example between 10:00 PM and 6:30 AM. An access code not used within this time window can then also be automatically invalidated.

[0078] It is important to emphasize that the unlocking unit does not grant general access to the entire vehicle or all of its systems, but only provides defined permissions, such as access to the charging port, while other permissions, such as access to the interior or operation of systems like the lights, ignition, etc., are not granted. The unlocking unit thus allows precise and time-limited use of specific systems of the vehicle being charged, without affecting other systems or allowing entry into the vehicle.

[0079] To carry out charging without the presence of the user of the vehicle being charged, it is specifically provided that, in particular through the access unit based on the access code, digital access to the energy storage of the vehicle being charged is granted in order to determine a necessary charging quantity.

[0080] Additionally or alternatively, this loading quantity can be manually set by the user of the vehicle to be loaded, in particular via a predefined quantity grid, for example if access is not possible for technical reasons or is not desired by the user. Brief description of the illustrations

[0081] These and other aspects of the invention relating to the digital access system are shown in detail in the figures below. Fig. 1: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the access system according to the invention; Fig. 2: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention with the access system according to the invention; Fig. 3: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention. Detailed description of the exemplary implementations

[0082] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the access system 1 according to the invention for installation in a vehicle 100 with a locking system and for suitable connection to a control unit 110 of the vehicle 100 (therefore shown in dashed lines), wherein the access system 1 comprises a release unit 11 for positioning in the vehicle 100, as well as an access unit 12 and an activation unit 13 for use outside the vehicle 100. In other embodiments, several activation and access units can also be used for the same vehicle 100. The activation unit 13 (for example, a mobile terminal, smartphone, tablet PC, a website on the internet, etc.) activates the release unit 11 permanently or for a limited period, for example, a predetermined period, by means of wireless data communication 21.The access unit 12 then initiates external access to the vehicle 100 via the previously activated receiver unit 11 by means of a separate, independent wireless data communication 22 (in addition to the prior data communication 21). For this purpose, the unlocking unit 11, in response to the data communication 22, transmits control signals 14 to the system controller 110 to control the locking system and release at least one locking component 140, thus enabling access to the vehicle and its cargo. The data communication can be carried out via radio, WLAN, or near-field communication, preferably RFID, for which the unlocking, activation, and access units are appropriately designed with corresponding transmitting and / or receiving modules. The data communication 21, 22 can also be encrypted.The unlocking unit 11 also includes a processor unit 111 with data storage 112, on which data for authorizing the activation unit 13 and / or the access unit 12 is stored. The processor unit 111 is configured to perform an authorization check for the activation and access units based on this data. For example, the access unit 12 can transmit an identification code to the unlocking unit 11, which the unlocking unit 11 then uses to perform the authorization check. The unlocking unit 11 can be configured to send signals in its activated state to query for the presence of access units 12. The access unit 12 can be a transponder (active or passive) that transmits the identification code to the unlocking unit 11 after receiving the data communication 22 from the unlocking unit 11.The unlocking unit 11 may further include suitable interfaces for connection to the control unit 110 of the vehicle 100, so that it can be reversibly installed in the vehicle. The access system 1 may further include a background computer system (not explicitly shown here) designed to enable at least the registration of users 3 and the recording of data from the vehicles 100 and / or the unlocking units 11 and / or the access units 12 and / or the activation units 13, as well as their assignment to the vehicles 100 and / or users 3, and to perform a suitable data transfer to the unlocking unit 11, at least to enable an authorization check by the unlocking unit 11.

[0083] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the vehicle 100 according to the invention with access system 1 according to the invention. Figure 1The vehicle 100 comprises a locking system (not explicitly shown here) and a control unit 110, among other things for controlling the locking system. The digital access system 1 comprises an access unit 12 and an activation unit 13, which are used outside the vehicle to activate the release unit 11 and to initiate external access to the vehicle. The access unit 12 and the activation unit 13 can be two separate devices or, in another embodiment, integrated into a common device, as indicated by the dashed rectangle. To grant and release this access, a release unit 11 is positioned in the vehicle 100 and suitably connected to the control unit 110 to enable access to the vehicle and its cargo by controlling the locking system and releasing at least one locking component 140.For improved data communication 21, 22, the unlocking unit 11 is connected here to the receiving antenna 130 of the vehicle 100 (shown with dashed lines). In this embodiment, the unlocking unit 11 is located within the fender material of the vehicle 100 and thus in a location inaccessible from both the outside and the interior of the vehicle 100. However, the unlocking unit 11 could also be installed reversibly within the vehicle 100, for example, on the windshield of the vehicle. Charging the vehicle 100 can be enabled, for example, by opening a trunk and / or a loading area 120 of the vehicle 100 by releasing corresponding components 140 of the electric vehicle 100 via control signals 14 transmitted from the unlocking unit 11 to the system controller 110.In the case of a vehicle 100 as an electric vehicle, the control signals 14 transmitted from the unlocking unit 11 to the control unit 110 can also enable charging of the electric vehicle 100. In this case, the control unit 110, based on the control signal 14, unlocks a fuel filler flap and the charging control of the electric vehicle 100, or activates them for operation.

[0084] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the inventive method 200 for granting access authorization to a vehicle 100 with a locking system and a control unit 110, at least for controlling the locking system, as well as an inventive digital access system 1 installed in the vehicle 100, as shown in the figures. Figures 1 and 2The procedure comprises the following steps: Activating the unlocking unit 11 by the activation unit 13, located outside the vehicle 100, at least for a predetermined period, via wireless data communication 21 to the unlocking unit 11. Prior to the activation step, an authorization check 250 of the activation unit 13 can be performed using data for authorizing the activation unit 13 by a processor unit 111 of the unlocking unit. The activation 210 of the unlocking unit 11 then only occurs after the authorization check of the activation unit 13 has been successfully completed. The unlocking unit 11 can also include a data storage device 112 for storing this data for the activation unit and / or the access unit.After activation 210, the next step 220 involves initiating external access to the vehicle 100 by the access unit 12, which is also located outside the vehicle 100, via an independent wireless data communication 22 with the receiver unit 11, previously activated by the activation unit 13. This communication is separate from the prior data communication 21. Prior to the initiation step 220, the processor unit 111 may perform an authorization check 260 of the access unit using an identification code transmitted by the access unit to the unlocking unit 13. Subsequently, the unlocking unit 11 transmits 230 the access-initiating control signals 14 to the system control unit 110 in response to the data communication 22 with the access unit 12. The transmission 230 of the control signals can only occur after the authorization check of the access unit 12 has been successful.Subsequently, the locking system is activated 240 and at least one locking component 140 is released to allow access to the vehicle and its cargo by the control unit 110. In one embodiment, the further steps of instructing the control unit 110 by the release unit 11 to lock the components 140 for charging the vehicle, at the latest after the predetermined activation period has elapsed, provided that they have been unlocked due to the prior data communication 22 with the access unit 12, and / or locking 280 of the corresponding components 140 by the control unit 110 of the vehicle 100 after the vehicle 100 has been fully charged following corresponding data communication 22 between the access unit 12 and the release unit 11, can additionally be carried out.In a further step, characteristic data about the charging of the vehicle 100 by the unlocking unit 11 can be transmitted to the activation unit 14 and / or to the access unit 12 after the components 140 of the vehicle 100 have been locked. In an embodiment where the vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle, the transmission 230 enables at least the charging of the electric vehicle 100 or the opening of a trunk and / or a loading area 120 by releasing the corresponding components 140 of the electric vehicle 100.

[0085] The embodiments shown here are only examples of the present invention and should therefore not be understood as limiting.

[0086] The embodiments shown here are only examples of the present invention and should therefore not be understood as limiting.

[0087] In particular, the features disclosed in the preceding description, especially in the form of Examples B1 to B17 or Illustrations V1 to V21, in the claims and in the figures, can be essential to the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. Reference symbol list

[0088] 1 Access system according to the invention 11 Unlocking unit 111 Processor unit 112 Data storage 12 Access unit 13 Activation unit 14 Control signals 21 Data communication between activation unit and unlocking unit 22 Data communication between access unit and unlocking unit 3 User 100 Vehicle according to the invention, for example an electric vehicle 110 Vehicle control unit 120 Trunk and / or loading area 130 Receiving antenna 140 Components of the vehicle,for example, fuel filler flap or trunk or loading area closure 200 Inventive method 210 Activating a release unit positioned in the vehicle 220 Initiating external access to the vehicle 230 Transmitting control signals to the system control unit 240 Controlling the locking system and releasing at least one locking component of the vehicle 250 Performing an authorization check of the activation unit 260 Performing an authorization check of the access unit 270 Instructing the system control unit to lock the components after the predetermined period has elapsed 280 Locking the components by the system control unit after completion of charging or loading 290 Transmitting characteristic data on the charge after the vehicle components have been locked,

Claims

1. A digital access system (1) at least suitable for installation in an electric vehicle (100) with a locking system, and for suitable connection to a system controller (110) of the vehicle (100), wherein the access system (1) comprises at least one authorizing unit (11) for positioning in the vehicle (100), at least one access unit (12), and at least one activation unit (13) for use outside the vehicle (100), wherein the activation unit (13) is configured to activate the authorizing unit (11) at least for a period of time by way of wireless data communication (21) to the authorizing unit (11), the access unit (12) is configured to bring about access to the vehicle (100) from the outside by way of independent wireless data communication (22), which is separate from the previous data communication (21), with the authorizing unit (11) previously activated by the activation unit (13), wherein, in response to the data communication (22) with the access unit (12), the authorizing unit (11) is configured to transmit to the system controller (110) control signals (14) that bring about access to actuate the locking system and release at least one locking component (140) to enable access to the vehicle for the loading thereof; characterized in that the access system (1) comprises a background computer system that is configured such that it enables at least a registration of users (3) and entry of data of the vehicles (100) and / or authorizing units (11) and / or access units (12) and / or activation units (13) as well as the assignment thereof to the vehicles (100) and / or users (3), and carries out a suitable transfer of data to the authorizing unit (11) to enable an authorization check by the authorizing unit (11); and in that the control signals (14) transmitted by the authorizing unit (11) to the system controller (110) are provided to enable at least charging of the electric vehicle (100) or opening of a luggage compartment and / or cargo area (120) by way of release of the corresponding components (140) of the electric vehicle (100), wherein an order for loading and the release of authorization data for the authorizing unit (11) together with other communicated data is carried out via a blockchain program system within the background computer system.

2. The access system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that (i) the authorizing unit (11) is configured at least for receiving signals and / or data by way of radio, WLAN, or near-field communication, preferably RFID, and / or (ii) the authorizing unit (11) comprises a processor unit (111) with data memory (112) on which data for authorizing the activation unit (13) and / or the access unit (12) are stored, and the processor unit (111) is configured to carry out an authorization check on the basis of these data, wherein the authorizing unit (11) is preferably configured to carry out activation only after a successful authorization check of the activation unit (13).

3. The access system (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the activated state, the authorizing unit (11) is configured to emit signals to poll available access units (12).

4. The access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access unit (12) is configured at least for emitting signals and / or data by way of radio, WLAN, or near-field communication, preferably RFID.

5. The access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access unit (12) is configured to transmit at least one identification code to the authorizing unit (11), on the basis of which the authorizing unit (11) can perform an authorization check of the access unit (12), wherein the control signals (14) are transmitted to the system controller (110) only after a successful authorization check of the access unit (12), wherein in particular the access unit (12) is a transponder that is configured, after receiving the data communication (22) from the authorizing unit (11), to transmit at least the identification code to the authorizing unit (11), wherein the transponder (12) is preferably a passive transponder.

6. The access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, (i) at the latest after expiry of the predetermined activation period, the authorizing unit (11) is configured to instruct the system controller (110) to relock the components (140) unlocked on the basis of the previous data communication (22) with the access unit (12) and / or, (ii) once loading of the vehicle (100) is complete, the access unit (12) is configured to bring about locking of the corresponding components (140) by the system controller (110) of the vehicle (100) by way of corresponding data communication (22) with the authorizing unit (11), wherein, once the components (140) of the vehicle (100) have been locked, the authorizing unit (11) is preferably configured to transmit characteristic data about the completed loading of the (100) to the activation unit (13) and / or the access unit (12).

7. The access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that (a) the authorizing unit (11) is configured for reversible arrangement in the vehicle (100) and for connection to the system controller (110); (b) data communication (21, 22) is encrypted.

8. A vehicle (100) with a locking system and a control unit (110) at least for controlling the locking system as well as a digital access system (1) according to Claim 1 comprising at least one access unit (12) and at least one activation unit (13) for use outside the vehicle and an authorizing unit (11) that is positioned in the vehicle (100) and is suitably connected to the control unit (110) in order to enable access to the vehicle for the loading thereof by way of actuating the locking system and releasing at least one locking component (140).

9. The vehicle (100) according to Claim 8, characterized in that (i) the authorizing unit (11) is connected to a receiving antenna (130) of the vehicle (100); (ii) the authorizing unit (11) is arranged in the vehicle (100) at a location inaccessible from the outside and / or from the interior of the vehicle (100); and / or (iii) the authorizing unit (11) is reversibly installed in the vehicle (100).

10. The vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the vehicle (100) is an electric vehicle and the control signals (14) transmitted by the authorizing unit (11) to the system controller (110) are provided to enable at least charging of the electric vehicle (100) or opening of a luggage compartment and / or cargo area (120) by way of release of the corresponding components (140) of the electric vehicle (100), wherein, when charging of the electric vehicle (100) is desired, the system controller (110) of the electric vehicle (100), on the basis of the control signal (14) of the authorizing unit (11), preferably unlocks at least a fuel flap as one of the components (140) and / or authorizes it to function via diagnostic connections of the electric vehicle (100).

11. A method (200) for granting access authorization to an electric vehicle (100) with a locking system and a control unit (110) at least for controlling the locking system as well as a digital access system (1) according to Claim 1 installed in the vehicle (100) comprising at least one access unit (12) and at least one activation unit (13) for use outside the vehicle and an authorizing unit (11) positioned in the vehicle (100) and suitably connected to the control unit (110) and a background computer system that is configured such that it enables at least registration of users (3) and entry of data of the vehicles (100) and / or authorizing units (11) and / or access units (12) and / or activation units (13) as well as the assignment thereof to the vehicles (100) and / or users (3) and carries out a suitable transfer of data to the authorizing unit (11) to enable an authorization check by the authorizing unit (11) comprising the following steps of: - activation (210) of the authorizing unit (11) at least for a period of time by the activation unit (13) located outside the vehicle (100) by way of wireless data communication (21) to the authorizing unit (11); - bringing about (220) of access to the vehicle (100) from the outside by the access unit (12) likewise located outside the vehicle (100) by way of independent wireless data communication (22), which is separate from the previous data communication (21), with the authorizing unit (11) previously activated by the activation unit (13); - transmission (230) by the authorizing unit (11) to the system controller (110) of control signals (14) that bring about access in response to the data communication (22) with the access unit (12); and - actuation (240) by the system controller (110) of the locking system and release of at least one locking component (140) to enable access to the vehicle for the loading thereof; wherein transmission (230) to the system controller (110) of control signals (14) that bring about access enables at least charging of the electric vehicle (100) or opening of a luggage compartment and / or a cargo area (120) by way of release of the corresponding components (140) of the electric vehicle (100); and wherein the order for loading and the release of authorization data for the authorizing unit (11) together with other communicated data is carried out via a blockchain program system within the background computer system.

12. The method (200) according to Claim 11, wherein the authorizing unit (11) comprises a processor unit (111) with data memory (112) on which data are stored for authorizing the activation unit (13) and / or the access unit (12), comprising the further steps of: - performing (250) of an authorization check of the activation unit (13) on the basis of these data by the processor unit (111) and activation (210) of the authorizing unit (11) only after success of the authorization check of the activation unit (13), and / or - performing (260) of an authorization check of the access unit on the basis of an identification code transmitted from the access unit to the authorizing unit (11) by the processor unit (111) and transmission (230) of the control signals only after success of the authorization check of the access unit (12).

13. The method (200) according to either of Claims 11 or 12 comprising the further step(s) of: - instruction (270) of the system controller (110) by the authorizing unit (11) to lock the components (140) for loading the vehicle at the latest after expiry of the predetermined activation period if said components (140) were unlocked on the basis of the previous data communication (22) with the access unit (12); and / or - locking (280) of the corresponding components (140) by the system controller (110) of the vehicle (100) once charging / loading of the vehicle (100) is complete after corresponding data communication (22) between the access unit (12) and authorizing unit (11).

14. The method (200) according to any one of Claims 11 to 13 comprising the further step of: - transmission (290) by the authorizing unit (11) of characteristic data about the completed loading of the vehicle (100) to the activation unit (14) and / or to the access unit (12) once the components (140) of the vehicle (100) have been locked.