Charging plug and charging method for an electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging plug (10) for an electric vehicle, comprising a grip part (11) and a plugging portion (13) disposed at a front end of the grip part (11). The charging plug (10) is characterized by a fingerprint sensor (17) disposed on it. The invention also relates to a method for charging an electric vehicle at a connection device by means of a connection cable (16), which is connected to the connection device and at the end of which a charging plug (10) is disposed, wherein the charging plug (10) has a fingerprint sensor (17) and wherein a print of an applied finger is analyzed, the print is compared with stored prints and, depending on a result of the comparison, release information is output to the connection device.

Description

[0001] Charging plug and charging process for an electric vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a charging plug and a charging method for an electric vehicle with a handle part and a plug-in section arranged at a front end of the handle part.

[0003] Electric vehicles are connected to a direct or alternating current supply line to charge one or more traction batteries for ferry operation or to supply other electric vehicle devices. For this purpose, connection devices in the form of boxes or columns have become established. These are installed in private or public traffic areas and can be connected to the electric vehicles for charging. Connection boxes are typically mounted on a wall and referred to as "wall boxes." Charging stations are usually freestanding.

[0004] The connection devices, also referred to as charging devices, are usually connected to a power supply network via a multi-phase, typically three-phase, connection cable. The connection devices offer the option of plugging in a specially designed connection cable, also called a charging cable, which has the aforementioned charging plug at its free end for connecting to the electric vehicle. Alternatively, the connection cable can be permanently connected to the charging device.

[0005] In addition to the power supply lines that transmit the current to charge the battery, the connection cable typically also contains signal or data lines that enable signal or data exchange between the connection device and the vehicle to exchange or coordinate charging process parameters. The electric vehicle uses the signal or data lines to authorize the delivery of charging power from the connection device, provided suitable parameters for the charging process are present and have been set by the vehicle or the connection device.

[0006] Particularly in public spaces, but increasingly also in private environments, and especially when a connection device is used by multiple parties, connection devices are often equipped with authorization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized use of the connection device and thus unauthorized or unaccounted for power consumption. Various authorization mechanisms are known, for example, the use of an electromechanical key switch, the use of card readers, or even the use of a fingerprint sensor mounted on the connection device.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an authorization mechanism which is easy to operate and which is particularly suitable for subsequent use in a connection device.

[0008] This problem is solved by a charging connector and a method for charging an electric vehicle with the features of the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] A charging plug according to the invention of the type mentioned at the outset is characterized in that a fingerprint sensor is arranged on the charging plug.

[0010] The fingerprint sensor on the charging plug can be used to authorize a charging process at a connection device. Its positioning on the charging plug makes it very convenient to use, as the user must grasp the charging plug to plug it into the vehicle to start the charging process. Furthermore, the arrangement of the fingerprint sensor on the charging plug offers the option of retrofitting the fingerprint sensor even to connection devices that are not equipped with a fingerprint sensor or other type of authentication option. By connecting the charging plug to the connection device via the connection cable (charging cable), information recorded by the fingerprint sensor can be easily forwarded to the connection device via the connection cable and evaluated there.Alternatively, evaluation can also take place within the charging plug, whereby the corresponding release information can then be passed on to the connection device, for example, via the connecting cable. Control lines via which the connection device communicates with the electric vehicle as standard can advantageously be used for this purpose. If an evaluation unit located in the charging plug is configured to manipulate the communication used anyway for a specific charging standard for exchanging charging process parameters or release signals, the authorization mechanism can be retrofitted to a connection device without modifying it.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the charging plug, the fingerprint sensor is arranged on the handle part of the charging plug, preferably in a front section in the insertion direction. It can, for example, be arranged on a side that faces upwards after the connecting cable has been plugged into the electric vehicle. Thus, even with the cable plugged in, authorization can be performed by placing the corresponding finger on it. Furthermore, the fingerprint sensor is preferably positioned so that its position can be easily identified by touch. For example, it can be arranged in a recess or on a raised surface, allowing the user to locate the fingerprint sensor even in the dark or in insufficiently lit areas.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment, a lighting device is provided on the charging plug, allowing the fingerprint sensor or its position to be identified even in the dark. The lighting device can, for example, comprise a backlight for the fingerprint sensor or its sensor surface and / or be designed such that the fingerprint sensor or its sensor surface is surrounded by a luminous border.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, a sensor surface of the fingerprint sensor is configured as a screen (display) for displaying information. In this way, the fingerprint sensor can be used to display, for example, data related to the charging process. Feedback, operating instructions, or other information can also be displayed to the user without requiring an additional display on the charging plug.

[0014] A method according to the invention relates to charging an electric vehicle at a connection device via a connection cable connected to the connection device, at the end of which a charging plug is arranged. The method is characterized in that the charging plug has a fingerprint sensor, wherein an imprint of a placed finger is analyzed, the imprint is compared with stored imprints and, depending on the result of the comparison, release information is output to the connection device. This results in the advantages stated in connection with the charging plug. In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the release information is output to the connection device via control lines of the connection cable. Direct transmission to the connection device via control lines of the connection cable can be provided.Alternatively, signals transmitted to the electric vehicle can also be manipulated depending on the release information on the control lines of the connecting cable. The manipulation of the signals represents an indirect output of the release information. Alternatively, the release information can be output wirelessly to the connecting device.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, at least one authentication feature, in particular a digital certificate, is issued by the fingerprint sensor for authenticating a user to the electric vehicle and / or the connection device. In this way, rights management for different users and / or user-specific billing management, which is implemented in the connection device, can be supported in a user-friendly manner.

[0016] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying figures. The figures show:

[0017] Fig.1 an isometric representation of a charging plug and a socket;

[0018] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of only the charging plug from a different perspective than Fig. 1.

[0019] Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a charging plug 10 according to the invention in an isometric drawing from different viewing directions.

[0020] Figure 1 shows the charging plug 10 together with a socket 20 in a position shortly before the charging plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20 or shortly after the charging plug 10 is removed from the socket 20. Figure 2 shows the charging plug 10 separately.

[0021] The charging plug 10 has a handle 11, which is slightly curved in the illustrated embodiment. Towards the front, free end, the handle 11 terminates with a collar 12, from which a plug-in section 13 protrudes. Plug contacts (not visible in Figures 1 and 2) are arranged in the plug-in section 13. The figures only show an outer sleeve of the plug-in section 13, which surrounds the contacts and contains locking openings 14. These serve to lock a plugged-in charging plug 10 using corresponding extendable latches of the socket 20.

[0022] At the end opposite the plug-in section 13, a kink protection 15 is attached to the handle part 11, through which a connecting cable 16 is routed. The connecting cable 16, symbolized here only by a short section, is coupled to a connecting device, either directly connected to it or via a plug designed similarly to the charging plug 10.

[0023] The socket 20, also visible in Figure 1, has a built-in housing 21 with a cover 22. The cover 22 closes contacts 23 arranged in the central region of the housing 21, which interact with the corresponding contacts of the charging plug 10. The socket 20 shown in Figure 1 is depicted in a non-installed state. The rear section of the socket 20, visible in the right-hand part of Figure 1, is typically recessed into the electric vehicle.

[0024] The charging plug 10 and the socket 20 are, for example, of "Type 2" design. These "Type 2" plugs and sockets are widely used in AC charging technology for electric vehicles. They provide five power contacts to supply a three-phase alternating current via three phase conductors plus a neutral conductor and a ground conductor. Control lines are also provided, which are transmitted via the two upper contacts 23 visible in Figure 1 on the socket 20.

[0025] For communication between the connection device and the electric vehicle, a control line is supplied with a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal from the connection device. The maximum charging current that can be provided by the connection device is transmitted to the electric vehicle in coded form via the pulse-width modulation, specifically the duty cycle defined therein. If the anticipated charging current is suitable for the electric vehicle, the vehicle responds with an enable signal by changing the impedance of the control line. The phase conductors are then supplied with alternating voltage for charging by the connection device. It is understood that the inventive design of the charging plug 10 presented below is also transferable to other types of charging plugs besides "Type 2" ones.

[0026] According to the invention, a fingerprint sensor 17 is arranged on the charging plug 10. In the example shown, the fingerprint sensor 17 is positioned on a raised portion 18 located adjacent to the collar 12 in a front section of the handle part 11. When the charging plug 10 is plugged in, the fingerprint sensor 17 is located on an upper side of the handle part 11. Shortly before, during, or after the charging plug 10 is plugged into the socket 20, a fingerprint can be read by placing a user's finger on the fingerprint sensor 17. This fingerprint is compared with stored fingerprints and evaluated as an authorization feature for use of the connection device. By arranging the fingerprint sensor 17 on the charging plug 10, it can be operated easily and conveniently during preparations for the charging process.

[0027] It can be provided that only the fingerprint sensor 17 is arranged in the charging plug 10, and that this is connected to a corresponding evaluation unit in the area of ​​the connection device via a data connection, which can be routed, for example, through the connecting cable 16. Integration into the connection device can thus be easily achieved if the connection device has the required evaluation unit.

[0028] If this is not the case, the evaluation unit can be arranged in a separate housing, for example, next to the connection device. Connection devices often have at least one enable connection to which a potential-free switch, for example, a key switch, can be connected. Such an enable connection of a connection device can be used by the evaluation unit coupled to the fingerprint sensor 17.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable to integrate an evaluation unit directly into the charging connector 10. Power can be supplied, for example, via the PWM signal present on the control lines. Advantageously, the fingerprint sensor 17 has such a low power consumption that communication between the electric vehicle and the connecting device is not impaired, in particular, the power supply from the fingerprint sensor 17 is not automatically interpreted by the connecting device as an enable signal.

[0030] In addition, it can be provided that power is only drawn from the PWM signal when the electric vehicle is not being charged. Preferably, an energy buffer, such as a rechargeable battery or a large-capacity capacitor, is then provided to supply the fingerprint sensor 17 and, if applicable, the evaluation unit with power even when no power is drawn from the PWM signal.

[0031] Alternatively and / or additionally, energy can be generated to power the fingerprint sensor 17 and / or the evaluation unit using a so-called "energy harvesting" process. For this purpose, a piezoelectric crystal can be used, for example, to convert the kinetic energy of the charging plug 10 into electrical current. When the charging plug 10 is moved, either as a result of normal handling or deliberately by shaking it back and forth, electrical energy is generated for operation. Thermoelectric generators, which utilize temperature differences, or photovoltaic cells, which utilize ambient light, can also be used to generate energy.

[0032] Finally, it is also conceivable to use a battery built into the charging plug 10 to exclusively supply energy to the fingerprint sensor 17 and, if applicable, the evaluation unit.

[0033] With the evaluation unit integrated in the charging plug 10, an enable signal can then be transmitted to the connection device via additional lines in the connecting cable 16. Alternatively, the enable signal can be sent via wireless connections from the charging plug 10 to a corresponding receiver in the area of ​​the connection device.

[0034] Another alternative is for an evaluation unit integrated into the charging plug 10 to directly act on the control lines of the connecting cable 16, which are used by default for communication between the connecting device and the electric vehicle. In this way, if authorization is not granted, the release of the electric vehicle can be suppressed, or, by not forwarding the PWM signal to the electric vehicle at all if authorization is not granted, an authorization response from the electric vehicle can be prevented. A charging plug 10 configured in this way can be easily retrofitted with a fingerprint authorization mechanism using the standard connecting cable 16 and an unmodified connecting device.

[0035] The illustrated positioning of the fingerprint sensor 17 on the handle part 11 already enables simple and intuitive operation, which is possible even in poor lighting conditions thanks to the haptically detectable elevation 18. Alternatively or in addition to the elevation 18 (or a recess), the area of ​​the fingerprint sensor 17 can be optically marked, for example, by backlighting a sensor surface of the fingerprint sensor 17 and / or by arranging a luminous border around the sensor surface.

[0036] In addition to enabling the charging process, authorization using the fingerprint sensor 17 can also be used to prioritize charging processes using the registered charging plug 10. This is a particularly conceivable option for pooled charging devices, for example, on company premises. Personal charging rates can also be implemented using the fingerprint sensor 17, thus saving the user the hassle of additional identification, for example, using credit cards or similar, at the charging device.

[0037] The fingerprint sensor 17 and / or the integrated evaluation unit can also be provided with an authentication feature, for example, a digital certificate, in order to authenticate themselves to upstream entities and / or the vehicle. The digital certificate can include identification features of the fingerprint sensor 17 and / or the evaluation unit, for example, an identification number uniquely assigned during production. This can ensure, for example, that an enable signal generated by the internal evaluation unit of a charging plug 10 is actually authorized to enable the charging device to which the charging plug 10 is coupled. This is a particularly advantageous development for charging devices with a connection cable 16 that is not permanently attached.

[0038] The charging connector 10 with integrated fingerprint sensor 17, as claimed in the application, combines an electrical contact to the vehicle with a user authentication method. As previously described, the ability to identify a user and thus determine their authorization is primarily intended for controlling charging processes.

[0039] In addition, this user authorization can also be used in conjunction with the vehicle's electrical contact to grant access to vehicle-specific data and information.

[0040] In particular, if the charging connector 10 establishes a communication connection with the vehicle that goes beyond the aforementioned PWM signal, for example, a connection to the vehicle's internal CAN bus, vehicle data can be read out, such as data relating to charging processes, usage cycles, load, charging history, and so on. Other data relating to the motor vehicle, which is regularly read out, for example, during maintenance or inspection procedures, can also be made accessible via the charging connector 10 or—as with software updates—transferred to the vehicle.

[0041] The fingerprint sensor 17 offers the possibility of implementing user-specific rights management. For example, certain users can be granted access only to non-critical vehicle data, whereas the vehicle's error log or other critical data can only be read by other users. It can also be provided that the option to install software updates into the vehicle via the charging connector 10 is also subject to rights management using the fingerprint sensor 17.

[0042] The ability to transmit vehicle data via the charging connector 10 can also be used to identify a vehicle to the charging device to which the charging connector 10 is connected, and thus, for example, to set vehicle-specific tariffs for the charging current used. - IQ -

[0043] List of reference symbols

[0044] 10 charging plugs

[0045] 11 Handle 12 Collar

[0046] 13 Plug section

[0047] 14 Locking opening

[0048] 15 kink protection

[0049] 16 Connection cable 17 Fingerprint sensor

[0050] 18 Increase

[0051] 20 socket

[0052] 21 Housing 22 Cover

[0053] 23 contacts

Claims

Claims 1. Charging plug (10) for an electric vehicle with a handle part (11) and a plug section (13) arranged at a front end of the handle part (11), characterized in that a fingerprint sensor (17) is arranged on the charging plug (10).

2. Charging plug (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fingerprint sensor (17) is arranged on the handle part (11).

3. Charging plug (10) according to claim 2, wherein the fingerprint sensor (17) is arranged in a forward section of the handle part (11) in the insertion direction.

4. Charging plug (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fingerprint sensor (17) is arranged on an upper side when the charging plug (10) is plugged in.

5. Charging plug (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fingerprint sensor (17) is arranged in a recess or on a protrusion (18).

6. Charging plug (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an evaluation unit for the fingerprint sensor (17).

7. Charging plug (10) according to claim 6, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to analyze an imprint of a placed finger and to compare it with stored imprints.

8. Charging plug (10) according to claim 7, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to output release information depending on a result of the comparison.

9. Charging plug (10) according to claim 8, wherein the release information is output on control lines of a connecting cable (16).

10. Charging plug (10) according to claim 8, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to manipulate signals forwarded to the electric vehicle depending on the release information on control lines of the connecting cable (16).

11. Charging plug (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a lighting device for marking the fingerprint sensor (17).

12. Charging plug (10) according to claim 11, wherein the lighting device back-illuminates a sensor area of ​​the fingerprint sensor (17).

13. Charging plug (10) according to claim 11, wherein the lighting device surrounds a sensor area of ​​the fingerprint sensor (17).

14. Charging plug (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a sensor surface of the fingerprint sensor (17) is configured as a screen for displaying information.

15. Method for charging an electric vehicle at a connection device via a connection cable (16) connected thereto, at the end of which a charging plug (10) is arranged, characterized in that the charging plug (10) has a fingerprint sensor (17), wherein - an imprint of a placed finger is analyzed; - the impression is compared with stored impressions; and - depending on the result of the comparison, a release information is issued to the connection device.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the release information is output to the connection device via control lines of the connecting cable (16).

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein signals transmitted to the electric vehicle are manipulated depending on the release information on control lines of the connecting cable (16).

18. Method according to claim 15, wherein the release information is wirelessly output to the connection device.

19. Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, wherein at least one authentication feature, in particular a digital certificate, is issued by the fingerprint sensor (17) for authentication of a user to the electric vehicle and / or the connection device.

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