Controller for a charging device for a vehicle, charging device, and method for operating the controller

Abstract

The invention relates to a controller (150) for a charging device (100) for a vehicle (500) and to a V2L device (300), wherein the controller (150) and the V2L device (300) are connected to a protective conductor (510) of the vehicle (500). The controller (150) comprises a diagnostic device (200) which diagnoses a fault in the connection of the V2L device (300) to the protective conductor (510).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title ity, and procedures for operating the

[0003] The invention relates to a control device for a charging device for a vehicle, a charging device, and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) device. Furthermore, the invention relates to an energy management system, a vehicle, a method for operating the control device, as well as a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Chargers, for example in vehicles with an electric drive in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, are used to recharge batteries, preferably accumulators or traction batteries, from an electrical energy source, preferably from an external AC source or from the public AC grid. During the charging process, electrical energy can be made available to consumers in a vehicle with a vehicle-to-load socket (V2L socket). Consumers connected to the socket are supplied with energy. A control device controls the charging process and the supply of electrical energy to the consumer. During the charging process, this electrical system is considered a grounded electrical system because the external AC source is grounded via a ground connection.To ensure operational safety, the connection of the V2L socket to the ground terminal must be monitored during the charging process. Therefore, there is a need for a simple and compact solution for a charger control device that monitors the connection of the V2L socket to the ground terminal.

[0006] Disclosure of the invention A control device for a charging device for a vehicle is provided. The control device comprises a diagnostic device. The control device can be connected to a vehicle-to-load device (V2L device) of the vehicle via a first connecting line, preferably an electrical connecting line. The control device has a first protective conductor connection for connection to a protective conductor of the vehicle. A connectable V2L device preferably has a second protective conductor connection for connection to the protective conductor of the vehicle. According to the invention, the diagnostic device has a first diagnostic connection for connection to the first connecting line and a voltage measuring device which is designed to determine a voltage between the first diagnostic connection and the first protective conductor connection.The diagnostic device detects or diagnoses a fault and outputs a signal if the detected voltage is less than a predeterminable lower threshold or if the detected voltage is greater than a predeterminable upper threshold. Preferably, the diagnostic device detects a faulty electrical connection between the V2L device and the vehicle's protective conductor. A faulty electrical connection is preferably present if there is no electrical connection between the V2L device and the vehicle's protective conductor.

[0007] The control device is configured for a vehicle with a charger and a V2L device. A protective conductor is provided in the vehicle, which is connected to an external charging device, e.g., a charging station, via a ground connection, preferably a ground cable, during a charging process. Since the control device and the V2L device are arranged at different locations within the vehicle, both the control device and the V2L device are connected to the vehicle's protective conductor via a first protective conductor connection, and preferably the V2L device is connected to the vehicle's protective conductor via a second protective conductor connection. To avoid the need for an additional control device for the V2L device, the control device includes a diagnostic device for diagnosing a faulty connection or link between the V2L device and the vehicle's protective conductor.For this purpose, the diagnostic device can be connected to the V2L device via a first diagnostic connection with a first connecting line. The diagnostic device also includes a voltage measuring device that determines a voltage between the first diagnostic connection and the first protective conductor connection. Depending on the determined voltage, the diagnostic device detects or diagnoses a faulty connection of the V2L device to the protective conductor.

[0008] Advantageously, a simple solution is provided for a control device for a charging device, which monitors the connection of the V2L device to the protective conductor or the earth connection by means of a specially designed diagnostic device. Preferably, a voltage at the end of the protective conductor is monitored by means of a preferably predeterminable voltage difference across the parallel connecting line between the end of the protective conductor and a reference point present in the diagnostic device. Preferably, a voltage at the protective conductor within the V2L device is monitored by means of a preferably predeterminable voltage difference across the parallel connecting line between the V2L device and the diagnostic device at the diagnostic connection of the diagnostic device.

[0009] In one embodiment, the diagnostic device comprises a current and / or voltage source, which is connected on the one hand to the first protective conductor terminal and on the other hand to a first resistor, wherein the first resistor is connected between the voltage source and the first diagnostic terminal. Preferably, the current and / or voltage source is configured to provide a predeterminable voltage across a first resistor.

[0010] Using the current and / or voltage source, a current is applied to the first connecting line between the diagnostic port and the V2L device via a first resistor, or a voltage is applied across the first resistor. This creates a voltage that can be specified using the current and / or voltage source between the first connecting line and the vehicle's protective conductor.

[0011] Advantageously, a circuit is provided for the diagnostic device that enables monitoring of the connection between the V2L device and a protective conductor. In one embodiment, the first resistor is arranged within the control device, or within the charger, or within the V2L device. The spatial proximity to the diagnostic device speaks in favor of an arrangement within the control device, so that the first resistor is preferably arranged on the same circuit board as the electronics of the control device, and a connection to the diagnostic device is made via conductor tracks. Therefore, no additional cables are required to connect the first resistor.Alternatively, the first resistor is preferably arranged elsewhere within the charger or within the V2L device, possibly combined with an electrical connection via additional cables between the current and / or voltage source, the first resistor and the first diagnostic port.

[0012] Advantageously, several possibilities for arranging the first resistor are provided.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the charger comprises a charging port for connecting an external energy source. Preferably, the charger further comprises a battery port for connecting a traction battery of the vehicle. When the external energy source is connected to the charger, the protective conductor of the vehicle is connected to a ground cable of the external energy source. The ground cable of the external energy source is an electrically conductive connection to a ground of the external energy source or a PE conductor or a protective conductor of the external energy source. During operation of the charger, electrical energy is preferably transferred between at least one of the energy sources, the external energy source and / or the traction battery, and at least one of the energy sinks, the traction battery or the V2L device.

[0014] During operation of the charger, in which energy is transferred from an external energy source to the vehicle, preferably to the traction battery or to supply the V2L device, the vehicle's protective conductor is connected to a grounding cable or protective conductor of the external energy source. This advantageously provides a protective measure, a protective earthing of the control device, the charger, and the vehicle. In the event of a short circuit between an active, preferably live, conductor and a conductive, accessible part, preferably a housing part of the charger or the vehicle, the protective earthing serves to keep this accessible part at earth potential, thus preventing or at least reducing a current flow through the body, preferably a human body, to earth.

[0015] The invention further relates to a charger with a control device. Preferably, the control device is arranged within the charger or the control device is connected to the charger via additional connecting lines.

[0016] Advantageously, a charger with a control device is provided.

[0017] The invention further relates to a V2L device for a vehicle. A V2L device is preferably a device that makes it possible to provide electrical energy from a vehicle, preferably via a socket, which can be used to operate consumers. The V2L device comprises a test circuit. The V2L device can be connected to a control device for a charging device of the vehicle via a, preferably electrical, first connecting line. The V2L device comprises a second protective conductor connection for connection to a protective conductor of the vehicle. The control device preferably has a first protective conductor connection for connection to the protective conductor of the vehicle. The test circuit comprises a first test connection for connection to the first connecting line. The V2L device further comprises a second resistor.Preferably, a series circuit comprising a first and a second resistor forms a voltage divider. The second resistor is connected between the first test terminal and the second protective conductor terminal.

[0018] A V2L device with a test circuit is provided. The test circuit comprises a second resistor, a first test terminal, and a second protective conductor terminal. The second resistor is connected between the first test terminal and the second protective conductor terminal. Advantageously, a V2L device is provided that comprises a test circuit that enables the connection of the V2L device to the protective conductor or the ground terminal to be monitored by means of a specially designed diagnostic device.

[0019] In one embodiment, the test circuit comprises a first resistor and a second test terminal. A series connection of the first resistor and the second resistor forms a voltage divider. The first resistor is connected to the second test terminal on one side and to the second resistor via an intermediate tap on the other. The second resistor is connected to the second protective conductor terminal on the other side and to the first resistor via the intermediate tap on the other side. The intermediate tap is connected to the first test terminal.

[0020] Preferably, during operation of the V2L device, the second test port is connected to a second diagnostic port of the control device, wherein the first test port is connected to the first diagnostic port of the control device.

[0021] A V2L device with a test circuit is provided. The test circuit includes a first and a second resistor, a first and a second test terminal, and a second protective conductor terminal. The second resistor is connected between the first test terminal and the second protective conductor terminal.

[0022] Advantageously, an alternative V2L device is provided which comprises a test circuit which enables the connection of the V2L device to the protective conductor or the earth connection to be monitored by means of a specially designed diagnostic device.

[0023] In one embodiment, the V2L device comprises a socket for connecting a, preferably mobile, consumer. The socket comprises a protective connection which is connected to the second protective conductor connection. When connecting a consumer, the protective conductor of the vehicle is preferably connected via the protective connection to a protective cable of the consumer. The V2L device comprises a socket for connecting a consumer. These are preferably mobile or commercially available consumers for operation on a mains socket in a house, apartment, garden or garage. Such consumers can be electrical appliances or consumers for preparing food, for example a coffee machine or a grill, or household appliances such as a vacuum cleaner or tools such as a compressor or a saw.These devices include a protective cable which is connected to the protective conductor of the vehicle via the protective terminal of the socket of the V2L device.

[0024] Advantageously, a V2L device is provided with a socket whose protective terminal is connected to the protective conductor of the vehicle, wherein the connection of the V2L device to the protective conductor of the vehicle or the earth connection is enabled by means of a specially designed diagnostic device.

[0025] The invention further relates to an energy management system for a vehicle. The energy management system comprises a control device or a charging device with a control device and a V2L device. The first diagnostic port is connected to the first test port of the V2L device via a first connecting line. Preferably, a second diagnostic port is connected to a second test port of the V2L device via a second connecting line.

[0026] Advantageously, an energy management system comprising a control device and a connected V2L device is provided, which enables monitoring of the connection of the V2L device to the protective conductor of the vehicle or the earth connection.

[0027] The invention further relates to a vehicle with a control device and a V2L device or an energy management system. Advantageously, a vehicle comprising a control device with a connected V2L device is provided, which enables monitoring of the connection of the V2L device to the protective conductor of the vehicle or the ground connection.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a control device comprising the steps of: determining a voltage between a first diagnostic terminal and a first protective conductor terminal and outputting a signal if the determined voltage is less than a predefinable lower threshold value or greater than a predefinable upper threshold value.

[0029] By determining the voltage between the first diagnostic connection and the first protective conductor connection, it can be detected whether the protective conductor is connected to the V2L device or not. It is preferably detected whether the first protective conductor connection of the control device is connected to the second protective conductor connection of the V2L device via the vehicle's protective conductor. It is preferably detected whether there is a continuous connection of the protective conductor between the V2L device and the diagnostic circuit. The upper and lower threshold values ​​preferably result from the dimensioning of the first and second resistors and the applied voltage or current of the current and / or voltage source. If the determined voltage is less than a lower threshold value, there is a defect in the diagnostic circuit, preferably the current and / or voltage source.If the detected voltage is greater than an upper threshold, the connection of the V2L device to the protective conductor is interrupted. Preferably, the connection between the first protective conductor terminal of the control device and the second protective conductor terminal of the V2L device via the protective conductor of the vehicle is interrupted if the detected voltage is greater than an upper threshold. Preferably, at least two different types of fault are diagnosed. Preferably, a specific signal is output depending on the type of fault, thus preferably a first signal for a detected fault of a first fault type and a second signal for a detected fault of a second fault type. Advantageously, a method is provided with which the connection of a V2L socket or the V2L device to the protective conductor or the earth connection is monitored.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a control device, cause the control device to carry out the method.

[0031] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a control device, cause the control device to carry out the method.

[0032] It is understood that the features, characteristics and advantages of the charger apply accordingly to the method or the powertrain and the vehicle and vice versa.

[0033] Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Short description of the drawing

[0035] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to some figures, which show:

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle with a control device and a V2L device

[0037] Figure 2 shows an alternative schematic representation of a vehicle with a control device and a V2L device

[0038] Figure 3 shows a schematic flow diagram for a method for operating a control device

[0039] Embodiments of the invention

[0040] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 500 and an external energy source 600. The vehicle 500 is preferably any vehicle on water, on land, or in the air. The external energy source 600 is preferably, for example, a wall box in a garage or a stationary charging column of a central or decentralized charging station or a grid connection. The external energy source 600 is preferably a single-phase or multi-phase AC voltage source or a DC voltage source. The external energy source 600 comprises a grounding cable 610. The grounding cable is preferably an electrical cable, a protective conductor, or a PE conductor that is connected to the earth potential. When the external energy source 600 is connected to the vehicle 500 via a charging connection 505, a protective conductor 510 of the vehicle is connected to the grounding connection 610 of the external energy source 600.The vehicle 500 comprises a charger 100, which converts electrical energy from the external energy source 600 into, for example, a direct current and / or alternating current. The converted energy, for example in the form of a high-voltage direct current, is preferably used to charge a battery in the vehicle 500, preferably a traction battery 700 or a high-voltage battery. A traction battery 700 preferably serves to supply an electric drive of the vehicle 500. A V2L device 300, preferably the socket 460 of the V2L device 300, in the vehicle 500 is preferably supplied with the converted energy, for example in the form of an alternating current, via a third and fourth connecting line 550, 560. A control device 150 preferably controls the operation of the charger. The control device 150 comprises a diagnostic device 200.The control device 150 is connectable to the V2L device 300 of the vehicle 500 via a first connecting line 580. Furthermore, the control device 150 has a first protective conductor connection 520 for connection to the protective conductor 510 of the vehicle 500. The V2L device 300 has a second protective conductor connection 530 for connection to the protective conductor 510 of the vehicle 500. The diagnostic device 200 comprises a first diagnostic connection 240 for connection to the first connecting line 580 and a voltage measuring device 230, which determines a voltage between the first diagnostic connection 240 and the first protective conductor connection 520. The diagnostic device 200 diagnoses an error and outputs a signal S if the determined voltage is less than a predeterminable lower threshold value or the determined voltage is greater than a predeterminable upper threshold value.The diagnostic device 200 preferably comprises a current and / or voltage source 210, which is connected on the one hand to the first protective conductor terminal 520 and on the other hand to a first resistor 215. The first resistor 215 is preferably connected between the current and / or voltage source 210 and the first diagnostic terminal 240. The current and / or voltage source 210 is preferably configured to provide a predeterminable voltage across the first resistor 215. The V2L device 300 comprises a test circuit 400. The V2L device 300 is preferably connectable to the control device 150 for a charger 100 of the vehicle 500 via the first connecting line 580. The V2L device 300 includes a second protective conductor terminal 530 for connection to a protective conductor 510 of the vehicle 500. The control device 150 has a first protective conductor terminal 520 for connection to the protective conductor 510 of the vehicle 500.The test circuit 400 includes a first test terminal 450 for connection to the first connecting line 580 and a second resistor 420. The second resistor 420 is connected between the first test terminal 450 and the second protective conductor terminal 530. The V2L device preferably includes a socket 460 for connecting a load 800. The socket 460 includes a protective conductor terminal 470. The protective conductor terminal 470 is connected to the second protective conductor terminal 530. When connecting a preferably mobile load 800, the protective conductor 510 of the vehicle 500 is connected to a protective cable of the load 800.

[0041] Starting from the vehicle 500 according to Figure 1, the diagnostic device 200 according to the invention according to Figure 2 comprises only the current and / or voltage source 210 and a first diagnostic connection 240 for connection to the first connecting line 580, a second diagnostic connection 220 for connection to a second connecting line 570, and a voltage measuring device 230, which is configured to determine a voltage between the first diagnostic connection 240 and the first protective conductor connection 520. Accordingly, the test circuit 400 of the V2L device 300 according to Figure 2 comprises a first resistor 215 and a second test connection 430. The test circuit 400 of the V2L device 300 according to Figure 2 comprises a series connection of the first resistor 215 and the second resistor 420, which form a voltage divider.The first resistor 215 is connected, on the one hand, to the second test terminal 430 and, on the other hand, via an intermediate tap 440, to the second resistor 420. The second resistor 420 is connected, on the one hand, to the second protective conductor terminal 530 and, on the other hand, via the intermediate tap 440, to the first resistor 215. The intermediate tap 440 is connected to the first test terminal 450. During operation of the V2L device, the second test terminal 430 is connected, via the second connecting line 570, to the second diagnostic terminal 220 of the control device 150. The first test terminal 450 is connected to the first diagnostic terminal 240 of the control device 150.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a schematic flowchart for a method 900 for operating a control device 150. The method 900 starts with step 905. In step 910, a voltage between a first diagnostic terminal 240 and a first protective conductor terminal 520 is determined. In step 920, a signal S is output if the determined voltage is less than a predeterminable lower threshold or greater than a predeterminable upper threshold. The method ends with step 925.

Claims

Claims:

1. A control device (150) for a charger (100) for a vehicle (500), wherein the control device (150) comprises a diagnostic device (200), wherein the control device (150) is connectable to a V2L device (300) of the vehicle (500) via a first connecting line (580), wherein the control device (150) has a first protective conductor connection (520) for connection to a protective conductor (510) of the vehicle (500), characterized in that the diagnostic device (200) comprises a first diagnostic connection (240) for connection to the first connecting line (580) and a voltage measuring device (230) which is configured to determine a voltage between the first diagnostic connection (240) and the first protective conductor connection (520), wherein the diagnostic device (200) diagnoses an error and outputs a signal (S),if the detected voltage is less than a predefined lower threshold or the detected voltage is greater than a predefined upper threshold.

2. Control device (150) according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic device (200) comprises a current and / or voltage source (210) which is connected on the one hand to the first protective conductor terminal (520) and on the other hand to a first resistor (215), wherein the first resistor (215) is connected between the current and / or voltage source (210) and the first diagnostic terminal (240) 3. Control device (150) according to claim 2, wherein the first resistor (215) is arranged within the control device (150) or within the charger (100) or within the V2L device (300).

4. Control device (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the charger (100) comprises a charging port for connecting an external energy source (600), wherein, when the external energy source is connected to the charger (100), the protective conductor (510) of the vehicle (500) is connected to a ground cable (610) of the external energy source (600).

5. Charger (100) with a control device (150) according to one of the preceding claims.

6. V2L device (300) for a vehicle (500), the V2L device comprising a test circuit (400), the V2L device (300) being connectable to a control device (150) for a charger (100) of the vehicle (500) via a first connecting line (580), the V2L device (300) comprising a second protective conductor connection (530) for connection to a protective conductor (510) of the vehicle (500), characterized in that the test circuit (400) comprises a first test connection (450) for connection to the first connecting line (580) and a second resistor (420), the second resistor (420) being connected between the first test connection (450) and the second protective conductor connection (530).

7. V2L device (300) according to claim 6, wherein the test circuit (400) comprises a first resistor (215) and a second test terminal (430), and wherein a series connection of the first resistor (215) and the second resistor (420) forms a voltage divider, wherein the first resistor (215) is connected on the one hand to the second test terminal (430) and on the other hand is connected via an intermediate tap (440) to the second resistor (420), and wherein the second resistor (420) is connected on the one hand to the second protective conductor terminal (530) and on the other hand is connected via the intermediate tap (440) to the first resistor (215), wherein the intermediate tap (440) is connected to the first test terminal (450).

8. V2L device (300) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the V2L device comprises a socket (460) for connecting a consumer (800), wherein the socket (460) comprises a protective terminal (470), wherein the protective terminal (470) is connected to the second protective conductor terminal (530) 9. Energy management system for a vehicle (500), comprising a control device (150) or a charger (100) with a control device (150) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and a V2L device (300) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first diagnostic port (240) is connected to the first test port (450) of the V2L device via a first connecting line (580).

10. Vehicle (500) with a control device (150) according to one of claims 1 to 4, with a charger according to claim 5, a V2L device according to one of claims 6 to 8 or an energy management system according to claim 9.

11. A method (900) for operating a control device (150) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the steps: Determining (910) a voltage between a first diagnostic terminal (240) and a first protective conductor terminal (520); Outputting (920) a signal (S) if the determined voltage is less than a predeterminable lower threshold value or greater than a predeterminable upper threshold value.

12. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a control device (150), cause the control device (150) to carry out the method (900) according to claim 11.

13. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a control device (150), cause the control device (150) to carry out the method (900) according to claim 11.

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