Mobile charging device for charging an electric vehicle and a method for charging an electric vehicle

Abstract

A mobile charging device 10 for charging an electric vehicle 12 comprising: an AC input 16 for a power socket 18; an AC output 20 for a charging input 22; AC-AC circuitry 24 between the AC input and output; a DC-AC converter (inverter) 28 having a DC input 26, to convert DC current from a further or second vehicle 30 to AC to charge the electric vehicle via the AC output. The device may be a Type 1 charging device (EVSE), where the AC charging input is a socket plug 18, 32 and the AC charging output 20 is a car plug 34, each with their own cable. The inverter may be connected to the AC-AC circuitry and may be removably installed inside, or attached to the outside of, the EVSE housing 38. The DC input may be connected to the second vehicle via a detachable cable 44 and either a bidirectional charging vehicle connector 42 or jump start terminals 40. The EVSE may be used to charge the vehicle from a power socket or, via the inverter, from a further vehicle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicles, in particular electric vehicles, such as automobiles, vans, or trucks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mobile charging device for charging an electric vehicle or more precisely a battery of the, in particular, battery-operated electric vehicle, wherein the charger is capable of providing AC power at a charging output for connecting to the vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding method for charging an electric vehicle. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] At present, the charging cables for electric vehicles that come with a purchased electric vehicle are usually type level 1 AC and are designed to be connected to the AC sockets available at home. If a user has a need to recharge the battery of the vehicle at a remote location, for example in mountain or park areas, one of the options is to request assistance by a second car and charge the vehicle from the other vehicle’s battery. Therefore, the user needs a second separate vehicle-to-vehicle charging cable for use at the remote location. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile charging device and a corresponding method for charging an electric vehicle, providing a possibility to charge the electric vehicle at home with electricity from a normal power plug and in remote situations via vehicle-to-vehicle charging.

[0004] A mobile charging device and a corresponding method according to the present invention solve this object. Advantageous embodiments and advantages are presented in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawing.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a mobile charging device for charging an electric vehicle, comprising an AC charging input which is connectable to a power socket for charging, further comprising an AC charging output on the vehicle side which is connectable to a corresponding charging input of the electric vehicle for charging, and comprising an AC-AC circuitry which is arranged between the AC charging input and the AC charging output and is configured to transfer current provided by the power socket for the charging input of the electric vehicle or for charging the electric vehicle. The charging device comprising a DC-AC converter which is connectable or couplable to the AC charging output and comprising a DC charging input which is configured to convert current from a further vehicle connected to the DC charging input for the charging input of the electric vehicle or for charging the electric vehicle.

[0006] The mobile charging device is, in particular, a charging cable. The electric vehicle is, in particular, a battery electric vehicle built as a car, van, or a truck. The AC charging input is, in particular, a plug for a power socket of a household electricity net. The AC charging output may comprise a charging plug built as a type J1772 charging plug. The mobile charging device is configured in such a way that a current that can be used to charge the vehicle is not provided directly, but instead a converter in the electric vehicle converts the alternating current output by the charging device into direct current, which is used to charge the battery. Therefore, the charging device could be, for example, very lightweight.

[0007] To perform a car-to-car or vehicle-to-vehicle charging without the need for a second charging device a removable or detachable DC-AC converter is provided which can be connected to the AC charging output of the charging device and therefore, for example, replace the AC-AC circuitry so that charging from a DC current source such as the battery of another vehicle is possible.

[0008] In other words, an extended capacity charger is disclosed for use at home from an AC outlet and remotely for use with a battery of another electric vehicle by use of a removable DC to AC converter. So, for example an existing level 1 charging cable that is supplied with the purchase of the electric vehicle is extended to include a DC-AC converter for utilization in a remote location. Thus, there may be no need for an additional vehicle-to-vehicle charging solution. The DC-AC detachable converter could be provided in multiple configurations for different DC inputs.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mobile charging device is configured as a charging device, in particular of type 1 or level 1, wherein the AC charging input is formed by a socket plug and the AC charging output is formed by a car plug and these are each connected to a piece of cable, one of which is connected to one end and the other to the other end of the AC-AC circuitry or to its electrical connections on one and the other side.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the DC-AC converter in its coupled or attached state is connected in series or parallel with the AC-AC circuitry.

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the AC-AC circuitry is arranged in a housing, and the removable DC-AC converter is capable of being accommodated in the housing in its coupled state or is capable of being attached to the housing on the outside of the outer part of the housing.

[0012] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the DC charging input is attached to the DC-AC converter via a detachable cable, which is, in particular, capable of being detached via a plug at the housing of the AC-AC circuitry or the DC-AC converter.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the DC charging input for coupling with the further vehicle comprises jump start terminals and / or a bi-directional vehicle connector.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for charging an electric vehicle via a charging device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the first aspect of the present invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments and advantages of the second aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the DC-AC converter is disconnected. An AC charging input is connected to a socket, an AC charging output is connected to the electric vehicle, and the electric vehicle is thus charged from the socket or by power delivered from the socket.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, the DC-AC converter is coupled to the AC charging output, the DC charging input is connected to the further vehicle, and the AC charging output is connected to the electric vehicle. Thus, the electric vehicle is charged by the further vehicle, in particular, by electric power provided by a traction battery of the further vehicle.

[0018] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figure and / or shown in the figure alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0019] The novel features and characteristic of the present disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0020] The drawings show in:

[0021] Fig. 1 a schematic view of a mobile charging device for charging an electric vehicle with the electric vehicle, a further vehicle, and a housing.

[0022] In the figure, the same reference signs indicate the same elements or elements having the same function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0024] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0025] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0026] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a mobile charging device 10 for charging an electric vehicle 12 or, in particular, its battery 14 via electrical power. The mobile charging device 10 comprises an AC charging input 16, which is connectable to a power socket 18 for charging, and an AC charging output 20 on the vehicle side, which is connectable to a corresponding charging input 22 of the electric vehicle 12 for charging. The mobile charging device 10 further comprises an AC-AC circuitry 24, which is arranged between the AC charging input 16 and the AC charging output 20 and is configured to transfer current provided by the power socket 18 for the charging input of the electric vehicle 12. The mobile charging device 10 further comprises a DC-AC converter 28, which is detachable to the AC charging output 20 and has a DC charging input 26, which is configured to convert current from a further vehicle 30, connected to the DC charging input 26 for charging the electric vehicle 12.

[0028] The mobile charging device 10 is, in particular, configured as a charging device and is built as a type 1 charger, wherein the AC charging input 16 is formed by or comprises a socket plug 32. The socket plug 32 is connected to a cable 48. The AC charging output 20 is formed by a car plug 34 or comprises the car plug 34, and these are each connected to cable 36 which are connected on the one end and on the other end of the AC charging output 20, which is connected to the AC-AC circuitry 24 and the DC-AC converter 28. The DC-AC converter 28 in its coupled state may be connected in series with the AC-AC circuitry 24 or alternatively parallel to the AC-AC circuitry 24. This means that part of the AC-AC circuitry 24 may be used to provide the current for the charging input 22 of the electric vehicle 12.

[0029] The AC-AC circuitry 24 may be arranged in a housing 38 and the removable DC-AC converter 28 is capable of being accommodated in the housing 38 in its coupled state or alternatively as not shown in Fig. 1 is attachable to the housing’s outside.

[0030] In other words, a cable 36, 44, 48 along with other components is shown for charging the battery 14 at home at an AC outlet and remotely by another electric vehicle. In this regard, the housing 38 of the mobile charger 10 comprises, for example, a level 1 type charger, in particular, provided by the AC-AC circuitry 24 and the removable DC-AC converter 28. The electric vehicle 12 receiving the power or electrical energy can be connected to the home by a power cable 48 or to the donor vehicle 30, for example via jumper terminals 40 or a bidirectional charging vehicle connector 42. The jump start terminals 40 as well as the bidirectional charging vehicle connector 42 could be built as the DC charging input 26 or be connected to the DC-AC converter 28 via a detachable cable 44. For example, the bidirectional charging vehicle connector 42 may be connected to the donor vehicle 30. Additionally, the donor vehicle 30 may be connected to the DC charging input 26 via the DC output 46 and cable 44. The DC output 46 may transfer DC power via a charging connector.

[0031] With the mobile charging device 10, a method may be provided for charging the electric vehicle 12. Via one embodiment of the method, the electric vehicle 12 is charged while the DC-AC converter 28 is disconnected or not in use, the AC charging input 16 is connected to the power socket 18, and the DC charging output 20 is connected to the electric vehicle 12. Thus, the electric vehicle 12 is charged from the power provided via the power socket 18.

[0032] Alternatively, with a second embodiment of the method, the DC-AC converter 28 is coupled or attached to the AC charging output 20, and the DC charging input 26 is connected to the corresponding DC output 46 of the further vehicle 30 and the AC charging output 20 is connected to the electric vehicle 12 and the electric vehicle 12 is thus charged by the further vehicle 30.

[0033] With the shown mobile charging device 10, a multiple use electric vehicle charging device and cable may be provided. Signs mobile charging device electric vehicle battery AC charging input power socket AC charging output charging input AC-AC circuitry DC charging input DC-AC converter further vehicle socket plug car plug cable housing jump start terminal Bidirectional charging vehicle connector cable DC output cable

Claims

1. A mobile charging device (10) for charging an electric vehicle (12), comprising an AC charging input (16) which is connectable to a power socket (18) for charging, comprising an AC charging output (20) on the vehicle side which is connectable to a corresponding charging input (22) of the electric vehicle (10) for charging, and comprising an AC-AC circuitry (24) which is arranged between the AC charging input (16) and the AC charging output (20) and is configured to transfer current provided by the power socket (18) for charging the electric vehicle (10), the mobile charging device (10) comprising a DC-AC converter (28) which is connectable to the AC charging output (20) and comprising a DC charging input (26) which is configured to convert current from a further vehicle (30) connected to the DC charging input (26) for charging the electric vehicle (10).

2. The mobile charging device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe mobile charging device (10) is configured as a type 1 charging device (10), wherein the AC charging input (16) is formed by a socket plug (32) and the AC charging output (20) is formed by a car plug (34) and these are each connected to a cable (36), one of which is connected to one end and the other to the other end of the AC-AC circuitry (24).

3. The mobile charging device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe DC-AC converter (28) in its coupled state is connected in series or parallel with or to the AC-AC circuitry (24).

4. The mobile charging device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe AC-AC circuitry (24) is arranged in a housing (38) and the removable DC-AC converter (28) is capable of being in the housing (38) in its coupled state or is capable of being attached to the outside of the housing (38).

5. The mobile charging device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe DC charging input (26) is attached to the DC-AC converter (28) via a detachable cable (44).

6. The mobile charging device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe DC charging input (26) for coupling with the further vehicle (30) comprises at least one of a jump start terminals (40) or a bidirectional charging vehicle connector (42).

7. A method for charging an electric vehicle (12) via a mobile charging device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in thata DC-AC converter (28) is disconnected and an AC charging input (16) is connected to a power socket (18) and an AC charging output (20) is connected to the electric vehicle (12) and the electric vehicle (12) is thus charged from the power socket (18).

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe DC-AC converter (28) is coupled to the AC charging output (20) and a DC charging input (26) is connected to the further vehicle (30), the AC charging output (20) is connected to the electric vehicle (12), and the electric vehicle (12) is thus charged by the further vehicle (30).

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