Charging security device for electric work vehicles

Abstract

A charging security device for an electric work vehicle with a battery, the charging security device comprising: a lock configured to secure a charging cable to a charging port of the electric work vehicle, the lock can be in a locked or unlocked state; a receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of an operator's identifier from a transmitter; and a processor configured to compare the operator's identifier to a list of authorized operators. If the operator's identifier corresponds to an authorized operator, the charging security device is configured to allow a state of the lock to change and allow charging to begin. If the operator's identifier does not correspond to an authorized operator, the charging security device is configured to prevent a state of the lock from changing from a locked state to an unlocked state and prevent charging from beginning.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of electric work vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric work vehicles are typically charged via a removable charging cable. Because these charging cables are expensive, it is beneficial to secure the charging cables to prevent theft. Traditionally, charging cables are physically locked to the electric work vehicle, and the operator must actively unlock them to use the charging cable to connect or disconnect the electric work vehicle to or from the charger. This can be time consuming, and security may be limited if the key is common or shared among operators. For example, a common or shared key could allow the charging cable to be stolen without the operator's knowledge, or the electric work vehicle to be disconnected from the charger, causing the operator to return to the electric work vehicle not fully charged.

[0003] Battery health is another important consideration in charging electric work vehicles, and it may be beneficial to prevent untrained operators from charging electric work vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Against this background, a charging security device for an electric work vehicle comprising a battery is provided. The charging security device comprises a lock configured to secure a charging cable to a charging port of the electric work vehicle, the lock may be in a locked or unlocked state. The charging security device further comprises a receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of an operator's identifier from the transmitter. The charging security device further comprises a processor configured to compare the operator's identifier to a list of approved operators. If the processor determines that the operator's identifier corresponds to an approved operator, the charging security device is configured to allow a state of the lock to be changed and allow charging of the work vehicle to commence. If the processor determines that the operator's identifier does not correspond to an approved operator, the charging security device is configured to prevent a state of the lock from being changed from a locked state to an unlocked state and prevent charging of the electric work vehicle from commencement.

[0005] In this manner, only authorized operators can initiate charging of the battery. This can help maintain the health of the battery since only trained operators can charge the battery. Trained operators can, for example, charge the battery at an appropriate charging rate that is beneficial to the health of the battery. Additionally, only authorized operators can disconnect the charging cable from the electric work vehicle, preventing both theft of the cable and unauthorized operators from disconnecting from and using the electric work vehicle.

[0006] A method of charging an electric work vehicle comprising a battery and a charging security device is also provided. The charging security device comprises a lock configured to secure a charging cable to a charging port of the electric work vehicle, the lock may be in a locked or unlocked state. The charging security device further comprises a receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of an operator's identifier from the transmitter. The charging security device further comprises a processor configured to compare the operator's identifier to a list of approved operators. If the processor determines that the operator's identifier corresponds to an approved operator, the method includes allowing a state of the lock to be changed and allowing charging of the work vehicle to commence. If the processor determines that the operator's identifier does not correspond to an approved operator, the method includes preventing a state of the lock from changing from a locked state of an unlocked state and preventing charging of the electric work vehicle from commencement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a charging port for an electric work vehicle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a charging port of an electric work vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a charging cable connector installed in a charging port of an electric work vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a charging cable connector installed in a charging port of an electric work vehicle. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for charging an electric work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A charging security device for an electric work vehicle with a battery may be configured to allow an authorized operator to lock and unlock a charging cable on the electric work vehicle. The charging security device includes a lock configured to secure the charging cable to a charging port of the electric work vehicle, the lock may be in a locked state or an unlocked state. The lock may be in a locked state when the electric work vehicle is charging or when the electric work vehicle is not charging. The lock may be in an unlocked state when the electric work vehicle is charging or when the electric work vehicle is not charging. The charging security device further includes a receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of an operator's identifier from the transmitter, and a processor configured to compare the operator's identifier to a list of authorized operators. If the processor determines that the operator's identifier corresponds to an authorized operator, the charging security device is configured to allow a state of the lock to be changed and allow charging of the work vehicle. If the processor determines that the operator's identifier does not correspond to an authorized operator, the charging security device is configured to prevent the lock state from being changed from a locked state to an unlocked state and prevent charging of the electric work vehicle.

[0010] 1 and 2, a charging cable may be configured to be attached to and removed from an electric vehicle at a charging port 110. A lock may be configured to secure the charging cable to the charging port. When the charging cable is attached to the charging port and the lock is in a locked state, removal of the charging cable from the charging port is prevented. When the charging cable is attached to the charging port and the lock is in an unlocked state, removal of the charging cable from the charging port is possible. When the lock is in an unlocked state, the charging cable may remain in place until removed by an operator.

[0011] 1 and 2 show an exemplary arrangement of a charge port 110 in an electric work vehicle. The charge port 110 may be housed within a charge port compartment 120. The charge port compartment 120 may be covered by a door 130. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the door 130 comprises a hinged door. It will be understood that the door 130 may instead comprise a sliding door, a door that opens and closes via rotation in the plane of the door, or another type of door. The door 130 may be secured with or without a door lock. The door lock may be configured to be locked and unlocked by a key, which may be a mechanical key, a Bluetooth key fob, or other key. The door lock may be configured to be locked or unlocked by a key without any additional authorization of the operator. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the door 130 is secured via a latch 131 that may be secured and released with or without a key. The charge port compartment 120 may be recessed into the body of the electric work vehicle (an exterior surface 140 of the electric work vehicle is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ). When the door 130 is closed, the door 130 may be in the plane of the exterior surface 140 or may be adjacent to the plane of the exterior surface 140.

[0012] Figures 3 and 4 show the same example arrangement as shown in Figures 1 and 2, with the charging cable connector 310 in situ. Only the connector 310 of the charging cable configured to attach to a charging port is shown, with the cable itself omitted for clarity. It will be understood that the cable continues and the opposite end of the charging cable is configured to attach to a charger.

[0013] The operator's identifier may be received wirelessly, for example, via wireless internet, Bluetooth, telephone signals, or other transmittable signals. The receiver may receive a signal from the transmitter when the receiver and transmitter are in close proximity to each other, and / or the transmitter may transmit a signal when the receiver and transmitter are in close proximity to each other. In one embodiment, the receiver may automatically receive a signal from the transmitter when the receiver and transmitter are in close proximity to each other. The transmitter may automatically transmit a signal to the receiver when the receiver and transmitter are in close proximity to each other. For example, the receiver may receive a signal from the transmitter and / or the transmitter may transmit a signal to the receiver when the transmitter is within a threshold radius from the receiver. In another embodiment, the transmitter may transmit a signal upon command from an operator. For example, the operator may press a button on the transmitter or provide a command via a smartphone or other device. In another embodiment, the receiver may receive a signal from the transmitter, or the transmitter may transmit a signal to the receiver, when the operator attempts to perform a charging operation. The charging operation may include one or more of connecting the charging cable to the electric work vehicle, a request to disconnect the charging cable from the electric work vehicle, a request to start charging, a request to stop charging, and any other operation related to charging.

[0014] The key may include a transmitter such that the operator's identifier may be received from the key when the key is in proximity to the electric work vehicle. The operator's identifier may be received from the key via Bluetooth. The smartphone may include a transmitter. The operator's identifier may be received from the smartphone via Bluetooth, telephone signals, wireless internet, or other means.

[0015] In one embodiment, the charging security device may be configured to compare the operator's identifier to the list of approved operators upon receiving the operator's identifier at the receiver. In another embodiment, the charging security device may be configured to compare the operator's identifier to the list of approved operators upon connecting the charging cable to the electric work vehicle. The charging security device may be configured to compare the operator's identifier to the list of approved operators in response to a request to disconnect the charging cable from the electric work vehicle.

[0016] A request to disconnect the charging cable from the electric work vehicle may be made by pressing a button or switch. If the operator is an authorized operator, a request to disconnect the charging cable from the electric work vehicle may change the state of the lock to its unlocked state, allowing the charging cable to be removed from the electric work vehicle.

[0017] In use, operator approval may be required for at least initiating charging and disconnecting the charging cable. The authorized operator for initiating charging and disconnecting the charging cable may be the same authorized operator or different authorized operators. In this manner, one authorized operator may initiate charging (e.g., at the end of a shift) and another authorized operator may disconnect the charging cable to use the electric work vehicle (e.g., at the beginning of a shift). In one embodiment, operator approval may not be required to connect the charging cable to the electric work vehicle or to stop charging. For example, an unauthorized operator may be able to connect the charging cable to the electric work vehicle but may not be able to change the state of the lock from a locked state to an unlocked state or to start charging. An unauthorized operator may be able to stop charging, for example, in an emergency. In one embodiment, an unauthorized operator may be prevented from changing the state of the lock from an unlocked state to a locked state. In one embodiment, an unauthorized operator may change the state of the lock from an unlocked state to a locked state.

[0018] The charging security device may be further configured to record charging data. The charging data may include one or more of an operator identifier, a start time of charging, a stop time of charging, a duration of charging, a charging method, an initial charge state at the start of charging, a final charge state at the stop time of charging, a change in the state of charge of the battery during charging, a charging rate, a value of kilowatt-hours used during charging, a cost of charging, a battery temperature during charging, and data indicative of the health of the battery. The start time and stop time may include a time or date, or both a time and date. The data indicative of the health of the battery may include any metric associated with the battery and may include data recorded over the duration of charging (and thus may encompass variations in the metric). The metric may include a charging rate, a temperature, a state of charge, a current, or any other metric associated with the battery and the charging of the battery.

[0019] The recorded charging data may be used for data analysis. The recorded charging data may be used for preferred charging settings. The preferred charging settings may include a time for cost-effective charging. The preferred charging settings may correspond to a particular authorized operator, such as, for example, a preferred return to work time, charging method, or final charging state. The preferred charging settings may be saved as defaults against the operator's identifier, such that the next time the particular authorized operator plugs in a charging cable or starts charging, the preferred charging settings are used as defaults.

[0020] The charging cable may be electrically connected to the electric vehicle via pins and sockets. The charging port may include pins and the charging cable may include a socket. The charging cable may be physically connected to the electric vehicle by inserting the charging cable connector into a recess in the charging port, similar to a plug and socket arrangement. However, it will be understood that the charging cable may be physically inserted into the charging port, but is a charging cable that includes a charging port that includes an electrical socket and electrical pins.

[0021] The lock may comprise a locking mechanism such as a retractable pin or other mechanical locking means. The lock may comprise a locking solenoid. The lock may be electrically operated.

[0022] In use, referring to FIG. 5, an operator may connect a charging cable to the electric work vehicle at step 110. This may trigger various checks. The checks include comparing the operator's identifier to a list of approved operators at step 120. The checks may include safety or operational checks, such as checking if the cable and / or charger are suitable for the electric work vehicle. If the operator is an approved operator, the lock may be changed to its locked state at step 130 and a charging mode may be initiated in which charging can begin. The lock may be changed to its locked state by request from the operator (shown as dashed step 140) before charging begins or automatically when a charging request is provided. Charging may be initiated by a request to charge from the operator at step 150. In one embodiment, the charging request may include a request to charge immediately or a request to charge later. The charging request may include one or more of a charging time, a charging rate, a target charging state, and a time to return to work. In another embodiment, the charging request may simply be an indication that the electric work vehicle should be charged. The controller may then determine one or more of a charge time, a charge rate, and a target charge state. Once charging is complete, the authorized operator may change the lock state to an unlocked state and remove the charging cable from the electric work vehicle at step 160. If it is determined at step 120 that the operator is not an authorized operator, the operator is prevented from changing the lock state and initiating charging at step 170.

[0023] A method of charging an electric work vehicle comprising a battery and a charging security device may be configured to allow an authorized operator to lock and unlock a charging cable with the electric work vehicle. The charging security device comprises a lock configured to secure the charging cable to the electric work vehicle, the lock may be in a locked or unlocked state. The charging security device further comprises a receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of an operator's identifier from the transmitter, and a processor configured to compare the operator's identifier to a list of authorized operators. If the processor determines that the operator's identifier corresponds to an authorized operator, the method includes allowing a state of the lock to be changed and allowing charging of the work vehicle. If the processor determines that the operator's identifier does not correspond to an authorized operator, the method includes preventing a state of the lock from being changed and preventing charging of the electric work vehicle.

[0024] The method may further include any of the steps described above in connection with the charging security device.

Claims

1. A charging security device for an electric work vehicle equipped with a battery, the charging security device comprising: a lock configured to secure a charging cable to a charging port of the electric work vehicle, the lock being capable of being in a locked state or an unlocked state; and a receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of an operator's identifier from the transmitter; a processor configured to compare the operator's identifier with a list of approved operators; if the processor determines that the operator identifier corresponds to an authorized operator, the charging security device is configured to enable the lock state to be changed and enable charging of the electric work vehicle to begin; a charging security device configured to prevent a state of the lock from being changed from the locked state to the unlocked state and prevent charging of the electric work vehicle from commencing if the processor determines that the operator identifier does not correspond to an authorized operator.

2. 10. The charging security device of claim 1, wherein the operator identifier is received from the key when the key is in proximity to the electric work vehicle.

3. 3. The charging security device of claim 2, wherein the operator identifier is received from the key via Bluetooth.

4. 2. The charging security device of claim 1, wherein the charging security device is configured to compare an identifier of the operator to a list of approved operators when the charging cable is connected to the electric work vehicle.

5. 2. The charging security device of claim 1, wherein the charging security device is configured to compare an identifier of the operator to a list of approved operators in response to a request to disconnect the charging cable from the electric work vehicle.

6. 6. The charging security device of claim 5, wherein the request to disconnect the charging cable from the electric work vehicle is made by pressing a button or switch.

7. The charging security device is an identifier of the operator; Charging start time, Charging stop time, Charging duration, charging method, The initial state of charge of the battery at the start of charging, the final state of charge of the battery at the end of charging; charging speed, Changes in the battery's state of charge while charging, The number of kilowatt-hours used during charging, Charging costs, Battery temperature during charging, and 10. The charging security device of claim 1, further configured to record charging data including at least one of: data indicative of battery health;

8. The charging security device of claim 7 , wherein the charging data is recorded against an identifier of the operator.

9. 1. A method of charging an electric work vehicle having a battery and a charging security device, the method comprising: a lock configured to secure a charging cable to the electric work vehicle, the lock being capable of being in a locked state or an unlocked state; and a receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of an operator's identifier from the transmitter; a processor configured to compare the operator's identifier with a list of approved operators; The method comprises: If the processor determines that the operator identifier corresponds to an authorized operator, allowing a state of the lock to be changed and allowing charging of the electric work vehicle; If the processor determines that the operator identifier does not correspond to an authorized operator, preventing a state of the lock from being changed and preventing charging of the electric work vehicle.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the operator identifier is received from the key when the key is in proximity to the electric work vehicle.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the operator identifier is received from the key via Bluetooth.

12. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the charging security device is configured to compare an identifier of the operator to a list of approved operators when the charging cable is connected to the electric work vehicle.

13. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the charging security device is configured to compare an identifier of the operator to a list of approved operators in response to a request to disconnect the charging cable from the electric work vehicle.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the request to disconnect the charging cable from the electric work vehicle is made by pressing a button or switch.

15. The charging security device is an identifier of the operator; Charging start time, Charging stop time, Charging duration, charging method, The initial state of charge of the battery at the start of charging, the final state of charge of the battery at the end of charging; charging speed, a change in the state of charge of the battery during charging; The number of kilowatt-hours used during charging, Charging costs, Battery temperature during charging, and 10. The method of claim 9, further configured to record charging data including at least one of: data indicative of the health of the battery;

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