Plug for charging port of electric vehicle and method for preventing vehicle runaway

Abstract

1. A charge port plug for an electric vehicle (100), comprising: a plug body; and a first plug head for securing to a first-type charge port, the first plug head having: i) an electrical contact element and a first resistor for enabling an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle; and / or ii) an electrical contact element and a processor for enabling an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle, the plug being configured to transmit a signal to the vehicle to transition the vehicle to a park or neutral mode, and the plug being designed to prevent charging of the vehicle. 2. A method for protecting a vehicle from runaway, the method comprising: providing a charge port plug for a vehicle equipped with a first-type charge port, the vehicle being configured to protect the vehicle in response to electrical communication connection with the plug.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Electric vehicles are currently designed with safety devices, such as brakes, to prevent the vehicle from accidentally moving away while being charged at a charging station, such as a charging pole. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known from a further example in Patent Document 1 of Sumitomo Electric Industries that when the vehicle's battery is connected to a power source, the vehicle can be protected against unintentional starting of the drive source. For this reason, the CPU of an electric vehicle is currently designed to communicate with a charging station via a plug and an electric cord. This allows the vehicle to recognize that it is connected to a charging station and activate a safety device. Most current European electric vehicles use one of the following types of charging ports:

[0003] Type 1 Yazaki, SAE J1772, IEC 62196-1. This charging port is a Japanese AC charging standard, also adopted in the US and accepted in the EU. This type of connector is compatible with the following vehicles: Opel Ampera (old version), Nissan Leaf, Nissan E-NV200, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi iMiev, Peugeot iON, Citroen C-Zero, Renault Kangoo ZE, Ford Focus electric, Toyota Prius Plug in, Kia Soul.

[0004] Type 2, IEC 62196-2. This charging port has been designated by the European Commission as the standard for standard charging of electric vehicles (up to 22 kW). This type of connector is available for the following vehicles: Opel Ampera (new version), BMW i3, i8, BYD E6, Renault Zoe, Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid, VW Golf plug-in hybrid, VW E-up, Audi A3 E-tron, Mercedes S500 plug-in, Porsche Panamera, Renault Kangoo ZE.

[0005] Other well-known charging ports include the Type 3 Combined Charging System known as CCS Combo 2, Type 4 CHAdeMOx, and Type 5 Tesla Supercharger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-219901 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As electric vehicles become more common, the number of cases in which they are involved in accidents is increasing. In such cases, the driver may accidentally leave the electric vehicle's drive power source unturned, or damage caused by the accident may cause the drive power source to start up and move away. This can be life-threatening. For this reason, rescue workers are demanding a solution to protect electric vehicles from unintentional start-up of the drive power source after an accident. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, there is provided herein a plug for an electric vehicle charging port according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0009] The plug for the electric vehicle charging port is A plug body; The first plug head (3.1) for fastening to the first type charging port (P1) and Equipped with i) a first plug head (3.1) having electrical contact elements (4.1, 4.2) and a first resistor (5.1) for establishing an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle; and / or ii) a first plug head (3.1) having electrical contact elements (4.1, 4.2) and a processor (20) for enabling an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle, said plug being arranged to transmit a signal (S) to the vehicle for placing the vehicle in park or neutral mode; Regardless of i) or ii), the plug (1) is characterized in that it is designed in such a way that it does not allow charging of the vehicle.

[0010] The first-type charging port may be, for example, the aforementioned type 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 charging port. The first plug head is a plug head that fits into each first-type charging port. The term "first-type" does not refer to type 1, but rather to a first type selected from the list of types 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. The presence of a resistor and / or a processor capable of sending an instruction signal allows the vehicle to electrically communicate with the plug instead of the charging station. In reality, the resistor and / or processor tricks the vehicle into thinking it is at a charging station. This prevents the vehicle from driving away without connecting to a charging station. Furthermore, a "non-charging" design is understood to mean that the plug is not suitable for electrically charging the vehicle by transferring electrical energy between an external power source and the vehicle. In a more specific example, the plug of the present invention is designed without a cable and without electrically transferring electrical energy between the external power source and the vehicle for electrically charging the vehicle. The above invention can be inserted into a vehicle's charging port after an accident or when the vehicle is stopped, automatically preventing the vehicle from driving away. Rescuers can carry the device and, if necessary, use it to ensure that the vehicle remains stationary. More specifically, the present invention prevents the vehicle's drive source from extracting electrical energy from a battery that may be damaged during an accident. In this way, the risk of battery fire is also reduced. Feature ii) is a special function for vehicles that, in addition to checking the resistance value, also or alternatively checks connection to a charging station by an indication signal issued by the charging station. Combining features i) and ii) allows for the realization of a universal plug that can accommodate any method by which an electric vehicle can check its connection to a charging station.

[0011] Some electric vehicles can only receive an indication that the protective earth (PE) port and proximity pilot (PP) port are electrically connected. In such vehicles, simply connecting the PE line and the PP line is insufficient for the vehicle to activate its safety device, regardless of the presence of the first resistor. Therefore, the electrical contact elements of the first plug head may include two first contact elements for electrically connecting the PE port of the first-type charging port to the PP port of the first-type charging port, and a second contact element for establishing a communication connection via a control pilot (CP) port, such as a processor for the first-type charging port. The presence of the optional first resistor allows for versatility. This allows for versatile simulation of connection to a charging station with only three connecting elements, instead of the five or seven connecting elements required for a standard-type plug.

[0012] Optionally, the plug includes a second plug head for securing to the second-type charging port. The second plug head further includes an electrical contact element for enabling electrical communication between the plug and the vehicle, and an optional second resistor. Such second-type charging ports differ from the first-type charging port in that they are different charging ports from the list of types 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the first-type charging port. This has the advantage that the plug functions as a universal plug, taking into account many different possible charging ports. The first-type charging port and the second-type charging port are different from each other, and generally, both do not exist on the same vehicle. The second plug head is a plug head that is compatible with each charging port when the first plug head is not compatible.

[0013] In the case of a plug having two plug heads, the further electrical contact pieces of the second plug head include two third contact pieces for electrically connecting the PE port of the second type charging port to the PP port of the second type charging port, such as via the first resistor or the second resistor, and a fourth contact piece for establishing a communication connection with the CP port of the second type charging port via an optional processor.

[0014] Optionally and / or alternatively, the first plug head is located at a first end of the plug body, and the second plug head is located at a second end of the plug body. Optionally, the plug body further includes a handle extending between the plug heads for manipulating the plug between the plug heads. The combination of these two optional features facilitates manipulation. The plug handle is bent or twisted to prevent the plug from protruding too far from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the plug is designed such that, in use, the first plug head is angled downward relative to the second plug head when the second plug head is inserted into the vehicle, and vice versa. For ease of use, the plug body can be a striking color, such as orange, red, or yellow, to identify the plug inserted into the vehicle from a distance. Optionally, the plug body can be fluorescent to improve overall visibility. Optionally, the plug body may be made phosphorescent with a reflector and / or light source to make it visible to rescuers in the dark.

[0015] Type 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 charging ports generally protect the charging plug from accidental removal. To this end, they incorporate a click mechanism to secure the charging plug's lateral side. This click mechanism is designed to automatically establish a lateral connection with the charging plug. Currently, this lock can only be restored to its original state if the driver electrically unlocks the click mechanism via the vehicle's computer system. In the event of a vehicle malfunction or damage, the click mechanism may prevent this lateral lock from being restored to its original state. Optionally, each of the first and second plug heads may have an upright wall extending outward from the base of the respective plug head and at least partially surrounding the contact elements of the respective plug. Each of the upright walls has at least a portion that prevents lateral connection with the respective type of charging port. This at least a portion may be, for example, a recess extending to the tip of the upright wall. In this way, the click mechanism cannot be secured to the respective plug head, but protrudes from the recess and has no gripping point from end to end when the plug is removed. Optionally, the length is about half the height of the upright wall.

[0016] The plug may further include an indicator, such as an LED, that is configured to emit a signal, such as a light signal, when the charging port plug is electrically and communicatively connected to the vehicle. This feature allows emergency personnel in an accident to determine whether the plug is properly inserted and is actually communicating with the vehicle, thereby protecting the vehicle from runaway. It should be apparent that the indicator may be communicatively connected not only to the first plug head, but also to the second plug head if two plug heads are actually present. Furthermore, the plug may optionally include a battery and a test switch, such as a spring-back button, for opening and closing a test circuit between the battery and the indicator. The test switch may then be used to test whether the indicator is functional.

[0017] The charging port plug may comprise a processor, the processor being arranged to receive, or request and receive, in use, information relating to the vehicle's battery temperature via the communications connection. The plug may further comprise a display arranged to display information relating to the battery temperature. Alternatively or additionally, the plug may optionally comprise a wireless communication device, such as a WiFi or Bluetooth transceiver, for establishing a communications connection with an external device, such as a smartphone, smart screen, tablet or laptop, and displaying information relating to the vehicle's battery temperature on a human interface associated with the external device.

[0018] Optionally, the plug is arranged to emit an alarm signal when, during use, the temperature of the vehicle's battery exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is a temperature between 50 and 100°C. The indicator may, for example, be arranged to flash and / or, if a display is present, to show a warning sign. Alternatively or additionally, the smartphone may be arranged to vibrate or sound in response to the alarm signal, allowing electrical shorts to be detected during emergency assistance.

[0019] Furthermore, utilizing on-board sensors for early detection of thermal runaway is useful for emergency services. Currently, electric vehicles are equipped with a BMS (Battery Management System) that includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery, a gas sensor such as a hydrogen gas detector for detecting physical leakage from the battery, and a leakage sensor such as a voltage detector for detecting leakage. A CPU manages sensor information for adjusting the charging method or charging speed of the vehicle's battery. In order to detect thermal runaway early, the plug of the charging port may include a processor according to feature ii) of the first aspect of the present invention. When in use, the processor, via a communication connection, - battery temperature, - gas detection, -Electric fault detection and a processor configured to receive, or request and receive, information regarding any one of the following: a thermal runaway condition, a temperature, a humidity, or the like; a processor configured to detect thermal runaway based on the information; and a processor configured to detect thermal runaway based on the information. The plug further comprises an in-vehicle audio and / or visual alarm that emits an audio and / or visual alarm signal in response to a detected thermal runaway, and / or a wireless communication device (22) such as a WiFi or Bluetooth transceiver for establishing a communication connection with an external device, such as a smartphone, smart screen, tablet, or laptop, to communicate an alarm signal to the external device in response to a detected thermal runaway.

[0020] An on-board visual alarm may be generated from a display on the plug or from an LED on the plug, such as flashing or strobe. For an audio alarm, a speaker is provided in the system. A capacitor may be provided on the plug for strobe lighting. Thermal runaway can be detected based on a temperature above a threshold, detection of hydrogen gas, and / or detection of leakage current above a threshold.

[0021] In other embodiments, the automobile itself may be configured to detect thermal runaway. In such cases, the plug is configured to receive, or request, information regarding the detection of thermal runaway from the vehicle. The plug then includes an on-board audio and / or visual alarm that issues an audio and / or visual alarm signal in response to a detected thermal runaway, and / or a wireless communication device (22), such as a WiFi or Bluetooth transceiver, that establishes a communications connection with an external device, such as a smartphone, smart screen, tablet, or laptop, to communicate an alarm signal to the external device in response to a detected thermal runaway. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing type 1 and type 2 charging cables and charging ports of the prior art. [Figure 2]1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a view showing a first plug head of the plug according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a second plug head of the plug according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly of the plug and the vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall view of the main body of a plug according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall view of a plug according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a plug according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The invention will now be further explained with reference to specific examples shown in the drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a well-known type 1 IEC 62196-1 charging cable K1 and charging port P1. The cross-sectional shape D1 of the charging port L1 is also shown. FIG. 1 also shows a prior art type 2 IEC 62196-2 charging cable K2 and charging port P2. The charging port can have a lock, particularly a coupling element such as a coupling lock, on the side of the plug. A pretensioned protrusion, an example of a click system, is incorporated into the port, which extends through a fixing hole G2 when the cable's plug is inserted into the port.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a plug 1 for a charging port of an electric vehicle 100. FIG. 5 also shows a schematic representation of the vehicle to which the plug is connected. Returning to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the plug includes a plug body 2 and a first plug head 3.1 for fastening to a first-type charging port P1. This plug head includes electrical contact elements 4.1, 4.2 connected to a first resistor 5.1 for providing an electrical communication connection with the vehicle 100. In this example, the first plug head 3.1 can be connected to the PP and PE pins (not shown, but conventional components) of the first-type charging port P1 at least via the contact elements 4.1, 4.2, respectively. The electrical resistance of the first resistor 5.1 is 480 ohms. The PP connection is a pre-insertion signal connection, and the PE connection is a "protective earth" connection, i.e., a ground connection. In this embodiment, even if the plug is not capable of charging the vehicle, the vehicle can still electrically communicate with the plug via the central processing unit CPU. The CPU transmits an OFF signal to the motor 200, and optionally the CPU activates the brake system 300 (also see FIG. 5) of the output section 100 (see FIG. 5).

[0026] FIG. 2 further shows that the plug includes a second plug head 3.2 for fastening to a second-type charging port P2. This plug provides an alternative second plug head for vehicles equipped with a second-type charging port P2 instead of a first-type charging port P1. The second plug head further includes electrical contact elements 4.3 and 4.4. These additional contact elements are arranged to connect to at least the PP and PE terminals of the second-type charging port P2, respectively. The second resistor 5.2 is a 680 ohm resistor. The PP and PE connections are designed as conductive metal pins for both type 1 and type 2 charging ports. This version of the plug is designed to be universal to enable communication connections. In this example, the first plug head 3.1 and the second plug head 3.2 are arranged at opposite ends of the charging port plug 1, specifically, at opposite ends 2.1 and 2.2 of the charging port plug body 2.

[0027] Furthermore, the charging port plug 1 has an indicator 9, in this example an LED arranged to emit a light signal only when the charging port plug is electrically connected to the vehicle via the first head 3.1 or the second head 3.2. The plug further comprises a battery 10, such as a replaceable A, AA (AA), AAA (AAA), B, C (C), D (D) or rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a test switch 11, in this example a spring-back button, for opening and closing the circuit between the battery 10 and the indicator, so that the indicator 9 can be tested by means of the test switch 11 whether it is faulty. In this example, the indicator 9 and the test switch are each integrated into the plug body 2, which is also designed as a handle.

[0028] Figure 3 shows that the first plug head 3.1 has an upstanding wall 6.1 extending outward from the base and partially surrounding the contact elements 4.1 and 4.2. The upstanding wall is sealed in the area of ​​the type 1 plug where the type 1 charging port P1 would normally be connected to the charging cable K1. This is where the upstanding wall prevents lateral locking with the type 1 charging port. The plug head has a head body injection-molded from a polymeric material. The first plug head 3.1 and plug body 2 can be attached to the first end 2.1 of the plug body using a base. The plug body 2 is also injection-molded from a polymeric material. Figure 3 shows that the contact elements 4.1 and 4.2 are designed so that there are two first contact elements 4.1 for connecting to the PE and PP ports and a second contact for connecting to the control pilot (CP) port of the first type charging port. These contact elements are not necessarily arranged as shown in Figure 3, but there are three contact elements in total. In such a setup, CP communication can be used to illuminate the LED, which may be communicated by a processor (not shown, conventional). Alternatively, there may only be a single first contact element 4.1 and a single second contact element 4.2. In this case, only PP-to-PP contact is required. While an activated LED light only indicates that an electrical connection has been established, in the previous design, a signal indicates that the vehicle has actively reached the plug. This may be useful to know, as it communicates to the user whether the vehicle can still receive instructions via the CP port. The same is true for the second plug head 3.2 according to Figure 4.

[0029] Here, the additional electrical contact elements 4.3, 4.4 in the second plug head include two third contact elements 4.3 for electrically connecting the PE port of the second type charging port to the PP port of the second type charging port via the first or second resistor 5.2. Alternatively, this may be via the first resistor. Additionally, there is a single fourth contact element 4.4 for establishing a communication connection with the CP port of the second type charging port. Figure 4 further shows that the second plug head 3.2 also has an upstanding wall 6.2 extending outward from the base and partially around the additional contact elements 4.3, 4.4. In the example of Figure 4, the upstanding wall has multiple recesses extending to its tip. These recesses prevent lateral locking with a type 2 charging port.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows an assembly 1000 of a vehicle 100 and a plug 1. In all figures, optional elements are indicated by dashed lines ----. It can be seen here that the vehicle communicates electrically with the plug when in use. The vehicle is equipped with a battery management system having at least a temperature sensor 401 and a program. The program is stored in the CPU for regulating the rate at which the vehicle's battery is charged. There may also be other sensors, such as a hydrogen gas sensor 402 and a leakage sensor 403. Information from these sensors may be useful to an aider. Such information may be made available at the CP port when the plug is in use. How such information is made available to an aider is explained by other plug embodiments 1' and 1'' shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0031] 6 shows the appearance of the main body. The main body is designed as a handle. Optional elements such as a display 9 and a switch 11 that are associated with the handle are not shown, but may be present.

[0032] 7 shows a three-dimensional view of a plug 1 according to the invention, having a first and second plug head, and not including the further optional elements of an indicator 9 and a switch 11. The plug of FIG. 7 has the first and second resistors of FIG. 2.

[0033] FIG. 8 shows a charging port plug 1', a further embodiment of the charging port plug 1 of FIG. 2. Only the differences from FIG. 2 will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same features. In this example, the plug includes a processing unit 20. The processing unit 20 reads a pre-written program to request information about the vehicle's 100 battery temperature via a communication connection. That is, the processing unit communicates with the vehicle's CPU through the first or optional second plug head 3.1, 3.2. The CPU collects temperature information about the vehicle's battery using a temperature sensor (not shown, as is conventional). Detection of battery overheating while the vehicle is parked or a temperature exceeding a limit, such as 80°C, indicates that the vehicle's battery may be experiencing thermal runaway or may have an electrical short circuit. This information allows a rescuer to determine whether the vehicle is safe to touch or if there is a risk of fire. In this example, the plug also includes a display 21 for displaying the battery temperature information requested by the processing unit to the user. In this example, the display is integrated into the steering wheel, but it can be located elsewhere. In this example, the processing unit and display may be arranged to receive electrical energy from the vehicle via an electrical communication connection. Alternatively, a battery 10 may be provided to power the processing unit and display. Although not shown in FIG. 7, both a switch 11 and an indicator 9 may be provided. The plug of FIG. 8 may not require a first or second resistor and instead rely entirely on signals through the CP port to direct activation of the drive source or brake system. The processing unit may even send instructions to the CPU to switch the vehicle into neutral or parking mode. Furthermore, the plug of FIG. 8 may use information from sensors 402 and 403, in addition to information from temperature sensor 401, to determine whether the vehicle is experiencing or is at high risk of thermal runaway. This is output in the form of a warning signal on indicator 9, such as a strobe or flashing LED, and / or by displaying a warning sign on display 21.The plug may be arranged to communicate with the vehicle's CPU to request information regarding the detection of thermal runaway, such as if the CPU is monitoring such, and similar warnings are possible here.

[0034] FIG. 9 shows a charging port plug 1″, which is a further embodiment of the charging port plug 1′ of FIG. 8. Only the differences will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same features. In this example, a display 21 is also optional, and a wireless communication device is also provided. In this example, a Bluetooth® transceiver is used, but a WiFi® or RFID® transceiver could also be used. By establishing a wireless communication connection I with a smartphone 201, vehicle battery temperature information or thermal runaway warnings are displayed on the smartphone's display (not shown, generic), which could alternatively be a smart screen, tablet or laptop. The plug is designed to transfer information made available by the battery monitoring system, i.e., sensors 401, 402, 403, to the smartphone, if these are actually available from the vehicle.

[0035] All additional features shown in the plugs 1' and 1'' of FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, are combined with the features of the plug 1 according to FIG.

Claims

1. A plug (1) for a charging port for an electric vehicle (100), comprising: - a plug body (2), - a first plug head (3.1) for fastening to a first type charging port (P1); Equipped with i) the first plug head (3.1) The plug includes electrical contact elements (4.1, 4.2) and a first resistor (5.1) for establishing an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle. The electrical contact elements (4.1, 4.2) of the first plug head are two first contact pieces (4.1) for electrically connecting a protective earth (PE) port of a first type charging port to a proximity pilot (PP) port of a first type charging port via the first resistor; The plug (1) of the charging port is characterized in that it is designed so that it does not have a cable and does not provide an electrical interface between the vehicle and an external power source for electrically charging the vehicle, so that it does not allow charging of the vehicle.

2. A plug (1) for a charging port for an electric vehicle (100), comprising: - a plug body (2), - a first plug head (3.1) for fastening to a first type charging port (P1); Equipped with ii) the first plug head (3.1) Electrical contact elements (4.1, 4.2) for enabling an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle, and a processor (20). wherein the plug is arranged to transmit a signal (S) to the vehicle; The electrical contact elements (4.1, 4.2) of the first plug head are two first contact elements (4.1) for electrically connecting a protective earth (PE) port of the first type charging port to a proximity pilot (PP) port of the first type charging port, and a second contact element (4.2) for establishing a communication connection to a control pilot (CP) port of the first type charging port via a processor (20); The plug (1) of the charging port is characterized in that it is designed so that it does not have a cable and does not provide an electrical interface between the vehicle and an external power source for electrically charging the vehicle, so that it does not allow charging of the vehicle.

3. ii) the first plug head (3.1) is a processor (20) for enabling an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle; the plug is arranged to transmit a signal (S) to a vehicle; The electrical contact elements (4.1, 4.2) of the first plug head are a second contact element (4.2) for establishing a communication connection via the processor (20) to a control pilot (CP) port of the first type charging port; A plug (1) for a charging port according to claim 1.

4. The plug is arranged to transmit an instruction signal (S) to the vehicle to transition the vehicle to a parking mode or a neutral mode; The plug is provided with a wireless communication device (22) for connecting with an external device; the plug is arranged to receive and relay to the vehicle instructions to transition the vehicle into a park mode or a neutral mode; and / or 4. A plug (1) for a charging port according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plug is provided with a button for transmitting a signal (S) at the command of a user.

5. The plug has a second plug head (3.2) for fastening to a second type charging port (P2), The second plug head is Further electrical contact elements (4.3, 4.4) for enabling an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle; an optional second resistor (5.2); Charging port plug (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, characterized in that it comprises:

6. a first plug head (3.1) mounted on the first end (2.1) of the plug body; 6. The charging port plug (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that a second plug head (3.2) is mounted on the second end (2.2) of the plug body.

7. The first plug head and the second plug head each have an upstanding wall (6.1, 6.2); an upstanding wall (6.1, 6.2) extending outward from the base of each plug head and at least partially surrounding the periphery of each contact element; The plug (1) of the charging port according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that each of the upstanding walls has at least a portion (7) for preventing the first type and second type charging ports from fixing the side of the plug of the charging port.

8. At least one portion (7) is a recess; the recesses extend to the leading edges of the respective upstanding walls; 8. A charging port plug (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the recesses optionally have a length approximately half the height of the respective upstanding walls (6.1, 6.2).

9. Further comprising a display, The charge port plug (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the indicator is arranged to emit a signal when the charge port plug is electrically connected to a vehicle.

10. Batteries and a test switch for opening and closing the circuit between the battery and the indicator; Including, 10. The charging port plug (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the operation of the indicator is tested by the operation of the test switch.

11. Further electrical contact parts (4.3, 4.4) of the second plug head are two third contact pieces (4.3) for electrically connecting the protective earth (PE) port of the second type charging port to the proximity pilot (PP) port of the second type charging port; a fourth contact element (4.4) for establishing a communication connection, optionally via a processor (20), to a control pilot (CP) port of a second type of charging port; 6. A charging port plug (1) according to claim 5, comprising:

12. The plug comprises a processor (20); the processor is arranged, in use, to receive, or request and receive, information relating to the temperature of a battery of a vehicle (100) via a communications connection; The plug is a display (21) arranged to show information about the battery temperature, and / or a wireless communication device (22) for establishing a communication connection with an external device and displaying information about the vehicle's battery temperature on a human interface associated with said external device; A plug (1) for a charging port according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising:

13. The plug comprises a processor (20); the processor is arranged, in use, to receive, or request and receive, via the communications connection, information relating to the detection of a thermal runaway in a battery pack of a vehicle; The plug is an in-vehicle audio and / or visual alarm that emits an audio and / or visual alarm signal in response to a detected thermal runaway; and / or a wireless communication device (22) for establishing a communication connection with an external device in order to transmit an alarm signal corresponding to the detected thermal runaway to the external device; A plug (1) for a charging port according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising:

14. The plug comprises a processor (20); The processor, in use, over a communications connection: - Battery temperature -Gas detection - Detection of electrical leakage and arranged to receive, or request and receive, information relating to any one of the processor is configured to detect thermal runaway based on the information; The plug is an in-vehicle audio and / or visual alarm that emits an audio and / or visual alarm signal in response to a detected thermal runaway; and / or a wireless communication device (22) for establishing a communication connection with an external device to transmit an alarm signal to the external device in response to a detected thermal runaway; A plug (1) for a charging port according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising:

15. 1. A method for protecting a vehicle from runaway, comprising: The vehicle is equipped with a first-type charging port, the vehicle is configured to protect the vehicle in response to engagement in electrical communication with the plug; The method comprises: Providing a charging port plug according to any one of claims 1 to 14; connecting the plug to a fast-type charging port; establishing an electrical communication link between the plug and the vehicle by said coupling; A method comprising:

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