Electric vehicle charging port plug and method to prevent vehicle driving

Abstract

A charging port plug for an electric vehicle (100) is disclosed, comprising: a plug body; and a first plug head for coupling with a first type of charging port; i) the first plug head comprises an electrical contact portion and a first electrical resistor that enables an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle; and / or ii) the first plug head comprises an electrical contact portion and a processor that enables an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle, and the plug is configured to transmit a signal to the vehicle for switching the vehicle to a parking or neutral mode; and the plug is designed not to be compatible with the charging of the vehicle. A method for preventing vehicle driving is disclosed, wherein the vehicle comprises a first type of charging port, and the vehicle is configured to protect itself in response to an electrically communicable coupling with the plug, and the method comprises: providing a charging port plug; coupling the plug with a first type of charging port; and establishing an electrically communicable coupling between the plug and the vehicle through the coupling.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging port plug for an electric vehicle and a method for preventing vehicle driving. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles are currently designed with safety devices to prevent accidental self-starting, such as applying the brakes when charging at a charging station, for example, a charging pole. An additional example of how a vehicle can be protected against unintended engine starting when the vehicle battery and the charging source are connected is disclosed in JPH09219901A of SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES. To this end, the electric vehicle's CPU is currently designed to communicate with the charging station via a plug and electrical cord. Thus, the vehicle recognizes that it is actually connected to the charging station and activates its own safety devices. Currently, most electric vehicles in Europe use one of the following charging port types:

[0003] Type 1: Yazaki, SAE J1772, IEC 62196-1. This charging port is a Japanese standard for AC charging, adopted in the United States, and accepted in the EU. This type of connector can be used in car models such as the Opel Ampera (previous version), Nissan Leaf, Nissan E-NV200, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi i-Miev, Peugeot iON, Citroën C-Zero, Renault Kangoo ZE, Ford Focus electric, Toyota Prius Plug-in, and Kia Soul.

[0004] Type 2: IEC 62196-2, this charging port was designated by the European Commission as the standard for general charging (< 22 kW) of electric vehicles. This type of connector can be used in car models such as the Opel Ampera (new version), BMW 13, 18, BYD E6, Renault Zoe, Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid, VW Golf plug-in hybrid, Volkswagen E-up, Audi A3 E-tron, Mercedes S500 plug-in, Porsche Panamera, and Renault Kangoo ZE.

[0005] Other types of charging ports are also known, such as the Type 3 Combined Charging System, also called CCS Combo 2, Type 4 CHAdeMOx, and Type 5 Tesla Supercharger. The problem to be solved

[0006] As more and more electric vehicles are on the road, accidents involving these vehicles are becoming increasingly common. In such situations, drivers may accidentally fail to turn off the engine, or continuous damage during an accident may cause the engine to start on its own and even drive off. This can lead to life-threatening consequences. Therefore, there is a demand among rescue workers to simply protect electric vehicles against unintended engine starting after an accident. means of solving the problem

[0007] To this end, a first embodiment of a charging port plug for an electric vehicle according to the present invention is provided herein, and the charging port plug for an electric vehicle is:

[0008] - Plug body; and

[0009] - Includes a first plug head (3.1) for coupling with a first type charging port (P1);

[0010] i) The first plug head (3.1) includes an electrical contact portion (4.1, 4.2) and a first electrical resistor (5.1) that enables an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle;

[0011] and / or

[0012] ii) The first plug head (3.1) includes an electrical contact portion (4.1, 4.2) and a processor (20) that enables an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle, and the plug is configured to transmit a signal (S), such as an instruction signal for switching the vehicle to a parking or neutral mode, to the vehicle;

[0013] Regardless of i) or ii), the plug (1) is characterized by being designed not to be compatible with the charging of the vehicle.

[0014] The first type of charging port may be a charging port of type 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 as mentioned, for example. The first plug head may be a plug head that engages with the corresponding charging port of the first type. The first type does not mean type 1, but rather a first type selected from the list of types 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Due to the presence of an electrical resistor and / or a processor capable of transmitting an indication signal, the vehicle may electrically communicate with the plug instead of the charging station. In practice, the vehicle is misled by the resistor and / or processor into believing that it is at the charging station. As a result, the vehicle has a driving prevention function even when not connected to the charging station. Furthermore, the 'incompatible' design may be understood to mean that the plug is not suitable for mediating electrical energy between an external power source and the vehicle to charge the vehicle. In a more specific example, the plug according to the present invention is designed without a cable and without any possibility of electrical mediation between an external power source and the vehicle to charge the vehicle. The above-described invention can be inserted into a vehicle's charging port even after an accident or while stopped, and thus possesses a self-protection function to prevent the vehicle from moving automatically. Rescue personnel can carry the invention and, if desired, use it to ensure that the vehicle does not move. More specifically, the invention can prevent the vehicle's engine from drawing electrical energy from a battery that may be damaged in an accident. In this way, the risk of battery ignition can also be reduced. Feature ii) is a specific function of the vehicle that verifies the connection to the charging station by an instruction signal issued by the charging station, either additionally or alternatively, in addition to resistance verification. The combination of features i) and ii) thus provides a universally operating plug compatible with all methods by which an electric vehicle can verify its connection to a charging station.

[0015] In some cases, an electric vehicle may only receive instructions if the Protective Earth (PE) port and the Proximity Pilot (PP) port are electrically connected. In such vehicles, connecting the PE and PP lines alone, regardless of the first resistor, is not sufficient for the vehicle to activate its self-protection function. Therefore, the electrical contacts of the first plug head may include two first electrical contacts for electrically connecting the PE port of the first type of charging port to the PP port of the first type of charging port, and a second electrical contact for establishing a communication connection through the Control Pilot (CP) port of the first type of charging port, for example, by a processor. Here, the presence of the first resistor is optional but beneficial for universality. This allows the system to universally simulate a connection to a charging station with only three connections, instead of the five or seven connections used in common plug types.

[0016] Optionally, the plug includes a second plug head for engaging with a second type of charging port. The second plug head includes additional electrical contacts to enable an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle, and optionally a second resistor. This second type of charging port differs from the first type of charging port in that it is a charging port different from the list of types 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, for example, rather than the first type of charging port. The advantage is that the plug acts as a universal plug when considering various charging ports. The first type of charging port and the second type of charging port are different and generally do not both exist in the same vehicle. If the first plug head does not fit, the second plug head may be a plug head that engages with the corresponding charging port.

[0017] In the case of a plug having two plug heads, the additional electrical contacts of the second plug head may include, for example, two third electrical contacts for electrically connecting the PE port of the second type of charging port to the PP port of the second type of charging port through a first or second resistor, and a fourth electrical contact for optionally establishing a communication connection through the CP port of the second type of charging port through a processor.

[0018] Optionally and / or alternatively, a first plug head is located at a first distal end of the plug body, and a second plug head is located at a second distal end of the plug body. Optionally, the plug body further includes a handle extending between the plug heads to operate the plug between the plug heads. This is a combination of the two previously mentioned optional features for ease of operation. To prevent the plug from protruding too far from the vehicle, the plug handle may be bent or twisted. In one embodiment, the plug may be designed so that, in use, when the second plug head is connected to the vehicle, the first plug head tilts downward relative to the second plug head, and in use, when the first plug head is connected to the vehicle, the second plug head tilts downward relative to the first plug head. To improve user-friendliness, the plug body may be a conspicuous color such as orange, red, or yellow so that the plug being connected to the vehicle can be seen from a distance. Optionally, the color of the plug body is fluorescent to make it more visible overall. Optionally, the plug body can be made phosphorescent with a reflector and / or light source so that rescue workers can see it in the dark.

[0019] Type 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 charging ports are generally protected to prevent accidental removal of the charging plug. To this end, a click mechanism that engages with the side of the charging plug is integrated. This click mechanism is designed to automatically establish a side connection with the charging plug. This lock can be reverted only when the driver electrically unlocks the click mechanism via the vehicle's computer system. In the event of a functional malfunction or damage to the vehicle, this side lock may become irreversible via the click mechanism. Optionally, the first plug head and the second plug head each include an upright wall extending outward from the base of the respective plug head at least partially around the respective electrical contact, and each upright wall may include at least one portion that prevents a side connection with the corresponding charging port type. This at least one portion may be, for example, a recess extending to the distal edge of the upright wall. In this way, the click mechanism cannot engage with the corresponding plug head and may not find a grip up to the edge when the plug is removed by protruding through the recess. Optionally, the length is approximately half the height of an upright wall.

[0020] The plug may further include an indicator, such as an LED, configured to emit a signal, such as a light signal, when the charging port plug is electrically and communically coupled to the vehicle. Thanks to this feature, rescue personnel can determine whether the plug is properly connected and actually communicating with the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from starting. It should be clarified that the indicator may be communically connected to the first plug head, as well as the second plug head if there are actually two plug heads. Furthermore, the plug may optionally include a test switch, such as a battery and a springback button, through which the test switch can test whether the indicator is operating by opening and closing a test circuit between the battery and the indicator.

[0021] The charging port plug may include a processor, and the processor is configured to receive, request, or receive information regarding the vehicle's battery temperature via a communication connection when in use. The plug may further include a display configured to display information regarding the battery temperature. Alternatively or additionally, so that information regarding the vehicle's battery temperature may be displayed on a human interface associated with an external device, the plug may include a wireless communication device, such as a WiFi or Bluetooth transmitter-receiver, to establish a communication connection with said external device, such as a smartphone, smart screen, tablet, or laptop.

[0022] Optionally, the plug is configured to emit an alarm signal when the vehicle's battery temperature exceeds a threshold value during use, the threshold value being a temperature between 50 and 100 degrees Celsius. An indicator may be configured to flash, for example, and / or a display may be configured to display a warning indication, if present. Separately or additionally, it may also be possible to configure a smartphone to vibrate or make a sound in response to the alarm signal. This allows for the detection of a short circuit during emergency assistance.

[0023] Emergency services using in-vehicle sensors to provide early detection of thermal runaway may also be useful. Currently, electric vehicles are equipped with a battery management system (BMS) comprising a temperature sensor for measuring battery temperature, a gas sensor such as a hydrogen gas detector for detecting physical leakage within the battery, and an electrical leak sensor such as a voltage detector for detecting electrical leakage. A CPU manages sensor information to regulate the method and speed at which the vehicle's battery is charged. For early detection of thermal runaway, the charging port plug may include a processor according to feature ii) of the first aspect of the present invention. The processor, when in use, via a communication connection:

[0024] - Battery temperature;

[0025] - Gas detection; and

[0026] - Configured to receive, request, or receive information regarding any one of the electrical leakage detections;

[0027] The processor is configured to detect thermal runaway based on the relevant information, and the plug is:

[0028] - On-board auditory and / or visual alarms activated to generate auditory and / or visual alarm signals in response to detected thermal runaway; and / or

[0029] - It further includes a wireless communication device (22), such as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth transmitter-receiver, for establishing a communication connection with an external device, such as a smartphone, smart screen, tablet, or laptop, to transmit an alarm signal to an external device in response to a detected thermal runaway.

[0030] It should be understood that on-board visual alarms may be emitted from a display on the plug or by LEDs such as blinking or strobing. For the emission of auditory alarms, a speaker may be provided within the system. For stroking, a capacitor may be provided at the plug. Thermal runaway may be detected based on a temperature exceeding a threshold, based on the detection of hydrogen gas, and / or based on the detection of a leakage current exceeding a threshold.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle itself may be configured to detect thermal runaway. In this case, the plug may be configured to receive information regarding the detection of thermal runaway from the vehicle, or to request and receive such information. The plug is:

[0032] - On-board auditory and / or visual alarms activated to generate auditory and / or visual alarm signals in response to detected thermal runaway; and / or

[0033] - It may include a wireless communication device (22), such as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth transmitter-receiver, for establishing a communication connection with an external device, such as a smartphone, smart screen, tablet, or laptop, to transmit an alarm signal to an external device in response to a detected thermal runaway. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0034] The present invention is further described herein with reference to specific examples according to the drawings: - FIG. 1 illustrates Type 1 and Type 2 charging cables and charging ports of the prior art; - FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention; - FIG. 3 illustrates a first plug head of a plug according to the present invention; - FIG. 4 illustrates a second plug head of a plug according to the present invention; - Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic assembly of a plug and a vehicle; - FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the main body of a plug according to the present invention; - FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a plug according to the present invention; - FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention; and - FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a plug according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a known Type 1 IEC 62196-1 charging cable (K1) and a charging port (P1). A cross-sectional profile (DI) of the charging port (P1) is also illustrated. FIG. 1 further illustrates a Type 2 IEC 62196-2 charging cable (K2) and a charging port (P2) according to the prior art. The charging port may be configured to be secured to a side of the plug, particularly to a coupling member such as a coupling hole (G2). A pre-tensioned protrusion, which is an example of a click system, may be incorporated within the port and may extend through the coupling hole (G2) when the plug of the cable is inserted into the port.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a charging port plug (1) for an electric vehicle (100). In FIG. 5, the vehicle is also schematically illustrated in a state assembled with the plug. Returning to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the plug has a plug body (2) and a first plug head (3.1) for coupling with a first type of charging port (P1). This plug head has electrical contacts (4.1, 4.2) connected to a first resistor (5.1) to provide an electrical communication coupling with the vehicle (100). In this example, the first plug head (3.1) can be connected to the PP and PE pins (not illustrated but conventional) of the first type of charging port (P1) by at least the electrical contacts (4.1, 4.2), respectively. The first resistor (5.1) has an electrical resistance of 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. This embodiment enables the vehicle to communicate electronically with the plug by the central processing unit (CPU) while making the plug incompatible with the vehicle's charging. The CPU then transmits an off signal to the motor (200), and optionally the CPU activates the braking system (300) (see FIG. 5) of the output (100) (see FIG. 5 as well).

[0037] FIG. 2 further illustrates that the plug has a second plug head (3.2) for coupling with a second type of charging port (P2). Thus, the plug provides an alternative to the second plug head for a vehicle equipped with a second type of charging port (P2) instead of a first type (P1). The second plug head includes additional electrical contacts (4.3, 4.4). These additional electrical contacts are configured to be connected to at least the PP and PE terminals of the second charging port (P2), respectively. The second resistor (5.2) is a 680-ohm resistor. The PP and PE connections are designed with conductive metal pins for both type 1 and type 2 charging ports. This version makes the plug universal, enabling communication connections. The first plug head (3.1) and the second plug head (3.2) are located at opposite ends of the charging port plug (1) in this example, specifically at opposite ends (2.1, 2.2) of the main body (2) of the charging port plug.

[0038] It can be seen that the charging port plug (1) has an indicator (9), which in this example has an LED configured to emit a light signal only when the charging port plug is electrically coupled to the vehicle through the first head (3.1) or the second head (3.2). The plug further has a battery (10), such as a replaceable A, AA, AAA, B, C, D, or rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a test switch (11), in this example, a springback button, through which the circuit between the battery (10) and the indicator can be opened and closed, thereby allowing the test switch to test whether the indicator (9) is free of defects. In this example, the indicator and the test switch are each integrated into the plug body (2). This plug body is also designed as a handle.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates that the first plug head (3.1) has an upright wall (6.1) that extends outward from the base and partially extends around the electrical contact portions (4.1, 4.2). At the portion where the Type 1 charging port (P1) generally engages with the Type 1 plug of the charging cable (K1), the upright wall is sealed. This is the portion where the upright wall prevents lateral locking by the Type 1 charging port. The plug head comprises a head body that can be injection molded from a polymer material. The first plug head (3.1) and the plug body (2) can be bonded to the first end (2.1) of the plug body by the base. The plug body (2) itself can also be injection molded from the same polymer material. FIG. 3 illustrates that the electrical contacts (4.1, 4.2) are designed to have two first electrical contacts (4.1) for combining the PE and PP ports and a second electrical contact for combining the control pilot (CP) port of the first type of charging port. These electrical contacts are not necessarily arranged in the same manner as shown in FIG. 3, but there are a total of three electrical contacts. In this configuration, CP communication can be used to turn on the LED, which may be controlled by a processor (not shown, but is conventional). It is also possible to have only one first electrical contact (4.1) and only one second electrical contact (4.2). In the latter case, only the PP and PP contacts are required. The LED light can still operate, but it only indicates that an electrical connection has been established, whereas the previous design indicates via signal transmission that the vehicle has actively reached the plug. This can be useful to know as it informs the user whether the vehicle can still receive instructions through the CP port. The same applies to the second plug head (3.2) according to Fig. 4.

[0040] Here, the additional electrical contacts (4.3, 4.4) of the second plug head include two third electrical contacts (4.3) for electrically connecting the PE port of the second type of charging port to the PP port of the second type of charging port through the first or second resistor (5.2). Alternatively, this may also be possible through the first resistor. Additionally, there is one fourth electrical contact (4.4) for establishing a communication connection through the CP port of the second type of charging port. FIG. 4 further illustrates that the second plug head (3.2) has an upright wall (6.2) that extends outward from the base and partially extends around the additional electrical contacts (4.3, 4.4). In the example of FIG. 4, the upright wall has a plurality of recesses extending to the distal edge of the upright wall. These recesses are parts that prevent lateral locking by the charging port type 2.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates an assembly (1000) of a vehicle (100) and a plug (1). In all drawings, optional elements are indicated by dashed lines (----). Here, it can be seen that, in use, the vehicle communicates electrically with the plug. The vehicle may be equipped with at least a temperature sensor (401) and a battery management system consisting of a program of the CPU itself for regulating the rate at which the vehicle's battery is charged. Other sensors, such as a hydrogen gas sensor (402) and a leakage sensor (403), may also be present. This information may be available to rescue personnel. This information may be available through the CP port when the plug is used. How this information may be available to rescue personnel is discussed with respect to alternative plug embodiments (1') and (1'') according to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, respectively.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates the exterior of the main body. The main body is designed as a handle having optional elements such as an indicator (9) and a switch (11) which is not illustrated but may exist.

[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a plug (1) according to the present invention having first and second plug heads without additional optional elements of an indicator (9) and a switch (11). The plug according to FIG. 7 does not have the first and second resistors according to FIG. 2.

[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates a charging port plug (1'), which is another embodiment of the charging port plug (1) according to FIG. 2. Hereinafter, only differences compared with FIG. 2 will be discussed. The same reference numerals are used for the same features. In this example, the plug has a processing unit (20). This processing unit (20) is designed and pre-programmed to request information regarding the battery temperature of the vehicle (100) via a communication connection. This means that the processing unit communicates with the vehicle's CPU, which collects temperature information regarding the vehicle's battery via a temperature sensor (not shown but is conventional), via a first or optional second plug head (3.1, 3.2). If the battery heats up while stationary, or if a temperature exceeding a limit, such as 80 degrees Celsius, is detected, this indicates that the vehicle battery is undergoing a possible thermal runaway or that a short circuit exists somewhere. Based on this information, rescue personnel can determine whether the vehicle is safe to touch or if there is a risk of the vehicle igniting. In this example, the plug also has a display (21) for displaying information requested by the processing unit regarding the battery temperature to the user. In this example, the display is integrated into the handle, but it may be integrated elsewhere. In this example, the processing unit and the display may be configured to receive electrical energy from the vehicle via an electrical communication connection. Alternatively, the battery (10) may be configured to provide power to the processing unit and the display for operation. Although not shown in FIG. 7, both a switch (11) and an indicator (9) may be present here. The plug according to FIG. 8 does not require the presence of a first or second resistor and instead may rely entirely on signal transmission through the CP port to instruct the engine or brake system to operate. The processing unit may also transmit instructions to the CPU to switch the vehicle to neutral mode or parking mode.Additionally, the plug according to FIG. 8 can determine whether the vehicle is experiencing thermal runaway or is at high risk of thermal runaway by using information from sensors (402, 403) in addition to information from the temperature sensor (401). This can be output in the form of an alarm signal from an indicator (9), such as a flash or blinking of an LED, and / or by displaying a warning indication on the display (21). The plug may be configured to communicate with the CPU to request information regarding thermal runaway detection, such as when the vehicle's CPU monitors this. A warning in the same manner is possible here as well.

[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates a charging port plug (1'') which is an additional embodiment of the charging port plug (1') of FIG. 8. Only differences are discussed below. Identical reference numbers are used for identical features. In this example, the display (21) is also optional, and a wireless communication device is provided. In this example, a Bluetooth transceiver, which may be a Wi-Fi transceiver or an RFID transceiver, is used to establish a wireless communication connection (1) with a smartphone (201) so that vehicle battery temperature information or a thermal runaway warning is displayed on the smartphone's display (not shown, but is conventional). Alternatively, this may be a smart screen, tablet, or laptop. The plug is designed to transmit information available by the battery monitoring system, sensors (401, 402, 403), to the smartphone if it can actually be received from the vehicle.

[0046] All additional features illustrated in the plugs (1' and 1'') according to FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, can be combined with the features of the plug (1) according to FIGS. 2.

Claims

Claim 1 A charging port plug (1) for an electric vehicle (100), wherein the charging port plug (1) comprises: - a plug body (2); and - a first plug head (3.1) for coupling with a first type of charging port (P1); i) the first plug head (3.1) comprises an electrical contact portion (4.1, 4.2) and a first electrical resistor (5.1) that enables an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle, wherein the electrical contact portion (4.1, 4.2) of the first plug head comprises two first contact portions (4.1) for electrically connecting the protective ground (PE) port of the charging port to the proximity pilot (PP) port of the first type of charging port through the first resistor, wherein the plug (1) is designed not to be compatible with the electric charging of the vehicle, that is, without a cable for the electric charging of the vehicle and without any possibility of electrical arbitration between an external power source and the vehicle. Claim 2 As a charging port plug (1) for an electric vehicle (100), the charging port plug (1) comprises: - a plug body (2); and - including a first plug head (3.1) for coupling with a first type of charging port (P1); ii) the first plug head (3.1) includes electrical contact portions (4.1, 4.2) and a processor (20) for enabling an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle, wherein the plug is configured to transmit a signal (S) to the vehicle, and the electrical contact portions (4.1, 4.2) of the first plug head include two first contact portions (4.1) for electrically connecting the protection ground (PE) port of the first type of charging port to the proximity pilot (PP) port of the first type of charging port, and a second contact portion (4.2) for establishing a communication connection on the control pilot (CP) port of the first type of charging port through the processor (20), wherein the plug (1) is designed not to be compatible with the electric charging of the vehicle, that is, without a cable for the electric charging of the vehicle and without any possibility of electrical arbitration between an external power source and the vehicle. Port plug (1). Claim 3 A charging port plug (1), wherein, ii) the first plug head (3.1) further comprises a processor (20) that enables an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle, wherein the plug is configured to transmit a signal (S) to the vehicle, and the electrical contact portion (4.1, 4.2) of the first plug head comprises a second contact portion (4.2) for establishing a communication connection on the control pilot (CP) port of the first type of charging port through the processor (20). Claim 4 A charging port plug (1), characterized in that, in claim 2 or 3, the plug is configured to transmit an instruction signal (S) to the vehicle for switching the vehicle to a parking or neutral mode, and the plug is equipped with a button for transmitting the signal (S) according to a user command. Claim 5 A charging port plug (1), characterized in that, in claim 1, the plug includes a second plug head (3.2) for coupling with a second type of charging port (P2), and the second plug head includes additional electrical contact portions (4.3, 4.4) for enabling an electrical communication connection between the plug and the vehicle and optionally a second resistor (5.2). Claim 6 A charging port plug (1), characterized in that, in claim 5, the first plug head (3.1) is located at the first distal end (2.1) of the plug body and the second plug head (3.2) is located at the second distal end (2.2) of the plug body. Claim 7 A charging port plug (1), characterized in that, in claim 5, the first plug head and the second plug head each include an upright wall (6.1, 6.2) extending outward at least partially from the base of the respective plug head around the respective electrical contact, and each upright wall (6.1, 6.2) includes at least one portion (7) to prevent lateral connection with the corresponding charging port type. Claim 8 A charging port plug (1), characterized in that, in claim 7, at least one part (7) is a recess extending to the distal edge of each upright wall (6.1, 6.2). Claim 9 A charging port plug (1) according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator configured to emit a signal when the charging port plug is electrically and communically coupled to a vehicle. Claim 10 A charging port plug (1) according to claim 9, comprising a battery and a test switch, wherein the operation of the indicator is tested by the test switch by opening and closing the circuit between the battery and the indicator. Claim 11 In claim 5, the additional electrical contacts (4.3, 4.4) of the second plug head are characterized by including two third electrical contacts (4.3) for electrically connecting the protection ground (PE) port of the second type of charging port to the proximity pilot (PP) port of the second type of charging port, and a fourth electrical contact (4.4) for optionally establishing a communication connection through the control pilot (CP) port of the second type of charging port via the processor (20). Claim 12 In any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 11, the plug comprises a processor (20), the processor is configured to receive, request and receive, information regarding the battery temperature of a vehicle (100) via a communication connection when in use, and the plug comprises: - a display (21) configured to display information regarding the battery temperature; or - a wireless communication device (22) for establishing a communication connection with said external device so that information regarding the battery temperature of the vehicle can be displayed on a human interface associated with the external device; or - further comprises all of these, characterized in that the charging port plug (1). Claim 13 In claim 4, the plug comprises a processor (20), the processor is configured to receive, request, or receive information regarding the battery temperature of a vehicle (100) via a communication connection when in use, and the plug comprises: - a display (21) configured to display information regarding the battery temperature; or - a wireless communication device (22) for establishing a communication connection with said external device so that information regarding the battery temperature of the vehicle can be displayed on a human interface associated with the external device; or - further comprises all of these, characterized in that the charging port plug (1). Claim 14 In claim 1, the plug comprises a processor (20), the processor is configured to receive, or request and receive, information regarding a detected thermal runaway of a vehicle's battery pack via a communication connection when in use, and the plug comprises: - an on-board auditory alarm, a visual alarm, or both alarms activated to generate an auditory alarm signal, a visual alarm signal, or both in response to a detected thermal runaway; or - a wireless communication device (22) for establishing a communication connection with an external device to transmit an alarm signal to an external device in response to a detected thermal runaway; or - further comprises all of these, characterized in that the charging port plug (1). Claim 15 In claim 2, the plug comprises a processor (20), the processor is configured to receive, request and receive, information regarding any one of: - battery temperature; - gas detection; and - electrical leakage detection via a communication connection when in use; the processor is configured to detect thermal runaway based on said information, and the plug comprises: - an on-board auditory alarm, a visual alarm, or both alarms activated to generate an auditory alarm signal, a visual alarm signal, or both in response to the detected thermal runaway; or - a wireless communication device (22) for establishing a communication connection with an external device to transmit an alarm signal to an external device in response to the detected thermal runaway; or - further comprising all of these, characterized in that the charging port plug (1). Claim 16 A method for preventing vehicle driving, wherein the vehicle comprises a first type of charging port, and the vehicle is configured to protect itself in response to an electrically communicable coupling with a plug, and the method comprises: - providing a charging port plug according to claim 1; - coupling the plug with the first type of charging port; and - establishing an electrically communicable coupling between the plug and the vehicle through the coupling.

Images