Method for charging a battery-operated vehicle and adapter for connecting a battery-operated vehicle to a charging point

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (10, 10') for charging a battery-operated vehicle (23), wherein an adapter (21) is used to connect the vehicle (23) to a charging point (22). The method (10) comprises detecting (11) an adapter type of the used adapter (21); transmitting (12) information of the detected adapter type to the battery-operated vehicle (23); and setting (13) a charging configuration in the battery-operated vehicle (23) according to the detected adapter type. Further examples relate to an adapter (21) for charging a battery-operated vehicle (23).

Description

[0001] 24-1639

[0002] METHOD FOR CHARGING A BATTERY-POWERED VEHICLE AND ADAPTER FOR CONNECTING A BATTERY-POWERED VEHICLE TO A CHARGING POINT

[0003] Technical field

[0004] Exemplary embodiments relate to methods for charging a battery-powered vehicle, wherein an adapter is used to connect the vehicle to a charging point. Further exemplary embodiments relate to an adapter for connecting a battery-powered vehicle to a charging point. A computer program for executing the proposed method is also provided.

[0005] background

[0006] Modern vehicles increasingly feature battery-powered drivetrains. Both BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and PHEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) use different types of connectors for charging their drive batteries. This can complicate the charging process if a charging point compatible with the vehicle's charging socket is not available.

[0007] For the purpose of increasing compatibility between charging points and battery-powered vehicles, adapters are known that allow different plug types to be connected to the charging socket of the battery-powered vehicle.

[0008] DE 202021 104997 U 1 discloses a mobile charging cable for charging control of batteries of electric vehicles, with a charging control unit comprising a housing, a grid-side connection and a consumer-side connection, wherein the charging control unit is configured to provide an alternating current for charging on the consumer side, a charging cable connected to the consumer-side connection of the charging control unit and comprising a three-phase vehicle coupling for coupling to the electric vehicle, wherein the grid-side connection is configured as a connector mechanically integrated into the housing.24-1639

[0009] The device is characterized in that it has a communication interface, and in that the communication interface includes identification means configured: - to identify a network connection device, in particular to distinguish between a network connection cable and a network connection station that is connected to the connector, and - to identify it to the network connection device. The disclosure includes the knowledge that mobile charging stations regularly consist of only a mobile unit and can be connected to an existing power supply using a suitable adapter. The mobile charger is therefore not directly connected to the power supply, but rather via an adapter.

[0010] DE 102017221 597 A1 discloses a charging connection device for coupling a motor vehicle with an electrical power supply unit for charging the motor vehicle. The charging connection device comprises a mains adapter plug for connecting the charging connection device to the electrical power supply unit and a charging socket adapter attachment for connecting the charging connection device to the motor vehicle. The charging socket adapter attachment can be connected to a charging cable of the motor vehicle for the charging process.

[0011] EP 3 453 559 Al relates to a charging cable, in particular for the electric charging of an electric vehicle, comprising a charging line which is detachably electrically connectable on the one hand to a connection device with an energy storage device to be charged and on the other hand is electrically connected to an adapter interface which is detachably connectable to an adapter in a form-fitting manner, wherein the adapter is detachably electrically connectable to a power supply device in order to transfer electrical energy from the power supply device via the charging cable to the energy storage device to be charged.To achieve a particularly compact and robust charging cable, the invention provides that the adapter interface has a communication device which enables wireless communication with the adapter, which also has a corresponding communication device, when the adapter is connected to the adapter interface. This allows control signals between the power supply device on the one hand and electronics of the charging cable and / or an energy storage device connected to the charging cable on the other hand to be wirelessly transmitted between the adapter and the adapter interface. Furthermore, the invention relates to an adapter for a charging cable which is connected to an adapter interface of the 24-1639.

[0012] The invention relates to a charging cable that is detachably connected to the charging cable via a positive locking mechanism and, on the other hand, is detachably electrically connected to a power supply unit in order to transfer electrical energy from the power supply unit to the charging cable via the adapter. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for electrically charging an energy storage device at a power supply unit, comprising a charging device with a charging cable that is detachably electrically connected to the energy storage device to be charged via a connection device and, on the other hand, is detachably electrically connected to the power supply unit via an adapter that is detachably connected to an adapter interface via a positive locking mechanism.

[0013] Some systems, due to their form-fitting connector design for a vehicle's charging port, prevent the use of an adapter with an incompatible system. However, other systems may present situations where an adapter is designed for AC charging only, but can be connected to both AC and DC charging points. Incorrect use of the adapter can lead to damage to components or compromise its operational reliability.

[0014] Summary

[0015] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide improved concepts for charging a battery-powered vehicle at a charging point using an adapter, in particular to reduce the risk of incompatibility of the adapter with the charging point to be used and / or the vehicle.

[0016] This problem is solved according to the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and in conjunction with the figures.

[0017] Accordingly, a method for charging a battery-powered vehicle is proposed, using an adapter to connect the vehicle to a charging point. The method includes detecting the adapter type of the adapter used and sending information about the detected adapter type to the battery-powered vehicle. Furthermore, a charging configuration is set in the vehicle according to the detected adapter type. 24-1639

[0018] The battery-powered vehicle can be, for example, purely electric (BEV) or have at least a partial electric drivetrain (PHEV). The battery to be charged is a traction battery. A charging point can include, for example, a wallbox, a (e.g., public) charging station (e.g., with AC or DC charger), or a standard household outlet.

[0019] By identifying the adapter type (e.g., type designation; e.g., adapter model), information can be obtained about the electrical parameters for which the adapter is designed (e.g., maximum current; e.g., maximum operating voltage; e.g., maximum temperature). This information can be sent to the vehicle so that the vehicle's charging settings can be adjusted to the adapter. For example, the vehicle can reduce the charging current to avoid exceeding the adapter's maximum current or set a maximum charging voltage.

[0020] The adapter type can be detected, for example, using a smart device (e.g., user terminal device; e.g., smartphone) belonging to the user (e.g., by means of a camera), and the information can be sent from the smart device to the vehicle.

[0021] According to one aspect, the process can alternatively be carried out by the vehicle alone (e.g., the adapter type can be detected by the vehicle's sensors) and, from the vehicle's perspective, comprise the following process step: receiving information about the detected adapter type on the battery-powered vehicle. For example, the adapter type can be detected using vehicle sensors.

[0022] The proposed method allows the vehicle's charging configuration to be adjusted to the adapter, for example, automatically based on the detected adapter type. One aspect of the proposed method is that setting the charging configuration in a battery-powered vehicle includes selecting DC or AC charging and / or setting a maximum charging current. This can increase the adapter's operational reliability, for example, by preventing excessively high charging currents or incorrect voltage types for which the adapter is not designed.

[0023] In particular, the vehicle can use this information to recognize, for example, if the adapter is unsuitable for charging. For instance, the vehicle might be connected via a DC power outlet, but the adapter is only designed for AC power. In this case, adjusting the charging configuration may include preventing charging from starting.

[0024] This prevents charging from starting, and in particular, prevents the activation of a charging current or an electrical contact. In other words, it can be prevented, by appropriate procedure (e.g., by adjusting the charging configuration), that charging will not start if the connected adapter is not compatible with the charging point and / or the vehicle.

[0025] For example, the adapter is provided with a locking mechanism to ensure that it can only be used with a compatible charging point. For instance, if the adapter cannot be used with the charging point (e.g., due to electrical incompatibility), the locking mechanism can prevent the adapter from being plugged into or mechanically connected to the charging point. In this case, the locking mechanism can activate a lock that prevents mechanical connection. For example, a mechanical element (e.g., a pin or bolt) can be extended, preventing the adapter from being inserted into a socket on the charging point. The concepts disclosed below can be used to detect compatibility between the adapter and the charging point.

[0026] One aspect of the plan is to detect the adapter type using a camera on a mobile device belonging to a user of the battery-powered vehicle. The mobile device (e.g., a smart device) can be connected to the vehicle (e.g., via an app). The information about the adapter captured by the mobile device can then be sent directly to the vehicle or via a backend (e.g., a cloud service). Alternatively, the adapter type can be detected directly by the vehicle, for example, using a vehicle camera.

[0027] One aspect envisages that the adapter type can alternatively be detected using near-field communication. For example, the adapter could have an RFID or NFC tag, which can be read, for example, by a smartphone or by a sensor in the vehicle.

[0028] According to one aspect, information is intended to be sent from a vehicle user's mobile device to the battery-powered vehicle. For example, using an app from the vehicle manufacturer can enable secure transmission. Alternatively, information can be transferred directly to the vehicle via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Information about the adapter type can also be transmitted via the vehicle manufacturer's backend. This allows, for example, the backend to check whether the adapter is compatible with the vehicle. 24-1639

[0029] According to one aspect, the procedure further includes: detecting the type of charging point and transmitting information about this type of charging point to the adapter. For example, the information can be transmitted to the adapter via a local wireless connection, such as Bluetooth. This allows, for example, the determination of whether the charging point is designed for AC or DC charging. The information can also be used to verify the adapter's compatibility with the charging point. Similarly, the charging point type can be transmitted to the vehicle (e.g., directly via the adapter). If the combination of charging point, adapter, and vehicle is incompatible, the charging configuration can be adjusted to prevent battery charging (e.g., by preventing a charging start).

[0030] For example, the procedure can further include: checking, based on the transmitted information, whether the adapter used is compatible with the charging point, whereby current flow through the adapter is only enabled if the adapter is compatible with the charging point. For example, a switching device in the adapter can prevent current flow (open switch) if the adapter is not compatible with the charging point. In this way, charging current flow can be prevented directly at the adapter if the adapter is not compatible with the charging point. The adapter can, for example, have a control unit that performs the corresponding information processing and can control the switching device.

[0031] For example, the procedure can further include: checking, based on the transmitted information, whether the adapter used is compatible with the charging point, whereby a locking mechanism of the adapter is only unlocked to allow connection to the charging point if the adapter is compatible. In this way, operational reliability can be further increased. For example, connecting the adapter to the charging point cannot be physically possible at all if the two components are not compatible. The locking mechanism can, for example, be automatically unlocked when it has been determined, based on the transmitted information, that the adapter may be used with the charging point. For example, opening the locking mechanism could allow a cover flap to be opened manually, or an opening to the electrical contact could be opened automatically. 24-1639

[0032] Another aspect concerns a method for charging a battery-powered vehicle, where an adapter is used to connect the vehicle to a charging point. This method comprises: detecting the adapter type used; detecting the type of charging point; and setting an operating mode of the adapter, in particular a locking mechanism, depending on the type of charging point. For example, setting the operating mode may involve enabling current flow from an adapter input to an adapter output when the adapter type and charging point are compatible, and locking it when the adapter type and charging point are incompatible. For example, this method may be performed by a control unit of the adapter itself.With such an adapter, it is advantageous to prevent, for example, it from being connected to a charging point that fits snugly with regard to the plug shape, or from a charging current flowing through the adapter if, for example, there is no compatibility between the charging point and the adapter with regard to electrical parameters.

[0033] Another aspect concerns a computer program product or non-volatile storage medium containing program code to execute the procedure described above or below, when the computer program or program code is executed on a processor, a computer, or programmable hardware. Such a program can advantageously be executed on a vehicle user's mobile device, on an on-board computer, or alternatively on a backend (e.g., a vehicle-connected server or cloud service) or a suitable adapter with a control unit to execute the proposed procedure and control the charging configuration. This allows, for example, the charging of a battery-powered vehicle to proceed according to procedure and enables greater safety when using a charging cable adapter.

[0034] Another aspect concerns an adapter for connecting a battery-powered vehicle to a charging point, wherein the adapter has a locking mechanism, and wherein a control unit of the adapter is configured to receive information about a currently used charging point and is further configured to release the locking mechanism only if the currently used charging point is compatible with the adapter. For example, the control unit of the adapter may be configured to perform a procedure described previously or subsequently. 24-1639

[0035] Character description

[0036] Examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show:

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart of a method for charging a battery-powered vehicle, wherein a charging configuration of the vehicle is set;

[0038] Fig. 1a shows a flowchart of a method for charging a battery-powered vehicle, wherein an operating mode of an adapter used is set; and

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a schematic example of an adapter for connecting a battery-powered vehicle to a charging point.

[0040] Description

[0041] Several embodiments are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some of these embodiments. For clarity, the thickness dimensions of lines, layers, and / or regions may be exaggerated in the figures. In the following description of the accompanying figures, which only show some exemplary embodiments, the same reference numerals may denote identical or comparable components.

[0042] An element described as "connected" or "coupled" to another element may be directly connected or coupled to that other element, or interposed elements may be present. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meanings that a person skilled in the art in the field to which the embodiments belong would associate with them.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a method 10 for charging a battery-powered vehicle, wherein an adapter is used to connect the vehicle to a charging point. The method 10 comprises the steps: detecting 11 an adapter type of the adapter used; sending information about the detected adapter type to the battery-powered vehicle; and setting 1324-1639

[0044] a charging configuration in the battery-powered vehicle according to the detected adapter type.

[0045] Fig. 1a shows a method 10' for charging a battery-powered vehicle, wherein an adapter is used to connect the vehicle to a charging point. The method 10' comprises the steps: detecting 11' an adapter type of the adapter used; detecting 12' a type of charging point; and setting 13' an operating mode (e.g., closing a switching device to allow current flow or opening the switching device to block current flow through the adapter) of the adapter depending on the type of charging point.

[0046] For example, if the charging point is incompatible with the adapter being used, the operating mode can be set to 13' so that no charging can take place. This prevents the adapter from being operated with, for example, an impermissible voltage or current.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a schematic example 20 of an adapter 21 for connecting a battery-powered vehicle 23 to a charging point 22. The adapter 21 has a locking mechanism 21a. A control unit of the adapter 21 is configured to receive information about a currently used charging point 22 and is further configured to release the locking mechanism 21a only if the currently used charging point 22 is compatible with the adapter 21.

[0048] For example, adapter 21 can be connected to a plug 22a of charging point 22 as shown. For example, plug 22a can be permanently connected to charging point 22, or plug 22a can be attached to a user cable that connects the cable to charging point 22. Adapter 21 can, for example, be connected directly to a charging socket 23a of vehicle 23. Alternatively, adapter 21 can be connected to the charging socket 23a of vehicle 23, for example, by means of a cable (not shown).

[0049] Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the embodiments described above or below. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 may have one or more optional additional features corresponding to one or more aspects mentioned in connection with the proposed concept or with one or more embodiments described above (e.g., Figs. 1 and 1a) or below. 24-1639

[0050] Examples refer to a Bluetooth-controlled adapter 21 for use when charging a battery-powered vehicle 23.

[0051] Errors can occur on both the vehicle and wallbox sides, potentially endangering the user when using an adapter. For example, when using a wallbox or a household socket to charge the vehicle, the (DC) battery voltage can be directly connected to the (AC) mains power supply. This problem is solved by ensuring that the adapter can only be plugged in (or that an internal electrical connection for charging is only established) after it has been confirmed that the adapter is connected to the correct (e.g., compatible) charging station / wallbox. The adapter may have a locking mechanism, which could be Bluetooth-controlled. The locking mechanism is released via a charging app for the battery-powered vehicle (either through conscious user confirmation or automatically after scanning a DMC, type plate, etc.).

[0052] The control function of the proposed adapter can make charging a battery-powered vehicle safer by avoiding situations where the adapter is used in an unsuitable configuration.

Claims

24-1639 Patent claims 1. Method (10) for charging a battery-powered vehicle (23), wherein an adapter (21) with a locking mechanism is used to connect the vehicle (23) to a charging point (22), the method (10) comprising: - Determining (11) an adapter type of the adapter (21) used; Sending (12) information about the detected adapter type to the battery-powered vehicle (23); and - Setting (13) a charging configuration in the battery-powered vehicle (23) according to the detected adapter type.

2. Method (10) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism of the adapter (21) is designed to ensure that the adapter (21) can only be connected to a compatible charging point (22).

3. Method (10) according to claim 1 or 2, the adapter type is detected via near field communication.

4. Method (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the information is sent from a mobile device of a vehicle user to the battery-powered vehicle (23).

5. Method (10) according to one of the preceding claims, 24-1639 where setting the charging configuration in the battery-powered vehicle (23) includes setting DC charging or AC charging and / or setting a maximum charging current.

6. Method (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Detecting a type of charging point (22); and Transferring information about the type of charging point (22) to the adapter (21).

7. Method (10) according to claim 6, further comprising: Check, based on the transmitted information, whether the adapter (21) used is compatible with the charging point (22), where a current flow through the adapter (21) is only enabled if the adapter (21) used is compatible with the charging point (22).

8. Method (10) according to one of the preceding claims 6 or 7, further comprising: Check, based on the transmitted information, whether the adapter (21) used is compatible with the charging point (22), wherein a locking mechanism (21a) of the adapter (21) is only unlocked in order to connect the adapter (21) to the charging point (22) if the adapter (21) used is compatible with the charging point (22).

9. Method (10') for charging a battery-powered vehicle (23) wherein an adapter (21) is used to connect the vehicle (23) to a charging point (22), the method (10') comprising: - Detect (11 ') an adapter type of the adapter used (21); - Detecting (12') a type of charging point (22); and24-1639 - Setting (13') an operating mode of the adapter (21), in particular a locking mechanism (21a) of the adapter (21), depending on the type of charging point (22).

10. Computer program product or non-volatile storage medium containing program code for executing a method (10, 10') according to any one of the preceding claims when the computer program is executed on a processor, a computer, or programmable hardware.

11. Adapter (21) for connecting a battery-powered vehicle (23) to a charging point (22), wherein the adapter (21) has a locking mechanism (21a), wherein a control unit of the adapter (21) is formed, to receive information about a currently used charging point (22) and is further trained, and to release the locking mechanism (21a) only if the charging point (22) currently being used is compatible with the adapter (21).

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