Method for protecting a charging-flap system from icing up

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for preventing a charging flap (15) of a motor vehicle (1) from icing up during an electrical charging operation while simultaneously indicating the state of charge of an electrical energy source located in the motor vehicle (1), in which method the charging flap (15) is moved about the pivot axis depending on an actual or anticipated ambient temperature of the motor vehicle (1) and / or an actual or anticipated temperature of a part of the motor vehicle (1), and depending on the state of charge of the electrical energy source.

Description

[0001] 24-2586

[0002] 1

[0003] Method for protecting a charging flap system of a motor vehicle, which is open during an electric charging process, against icing while simultaneously displaying the state of charge, and computer program product for carrying out this method

[0004] The invention relates to a method for protecting a charging flap system of a motor vehicle that is open during an electric charging process against icing while simultaneously displaying the state of charge according to claim 1, and to a computer program product for carrying out this method according to claim 6.

[0005] The invention is particularly suitable for use in electrically powered motor vehicles where an external electrical energy source, such as a charging station, is connected to the motor vehicle to charge its battery with electricity as an energy carrier.

[0006] These types of charging flap systems typically feature a hinged flap that opens to charge the vehicle and closes again after charging is complete. When closed, the flap covers a charging socket behind it, which is designed to accept the plug of an electric charging station. The charging socket is usually held in a recess within the charging flap system, which thus acts as a retaining element.

[0007] The problem is that the charging socket and charging flap are not protected from the elements when the flap is open. Rain, moisture, snow, hail, etc., can therefore enter the charging port and reach the charging socket while the vehicle is charging. Especially in winter, during heavy snowfall, and particularly during long charging periods of up to several hours, the charging flap can freeze up, making it difficult or even impossible to remove the charging plug from the socket after charging is complete.

[0008] Notwithstanding the above, there is a desire to make the state of charge of the electrical energy source visible to a person near the vehicle being charged during a charging process. For this purpose, references to DE 102011 108817 A1 and DE 24-2586 are relevant.

[0009] 2

[0010] DE 102023 104970 A1 each charging sockets with optical displays are known, which output light signals dependent on the state of charge.

[0011] From JP 2021-154775 A, a charging socket is known in which the charging status is communicated to an external party depending on the position of the charging flap: At the beginning of the charging process, the charging flap is in a fully open position. When the charging process is completely finished, the charging flap is in a half-open position.

[0012] The object of the invention is to protect a charging flap exposed for a charging process from icing and at the same time to provide a charge status indicator for an electrical energy source.

[0013] This problem is solved by a method having the features of claim 1.

[0014] Specifically, this task is solved by a method for protecting a charging flap system of a motor vehicle, which is open during an electric charging process, against icing while simultaneously displaying the state of charge of an electrical energy source located in the motor vehicle, in which charging flap system a charging flap which is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis and forms part of the charging flap system is in a starting position, while a charging plug is received in a charging socket which in turn forms part of the charging flap system.

[0015] The method according to the invention is characterized in that the charging flap is moved around the pivot axis depending on an actual or anticipated ambient temperature of the motor vehicle, and / or an actual or anticipated temperature of a part of the motor vehicle, as well as depending on the state of charge of the electrical energy source. The actual temperature can also be referred to as the current temperature.

[0016] In other words, the swivel angle by which the charging flap is opened during a charging process is changed depending on the existing and / or expected ambient temperature and the state of charge of the electrical energy source. Corresponding actual ambient temperature information can be provided, in particular, by a temperature measuring device or a temperature sensor, which is located, in particular, on the 24-2586

[0017] 3

[0018] The temperature sensor may be located at the charging port, on the charging socket, on the charging plug in the charging socket, on an energy supply device that provides the electrical energy required for charging the electrical energy source, in particular a charging station, and / or on another component of the motor vehicle. For example, the temperature sensor may be located on a component in the front of the motor vehicle, in an air conditioning unit, or on the electrical energy source.

[0019] Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible to provide one, some, or all of the aforementioned parts or elements with at least one receiving device configured to receive current ambient temperature information from a location outside the vehicle. In particular, it is possible to wirelessly transmit the current ambient temperature information from a location remote from the vehicle to a receiver located inside the vehicle. This receiver advantageously communicates with the vehicle's on-board electronics, enabling an adjustment of the swivel angle based on the current ambient temperature information.

[0020] Alternatively or cumulatively, it may be provided that ambient temperature information is not directly acquired in or on the vehicle itself, or from a remote location, but rather estimated or calculated. Such ambient temperature information, which may in particular be future ambient temperature information, shall be referred to as anticipated ambient temperature information. Such anticipated ambient temperature information, which may be predetermined at a location remote from the vehicle, in particular a weather station, is transmitted wirelessly to a receiver located in the vehicle. Advantageously, this receiver is operatively connected to on-board electronics located in the vehicle, by means of which an adjustment of the swivel angle can be effected that is dependent on the current ambient temperature information.Advantageously, the receiver intended for receiving anticipated ambient temperature information is identical to the receiver intended for receiving actual ambient temperature information.

[0021] Regardless of whether actual ambient temperature information is determined at the motor vehicle, whether actual ambient temperature information is transmitted to the motor vehicle, whether anticipated ambient temperature information is determined at the motor vehicle, or whether anticipated ambient temperature information is obtained from the 24-2586

[0022] 4

[0023] When a vehicle is receiving a signal, it is advantageously provided that the aforementioned swivel angle is also changed depending on the state of charge of the electrical energy source. This advantageously makes it possible to prevent the charging flap from icing up and simultaneously to visually indicate the state of charge of the electrical energy source in such a way that a person near the vehicle can easily perceive it.

[0024] This makes the following scenarios particularly advantageous when carrying out the method according to the invention:

[0025] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a vehicle. The charging flap is in its initial position and the charging process has begun. The current temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. As charging progresses, the charging flap moves from its initial position to a different position.

[0026] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a vehicle. The charging flap is in its initial position and the charging process has begun. The current temperature is above 0°C. As charging progresses, the charging flap moves from its initial position to a different position.

[0027] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging flap is in its initial position, and the charging process has begun. The anticipated actual temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. As charging progresses, the charging flap moves from its initial position to a different position. Advantageously, this also occurs if the actual temperature is greater than 0°C.

[0028] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging flap is in a position different from its initial position, and the charging process is in progress. The current temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. As charging progresses, the charging flap moves from one position different from its initial position to another position different from its initial position. 24-2586

[0029] 5

[0030] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a vehicle. The charging flap is in a position different from its initial position, and the charging process is in progress. The current temperature is above 0°C. As charging progresses, the charging flap moves from one position different from its initial position to another position different from its initial position.

[0031] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging flap is in a position different from its initial position, and the charging process is underway. The anticipated actual temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. As charging progresses, the charging flap moves from one position different from its initial position to another position different from its initial position. Advantageously, this also occurs when the anticipated actual temperature is greater than 0°C.

[0032] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging process is complete. The charging flap is in a position indicating that charging is finished, which will be referred to as the end position. The current temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. From this end position, the charging flap is moved to a different position.

[0033] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging process is complete. The charging flap is in its final position. The current temperature is above 0°C. The charging flap is moved from its final position to a different position.

[0034] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging process is complete. The anticipated actual temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. Starting from its end position, the charging flap is moved to a different position. Advantageously, this also occurs if the anticipated actual temperature is greater than 0°C.

[0035] It is understood that the scenarios mentioned above are not exhaustively disclosed and other and / or additional combinations of charging port position, actual temperature, and anticipated actual temperature are possible.24-2586

[0036] 6

[0037] The tendency of components located on motor vehicles to ice up depends on the ambient temperature, but also on the prevailing humidity, which is referred to as the actual humidity. Thus, the tendency to ice up may be lower at comparatively low temperatures and low humidity than at relatively higher temperatures but higher humidity. To prevent icing of the charging flap or a malfunction in its pivoting movement under such conditions, and to be able to indicate the state of charge of the electrical energy source, a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the charging flap is moved around the pivot axis depending on the actual humidity, i.e., the current humidity, or the anticipated humidity in the area of ​​the motor vehicle.

[0038] Advantageously, the following scenarios are particularly possible when carrying out the method according to the invention, which takes into account the humidity and thus possible condensation on the loading flap or in its vicinity, especially the pivot axis:

[0039] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging flap is in its initial position and the charging process has begun. The current temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. The current or anticipated humidity exceeds a threshold that would cause condensation. As charging progresses, the charging flap moves from its initial position to a different position.

[0040] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging flap is in its initial position, and the charging process has begun. The anticipated ambient temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. The ambient or anticipated humidity exceeds a threshold that would cause condensation. As charging progresses, the charging flap moves from its initial position to a different position. Advantageously, this also occurs even if the ambient temperature is greater than 0°C.

[0041] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging flap is in a position different from its initial position, and the charging process is in progress. The actual temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. The actual value is 24-2586.

[0042] 7

[0043] The humidity, or an anticipated humidity level, exceeds a threshold that causes condensation. As charging progresses, the charging flap moves from one position different from its initial position to another position different from its initial position.

[0044] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging flap is in a position different from its initial position, and the charging process is underway. The anticipated actual temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. The actual or anticipated humidity exceeds a threshold that causes condensation. As charging progresses, the charging flap moves from one position different from its initial position to another position different from its initial position. Advantageously, this also occurs when the anticipated actual temperature is greater than 0°C.

[0045] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging process is complete. The charging flap is in a position indicating the completion of the charging process, which shall be referred to as the end position. The actual temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. The actual or anticipated humidity exceeds a threshold that would cause condensation. Starting from the end position, the charging flap is moved to a different position.

[0046] A charging plug is connected to the charging socket of a motor vehicle. The charging process is complete. The anticipated actual temperature is equal to or less than 0°C. The actual or anticipated humidity exceeds a threshold that causes condensation. The charging flap is moved from its end position to a different position. Advantageously, this also occurs if the anticipated actual temperature is greater than 0°C.

[0047] It is understood that the aforementioned scenarios are not exhaustively disclosed and other and / or additional combinations of charging port position, actual temperature, anticipated actual temperature, actual humidity, and anticipated humidity are possible.24-2586

[0048] 8

[0049] A corresponding current humidity reading can be provided, in particular, by a humidity measuring device located at the charging port, the charging socket, the charging plug in the charging socket, a power supply device that provides the electrical energy required for charging the electrical power source, in particular a charging station, and / or another component of the motor vehicle. The humidity measuring device can thus be provided, in particular, on a component located in the front area of ​​the motor vehicle, in an air conditioning unit, or on the electrical power source.

[0050] Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible to provide one, some, or all of the aforementioned parts or elements with at least one receiving device configured to receive current humidity information from a location outside the vehicle. In particular, it is possible to wirelessly transmit the current humidity information from a remote location to a receiver inside the vehicle. This receiver advantageously communicates with the vehicle's on-board electronics, enabling an adjustment of the swivel angle based on the current humidity information.

[0051] Alternatively or cumulatively, it can be provided that anticipated humidity information is not directly acquired in or on the vehicle itself, or from a remote location, but rather estimated or calculated. Such anticipated humidity information, which may in particular be future humidity information, is determined in advance at a storage location remote from the vehicle, especially a weather station, and transmitted wirelessly to a receiver located in the vehicle. Advantageously, this receiver is operatively connected to on-board electronics located in the vehicle, by means of which an adjustment of the swivel angle can be effected that is dependent on actual ambient temperature information, an anticipated ambient temperature information, an actual humidity information, or an anticipated humidity information.Advantageously, the receiver intended for receiving anticipated ambient temperature information and / or the receiver intended for receiving anticipated humidity information is identical to the receiver intended for receiving actual ambient temperature information.24-2586.

[0052] 9

[0053] In principle, the starting point, or initial position, for a temperature- and charge-state-dependent, and possibly humidity-dependent, movement of the charging flap around its pivot axis can be freely chosen. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the charging flap is in its initial position when it covers the charging plug connected to the vehicle or even rests against the charging plug. In this way, it acts both as a weatherproof cover for the charging plug and as an easily recognizable indicator that a charging process has started.

[0054] As already disclosed, the invention provides that the position of the charging flap changes depending on the charging progress. According to a preferred embodiment, the charging flap is pivoted continuously or in discrete steps relative to its initial position as the state of charge of the electrical energy source increases. The pivoting can be proportional or non-proportional to the charging progress.

[0055] According to the invention, the progress of the charging process is indicated by a pivoting of the loading flap, which also mechanically prevents the loading flap from icing up. However, in particularly adverse weather conditions, it may be advisable to bring about at least one additional movement of the loading flap around the pivot axis to further prevent icing. For this reason, a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the loading flap is moved around the pivot axis, starting from a first pivot position, to a second pivot position different from the first pivot position, and from there back to the first pivot position. The first pivot position can, in particular, correspond to the starting position. In other words, to prevent the loading flap from icing up, at least one movement of the loading flap is performed that is independent of the indication of the charging status.After this movement is completed, the charging flap returns to its position representing the state of charge. The timing of this charge-state-independent movement of the charging flap, its respective pivot angles, and the frequency at which the corresponding movements are performed are advantageously dependent on actual temperature information, anticipated temperature information, actual humidity information, and / or anticipated humidity information. In particular, this prevents unnecessary movement of the charging flap when adverse weather conditions are not present.24-2586

[0056] 10

[0057] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a computer program product for controlling at least one processor is provided, which effects the execution of the previously disclosed method. The aforementioned advantages apply accordingly.

[0058] The following is a detailed, non-prejudicative, and in particular limiting, description of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Identical elements are designated with identical reference numerals unless otherwise indicated.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows part of a symbolically represented motor vehicle with a plugged-in charging connector, which is covered by a charging flap.

[0060] Fig. 2 corresponds to the representation according to Fig. 1, in which the loading flap assumes different positions.

[0061] Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 symbolically, in which a charging plug 10, connected to a partially depicted charging cable 5, is plugged in in a manner known per se. The charging cable 5 is operatively connected to a charging station (not shown) so that an electrical energy source located in the motor vehicle 1, designed as a battery (not shown), can be charged. The charging plug 10 is substantially covered by a charging flap 15, also known per se. The corresponding cover position of the charging flap 15 is to be referred to as the starting position of the charging flap 15, in which, on the one hand, the charging plug 10 is protected from the weather, and on the other hand, a charging process of the battery has begun.The loading flap 15 is pivoted about a pivot axis (not shown) by means of an electric motor (not shown) which is operatively connected to an on-board electronics unit 20 located in the vehicle 1. The on-board electronics unit 20 is further operatively connected to a temperature sensor 25 provided in the vehicle 1 and to a means (not shown) with which the state of charge of the battery is monitored.

[0062] A transmitter 30 of a weather station is located away from the vehicle 1. This transmitter can send current temperature, anticipated temperature, current humidity, and anticipated humidity information relevant to the vehicle 1 to the on-board electronics 20. The transmitter 30 can 24-2586

[0063] 11

[0064] be located anywhere in the world, as long as and to the extent that the transmitted information is relevant to motor vehicle 1.

[0065] The relationships shown in Fig. 1 are illustrated again in Fig. 2. As can be seen, the charging flap has a pivot angle a0 in its initial position. The charging flap 15 can be pivoted by means of the electric motor, as symbolized by the pivot angles cd, a2, and a3. According to the embodiment shown here, the pivot angle a3 represents the maximum pivot angle a by which the charging flap 15 can be pivoted. This angle is assumed when the battery is fully charged and thus represents the maximum end position of the charging flap 15. The pivot angles a1 and a2 are arbitrary pivot angles a within the pivot range from a0 to a3, indicating further charge states of the battery.

[0066] By adjusting the charging flap 15, icing of the charging flap 15 is prevented, and information about the battery's state of charge is displayed. As already described, when the charging flap 15 reaches the pivot angle aO, it is in its starting position, in which the battery charging process begins. According to the embodiment shown here, the charging flap 15 is continuously adjusted, depending on the battery's state of charge, the actual ambient temperature recorded by the temperature sensor 25, and the actual humidity of the vehicle 1 transmitted by the transmitter 30, until it reaches its maximum end position with the pivot angle a3.

[0067] In the event of particularly adverse weather conditions, it is also possible to move the charging flap 15 for a period of time independently of a pivot position representing the battery's state of charge. Thus, at the beginning of a charging process, the charging flap 15 can be briefly pivoted once and / or several times from the pivot angle aO, then by the pivot angle a1, and subsequently by the pivot angle a2, to prevent the charging flap 15 from icing up. Once this is achieved, the charging flap 15 is returned to the position representing the current state of charge of the battery, in this case aO. This process can be repeated several times depending on the weather conditions. 24-2586

[0068] 12

[0069] Reference symbol list:

[0070] 1 motor vehicle

[0071] 5 charging cables

[0072] 10 charging plugs

[0073] 15 Charging port

[0074] 20 On-board electronics 25 Temperature sensor 30 Transmitter

[0075] I. Effective connection

[0076] a swivel angle

Claims

24-2586 13 Patent claims:

1. A method for protecting a charging flap system of a motor vehicle (1) open during an electric charging process against icing while simultaneously indicating the state of charge of an electrical energy source located in the motor vehicle (1), in which charging flap system a charging flap (15) pivotably mounted about a pivot axis and forming part of the charging flap system is in a starting position, while a charging plug (10) is received in a charging socket which in turn forms part of the charging flap system, characterized in that the charging flap (15) is moved about the pivot axis depending on an actual or anticipated ambient temperature of the motor vehicle (1), and / or an actual or anticipated temperature of a part of the motor vehicle (1), as well as depending on the state of charge of the electrical energy source.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the loading flap (15) is moved about the pivot axis depending on an actual or anticipated humidity in the area of ​​the motor vehicle (1).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the charging flap (15) is in its initial position when it is in contact with the charging plug (10).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the charging flap (15) is pivoted continuously or in discrete steps relative to its initial position when the charge level of the electrical energy source increases.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading flap (15) is pivoted about the pivot axis, starting from a first 24-2586 14 The swivel position is moved to a second swivel position different from the first swivel position and from there back to the first swivel position.

6. Computer program product for controlling at least one processor that effects the execution of a method according to one of the preceding claims.

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