Method, device and system for checking a state of a charging flap

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (200) for determining a state of a charging flap (110) of a vehicle (100), comprising the following steps: a) controlling the charging-flap actuator (130) in order to close the charging flap (110) in a closing movement; b) detecting an indication relating to a travel distance of the charging flap (110) during the closing movement; and c) determining that no charging plug (125) is inserted into an electrical connector (120) if the detected indication corresponds to a predetermined reference indication. The invention also relates to a device (135) and to a system (105) for determining the state of the charging flap (110). The invention also relates to a vehicle (100) comprising such a device (135) and / or such a system (105).

Description

[0001] -3626

[0002] 1

[0003] Method, device and system for checking the condition of a loading flap

[0004] The invention relates to a method, a device, and a system for determining the state of a vehicle's loading flap. The invention further relates to a vehicle with such a device and / or such a system.

[0005] For electric vehicles, reliably detecting the charging plug status is crucial. Conventional systems use sensor data for this purpose, but this data can be prone to errors, especially when environmental factors or technical malfunctions occur. Incorrect detection can lead to the charging port not being controlled correctly or inaccurate information about the charging status. Furthermore, a faulty sensor status can prevent the vehicle from being properly activated, particularly if the charging plug is not detected or is incorrectly assumed to be removed.

[0006] German patent DE 102019 130468 A1 describes, for example, a system for automatically detecting the charging port status of a vehicle. It comprises an actuator for opening and closing the charging port and an open / close detector for recording the port position. To support detection, an image processing unit is used, which uses camera images to determine whether a user has unplugged the charging connector. The system can also detect whether the vehicle is near a charging station in order to infer an intention to end charging. The invention primarily serves to automatically close the charging port after the charging process is complete, thereby increasing convenience and safety.

[0007] Based on the prior art, the object of the invention is to enable a reliable determination of the charging plug status and, in particular, to detect whether a charging plug is inserted into the electrical connection. This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1, a device according to claim 8, and a system according to claim 11. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0008] According to one aspect, a procedure for determining the condition of a vehicle's loading flap comprises the following steps:

[0009] - Controlling the charging flap actuator to close the charging flap in a closing motion,

[0010] - Detecting an indication of a movement path of the loading flap during the closing movement, and

[0011] Determine that no charging plug is inserted into an electrical socket if the detected indication matches a predetermined reference indication. In other words, a travel path analysis of the charging flap is performed to determine the charging plug status.

[0012] The charging flap can be operated mechanically or electrically and serves to close an access opening to an electrical connection or to open it for the insertion of a charging plug. The charging flap is a movable cover on the vehicle that protects the electrical connection. It forms a protective barrier against dirt, moisture, and other environmental influences. The charging flap closes the charging socket through which a charging current flows to an energy storage device for the vehicle's driving energy.

[0013] A charging plug is an electrically conductive component that is inserted into the vehicle's electrical connection to establish an electrical connection to an external power source and charge the vehicle's energy storage system.

[0014] The electrical connection is the vehicle's charging socket, which serves as an interface between the energy storage system and an external charging infrastructure. The charging current is fed into the vehicle via this connection.

[0015] The closing movement of the loading flap refers to the process by which the loading flap is moved from an open position to a closed position. This movement is performed by a loading flap actuator, which in turn is controlled by a processing unit in the form of a control unit.

[0016] A travel path indicator is information captured during the movement of the loading flap that allows conclusions to be drawn about the flap's actual movement path. This information can be derived from sensor data or control parameters. The indicator can also be a predetermined time period required to move the loading flap from the open to the closed position.

[0017] In contrast, a reference note is a previously stored value or a predefined pattern that describes the expected travel path of the charging flap in a fault-free environment. By comparing the recorded note with the reference note, it can be determined whether an obstacle, such as a plugged-in charging connector, or another object is located within the charging flap's range of motion. The reference note, specifically a reference travel path, is, for example, a note stored during charging flap initialization. This initialization can be performed at the vehicle factory or during maintenance.

[0018] Preferably, the closing movement is initiated when an error is detected in the data used to determine the current charging plug status. Such an error can include data inconsistency, a faulty measurement, or an implausible deviation in the data used to determine the charging plug status. This enables improved error diagnosis and prevents incorrect determination of the charging plug status. "Data" therefore refers in particular to sensor values, electronic signals, or software data. Data can be measurement and / or sensor data from sensors designed to monitor the charging plug status. The charging plug status refers to the current state of a charging plug in relation to the vehicle's electrical connection. Specifically, it indicates whether the charging plug is fully inserted, partially inserted, or not inserted.

[0019] If the detected signal does not match the predetermined reference signal, the procedure is designed to recognize that a charging plug is inserted. The fact that the reference signal differs from the detected signal means that the actual, real-world travel path deviates from the expected or error-free travel path. In this case, an error message can be generated and transmitted to the vehicle's driver.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, vehicle movement is prevented if the detected signal does not correspond to the predetermined reference signal. This can be achieved through a software-based lock or a blockage of the drive control system. Consequently, driving authorization may be denied.

[0021] Determining the current charging plug status is advantageously supported by image data from a camera monitoring an access point for the charging plug and / or by map information from a navigation unit. Therefore, if an error is detected in the sensor data, an additional check can be performed using a camera or by determining the position via the navigation system, either as an alternative or supplementary measure.

[0022] The camera enables visual detection of a charging plug inserted into the charging port. The camera can be part of a 5

[0023] The vehicle's surround-view camera system. This can further increase the reliability of the detection.

[0024] Map information can be used to determine a potential charging location and thus support charging plug detection. Point-of-interest (POI) information for charging stations can be evaluated, and a probability analysis of the presence of a charging plug can be performed. This allows for an even more precise analysis of the charging plug status, especially in conjunction with location information.

[0025] Preferably, information about the travel path of the loading flap is captured by performing an opening movement of the loading flap. In other words, the loading flap actuator can be controlled to open the loading flap in an opening movement and to close it in a closing movement, with information about the travel path of the loading flap being captured during the opening and closing movements.

[0026] To improve measurement accuracy and prevent random deviations, the opening and closing movement of the charging flap can be repeated several times to verify the detected charging plug status if the detected signal does not match the predetermined reference signal. For example, an obstacle might still be detected during the first opening and closing movement if the detected signal does not match the predetermined reference signal. However, before, for example, the vehicle movement is prevented, a second opening and closing movement can be performed to verify or confirm the charging plug status. If the detected signal matches the predetermined reference signal during the second opening and closing movement, it is recognized that the obstacle is no longer present or that the charging plug is no longer inserted.If the detected signal does not correspond to the predetermined reference signal during the second opening and closing movement, the vehicle may be prevented from moving until the obstacle is removed or the charging plug is pulled out of the socket.

[0027] The processing unit can only release the vehicle as ready to drive if the absence of a charging plug has been confirmed by the route analysis.

[0028] Additionally, the results of the path analysis and further checks can be stored in a diagnostic log or transmitted wirelessly. The processing unit can also store a fault history of the sensor information to detect recurring or intermittent sensor faults.

[0029] The invention further relates to a device for determining the state of a vehicle's loading flap, comprising a processing unit with a first interface for connection to a loading flap actuator, wherein the processing unit is configured for:

[0030] - to control the charging flap actuator in order to close the charging flap in a closing motion,

[0031] - to capture an indication of the loading flap's travel path during the closing movement, and

[0032] - to determine that no charging plug is inserted into an electrical socket if the detected indication corresponds to a reference indication.

[0033] Interfaces allow components and elements to be connected to the device to improve its functionality. These interfaces can be physical and / or software-based.

[0034] The processing unit is connected to the device via signal transmission after the loading flap actuator is connected to it, in order to control the loading flap actuator accordingly. The loading flap actuator can include a DC motor to drive the loading flap between two end stops, namely between the open and closed positions.

[0035] Advantageously, the processing unit includes a second interface for connection to a sensor unit configured to acquire data for determining the current charging plug status, and the processing unit is configured to initiate the closing movement and the optional opening movement when an error is detected in the data for determining the current charging plug status.

[0036] Preferably, the processing unit has a third interface for connecting to a camera to monitor an access opening for the charging plug and / or a fourth interface for connecting to a navigation unit to provide map information.

[0037] The invention further relates to a system for determining the state of a charging flap of a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, comprising a device according to the above descriptions and a charging flap which is operatively connected to a charging flap actuator for actuating the charging flap.

[0038] Advantageously, the system includes a sensor unit for acquiring data to determine the current charging plug status. Preferably, the system includes a camera for providing image data and / or a navigation unit for providing map information.

[0039] The system may also have a communication interface to store or wirelessly transmit diagnostic data.

[0040] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, comprising a device according to the above-mentioned device-8

[0041] claims and / or a system according to the aforementioned system claims.

[0042] The method, device, and system described herein are theoretically also applicable to a standard internal combustion engine vehicle if, instead of an electrical connection with a charging plug, a fuel filler neck and a nozzle are provided. The method can, for example, detect after refueling whether the nozzle is still in the fuel filler neck and whether the charging flap, which in this case is designed as a fuel cap, has not yet been closed.

[0043] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 shows an electric vehicle with a system for determining the state of a charging flap of the vehicle according to one embodiment; and

[0045] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a procedure for determining the state of the loading flap.

[0046] illustrated.

[0047] Figure 1 shows an electric vehicle 100 with a system 105 for determining the state of a charging flap 110. The charging flap 110 is configured to close an access opening 115 to an electrical connection 120 or to open it for the insertion of a charging plug 125. The charging flap 110 can be automatically opened or closed between at least two positions, in particular an open position and a closed position, by a charging flap actuator 130. The movement here takes place along a rotary or pivot axis. However, it can also be linear.

[0048] 9

[0049] In Figure 1, the loading flap 110 is shown in a first end stop, which corresponds to the closed position of the loading flap 110 and is designated by reference numeral 110a, while in a second end stop, which corresponds to the open position of the loading flap 110, it is designated by reference numeral 110b. Positions 110a and 110b can be defined by mechanical stops.

[0050] System 105 comprises a device 135 for determining the charging plug status. This device 135 includes a processing unit 140, which is connected to the charging flap actuator 130 via signal transmission and controls its movement. During the closing movement of the charging flap 110, the processing unit 140 detects an indication of the travel path of the charging flap 110 and compares this with a reference indication, which represents a stored value for a fault-free movement of the charging flap 110. This comparison enables a reliable determination of the charging plug status, even when direct sensor information is unavailable.

[0051] The indication of the travel path 135 can be determined, for example, by detecting the rotational speed of a shaft of the charging flap actuator 130 or by measuring the time for opening or closing the charging flap 110.

[0052] To assist in determining the charging plug status, the system 105 can include a sensor unit 145 that provides data for determining the current charging plug status. Additionally, a camera 150 can be provided to monitor the access opening 115 of the electrical connection 120. Furthermore, a navigation unit 155 can provide map information or location data to verify whether the vehicle is at a charging station.

[0053] If a sensor status of the loading flap 110 is unavailable or faulty, the processing unit 140 can initiate a closing movement of the loading flap 110.

[0054] 10

[0055] Initiate flap 110. The information determined in this process regarding the travel distance is compared with the stored reference information to determine whether a charging plug 150 is inserted or not.

[0056] If the detected signal corresponds to the predetermined reference signal, no charging plug 125 is inserted into the electrical port 120. If the detected signal regarding the travel distance does not correspond to the predetermined reference signal, this indicates that a charging plug 125 is inserted into the electrical port 120.

[0057] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for determining the state of the charging flap 110 in the form of a block diagram.

[0058] The process begins with a first step 205, in which it is detected that the current charging plug status is unavailable. This can be caused by a faulty sensor query or inconsistent sensor data.

[0059] In a second step 210, the loading flap actuator 130 is controlled by the processing unit 140 to close the loading flap 110 in a closing movement. During this movement, in a third step 215, an indication of the travel path is recorded.

[0060] In a fourth step 220, the detected indication of the travel path is compared with the reference indication. If the detected indication corresponds to the reference indication 140, a fifth step 225 determines that no charging plug 125 is inserted into the electrical port 120. If the detected indication differs from the reference indication, a sixth step 230 determines that a charging plug 125 is inserted into the port 120.

[0061] If in step 230 it is detected that a charging plug 125 is inserted, a protection function can be initiated in a seventh step 235,-3626

[0062] 11

[0063] This might involve, for example, generating an error message or activating a lock on the drive control.

[0064] Optionally, an additional check of the charging plug status can be performed using camera 150 before, during, or immediately after comparing the recorded indication of the travel path with the stored reference indication. This allows the status of the charging plug 125 and / or the charging flap 110 to be visually checked. The image data can be made available to the driver.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, if it has been detected that a charging plug 125 is plugged into the socket 120, the navigation unit 155 can be used to perform a probability analysis of the presence of a charging plug 125 in the electrical socket 120 based on location information.

[0066] To improve measurement accuracy, procedure 200 may involve multiple repetitions of the opening and closing movement of the loading flap 110. Steps 210 to 225 may be performed several times to minimize random deviations.

[0067] The results of the path analysis as well as additional test results can be stored in a diagnostic log or transmitted wirelessly to an external maintenance unit.

[0068] By combining these process steps, the invention enables a reliable determination of the state of the charging flap 110, even if direct sensor data acquisition is faulty or unavailable.-3626

[0069] 12

[0070] Reference sign

[0071] 100 vehicles

[0072] 105 System

[0073] 110 Charging port

[0074] 110a Charging flap in first end stop

[0075] 110b Loading flap in second end stop

[0076] 115 Access opening

[0077] 120 Electrical connection

[0078] 125 charging plugs

[0079] 130 Charging flap actuator

[0080] 135 Device

[0081] 140 processing equipment

[0082] 145 Sensor unit

[0083] 150 camera

[0084] 155 Navigation unit

[0085] 200 procedures

[0086] 205 Detecting an error in the charging plug status

[0087] 210 Requesting a closing movement of the loading flap

[0088] 215 Detect a signal indicating the travel path of the charging flap 220 Compare the signal with a reference signal 225 Determine the absence of the charging plug 230 Determine the presence of the charging plug 235 Initiate a protective function

Claims

-3626 13 Claims 1. Method (200) for determining the state of a loading flap (110) of a vehicle (100), comprising the following steps: a) actuating the loading flap actuator (130) to close the loading flap (110) in a closing movement; b) Detecting an indication of a travel path of the loading flap (110) during the closing movement, c) Determine that no charging plug (125) is inserted into an electrical socket (120) if the detected indication corresponds to a predetermined reference indication.

2. Method (200) according to claim 1, wherein the closing movement is initiated when an error in data for determining a current charging plug status has been detected.

3. Method (200) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein it is determined that a charging plug (125) is inserted into the connection (120) if the detected indication does not correspond to the predetermined reference indication.

4. Method (200) according to claim 3, wherein movement of the vehicle (100) is prevented if the detected indication does not correspond to the predetermined reference indication.

5. Method (200) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the determination of the current charging plug status is supported by image data from a camera (150) monitoring an access opening (115) for the charging plug (125), and / or map information from a navigation unit (155).

6. Method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an indication of a travel path of the charging flap (110) is detected by performing an opening movement of the charging flap (110).

7. Method (200) according to claim 6, wherein, if the detected indication does not correspond to the predetermined reference indication, the closing and opening movement of the charging flap (110) is repeated several times to verify the detected charging plug status.

8. Device (135) for determining the state of a loading flap (110) of a vehicle (100), comprising a processing unit (140) with a first interface for connection to a loading flap actuator (130), wherein the processing unit (140) is configured to - to control the charging flap actuator (130) in order to close the charging flap (110) in a closing movement, - to detect an indication of the travel path of the loading flap (110) during the closing movement, and - to determine that no charging plug (125) is inserted into an electrical socket (120) if the detected indication corresponds to a reference indication.

9. Device (135) according to claim 8, wherein the processing device (140) has a second interface for connection with a sensor unit (145) which is configured to acquire data for determining a current charging plug status, wherein the processing device (140) is configured to initiate the closing movement when an error in the data for determining the current charging plug status has been detected.

10. Device (135) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the processing device (140) has a third interface for connecting to a camera (150) for monitoring an access opening (115) for the charging plug (125) and / or a fourth interface for connecting to a navigation unit (155) for providing map information.

11. System (105) for determining the state of a charging flap (110) of a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, comprising a device according to one of claims 8 to 10 and a charging flap (110) which is operatively connected to a charging flap actuator (130) for actuating the charging flap (110).

12. System (105) according to claim 11, further comprising a sensor unit (145) for acquiring data to determine a current charging plug status.

13. System (105) according to claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a camera (150) for providing image data and / or a navigation unit (155) for providing map information.

14. Vehicle, in particular electric vehicle, comprising a device (135) according to one of claims 8 to 10 and / or a system (105) according to one of claims 11 to 13.

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