DE102010048756A1 - Multiple batteries charging station comprises multiple charging holders which are arranged on one platform, where connection units have network switch point which is connected with network contacts - Google Patents

Abstract

The multiple batteries charging station (40) comprises multiple charging holders (42a,42b,42c) which are arranged on one platform (41). The connection units have a network switch point (50) which is connected with the network contacts (44a,44b,44c) of the charging holders. A network port (57) is connected with the network switch point, so that the network contacts of the charging holders are connected through the network port. An independent claim is also included for a testing system for an automobile production.

Description

The invention relates to a multiple loading station according to the preamble of claim 1 and a test system equipped with such a multiple loading station for an automobile production.

A multiple charging station of the type mentioned above is for example made DE 10 2004 041 174 A1 known. In the multiple charging station described in this document, a plurality of charging cradles are provided for accommodating a plurality of battery powered mobile control devices, the charging cradles each being equipped with a separate power port for connection to a power source and a separate network port for connection to a data network. With this configuration, the multiple charging station can be operatively connected only by providing a plurality of separate terminals with the associated cables.

The object of the invention is to provide a multiple charging station with network connection function so that the multiple charging station can be operationally connected in a simpler manner.

A further object of the invention is to provide a test system for automobile production equipped with such a multiple loading station.

The o. G. Tasks are achieved with a multiple charging station according to claim 1 and with a test system according to claim 10. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a multiple charging station with network connection function comprises: a plurality of charging cradles each configured to receive a battery powered mobile control device thereon, and the respective battery charging contacts for contacting battery charging contacts of these and network contacts connected to a battery of the control device for contacting with a processing unit of the control device connected network contacts this has; and connecting means for electrically connecting the battery charging contacts of the charging brackets to an electrical power source and for signal-electrically connecting the network contacts of the charging brackets to a data network. The multiple charging station according to the invention is characterized in that the charging cradles are arranged on a common base and the connection means at the base have a network switch connected to the network contacts of all charging cradles and a network connection connected to the network switch, so that the network contacts of all charging cradles via the single network connection can be connected together with the data network.

Characterized in that according to the invention, all charging cradles are arranged on a common base, they can be moved as an extremely compact unit with the base and placed at the desired location. Since the network contacts of all charging cradles can be connected to the data network via the network switch and the single network connection, only a single network cable or data transfer cable needs to be brought to the multiple charging station for the operational connection of all charging cradles of the multiple charging station to the data network. Thus, only a single stationary network connection needs to be provided in the installation area of the multiple charging station with which the data transmission cable is to be connected.

In conclusion, the multiple charging station according to the invention over the prior art in a simpler manner operationally connected.

The data network is preferably designed in the form of an Ethernet and preferably has a central processing unit, such. B. on a central computer. The network switch is preferably designed as a full-duplex Ethernet switch and has a plurality of connection ports for the network contacts of all charging cradles, for the network connection to be connected to the data network as well as for any further devices or devices to be connected to the network. The power source is preferably formed by a conventional 220 V AC network.

Each battery-operated mobile control device is preferably set up for testing and / or configuring a vehicle control of an automobile to be produced in an automobile production by using and / or generating production data to be sent over the data network. A non-limiting simplified example of such a control device is e.g. In DE 296 20 236 U1 described. The processing unit of each control device preferably has a microprocessor and a data memory.

According to one embodiment of the multiple charging station according to the invention, the connecting means on the base have a current transformer unit connected on the output side to the battery charging contacts of all charging cradles Power supply of the battery charging contacts is set up, and connected to the power converter unit power connector through which the current transformer unit is connected on the input side to the power source.

The current transformer unit is preferably formed by a transformer which is set up to provide low-voltage direct current on the output side.

Characterized in that according to the invention, only a single common power converter unit is provided for the power supply of the battery charging of all charging cradles, which in turn needs to be connected only via a single power connection to the power source, only a single power supply cable needs to be brought to the entire multiple charging station. Thus, only a single stationary power connection needs to be provided in the installation area of the multiple charging station, with which the power supply cable is to be connected. In conclusion, the multiple charging station according to the invention is thus even easier operationally connectable.

According to a further embodiment of the multiple charging station according to the invention, the network switch is connected to the current transformer unit, so that the network switch is supplied with power by the current transformer unit.

In this way, no separate power supply needs to be provided for the network switch, with which the multiple charging station according to the invention is even easier operationally connected and costs are saved.

According to yet another embodiment of the multiple charging station according to the invention, the base has a housing in which the network switch and the current transformer unit are accommodated. In other words, the network switch and the power conversion unit are integrated into the multiple charging station, eliminating cumbersome and fault-prone external wiring. Due to the inclusion in a common housing, the network switch and the current transformer unit are also reliable against external influences, such. B. shocks and dirt, protected. In addition, through the integration of the network switch and the current transformer unit in the housing cheaper versions of these can be used as separate housings and protective measures can be omitted.

According to yet another embodiment of the multiple charging station according to the invention, a peripheral device connection is arranged on the base, which is connected to the network switch and via which a peripheral device such. B. preferably a printer, with the network switch is connectable.

By connecting one or more peripheral device (s), the multiple charging station can be advantageously extended so that z. For example, data generated by the control devices (preferably, for example, production data of the automobile production) and / or data provided via the data network (preferably, for example, production data of the automobile production) can be visualized and archived by printing on paper.

According to yet another embodiment of the multiple charging station according to the invention, the network connection and the power connection are arranged on a side facing away from the charging cradles side of the housing, wherein preferably also the peripheral device connection is arranged on the side facing away from the charging cradles side of the housing.

In this way, these terminals do not hinder the inclusion of the control devices on the charging cradles and are thus better protected against accidental impact or damage.

According to a further embodiment of the multiple charging station according to the invention are electrical lines (the connecting means) via which the Batterielädekontakte all charging cradles are connected to the current transformer unit and via which the network contacts all charging cradles are connected to the network switch, preferably embedded in the base via cable channels in the base ,

In this way, the electrical lines of the connecting means are reliable against accidental damage, such. As broken cable, protected and the whole multi-loader is extremely compact, clean and tidy. Failures due to cable breaks and falling plugs can be minimized or avoided.

Preferably, the base has a base plate on which the charging cradles and the housing are mounted, wherein the electrical leads of the connecting means are routed through cable channels in the base plate.

According to yet another embodiment of the multiple charging station according to the invention, the connecting means are arranged so that a full duplex connection with the data network can be provided for each control device accommodated on a charging holder. Preferably, the full-duplex connection for each controller has a data transfer rate of 100 Mbit / s.

In this way, it is possible reliably to transmit or exchange bidirectionally very large amounts of data between the control devices and the data network, the height or size of the data transmission rate being independent of the number of control devices connected to the charging device.

In conclusion, the multiple charging station is easier and faster to install or replace by minimizing the necessary external connections, the multi-loading station is extremely compact and robust.

According to yet another embodiment of the multiple charging station according to the invention, the network switch, as preferably the Ethernet switch or an additional switch, designed so that their operation via an interface such. B. the network connection, manageable or adjustable and / or monitored.

• – wie oft die Netzwerkweiche (Ethernet-Switch) bootet,
• – wie oft die Ladeschale eingeschaltet und/oder ausgeschaltet wird, und/oder
• – wie viele Endgeräte (Steuervorrichtungen) auf die Batterieladekontakte und die Netzwerkkontakte aufgelegt werden.

This has z. B. the advantages that the network switch and thus the multiple charging station can be monitored with a monitoring system that collects information about the function of the multiple charging station and / or evaluates. This information can be z. B. have data about it:

• - how often the network switch (ethernet switch) boots,
• - how often the charging cradle is switched on and / or off, and / or
• - how many terminals (control devices) are placed on the battery charging contacts and the network contacts.

In addition, an access authorization mode, which requires the entry of an access authorization for the functional connection of a peripheral device, can be activated or deactivated for the peripheral device connection.

In addition, via the manageable network switch z. B. an error statistics (eg, how many transmission errors are there?) Are queried and / or, if the network switch has a temperature sensor as preferred, be queried, which temperature prevails in the multiple charging station, which z. B. a conclusion on the temperature at the site is possible.

The invention expressly extends to such embodiments, which are not given by combinations of features of explicit back references of the claims, whereby the disclosed features of the invention - as far as is technically feasible - can be combined with each other.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a test system for automotive production, the test system having a data network for exchanging and / or processing automotive production data, a power source for providing electrical power, a plurality of battery powered mobile ones Control devices are provided for testing and / or configuring respective vehicle controls of automobiles to be manufactured in automobile production using and / or generating production data, and a multiple charging station according to one, several or all previously described embodiments of the invention in any conceivable combination. In the test system according to the invention, the battery charging contacts of all charging cradles are connected via the connecting means to the power source and the network contacts of all charging cradles are connected via the connecting means to the data network.

A non-limiting simplified example of the above-mentioned control devices is e.g. In DE 296 20 236 U1 described.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

In the specification, claims, and drawings, the terms and associated reference numerals used in the list of reference numerals below are used. In the drawing:

1 a schematic representation of a test system for an automotive production according to an embodiment of the invention;

2 a simplified perspective front view of a multi-loading station of the test system of 1 ;

3 a simplified perspective view of the network contacts on a back of a charging bracket of the multiple charging station of 2 , and

4 another perspective front view of the Mehrladladestation of 2 , wherein a battery-powered mobile control device is accommodated on one of the charging cradles.

As in 1 showed the testing system 1 a trained in the form of an Ethernet data network 10 for exchanging and / or processing production data of automobile production, a 220 volt AC electrical power source 20 , a plurality of battery powered mobile control devices 30 (in 1 is only a control device 30 shown), at least one multiple charging station 40 with network connectivity and one or more peripherals 100 (here for example in the form of a printer).

The data network 10 has a central computer 11 for processing and controlling the production data and data storage (not shown) for storing the production data. The production data can z. For example, test programs for vehicle controls of automobiles to be produced in automobile production (not shown), configuration data for the vehicle controls and test results of the test programs.

The control devices 30 are set up to test and / or configure the vehicle controls using and / or generating production data. For this purpose, each control device 30 a processing unit 31 which has a microprocessor and data memory. In the data store are production data, such. Eg test programs, configuration data and test results. Every control device 30 also has an electric battery 32 to power the processing unit 31 and other components (not shown), such as. A display and a keyboard.

In addition, each control device 30 Battery charging contacts 33 that is electrically connected to the battery 32 connected, and network contacts 34 on, which is electrically signaled with the processing unit 31 are connected.

A non-limiting, simplified example of such a handheld controller 30 is z. In DE 296 20 236 U1 described.

As in 1 and 2 shown has the network connection function provided Mehrfachladestation 40 One Base 41 with a base plate 41a and a housing attached thereto 41b , a plurality (here three) of bookend-like charging mounts 42a . 42b . 42c working together on the base plate 41a are mounted, designed in the form of a fully duplex Ethernet switch network switch 50 and a power conversion unit 60 on. The network switch 50 and the current transformer unit 60 are in the case 41b taken up and fixed in it. How out 1 Obviously, that's the base 41 or their base plate 41b as all charging cradles 42a . 42b . 42c trained together.

Each charging bracket 42a . 42b . 42c has an upper side (see in particular 2 ) of these battery charging contacts 43a . 43b . 43c for contacting the battery charging contacts 33 one of the control devices 30 and on a back side (see in particular 3 ) of these network contacts 44a . 44b . 44c to contact the network contacts 34 one of the control devices 30 on.

Each charging bracket 42a . 42b . 42c is arranged on corresponding molded elements (not designated) so that it is one of the control devices 30 as in 4 Shown is positionally secure, so that while the battery charging contacts 43a . 43b . 43c the charging bracket 42a . 42b . 42c with the battery charging contacts 33 the control device 30 as well as the network contacts 44a . 44b . 44c the charging bracket 42a . 42b . 42c with the network contacts 34 the control device 30 in electrical contact (battery charging contacts) or plug contact (network contacts) are.

The current transformer unit 60 is used to power the battery charging contacts 43a . 43b . 43c and the network switch 50 and is designed as a transformer with an integrated rectifier, so that the output side of the current transformer unit 60 Low voltage direct current (preferably less than 30 volts) is provided.

The current transformer unit 60 is on the output side via electrical lines 61 in the cable ducts (not shown in detail) in the base plate 41a embedded in these, with the battery charging contacts 43a . 43b . 43c all charging cradles 42a . 42b . 42c as well as with the network switch 50 electrically supplied electrically.

In addition, the current transformer unit 60 on the input side via an electrical line 62 electrically with a power outlet designed as a socket 63 connected to the plug one with the power source 20 connected power supply cable 21 is inserted electrically contacting.

The network switch 50 has a plurality (here five) of connection ports 51 . 52 on. How out 1 There are three connection ports 51 . 51 . 51 the network switch 50 via electrical lines suitable for full-duplex data transmission 53 in the cable ducts (not shown in detail) in the base plate 41a embedded in these, with the network contacts 44a . 44b . 44c all charging cradles 42a . 42b . 42c connected electrically and signal transmitting. There is also a connection port 51 the network switch 50 via an electrical line suitable for full-duplex data transmission 54 with a designed as a socket peripheral device connection 55 connected electrically and signal transmitting, in which the plug one with the peripheral device 100 suitable for full-duplex data transmission Data transmission cable 101 electrically contacting and signal transmitting inserted.

There is also a connection port 52 the network switch 50 via an electrical line suitable for full-duplex data transmission 56 with a network connection designed as a socket 57 electrically and signal transmitting connected so that the network contacts 44a . 44b . 44c all charging cradles 42a . 42b . 42c over the single network connection 57 together with the data network 10 are connectable. For this purpose is in the network connection 57 the plug one with the data network 10 connected to a full-duplex data transmission suitable data transmission cable 12 electrically contacting and signal transmitting inserted.

All with the network switch 50 connected electrical lines 53 . 54 . 56 , the network switch 50 itself, the network connection 57 , the peripheral device port 55 and the data transmission cables 101 . 12 are. designed to perform a full-duplex data transfer for each control device 30 with a data transfer rate of 100 Mbit / s with the data network 10 can realize.

The network connection 57 , the power connection 63 and the peripheral device port 55 are at one of the charging cradles 42a . 42b . 42c opposite side of the housing 41b arranged and preferably in a rear wall 41c of the housing 41b let in, like out 1 seen.

From the above description it can be seen that all with the network switch 50 connected electrical lines 53 . 54 . 56 , the network switch 50 itself, the network connection 57 , all with the current transformer unit 60 connected electrical lines 61 . 62 , the current transformer unit 60 itself and the power connection 63 Form connecting means which are adapted to connect the battery charging contacts 43a . 43b . 43c all charging cradles 42a . 42b . 42c with the electric power source 20 and to connect the network contacts 44a . 44b . 44c all charging cradles 42a . 42b . 42c with the data network 10 ,

According to an advantageous extension of the multiple charging station 40 is the network switch 50 (Ethernet switch or an additional switch), designed so that their operation via an interface such. B. the network connection 57 , manageable or adjustable and / or monitorable.

• – wie oft die Netzwerkweiche 50 bootet,
• – wie oft die Mehrfachladestation 40 eingeschaltet und/oder ausgeschaltet wird, und/oder
• – wie viele Steuervorrichtungen 30 auf die Batterieladekontakte 43a, 43b, 43c und die Netzwerkkontakte 44a, 44b, 44c aufgelegt werden.

This has z. B. the advantages that the network switch 50 and with it the multiple charging station 40 can be monitored with a monitoring system (not shown), which provides information about the function of the multiple charging station 40 collects and / or evaluates. This information can be z. B. have data about it:

• - how often the network switch 50 boots,
• - how often the multiple charging station 40 switched on and / or off, and / or
• - how many control devices 30 on the battery charging contacts 43a . 43b . 43c and the network contacts 44a . 44b . 44c be hung up.

In addition, for the peripheral device connection 55 an access authorization mode, in which the functional connection of the peripheral device 100 the entry of an access authorization is required, activated or deactivated.

In addition, via the manageable network switch 50 z. For example, an error statistic (eg, how many transmission errors are there?) May be queried and / or may be if the network switch 50 As preferred has a temperature sensor (not shown), to be queried which temperature in the housing 41b the multiple loading station 40 prevails, with what z. B. a conclusion on the temperature at the site is possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Test System

10

Data network

11

mainframe

12

Data transmission cable

20

power source

21

Power cable

30

control device

31

processing unit

32

battery

33

Battery charging contacts

34

Network contacts

40

Rack charger

41

Base

41a

baseplate

41b

casing

41c

rear wall

42a, 42b, 42c

charging cradle

43a, 43b, 43c

Battery charging contacts

44a, 44b, 44c

Network contacts

50

Network switch

51, 52

connection port

53, 54

electrical line

55

Peripherals Connection

56

electrical line

57

Networking

60

Current transformer unit

61

electrical line

62

electrical line

63

power connection

100

peripheral

101

Data transmission cable

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102004041174 A1 [0002]
• DE 29620236 U1 [0010, 0033, 0044]

Claims (10)

Multiple loading station ( 40 ) with network connection function, comprising: a plurality of charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ), which are each set up so that a battery-operated mobile control device ( 30 ) is receivable, and the respective battery charging contacts ( 43a . 43b . 43c ) for contacting with a battery ( 32 ) of the control device ( 30 ) connected battery charging contacts ( 33 ) this and network contacts ( 44a . 44b . 44c ) for contacting with a processing unit ( 31 ) of the control device ( 30 ) connected network contacts ( 34 ), and connecting means for connecting the battery charging contacts ( 43a . 43b . 43c ) of the charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) with an electrical power source ( 20 ) and to connect the network contacts ( 44a . 44b . 44c ) of the charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) with a data network ( 10 ), characterized in that the charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) on a common basis ( 41 ) and the connecting means at the base ( 41 ) one with the network contacts ( 44a . 44b . 44c ) of all charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) connected network switch ( 50 ) and one with the network switch ( 50 ) connected network connection ( 57 ), so that the network contacts ( 44a . 44b . 44c ) of all charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) via the network connection ( 57 ) together with the data network ( 10 ) are connectable. Multiple loading station ( 40 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means at the base ( 41 ) to the power supply one with the battery charging contacts ( 43a . 43b . 43c ) of all charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) connected current transformer unit ( 60 ) and one with the current transformer unit ( 60 ) power connection ( 63 ) via which the current transformer unit ( 60 ) with the power source ( 20 ) is connectable. Multiple loading station ( 40 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the network switch ( 50 ) to its power supply with the current transformer unit ( 60 ) connected is. Multiple loading station ( 40 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the base ( 41 ) a housing ( 41b ), in which the network switch ( 50 ) and the current transformer unit ( 60 ) are included. Multiple loading station ( 40 ) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that at the base ( 41 ) a peripheral device connection ( 55 ) which is connected to the network switch ( 50 ) and via which a peripheral device ( 100 ) with the network switch ( 50 ) is connectable. Multiple loading station ( 40 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the network connection ( 57 ) and the power connection ( 63 ) at one of the charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) facing away from the housing ( 41b ) are arranged. Multiple loading station ( 40 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the peripheral device connection ( 55 ) at the charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) facing away from the housing ( 41b ) is arranged. Multiple loading station ( 40 ) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the connecting means electrical lines ( 53 . 61 ) via which the battery charging contacts ( 43a . 43b . 43c ) of all charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) are connected to the current transformer unit and the network contacts ( 44a . 44b . 44c ) of all charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) with the network switch ( 50 ) are connected, and wherein the electrical lines ( 53 . 61 ) into the base ( 41 ) are embedded. Multiple loading station ( 40 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting means are arranged so that for each at a charging bracket ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) received control device ( 30 ) a full-duplex connection to the data network ( 10 ) is available. Testing system ( 1 ) for an automobile production, with a data network ( 10 ) for exchanging and / or processing production data of automobile production, a power source ( 20 ) for providing electric power, a plurality of battery-powered mobile control devices ( 30 ) for testing and / or configuring respective vehicle controls of automobiles to be produced in automobile production using and / or generating production data, and a multiple charging station ( 40 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the battery charging contacts ( 43a . 43b . 43c ) of all charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) with the power source ( 20 ) and the network contacts ( 44a . 44b . 44c ) of all charging cradles ( 42a . 42b . 42c ) with the data network ( 10 ) are connected.

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