DE102018126939A1 - Charging unit for electric vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The charging unit relates to a charging unit (6) for electric vehicles, comprising a housing (29), comprising at least one base (41) and a cover (27), at least one communication module (90) arranged in the housing (29) with at least one communication antenna ( 31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3), at least one user interface module (92) arranged in the housing (29), the communication module (90) and the user interface module (92) being arranged in the housing (29), such that, starting from the Cover (27) first the user interface module (92) and then the communication module (90) are arranged, and the at least one communication antenna (31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3) arranged on the communication module (90), starting from the cover (27) , is at least partially uncovered by the user interface module (92).

Description

The application relates to a charging unit for electric vehicles, comprising a housing which has at least one base and a cover. The registration also concerns a charging station.

The construction of the charging infrastructure is of crucial importance for the nationwide establishment of electromobility. To do this, it is particularly necessary to install large numbers of charging stations for electric vehicles in public and partially public spaces. The charging stations should fit into the street scene and are therefore usually designed as charging stations. Charging posts are characterized by a compact design with a small footprint. The charging stations are usually built in a stele-like manner and have integrated or connectable charging electronics for charging an electric vehicle. In the present case, an electric vehicle is to be understood as a vehicle that can be operated at least partially electrically and comprises a rechargeable electrical storage device.

As mentioned, the extensive expansion of the charging infrastructure is a key factor in the acceptance of electromobility. Therefore, charging stations have to be installed across the board and in large numbers in a short time. This is a challenge with regard to the design, the construction and the actual installation on site of the charging stations, since the mass use of the charging stations means that they have to be able to be manufactured on an industrial scale and should be particularly easy to install on site, preferably by a single person.

For the operation of the charging stations in public and partially public rooms, it is also necessary that they have at least one user interface and also include far-field communication technology for communication with remotely located devices (e.g. backend system, mobile user terminal etc.). Prior art charging stations therefore generally have a user interface module or module and a communication module or module. While a user interface assembly can include components for detecting and detecting manual user actions, a communication assembly has components that enable the charging station to communicate wirelessly.

Known charging stations have communication antennas for this wireless communication. It is customary for charging stations of this type to connect the at least one communication antenna externally to the communication module or the communication module in order to prevent interference with other (electronic) components of the charging station.

However, connecting an external communication antenna to a communication module or module is complex in the manufacture of a charging station and in particular requires a number of manual tasks. In addition, the at least one external communication antenna takes up additional installation space in a housing of the charging station.

It is therefore the object of the application to provide a charging station, in particular a charging unit that can be installed in a charging station, which allows simpler manufacture of at least the charging unit and, in particular, a reduction in the installation space required.

According to a first aspect of the application, the object is achieved by a charging unit for electric vehicles according to claim 1. The charging unit comprises a housing, comprising at least a base and a cover. The charging unit comprises at least one communication module arranged in the housing with at least one communication antenna. The charging unit comprises at least one user interface module arranged in the housing. The communication module and the user interface module are arranged in the housing such that, starting from the cover, the user interface module and then the communication module are arranged first. Starting from the cover, the at least one communication antenna arranged on the communication module is at least partially uncovered by the user interface module.

In contrast to the prior art, according to the application, a compact and at the same time simple to manufacture charging unit with at least one communication antenna is provided in that a user interface module is arranged above, i.e. above, a communication module and the communication module has at least one (internal or integrated) communication antenna which is at least partially uncovered by the user interface module.

There is no need to connect an external communication antenna. As a result, the manual activities in an assembly process of a charging station can at least be reduced. This means that production deviations that can influence the antenna behavior are at least reduced. The space required in the housing is reduced, so that a compact loading unit can be provided.

Since the user interface module arranged above the communication module does not at least completely protrude above the communication antenna, no (significant) interference occurs even when the communication antenna is in operation. In other words, almost undisturbed communication is possible using the at least one communication antenna. Rather, further optimization of the antenna behavior is achieved by integrating the at least one communication antenna on the communication module in accordance with the application. In particular, the antenna arrangement can be made more precise by the integral arrangement.

The charging unit can in particular be part of a charging station and can be placed, for example, as a supply level on a docking station of the charging station set up as a connection level. The charging unit comprises at least one housing which is closed in the installed state and has a cover, a base and preferably at least one (circumferential) side wall which connects the cover and base.

Preferably, the loading unit can comprise a tub assembly and a lid assembly. The tub assembly can, for example, form the housing with the lid and bottom together with the lid assembly. Thus, the lid can be formed in the lid assembly and the bottom (and preferably a substantial part of the side wall) can preferably be integrated in the tub assembly.

For example, the charging technology for the charging unit can be accommodated in the housing. The charging technology can be connected to a power supply in the manner of a modular system by mounting the charging unit on a docking station. This assembly is preferably carried out without tools.

The charging unit comprises at least one communication module and at least one user interface module. When installed, the modules are integrated in the housing.

The communication module, also called ECU (Electronic Control Unit) module, can in particular function as a communication gateway for the charging station. In other words, the charging station can use the communication module to communicate wirelessly with at least one external device (e.g. back-end system, mobile user terminal, communication device integrated in the electric vehicle). For this purpose, the communication module has at least one (integrated in the communication module) communication antenna, preferably a plurality of (integral) communication antennas.

A communication antenna according to the application has at least one antenna surface made of a conductive material and can in particular be connected to a modulation and / or demodulation circuit and / or a data processor via a suitable antenna matching network. Antenna matching network and / or modulation and / or demodulation circuit can preferably also be integrated on the communication module.

Furthermore, at least one further function can be integrated in the communication module. In particular, a control computer and / or parts of the charging technology can be integrated in the communication module.

The user interface module is in particular set up to enable a user action and to detect this. A user interface module makes it possible in particular to implement an interaction with a user. The user interface module, also called UIB (User Interface Board) module, preferably comprises operating and / or display elements, for example at least one display, a touch display, a pictogram, a capacitive / inductive push button sensor and / or an environmental sensor. These can be controlled and / or read out by the UIB. The UIB can be modularly connected to the ECU module. In a basic function, a UIB can also exclusively have status LEDs for displaying the operating state as a display element and, for example, can have and / or control at least one of the additional operating and / or display elements mentioned above in a multi-configuration.

The user interface module can preferably be arranged directly under the cover. The cover can have recesses which correspond to the operating and / or display elements of the user interface module. The communication module can preferably be arranged directly below the user interface module.

Starting from the cover, the user interface module and then the communication module are arranged. In other words, the distance between the user interface module and the cover is less than the distance between the communication module and the cover. At least the preferably plate-shaped user interface module and the preferably plate-shaped communication module are stacked one above the other in the housing.

In order to prevent interference in communication by means of the at least one communication antenna despite the user interface module arranged above or above the communication module, it is proposed according to the application that the arrangement (and / or shape) of the user interface module in relation to the communication module is such that the communication antenna in particular the antenna surface of the communication antenna, at least partially, is not covered by the user interface module. In other words, a space is formed (at least partially) between the area of the communication module which has at least one communication antenna and the cover. In particular, there is no complete overlap between the communication module and the user interface module in the area of the at least one antenna area. The at least one communication antenna is in particular not shadowed by the user interface module.

An (electromagnetic) antenna field emitted by the communication antenna or an (electromagnetic) antenna field received by the communication antenna is influenced or disturbed by the user interface module at least insignificantly. In particular, good radiation characteristics can be achieved.

In one embodiment, at least 50% of the antenna area of the communication antenna, preferably at least 70% of the antenna area of the communication antenna, particularly preferably 100% of the antenna area of the communication antenna, can be uncovered.

In order not to (substantially) influence an antenna field by a housing, the cover can be formed from a non-conductive material, in particular from a plastic material, at least in the area of the at least one communication antenna, preferably the entire cover. The entire housing can preferably be formed from a non-conductive material, in particular from a plastic material

The communication module can optionally be connected to a wide area network connection within the docking station. The communication module can also optionally be connected to a connection to a charging network within the docking station. In addition, the communication module can establish communication in a near field.

According to a first embodiment of the charging unit according to the application, the at least one communication antenna can be a far field antenna. The far-field antenna is set up in particular for transmitting and / or receiving an electromagnetic far-field.

• - LTE (Long Term Evolution) Antenne (700-950 MHz),
• - GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) Antenne (1700-2100 MHz),
• - WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) Antenne (2400 MHz),
• - Bluetooth Antenne (2400 MHz), und
• - GPS Global (Positioning System) Antenne (1,54 MHz).

The at least one communication antenna can preferably be selected from the group comprising:

• - LTE (Long Term Evolution) antenna (700-950 MHz),
• - GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) antenna (1700-2100 MHz),
• - WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) antenna (2400 MHz),
• - Bluetooth antenna (2400 MHz), and
• - GPS Global (Positioning System) antenna (1.54 MHz).

In particular, a plurality of the communication antennas mentioned, particularly preferably all of the communication antennas mentioned, can be integrated on the communication module. It can further be provided that, in the manner described above, at least none of the communication antennas integrated on the communication module is (completely) covered by the user interface module. In addition, the same antenna area can possibly be used by different communication technologies. For example, a single antenna area can be provided for Bluetooth and WLAN.

• - RFID (radio-frequency identification) Antenne,
• - NFC (Near Field Communication) Antenne, und
• - Radar Antenne.

According to a further embodiment of the loading unit according to the application, the user interface module can comprise at least one user interface antenna, in particular a near field antenna. The at least one user interface antenna can be selected from the group comprising:

• - RFID (radio-frequency identification) antenna,
• - NFC (Near Field Communication) antenna, and
• - Radar antenna.

A plurality of the said communication antennas, particularly preferably all of the said communication antennas, can preferably be integrated on the communication module. In addition, the same antenna area can possibly be used by different communication technologies. For example, a single antenna area can be provided for RFID and NFC.

The communication module can particularly preferably be designed as a communication printed circuit board. Alternatively or preferably additionally, the user interface module can be used as User interface circuit board can be formed. In particular, two separate printed circuit boards, which are separated by a space, can be provided. This increases the modularity of the loading unit in particular, since the communication module and the user interface module can each be equipped separately from one another. In addition, the temperature management is significantly optimized.

In addition, it can be provided according to a further embodiment that the at least one communication antenna is embossed directly on the communication printed circuit board or is attached to the communication printed circuit board as an SMD (surface-mounted device) component and / or at least one user interface antenna is embossed directly on the user interface printed circuit board or as SMD component is attached to the user interface circuit board. A small-sized and easy to manufacture communication module and / or user interface module can be provided.

In order to further reduce the interference when operating an antenna, it is proposed according to a further embodiment that the at least one user interface antenna can be arranged on a surface of the user interface circuit board (in the installed state) facing the cover and / or the at least one communication antenna on a ( in the installed state) the surface of the communication circuit board facing the cover can be arranged.

The user interface module can in particular be attached to the inside of the cover or the cover surface. In particular, the user interface module is fixed in place on the cover of the cover assembly. The at least one user interface antenna (for example from a signal sensor or signal transmitter) can be arranged on the circuit board of the user interface module on the side facing the cover surface. Operating elements or displays can be provided on the outside of the cover of the housing. The mechanical fixing of the user interface module to the cover assembly can ensure that the sensors and / or signal transmitters of the user interface module are aligned with control elements or displays arranged on the outside of the cover surface and that the relative positioning to one another is always correct.

The communication module and / or the user interface module are preferably attached to the cover assembly, including the cover. In this embodiment, attachment to the tub assembly takes place only indirectly via the attachment of the cover assembly to the tub assembly.

As has already been described, the communication module can have a control computer, in particular in the form of a charge control circuit. This charge control circuit is used in particular for communication with a (connected) electric vehicle via a pilot conductor. For this purpose, the charging control circuit can at least access the pilot conductor of the charging outlet. In particular, a corresponding charge control circuit operates in accordance with DIN 15118. Other higher-quality protocols are also possible.

In order to prevent the at least one communication antenna from being hidden by the user interface module, in particular the user interface circuit board (in the installed state) in a particularly simple manner, it is proposed according to a further embodiment that the at least one communication antenna can be arranged in an edge region of the communication circuit board.

A plurality of communication antennas can particularly preferably be arranged adjacent to one another in the edge region of the communication printed circuit board. For example, the WLAN / Bluetooth antenna can be arranged next to the GPS antenna and next to the GPS antenna the at least one mobile radio antenna (GSM and / or LTE), in particular imprinted, in an edge area of a communication circuit board.

According to a further embodiment of the loading unit according to the application, the user interface circuit board can be formed in such a way that the user interface circuit board at least not completely, preferably not at all, extends beyond the edge region of the communication circuit board which has at least one communication antenna, preferably the plurality of communication antennas. A corresponding free space between the at least one communication antenna of the communication circuit board and the cover can be provided by the provision of the at least one communication antenna in an edge region of the communication circuit board and a simultaneous arrangement and / or dimensioning of the user interface circuit board such that the at least one communication antenna is at least not completely covered by the User interface circuit board is towered over, be provided in a particularly simple manner. In particular, a recess is provided between the edge of the user interface circuit board and the side wall in order to form the free space.

Preferably, the distance of the edge of the communication circuit board, in the edge region of which the at least one communication antenna is arranged, to a (flat) adjacent housing wall of the housing can be at least smaller than the distance of the edge of the user interface circuit board to the adjacent housing wall of the housing.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the charging unit according to the application, the charging unit can comprise at least one power module arranged in the housing. The power module can be arranged in the housing such that, starting from the cover, the user interface module, then the communication module and then the power module are arranged. In other words, the user interface module, communication module and power module, in particular in the form of a power circuit board, are stacked one above the other in the housing.

The power module can provide a power supply for the communication module and / or the user interface module. The power module can be arranged in particular in the tub assembly, comprising the bottom and in particular the (circumferential) housing wall. The power module, also called HPS module (High Power Safety Module), includes components that are necessary for power control and monitoring.

If the power module is arranged on the bottom of the tub assembly and the communication module and / or the user interface module in the lid assembly, in accordance with one embodiment, the modules are spaced apart, so that the temperature management within the tub assembly can be optimized.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the communication module can comprise at least one configurable antenna matching network for the at least one communication antenna. The antenna matching network of the communication module can provide at least two different equipment options for at least two different configurations. For example, different country-specific requirements for the mobile network to be used (e.g. GSM and LTE) can be specified. According to this embodiment, it is only necessary to equip the antenna matching network differently in order to be able to use the same communication antenna or antenna area once for GSM and once for LTE.

Alternatively or additionally, the user interface module can comprise at least one configurable antenna matching network for at least one user interface antenna. The antenna matching network of the user interface module can provide at least two different mounting options for at least two different configurations.

Another aspect of registration is a charging station. The charging station comprises at least one previously described charging unit. The charging station comprises at least one docking station coupled to the charging unit.

The charging unit can be coupled to a docking station of a charging station via a power connection without tools. For this purpose, a circuit board can be arranged within the docking station as a main board, which has the power connection. For a secure, tool-free coupling between the charging unit and the docking station, either the circuit board of the main board in the docking station can be on one level parallel to the floor of the docking station and / or parallel to the level of the protective housing cover of the docking station or the HPS module can be parallel on one level be floating to the bottom of a tub assembly.

A functional separation between the power electronics and the communication electronics can take place within the docking station. For this purpose, a circuit board can be set up as an interface board within the docking station in addition to the main board, on which external data connections are connected to corresponding connection sockets. The connection sockets can be connected via patch cables, which are inserted into the tub assembly and connected there in particular to the ECU module.

The interface board preferably has a connection socket which has connections for a first general purpose input / output bus (GPIO) on the one hand and a CAN bus on the other. This makes the cabling between the interface board and the ECU module particularly easy, since two different buses can be run using a single cable.

A LAN (Local Area Network) is preferably connected between the interface board and the ECU via a patch cable, whereby connections from two LAN networks operated separately from one another can also be made on a cable and in the respective sockets. This means that two different local networks can be connected via a single cable.

The tub assembly also preferably has the bottom. In the assembled state, the bottom of the tub assembly is in contact with the protective housing cover of the docking station. The bottom preferably faces the protective housing cover of the docking station.

As already explained, the HPS module can be designed as a printed circuit board. In order to ensure that the HPS module can be easily connected to the power connector on the docking station, the HPS module is floating. The floating mounting makes it possible to align the plug and socket of the power connection with one another during assembly, by using guide means to move the respective printed circuit board, which is floating, in the level of the mounting, if necessary.

Like the docking station, the charging unit also has a power connection. This is located on the HPS module. The power connection is preferably a connection corresponding to the power connection on the docking station. The power connections correspond to one another according to the socket-plug principle, the power connection on the HPS module preferably being a plug, whereas the power connection on the docking station is a socket.

It should be noted that devices, modules etc. according to the application can be formed from hardware components (e.g. processors, interfaces, storage means etc.) and / or software components (e.g. code executable by a processor).

The characteristics of the loading units and charging stations can be freely combined with one another. In particular, features of the description and / or of the dependent claims, even with complete or partial circumvention of features of the independent claims, can be inventive in isolation or freely combined with one another.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer Ladestation;
• 2 eine Explosionszeichnung einer Ladestation mit Docking-Station und Ladeeinheit;
• 3 eine Ansicht einer geöffneten Docking-Station;
• 4 eine Ansicht einer geschlossenen Docking-Station;
• 5 eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Wannenbaugruppe einer Ladeeinheit;
• 6 eine Wannenbaugruppe einer Ladeeinheit im teilweise zusammengebauten Zustand;
• 7 eine Wannenbaugruppe einer Ladeeinheit von unten;
• 8a-c montierte Wannenbaugruppen einer Ladeeinheit ohne Deckel;
• 9 eine Ansicht einer Deckelbaugruppe einer Ladeeinheit;
• 10 eine Unteransicht einer Deckelbaugruppe einer Ladeeinheit;
• 11 eine Schnittansicht einer Deckelbaugruppe einer Ladeeinheit,
• 12 eine weitere Schnittansicht einer Deckelbaugruppe einer Ladeeinheit,
• 13 eine weitere Ansicht einer Ladeeinheit, und
• 14 eine weitere Ansicht einer Ladeeinheit.

There are now a multitude of options for designing and developing the charging unit and charging station according to the application. For this purpose, reference is made on the one hand to the claims subordinate to the independent claims, and on the other hand to the description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows:

• 1 a schematic view of a charging station;
• 2nd an exploded view of a charging station with docking station and loading unit;
• 3rd a view of an open docking station;
• 4th a view of a closed docking station;
• 5 an exploded view of a tub assembly of a loading unit;
• 6 a tub assembly of a loading unit in a partially assembled state;
• 7 a tub assembly of a loading unit from below;
• 8a-c assembled tub assemblies of a loading unit without cover;
• 9 a view of a lid assembly of a loading unit;
• 10th a bottom view of a lid assembly of a loading unit;
• 11 2 shows a sectional view of a cover assembly of a loading unit,
• 12th 4 shows a further sectional view of a cover assembly of a loading unit,
• 13 another view of a loading unit, and
• 14 another view of a loading unit.

1 shows an embodiment of a charging station 2nd in the form of a charging station 2nd in the one shot 2a is provided. The recording 2a the charging station 2nd is to accommodate a docking station 4th and a loading unit 6 intended. The docking station 4th can be included in a manner not described in detail 2a be fixed. The charging station 2nd can have an electrical connection to a power supply network (not shown) or another energy source (eg electrical generator), the connection to the docking station 4th can be connected.

The loading unit 6 can be a housing 29 with a lid 27 exhibit. In particular, the loading unit 6 as an assembly, comprising a tub assembly and a cover assembly, which will be described in more detail below, assembled and onto the docking station 4th put on and preferably at the docking station 4th mechanically fixed.

Together with the mechanical fixation, the loading unit 6 electrically with the docking station 4th be coupled via a plug / socket. A communication link between the docking station 4th and the loading unit 6 can be done via at least one patch cable or the like.

The docking station is in an installed state 4th preferably completely in the recording 2a added and the loading unit 6 encompasses in particular the outer edge of the docking station 4th (essentially) completely. With its side edges is the loading unit 6 also at least in parts in the recording 2a let in.

The docking station 4th can, if necessary, also be mounted directly on a wall without the charging station 2nd with the recording 2a necessary is. Even then, the side walls of the docking station 4th at least partially from side walls of the loading unit 6 embraced.

Again 1 the base areas of Docking Station are also shown 4th and loading unit 6 approximately congruent to each other, so that when viewed from the front, the loading unit when assembled 6 the docking station 4th completely covers.

The modular structure of the docking station 4th and loading unit 6 is exemplary in the 2nd shown in more detail.

In the 2nd is the docking station 4th shown which is a cable entry 8th in a side wall 10th having. The docking station 4th is through a protective housing cover 12th at least partially on that of the loading unit 6 closed side closed. In the protective housing cover 12th is at least one recess 14a , 14b provided, which will be described in more detail below.

The loading unit 6 can preferably be from a tub assembly 20th and a lid assembly 26 be formed, the outer walls of these assemblies the housing 29 form (e.g. tub floor 41 , all-round side wall 39 and lid 27 ). It is understood that in other variants of the application, the housing can also be formed in a different form.

Between the protective housing cover 12th and the side wall 10th the docking station 4th can openings 16 be provided. Through these openings 16 can webs 18th the tub assembly 20th into the docking station 4th be introduced so that the tub assembly 20th and thus the loading unit 6 over the bridges 18th at the docking station 4th can be fixed.

As already explained, the tub assembly 20th with the docking station 4th be coupled. The tub assembly 20th is part of the loading unit 6 , which also includes the cover assembly 26 having. The tub assembly 20th can in particular a power module 22 as well as a charging socket 24th record, tape. The tub assembly 20th is on the bottom with a bottom 41 essentially closed and is covered by the cover assembly 26 , especially the lid 27 , locked. In other variants of the registration, a power module can also be arranged in another element of the charging station.

Preferably via locking elements 28 the cover assembly 26 on corresponding locking elements 30th in the surrounding side wall 39 the tub assembly 20th fix. The lid assembly 26 can in its lid 27 a shutter 32 and / or controls, such as a display 96 , exhibit.

The cover assembly is in the assembled or installed state 26 with the tub assembly 20th mechanically joined and thus closes the tub assembly 20th on a top. The tub assembly is on the bottom 20th with the docking station 4th added and over the side walls 10th the docking station 4th can create a seal between the docking station 4th and the tub assembly 20th respectively.

Between the cover assembly 26 and the tub assembly 20th a seal can be made along the outer edge of the cover assembly 26 is facing.

The docking station 4th serves as a connection level and can be used independently of the loading unit 6 connected to a power supply network or another energy source. As long as the loading unit 6 not with the docking station 4th coupled, it is voltage-free. Via a coupling of the loading unit 6 with the docking station 4th becomes the loading unit 6 connected to the power supply network. The loading unit 6 can be understood as a supply level, which in the present case can have charging technology, communication technology and other “intelligence”.

This modular structure makes it possible to start with the docking station 4th to be assembled by a qualified fitter without the need to directly load a unit 6 to have to assemble.

The loading unit 6 can also be carried out at a later date by a technical layperson in a particularly simple manner, mechanically without tools using the docking station 4th be coupled, which then automatically the loading unit 6 is electrified. The loading unit shown 6 is made from a tub assembly due to its special design 20th and cover assembly 26 , as already explained, is particularly flexible and modular and can be coupled to the respective application.

An exemplary docking station 4th is in the 3rd shown in more detail. The illustrated docking station 4th has a bottom and side walls 32 . On the floor of the docking station 4th is a main board 34 and an interface board 36 arranged. On the main board 34 is a terminal block 38 provided for connecting a power supply cable.

On the side walls 32 and / or the floor may have tick marks 40 be provided.

Next to the terminal block 38 is on the mains board 34 another power connection 42 arranged as a socket.

In addition, there is between the side walls 32 a recording 44 intended. The recording 44 can be closed with a lid. In the recording 44 a measuring device, e.g. a smart meter or an iMS, can be anchored in place. Cable bushings through the side walls of the receptacle are not shown 44 to wire the meter. The recording 44 can be sealed with suitable holes, which is not shown in more detail.

On an interface board 36 are connections 46 , 48 for a network cable as well as for a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus and / or a GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output-Bus) bus. In addition, connection sockets can also be provided for a connection to the modules which are arranged within the loading unit.

External wiring to a local network can be carried out via a connection strip, which can then be tapped, for example, via an RJ45 socket. In particular, sufficient contacts are provided here to connect at least two independent local networks. In this case, for example, a first local network can be formed with a center and a second local network between master and slave units, that is to say between a loading unit with a master controller with at least one, preferably a plurality of loading units with only one slave controller. The two local networks can be connected to the charging unit via a single patch cable 6 or the modules arranged therein.

To install the docking station 4th this is initially either mechanical in the recording 2a fixed or screwed to a wall, for example. Then through the cable entry 8th a multi-core power cable into the inside of the docking station 4th introduced. This cable has in particular large cable cross sections and a rigid cable core. Therefore, the cables are difficult to process. To ensure that the cables are always cut to the correct length, the installer can attach the cable to the scale 40 put on and cut to length immediately. This allows the fitter to assemble the connection cable correctly so that he can then connect it to the connection strip without any problems 38 can hang up.

Depending on the packaging, can be in the recording 44 a measuring device can be arranged. This measuring device is based on the terminal block 38 wired via flexible cables. Starting from the measuring device, wiring is again carried out using flexible cables with a power connection 42 . If no measuring device is installed, wiring is carried out immediately via a flexible cable between the terminal block 38 and the power connection 42 . At the power connection 42 a connection strip is also provided to accommodate the respective cables.

Via the cable entry 8th a network cable can also be placed in the housing of the docking station 4th be introduced and on the connectors 48 be put on.

After the electrical wiring has been carried out, the housing of the docking station is closed 4th , like in the 4th is exemplified by a protective housing cover 12th .

In the 4th it can be seen that the protective housing cover 12th next to the recess 14a for the power connection 42 at least one other recess 14b for the communication connections of the interface board 36 has, in particular an RJ45 connector and a GPIO connector and a CAN bus connector. Via the RJ45 socket 46 an RJ45 connector can establish a connection with two separate LAN networks.

On the side edges of the protective housing cover 12th are openings 16 intended. The openings 16 are between the lid 12th and the side wall 10th the docking station 4th . Through the openings 16 let the webs 18th the tub assembly 20th into the docking station 4th plug in so that webs 18th completely from the side wall 10th the docking station 4th are included. So the loading unit 6 through the tub assembly 20th inside the docking station 4th mechanically anchored.

After the docking station 4th installed in the manner shown, it can be protected by the protective housing cover 12th , initially remain empty and at any later time with a loading unit 6 , for example having a tub assembly 20th and a lid assembly 26 be equipped.

A tub assembly 20th is in an equipment variant in the 5 shown in more detail.

The tub assembly 20th has a housing 29 with side walls 39 or a circumferential side wall 39 and a floor 41 on. In the area of the side walls 39 , respectively the floor 41 , can preferably be a power module 50 arranged on the bottom and especially in the tub assembly 20th be mechanically anchored. The power module 50 can be formed in particular as a printed circuit board with components arranged thereon and / or components integrated therein.

The power module 50 preferably has a charging port 52 as well as a charge control circuit 54 . On the bottom of the power module 50 , as in the 5 is shown, in particular a connector 56 arranged, which to the socket of the power connector 42 the docking station 4th corresponds. All around the plug 56 is a collar here 58 arranged. The collar 58 points from the surface of the circuit board of the power module 50 away. In particular, the collar 58 an extension in this direction that is greater than the longest extension of each contact of the plug 56 .

On the power module 50 further components for performance monitoring and / or performance control can be provided. In addition there is a connection 60 for a communication bus on the power module 50 arranged.

The connection 60 for the communication bus allows the communication bus with the power module 50 connect to. In the manner of plug-and-play, the communication bus can accommodate both a communication module and a user interface module, which will be described below, and with the power module 50 connect. This enables the power module 50 with the help of the communication module and / or the user interface module, to add modules to the loading unit if necessary 6 to be able to adapt to the respective requirements.

The power module 50 is particularly in a first area of the floor 41 arranged. In a second area of the floor 41 is a fixative in the present case 62 provided which is formed from flanges arranged in a comb-like manner with openings aligned with one another. The fixative shown 62 is formed from two opposing comb-like structures, which have an opening 64 in the ground 41 mounting. The at least one fixative 62 corresponds to at least one fixative 66 of a receiving body 68 for a charging socket 70 .

The charging socket 70 is in the assembled state immediately above the opening 64 arranged. Through the opening 64 it is possible from the bottom of the tub assembly 20th , through the floor 41 a manual emergency release on the charging socket 70 to make.

For mounting the mounting bracket 68 on the tub assembly 20th becomes the assembly body 68 with its fixatives 66 to the fixatives 62 aligned so that pins 72 can be pushed through the aligned openings. This fixes the pins 72 the receiving body 68 on the housing of the tub assembly 20th .

The power module is in a partially assembled state 50 on the bottom in the tub assembly 20th used as the example 6 shows. This is the connector 56 including collar 58 through the bottom opening 74 stuck. The power module 50 is mechanical with the housing 29 the tub assembly 20th locked and can in particular be floating.

Alternatively or commutatively, it is possible that the main board 34 in the housing of the docking station 4th is floating. The floating bearing has the advantage that there is an assembly of the tub assembly 20th to the docking station 4th The plug 56 independently to the socket of the power connection 42 can align. This increases usability and in particular facilitates assembly by a layperson.

The bottom of the tub assembly 20th is in the 7 shown as an example. It can be seen that the webs 18th from the ground 41 groundbreaking from the tub assembly 20th stick out. You can also see how the collar 58 with the plug 56 through the opening 74 protrudes.

The collar 58 comes into engagement with the opening when assembled 14a . In the opening 14a is like in the 4th an annular gap can be seen 74 which is between the socket of the power connection 42 and one into the inside of the cradle case 4th protruding collar 78 educated. Through the collar 78 becomes a touch protection for the docking station 4th reached.

During assembly, the tub assembly 20th to the docking station 4th put on, where, like the combination of 4th and 7 you can see the collar 58 doing so in the annular gap 76 slides. The collar 58 gets into the annular gap 76 before contacting the plug 56 in electrical contact with a contact of the socket of the power connection 42 is coming. This prevents it from assembling the tub assembly 20th on the Docking station 4th can cause an electric shock.

The receiving body 68 is in particular such that it can accommodate a wide variety of charging sockets 70 or, in other words, different charging sockets 70 can with different recording bodies 68 be equipped, each with the fixing means 66 have the same distance from each other and thus a uniform mechanical interface to the fixing means 62 form. This results in one and the same tub assembly 20th various charging sockets 70 can be installed as can be seen from the 8a-c results.

There you can see that the fixative 62 , 64 interlock and over the pens 72 are mechanically locked together.

The 8a shows a receiving body 68 with a CCS charging socket 70 according to IEC 62196 , 8b shows a receiving body 68 with a Chademo charging socket 70 and 8c shows a receiving body 68 with a type 2 charging socket 70 according to IEC 62196-2.

As in the 8a-c can be seen, the receiving body makes it possible 68 various charging sockets 70 record without a design change to the housing of the tub assembly 20th to have to make.

The charging sockets 70 do not necessarily have to be electrical with the charging connector 52 connected, but can also remain floating. In this case, the charging sockets 70 serve as a "plug garage". The charging outlet 52 can be electrically attached to the case of the tub assembly 20th attached charging cable. The charging cable can be in the area of a recess 80 in the side wall of the tub assembly 20th be led out.

If no permanently attached cable is used, the charging socket can be used 70 via the charging port 52 electrically with the charge control circuit 54 get connected. The charging port 52 has three connections for one phase each on a terminal block, a further terminal block with two connections for the neutral conductor and the protective conductor and, if necessary, a connection socket for a plug present (PP) contact and a pilot conductor (CP) contact.

To install the charging socket 70 becomes the receiving body 68 on the tub assembly 20th The charging socket is arranged using pre-assembled cables 70 with the respective connections of the charging outlet 52 connected and then the receiving body 68 about the pens 72 in the tub assembly 20th fixed.

The loading unit 6 includes in addition to the tub assembly 20th also the cover assembly 26 as in the 9 is shown as an example. The top of the lid assembly 26 is especially useful as a lid 27 formed and can optionally various controls 82 and / or a shutter 84 have on a top. At the side of the cover assembly 26 , on the side edges, locking elements 86 be provided, which with the inner side walls of the tub assembly 20th can engage. This allows the cover assembly 26 on the tub assembly 20th assemble.

The locking elements 86 can be designed so that they are on the side walls of the tub assembly 20th lock and in particular can only be released non-destructively if they start from the bottom, starting from the floor 41 the tub assembly 20th , be solved. This prevents the cover assembly 26 from the tub assembly 20th is released while the tub assembly 20th still electrically with the main board 34 the docking station 4th connected is.

On the back of the cover assembly 26 is like in 10th Shutter shown as an example 84 stored so that it is in one direction of movement 88 can be moved to the charging socket 70 to release. The shutter 84 is like in the 11 recognizable via a spring 98 spring-loaded so that it automatically moves into the closed position shown.

Another area is in the housing 29 the loading unit 6 , preferably as in 11 shown in the cover assembly 26 a communication module 90 and a user interface module 92 arranged. The communication module 90 as well as the user interface module 92 can on the cover assembly 26 or its housing 29 mechanically fixed.

The communication module 90 is particularly set up for the loading unit 6 , in particular for the charging station, to provide (far-field and / or near-field) communication. In particular, the communication module 90 a communication antenna 31 have in order to be able to carry out wireless communication with devices positioned remotely from the charging station (for example back-end system, mobile user terminal, etc.). The at least one communication antenna 31 can be a far field antenna 31 or a near field antenna 31 be, for example an LTE antenna, GSM antenna, WLAN antenna, Bluetooth antenna and / or GPS antenna.

The communication module 90 is (for internal communication) preferably via the communication bus with the power module 50 and in particular the user interface module 92 connected.

The communication module 90 can also optionally have a charging control circuit, not shown, which has electrical access to the charging port 52 Has. The charge control circuit can be the charge control circuit 54 override or at least be coupled to it, so that the two charge control circuits can carry out a control of a charging process in a coordinated manner.

11 shows a preferred embodiment of the communication module 90 and the user interface module 92 in the housing 29 , preferably in the cover assembly 26 . The user interface module 92 is especially the inside of the lid 27 facing and preferably mechanically on the housing 29 the cover assembly 26 via click connections, for example 94 connected. The communication module 90 is in turn also via connections, not shown, to the housing 29 the cover assembly 26 connected. Starting from the lid 27 are the user interface module first 92 and then the communication module 90 stacked.

As will be described in more detail, the at least one is on the communication module 90 arranged communication antenna 31 , starting from the lid 27 , through the user interface module 92 at least partially, preferably predominantly, uncovered. In particular, at least 50% of the antenna area of the communication antenna 31 , preferably at least 70% of the antenna area of the communication antenna 31 , particularly preferably 100% of the antenna area of the communication antenna 31 , be uncovered.

Uncovered is to be understood in particular to mean that no part of the user interface module, in particular no electrical components, between the cover 27 and the communication antenna 31 or the antenna area of the communication antenna 31 (in a direction y perpendicular to the plane of the antenna surface) are present.

The user interface module 92 is preferably fixed to the inside of the lid assembly 26 arranged so that an exact positioning of the at least one component of the user interface module 92 , in particular the at least one user interface antenna, to the cover 27 or the top 27 the cover assembly 26 is guaranteed. Especially a display 96 can be used as an option in the cover assembly 26 be arranged and via the user interface module 92 and / or the communication module 90 can be controlled.

The 12th shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a loading unit 6 according to the present application. The housing 29 the loading unit 6 has a lid 27 and a bottom (not shown) and a (circumferential) side wall (not shown) (for example, the bottom and side wall may be formed by the tub assembly, as stated above). In the case 29 are a user interface module 92 in the form of a user interface circuit board 92 and a communication module 90 in the form of a communication circuit board 90 stacked.

The communication circuit board shown 90 points in an edge area 33 the communication circuit board 90 at least one communication antenna 31 on. The communication antenna 31 , for example a cellular antenna 31 is present on the communication circuit board 90 integrated, especially imprinted.

The communication antenna 31 can be connected to an antenna matching network via (not shown) conductive connections 51 be connected. The antenna matching network 51 can provide at least two different assembly options for at least two different configurations, for example to use the same communication antenna 31 to be used once as a GSM antenna and once as an LTE antenna. The antenna matching network 51 can be connected to a digital and / or analog control circuit (not shown) in order to modulate data onto a carrier signal and / or to extract data from a received signal.

How from 12th can be seen is between the lid 27 and the communication antenna 31 containing edge area 33 a space 45 by appropriate design of the communication circuit board 90 in relation to the user interface circuit board 92 educated. The communication antenna 31 is at least partially, starting from the lid 27 , (in the y direction) uncovered. In particular, the distance 35 between the edge of the edge area 33 and the side wall 39 at least smaller than the distance 37 the edge of the user interface board positioned above 92 and the side wall 39 .

In addition, the 12th that at least one user interface antenna 43 in the user interface circuit board 92 is integrated. For example, an NFC, RFID and / or radar antenna is provided.

13 shows a further schematic view of an embodiment of a loading unit 6 according to the present application. The case is not shown for a better overview. The 13 shows a view of the user interface module 92 and the communication module 90 seen from the lid.

Are present on the communication module 90 , in particular a communication circuit board 90 , two communication antennas 31.1 , 31.2 integrated. As can be seen, the communication antennas 31.1 , 31.2 in an edge area 33 the communication circuit board 90 arranged adjacent to each other, for example stamped.

While the first communication antenna 31.1 only partially from the user interface module 92 , especially a user interface circuit board 92 , is not covered, is the further communication antenna 31.2 completely uncovered in the present case. In particular, it has been recognized that a GPS antenna 31.1 preferably should be completely uncovered while using an LTE antenna 31.1 can be at least partially covered (for example up to 33% of the antenna area).

14 shows a further schematic view of an embodiment of a loading unit 6 according to the present application. The case is not shown for a better overview.

On the communication circuit board 90 are three communication antennas 31.1 , 31.2 , 31.3 in the form of antenna surfaces 31.1 , 31.2 , 31.3 integrated. The first communication antenna 31.1 is in particular an LTE / GSM antenna 31.1 . A GPS antenna is adjacent to this 31.2 on the circuit board 90 imprinted. As a third communication antenna 31.3 is adjacent to the GPS antenna 31.2 a Bluetooth / WLAN antenna 31.3 arranged.

All communication antennas 31.1 , 31.2 , 31.3 are in an edge area 33 the communication circuit board 90 positioned, which is essentially not through the user interface circuit board 92 (in the installed state shown) is towered over.

On the user interface circuit board 92 is a first user interface antenna 43.1 in the form of a radar antenna 43.1 and another user interface antenna 43.2 integrated in the form of an NFC / RFID antenna (especially a coil).

By integrating the different antennas on the electronic communication modules (i.e. user interface conductor module and communication module), the individual antenna behavior can be further optimized (by precise coordination with each other), and the space available for the charging unit can be further reduced. Precise and simple production can also be achieved. Since there are no manual activities in the assembly process, there are no production deviations that affect the antenna behavior.

The present application tracks the electronic structure of assemblies stacked on top of one another (i.e. user interface conductor module and communication module). Depending on the application, the near-field antennas are arranged directly on the top electronic module (i.e. user interface conductor module), which can be placed directly below the outer wall of the (plastic) housing. This enables optimal near field communication.

In addition, these antennas are turned away from the far-field antennas when viewed vertically. The far-field antennas are arranged on the second level (i.e. on the communication module) (the ECU board protrudes below the UI board) and are not covered by the electronic assembly of the higher level (this would lead to negative reflections that the Greatly reduce antenna behavior). The precise geometric arrangement within the loading unit and the precise coordination with one another are thus the core element of this application.

Reference list

2nd

Charging station

2a

admission

4th

Docking station

6

Loading unit

8th

Cable entry

10th

Side wall

12th

cover

14

Recess

16

opening

18th

web

20th

Tub assembly

22

Power module

24th

Charging socket

26

Lid assembly

27

cover

28

Locking elements

29

casing

30th

Locking elements

31

Communication antenna

32

side walls

33

Edge area

34

Mains board

35

distance

36

Interface board

37

distance

38

Terminal block

39

Side wall

40

scale

41

ground

42

Power connection

43

User interface antenna

44

admission

45

Free space between cover and communication antenna

46

Connection socket

48

connections

51

Antenna matching network

50

Power module

52

Charging port

54

Charge control circuit

56

plug

58

collar

60

connection

62

fixer

64

opening

66

fixer

68

Receiving body

70

Charging socket

72

pen

74

opening

76

Annular gap

78

collar

80

Return

82

Control element

84

Shaker

86

Locking element

88

direction

90

Communication module

92

User interface module

94

Click connection

96

Display

Claims (12)

Charging unit (6) for electric vehicles, comprising: - a housing (29) comprising at least one base (41) and a cover (27), - at least one communication module (90) arranged in the housing (29) with at least one communication antenna (31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3), - at least one user interface module (92) arranged in the housing (29), - wherein the communication module (90) and the user interface module (92) are arranged in the housing (29), such that, starting from the cover (27), first the user interface module (92) and then the communication module (90) are arranged, and - The at least one communication antenna (31), 31.1, 31.2, 31.3 arranged on the communication module (90), starting from the cover (27), is at least partially uncovered by the user interface module (92). Charging unit (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least one communication antenna (31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3) is a far field antenna (31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3), - in particular the at least one communication antenna (31 , 31.1, 31.2, 31.3) is selected from the group comprising: - LTE antenna, - GSM antenna, - WLAN antenna, - Bluetooth antenna, - GPS antenna. Loading unit (6) after Claim 1 or 2nd , characterized in that - the user interface module (92) comprises at least one user interface antenna (43, 43.1, 43.2), - the at least one user interface antenna (43, 43.1, 43.2) being selected from the group comprising: - RFID antenna, - NFC Antenna, - radar antenna. Charging unit (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the communication module (90) is formed as a communication circuit board (90), and / or - the user interface module (92) is formed as a user interface circuit board (92). Loading unit (6) after Claim 4 , characterized in that - the at least one communication antenna (31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3) is stamped directly on the communication circuit board (90) or is attached as an SMD component on the communication circuit board (90), and / or - at least one user interface antenna ( 43, 43.1, 43.2) is embossed directly on the user interface circuit board (92) or is attached to the user interface circuit board (92) as an SMD component. Loading unit (6) after Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that - the at least one user interface antenna (92) is arranged on a surface of the user interface circuit board (92) facing the cover (27), and / or - the at least one communication antenna (31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3) is arranged on one of the Cover (27) facing surface of the communication circuit board (90) is arranged. Loading unit (6) according to one of the Claims 4 to 6 , characterized in that - the at least one communication antenna (31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3) is arranged in an edge region (33) of the communication circuit board (90). Loading unit (6) after Claim 7 , characterized in that - a plurality of communication antennas (31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3) are arranged in the edge region (33) of the communication circuit board (90) adjacent to one another. Loading unit (6) after Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that - the user interface circuit board (92) is formed in such a way that the user interface circuit board (92) at least not completely, preferably not, projects beyond the edge region (33) having the at least one communication antenna (31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3). Charging unit (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the charging unit (6) comprises at least one power module (50) arranged in the housing (29), - the power module (50) being arranged in the housing (29) , such that, starting from the cover (27), first the user interface module (92), then the communication module (90) and then the power module (50) are arranged. Charging unit (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the communication module (90) comprises at least one configurable antenna matching network (51) for the at least one communication antenna (31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3), - the antenna matching network (51) the communication module (90) provides at least two different equipment options for at least two different configurations, and / or - the user interface module (92) comprises at least one configurable antenna matching network for at least one user interface antenna (43, 43.1, 43.2), - the antenna matching network of the user interface module (92) provides at least two different assembly options for at least two different configurations. Charging station, including: - At least one loading unit (6) according to one of the preceding claims, and - At least one docking station (4) coupled to the charging unit (6).

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