DE102014112334B4 - Energy pillar - Google Patents

Abstract

Energy column (1) comprising electrical attachments, such as sockets (2, 3) and/or protective devices (4, 5), which electrical attachments (2, 3, 4, 5) are arranged on a limiting element (6) of the energy column (1). are, wherein in an operating position (11) of the energy column (1), the limiting element (6) at least partially limits an inner volume (10) of the energy column (1), characterized in that at least part of the electrical attachments (2, 3, 4 , 5) is mounted in an upper part (8) of a distribution box (13), the upper part (8) being connected to the limiting element (6), and that in the inner volume (10) of the energy column (1) a lower part (9) of the distribution box (13), wherein in the operating position (11) of the energy column (1) the upper part (8) and lower part (9) form the closed distribution box (13), wherein in a maintenance position (12) of the energy column (1). Limiting element (6) releases access to the inner volume (10) and the upper part (8) and lower part (9) of the distribution box (13) are separated from one another and the limiting element is designed as an openable and closable door (6) in order to close the energy column (1). from the operating position (11) to the maintenance position (12) and back again.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an energy column comprising electrical attachments, such as sockets and/or protective devices, which electrical attachments are arranged on a limiting element of the energy column, wherein in an operating position of the energy column, the limiting element at least partially delimits an inner volume of the energy column.

STATE OF THE ART

Energy columns serve as mostly permanently installed units to supply electrical consumers or devices with energy and therefore usually have a wide variety of electrical attachments, in particular sockets. Especially if energy columns are to be used outdoors, it is important to take measures against moisture or other environmental influences, for example to ensure protection class IP44, IP54, IP66 etc. and/or protection class II / protective insulation for the electrical attachments and their wiring realize.

However, with conventional energy columns, such types of protection or protection classes can only be ensured with great effort. This is due to the structure of conventional energy columns, in which the energy column usually consists of round profiles, partial profiles or cast parts, whereby a door can be provided and the electrical attachments are mounted directly in these parts. Accordingly, the electrical wiring takes place inside the energy column. This in turn means that the entire energy column must have the desired protection and be electrically type-tested in order to ensure, for example, that no splash water can get into the interior of the energy column.

The US 4,873,600 A shows a charging station in the sense of a supply facility on a dock. The housing is formed of a lower part and an upper part and has an angled, hinged construction.

The DE102012016481A1 shows a charging station for electric vehicles, which is built into the mast of a lantern. However, a two-part distribution box delimiting a self-contained volume inside the mast is not disclosed.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages described above and to provide an energy column in which the desired type of protection or protection class for the electrical attachments and their wiring can be guaranteed with little effort.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved according to the invention by advantageously using a distribution box known per se, which fulfills the desired degree of protection, in an energy column. For this purpose, in the case of an energy column comprising electrical attachments, such as sockets and/or protective devices, which electrical attachments are arranged on a limiting element of the energy column, the limiting element at least partially delimiting an inner volume of the energy column in an operating position of the energy column, it is provided according to the invention that at least part of the electrical attachments is mounted in an upper part of a distribution box, the upper part being connected to the limiting element, and that a lower part of the distribution box is arranged in the inner volume of the energy column, with the upper part and lower part forming the closed distribution box in the operating position of the energy column , wherein in a maintenance position of the energy column, the limiting element releases access to the inner volume and the upper part and lower part of the distribution box are separated from one another and the limiting element is designed as an openable and closable door in order to bring the energy column from the operating position to the maintenance position and back again.

The electrical wiring of the electrical attachments, such as three-phase sockets (400 V alternating voltage), protective contact sockets (230 V alternating voltage), circuit breakers and/or residual current circuit breakers, is carried out appropriately protected in the distribution box. It should be noted that, for example, arrangements are conceivable in which all protective devices, in particular circuit breakers and / or residual current circuit breakers, are mounted in the lower part and all sockets, in particular three-phase sockets and earthing contact sockets, are mounted in the upper part of the distribution box. In this case, the protective devices can be accessible via protective flaps arranged on the limiting element, which can be fastened in the upper part, even when the distribution box is closed or in the operating position of the energy column. In this case, the energy column includes both electrical attachments that are arranged on the boundary element electrical attachments that are not located on the boundary element.

An electrical type test is therefore basically reduced to the distribution box including the electrical attachments located or mounted in it and any protective flaps that may be present. An electrical type test of the entire energy column can therefore be omitted.

To achieve the desired protection class or type of protection, e.g. IP44 (protection against ingress of solid bodies and splash water), IP54 (dust-proof with protection against splash water), IP66 (dust-tight with protection against strong water jets), IP67 (dust-tight with protection against temporary submersion) etc. To realize this, simply choose a distribution box that has the appropriate protection class/protection type. For example, known distribution boxes with, for example, foamed or inserted polyurethane seals can be used to ensure protection class IP54 or higher. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the energy column according to the invention, it is provided that the closed distribution box has at least splash protection.

Suitable materials for ensuring the desired protection type/protection class of the distribution box are thermoplastic plastics, in particular polycarbonates and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS plastics), or rubber or solid rubber materials, such as natural rubber-styrene-butadiene mixtures (NK /SBR mixtures). Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the energy column according to the invention, it is provided that the upper part and/or the lower part of the distribution box are made of a thermoplastic or rubber.

In order to be able to easily carry out electrical wiring or other maintenance work that requires access to the distribution box in the energy column according to the invention, it is provided that in a maintenance position of the energy column, the limiting element releases access to the inner volume and the upper part and lower part of the distribution box are separated from one another .

In order to enable particularly easy access, it is provided in the energy column according to the invention that the limiting element is designed as an openable and closable door in order to bring the energy column from the operating position into the maintenance position and back again. Of course, other embodiments are also conceivable in which the limiting element is designed, for example, as a wall element which can be screwed to other wall elements of the energy column. The advantage of the door is that in the maintenance position it hangs on its hinges essentially next to the released opening or next to the released access to the internal volume, without the need for additional means. The latter is typically the case if the limiting element is only designed as a removable wall element, so that an additional, usually separate holder is necessary in order to hold the limiting element in a position essentially next to the released opening or next to the released access in the maintenance position.

Preferably, in the operating position of the energy column, the limiting element is connected to at least one wall element of the energy column, so that the inner volume is at least partially limited by the limiting element and the at least one wall element of the energy column. The lower part of the distribution box must be fixed in the inner volume. A particularly simple assembly is achieved by attaching the lower part to at least one wall element. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the energy column according to the invention, it is provided that the energy column has at least one wall element which partially delimits the internal volume in the operating position of the energy column and to which the lower part of the distribution box is attached.

With a particularly simple structure of the energy column, a single wall element can be provided, which essentially forms all of the side surfaces of the energy column and has a substantially U-shaped cross section. If the energy column is to be made particularly high, it would also be conceivable to arrange several such wall elements one above the other. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the energy column according to the invention, it is provided that the at least one wall element has a U-shape.

Various configurations are possible when arranging the upper part on the limiting element. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the energy column according to the invention, it is provided that the upper part of the distribution box protrudes at least in sections beyond an outside of the limiting element. In the case of a separate design of the upper part and limiting element, this can promote their simple connection in that the limiting element preferably has a recess, through which the protruding section of the upper part is carried out.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the energy column according to the invention, it is provided that the upper part of the distribution box is at least partially flush with an inside of the limiting element in order to enable a particularly stable connection between the upper part and the limiting element. This arrangement can include the case where another section of the upper part protrudes beyond the outside of the limiting element.

In order to ensure particularly easy access to the electrical attachments, in a preferred embodiment of the energy column according to the invention it is provided that at least some of the electrical attachments protrude at least in sections beyond an outside of the limiting element.

The connection between the upper part of the distribution box and the limiting element can be done in a variety of ways, for example by gluing or screwing. In addition, it is also conceivable to ensure the connection of the upper part with the limiting element by making the upper part and limiting element a one-piece design. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the energy column according to the invention, it is provided that the upper part of the distribution box is designed in one piece with the limiting element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the idea of the invention, but are in no way intended to restrict or even exhaustively represent it.

• 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Energiesäule in Betriebsposition
• 2 eine erfindungsgemäße Energiesäule in Wartungsposition
• 3 einen Verteilerkasten
• 4 den Verteilerkasten aus 3, wobei dessen Oberteil an einer Tür der Energiesäule befestigt ist
• 5 eine offene Energiesäule gemäß dem Stand der Technik

This shows:

• 1 an energy column according to the invention in the operating position
• 2 an energy column according to the invention in maintenance position
• 3 a distribution box
• 4 the distribution box 3 , the top of which is attached to a door of the energy column
• 5 an open energy column according to the state of the art

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the axonometric view of the 1 an energy column 1 according to the invention can be seen, the side surfaces of which are formed from wall elements 14 which are mounted on a foot part 15. A cover 16 - essentially rectangular in the exemplary embodiment shown - closes the energy column 1 at the top.

In 1 the energy column 1 is shown in an operating position 11, in which an inner volume 10 (cf. 2 ) of the energy column is partially limited by a limiting element designed as a door 6, the door 6 having a corresponding opening 21 (cf. 2 ) closed in a wall element 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the door 6 is secured against accidental opening by means of screws 20. Electrical attachments in the form of CEE three-phase sockets 2 and CEE protective contact sockets 3 are arranged on the door 6. The CEE three-phase sockets 2 and CEE protective contact sockets 3 protrude from an outside 7 of the door 6 and are therefore particularly easy to reach and operate by the user.

Furthermore, protective flaps 17 can be seen, which are also arranged on the door 6 and protrude beyond the outside 7 of the door. The protective flaps 17 allow access to protective devices - in the form of circuit breakers 4 and a residual current circuit breaker 5 - which are mounted in a lower part 9 of a distribution box 13, the lower part 9 being arranged and mounted in the inner volume 10, cf. 2 .

The distribution box 13 also has an upper part 8 in which electrical attachments - in the exemplary embodiment shown, the CEE three-phase sockets 2 and CEE protective contact sockets 3 - are mounted. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the protective flaps 17 are also mounted in the upper part 8. The upper part 8 is connected to the door 6 or the upper part 8 is attached to the door 6 in the exemplary embodiment shown. In the operating position 11, the upper part 8 closes with the lower part 9, i.e. the upper part 8 rests on the lower part 9 or is arranged relative to the lower part 9 in such a way that the upper part 8 and lower part 9 form the closed distribution box 13.

The closed distribution box 13 meets at least protection class IP44, so it has at least splash protection. For this purpose, a seal can be provided between the upper part 8 and the lower part 9, for example a polyurethane seal that is foamed or inserted into the upper part 8 and/or the lower part 9. In addition, the distribution box 13 is made of a suitable material manufactured. For example, the upper part 8 and/or the lower part 9 can be made of polycarbonate, ABS plastic or solid rubber. It goes without saying that the electrical attachments mounted in the upper part 8 - in the exemplary embodiment shown, the CEE three-phase sockets 2 and CEE protective contact sockets 3 - as well as the protective flaps 17 mounted in the upper part 8 as such must have a corresponding degree of protection, for example to prevent the ingress of splash water via the electrical attachments into the closed distribution box 13. 3 shows the closed distribution box 13 with the corresponding CEE three-phase sockets 2, CEE protective contact sockets 3 and protective flaps 17 in detail. 4 shows a corresponding illustration with door 6 additionally marked.

However, in order to achieve the desired degree of protection, it is not necessary for the entire internal volume 10 to be appropriately sealed. For example, in the operating position 11, splash water at the edge of the door 6 could penetrate into the inner volume 10 without the splash water being able to get into the closed distribution box 13 of the corresponding protection class.

2 shows the energy column 1 in a maintenance position 12, in which the door 6 is open. Basically, this allows access to the inner volume 10. In the maintenance position 12, the upper part 8 is also separated from the lower part 9, and the user has access to the interior of the distribution box, for example to attach or check wiring 18 of the electrical attachments. It should be noted that, as in 2 can be seen, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the residual current circuit breaker 5 and the circuit breaker 4 are mounted in the lower part 9. As noted above, access to the residual current circuit breaker 5 and the circuit breakers 4 takes place via the protective flaps 17 when the door 6 is closed, ie in the operating position 11.

How out 2 As can be seen, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the upper part 8 of the distribution box 13 is attached to an inside 19 of the door 6 and is flush with it. The door 6 has corresponding, precisely fitting openings or recesses through which the CEE three-phase sockets 2, CEE protective contact sockets 3 and protective flaps 17 are passed so that they can protrude from the outside 7 of the door 6. In addition, the CEE three-phase sockets 2 and CEE protective contact sockets 3 can be screwed to the limiting element or the door 6, as in the exemplary embodiment shown, cf. e.g 4 . The lower part 9 is fixed in the inner volume 10 by attaching the lower part 9 to a wall element 14.

Furthermore, in 2 It can be seen that the lower part 9 is connected to the upper part 8 via hinge straps 22, which at the same time form hinges for the door 6. Accordingly, the door 6 hangs in the maintenance position 12 next to the opening 21 without the need for additional means.

The wall elements 14 and the door 6 - and of course also the foot part 15 and the lid 16 - can be made from a wide variety of materials, for example plastic, aluminum, steel, stainless steel or coated steel. The door 6 does not necessarily have to be made of the same material as the wall elements 14. The latter can be the case in particular if the upper part 8 is made in one piece with the door 6, so that the door 6 is made of plastic, for example, and the wall elements 14 are made of aluminum, for example.

For comparison with the energy column according to the invention 1 shows 5 a known energy column 1 without a distribution box 13. In this case, the entire wiring 18 must be done in the inner volume 10, so that appropriate sealing measures are necessary for the entire energy column 1 in order to achieve the desired protection level. Particularly in the area of the door 6 or a limiting element (in 5 not shown), on which electrical attachments are usually arranged, complex precautions must then be taken for insulation or sealing.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

1

Energy pillar

2

CEE three-phase socket

3

CEE protective contact socket

4

Circuit breaker

5

Residual current circuit breaker

6

door

7

Outside of the door

8th

Distribution box top

9

Distribution box base

10

Internal volume of the energy column

11

Operating position of the energy column

12

Energy column maintenance position

13

distribution box

14

Wall element

15

Foot part

16

Lid

17

Protective flap

18

wiring

19

Inside of the door

20

screw

21

opening

22

hinge band

Claims (9)

Energy column (1) comprising electrical attachments, such as sockets (2, 3) and/or protective devices (4, 5), which electrical attachments (2, 3, 4, 5) are arranged on a limiting element (6) of the energy column (1). are, wherein in an operating position (11) of the energy column (1), the limiting element (6) at least partially limits an inner volume (10) of the energy column (1), characterized in that at least part of the electrical attachments (2, 3, 4 , 5) is mounted in an upper part (8) of a distribution box (13), the upper part (8) being connected to the limiting element (6), and that in the inner volume (10) of the energy column (1) a lower part (9) of the distribution box (13), wherein in the operating position (11) of the energy column (1) the upper part (8) and lower part (9) form the closed distribution box (13), wherein in a maintenance position (12) of the energy column (1). Limiting element (6) releases access to the inner volume (10) and the upper part (8) and lower part (9) of the distribution box (13) are separated from one another and the limiting element is designed as an openable and closable door (6) in order to close the energy column (1). from the operating position (11) to the maintenance position (12) and back again. Energy column (1). Claim 1 , characterized in that the closed distribution box (13) has at least splash protection. Energy column (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 2 , characterized in that the upper part (8) and / or the lower part (9) of the distribution box (13) are made of a thermoplastic or rubber. Energy column (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the energy column (1) has at least one wall element (14) which partially delimits the inner volume (10) in the operating position (11) of the energy column (1) and on which the lower part (9) of the distribution box (13 ) is attached. Energy column (1). Claim 4 , characterized in that the at least one wall element (14) has a U-shape. Energy column (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the upper part (8) of the distribution box (13) projects at least in sections beyond an outside (7) of the limiting element (6). Energy column (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the upper part (8) of the distribution box (13) is at least partially flush with an inside (19) of the limiting element (6). Energy column according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that at least some of the electrical attachments (2, 3, 4, 5) protrude at least in sections beyond an outside (7) of the limiting element (6). Energy column according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the upper part (8) of the distribution box (13) is made in one piece with the limiting element (6).

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