DE102017118330A1 - Charging station for electrically powered vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging station (10) for charging an electrical energy store of an electrically operated vehicle (60), the charging station (10) having a power connection for connection to a power source (80), a charging electrical system (91) and connecting means (90) for charging Connection of the power source (80) with the vehicle (60). According to the invention, the charging station (10) is formed by a columnar basic body, which is subdivided over its length into at least two partial sections (11, 12). An upper section (11) is foldable relative to a lower section (12) and in at least one folded position relative to the lower section (12) can be locked. At the upper portion (11) further comprises a roof (13) which projects from the upper portion (11), wherein the charging electrical system (91) within this roof (13) is arranged.

Description

The invention relates to a charging station for charging an electrical energy storage device of an electrically operated vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the charging station has a power connection for connection to a power source, a charging electrical system and connection means for charging connection of the power source to the vehicle.

Charging stations that can be in the private or public areas are used to charge the electric storage of electric vehicles. In this case, such charging stations can be designed in a variety of ways to meet the requirements. For example, different plugs can be provided for different vehicle types, but also additional functions can be offered. For example, the DE 10 2014 112 799 A1 a charging station for electrically powered vehicles, which has two different modules. A first rectangular control module comprises a control device for converting a mains current into a charging current for the vehicle. On the other hand, a second rectangular functional module is designed to fulfill a further function of the charging station, which can be, for example, a mailbox module or a fire extinguisher module.

Also in the field of charging cables, a variety of solutions are known, with which individual problems are to be solved. For example, the DE 10 2011 051 052 A1 a charging station with a cable reeling system.

Charging stations for electrically operated vehicles are often of columnar design, so that they can be described as charging stations. Especially in the public sector special requirements are to be placed on such charging stations or charging stations. Not only must they be weather-resistant, they must also be protected against damage or even vandalism. They should therefore be robust, but at the same time also maintenance-friendly.

The object of the invention is to provide a charging station for electrically powered vehicles, which is suitable for installation in public space and is designed in particular robust and easy to maintain.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a charging station according to independent claim 1. Advantageous developments of this charging column will become apparent from the dependent claims 2-10.

It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with each other in any technically meaningful manner and show further embodiments of the invention. The description additionally characterizes and specifies the invention, in particular in connection with the figures.

The charging station according to the invention is suitable for charging an electrical energy store of an electrically operated vehicle. Such a charging station can also be referred to as a charging station or charging station and is approached by vehicles to charge the battery or batteries of the vehicle. The vehicle has a battery management system that communicates with the charging station. The associated charging electrics or power electronics is preferably located in the charging station.

The charging station has a power connection for connection to a power source, a charging electrical system and connection means for charging the power source to a vehicle. The connection means may be a plug and in particular a charging cable with a plug, which is connected by a user of the charging station to the vehicle. The charging station can be connected to a power grid for connection to a power source. However, the charging station could in the future also be designed as a solar charging station if it is connected to solar cells and correspondingly large buffer batteries.

According to the invention, the charging station is essentially formed by a columnar basic body. The pillar-shaped body is vertical after installation of the charging station and thus forms the column shape of the charging station. This main body is divided over its length into at least two subsections, wherein an upper portion is foldable with a hinge relative to a lower portion and folded in at least one folded position relative to the lower portion. Further, a roof is formed on the upper portion, which protrudes from the upper portion, wherein the charging electrical system is disposed within this roof. The fact that essential parts (such as the charging electrics are housed in the roof of the charging station, the basic appearance of the charging station is very slim and obscured on the street or sidewalk little more than a lamppost the view.

The narrow body of the charging station thus has at least two separate sections, which are interconnected via a hinge. These sections are preferably formed by sub-tubes. In these partial tubes can components of the charging station be housed. Within these pipe sections, for example, at least the connection means, ie a plug and / or a charging cable housed. If the upper section is folded over the lower section, the roof lowers. For maintenance and / or repair purposes, a person can easily be given access to the roof in this way. This gives the technician access to the charging electronics, which are located inside the roof.

The roof with the charging electrics can be locked in a first position, which allows an ergonomically advantageous access to the charging electrical system. For example, the top portion may be lockable to the roof at a height at which the roof is below the hip of a technician, i. below about a meter above the ground. By folding over the upper section relative to the lower section, a technician can further access to the interior of the two sections obtained without parts of the charging station would first have to be disassembled consuming and reassembled after maintenance.

In one embodiment of the invention, the upper section is lockable in a position opposite the lower section in which the roof extends substantially horizontally. This means that the roof surface extends substantially in a plane which extends at an angle alpha of approximately 90 ° to the longitudinal axis of the lower section. The longitudinal axis of the lower section and the longitudinal axis of the upper section of the columnar base of the charging station then run approximately parallel. In this way, the roof is locked in a position in which it is like a table top in front of the technician. This facilitates access to components within the roof.

Preferably, the roof has a maintenance opening, via which access to the charging electrical system is possible. This maintenance opening is closed with at least one cover, for example a flap and / or a sliding cover. If the roof brought about folding the upper portion of the body in an ergonomically advantageous position, the cover can be removed from the maintenance opening, so as to release the maintenance opening and perform maintenance and repair work within the roof. Preferably, the maintenance opening is provided for this purpose on one side of the roof, which points down during operation of the charging station. In this way, the maintenance opening with its cover is better protected against the ingress of dirt and moisture. If the upper section of the columnar base body is folded with the roof and locked the roof in a horizontal position, the maintenance opening is now up. A technician can remove the cover and access the inside of the roof from the top.

The upper section of the columnar base of the charging station can be locked in one or more positions. Preferably, it is lockable in several positions that are selectable by a technician. For example, it can be provided that the upper portion of the base body is locked in a position relative to the lower portion, in which the roof extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the lower portion, which is different to 90 °. The upper section is then folded over by an angle beta. In this way, the roof can be made, for example, tilted so as to perform work ergonomically on the outside of the roof can. In particular, so the top of the roof can be cleaned, the top is easily accessible and cleaning water can flow better. There are no ladders or other lifts required.

In one embodiment of the invention, for example, a solar module is mounted on the roof of the charging station, which is located in the operation of the charging station on top of the roof. The solar panel can be used to generate electricity required to operate the charging station. However, the power generated by the solar module can also be fed into a connected power grid or a battery. In order to be able to reach this solar module more easily, the roof is tilted down so far that the solar module points downwards and runs obliquely. So it can be cleaned from below.

So that a technician can fold down the upper section of the charging station, means for releasing a locking are expediently provided, which prevent the folding over of the upper section during operation. These locking means may for example be unlocked mechanically by a key or electronically by an authentication of the technician to an input device of the charging station. In particular, it can be provided that the charging station has an access opening which can only be opened after successful authentication of a technician. Through this access opening, a technician can then gain access to a locking means to solve this.

Conveniently, the two sections of the columnar body abut each other at a height that allows the technician when folding the upper part of the tube ergonomically advantageous access to the roof and the interior of the two sub-tubes. For example, lies this area at hip or arm height. The entire charging station can then have a height of about 2m. The division of the columnar main body of the charging station in two sub-tubes can basically be provided in the middle, above or below the center of the main body. However, more than two sub-pipes can be used. For example, three partial tubes with two locations for folding over the respective overhead partial tubes could be expedient.

In addition to the connection means in the form of at least one charging cable, the sub-tubes of the main body can accommodate other components of the charging station. These include, in particular, operating elements such as a screen and an input device, but also connection cables between individual components. In one embodiment of the invention, the hinge between the two sections is at least partially hollow, so that connection cables can be passed through hollow portions of the hinge. So they are protected against damage even when folding the upper section.

As already mentioned, the connection means can comprise at least one charging cable, which can be connected to a vehicle by a user of the charging station. In order to be able to bridge a certain distance between the charging station and the vehicle, it is preferably a longer charging cable which can be unrolled and unrolled with a roller system. For use of the charging cable, it can be pulled out of the charging station while it rolls back into the interior of the charging station when it is no longer needed. The charging cable is thus in the resting mode of the charging station within the columnar base body and is moved out for a charging process by a cable opening from the body. The idle operation of the charging station is characterized in that no charging takes place, so that the charging cable is not needed. Charging cable and associated charging plug are protected and sealed in the charging station housed.

In a simple embodiment, the charging cable can be guided, as in a cable with a loose role, for example between the charging electronics and a plug via at least one movable guide roller, which pulls the charging cable at a point of wrap with a weight down. If the charging cable is pulled out of the charging station, the weight moves upwards with the deflection roller, with the charging cable rolling on the deflection roller. If the traction force on the charging cable diminishes after use, the weight pulls the charging cable downwards, causing it to roll off the pulley and pull it into the charging station. In this case, the charging cable can also be guided over one or more fixed deflection rollers, as well as over other loose deflection rollers.

In one embodiment of the invention it is provided that a detent is provided at certain intervals when pulling out of the charging cable, which prevents the retraction of the charging cable at the relevant extension lengths. Alternatively or additionally, a motor for extending and retracting the charging cable can be provided. The charging station can therefore have a drive for moving the charging cable through the cable opening.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the charging station is a column with a round tube cross-section. Thus, the at least two sub-tubes have a round cross-section. In this case, circular, but also oval cross sections can be used. In particular, round pillars have the advantage that they are very stiff and offer few points of attack for vandalism.

Operating units for operating the charging station can be provided on the outside of one of the sub-pipes, so that users have direct access to these operating units. With external operating units, however, there is a risk of damage. For example, protruding from the part pipes components can easily be knocked off or assigned vandalism. In an advantageous embodiment of the charging station according to the invention operating units are therefore also mounted in the interior of the columnar base body. These operating units may include, for example, a display for communication with a user of the charging station. Furthermore, components such as keyboards, touchpads, card readers, etc. may be provided.

In order to gain access to internal operating units, pivotable covers or access flaps can be provided. The same applies to the access to the charging cable inside the charging station. These covers can be opened by a user after an authentication, for example by a key or electronic solutions with identification cards, RFID transponders, WLAN communication, etc.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the charging station also has a communication device, via which a user of the charging station access to a communication network can be given, via which a data exchange with components outside the charging station is feasible. In this way, the charging station can be connected to the Internet, giving a user the opportunity for access can be given to the internet. For this purpose, for example, a touch screen can be provided, which can be used by a user during the loading time. Such a communication device can also be used, for example, to display a user the nearest charging station. Furthermore, a user can be given the opportunity to charge a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone at the charging station. For this purpose, appropriate connections are provided, which are preferably secured behind a cover against unauthorized access.

The charging station can have further additional functions. For example, a camera, a motion detector and / or a light source can be attached to the charging station. The light source can be activated as soon as the motion detector detects movement at the charging station. Thus, the area of the charging station can be illuminated in the dark in order to facilitate a user's charging of his vehicle. Furthermore, the camera can be activated as soon as the motion detector detects a movement at the charging station. In this way, abuse of the charging station and vandalism can be monitored.

In order to protect the charging station against damage, it can be placed on a stand surface in an advantageous manner. In one embodiment of the invention is provided for this purpose that in the lower open end of the columnar base body, a bellows is partially inserted so that a folded portion of the bellows protrudes from the base body. This protruding section can then be inserted into a receptacle in the ground. For this purpose, the bellows end each have a plug without folding. A male is then inserted into the lower end of the lower tube, while the opposite male is inserted into a receptacle in the ground. The bellows is thus as a kind of base between the lower part of the tube and the bottom, wherein the bellows can be made of plastic or metal. Preferably, metal is used as the material to ensure sufficient stability of the charging station during normal operation.

If a vehicle collides accidentally or deliberately against the charging station, the bellows yields, causing the charging station to deform in a controlled manner in the area of the bellows. The bellows forms a desired bending point. Further damage to the charging station can be avoided. The charging station does not completely collapse, but there is a controlled deformation. In this way it can be avoided, among other things, that pedestrians are injured by a folding charging station, which has already occurred, for example, in street lamps. Furthermore, the charging station can be easily repaired by simply replacing the damaged bellows. This embodiment is particularly suitable for charging stations with a circular cross-section.

The bellows is designed so that it only folds over to the charging station after a certain lateral impact force. It can be provided that the bellows yields only at a relatively high force, as typically occurs in a side impact of a vehicle on the charging station. However, it can also be provided that the bellows yields even at lower side forces, for example, to avoid damage due to vandalism, when people deliberately step against the charging station.

The charging station is stable and robust, so that it is well protected against damage during operation. The charging station is designed so that its interior is protected even in the event of an impact by a vehicle. In particular, this applies to the charging electrics in the roof and the electrical contacts. The charging station does not open and unauthorized persons can not reach inside the charging station after an accident. Electrically sensitive parts are preferably above a height of 1m above street level, so that it can not be a failure or a threat in floods. In particular, if the main parts of the electrical system and electronics are housed in the roof, the charging station will withstand a flood height of 2 m without causing significant damage. The charging station is electrically secured and can preferably be unlocked only with power cut by a mechanical lock (lock).

The measures described lead individually and in combination to a maintenance-friendly charging station, which is particularly suitable for installation in public spaces. The charging station is sturdy, so it is well protected against damage due to overuse, misuse and vandalism. Components and parts of the charging station can be easily and safely replaced. Overall, the charging station has a long service life. Furthermore, the charging station is modular, so that improvements and enhancements are possible without the design and the design of the charging station have to be fundamentally changed.

Further advantages, features and expedient developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

• 1 eine schematische dreidimensionale Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Ladesäule;
• 2 einen schematischen Schnitt durch eine Ladesäule gemäß 1;
• 3 eine Seitenansicht der Ladesäule gemäß 2 im voll aufgeklappten Zustand; und
• 4 eine Seitenansicht der Ladesäule gemäß 2 im teilweise aufgeklappten Zustand.

From the pictures shows:

• 1 a schematic three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a charging station according to the invention;
• 2 a schematic section through a charging station according to 1 ;
• 3 a side view of the charging station according to 2 in the fully unfolded state; and
• 4 a side view of the charging station according to 2 in partially unfolded state.

The three-dimensional view of 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a charging station according to the invention 10 at a place of installation in the ground 20 let in and to a power source 80 connected. 2 shows a schematic section through such a charging station 10 , For the installation of the charging station 10 a foundation is preferably provided, in which the lower end of the charging station 10 is admitted. This can, for example, via a recording in the ground / foundation 20 take place whose cross-section substantially the cross section of the charging station 10 equivalent. The charging station 10 has a slim, columnar base body with a circular cross-section. This main body of the charging station 10 is preferably through two sub-pipes 11 and 12 formed as part of the charging station 10 are arranged one above the other.

At the upper end of the columnar base is a roof 13 appropriate. The roof 13 stands on one side far from the main body, so that a shelter is formed, under which people in the use of the charging station 10 can make. The roof 13 is formed in this embodiment by a rectangular, flat body which is offset to the center on the upper part of the tube 11 is appropriate. However, other forms of roofs can also be used. For example, it can also be a circular, oval or square roof surface. Such a roof surface 13 is expediently in the range of an operating unit and the connection means for loading a vehicle.

The roof 13 has a maintenance opening, which with a maintenance flap 15 is closed. This opening with the maintenance cover 15 is located at the bottom of the roof 13 , Via the maintenance flap 15 technicians have access to components inside the roof 13 , This is in particular the charging electrics 91 the charging station, the in 2 is shown in dashed lines. On the top of the roof 13 is a solar module 70 appropriate.

On the columnar base of the charging station 10 are at least one communication device 14 and a cable opening 92 intended. About the communication device 14 can a user 61 operate the charging station and optionally carry out other activities. From the cable opening 92 can be a charging cable 90 pulled or moved by a motor drive to this charging cable 90 to a vehicle 60 to join, as in the 1 is shown. After charging is the charging cable 90 in the charging station 10 pulled and rolled up there. In addition, the charging station 10 have further functional components that are not shown explicitly in the figures. These include in particular a camera, motion detector, light source, etc.

To connect to the ground 20 can the lower part pipe 12 directly or via further mounting elements in a receptacle in the ground 20 be admitted. These mounting elements can be made stiff or yielding. In the embodiment of the 2 is the lower part pipe 12 for example, via a bellows 30 in the recording 21 in the ground 20 admitted. The recording 21 can in particular by a pipe in the foundation 20 be formed. The bellows 30 has at each end on a plug-in without folding on. The first spigot is from the bottom into the lower open end of the lower part of the tube 12 inserted. The folded section of the bellows 30 protrudes in this way from the lower part of the tube 12 out. The second plug is in the receptacle 21 in the ground 20 pushed in, leaving the folded portion of the bellows 30 between the lower part pipe 12 and the floor 20 and thus forms a kind of yielding pedestal. Through the bellows 30 through the charging station 10 via a ground cable with a power source 80 be connected. This can be done in a suitable way and is in the 1 only shown by dashed lines.

The two sub-pipes 11 . 12 have about the same length, passing through an intermediate cover 16 are separated from each other. Below this intermediate cover 16 and in the upper part of the lower part of the pipe 12 is the cable opening 92 , The communication device 14 is, however, in the upper part of the pipe 11 arranged, which is preferably embedded flush in the columnar body.

By dividing the tubular body of the charging station 10 in two sub-pipes 11 and 12 can the upper part pipe 11 from the lower part pipe 12 be separated. This is done according to the invention by folding the upper part of the tube 11 in a hinge. This hinge 40 is schematic in 2 shown, wherein the chosen proportions do not have to correspond to reality, but only serve to represent the hinge. Furthermore, other hinge forms can be used. The hinge 40 has for example, two legs, wherein the first leg on the outside of the upper part of the tube 11 is attached, while the second leg on the outside of the lower part of the tube 12 is appropriate. The two legs are connected to each other via a pivot axis. In the area of this pivot axis is also the intermediate cover 16 attached, which together with the upper part of the pipe 11 can be folded.

In particular, the charging electrics 91 In the roof 13 with the power source 80 can connect, connecting cable 93 through the hinge 40 be guided ( 3 ). The hinge 40 this is at least partially executed hollow. In particular, its legs are designed as hollow profiles and in the region of their attachment to the outer sides of the sub-pipes 11 . 12 a recess is provided in the respective pipe jacket. Connecting cables can be so from the lower part of the tube 12 through a recess in the legs of the hinge and through a further recess in the upper part of the tube 11 and in front of there in the roof 13 be guided. Also the solar module 70 can do so via cable with the power source 80 and / or functional components in the lower part of the pipe 12 get connected.

To access the charging electrics 91 In the roof 13 and on the inside of the two sub-pipes 11 . 12 to get the upper part pipe 11 in the hinge 40 folded and locked in a certain position. A first locked position is in 3 shown. The upper part pipe 11 was folded so far that the longitudinal axis of the upper part of the tube 11 approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower part of the tube 12 runs. In this position, the roof extends 13 in a plane that is at an angle alpha of about 90 ° to the longitudinal axis of the lower sub-tube 12 runs. The roof 13 is thus substantially horizontal, and indeed at a height below the hinge 40 lies. In this position, the roof is well accessible by a user or technician. The technician 61 has access to the underside of the roof from the top 13 and thus on the maintenance cover 15 which is now up. The maintenance cover 15 can be flipped up, as it is in the 3 shown by a curved arrow. Due to the resulting maintenance opening has the technician 61 Access to the charging electrics 91 inside the roof 13 ,

At the same time the technician has 61 also access to the interior of the sub-pipes 11 . 12 , It works the intermediate cover 16 upwards and gives the inside of the two sub-pipes 11 . 12 free. In particular, the technician has 61 so also access to a roll-up system with multiple pulleys, which for winding and unrolling the charging cable 90 in at least one of the two sub-pipes 11 . 12 is provided. Also connection cable 93 between the power source and the charging electrical system 91 are now accessible (shown in dashed lines).

In the position of 3 is the upper part of the pipe 11 opposite the lower part of the pipe 12 locked. This can be achieved by appropriate locking means, which in the hinge 40 or attack in other places. Also a simple striking of the upper part of the pipe 11 and / or the roof 13 on the outside of the lower part of the pipe 12 is considered as locking in the context of the invention. 4 shows the charging station the 3 in a second folded position without showing the charging cable. In this position is the roof 13 not completely tilted in the horizontal, but lies diagonally. This was the upper part of the tube 11 opposite the lower part of the pipe 12 tilted by an angle beta that is greater than 90 °. For example, the angle beta is in a range of 130-150 °. In this position, a cleaning power 61 the top of the roof 13 reach without further aids from below by hand. That's how the cleaning power can be 61 for example, the solar module 70 on the top of the roof 13 clean. Also in this position is the upper part of the tube 11 opposite the lower part of the pipe 12 lockable, this lock is stable enough to the weight of the roof 13 to keep.

To allow a user access to the communication device 14 and / or a charging cable 90 can receive, it is expediently provided that he previously at the charging station 10 must authenticate. If the authentication is successful, the cable opening opens 92 and the user can use the charging cable 90 pull out of the column and connect to his vehicle. Alternatively, the charging cable 90 also by a drive from the cable opening 92 to be moved. During the charging process, the user can see on a display of the communication device 14 Information regarding the charging process will be displayed. When the loading is finished, the user leaves the charging cable 90 back to the charging station 10 slide and the cable opening 92 is closed by a shutter mechanism.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Charging station, charging station

11.12

Part section, partial pipe

13

top, roof

14

Communication device, operating unit

15

maintenance flap

16

intermediate cover

20

Foundation, ground

21

admission

30

bellow

40

hinge

60

vehicle

61

Users, technicians, cleaners

70

solar module

80

power source

90

Connection means, charging cable

91

Charging electrics, power electronics

92

cable opening

93

connection 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 102014112799 A1 [0002]
• DE 102011051052 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Charging station (10) for charging an electrical energy store of an electrically operated vehicle (60), the charging station (10) having a power connection for connection to a power source (80), a charging electrical system (91) and connecting means (90) for charging the power source ( 80) with the vehicle (60), characterized in that the charging station (10) is formed by a columnar base body, which is divided over its length into at least two subsections (11, 12), wherein an upper subsection (11) opposes a lower section (12) is foldable and in at least one folded position relative to the lower section (12) can be locked, and in that on the upper section (11) a roof (13) is formed, which protrudes from the upper section (11), wherein the charging electrical system (91) is arranged within this roof (13). Charging station after Claim 1 characterized in that the upper section (11) is lockable in a position opposite the lower section (12) in which the roof (13) extends substantially at an angle alpha of 90 ° to the longitudinal axis of the lower section (12) , Charging station after one or both of the Claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the upper section (11) is lockable in a position opposite the lower section (12) in which the roof (13) extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the lower section (12) other than 90 ° is. Charging station according to one or more of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the roof (13) has a maintenance opening, via which the access to the charging electrics (91) is possible. Charging station after Claim 4 , characterized in that the maintenance opening is located on one side of the roof (13) which points downwards during operation of the charging station (10). Charging station according to one or more of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that on the roof (13) a solar module is mounted. Charging station according to one or more of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that at the charging station (10) a camera, a motion detector and / or a light source is mounted. Charging station according to one or more of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the charging station (10) has a communication device (14) via which a user of the charging station (10) access to a communication network can be given, via which a data exchange with components outside the charging station (10) is feasible. Charging station according to one or more of Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the connection means (90) is a charging cable, which is in the idle operation of the charging station (10) within the columnar base body and for a charging operation through a cable opening (92) from the body is movable. Charging station after Claim 9 , characterized in that the charging station (10) has a drive for moving the charging cable (90) through the cable opening (92).

Images