DE102018112746A1 - CHARGING STATION - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging station (1) for an electric vehicle (2) with a base (3), a plug (4) with plug contacts for plugging in a compatible socket (6) on the electric vehicle (2), and a bendable cable (7). which is fixed to the base (3) with a first end (8) and is secured to the plug (4) with a first opposite second end (9) of the cable (7). The plug (4) is movable back and forth between a parking position (18) and a loading position (19, 20). The plug contacts (5) of the plug (4) point in parking position (18) and in loading position (19, 20) in the same direction in space. The cable (7) and / or the plug (4) have a with the base (3) operatively connected internal cooling (23).

Description

The present invention is in the field of charging stations, in particular the charging stations for electrically driven vehicles (electric vehicles).

From the prior art are known from manufacturers such as ABB, Ionity, Porsche or Tesla, charging stations. These are generally modeled on fossil fuel tankers. For liquid fuels, the fuel nozzle is axially rotatably connected to the supply hose. This means that the fuel nozzle can be removed from the tank pier, swiveled through 180 ° and inserted into the vehicle. In the subsequent supply to the tank pier the whole thing is turned back, or can even be rotated in the other direction and so supplied again. One or more 360 ° turns are normally possible without the hose experiencing torsional loading.

This construction method leads to disadvantages in charging station for electric vehicles, which can have a negative impact on the operability and the life.

An object of the invention is to show a charging station for electric vehicles, which does not have these problems.

Charging cables for electric vehicles are fundamentally different in design from the supply lines for fossil fuels from corresponding tank piers. The plug for charging cable are fixed with advantage and thus not rotatably connected to the cable.

Cables and plugs for a charging station for electric vehicles, such as those from the WO2017133893A1 the same applicant, have various conductors for transmitting charging current, data, but also one or more lines and cavities eg for cooling the cable, or the plug on. The cables are multi-layered in cross section, or multi-cell structure and outside surrounded by a protective inner cable sheath. The arranged inside the cable conductors and cooling channels are preferably arranged spirally, which can support the mobility and thus the flexibility of the cable. The cables are dimensioned so that they are sufficiently bendable for a user, but due to the special cable construction are comparatively torsionally stiff. Thus, these cables can indeed relatively easily bent, but not or only very limited, or at the cost of impractical high forces to be rotated about their longitudinal axis (twisted). It should be noted that not only handiness plays a role for a user. Even in the mated, ie operatively connected to the socket on the vehicle state, it must be ensured that the reaction forces which are transmitted from the cable to the plug and before there on the socket on the vehicle, are not too high. Otherwise the socket on the vehicle or the plug can be damaged.

When swiveling to the side, especially when changing direction by 180 ° about the vertical axis, high, negative impact on the cable torsional stresses can arise. In conventional charging stations, these must be absorbed by the cable when handling the connector. This is on the one hand very unergonomic and on the other hand bad for the cable and the interface to the plug. Another disadvantage of conventional charging stations is that even when decoupling the plug from the socket in the vehicle and the subsequent insertion into the parking mount on the charging station always has to be taken to ensure that the cable is rotated back in the right direction.

In the case of the charging station according to the invention, the plug is advantageously operatively connected to the charging station via the cable in such a way that it can be plugged into the vehicle virtually swirl-free (without or only with comparatively low torsional forces) in the charging position. In the holder on the charging station (parking position), the plug is advantageously arranged so that it can rotate freely with the cable fixed thereon fixedly around the cable longitudinal axis. The connector and the cable can thus assume a gentle, twist-minimized position.

In a preferred variant, the charging station comprises a base, as well as a plug with plug contacts for plugging in a compatible socket on the electric vehicle. The plug and the base are connected via a bendable to a certain extent (bend soft) cable, which is suitable for the transmission of high charging currents. The cable is attached to a first end via a cable attachment to the base. The cable and / or the plug preferably have an internal or internal cooling, which is supplied from the base with a cooling medium. The cooling comprises at least one internal cooling circuit.

A second end of the cable opposite the first end with respect to the cable is attached to the plug. The plug can be moved back and forth between a parked position and a loading position by a user. The plug contacts of the plug in the parking position and in the loading position show favorably away from the cable fixing, in the direction of a loaded, parked electric vehicle, so in charging and Parking position of the plug show the plug contacts essentially in the same direction in space. In a possible variant, the plug contacts may be directed away from the base. Alternatively, however, the plug can also be arranged laterally on the base, but in such a way that the plug contacts point away from the cable fastening in the direction of the loading position or the socket of a parking vehicle to be loaded.

The plug is with advantage with respect to the cable longitudinal axis completely rotationally fixed (torsion-proof) or only in a defined dimension relative to the cable rotatably mounted on the second end of the cable. As a result, complicated moving parts, e.g. Sliding contacts and complicated transitions can be avoided, higher currents and thus a higher performance when charging the electric vehicle can be transmitted. The construction is simplified as a whole.

In a preferred variant, the cable with its first end is non-rotatably attached to the base. The mobility required for insertion is achieved mainly by the flexibility of the cable and the natural orientation of the plug. The arrangement is chosen so that for the handling, or the life of the involved components negative torsional forces (forces, which arise due to the torsional stiffness of the cable) can be avoided. In order to increase the flexibility, at least one conductor and / or a cooling channel (both not shown in more detail) are advantageously arranged spirally around the cable longitudinal axis in the interior of the cable.

Ergonomically good results are achieved when the first end of the cable is placed down to the base, hanging down, and when the base is also placed on a pillar so that the cable can pivot freely under the base. During this pivoting movement, the cable can be deflected transversely from the cable longitudinal axis of the stationary, hanging cable at a point below the cable attachment to the base. Removed from the holder, the plug can then be moved as freely as possible in the space within the available cable length. Depending on the arrangement and field of application, the base may also be e.g. be attached to a wall or other element. The base advantageously comprises a housing to which the cable can be attached. Inside, other components of the charging station can be arranged.

The charging station usually has a holder for the plug. Arranged in the holder, the plug is in a parking position. Easy handling is achieved when the bracket is designed so that the connector is easily removable by a user from two sides. The holder has for this purpose with advantage a claw-shaped configuration, which surrounds the plug when arranged in this, from above and engages around with two mutually oppositely directed claws in the vertical direction. In parking position, the plug is arranged in a gap formed between the claws and is held by this in the region of a rear, cable-side end. However, a one-sided, forked claw is also conceivable. In this case, the claw with the recess provided therein for the plug also advantageously in the direction of the loading position of the plug.

Advantageously, the holder is arranged such that the plug, or a handle of the plug, is located at an ergonomic height for a user. Advantageous here are 0.9 to 1.3m above a floor. As a rule, this height corresponds to the height of the charging socket in conventional electric vehicles. The cable attachment of the first cable end, arranged on the base, is advantageously arranged higher than the holder of the plug. This arrangement allows the user a greater mobility with the plug in the hand. Good results are achieved when the cable attachment at the base is higher than 1.5m above the ground. The arrangement has the advantage that under normal circumstances the cable does not touch or drag over the base during operation, which prevents wear and damage to the cable.

The holder extends in parking position with advantage over the plug and protects it from environmental influences. If necessary, brushes or other laterally and / or overlying cover element can be provided in particular in the region of the plug contacts. Yes, according to the embodiment, the cover may have a hinge over which the cover is folded back, so that the underlying plug is accessible.

In a preferred variant, the base is arranged on two pillars. The pillars can be arranged laterally at a distance from each other. In a plane which runs centrally between the two pillars, the first end of the cable is attached to the housing hanging. The holder for the plug is arranged at a distance in front of the first cable end. The cable is at least in parking position essentially arranged without swirl hanging between the two pillars. The plug-side cable end can with the plug, apart from the resulting due to the bending and torsional stiffness of the cable forces after removal from move the holder freely compared to the prior art.

In the park position, the plug is advantageously arranged vertically upright, with the cable extending substantially below the plug hanging between the cable attachment and the plug. The plug contacts can thus essentially point in the direction of a socket on a vehicle to be charged or the charging position of the plug. The forces occurring during use can be reduced overall, if the holder for the plug in the vertical direction is also located lower than the first end of the cable. When charging the electric vehicle, the holder is arranged in the horizontal direction with advantage between the loading position and the parking position of the plug. If required, however, it can also be movably displaceable and / or pivotable.

An advantage of the invention is that the cable deflected both in the parking position and in the loading position can be arranged substantially free of twist and so no adverse forces transmitted to the adjacent elements. If necessary, the cable attachment may be designed to be movable to a certain extent, so that the first end of the cable is movable to a certain extent relative to the housing of the base. Good results are achieved when the first end of the cable is laterally pivotable relative to the base at an angle of +/- 30 ° at least in one spatial direction and / or is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the cable at an angle of +/- 30 °. Alternatively or in addition, the base may be rotatable relative to a base at least about a spatial axis. The pedestal may be at ground level with the floor or overhanging it. An advantage of the described variant is that the cable can swing far laterally and in both directions under the bracket away. If necessary, a sensor may be provided in the holder, which monitors the correct parking position, or actively locked. By a holder of the cable connector to the charging station in which the connector can rotate to a certain extent is achieved that the cable can assume a twist-free position. Plugged into the vehicle, the torsion of the cable can be completely avoided.

• 1 Eine erfindungsgemässe Ladestation;
• 2 Detail D gemäss 1;
• 3 Detail E gemäss 1;
• 4 die Ladestation gemäss 1 in einer Draufsicht;
• 5 die Ladestation gemäss 1 in einer Vorderansicht;
• 6 die Ladestation gemäss 1 in einer Seitenansicht;
• 7 eine weitere Variante einer Halterung für eine Ladestation;
• 8 eine Ladestation gemäss dem Stand der Technik;
• 9 die Ladestation gemäss 1 in einer Draufsicht.

With reference to the embodiments shown in the following figures and the associated description, aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail. Show it:

• 1 A charging station according to the invention;
• 2 Detail D according to 1 ;
• 3 Detail E according to 1 ;
• 4 the charging station according to 1 in a plan view;
• 5 the charging station according to 1 in a front view;
• 6 the charging station according to 1 in a side view;
• 7 a further variant of a holder for a charging station;
• 8th a charging station according to the prior art;
• 9 the charging station according to 1 in a top view.

1 shows a charging station according to the invention 1 in a perspective view of obliquely front and top. 2 shows detail E according to 1 and 3 shows detail D according to 1 , 4 shows the charging station 1 in a top view from above, 5 in a front view from the front and 6 in a side view from the side. 7 shows a second variant of a holder 13 a charging station according to the invention 1 in a perspective view of obliquely front and top in a partially sectioned view. 9 schematically shows the charging station 1 according to 1 in a plan view together with an electric vehicle to be charged 2 , 8th shows a charging station according to the prior art.

The charging station 1 includes a base 3 , as well as a plug 4 with plug contacts 5 (see detail view D, according to 2 ) for plugging into a compatible socket 6 on the electric vehicle 2 , The plug 4 and the base 3 are over a bendable (bendable) cable 7 connected, which with a first end 8th via a cable attachment 15 at the base 3 is attached. A second end 9 of the cable 3 , concerning the cable 7 the first end 8th is opposite, is on the plug 4 attached. The plug 4 can between the in 1 shown parking position and different loading positions (see. 9 ) are moved back and forth. The plug contacts 5 of the plug 4 are in the park position and in the loading position of the base 3 directed away. The plug 4 With respect to the cable longitudinal axis with advantage rotatably or only limited rotation at the second end 9 of the cable 7 appropriate. Since moving parts, such as sliding contacts, etc. can be avoided, higher currents and thus a higher power can be transmitted. The construction is simplified as a whole. In one variant is the cable 7 with his first end 8th also rotatably or only limited rotation on the base 3 attached. The mobility required for insertion is mainly due to the flexibility of the cable 7 achieved, wherein the arrangement is chosen so that for the handling, or the life of the components involved negative torsional forces (forces, which arise due to the torsional rigidity of the cable) can be avoided. To increase the flexibility, at least one conductor and / or a cooling channel (both not shown in detail) in the interior of the cable 7 spirally arranged around the cable longitudinal axis.

As in 1 schematically represented by a dashed line, have the cable 7 and / or the plug 4 one with the base 3 Actively connected internal cooling 23 on. This advantageously comprises a closed cooling circuit, with cooling channels (not shown in detail), and a cooling unit, which serves for cooling a cooling medium present in the cooling circuit. Depending on the application, more than one cooling circuit can be provided. If necessary, at least during charging a cooling circuit of the charging electric vehicle 2 be actively connected.

The first end 8th of the cable 7 is at the base 3 with advantage down, arranged hanging. Good results are achieved when the base 3 on a pillar 10 is arranged standing. Alternatively or in addition, the base 3 also be attached to a wall or other element. The base 3 essentially comprises a housing 11 which is used to attach the cable 7 serves and inside components of the charging station 1 may have (not shown in detail).

As can be seen, the charging station points 1 a bracket 13 for the plug 4 on. In the holder 13 arranged, is the plug 4 in a parking position. The holder 13 is advantageously designed so that the plug 4 from two sides (here +/- y-direction) ago is accessible.

For ergonomic reasons, the holder is 13 with advantage 0.9 to 1.3m above the ground. Furthermore, the cable attachment 15 advantageously at the base 3 placed above 1.5m above the ground, leaving the cable 7 under normal circumstances, during operation, not the socket 12 touches and does not drag over the ground, causing the wear and damage of the cable 7 prevents.

The holder 13 has with advantage a claw-shaped configuration, which the plug 4 , when arranged in this, embraces from above, with two oppositely directed claws 14 , In parking position is the plug 4 in one between the claws 14 formed gap 24 can be removed from the left (-y direction) or from the right (+ direction), if required. The holder 13 extends into parking position of the plug 4 over this and thus protects him from environmental influences. If necessary, brushes or other cover elements 16 be provided.

In the variant, which in 1 is shown, is the base 3 on two pillars 10 arranged which side ( y Direction) at a distance A are arranged to each other. Midway between the two pillars 10 is the first end 8th , the cable 7 on the housing 11 attached. The holder 13 for the plug 4 is in x Direction at a distance B before the first cable end 8th arranged. The cable 7 is between the two pillars 10 arranged. In the parking position shown, the cable hangs 7 almost to the pedestal 12 , or ground through. The plug-side cable end 9 can be with the plug 4 apart from the bending and torsional rigidity of the cable 7 resulting forces, after removal from the holder 13 in all directions ( x . y , z) move freely.

The plug 4 is how in 1 shown, advantageously arranged vertically standing, with the cable 7 essentially below the plug 4 is arranged and the plug contacts 5 from the base 3 , or the first cable end 8th face away. The forces occurring during use can be advantageously influenced when the holder 13 in the vertical direction ( z Direction) deeper than the first end 8th of the cable 7 is arranged.

The holder 13 is in the horizontal direction (x-direction) with advantage between the loading position (see. 5 ) and the parking position of the plug 4 (see. 1 ) arranged.

7 shows a second variant of a holder 13 a charging station according to the invention 1 (not shown here any more). This bracket 13 can with a previously described charging station 1 , Base 3 , Electric wire 7 etc. are used. The illustrated bracket 13 includes a claw 14 , in which the plug 4 can be hung. Furthermore, the holder includes 13 a cover element 16 which is about a joint 22 can be folded around the plug 4 release it so it's out of the claw 14 can be removed. An advantage of this arrangement is that the plug 4 after folding back the cover 16 is easily accessible. In the partially sectioned view of the cover 16 It is recognizable that this on an inside, which the plug 4 turned, a recess 21 having. In the illustrated, folded down position of the cover 16 is the plug 4 in the parking position 18 with an upper end at least partially within the recess 21 of the cover 16 , Thus, the plug is on the one hand additionally attached and on the other hand protected against environmental influences.

In 9 is a charging station according to the invention 1 schematically shown from above in a plan view. The plug 4 is both in a parking position 18 in the claw 14 , as well as in two possible different loading positions 19 . 20 plugged into the socket 6 of the charging electric vehicle 2 shown. The two loading positions shown 19 . 20 are purely schematic and are intended to illustrate that the plug 4 in two directions from the holder 13 can be removed.

An advantage of the variant shown is that the cable 7 deflected both in the parking position 18 as well as in the loading position 19 . 20 is arranged substantially twist-free and so no adverse forces transmitted to the adjacent components. If necessary, the cable attachment 15 be designed to be movable to a certain extent, so that the first end 8th of the cable 7 to some extent relative to the housing 11 the base 3 is mobile. For example, this can improve the range of action for the same cable length. Good results are achieved when the first end of the cable 8th concerning the base 3 is laterally pivotable at an angle of +/- 30 ° at least in one spatial direction and / or at an angle of +/- 30 ° about the longitudinal axis of the cable 7 is rotatable. Alternatively or in addition, the base 3 with respect to a pedestal 12 be arranged rotatable at least about a spatial axis.

8th schematically shows a conventional charging station 100 according to the prior art, in which the plug 101 and with it the cable 102 pointing in the parking position to the charging station and in charging position away from this. This requires that the plug is rotated each time around the cable longitudinal axis (schematically with arrows 103 indicated), which results in high forces.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

charging station

2

electric vehicle

3

Base

4

plug

5

plug contacts

6

Socket (electric vehicle)

7

electric wire

8th

First end (cable)

9

Second end (cable)

10

pier

11

Housing (base)

12

base

13

holder

14

Claw (bracket)

15

cable Tie

16

Cover element (brush)

17

Display / control element

18

parking position

19

Schematic loading position

20

Schematic loading position

21

recess

22

joint

23

Cooling (cooling circuit)

24

Gap (between claws)

100

Charging station (prior art)

101

Plug (prior art)

102

Cable (prior art)

103

Movement (prior art)

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

• WO 2017133893 A1 [0006]

Claims (15)

Charging station (1) for an electric vehicle (2) with a. a base (3), b. a plug (4) with plug contacts (5) for plugging into a compatible socket (6) on the electric vehicle (2), c. a bendable cable (7), which i. with a first end (8) via a cable attachment (15) to the base (3) is attached and ii. with a relative to the cable (7) the first opposite second end (9) on the plug (4) is fixed, wherein d. the cable (7) and / or the plug (4) have an internal cooling (23) operatively connected to the base (3), and e. the plug (4) between a parking position (18) and a loading position (19, 20) is movable back and forth, wherein the plug contacts (5) of the plug (4) in parking position (18) and in loading position (19, 20) away from the cable attachment (15). Charging station (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the plug (4) with respect to a cable longitudinal axis rotationally fixed to the second end of the cable (9) is attached. Charging station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable (7) with respect to the cable longitudinal axis with its first end (8) rotationally fixed to the base (3) is fixed. Charging station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one conductor and at least one cooling channel in the interior of the cable (7) are arranged spirally. Loading station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first end of the cable (8) is arranged hanging down on the base (3). Charging station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (1) is arranged standing on a pillar (10). Charging station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging station (1) has a holder (13) for the plug (4), in which the plug (4) in the parking position (18) is arranged. Charging station (1) according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the plug (4) in the holder (13) is accessible from two sides. Charging station (1) according to Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the first end (8) of the cable (7) in the vertical direction (z) higher than the holder (13) is arranged. Charging station (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 9 , characterized in that the holder (13) in the horizontal direction (x) between the loading position (19, 20) and the parking position (18) of the plug (4) is arranged. Charging station (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 10 , characterized in that the cable (7) in both the parking position (18) and in the loading position (19, 20) is arranged substantially free of twist. Charging station (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 11 , characterized in that the cable (7) in the holder (13) is freely rotatable about the cable longitudinal axis. Charging station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first end (8) of the charging cable via a movable cable attachment (15) with the base (3) is operatively connected, so that the first end of the cable (8) in a certain measure relative to the base (3) is movable. Charging station (1) according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the first end of the cable (8) with respect to the base (3) by an angle of +/- 30 ° at least in one spatial direction is laterally pivotable and / or at an angle of +/- 30 ° about the longitudinal axis is rotatable. Loading station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (3) with respect to a base (12) is arranged rotatably at least about a spatial axis.

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